A system comprising: one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); and a UAV carrier configured to carry the UAVs from an origin to a destination; wherein the UAV carrier comprises a first controller configured to release the UAVs from the UAV carrier; and wherein each of the UAVs comprises: one or more motors configured to generate, directly or indirectly, a lift, lifting the UAV; and a second controller, configured to: activate at least one of the motors upon fulfilment of one or more conditions, thereby generating the lift, wherein after the release of the respective UAV and before the activation of the at least one motor of the respective UAV the motors of the respective UAV are inactive.

UAVs are commonly used nowadays to take part or to accomplish various missions or tasks that in the past required manned aircrafts. These missions may include civilian missions, such as: disaster relief, archeology, conservation (pollution monitoring, anti-poaching, etc.), law enforcement, and anti-terrorism missions. Commercial missions, such as: aerial surveillance, filmmaking, journalism, scientific research, surveying, cargo transport, and agriculture and many other relevant missions, that can be accomplished by an unmanned aircraft.
The UAVs may be fully autonomous in fulfilling their missions, they may be remotely piloted UAVs, controlled by human controllers from afar or they may have partial autonomous capabilities, requiring human intervention in some aspects of their mission.
Due to limitations in the amount of energy and in mission flight time of many UAVs, there is a need to carry one or more UAVs to a geographical vicinity of a mission area, thereby eliminating the need for the UAVs to fly by consuming their own limited powers to the mission area. There is thus a need for a UAV carrier. In addition, there is a need for a mechanism allowing the UAVs to recognize their release from the UAV carrier and to subsequently activate their motors in order to navigate to a target within the mission area and to realize their tasks.
There is thus a need in the art for a new UAV carrier that will be able to transport one or more UAVs to their mission area and enable the recognition by the UAVs of their release from the UAV carrier to start their mission.
It is to be noted that the terms UAV and drone are used herein interchangeably.
References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below. Acknowledgement of the references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,013,886 (Blomberg el al.) published on Jul. 3, 2018, discloses a method comprising receiving a task set comprising multiple tasks, receiving operational information identifying one or more operating characteristics of multiple drones, and obtaining an initial heuristic ordering of the multiple tasks based on the operational information and the climate information. Each task has a corresponding task location. The method further comprises scheduling the multiple tasks to obtain a final ordering of the multiple tasks. The final ordering represents an order in which the multiple tasks are scheduled, and the final ordering may be different from the initial heuristic ordering.
B DRONE, captured from "http://www.dubaidesignweek.ae/global-grad-show/projects/b-drone/" on Aug. 7, 2018 at 13:00, discloses an earthquake rescue system designed to optimize the first 72 hours of search time. This high-risk period, also known as the 'Golden Time,' is largely responsible for the high mortality rates of both victims and rescue operatives. The B Drone system proposes the use of unmanned aerial drones to carry out these hazardous initial searches. The drone-in-drone system pairs each mother drone with a smaller interior drone, deployed to navigate small gaps and cramped spaces, unreachable or dangerous to the human worker. With real-time GPS, a built-in 4K camera and an infrared heating sensor, the B Drone increases the chances of victim location, while reducing unnecessary risks to rescue workers.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,841,757 (Mikan el al.) published on Dec. 12, 2017, discloses a system for providing drone piggybacking on vehicles is disclosed. In particular, the system may enable drones or other unmanned mobile connected devices to piggyback onto various types of hosts, such as vehicles, in a symbiotic fashion. Through the symbiotic relationship created between the drones and hosts, the drones may utilize the hosts as a means for transport, such as while delivering a good to an intended destination, and the hosts may receive certain incentives in exchange for transporting the drones. Drones may be paired with hosts based on any number of factors, such as whether the host is traveling on a route that corresponds with reaching the intended destination, whether the host is capable of recharging the drone, and whether the drone has sufficient power to reach the intended destination. By enabling drones to piggyback with hosts, the required traveling range for a drone may be reduced.
US Patent application No. 2017/0316701 (Gil et al.) published on Nov. 2, 2017, discloses systems and methods that include UAVs that serve to assist carrier personnel by reducing the physical demands of the transportation and delivery process. A UAV generally includes a UAV chassis including an upper portion, a plurality of propulsion members configured to provide lift to the UAV chassis, and a parcel carrier configured for being selectively coupled to and removed from the UAV chassis. UAV support mechanisms are utilized to load and unload parcel carriers to the UAV chassis, and the UAV lands on and takes off from the UAV support mechanism to deliver parcels to a serviceable point. The UAV includes computing entities that interface with different systems and computing entities to send and receive various types of information.
US Patent application No. 2016/0062364 (Foinet et al.) published on Mar. 3, 2016, discloses a new method of dynamic control of a rotary-wing drone in throw start includes the steps of: a) initializing a predictive-filter altitude estimator; b) the user throwing the drone in the air with the motors turned off; c) detecting the free fall state; d) upon detecting the free fall state, fast start with turn-on of the motors, open-loop activation of the altitude control means, and closed-loop activation of the attitude control means; e) after a motor response time, stabilizing the drone by closed-loop activation of the altitude control means, and closed-loop activation of the attitude control means; f) detecting a stabilization state such that the total angular speed of the drone is lower than a predetermined threshold; and g) upon detecting the stabilization state, switching to a final state in which the drone is in a stable lift condition and pilotable by the user.
US Patent application No. 2016/0179096 (Bradlow et al.) published on Jun. 23, 2016, discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) copter for consumer photography or videography can be launched by a user throwing the UAV copter into mid-air. The UAV copter can detect that the UAV copter has been thrown upward w % bile propeller drivers of the UAV copter are inert. In response to detecting that the UAV copter has been thrown upward, the UAV copter can compute power adjustments for propeller drivers of the UAV copter to have the UAV copter reach a predetermined elevation above an operator device. The UAV copter can then supply power to the propeller drivers in accordance with the computed power adjustments.
US Patent application No. 2017/0085840 (Mizushina et al.) published on Mar. 23, 2017, discloses an information gathering apparatus includes an information acquisition sensor unit to acquire information and a propelling system to fly in air. The information gathering apparatus includes a supporting unit and a controller. The supporting unit supports the propelling system in the first and second configurations. The controller moves the supporting unit such that the supporting unit supports the propelling system in the second configuration after the information gathering apparatus is thrown up in a state where the supporting unit supports the propelling system in the first configuration.
European Patent application No. 3342715 (Lee) published on Jul. 4, 2018, discloses a drone according to an embodiment may comprise: a support table; a main unit spaced from the support table and formed above the support table; a connecting portion for connecting the main unit and the support table; and a propulsion unit provided on the outer side of the support table so as to generate thrust. The main unit may have a through-hole formed therein, a parachute may be provided inside the through-hole, and, during a fall, the parachute may be discharged out of the through-hole by deformation of the connecting portion.
US Patent application No. 2017/0355469 (Canning) published on Dec. 14, 2017, discloses a falling drone warning apparatuses and methods are disclosed. The apparatus may be attached to a drone and may measure acceleration during the drone's operation in order to ascertain whether the drone is free falling. If the apparatus detects that the drone is free falling, the apparatus may activate an audible alarm to warn people on the ground of the potential danger and to afford them the opportunity to take action to avoid the drone's impact or minimize its effect.
Han, K. S., 2017. Test and Evaluation of an Image-Matching Navigation System for a UAS Operating in a GPS-Denied Environment. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, United States, discloses that Without corrective updates from the Global Positioning System, navigational capabilities are degraded significantly when the inertial navigation system becomes the only source of an unmanned aerial vehicle's movement estimate. Today, unmanned vehicles are easily equipped with a variety of passive sensors, such as video cameras, due to their increasingly lower prices and improvements in sensor resolution. The concept of using an image matching technique on an input video camera stream was demonstrated earlier with real flight data using a single low-grade onboard sensor. This technique works by matching the stream of data from the camera with a pre-stored depository of geo-referenced reference images to estimate the current attitude and position of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Preliminary results indicated that unfiltered position estimates can be accurate to the order of roughly 100 meters when flying at two kilometers above the surface and unfiltered orientation estimates are accurate to within a few degrees. This thesis examines developed algorithms on a suite of video data, seeking to reduce the errors in estimating attitude and position of a UAV. The data sets collected at King City and Camp Roberts, Calif. are also studied to discover the effect of altitude, terrain pattern, elevation map, light conditions, age of reference data and other parameters on estimation. This thesis concludes that in the absence of other sources of navigational information, imagery from a camera is a viable option to provide positional information to a UAV.
Conte, G. and Doherty, P., 2008, March. An integrated UAV navigation system based on aerial image matching. In Aerospace Conference, 2008 IEEE (pp. 1-10). IEEE, discloses exploring the possibility of using geo-referenced satellite or aerial images to augment an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) navigation system in case of GPS failure.
A vision-based navigation system which combines inertial sensors, visual odometer and registration of a UAV on-board video to a given geo-referenced aerial image has been developed and tested on real flight-test data. The experimental results show that it is possible to extract useful position information from aerial imagery even when the UAV is flying at low altitude. It is shown that such information can be used in an automated way to compensate the drift of the UAV state estimation which occurs when only inertial sensors and visual odometer are used.
WIPO Patent application No. 2018051337 (Gabbay et al.) published on Mar. 22, 2018, discloses a portable navigation systems, devices, methods and software for provision of navigation indications to a user in a GPS-denied environment, the system including at least one portable device, including a navigation Application (App) adapted to provide the user with navigational instructions and at least one interface component to provide at least one direction-specific instruction of movement to the user, wherein the App comprises an embedded algorithm adapted to fragment a continuous line course on a map associated with a two or three-dimensional route, the algorithm constructed to provide instructions to the user, responsive to a current position of the device associated with the route, wherein the at least one device is adapted to provide commands from the algorithm to activate the at least one vibrational components, responsive to a position of the device.
WIPO Patent application No. 2018002775 (CALVEZ el al.) published on Jan. 4, 2018, discloses a device for supplying electrical power to a wired system for a drone (1). The device according to the invention includes at least one power converter (4) on the ground and one power converter (2) at the level of the drone (1), regulation at the level of the converter on the ground ensures that the output voltage of the power converter (4) on the ground increases when the output current of the power converter (4) on the ground increases. The method according to the invention is intended for all wired drones, the wire (3) of which is used to supply electrical power to the drone (1).
Korean Patent application No. 20180031622 (HOON) published on Mar. 28, 2018, discloses a drone system, composed of a power from the flying drone and the ground power supply ground. Drone flying and ground power supply device connected to the wire connected to the wire to power. Drone flying includes a first GPS sensor, altitude sensor, a power supply module, the first radio communication unit and a drone controller. The ground power supply device includes a GPS sensor of claim 2, motor, battery ground, the ground communication unit and the ground control unit for rotating the jeonseonril. One end of the wire is connected to the power module of the drone and the other end is connected to the ground battery supplying the power to the ground power supply to the drone. Wires extend from the pulley while winding or jeonseonril. Drone control unit controls the first wireless communication section to transmit the information of the high 1GPS sensor position information and the elevation of the sensor above the ground power supply. The ground controller controls the ground communication section so as to receive the transmitted location information and the altitude information. Ground control unit using the received location information and the height information to calculate the distance of the drone and the ground power supply. The ground controller controls the rotation of the motor to perform an action in the pool, or winding the wires accommodated in jeonseonril.
Korean Patent No. 200486515 (DOWELS) published on May 31, 2018, discloses a power supply device according to the present invention, the wired cable is connected to the aerial vehicle; and supporting the rotating body, the rotating body; the rotating body consisting of a motor for driving the body; wherein the cable connected to the aircraft during flight phenomena in a drooping to the lower portion; and the deflection sensing whether contact deflection detection unit driven by the motor, which receives a signal control unit for controlling the cable length; There is characterized in that comprises a. According to the present invention, the cable connected to the aerial vehicle, wherein the aerial vehicle is hanging flight deflection in accordance with the lower cable is twisted or trip the obstacle and the vehicle power is not smoothly supplied to the detection unit, including deflection to prevent can adjust the length of the cable.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,387,928 (Gentry et al.) published on Jul. 12, 2016, discloses Systems and methods for providing a series of multiuse UAV docking stations are disclosed. The docking stations can be networked with a central control and a plurality of UAVs. The docking stations can include a number of services to facilitate both UAV guidance and maintenance and community acceptance and benefits. The docking stations can include package handling facilities and can act as a final destination or as a delivery hub. The docking stations can extend the range of UAVs by providing recharging/refueling stations for the UAVs. The docking stations can also include navigational aid to guide the UAVs to the docking stations and to provide routing information from the central control. The docking stations can be incorporated into existing structures such as cell towers, light and power poles, and buildings. The docking stations can also comprise standalone structures to provide additional services to underserved areas.
British Patent application No. 2553604 (Haider) published on Mar. 14, 2018, discloses a drone 601 having stabilizing means to dampen pitch and roll when the drone is in flight, comprising at least one gyroscope 604. Preferably there are two stabilizing gyroscopes located substantially centrally within the frame. There are a number of lift rotors 602 on the drone body 603, providing vertical lift. The drone may also have sideways facing air displacement means, preferably in the form of a plurality of drift rotors 605, and may have adjustable flaps. Preferably the air displacement means comprise four rotors aligned such that two of the rotors are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the other two rotors. The drone preferably has an inductive charging means configured to connect inductively with a remote charging station when the drone is proximate to the charging station, in order to charge a battery on the drone. Preferably the drone has one or more cameras mounted on the shell configured to record or stream video footage. There are independent claims for a drone with inductive charging means, for a drone and storage station with inductive charging means and weather protection means, and for a carrier case for a drone.

System and method for drone release detection

PEARLS OF WISDOM ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES LTD


The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically counting objects, e.g., chips, that are arranged in a linear object sequence. The object sequence has a length that is proportional to the number of objects in the object sequence. In one embodiment of the counting method, the length of the object sequence is measured. The number of objects in the sequence are then determined from the measured length of the object sequence and the known length of a chip. In one embodiment of a counting apparatus, the apparatus has a scan station, a distance sensor, and a processor. The scan station has a scan zone that receives a plurality of object sequences. The distance sensor is operably aligned with the scan zone for measuring the length of each object sequence. The processor is communicatively connected to the distance sensor to determine and calculate the number of objects within the plurality of object sequences from the measured length of each object sequence.

In the semiconductor industry, integrated circuit chips ("IC chips") are commonly transported within a manufacturing facility or shipped to customers in elongated, linear shipping tubes. The IC chips are typically positioned within the shipping tubes in a stacked or end-to-end linear configuration such that the front end of one IC chip abuts the back end of the next IC chip within the shipping tube ("chip sequence").
During various stages of the IC chip manufacturing process, it is desirable or even necessary to count the number of IC chips in a shipping tube (or a bundle of shipping tubes) prior to transporting the shipping tube(s) on to the next stage within the process or on to the customer. The customer may also desire to count the number of IC chips in a shipping tube that it receives or one that is being used in manufacturing. One method for counting IC chips within a shipping tube is to remove and manually count the IC chips. The manual counting process is, however, slow and subject to error. In addition, the chips are subjected to unnecessary handling. Another similar method is to visually count the IC chips within the shipping tube(s) (which may be constructed from a transparent or substantially transparent material). This method is also slow and generally subject to more error than the manual counting process.
Thus, there exists a need for an efficient scheme for counting IC chips within a chip sequence or bundle of chip sequences without having to remove the chips from the sequence.


The inkjet head in accordance with the present invention includes a head unit formed by fixing a plurality of head elements to each other, and a nozzle plate fixed on the head unit. The head element has a pair of main surfaces and a front surface positioned between the pair of main surfaces, and the front surface has a plurality of openings respectively communicated with ink chambers. The head elements forming the head unit are fixed with their main surfaces brought into contact with each other. The nozzle plate is provided in contact with the front surface of the head unit across all the head elements forming the head unit.

In an inkjet printer, small ink droplets are jetted out from small nozzle holes provided at the inkjet head in accordance with print data, whereby an image is printed on a medium such as a sheet of paper. As an inkjet-type printer, one that forms a full color image using an inkjet head filled with ink of four colors, that is, cyan, magenta, yellow and black or six colors additionally including light cyan and light magenta, has been known. Recently, it has become a common practice to fabricate a wiring pattern, a color filter and the like by incorporating the inkjet head in a production system.
FIGS. 13 and 14 show a structure of the head element forming such an inkjet head. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a structure of a conventional head element, and FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the structure of the head element cut along a section line S of FIG. 13.
A method of manufacturing a conventional head element will be described. A piezoelectric substrate 101 polarized along its depth direction is diced to form a plurality of trenches. The plurality of trenches will be ink chambers 104. On an inner wall of ink chamber 104, an electrode 105 is formed. Then, on the inner wall of ink chamber 104, an electrode protection film (not shown) of about 10 μm in thickness is formed to cover electrode 105. A rear end portion of ink chamber 104 (on the side opposite to the side to be in contact with a nozzle plate) is filled with a conductive material (not shown) to be conducted to electrode 105.
On piezoelectric substrate 101, a cover member 102 is attached to cover ink chambers 104. Cover member 102 has a common ink chamber 103 formed therein. Common ink chamber 103 is communicated with all the ink chambers 104 of piezoelectric substrate 101, and from common ink chamber 103, ink is supplied to each of ink chambers 104.
By adhering cover member 102 on piezoelectric substrate 101, a head element 100 is formed. When a voltage in accordance with the print data is applied to electrode 105, the wall portion of ink chamber 104 deforms. Consequently, the ink filled in ink chamber 104 is pressurized, and the ink is forced out from ink chamber 104.
The piezoelectric inkjet head as described above has a characteristic that it easily allows grayscale printing, as it is possible to control the pressure to be applied to the ink and hence the volume of ink droplets to be ejected, by controlling deformation of the piezoelectric body through voltage adjustment. When four colors of ink are used, four head elements 100 are integrated, and when six colors of ink are used, six head elements 100 are integrated, to form a head unit.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conventional head unit having a plurality of head elements integrated. In a head unit 200 such as shown in FIG. 15, it is necessary to arrange each head element 100 relative to a head holding member 106 with high accuracy. When each head element 100 is not arranged at a prescribed position with respect to head holding member 106, the ink would not land on a prescribed spot of the recording paper, resulting in blurring and unsatisfactory image quality.
Positional deviation of head element 100 involves positional deviation in the direction of X, Y and Z axes as well as deviation in α, β and γ components representing rotation about these axes, as shown in FIG. 15. Unless positioning with respect to these six axes has sufficient accuracy, image quality would be unsatisfactory as described above.
In this regard, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. H9-174833 describes an inkjet head in which a nozzle plate common to a plurality of head elements is adhered on a front surface and on a frame surface of the head elements. In the inkjet head, as the common nozzle plate is adhered, the ink landing accuracy is determined by the processing accuracy of the nozzle plate and the attitude of the plurality of inkjet heads integrated by the common nozzle, even if relative positions of the head elements are deviated from each other. Thus, it becomes possible to ensure high landing accuracy in a simple manner.
In a system for fabricating a wiring pattern, a color filter or the like incorporating the inkjet head, nozzle pitch of the inkjet head is adjusted to match pixel pitch or picture element pitch by arranging the inkjet head inclined by θ° relative to the printing direction.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 9-174833

Inkjet head unit including a plurality of head elements attached to one another and a common nozzle plate and ink distribution manifold


A device for clamping a workpiece formed with a throughgoing hole and having a pair of faces to a support also formed with a throughgoing hole and also having a pair of faces has a tube engaged along an axis through both the holes in a position of the workpiece and support with one face of the workpiece bearing inwardly on one face of the support, the holes aligned, and the other faces of the workpiece and support turned outwardly away from each other. The tube is formed with a radially throughgoing aperture opening outwardly of one of the outer faces and with a screwthread outward of the other outer face. A retaining element is radially displaceable in the aperture between an extended position projecting radially from the tube and engageable axially with the one outer face and a retracted position generally wholly recessed in the tube. An actuating pin axially displaceable in the tube is engageable with the element to radially displace same into its extended position. A nut threaded on the screwthread of the tube has a face bearing axially inward on the other outer face. A formation on the one outer face angularly engages with the element in the extended position immediately adjacent the hole of the support of the element for preventing rotation of the tube in the holes.

In order to secure a workpiece to a support so as to be able to work on the workpiece or handle it more easily, a device is known which fits through two similarly dimensioned holes in the two objects, the workpiece and the support, to clamp them solidly together in a position with one face of one of the objects bearing solidly against one face of the other object and the other faces of the objects turned outwardly away from each other. This device, called a ball lock pin and sold, for example, by Carr Lane Manufacturing Co. typically comprises a tube engaged along an axis through both the aligned holes and formed with at least one radially throughgoing aperture opening outwardly of one of the outer faces and with a screwthread outward of the other outer face. A retaining element typically formed as a ball is radially displaceable in the aperture between an extended position projecting radially from the tube and engageable axially with the one outer face and a retracted position generally wholly recessed in the tube. An actuating pin axially displaceable in the tube can engage with the element to radially displace same into its extended position.
In order to insure good axially directed clamping, a nut threaded on the screwthread of the tube has a face bearing axially inward on the other outer face. Thus the tube is pushed through the aligned holes in the workpiece and support (which can be another workpiece) and the pin is actuated to extend the element. Then the nut is screwed down to secure the two objects between the element and the nut face.
The last-stage clamping is fairly difficult in that the user must normally exert considerable traction on the tube to engage the element forcibly against the outer face of the opposite side so that when the nut is turned the entire device does not rotate. When the element is a ball this rotation is a particular problem that makes it fairly difficult to get the clamp tight.

Device for releasably securing two objects together


Apparatus and method that improves speech recognition accuracy, by monitoring the position of a user's headset-mounted speech microphone, and prompting the user to reconfigure the speech microphone's orientation if required. A microprocessor or other application specific integrated circuit provides a mechanism for comparing the relative transit times between a user's voice, a primary speech microphone, and a secondary compliance microphone. The difference in transit times may be used to determine if the speech microphone is placed in an appropriate proximity to the user's mouth. If required, the user is automatically prompted to reposition the speech microphone.

Speech recognition has simplified many tasks in the workplace by permitting hands-free communication with a computer as a convenient alternative to communication via conventional peripheral input/output devices. A user may enter data and commands by voice using a device having processing circuitry with speech recognition features. Commands, instructions, or other information may also be communicated to the user by a speech synthesizes circuitry of the processing circuitry. Generally, the synthesized speech is provided by a text-to-speech (TTS) engine in the processing circuitry. Speech recognition finds particular application in mobile computing environments in which interaction with the computer by conventional peripheral input/output devices is restrictive or otherwise inconvenient.
For example, wearable or otherwise portable computer devices can provide a user that performs a variety of work-related tasks with desirable computing and data-processing functions, while offering the user enhanced mobility within the workplace. One particular area, for example, in which users rely heavily on such speech-based devices is inventory management. Inventory-driven industries rely on computerized inventory management systems for performing various diverse tasks, such as food and retail product distribution, manufacturing, and quality control. An overall integrated management system typically includes a combination of a central computer system for tracking and management, and the people who use and interface with the computer system in the form of order fillers and other users. In one scenario, the users handle the manual aspects of the integrated management system under the command and control of information transmitted from the central computer system to the wireless mobile device and to the user through a speech-driven interface.
As the users process their orders and complete their assigned tasks, a bi-directional dialog or communication stream of information is provided over a wireless network between the users wearing wireless devices and the central computer system that is directing multiple users and verifying completion of their tasks. To direct the user's actions, information received by each mobile device from the central computer system is translated into speech or voice instructions for the corresponding user. Typically, to receive the voice instructions, the user wears a headset coupled with the mobile device.
The headset includes one or more microphones for spoken data entry, and one or more speakers for playing audio. Speech from the user is captured by the headset and is converted using speech recognition functionalities into data used by the central computer system. Similarly, instructions from the central computer or mobile device are delivered to the user as speech via the TTS engine's generation of speech and audio and the headset speaker. Using such mobile devices, users may perform assigned tasks virtually hands-free so that the tasks are performed more accurately and efficiently.
However, a system's ability to accurately recognize and process the user's speech is dependent on the quality of the speech audio that is captured from the user. This will depend upon the user's ability or desire to properly use the equipment so that such use facilitates the capture of quality speech audio. The audio quality, in turn, is partially dependent on a variety of parameters, some of which are controllable by a user and others that are not. For example, captured speech quality may depend on the quality of the microphones, the orientation of the microphone with respect to the mouth of the user, the background noise that is captured with the user's speech, and other factors. While the headset manufacturer can address some issues and parameters, such as microphone quality, they cannot control other parameters, such as the user's operation of the device.
If the microphone is not positioned properly with respect to the user's mouth, for example, the ratio of user speech versus background noise (signal to noise ratio SNR) decreases. As a result, the voice recognition system may not receive a quality speech input, and may misinterpret the user's spoken audio. This degrades the speech recognition process and increases processing error rates. It also requires repetition of previously spoken dialog, instructions, or commands. Some users particularly have problems because they do not want the microphone in front of their face, and choose to orient the microphone in a position that does not facilitate accurate capture of the user's voice. For example, moving the speech microphone so that it is adjacent to the user's forehead or below their chin or otherwise out of the way, often produces unacceptable voice quality and a poor signal to noise ratio (SNR).
Therefore, there is a need to ensure suitable speech quality and subsequent speech recognition.

System and method for improving speech recognition accuracy in a work environment


A user, in requesting a service provider to provide predetermined service, sends to a service provider data and signature data created based upon the data. The service provider calculates a fee based upon this data and requests a bank to collect the fee from the user. The bank informs the user of the fee requested from the service provider. When the user protests the amount of the fee, the service provider discloses the data and signature data received from the user to the bank and when the bank judges based upon this signature data that this data is valid, it calculates a proper fee based upon this data and collects it from the user. As described above, it is enabled to collect a proper fee for service.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a charging system and a charging method for electronic commerce system, for example relates to a charging system and the method for providing service via a network and enabling proper charging processing.
2. Description of Related Art
For an example of service via a network, network connection service by a group called a network provider can be given. The brief description of this service is as follows:
A user connects his/her terminal provided with a modem function to a terminal provided by a network provider via a public telephone line. The network provider connects his/her terminal to, for example the Internet and sets so that the user can connect to the Internet from his/her terminal.
At this time, the network provider calculates a fee for the use of the user based upon time during which the user connects to the Internet, informs the user of the calculated fee and informs a bank where the user has an account and others of the beforehand known account number of the user. Hereby, the bank transfers an amount equivalent to the above fee for the use from the account of the user to the account of the network provider.
As described above, a service provider provides service to users, charges a fee for the use of a user and can receive an amount equivalent to the fee.
However, there is a problem in the charging method of a conventional type network service in that even if a network provider charges a user a greater amount than an amount to be properly charged, it is difficult for the user to clarify this fact.
There is also a problem in that it is also difficult a network provider to prove that it is charging a user a proper fee.


A surface emitting laser includes a plurality of semiconductor layers including an active layer over a substrate, and emits laser light in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. The semiconductor layers including the active layer define a resonator that emits laser light having a first wavelength. A wavelength-converting layer is disposed between the substrate and the resonator. The wavelength-converting layer converts the light having the first wavelength into light having a second wavelength that can pass through the substrate.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a surface emitting laser.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, the light intensity of a semiconductor laser is controlled to a desired level by monitoring the light intensity with a photodetector (PD), and increasing or reducing the current driving the semiconductor laser according to the monitoring result. In an edge emitting laser, light is emitted from two facets thereof. Light from one facet is combined with a lens or a fiber and is used as output light; and light from the other facet enters the photodetector to monitor the light amount.
Unlike the edge emitting lasers, the vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) emits light in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. See, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-335976. VCSELs can be easily arranged in a two-dimensional array at a higher density than the edge emitting lasers. By using a high density VCSEL array for electronic photography, high resolution and high speed photography can be achieved.
A general VCSEL, which includes an upper and a lower distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) with a resonator therebetween, emits light in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. If the amount of light from the VCSEL structure is to be monitored by extracting laser light from the opposite side to the light emitting side, as in the edge emitting lasers, light must be extracted through the substrate to the rear side of the substrate.
Another type of semiconductor laser having a structure different from the conventional VCSEL is proposed by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-332351. The type of semiconductor laser proposed by Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-332351 vertically emits light with a photonic crystal (PhC). Such a laser will be referred to as a PhC surface emitting laser. A PhC surface emitting laser resonates in the horizontal direction, but emits light in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate because of PhC diffraction. The PhC surface emitting laser is different from a VCSEL in structure, but is similar in emitting light in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Accordingly, for monitoring light from the PhC surface emitting laser at the substrate side, the light must also be extracted to the rear side of the substrate through the substrate.
Semiconductors absorb light (photons) having a higher energy than their band gaps (by interband transition). For example, GaAs absorbs light having wavelengths of less than 880 nm. The absorption coefficient of this absorption by interband transition is ten times or more larger than that of free electron absorption or intervalence band absorption. Accordingly, the substrate cannot transmit light to the rear surface thereof. Therefore, for example, in surface emitting lasers of 850 nm, 780 nm, or 660 nm formed on a GaAs substrate, light is highly absorbed to the substrate by interband transition in the substrate material, and the light cannot be easily monitored at the substrate side even if the DBR or the like at the substrate side is adjusted to reduce the reflectance.


An actuator for precisely moving and positioning a manufacturing component includes a housing on which a magnet is mounted. An electrical coil is wound around a coil piston which is slidingly mounted on the housing for movement within the magnetic field generated by the magnet. A grip, having a member for gripping the component, is attached for movement with the coil piston. In the operation of the actuator, a current is selectively passed through the coil. This current in the coil then moves the coil piston and the attached grip within the magnetic field to position the component as desired. Additionally, a position sensor can be mounted on the device to determine the location of the coil piston and a controller can be incorporated in the actuator to use this position determination for controlling movement of the coil piston and the attached grip. The grip is removably attached to the coil piston and is slidingly journaled within a resilient bushing mounted to the housing. The bushing functions to absorb forces generated by the interaction of the grip and work piece or another object and to transmit these forces to the housing rather than to the coil piston.

Numerous devices which are useful for the automated assembly of products have been successfully used for many years. In each instance, automated assembly devices have been employed with a view toward increasing the efficiencies and accuracies of the methods, procedures and processes which are followed during the manufacture and the assembly of a completed product. Indeed, the vast majority of consumer products are now manufactured on assembly lines which incorporate automated assembly devices.
It is easy to appreciate that as the complexity of a manufactured product increases, there may also be a commensurate increase in the complexity of the machines that are required to manufacture the product. This is particularly so where the component parts are delicate or fragile and precision is important. For example, many products require the precise positioning and assembly of extremely small and light weight components in their manufacture. More specifically, these operations require precision in both the movement of the component into position and in the force with which the component is moved and assembled with other components. Furthermore, for quality control purposes it is often necessary that there be some way to obtain a real time check on the precision with which the component was positioned during the assembly of the product. Where very small, fragile or light weight components are being used in the manufacturing process, and where very light forces are required for the assembly of these components these considerations become very important.
Of the known devices which are typically used for automated assembly, pneumatic devices are notoriously imprecise. This is so due primarily to the poor damping achieved by pneumatic systems. On the other hand, systems incorporating solenoids can be quite precise. Moreover, the forces which solenoids impose on components during their handling of the component can be destructive to the component or be otherwise unacceptable. One other general type device, the well-known stepper motor, also deserves some mention. Generally, stepper-motor systems can be spatially precise in their operation, and the forces which they generate can be effectively controlled. Stepper-motors, however, are bulky items and do not have good light force generation characteristics. In some manufacturing procedures these factors can be of significant disadvantage. Consequently, the present invention has recognized that an electronically operated system can be effective for the precise placement of a product component during assembly without encountering the force and spatial problems confronted by the above discussed types of systems. More specifically, the present invention recognizes that a voice coil linear motor can be applied for these purposes. While U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,023 which issued to Stout for an invention entitled "Voice Coil Linear Motor with Integral Capacitor" addresses some of the issues which are of concern to the present invention, it does not address all of the important issues. For example, the present invention is concerned with maintaining precise concentricity between the parts of the actuator device as they move relative to each other. Stout does not precisely address this problem. Further, the present invention envisions a compact configuration for the actuator which may not be attainable with the cylindrical coil disclosed for the Stout device. Additionally, due to the suggested magnet strengths, a device such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,498,023 can expect to have heat generation problems which drastically effect the proposed sensors accuracy thereby rendering the device ineffective.
In addition to the advantages alluded to above, an electronic system has other characteristics which can be advantageous for a device which is to be used in the automated assembly of an end product. For example, some electronic system can rather easily lend itself to compact configurations. Further, an electronic system is responsive and can be configured to provide signals which can be used to monitor and control the operation of the system.
An additional problem which often occurs to workpiece transporters is the fact they can be jarred and bent to the point where they are inoperative. The most vulnerable time for this problem to occur is when the elongated grip is extended from the housing of the device. Such a configuration, a lateral force at the extended end of the grip is manifested as a large movement at the opposite end of the grip where it connects the housing. Unfortunately, it often happens that these forces are sufficient to effectively destroy the workpiece transporter. This should be avoided.
In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for moving, inspecting and positioning a component in an automated assembly operation which is capable of picking-up, transporting and depositing fragile and light weight components. It is another object of the present invention to provide a device for moving and positioning a component in an automated assembly operation which has effective control of extremely small forces and which can control such forces within a relatively fast response time. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device which can transport assembly components with minimal bounce (i.e. little, if any, changes in linear direction) at the end of a component placement operation. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device for moving, inspecting and positioning a component in an automated assembly operation which can be effectively monitored for real time verification of operational accuracy. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device having a grip for contacting the workpiece which can be easily replaced and which is able to deflect without damage to the internal components of the device. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated assembly device which is relatively simple to use, is relatively easy to manufacture and is comparatively cost effective.

Workpiece transporter device with replaceable grip

Systems, Machines, Automation Components Corp.


Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for administering a medicament to a patient. In one aspect, a system includes an injection pen device in wireless communication with a mobile communication device. The injection pen device includes a housing including a chamber to encase a cartridge containing medicine, a dose setting and dispensing mechanism to set the mechanism to dispense a particular dose of the medicine from the loaded cartridge, a sensor unit to detect a dispensed dose based on positions and/or movements of the dose setting and dispensing mechanism, and an electronics unit in communication with the sensor unit to process the detected dispensed dose and time data associated with a dispensing event and to wirelessly transmit the dose data to a user's device. The mobile communication device provides a software application to provide the user with health information using the processed dose data.

Diabetes mellitus, also referred to as diabetes, is a metabolic disease associated with high blood sugar due to insufficient production or use of insulin by the body. Diabetes is widely-spread globally, affecting hundreds of millions of people, and is among the leading causes of deaths globally. Diabetes has been categorized into three categories or types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is associated with the body's failure to produce sufficient levels of insulin for cells to uptake glucose. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance, in which cells fail to use insulin properly. The third type of diabetes is commonly referred to as gestational diabetes, which can occur during pregnancy when a pregnant woman develops a high blood glucose level. Gestational diabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, but often resolves after the pregnancy.

Medicine administering system including injection pen and companion device


A water-dilutable emulsion lubricant for machining, exhibiting improved dispersibility and emulsion stability, by emulsifying an oil system, composed of a base oil and an effective amount of fine particles of boron nitride of a crystalline turbostratic structure, dispersed in the base oil, in a water system, using an emulsifier. The lubricant is free from heavy metals, e.g., molybdenum disulfide and useful for machining difficult-to-cut materials such as Ti alloys and Inconel. The lubricant is effective even at a diluted state comprising 0.001% up to 0.1% by weight of crystalline t-BN.

Among cutting oil agents, used extensively for cutting and grinding, there are mineral-oil-based cutting agents, and water-dilutable O/W emulsion cutting agents, containing e.g. a mineral oil, surfactants and organic amines, and which are used on dilution in water. These cutting oil agents may be added by a compound called an extreme pressure additive for improving the lubricating performance of the oil agents (see for example the Patent Publication 1).
As typical of these extreme pressure additives are chlorine containing compounds, sulfur containing compounds and molybdenum containing compounds. Since waste oils are produced after use of the oil agents for metal machining, chlorine gases, hydrogen chloride gases or sulfur oxide gases may be generated, in case of incineration of the waste oils, thus possibly damaging or shortening the useful life of the incinerating furnaces. Moreover, certain chlorine based additives are known to yield dioxin. On the other hand, strict management is needed for molybdenum compounds which have become the subject of regulations by the PRTR law.
These extreme pressure additives are known as indispensable for improving the lubricating performance of the oil agent. Recently, from the perspective of saving global resources and preventing the worsening of the global environment, it has become a desideratum to develop a lubricant (or coolant) more amenable to the global environment and which will help extend the useful life of e.g. a tool as much as possible.
For overcoming this problem, the present inventors have already devised a high performance lubricating oil comprising an effective amount of fine particles of boron nitride in a liquid component (see for example the Patent Publication 2). These lubricant oils have been confirmed to exhibit superior performance for cutting, grinding and/or polishing, thanks to the meritorious effect of boron nitride content thereof. However, when used as a non-water-soluble cutting agent, these lubricating oils are susceptible to inflammation in spite of superior performance. Hence, in large-sized equipment in need of a large quantity of the oil agent, the general preference is to use water-soluble cutting oils for combating the risk of conflagration. It should be noted that boron nitride, if used as an extreme pressure agent for cutting oils, gives many advantageous features in cost or in operating efficiency, such as prolonged useful life of a blade or improved cutting speed. However, boron nitride suffers from the drawback that it is solid and hence cannot be dissolved in the cutting oil agent, and that, since it has a large specific gravity which is approximately 2.27, it is precipitated if directly dispersed in the cutting oil agent. On the other hand, report has been made of a water dispersion lubricant for plastic machining containing an inorganic solid lubricant (see, for example, the Patent Publication 3). However, this type of the lubricant is limited to use in forging, rolling, line drawing and in extrusion. Additionally, the size of the oil droplet is intended to be fairly large, being 50 μm or more, or 5 μm or more at the minimum, if estimation is made on the basis of the particle size of the solid lubricant used. For metal machining, such as metal cutting, grinding or polishing, a smaller particle size is preferred in light of the machining performance. The particle size of the oil droplet of the routine water-soluble oil agent for metal machining, called the emulsion type, is 2 to 5 μm and is preferably is to be uniformly 5 μm or less in light of use of a filtration device in case of re-use on circulation. This requirement is not met with the water dispersion lubricant. Consequently, there is a demand for a high performance lubricant for metal machining which is water-soluble (or dilutable) and which exhibits superior dispersibility of boron nitride.
[Patent Publication 1]
Publication of JP Patent Kokai JP-A-11-166190
[Patent Publication 2]
JP Patent No. 2911113
[Patent Publication 3]
Patent Publication of JP Patent Kokai JP-A-10-316989
Further, there is strong demand in the art for an efficient process for machining metal, particularly those which are difficult to machine, such as titanium alloys, Inconel or the like, particularly with a less load to the environment.

Process for machining metal and high performance aqueous lubricant therefor


A computer that establishes an ad hoc network, and a method performed by the computer are disclosed. The computer comprises an input device such as a keyboard or a graphical pointing device having a selector that generates a signal which indicates that a user has selected an ad hoc networking function. In one embodiment the computer includes a processor, coupled to the input device, which receives the signal and causes the computer to participate in an ad hoc network. The computer can also include a network interface, coupled to the processor, for communicating directly with at least one other computer within wireless communications range of the first computer.

The invention relates generally to the field of computers and, more particularly, to methods and equipment used to communicate among computers.
In modern office environments, individual personal computers are often linked to computer communications networks. These networks allow communications among computers within the office environment as well as with other computers connected to other networks accessible by way of the worldwide telecommunications infrastructure. Thus, given such network connectivity, a computer user can send and receive messages to and from virtually any other networked computer located anywhere in the world.
However, although advances in computer hardware, software, and telecommunications infrastructure have contributed to substantial increases in worker productivity, computer users today demand devices that embody both capability as well as simplicity. Though many computer users can communicate with other users by way of the communications infrastructure, these communications occur only if both users are skilled at using the software and hardware devices that bring about the communications functions. Thus, if computer communications software is complex to use, many computer users are dissuaded from making use of these capabilities. This can be especially true when a user enters an unfamiliar network environment or is otherwise unable to connect with his or her usual environment.
One such computer communications technology is centered on establishing networks in which a selected group of users desires to communicate only among members of the group, and does not wish to include members outside the selected group. This technology can be difficult for some users to master, especially when little or no telecommunications infrastructure is present. This is particularly true when ad hoc functions are only required for use on a quick and informal or "ad hoc" basis. Therefore, a method and system for simpler ad hoc networking of computer users is highly desirable.

Method and system for ad hoc networking of computer users

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A pixel circuit unit, a driving method thereof, a display panel and a display device are disclosed. The pixel circuit unit includes a plurality of pixel drive circuits and a voltage control circuit including a first terminal and a second terminal; the first terminal is connected with a first voltage terminal to receive a first supply voltage provided by the first voltage terminal; each pixel drive circuit includes a light-emitting drive circuit including a supply voltage receiving terminal and a control terminal; the supply voltage receiving terminal is electrically connected with the second terminal, so as to allow the supply voltage receiving terminal to be capable of receiving the first supply voltage; and the voltage control circuit is configured to be disconnected in a data voltage writing stage, so that the supply voltage receiving terminal does not receive the first supply voltage in the data voltage writing stage.

With the continuous improvement of display technology, people's requirement on display devices is also higher and higher. Among the display devices, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device has the advantages of self-luminescence, thin and light property, low power consumption, high contrast, large color gamut, capability of realizing flexible display, etc., and thus the OLED display device has been widely used in various electronic devices including computers, mobile phones, etc.

Pixel circuit unit, driving method thereof, display panel and display device


A disposable injector with a housing (10) in which at least one mechanical spring energy accumulator (50), at least one cylinder-piston unit (100), at least one piston-actuating ram and at least one release unit are arranged. The housing has at least one draw hook (21) which has at least one supporting surface in the region of its free end. The piston-actuating ram bears against the supporting surface. The blocking position of the draw hook is ensured by a release element positioned in a blocking position. The release (82) has a release position which brings about an inevitable lateral retraction of the draw hook—with the piston-actuating ram being released.

The invention relates to a disposable injector with a housing, in which or on which—respectively at least in certain areas—at least one mechanical spring-energy storage, at least one cylinder-piston unit which can be filled at least occasionally with active ingredient, at least one piston-actuating plunger and at least one actuating unit are arranged, wherein the spring-energy storage includes at least one pre-stressed spring element and wherein at least part of the piston-actuating plunger is positioned between the spring-energy storage and the piston of the cylinder-piston unit.
DE 36 44 984 A1 discloses inter alia such an injector which has a spring-pre-stressed piston-actuating plunger, whereof the rearward plunger rod has elastic draw hooks at its free end. The draw hooks hold the piston-actuating plunger positively firmly on one edge of the injector housing. For this they have only a minimal bearing surface on the housing. To activate the injector the draw hooks are pushed away from the edge holding them. As a result, the spring-pre-stressed piston-actuating plunger advances to complete injection.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,557,784 discloses a reusable injector, onto the housing of which a new cylinder-piston unit is inserted per use. For this purpose, the reusable injector is virtually completely disassembled and re-assembled per use. In order to hold the spring which actuates the piston-actuating plunger, two mutually opposite draw hooks are mounted on the housing of the injector via a respective mechanical pivoting joint. The two pivoting joints are arranged on the outer side of the housing.
US 2006/0129089 A1 discloses a highly complicated, multipart reusable injector. It has a tensioned piston-actuating plunger which is supported on the housing by means of a ring having a plurality of fingers. The supporting takes place with the interconnection of other, separate housing parts.
The object of the present invention is therefore to develop a modular disposable injector which has only a few components for its minimal structural size and guarantees secure mounting and function with easy handling.

Disposable injector with at least one drawer hook which can be forcibly decoupled


A method and device for assisting handwriting training which fosters a proper tripod writing grip, places the ring and little finger into a proper handwriting position and also helps to build the handwriting muscles. The device for assisting handwriting training is comprised of a wristband having an attached string with a charm and a pencil loop attached to the wristband. The method and device for assisting handwriting training is especially useful for persons having decreased hand strength or an inappropriate grasp pattern and for assisting children to learn proper grasp pattern.

The present invention relates in general to methods and devices for teaching proper handwriting skills and and more particularly to a method and device for teaching the proper technique for holding and grasping a pen or pencil. It is especially useful for persons having a decreased hand strength or an inappropriate grasp pattern and for assisting children to learn proper grasp pattern. The device comprises a wristband with an attached pencil loop, both preferably of an elastic material, a string attached to the wristband and a charm attached to said string opposite said wristband.
It has long been known that the proper method for holding a writing instrument is to hold the rear half of the instrument in the web space of the hand between the thumb and forefinger while also holding the writing half of the instrument between the side of the middle finger and the tips of the forefinger and thumb. This grip is generally recognized as a tripod grip. In addition to holding the writing instrument properly, proper handwriting technique requires that the fingers not used for holding the writing instrument, the ring and little fingers, be placed and pressed into the palm region of the hand. This placement of the ring and little fingers forms a solid base upon which the hand may be rested while writing. The art of the present invention assists persons with proper grip along with non-gripping finger placement and proper placement of the writing instrument.
The prior art devices and methods for assisting in handwriting training generally do not promote improvement of the holding and grasping aspects of writing. That is, they tend to hold or position the writing instrument for the user rather than applying forces to the instrument in order that it find a proper resting place within the hand of the user. Furthermore, the prior art provides little assistance for proper positioning of the fingers of the hand. The present invention not only applies forces for proper positioning and gripping of the writing instrument within the hand, but it also causes the fingers of the writing hand to be positioned for an optimum writing grip. Moreover, the art of the present invention, unlike the prior art, is capable of use by either right or left handed persons.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and device for assisting handwriting training that is capable of applying forces to a writing instrument in order to properly position the instrument within the hand of a user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and device for assisting handwriting training which also causes the fingers of the hand to be positioned for a proper writing grip.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for assisting handwriting training which is capable of use by a right or left handed person.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a device for assisting handwriting training which is lightweight, portable, comfortable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Method and device for assisting handwriting training


The present invention concerns a transmission circuit of an audio/video data bus that includes a clamp connected between first and second output terminals of the transmission circuit; biasing networks for respectively biasing the output terminals during one operational mode of the transmission circuit; and switched biasing networks for respectively biasing the output terminals during a second operational mode of the transmission circuit; the switched biasing networks being controlled by a digital input signal, wherein a circuit is provided for protecting the clamp from short circuit connections to the transmission circuits voltage supply rails.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to short circuit protection of a transmission circuit.
More particularly, the present invention relates to the short circuit protection of output signal clamping circuitry, within a transmission circuit, from connections to the voltage supply rails.
2. Discuss of the Related Art
In the following text, figures that illustrate various embodiments of the state of the art and/or the present invention may incorporate the same or similar elements. Therefore, where the same or similar elements occur throughout the various figures, they will be designated in the same manner.
FIG. 1 represents a block diagram illustrating two data transceivers 100, 100' of an audio/video bus AVB.
Since the two illustrated transceivers 100, 100' include identical elements, only one of the transceivers will be described. Furthermore, it should be noted that the audio/video bus AVB can have approximately ten or more transceivers connected to it at any one time.
Transceiver 100 includes a transmission circuit Tx that is provided with a digital input signal Din and a receiver circuit Rx that receives transmitted data. When transceiver 100 is in transmission mode (Tx-mode) its digital input signal Din is converted into a differential digital output signal Dout for transmission via a twisted pair 120. The twisted pair provides a cheap but effective transmission medium.
A commercially available semiconductor device that incorporates such a transceiver 100 is the STV6455 AUDIO/VIDEO BUS INTERFACE which is produced by SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS.
The STV6455 is an audio and video interface device that allows easy connection and intelligent control of a plurality of the same, or similar, interface devices that share a common AVB. Such devices have to fulfill EIA/NCTA Joint Engineering Committee recommendations for connecting consumer audio and video apparatus.
FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of the transmission circuit Tx of FIG. 1.
The transmission circuit Tx includes two switches S1, S2, four resistors R1-R4 and two diodes D1, D2.
Diodes D1 and D2, are connected in opposition between the output terminals 200, 210 of the transmission circuit Tx. The respective anode and cathode terminals of diodes D1 and D2 are connected to the output terminal 200 and the respective cathode and anode terminals of diodes D1 and D2 are connected to the output terminal 210.
Diodes D1 and D2 work in opposition as a signal clamp. That is to say, diodes D1 and D2 act such that they clamp the voltage level of the signal between terminals 200 and 210 to a voltage level of +/-Vf, depending upon which one of the two diodes is conducting: Vf denotes the forward voltage drop of diodes D1 and D2 when they are conducting.
Switch S1 and resistor R1 are connected in series between a positive voltage supply rail A and the output terminal 200. Switch S2 and resistor R2 are connected in series between a negative voltage supply rail B and the output terminal 210. Switches S1 and S2 are controlled in unison by the digital input signal Din.
Resistor R3 is connected between the supply rail A and the output terminal 210 and resistor R4 is connected between the supply rail B and the output terminal 200.
When the transmission circuit Tx is in Tx-mode, switches S1 and S2 open and close in response to the signal Din.
By way of an example, consider the following. However, it will be necessary to make a few assumptions. Firstly, assume that switches S1 and S2 close when the digital input signal Din has a logic 1 state and that they open when the digital input signal Din has a logic 0 state: it should be understood that the inverse case could have also been assumed. Secondly, assume that R1=R2, R3=R4 and R3>R1: for a typical transmission circuit Tx, typical values of R1 and R3 are respectively 500 ohms and 15 Kohms, for a typical supply voltage (VA-VB) of 10 volts. The typical values of resistors R1-R4 and of the supply voltage (VA-VB) will be valid for the complete text of this document unless otherwise stated. Resistors R3 and R4 deliberately have substantially larger values than resistors R1 and R2 so as to avoid excessive power dissipation since, unlike resistors R1 and R2, resistors R3 and R4 permanently conduct current when the supply voltages are present. Resistors R1 and R2 only conduct current when switches S1 and S2 are closed. Therefore when the transmission circuit is not in Tx mode, switches S1 and S2 are open.
When the signal Din has a logic 1 state, i.e. when switches S1 and S2 are closed, the majority of the current flows via S1, R1, D1, R2 and S2, since this is the path of least resistance between the supply rails A and B.
FIG. 3 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of the transmission circuit Tx when switches S1 and S2 are closed.
Diode D1 has a forward voltage drop Vf that is more positive at the output terminal 200 than at the output terminal 210, as indicated. The current flowing through diode D1 is approximately given by (VA-VB)/(R1+R2)=10/1000=10 milliAmperes.
Referring back to FIG. 2, when the signal Din has a logic 0 state, i.e. when switches S1 and S2 are open, the current flowing between the supply rails A and B can only flow via R3, D2 and R4.
FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of the transmission circuit Tx when switches S1 and S2 are open.
Diode D2 has a forward voltage drop, also denoted Vf, that is more positive at the output terminal 210 than at the output terminal 200, as indicated. The current flowing through diode D2 is approximately given by (VA-VB)/(R3+R4)=10/30000=0.33 milliAmperes.
Table 1, hereinafter, illustrates the approximate short circuit current values IAB, flowing from supply rail A to supply rail B, that can be tolerated by the transmission circuit Tx as a result of various combinations of short circuit connections when switches S1 and S2 are open.
Table 2, hereinafter, illustrates the approximate short circuit currents IAB that can be tolerated by the transmission circuitry Tx as a result of various combinations of short circuit connections when switches S1 and S2 are closed.
For Table 2, it should be noted that the respective resistance values of the parallel combinations of resistors R1, R3 and R2, R4 have, for reasons of simplifying the principle, been approximated to R1 and R2: this approximation is justified by the fact that the ratio R1:R3=R2:R4=30:1. It should be understood that a more accurate analysis of the currents IAB can readily be ascertained by those skilled in the art.
TABLE 1 ______________________________________ Short Circuit Current IAB (From: To) (mA) See Ref. Figure ______________________________________ 200:210 10/30000 = 0.33 FIG. 5a 200:A 10/15000 = 0.66 FIG. 5b 210:A 10/15000 = 0.66 FIG. 5c 200:B 10/15000 = 0.66 FIG. 5d 210:B 10/15000 = 0.66 FIG. 5e (200 + 210):A 10/15000 = 0.66 FIG. 5b (200 + 210):B 10/15000 = 0.66 FIG. 5e ______________________________________
TABLE 2 ______________________________________ Short Circuit Current IAB (From: To) (mA) See Ref. Figure ______________________________________ 200:210 10/1000 = 10 FIG. 6a 200:A 10/500 = 20 FIG. 6b 210:A 10/500 = 20 FIG. 6c 200:B 10/500 = 20 FIG. 6d 210:B 10/500 = 20 FIG. 6e (200 + 210):A 10/500 = 20 FIG. 6c (200 + 210):B 10/500 = 20 FIG. 6e ______________________________________
FIGS. 5a-5e illustrate circuit representations of the short circuit combinations of the transmission circuit Tx as set out in Table 1.
FIGS. 6a-6e illustrate approximate circuit representations of the short circuit combinations of the transmission circuit Tx as set out in Table 2.
As noted earlier, the currents IAB for the combinations of short circuits, as set out in Tables 1 and 2, can be tolerated by the transmission circuit Tx. That is to say, the transmission circuit Tx will not work correctly but, it will not suffer any adverse damage or effects due to any of the aforementioned short circuits, i.e. the transmission circuit Tx will recover from these short circuit faults. Neither would any other transceiver 100' or transceivers suffer any adverse damage or effects.
However, there are two possible short circuit conditions that are not illustrated in either of Tables 1 or 2. These two short circuit conditions are when the output terminals 200, 210 of the transmission circuit Tx are respectively connected directly to the positive and negative voltage supply rails A and B or vice-versa.
FIG. 7a illustrates the equivalent circuit diagram of the transmission circuit Tx when the output terminals 200, 210 are respectively connected directly to the positive and negative voltage supply rails A and B.
FIG. 7b illustrates the equivalent circuit diagram of the transmission circuit Tx when the output terminals 200, 210 are respectively connected directly to the negative and positive voltage supply rails B and A.
Referring to FIG. 7a, diode D1 is connected directly across the supply rails A and B such that a short circuit current IAB' flows. Since D1 is forward biased its impedance is negligible: diode D2 being reverse biased. Therefore, the current IAB' flowing through D1 will only be limited by the internal impedance of the voltage supply apparatus that is connected to the supply rails A, B. Since the internal impedance of the voltage supply apparatus will also be negligible, the current IAB' will be very large, so much so that it will completely destroy D1. The transmission circuit Tx will not recover from this particular short circuit fault. Furthermore, there is also the possibility that such a short circuit will affect the other parts of the transceiver 100 and/or other transceivers 100' that are connected to the bus AVB.
Referring to FIG. 7b, this case is exactly the same as that referred to in relation to FIG. 7a, except that in this case, it is diode D2 that is connected directly across the supply rails A and B: diode D1 being reverse biased.
In a best case scenario, either of the short circuit faults associated with FIGS. 7a and 7b will produce a serious problem for the transmission circuit Tx that develops the fault. And in a worse case scenario, either of these short circuit faults will produce a serious problem for all of the other transceivers (100') connected to the AVB.
Such scenarios are best avoided. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these short circuit problems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fully recoverable arrangement for overcoming these short circuit problems.
Other objects of the present invention include providing simple, cost effective, and integratable arrangements for overcoming these short circuit problems.

Short circuit protection of an audio/video data bus


A performance indicator for wireless digital signal reception is disclosed. In particular, a method for indicating the reception quality of a wireless digital signal at an electronic device is disclosed. The method includes a series of steps, starting with a first step of receiving the wireless digital signal at the electronic device. In the next step, the wireless signal is demodulated. Then, an error rate associated with the digital data portion of the wireless signal is determined. In the next step, a quality level of reception of the wireless signal is indicated. Specifically, the quality level of reception is directly proportional to the error rate of the digital data portion of the signal.

Wireless communication is growing increasingly popular in all areas of business and personal use. Technology areas that use wireless communication include telecommunication, networks, Internet, and audio and video media. Furthermore, much of the wireless data is presented in a digital format, which in itself provides opportunities for improved processing. Resultantly, a constant need exists to improve performance and fidelity of wireless communication systems.
Referring now to prior art FIG. 1A, an illustration of multipath signal propagation occurring in wireless communication is shown. More specifically, the wireless communication occurs between two devices, e.g., a station 104 and a portable device 102. Station 104 can be a base station for a cell phone, while portable device 102 can be a mobile phone. Alternatively, station 104 can be an audio/video broadcaster that transmits digitally encoded data that is received by a television or a personal computer (PC) 102. The wireless communication system and the devices can span a wide variety of media and applications.
The problem of multipath interference in wireless communication is illustrated in prior art FIG. 1A. A transmitted signal can follow multiple paths, or multipaths, to arrive at a receiver. For example, one signal path, e.g., main 106a, transmits directly to a receiver 102 without any interference. However, due to natural and man-made obstructions, such as building 108, hill 110, and surface 112, almost duplicate versions of the original signal arrive at receiver 102 with slight variations in phase, amplitude, and angle of arrival at receiver 102. These multipaths can cause interference and destructive interference between each other.
Referring now to prior art FIG. 1B, a graph of signal performance with a specific interference referred to as fading is shown. Graph 100b has a spatial X-Y plane defined by axis X 124 and axis Y 126. The vertical axis represents amplitude 122 of a signal that can be received at different spatial X, Y locations. Plane 134 defines an approximate amplitude of a transmitted signal in relation to the spatial location of a receiver, e.g., an antennae. Areas of plane 134 having an attenuated amplitude 136 is indicative of Rayleigh fading of the signal. Rayleigh fading is characterized by spatially repeating deep fading areas that severely effects wireless communication performance. If an antennae is positioned in one or more of these pockets 136 of Rayleigh fading, then reception quality of a wireless signal can be significantly compromised. Multipath fading occurs when a receiver receives not only the direct signal from a transmitter, but also reflected signals that differ from the direct signal in amplitude, phase, and/or angle of arrival, e.g., multipath B 106b, multipath C 106c, and multipath D 106d of prior art FIG. 1A.
Multipath fading is directly related to the environment in which the receiver is working. For example, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11 for wireless local area network (LAN) employs frequencies of 2.4 gigahertz (GHz). However, at this frequency moving human bodies affect the multipath fading, sometimes to a greater extent than building construction. In fact, much research has shown that at 2.4 GHz, Rayleigh type fading occurs. Consequently, a need arises to overcome the Rayleigh fading that degrades wireless communication performance. A more specific need arises to solve multipath fading in applications, such as wireless LANs, that have a high sensitivity to this performance degradation.
One method of avoiding these deep fading areas, is to use antenna diversity at a receiver. Antenna diversity simply uses two antennas that are spatially or polarity separated such that only one antenna would be in a deep fade area. The problem with this solution is that the user's receiver in typical IEEE 802.11 application is usually implemented on a peripheral component (PC) card, which does not allow for a large enough antenna separation to substantially reduce the Rayleigh fading. Additionally, even if antennas with polarity diversity are used, they do not always provide adequate escape from Rayleigh fading. Consequently, a need arises for a method to avoid Rayleigh type fading when antennae diversity is ineffective or unsuitable.
Conventional methods have provided performance indicators, such as signal strength or SNR ratios, to indicate the reception quality of the radio. However, these methods and indicators are primarily for analog systems, and are not optimum for digital systems. Thus, their interpretation of good reception or a good signal is not necessarily applicable to that for a digital signal.
Referring now to prior art FIG. 1C, a graph of exemplary data and noise signals is shown. Graph 100c has an abscissa of time 124 and an ordinate of amplitude 120. Three cases of data/noise signal combinations are shown for illustrative purposes. Case 1 121 shows just a data signal 121d with no indication of noise amplitude. If a conventional performance indicator only provides the strength of a data signal, as shown in Case 1 121, then it can be misleading. While data signal may have acceptable amplitude, if a noise signal has sufficient amplitude, it may significantly corrupt the data signal. In contrast, Case 2 122 shows a data signal amplitude 122d and a noise signal amplitude 122n. By using the conventional signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio, a relative strength of the data signal with respect to the noise signal can be obtained. However, as shown by case 3 123, signals with substantially different absolute amplitudes can appear to be equal (e.g., case 2 122 and case 3 123) based only on their ratio of signal to noise. Based on limitations of conventional indicators, they are unsuitable, in general, to evaluate the accuracy and reception quality of a digital signal. Consequently, a need arises for a performance indicator that is more applicable to digital data.
Furthermore, the solution that eliminates or alleviates Rayleigh type fading and provides indication of good digital signal quality should be intuitive and simple to use, so as to promote implementation and compatibility. That is, the solution should not require the user to have apriori radio, computer, or any other technical knowledge to operate or understand it. In addition, the solution to Rayleigh fading and the indicator digital signal performance should not require significant interaction of the hosting device such that system performance is hampered.
In summary, a need exists to improve performance and fidelity of wireless communication. A need also arises to overcome the Rayleigh fading that degrades wireless communication performance. A more specific need arises to solve multipath fading in applications, such as wireless LANs, that have a high sensitivity to this performance degradation. Another need arises for a method to avoid Rayleigh type fading when antennae diversity is ineffective or unsuitable. Based on the limitations of conventional indicators, a need arises for a performance indicator that is more applicable to digital data. Furthermore, the solution that eliminates or alleviates Rayleigh type fading and provides indication of good digital signal quality should be intuitive and simple so as to promote implementation and compatibility. That is, the solution should not require the user to have apriori radio, computer, or any other technical knowledge to operate or understand it. In addition, the solution to Rayleigh fading and the indicator of digital signal performance should not excessively burden the hosting device such that system performance is hampered.

Performance indicator for wireless digital signal reception


Provided is a DA conversion apparatus comprising a capacitor array DA converter that outputs to an output line an output voltage corresponding to a digital value input thereto; and a load changing section that changes a size of a load capacitance connected to the output line. The load changing section may set gain of the DA conversion apparatus with the size of the load capacitance connected to the output line being a constant capacitance unaffected by the digital value. The load changing section may include a load capacitor connected between the output line and a standard potential; a load-side switch connected in series with the load capacitor between the output line and the standard potential; and a load capacitance control section that controls the load-side switch.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a DA conversion apparatus and a test apparatus.
2. Related Art
A conventional charge redistribution DA converter is known. The charge redistribution DA converter is provided with an internal capacitor array in which the capacitors are connected in a ladder formation.
The charge redistribution DA converter charges the capacitor array with an amount of charge corresponding to a standard voltage during a first half of the period of the data rate, and this is known as the "refresh mode." During the second half of the each period of the data rate, the charge redistribution DA converter switches the connection of the capacitor array according to the input data, and this is known as the "output mode." As a result, the charge redistribution DA converter can generate a voltage corresponding to the input data. This charge redistribution DA converter consumes less power than other types of DA converters.
Such a charge redistribution DA converter, however, causes linearity, offset, and gain errors in the output voltage because of the output capacitance. To correct these errors, the DA converter uses a complicated circuit configuration including another internal DA converter, and this increases the area of implementation. Furthermore, there is a technique for performing the gain correction or the like in a digital region, but when performing a digital calculation, the accuracy of the correction is limited by the accuracy of the DA converter.    Patent Document 1: U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,370    Patent Document 2: U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,331    Patent Document 3: U.S. Pat. No. 7,271,758    Patent Document 4: U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,415    Patent Document 5: U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,989    Patent Document 6: U.S. Pat. No. 6,215,431    Patent Document 7: U.S. Pat. No. 6,424,331

Digital-analog converting apparatus and test apparatus


A bent connector terminal with improved stability when held within a groove (23) of a comb-shaped, press-fit jig (20,22), the terminal aligned with a hole (32) of a printed circuit board (30) and to be press-fitted into the hole. In one embodiment, at least one widened portion (12e) is formed on the connector terminal between a tip flange part (12b) and a swelled or widened part (12c), the widening of the part (12c) caused by bending of the connector terminal. The widened portion (12e) and the swelled part (12c) serve to stabilize the connector terminal within the groove (23) of the press-fit jig as the jig is used to press on the tip flange part (12b). In another embodiment, the connector terminal includes notches (12d) at the location where the connector terminal is to be bent, to compensate for widening caused by the bending step so that no swelled or broadened area is produced at this region. In this embodiment, since no widening is produced at the bent region the press-fit jig grooves may be narrowed so that the bent connector terminal is supported evenly between the bend and the flange part (12b) and stability is improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a connector terminal material used for a press-fit connector, a connector terminal, a method for producing a connector terminal, and a method for producing a substrate with a connector.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIGS. 6 are illustrations showing one example of a state before a terminal of a conventional press-fit connector is press-fitted to a substrate. FIG. 6A is a front view including a section along a terminal array of a front side. FIG. 6B is a side view. Void arrow marks shown in FIG. 6 show the mounting direction of each part at the time of press fitting. Conventionally, a so-called press-fit connector is widely used as a connector which can be simply connected by press-fitting a terminal to a substrate without soldering. For instance, a method of press-fitting the terminal shown in FIGS. 6 is known. In this method, the flange part 512b of each terminal 512 is pushed by the pressed surface 521 of the connector fixture 520 with a plurality of terminals 512 having flange parts extending from the housing 511 of the press-fit connector 510 interposed in comb-teeth lined in the lateral direction (the right and left direction of FIG. 6A of the connector fixture 520. An elastic part 512a swelled in a needle shape at the vicinity of the end part of each terminal 512 is press-fitted into penetrating hole 532 formed in the substrate body 531 of the printed circuit board 530 (This method is similarly adopted for a so-called pin connector which solders each terminal to the substrate (for instance, pin connectors described in JP-A-6-224597 or JP-A-10-41026). Numeral 550 shown in FIG. 6 designates a substrate fixture with which the printed circuit board 530 is brought into contact from the back thereof at the time of press-fitting, and the end of each terminal 512 is entered into a bottomed hole 552 formed in the fixture body 551, and the end of each terminal 512 is protected. The comb-teeth of the connector fixture 520 are composed by a deep groove 523, and a shallow groove 524. The deep groove 523has an inducing part 523b which induces the terminal 512 and has a slope surface, and a guide part 523a which guides the terminal 512 induced to the pressed surface 521 and has a parallel surface. The shallow groove 524 has also a similar guide part 524a, and a similar inducing part 524b.
FIG. 7 is a view showing a state before and after bending a terminal according to a prior art, wherein 7A is a partial perspective view showing a state before bending a terminal, 7B is a partial perspective view showing a state after the bending, and 7C is a plan view of FIG. 7B. Also, FIG. 8 is a view describing conditions in bending a terminal according to a prior art, and FIG. 9 is a view describing conditions in pressure-fitting a terminal into a substrate according to a prior art.
It is common that respective terminals 512 are molded so that, after a material is punched out by a press, and a flat plate-shaped connector terminal material 512′ having a terminal width W as shown in FIG. 7A is molded, the material is inserted into a through hole 513 of a housing 511 of a connector 510 supported on a supporting base 50 as shown in FIG. 8, the material is bent in a right-angled direction at a prescribed bending radius R by pressing the tip end side thereof by a presser 570 as shown in the same drawing. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, it has been known that the terminal width W′ of the above-described bent part 512c is made wider than the terminal width W of the other parts, that is, flat parts which are not bent, (that is, W′.W).
In a conventional connector fixture 520, the distance between the comb-teeth is usually widely set according to the extending terminal width W′. However, in this case, since the clearance between the body portion of the terminal 512 and the inner side surface of the guide portion 523a is increased, an accurately vertical posture of the terminal 512 cannot be maintained as shown in FIG. 9A when pressure-fitting the terminal 512 into the penetrating hole 532 of the substrate 530 , and as shown in FIG. 9B, the terminal 512 will be turned and moved centering around the portion 512c bent by the pressure-fitting part 512a of the terminal 512 between wide comb teeth. And, in the worst case, there is a problem in that it is difficult to press-fit the terminal to the penetrating hole 532 of the substrate 530 , and the yield of the product decreases.

Angled terminal with flange for cooperation with press-fit jig


An object of the present invention is to provide a positive electrode active substance for a lithium secondary battery, the positive electrode active substance, when being used as a positive electrode active substance for a lithium secondary battery, being little in deterioration of cycle characteristics and being high in the energy density retention rate, even in repetition of charge and discharge at high voltages, and a lithium secondary battery little in deterioration of cycle characteristics and high in the energy density retention rate, even in repetition of charge and discharge at high voltages. The positive electrode active substance for a lithium secondary battery comprises a lithium cobalt-based composite oxide particle having a Ti-containing compound and an Mg-containing compound adhered on at least part of the particle surface.

In recent years, along with rapid progress of making household appliances portable and cordless, lithium ion secondary batteries have been put in practical use as power sources of small electronic devices such as laptop personal computers, mobile phones and video cameras. With regard to the lithium ion secondary batteries, since Mizushima et al. reported in 1980 that lithium cobaltate is useful as a positive electrode active substance of a lithium ion secondary battery, research and development of lithium-based composite oxides has been actively progressed and many proposals have been made.
Lithium secondary batteries using lithium cobaltate, however, have a problem of deterioration of cycle characteristics due to dissolving-out of cobalt atoms, and the like.
Patent Literature 1 below proposes a lithium secondary battery using, as a positive electrode active substance, a lithium cobalt-based composite oxide having an existence proportion of titanium on the particle surface of lithium cobaltate of 20% or higher. Patent Literature 2 below proposes a positive electrode active substance for a lithium secondary battery composed of a lithium transition metal composite oxide containing 0.20 to 2.00% by weight of Ti atoms, wherein as the positive electrode active substance, used is a lithium cobalt-based composite oxide in which the above Ti atoms are present from the particle surface of the lithium transition metal composite oxide to the depth direction and have a concentration gradient becoming the maximum at the particle surface. Further Patent Literature 3 and Patent Literature 4 below propose using, as a positive electrode active substance, a lithium cobalt-based composite oxide containing Sr atoms and Ti atoms.

Positive electrode active substance for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery