The system includes apparatus for generating stimulation signals for application to the device being tested. The device being tested is typically an electronic control unit for an automotive vehicle. The system also includes apparatus for decoding and analyzing the signals output by the device being tested as a result of the application of the stimulation signals.

The present invention relates in general terms to testing (checking) systems used for the automatic testing of the characteristics and/or operating conditions of electrical and/or electronic circuits.
More specifically, an embodiment of the invention has been developed for possible application in the automotive sector in order to provide an automatic testing station which can stimulate electronic control units (E.C.U.s) of vehicles by simulating, during bench testing, the conditions present in vehicles in order to check whether or not they are operating correctly.
In order fully to satisfy the requirements of use, such an automatic testing system must offer the possibility of preparing functional tests for a generic control unit in the laboratory without the need necessarily to carry out tests on the vehicle, thus avoiding the following disadvantages:
practical difficulties in preparing for the test (availability of the prototype vehicle, non-optimal operation of the prototype . . . ), PA1 testing which is not always exhaustive (difficulties in the generation of anomalous conditions, possibility of damaging parts of the vehicle involved in the test), and PA1 risks to the testers in promoting the malfunctioning of devices of the vehicle. PA1 the ability to test a generic control unit rapidly, PA1 the ability to reproduce the tests in a predetermined sequence, PA1 the ability to carry out tests on control units under different climatic conditions by the modification of temperature and humidity, and PA1 the immediate availability of documentation relating to the results of the tests carried out. PA1 a subsystem for stimulating the control unit under test, and PA1 a subsystem for decoding and analysing messages transmitted by the control unit under test through a serial diagnostic channel. PA1 repetitive analog signals of arbitrary form which are variable in frequency and in amplitude (for example signals indicative of the passage through top dead center, of the phase of the engine etc . . . ), PA1 non-repetitive analog signals of arbitrary form, which are variable in amplitude and in frequency (for example signals indicative of the vacuum in the intake manifold, of the position of the carburettor throttle valve, . . . ), PA1 on/off signals which are variable in amplitude or in frequency (for example steering sensor, accelerometer . . . ), and PA1 signals which simulate resistive transducers (for example NTC or PTC transducers . . . ). PA1 a single identification of the signal, PA1 the instrument which is to generate or check the signal, and PA1 a description of the signal, defined as the set of information necessary for the instrument to generate or check the signal correctly.
The advantages to be provided are therefore:
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a testing system which achieves the above advantages while avoiding the disadvantages described above.

System for the automatic testing, preferably on a bench, of electronic control systems which are intended to be fitted in vehicles


A system and a method are described herein for demagnetizing a region of a magnetic structure. In one embodiment, the system comprises: (a) a pulsed magnetizer; and (b) at least one magnetizing coil that receives a sequence of discrete current with continually decreasing current values from the pulsed magnetizer and outputs a sequence of discrete magnetizing fields with continually decreasing field strengths to overwrite and at least partly demagnetize the region of the magnetic structure. The at least one magnetizing coil is located adjacent to the region of the magnetic structure.

The demagnetization or removal of a magnetic field may be accomplished in several ways as described at http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/MagParticle/Physics/Demagnetization.htm, on Oct. 12, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein. One demagnetization approach is to heat a material above its Curie temperature to produce a random orientation of the magnetic domains, which demagnetizes the material. Another demagnetization approach is to subject the material to a reversing and decreasing magnetic field produced by driving a (de)magnetizer with a decreasing alternating current. This AC demagnetization process, shown in FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART), can be accomplished by pulling a component out and away from a coil with AC passing through it. The same can also be accomplished using an electromagnetic yoke with AC selected. Also, many stationary magnetic particle inspection units come with a demagnetization feature that slowly reduces the AC in a coil in which the component is placed. As can be seen in FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART), which depicts a demagnetization hysteresis curve 102, the current passing through a magnetizing coil decreases in accordance with an alternating current having a current curve 104. The demagnetizing field of the magnetizing coil corresponds to a flux curve 106 that corresponds to the current curve 104, where the alternating polarity H field that is produced by the coil results in a smaller and smaller B field being present in the material inside the coil. An alternative demagnetization approach is the subject of the present invention.

System and method for demagnetization of a magnetic structure region


The present invention relates to a process for working up waste active-mass of consumed, broken accumulator plates, deriving from rubbish-shoots, into active mass, wherein the waste active-masses removed from positive and negative plates are deacidified, washed with water, separately stored and then subjected to heat-treatment. According to the process of the invention the air-dry positive or negative active-mass or the mixture thereof is subjected. a) to heat-treatment at a temperature of 630.degree. to 700.degree. C. for 8 to 60 minutes, then either ground in a manner known per se or fed into a lead-powder mill in an amount of at most 80% by mass, calculated on the mass of the lead charged into the mill, and in both cases ground to an average particle size of less than 60.mu., or PA0 b) to grinding in a manner known per se, preferably to an average particle size of less than 60.mu., then subjected to a heat-treatment at a temperature of 630.degree. to 700.degree. C. for 8 to 60 minutes,. then from the thus-obtained material positive or negative active-mass is prepared when positive or negative active-mass was used as starting material, or negative active-mass is prepared when a mixture of positive and negative active-masses was used as starting material.

The starting material for the production of active-mass is lead powder. Lead powder is prepared from lead, e.g. in a Barton mill usually known in the industry, and in the course of milling, depending on the grinding conditions, lead oxide is also formed in different ratios.
The powder thus obtained is subjected to sulfuric acid/phoshoric acid treatment, depending on whether positive or negative active-mass is aimed to be prepared, and additives, e.g. sulfuric acid, barium sulfate, carbon black, are mixed to the product thus obtained. The resulting crude active-mass is spread onto electrodes of grid structure with the aid of a spreading machine. Then further operations are carried out on the mass thus applied onto the plates, e.g. pre-drying and aging. Finally the plates are placed into containers, wherein optionally the appropriate polarities are bound together, then the containers are filled with an acid and then closed.
In the accumulator production a certain amount of defective product is also produced, the accumulators are consumed during operation, they become unserviceable and sooner or later they are deposited in rubbish-shoots.
Therefore, the need for the reprocessing of unserviceable accumulators, especially of their most expensive and poisonous lead plates and masses, and the recycling of the same into the current production, exists for a long time. According to the most wide-spread method the accumulators are dismantled, washed, etc. and subjected to metallurgical treatment, i.e. the lead alloy of the plate grid is melted, then a grid is formed from the melt.
Several processes are known for the re-use of the negative active-mass content of waste plates. According to U.S. patent specification Ser. No. 4,009,833 the separated active-mass is recycled into the mixing machines. This process is more economic than the multistep chemical method when the active-mass is separated into its components by a wet chemical method but this method can be used only for the working up of negative active-mass waste.
The common disadvantages of the known processes are the high energy- and water demand, low efficacy, health hazard and environment pollution.
In the course of production wastes are also formed e.g. when spreading the active-mass onto the grid, while drying and during formation of the plates, etc. The working up of the said waste is described in Hungarian patent specification Ser. No. 201,179.
The aim of our experiments and examinations was to find a simple process for the recycling of waste positive and negative active-masses separated from the consumed, industrially operated, broken accumulator plates deriving from rubbish-shoots, i.e. not from the factory, into the active-mass production in a simple way, without causing any deterioration in quality of the accumulators being the end-products of the process.
The invention is based on the recognition that the above aim can be achieved if the negative and positive active-masses deriving from consumed, broken, unserviceable accumulators of rubbish-shoots are washed acid-free, appropriately ground and subjected to a special heat-treatment. The quality of the accumulators assembled with the thus-obtained active-mass is equal to that of accumulators assembled with fresh active-mass.
The invention is based on the further recognition that the mixture of waste positive and negative active-masses can be worked up into negative active-mass of good quality. This recognition is surprising as it overcomes a technical prejudice. Namely, formerly it was an accepted view of persons skilled in the art that if production-refuse active-mass is used as starting material, negative active-mass of suitable quality can be prepared only from separately stored and treated negative active-mass waste (Hungarian patent specification No. 201,179).

Process for working up waste active-mass of consumed, broken accumulator plates deriving from rubbish-shoots into active-mass


An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator unit having N poles having the width LP, and at least one coil surrounding one of the poles, wherein N≦3, and a magnetic portion, which is movable, relative to the stator unit, in a direction of relative movement and over a course of travel C, and including N+1 magnetized areas, the magnetizations of which are perpendicular to the relative movement direction and in alternate directions. The magnetic portion includes a yoke for closing off the magnetic fluxes passing through the magnetized areas, the course of travel C of the magnetic portion being less than or equal to the width LP of each pole, and the thickness of the magnetized areas perpendicular to the direction of movement being less than the course of travel C of the magnetic portion.

An actuator of this type is, for example, known from the international patent application WO 2009/119450. Such an actuator makes it possible to produce an electromagnetic device which can be used when positioned against a spring or with a reciprocating movement in an oscillating and vibrating mechanical system. Various devices are known in the state of the art, which aim at solving the general problem of the force linearity they exert as a function of the current supply they receive, and at developing force levels which are sufficient for numerous applications. The documents EP0592647 and EP1005714, which belong to the Applicant, refer to electromagnetic actuators developing an effort proportional to the current through the mutual action of the magnetic fields created by the permanent magnets they contain and the feed electric coil.
Such electromagnetic devices are particularly interesting when they are used in oscillating systems, when combined with resilient return members, where the proportional characteristic thereof and the strong force density thereof make it possible to check heavy loads, whether of a dry or viscous nature. Such devices comprise two identical movable portions moving in phase inversion, cancelling the total movement amplitude, and thus guaranteeing an optimum balance of the actuator. They are more particularly used for vibrating contra-rotating mechanical members such as, for instance, the blades of an electric razor.
This solution has a drawback in that the force density enabling a satisfactory operation requires a structure with large dimensions. When the geometric dimensions are reduced into a compact configuration, and more particularly the thickness of the structure, this results in situations wherein the force density is insufficient. A first problem that the invention aims at remedying is that of the reduction in overall dimensions, in order to enable the production of very compact actuators, without affecting the performances thereof.
Such devices of the prior art may be inefficient when the need for a significant miniaturization of the actuator exists. The devices of patents EP0592647 and EP1005714 thus develop too low force factors (force per ampere-turn), which makes the utilization thereof non viable with small dimensions, since heating is too important. As a matter of fact, the reduction in overall dimensions leads to a reduction in the volume reserved for the electric coil. A more important electric power will thus be necessary for producing the same force. Such more important electric power will result in too high current consumption, thus limiting the service life, with an equivalent battery, when the system is aboard, and will result in a higher Joule dissipation. This may lead to too high a heating of the device causing some inconvenience for the user in the case of a portable application such as an electric razor, or to the destruction of the actuator.
The international patent application WO 2009/119450 mentioned above takes up the utilization of such electromagnetic structures by recommending the elimination of the ferromagnetic yoke, with a view to favouring construction simplicity. In the structure known from such application WO 2009/119450, the reduction in the movable ferromagnetic portion certainly makes the construction easier with fewer parts, but it also requires a much larger magnet volume, which finally results in higher cost, larger movable mass and global dimensions. The second technical issue that the invention tries to remedy consists in reducing the required magnet volume, which turned out to be possible only when implementing a solution against the teachings of the above-mentioned prior art.
The present invention aims at remedying the drawbacks of the prior art by producing an electromagnetic actuating device having a higher force density than the devices of the prior art. The invention more particularly enables the utilization of an efficient actuator in a reduced volume, relative to the devices of the prior art. For this purpose, the present invention, which is moreover complying with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is mainly characterized in that the magnetic portion further comprises a yoke contiguous to the magnetized areas and closing off the magnetic fluxes passing through the magnetized areas, in that the course of travel C of the magnetic portion is less than or equal to the width LP of each pole of the stator unit, and in that the thickness of the magnetized areas perpendicular to the direction of movement is less than the course of travel C of the magnetic portion. In the meaning used herein, the word "course" means the maximum distance between two extreme positions taken by the magnetic portion relative to the stator unit.
In the state of the art, U.S. patent application publication No. 2002/0055695 is known, which discloses an actuator having a stator comprising a first set of poles and a second set of poles distributed on each side of an electric coil positioned about a central element. The number of poles of the stator on each side of the coil is the same. When the coil is powered, there are as many South poles as North poles in the stator.
In this solution of the prior art, the electric coil does not surround a pole but a central portion separating the North poles from the South poles. The stator disclosed requires a particular design, as illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b, with an alternating set of packaged sheets which make up together an elementary pattern. This entails a high production cost of the stator. The movable element composed of magnets, moves in the air gap existing between two opposite poles of the stator and has no yoke closing off the magnetic flux. FIGS. 9 and 10 of this document of the prior art show twice as many poles of the stator as magnetized poles (with each "tooth" of the stator representing a pole).
Patent DE102005044176 is also known in the prior art, which discloses an actuator with a two-pole stator. In this solution, each termination of the two poles of the core faces a magnet transition, i.e. an area separating a North-permed pole and a South-permed pole. When the stator moves relative to the coiled core, each pole termination faces a North pole (if the stator moves to the right) or a South pole (if the stator moves to the right).
Thus, in theory, the flux produced by the magnets and passing through the coils is null, whatever the position. This results in an actuator which cannot produce an effort with a current. In order to make an effort with a current, when the stator moves relative to the magnetized portions, each pole must face a different magnet polarity in order to provide a variation in the magnetic flux in the coil, and this flux variation will create the electromagnetic force.
Patent EP1005714 is also known in the prior art, which discloses a magnetic actuator the basic pattern of which is identical and which is composed of a two-pole stator and one or two movable portion(s) having 3 alternate magnets. The invention provides for the modification of the magnetic structure of the actuator disclosed in patent EP1005714 by increasing the force factor thereof in the same volume, without modifying the intrinsic characteristics thereof which are the coil volume and permeance. It is thus possible to produce, according to the invention, an actuator the volume of which is substantially less than the volume which would be required by an actuator produced according to the teachings of the patent EP1005714 to develop a force having the same intensity.
Adding a mild ferromagnetic yoke makes it possible, contrary to the teachings of the prior art WO 2009/119450, to substantially increase the performances of the actuator by efficiently closing off again the magnetic flux and by limiting the loss of magnetic potential. Limiting the course of travel C to a value less than or equal to the width of a pole belonging to the stator unit makes it possible to keep an optimum ratio of force to magnet mass and to keep a quasi-linear force characteristic along the course of travel. Limiting the thickness of the magnetized areas to a value less than the course of travel C of the magnetic portion, which is, for instance, made possible by using high energy magnets of the NdFeB or SmCo types, makes it possible to obtain a force density per actuator volume and per magnet mass which is higher than those of the structures of the prior art.
In the actuator of the invention, N is for instance 3, and such actuator preferably includes a single coil surrounding the central pole of the stator unit. The magnetized areas advantageously comprise at least two inner magnetized areas having, along the direction of movement, a length LA2 equal to the distance between the respective median planes of two consecutive stator poles, with such median planes extending perpendicularly to the direction of movement. Besides, the magnetized areas comprise at least two end magnetized areas preferably having, along the direction of movement, a length LA1 between LP and 1.2×LP.
According to a first possible embodiment, the magnetized areas are formed by independent and contiguous magnets fixed on the yoke. According to another possible embodiment, the magnetized areas are formed by a single magnet, having magnetized areas alternately magnetized in opposite directions and transitions having a length less than 0.2×LP. As a matter of fact, when the magnetic transition between two magnetized areas is above such factor, the loss of force becomes significant for the same magnet mass.
According to an alternative solution, the actuator comprises two movable magnetic portions moving in opposite directions, which makes it possible to make up for the movement amplitude of the two portions. According to another alternative solution, the actuator comprises three movable magnetic portions moving in alternate directions, which makes it possible to make up for the movement amplitude and the kinetic movement of the three portions.
The stator unit is advantageously connected to each magnetic portion by suspension blades. According to a particular alternative solution, the stator unit is connected to each magnetic portion by resilient return elements so designed as to return such magnetic portion to the middle of the course of travel thereof. The coil is advantageously so designed as to be powered by alternate current and to produce a vibratory movement of the magnetic portion relative to the stator unit.
According to a possible embodiment, the surfaces of the stator poles are, for instance, inscribed within a cylindrical enclosure with the magnetic portion(s) having a semi-tubular shape cooperating with the cylindrical enclosure. In addition, the yoke has chamfers at the ends thereof, along the direction of movement. It may also be advantageous to provide for each pole of the stator unit to have a head having a width LP and a body having a width less than LP.
In some applications, the actuator of the invention can further comprise a magnetic sensor and an electronic control circuit, with the magnetic sensor being positioned opposite the magnetic portion and so designed as to provide an output signal representative of the absolute position of such magnetic portion, and the electronic control circuit receiving the output signal from the magnetic sensor and being so designed as to control the position of the magnetic portion in a position determined by a set value powered to such electronic control circuit. The invention further relates to the use of an actuator such as described here-above for an electric razor comprising a head provided with vibrating knives, characterized in that each one of the knives is kinematically linked with the magnetic portion of such an actuator.
Adding two end magnets to the magnets of the magnetic device as disclosed in document EP1005714 makes it possible to create a force factor higher by a 4/3 factor, i.e. a 33% increase for the same current, the same coil, the same electric power and the same volume of the actuator. As a matter of fact, when N=3 and when one and only one coil is positioned on the central pole of the stator unit, the value of the theoretical force F produced by the actuator, equal to the product of the force factor by the number of ampere-turn of the coil, executed for instance using an equivalent electric diagram, is given by the following relation:
  F  =                    8                          B          r                        LZ                    3                E                  ni
where Br is the magnet remanence, L the thickness thereof in the direction of the magnetization thereof, Z the depth thereof, E the air gap including the magnet, and ni the number of ampere-turn of the coil.
In the actuators of the state of the art, having a yoke, as mentioned above and including a single coil, as disclosed in documents EP1005714 and EP0592647, the factor applied to the quantity
                    B        r                  LZ        E      niis not 8/3 but 2.

Electromagnetic actuator having improved force density and use thereof for an electric razor


The invention relates to a test lever system (1) for monitoring the traction behavior of a transport system (2), particularly an elevator system, comprising a test lever (8) which consists of a load arm (14) and a force arm (13). A discharge in the form of a monitoring force is introduced by means of the test lever (8), via a carrier cable securing device, into a cable which is to be tested.

The traction behavior of elevator systems needs to be tested at regular intervals in order to ensure the safety of the system. To this end, for example, EP 39 09 72 B1 describes a method in which a distance sensor is used for measuring physical parameters that are determined in correlation with a motion sequence of the elevator by means of an evaluation unit. The method of the present invention should also make it possible, in particular, to obtain information on the slipping resistance of the cable driven by a friction pulley.

Force-reduced measuring method for traction drives, particularly friction pulley drives for elevators


The invention includes a method and apparatus for synchronizing a first processor with a second processor. The method includes storing in a register parallel bits of data from the first processor, wherein at least one bit of data is a logic ONE. An output signal is formed from the one bit of data in the register. The output signal is sent as an interrupt signal to an interrupt terminal of the second processor for synchronizing the first processor with the second processor. The method may be used with a memory mapped register or an off-core register. The first and second processors may each be a digital signal processor (DSP) or any other type of processor.

Advances in very large scale integration have contributed to the current digital signal processors (DSPs). These processors are special purpose microprocessors characterized by architectures and instructions suitable for digital signal processing applications. DSPs are utilized in a number of applications from communications and controls to speech and image processing. Special purpose DSPs, designed for a specific signal processing application, such as for fast fourier transform (FFT) have also emerged.
One such DSP, for example the TMS320C30, supports fixed- and floating-point operations. Features of this processor include 32 bit by 32 bit floating-point multiply operations in one instruction cycle time of 60 nsec. Since a number of instructions, such as load and store, multiply and add, can be performed in parallel in one cycle time, the TMS320C30 can execute a pair of instructions in 30 nsec, allowing for 33.3 MIPS. The TMS320C30 has 2K words of on-chip memory and 16 million words of addressable memory spaces for program, data and input/output. Specialized instructions are available to make common DSP algorithms, such as filtering and spectral analysis, execute fast and efficiently. Like other microprocessors, the DSP may take advantage of higher level languages, such as C and ADA.
In a system having multiple independent DSPs, it is often necessary to synchronize the bit streams running from one DSP to another DSP, and for one DSP to inform or signal another DSP that a specific event has occurred. For example, each DSP may be processing its own independent task, or processing a subset of a task shared by multiple DSPs. When a DSP completes processing a first subset of the task, the DSP signals the other DSP that the first subset has been completed. The other DSP may then perform a second subset of the task. The processors may also exchange data and status information, so that order-dependent processing may proceed correctly.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional approach of signaling from one DSP to another DSP. As shown, processing system 10 includes DSPØ, designated as 12, and DSP1, designated as 14. Dedicated lines are connected between DSPØ and DSP1 for providing the signaling function. For example, output 1 terminal of DSPØ provides signal 1 to interrupt 1 terminal of DSP1. By using signal 1, DSPØ informs DSP1 that a specific event has occurred. Signal 1 appears as an interrupt signal to DSP1. FIG. 1 also shows signal 2 placed on another dedicated line between DSPØ and DSP1 for providing a second interrupt to DSP1.
Only a limited number of output terminals in a DSP are available for signaling another DSP. This is a disadvantage as additional signaling may be needed to signal other DSPs in a system. A need exists, therefore, to provide a means for signaling a processor from another processor without depending on the availability of output terminals. The output terminals may then be used for other purposes.

Inter-DSP signaling in a multiple DSP environment


An information recording device is disclosed. A recorder records information on a recording medium. The information recording device allows for recording of information on more than one type of recording medium. A discriminator distinguishes between recording media of different types. A vibration detecting system detects vibration of the recording medium. A controller controls the recorder on the basis of the output of the vibration detecting system and the discriminator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an information recording apparatus and, more particularly, to an information recording apparatus to which a plurality of recording media having different recording forms can be attached and which is arranged to record image information on such recording media.
2. Description of the Related Art
An electronic still camera which is one example of an information recording apparatus will be referred to hereinafter for the purpose of illustration.
An apparatus which is arranged to record a still image and a sound on a magnetic disk which serves as a recording medium has heretofore been commercially available as a conventional type of electronic still camera. In addition, an electronic still camera has already been proposed which employs as a recording medium a memory card having a solid-state memory device such as a DRAM, an SRAM or an EEPROM.
However, the recording capacity of such a memory card is limited because of a limited degree of integration of a memory device or limits of the number of memory elements which can be incorporated into a single memory card. In addition, since the memory card is more expensive than other recording media at present, it is economically difficult to utilize the memory card as a large-capacity recording medium.
If a large-capacity magnetic recording medium such as a hard disk unit is used in place of the memory card, it is possible to achieve large-capacity recording comparatively inexpensively.
However, if the hard disk unit is used as a recording medium for the electronic still camera, large-capacity recording can be inexpensively achieved, but a number of problems will be encountered, for example, a limited recording speed, susceptibility to vibration or shock, susceptibility to environmental conditions such as temperature (particularly, a freezing temperature), and a large power consumption.
If the memory card is used as a recording medium for the electronic still camera, there will be various advantages such as an increased recording speed, insusceptibility to vibration or shock, insusceptibility to environmental conditions such as temperature, and a small power consumption. In contrast, a number of disadvantages will be encountered, for example, expensiveness and unsuitability for large-capacity recording. Particularly if a sound as well as an image is recorded, the maximum number of photographed images recordable in the memory card is limited to a further extent since the memory card can only record a limited number of photographed images even if only images are recorded.


A method, system and computer program product for providing route guidance to a driver of a vehicle. Based on the current location of the vehicle, the navigation system determines a route to travel from the current location of the vehicle to a destination provided by the driver. The navigation system obtains information (e.g., past driving history of other drivers on the route) which is used to assess whether a super detail mode of operation (provides additional details than traditional GPS-based navigation systems thereby lessening the likelihood that the driver will get lost) should be enacted by the navigation system. The super detail mode of operation may be triggered by the navigation system based on a road condition (e.g., missed turn ratio of route exceeds a threshold) that warrants the super detail mode of operation where such a condition is determined to have occurred using the obtained information discussed above.

There is an increasing use of Global Positioning System (GPS)-based navigation systems in vehicles. Such navigation systems receive signals from an array of satellites which are part of the GPS. Based on received signals, GPS-based navigation systems may identify a vehicle's location in terms of latitude and longitude. The navigation system may also detect the vehicle's speed and direction of travel. With geographic information stored in an on-board computer in the vehicle, the navigation system is capable of audio-visually communicating to a user instructions for reaching a given destination.
A driver of a vehicle equipped with a GPS-based navigation system may manually input the address of a desired destination, and the navigation system may suggest one or more routes to the destination based on the map data and the user's present position. Presently, a GPS-based navigation system guides the driver to the desired destination via audio instructions, such as turn left in 20 feet. Oftentimes though such instructions are not detailed enough causing the driver to fail to follow the instruction, such as missing the upcoming turn, with the result of potentially getting lost or causing or becoming involved in an accident.
As a result of GPS-based navigation systems in vehicles failing to provide detailed guided instructions, the driver faces the risk of potentially getting lost or causing or becoming involved in an accident.

Navigation system providing a super detail mode of operation to assist user's driving

International Business Machines Corporation


The present invention provides a dimming circuit for controlling the luminance of a light source and the method for controlling luminance. The dimming circuit comprises an inverter circuit and a driving circuit. The inverter circuit is electrically coupled to a light source to be controlled, to convert a direct current (DC) power input into an alternating current (AC) power. The inverter circuit comprises a transformer, a capacitor connected in parallel to the transformer, a plurality of switches located at both ends of the capacitor, and an oscillating circuit electrically connected to both ends of the transformer. The driving circuit is electrically connected to the inverter circuit, for regulating the AC voltage to control the time period that the light source is turned on. As the input of DC voltage into the transformer is stopped, the driving circuit opens the plurality of switches in the inverter circuit, forming electrical isolation between the capacitor and the transformer, which prevents voltage oscillation and stores the energy into the capacitor.

With the development and advancement of technology, liquid crystal display (LCD) has replaced the traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) display extensively in the computer, communication and consumer electronics industry. Compared to the traditional CRT display, LCD display has the advantages of being thinner and lighter with low radiation, thus liquid crystal display panels may be suitable for popular electronic products, such as notebooks, personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, digital cameras, flat panel televisions, projectors, digital camcorders, and digital photo frames etc.
Inside the LCD display, back lights of the display are provided by the back light module. Generally speaking, in order to allow users to view the display of liquid crystal display panel clearly under all types of environment, the luminance of the back light needs to be adjustable. Under outdoor lighting environments, the luminance of the back light needs to be brighter than the background lighting, and under darker environments, the luminance of the back light needs to be lowered for providing a softer lighting to reduce eye fatigue. The luminance of liquid crystal displays are usually controlled by the regulation of on/off timing ratio for the back light or by the regulation of electric current going through the back light. The back light module of liquid crystal display panels usually comprises a light source and an inverter circuit for driving the light source. The inverter circuit converts the input direct-current voltage (DC voltage) to alternating-current voltage (AC voltage), and utilizes the AC voltage to drive the light source. As known to those skilled in the art, circuit designers may utilize the principles of LC oscillation to convert direct current to alternating current.
In addition, a popular method for controlling the luminance of a light source is to regulate the pulse width (time period) of the AC voltage supplied to a lamp based on the signals provided by a pulse width modulator (PWM). The wider the pulse width of the AC voltage, the brighter the luminance of the lamp, on the contrary, the narrower the pulse width of the AC voltage, the darker the luminance of the lamp. However, the dimming circuit for controlling luminance of a light source that utilizes the aforementioned LC oscillation principles and pulse width modulators suffers the drawback of having difficulty with lowering the luminance when the lamp is turned off (i.e. PWM signal equals 0) due to LC oscillation. Refer to FIG. 1, it illustrates the output voltage versus time (where time is measured in milliseconds) graphs for the pulse width modulator and the inverter of the dimming circuit for controlling luminance of lamp according to prior art. As shown in FIG. 1, when the signal of the pulse width modulator equals 1, the inverter outputs the AC voltage to the lamp, and controls the luminance of the lamp via time period W (pulse width) of the PWM signal. However, as the PWM signal switches to 0, the output voltage of the inverter needs to endure a period of voltage oscillation before the voltage may be returned to 0 volts, making it difficult to lower the luminance of the lamp.
Refer to FIG. 2, it illustrates the output voltage versus time (where time is measured in microseconds) graphs for the pulse width modulator and the inverter of the dimming circuit for controlling luminance of lamp according to prior art. As shown in FIG. 2, when the PWM signal switches from 1 to 0, voltage oscillation of the inverter may be observed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,830 has disclosed a method and apparatus for dimming a lamp in a backlight of a liquid crystal display, which reduces the period of voltage oscillation. Refer to FIG. 3, it illustrates the circuit diagram for controlling luminance of a lamp according to prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,830). When switch S1 of dimming circuit 300 is closed (on-state), DC power +V will be applied to the center tap 346 of transformer 340 via inductor L1. As capacitor C1 is connected in parallel to the primary winding 342 of transformer 340, in coordination with the on and off of switches S2 and S3 (controlled by the switch controller 330) will generate LC oscillation between primary winding 342 and capacitor C1. Thus, DC power +V is converted to AC power, and the AC power is applied to the device to be controlled 310 via the secondary winding 344 of transformer 340. In order to control the luminance of the device to be controlled 310, dimming circuit 300 utilizes the pulse width modulator 320 to control the on and off periods of switch S1 for regulating the "on-time" of the device to be controlled 310.
In order to improve on the LC oscillation problem that occurs when the PWM signal is switched from 1 to 0, a switch S4 controlled by the output signal 324 of pulse width modulator 320 is added between inductor L1 and center tap 346. As switch S1 is opened (output signal 322 equals 0), output signal 324 switches from 0 to 1, which closes switch S4 (on-state). Thus, the energy stored at primary winding 342 will be directed to the ground, which greatly reduces the voltage oscillation period for the device to be controlled 310.
However, as the abovementioned solution relies on the connection of primary winding 342 to the ground to improve the effects of LC oscillation, which would lead to a waste of energy, thus the lower the luminance of the device to be controlled 310, the lower the electrical efficiency of the back light module. Also, even if switch S4 is closed at the right moment, LC oscillation would still occur as capacitor C1 is still connected electrically to the primary winding 342 of transformer 340. Therefore, the voltage at the device to be controlled 310 would still need to endure a certain period for voltage to return to 0 volts. As the result, when the luminance of the device to be controlled 310 is low, it becomes more difficult to further lower the luminance of the device to be controlled 310.
The previously described prior art also mentioned that switch S4 may be connected across the secondary winding 344 of transformer 340, thus that the energy stored within transformer 340 is dissipated to ground when switch S1 is opened. This still leads to a waste of energy, and consequently the lower the luminance of the device to be controlled 310, the lower the electrical efficiency of the back light module. Therefore, switch S4 needs to be able to sustain high voltages, thereby increasing the cost of the dimming circuit for controlling luminance of lamps.
Due to the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a dimming circuit for controlling luminance of light source and the method for controlling luminance. The present invention has the effects of raising the electrical efficiency of the back light module during low luminance, achieves the goal of making it easier to lower the luminance of lamps with a lower cost, and reduces the waste of energy.

Dimming circuit for controlling luminance of light source and the method for controlling luminance


Methods and systems for displaying a three dimensional image to a rotated viewer are presented. The roll and yaw of a viewer's eyes, with respect to a display, is tracked and used to adjust the orientation of a pair of stereoscopic images so as to maintain a three dimensional image when a viewer is rotated. Adjustment to the orientation of the pair of stereoscopic images may also factor in the orientation of a plurality of viewers, each viewer with a potentially different orientation with respect to the display.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate to three dimensional image rendering and three dimensional image display in general and, in particular, to the rendering and display of stereoscopic images at various distances and degrees of roll to compensate for a viewer whose eyes are rotated with respect to a display. Further embodiments are directed to determining the degree of roll with which to display stereoscopic images when viewed by a plurality of viewers, where each viewer's eyes may have a different roll inclination with respect to the display.
2. Description of the Related Art
Three dimensional images are typically displayed to viewers through the process of stereoscopy, where a different perspective of an object or scene is presented to each eye of the viewer. This pair of stereoscopic images is seen by the eyes and combined in vision processing to create the illusion of depth. The general idea can be captured by the example of three dimensional glasses with red and blue lenses, where each lens filters out a respective color to present a different image to each eye, which results in the display of a three dimensional image. Autostereoscopic techniques exist to present different images to each eye without the use of glasses.
In prior art implementations, a pair of stereoscopic images displayed to the viewer are presented such that the images as viewed are horizontally adjacent and horizontally separated so as to create an illusion of depth when combined. This horizontal orientation of the images assumes that a viewer is facing the display without any degree of roll in the viewer's eyes with respect to the display, such as if a viewer were laying on their side. The horizontal spacing of the pair of stereoscopic images also remains constant, even if there is yaw rotation of the viewer's eyes.


A locking device is provided, preferably for a container. The locking device keeps the lid of the container closed when the container is knocked over on its side, with a sudden jerking or jarring motion, such as by impact with the ground, to prevent spillage of its contents. The locking device, however, allows the lid to open when the waste container is tipped over, preferably in a forward direction, by a dumping operation.

Household refuse such as trash, recycling items, and/or yard waste can be deposited in a container. Such containers can include a lid for concealing the household refuse collected therein, as well as to prevent wild animals or people from accessing the household refuse and also protecting the content of the containers from the elements. Typically, the lid can be removably coupled to the container in a friction-fit manner to allow the lid to be easily removed from the container. However, when the lid is not secured, the contents can be undesirably expelled from the container.
Various lid locking devices have been implemented for refuse containers. For example, a strap can be coupled to the lid and the container in a snap lock fashion. However, this locking method requires a plurality of steps to secure the strap and the strap can easily become separated from the container. Another exemplary locking device includes a metal coil coupled between the lid and the container to provide great tension holding the lid in place. However, the coil can deteriorate due to exposure to the elements.
Therefore a need exists for a locking device that improves upon prior locking devices and solves problems inherent in known locking devices.


A heat exchanger assembly includes a plate including a plate portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an inlet side and an outlet side. The leading edge of the plate portion includes a terminal tip and a varying radius that decreases in a direction toward the terminal tip. An inlet manifold is on the inlet side. An outlet manifold is on the outlet side. A cast plate for a plate fin heat exchanger is also disclosed.

A plate fin heat exchanger includes adjacent flow paths that transfer heat from a hot flow to a cooling flow. The flow paths are defined by a combination of plates and fins that are arranged to transfer heat from one flow to another flow. The plates and fins are created from sheet metal material brazed together to define the different flow paths. Thermal gradients present in the sheet material create stresses that can be very high in certain locations. The stresses are typically largest in one corner where the hot side flow first meets the coldest portion of the cooling flow. In an opposite corner where the coldest hot side flow meets the hottest cold side flow the temperature difference is much less resulting in unbalanced stresses across the heat exchanger structure. Increasing temperatures and pressures can result in stresses on the structure that can exceed material and assembly capabilities.
Turbine engine manufactures utilize heat exchangers throughout the engine to cool and condition airflow for cooling and other operational needs. Improvements to turbine engines have enabled increases in operational temperatures and pressures. The increases in temperatures and pressures improve engine efficiency but also increase demands on all engine components including heat exchangers.
Turbine engine manufacturers continue to seek further improvements to engine performance including improvements to thermal, transfer and propulsive efficiencies.

Shaped leading edge of cast plate fin heat exchanger


An orthotic device is disclosed. The orthotic device may be adapted to be attached to a limb to enable the limb to replicate normal motion so that the user regains substantially normal operation of the limb. The orthotic device may have a frame system formed of a lightweight supportive material and configured to receive the user's limb, and an electronically actuated muscle operatively connected to the frame system for expanding and contracting at predetermined levels to mimic movement of the limb, when functioning normally. The orthotic device may also have a controller operatively connected to the muscle for transmitting signals corresponding to the predetermined levels to the muscle, and a sensor controlled by the user for actuating the muscle.

A staggering number of people are affected by a gait abnormality characterized by a dropping of the forefoot, referred to as drop foot. This condition is classified as the loss of the ability to move one's foot, either from weakness or paralysis. Individuals suffering from a drop foot condition have difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, causing the foot to hang down and turn inward. In some cases, individuals with drop foot are unable to lift their toes sufficiently while walking, so their toes drag while taking a step. Some lift their leg higher to overcompensate for their inability to control their affected foot. The risk of falling is significantly increased.
The population affected by drop foot condition is significant. Senior citizens represent a growing segment in society as lifespans increase, but many over the age of sixty-five find it difficult to walk three city blocks or one flight of stairs because of an inability to lift their feet from weakness, paralysis, or chronic health issues. In fact, drop foot is a common side effect experienced by patients recovering from stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorder, diabetes, and fibula fracture, to name a few.
In the not too distant past, people with gait difficulties, particularly the elderly, were left behind. Even today, improvements for assisting individuals with impaired gait have failed to offer a user-friendly orthotic device, particularly one that is not bulky or unattractive.
There are static orthotic braces and actuating nerve-stimulating orthotics called Functional Electrical Stimulators (FES). The FES systems include Bioness, which is an orthotic that is wrapped around the portion of the leg right below the knee. It is placed on the peroneal nerve, which provides motion to the foot and ankle, but does not help muscular drop foot. Another FES System is WalkAide. Like Bioness, it shocks the peroneal nerve and is only useful for severe nerve damage.
Examples of static orthotic products include Molded Ankle Foot Orthotics (MAFO) and Silicone Ankle Foot Orthotics (SAFO). A MAFO orthotic is a rigid or semi-rigid brace, while the SAFO orthotic consists of a silicone wrap. Static systems such as the SAFO and MAFO, however, typically limit ankle movement and do not assist the patient in lifting the heel and/or toe upward while taking a step. Other drawbacks in conventional devices include the bulky and/or undesirable appearance, causing many to discontinue use and remain sedentary.
In view of the foregoing, a need exists for improved orthotic devices, not merely to address drop foot condition, but useful in addressing other ailments affecting the mobility of limbs generally.

Orthotic device for assisting limb movement


A device for making branch connections to screened cables comprising an insulative material in which electrical conductors are embedded, an insulative sheath enclosing the insulative material and a metal braid comprises rings adapted to be crimped to the respective ends of the screened cables over the previously exposed braid and a metal casing in the form of two half-shells adapted to nest one within the other and comprising complementary notches. The rings are accommodated in the notches at the crimps.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to devices for making branch connections to screened cables.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many machines employ screened cables to protect them against interference. The screening must extend the full length of the cable, which prevents the making of branch connections. Where a plurality of machines is to be connected it is then necessary to provide a separate screened cable for each machine, which takes up a lot of room and is hardly practical.
One object of the present invention is to provide a simple device for making branch connections to screened cables.


An integrated component mounting system that includes a component mounted to a shaft and secured in place by a nut. The component and the nut each define respective annular shaped surfaces. The shaped surfaces are each inclined at a similar angle and are arranged for sliding contact with respect to each other. As the nut is tightened on the shaft, the shaped surface of the nut exerts both radial and axial forces on the shaped surface of the component, thereby automatically centering the component radially on the shaft as well as securing the component at a desired location along the shaft.

1. The Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to mounting systems for positioning and securing a component on a shaft. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to target anode mounting systems and devices that include various features which serve to reliably and effectively establish and maintain the both the axial and radial position of the target anode in a variety of operating conditions.
2. Related Technology
X-ray producing devices are valuable tools that are used in a wide variety of industrial, medical, and other applications. For example, such equipment is commonly used in areas such as diagnostic and therapeutic radiology, semiconductor manufacture and fabrication, and materials analysis and testing. While they are used in various different applications, the different x-ray devices share the same underlying operational principles. In general, x-rays, or x-ray radiation, are produced when electrons are produced, accelerated, and then impinged upon a material of a particular composition.
Typically, these processes are carried out within a vacuum enclosure. Disposed within the vacuum enclosure is an electron generator, or cathode, and a target anode, which is spaced apart from the cathode. In operation, electrical power is applied to a filament portion of the cathode, which causes a stream of electrons to be emitted by the process of thermionic emission. A high voltage potential applied across the anode and the cathode causes the electrons emitted from the cathode to rapidly accelerate towards a target surface, or focal track, positioned on the target anode.
The accelerating electrons in the stream strike the target surface, typically a refractory metal having a high atomic number, at a high velocity and a portion of the kinetic energy of the striking electron stream is converted to electromagnetic waves of very high frequency, or x-rays. The resulting x-rays emanate from the target surface, and are then collimated through a window formed in the x-ray tube for penetration into an object, such as the body of a patient. As is well known, the x-rays can be used for therapeutic treatment, or for x-ray medical diagnostic examination or material analysis procedures.
Due to the nature of the operation of an x-ray tube, components of the x-ray tube are subjected to a variety of demanding operating conditions. For example, in addition to stimulating the production of x-rays, the kinetic energy of the striking electron stream also causes a significant amount of heat to be produced in the target anode. As a result, the target anode typically experiences extremely high operating temperatures, as high as 2300° C. during normal operations. However, the anode is not the only element of the x-ray tube subjected to such operating temperatures. For example, components such as the shaft, and the nut which secures the target anode on the shaft, are also exposed to these high temperatures as a result of their proximity to, and substantial contact with, the target anode.
In addition to experiencing high operating temperatures, the components of the x-ray device are also exposed to thermal stress cycling situations where relatively wide variations in operating temperature may occur in a relatively short period of time. By way of example, the temperature in the region of the target anode may, in some cases, increase from about 20° C. to about 1250° C. in a matter of minutes. The relatively rapid rate at which such temperature changes take place imposes high levels of thermally-induced stress and strain in the x-ray tube components.
Further, many of the rotating components of a typical rotating anode type x-ray device are additionally subjected to high levels of non-thermally induced mechanical stress induced by high speed rotation of the anode and shaft. For example, in many rotating anode type x-ray devices, the anode, the shaft and the nut used to attach the anode to the shaft, are subjected to high stress "boost and brake" cycles. In a typical boost and brake cycle, the anode may be accelerated from zero to ten thousand (10,000) revolutions per minute (RPM) in less than ten seconds. This high rate of acceleration imposes significant mechanical stresses on the anode, the shaft and the nut. Thus, the components which are used to secure the anode in position are exposed not only to extreme thermal stresses, but are simultaneously exposed to significant stresses imposed by the mechanical operations of the x-ray device.
The operating conditions just described have a variety of effects that may be detrimental to the operation and service life of the x-ray tube. At least some of such effects concern the attachment of the target anode to the shaft.
For example, it may be desirable in some instances to define a gap between the outside diameter of the shaft and the opening in the anode through which the shaft passes. Such a gap would permit manipulation of anode orientation prior to operation of the x-ray device. In particular, the gap allows the assembler to attempt to minimize anode run-out with respect to the shaft by shifting the lateral, or radial, position of the anode slightly prior to tightening the nut. However, while such a gap may be useful in the sense that it permits initial positioning of the anode with respect to the shaft, the gap also allows the possibility of undesirable lateral movement, or radial runout, of the anode when the anode is subjected to mechanical and thermal stresses.
Failure to compensate for, or otherwise eliminate, such radial runout by limiting or preventing the movement of the target anode may cause problems with the operation of the device. For example, high operational speeds and mechanical stresses may cause a target anode that is relatively unconstrained from radial movement to vibrate and produce noise during operation of the x-ray device. Vibration may also result when the target anode is not centered with respect to the rotor shaft. Such vibration and noise, in turn, have various negative consequences with respect to the performance and operational life of the x-ray device.
For example, vibration and/or movement of the target anode will cause corresponding movement of the focal spot on the target surface of the anode. Because high quality imaging depends upon reliable maintenance of focal spot positioning, any such focal spot movement will compromise the quality of the images that can be produced with the x-ray device. Furthermore, unchecked vibration may ultimately damage the target anode, shaft, the nut, or other components of the x-ray device. Moreover, noise and vibration may be unsettling to the x-ray device operator and the x-ray subject, particularly in mammographic applications where the subject is in relatively intimate contact with the x-ray device.
In view of the foregoing problems, and others, a need exists for a component mounting system that substantially prevents radial runout of the mounted component and thereby substantially reduces the noise, vibration, and other effects associated with unbalanced and inadequately unconstrained components.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Varian Medical Systems Technologies, Inc.


An automatic software updating method in a communication network including a host computer, a plurality of branch processing computers each connected to the host computer for serving as servers, and a plurality of personal computers connected to a corresponding branch processing computer is provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) uploading a new software together with a version-up table including a version code to the host computer; (b) downloading the version-up table uploaded in step (a) to the branch processing computer; (c) determining whether to download the software using the version code of the version-up table downloaded in step (b); (d) downloading the software according to the result of step (c); and (e) installing the software downloaded in step (d) in the personal computer. Therefore, an out-of-date software of computer systems dispersedly arranged in the network can be automatically updated by a partially corrected or newly developed software.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an automatic software updating method, and more particularly relates to an automatic software updating method for computer systems dispersedly arranged in a communication network.
2. Background Art
Generally, most out-of-date software available in the market today are updated by way of floppy disk distribution, tape distribution and modem support. For example, when an out-of-date software is upgraded for program enhanced features, or a new software which is the most up-to-date version, is needed to be developed, a software manufacturer typically writes an updated version of its software on floppy disks and distribute the disks to all of its customers. This software updating technique is, however, time consuming because the floppy disks are typically distributed via the postal service. In addition, the company personnel are sometimes required to make an on-site visit to update its customers' computer systems. As a result, the costs of labor, on-site visits and floppy disks are unnecessarily incurred. Further, there is a high possibility that new program errors may occur during a manual updating process.


When no light enters a photodiode, a second current mirror circuit operates. Consequently, a current that decreases a potential difference between two terminals of a light-receiving element flows into a transistor of the second current mirror circuit and an output of an optical sensor becomes low. Meanwhile, when light enters the photodiode, a transistor of the light-receiving element is turned on and the second current mirror circuit stops operating. Consequently, the current that decreases the potential difference between the two terminals of the light-receiving element is stopped in the transistor of the second current mirror circuit and the output of the optical sensor becomes high. This makes it possible to provide an optical sensor that has a circuit in which an output of a light-receiving element does not depend on a photocurrent and that is capable of operating at a high speed.

For detecting a speed of movement of a digital camera lens, a photo interrupter is used. The photo interrupter here employs a light-receiving element having two terminals. Further, as the light-receiving element of the photo interrupter, a phototransistor has conventionally been used.
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of a conventional light-receiving element employing a phototransistor. When light enters this light-receiving element, a current flows between an output detection terminal and GND. This current is a photocurrent amplified hfe times. As a result, a potential difference is produced at an external resistor section. Due to this potential difference, a voltage of the output detection terminal decreases and consequently, light detection becomes possible.
Patent Literature 1 discloses to widen a range of an output voltage by reversal of an application bias voltage in an optical sensor including a light-receiving element having two terminals. Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique for making it possible to detect slight light to intense light by providing a switch in a circuit for amplifying a photocurrent caused by light received, in an optical sensor including a light-receiving element having two terminals. Further, Patent Literature 3 discloses to obtain a semiconductor device capable of detecting a low illuminance in an optical sensor including a light-receiving element having two terminals.
Patent Literature 4 discloses a device for detecting a rotational speed. This device employs an SMR element or an MR element. In this device, a sensor means including a detection element (detecting section) is driven by a constant voltage that is generated in constant voltage generating means. Then, an output of the sensor means is compared with a comparative voltage by comparison means. Further, in the device, a high current value and a low current value of a square wave current are switched by on and off outputs of a comparator in the comparison means. This device detects a physical quantity of a magnetic field. However, this device may be used as an optical sensor having two terminals, by replacing the detection element with a photodiode.

Optical sensor including light-receiving element having two terminals and electronics device including the optical sensor


A vehicle can have an electronic configuration or a mechanical configuration. In the electronic configuration, a button is operated to start the engine of the vehicle. In the mechanical configuration, a key is inserted in a key cylinder to start the engine of the vehicle. A button signal is output when the button is operated. A key signal is output when the key is inserted in the key cylinder. The configuration of vehicle can be automatically detected based on whether the button signal is output or the key signal is output. An appropriate starting control for the engine is selected based on the configuration of the vehicle.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a technology for starting a vehicle self-directively or based on a command from a remote terminal.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, vehicles have been put into practical use in which it is possible to start the engine by remote control or by a timer. In such a vehicle, as a consequence, it becomes possible to warm up the vehicle and/or start the air-conditioner of the vehicle in advance, i.e., before the driver or passengers get into the vehicle.
These vehicles include a starting control apparatus that starts the engine when a certain condition is satisfied. The condition is satisfied when the starting control apparatus receives a remote command to start the engine or when a set time is reached. The starting control apparatus carries out an operation similar to a starting operation by the typical car key when the certain condition is satisfied. Namely, the starting control apparatus activates a starter motor and the engine controller then carries out fuel injection.
Sometimes the starting control apparatus is installed in the vehicle after the vehicle is bought. Immobilizers have become popular that immobilize the engine or certain other functions unless an authentic car key is used to start the engine. When the starting control apparatus is installed in a vehicle equipped with an immobilizer, because the immobilizer immobilize the engine unless an authentic car key is used, it becomes necessary to cancel the effect of the immobilizer to obtain the effect of the starting control apparatus. One approach is to send an authentication code from the starting control apparatus to the immobilizer. A conventional technology has been disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 3365716 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 3365717.
Mainly two configurations are currently available for starting an engine of a vehicle: mechanical and electronic. In the mechanical configuration, a key is inserted into a key cylinder and the key is turned. In the electronic configuration, also popularly know as push-starting system, a button is operated.
Thus, there are various configurations for starting an engine of a vehicle. If different starting control apparatuses are produced for vehicles having different configurations, it results in an increase in the cost. Moreover, even if a starting control apparatus that is applicable to both the configurations, mechanical and electronic, is produced, efforts are required to be taken to register the configuration of the vehicle in the starting control apparatus.
Thus, there is a need for development of a starting control apparatus that can automatically identify the configuration of the vehicle in which it is installed and select an appropriate mode for starting control of the engine.

Method and apparatus for starting control of vehicle


A head-gauge/tank-bladder device for measuring the pressure of liquid within a tank. The invention provides for measuring the tank pressure while maintaining the gauge isolated form the liquid within the tank. The invention is connects a gauge to a fluid filled tank through at least one threaded connection. On the other end of the tube, a bladder is attached. A liquid contained within the tubing transmits the tank fluid pressure to the gauge.

Storage tanks are used to hold a variety of liquids. Because the tanks are totally closed, conditions inside the tank, such as the liquid level is not readily apparent or easily ascertained. The liquid level may be measured by inserting a dip stick into the tank.
Gauges are often inserted into tanks holding various materials to measure various conditions within the tank such as the volume of liquid remaining in the tank. Problems arise because the liquid contained within the tank can adversely affect the gauge in a number of ways. Material such as crude oil or salt water can clog, or freeze the gauge or cause the gauge to deteriorate resulting in the gauge producing inaccurate readings.
In an attempt to solve the problems associated with gauge deterioration and clogging, devices which isolate the gauge from the liquid were designed which place a second liquid between the liquid in the tank and the gauge. Such devices include a surface or bladder on which the liquid acts. The surface contains the second liquid within an enclosed space. The surface then transmits the pressure to the second liquid which in turn acts on the gauge.
These isolating devices prevent the fouling and corrosion of the gauge. However, such gauge isolating devices require attachment to the inside of the tank thereby requiring full drainage of the tank and requiring personnel to enter the tank. Furthermore, the conditions inside the tank can be inhospitable to a person attempting to enter for measuring purposes. Moreover, additional problems have been encountered in the operation and installation of the isolating device when operating a gauge with an isolation device in cold climates, since the liquid within the device tends to freeze.


A field emission display panel that utilizes nanotube emitters as electron sources and is equipped with two cathodes i.e. a primary cathode and an auxiliary cathode, and an anode is provided. The nanotube emitters can be suitably formed by nanometer-dimensioned hollow tubes of carbon, diamond or diamond-like carbon mixed in a polymeric-based binder. The nanotube emitters are formed in two parallelly-positioned, spaced-apart rows on top of an electrode layer such as a silver paste by a thick film printing technique. Since both the primary cathode and the anode are formed on the bottom glass plate, the operating voltage can be controlled by the thickness of the dielectric layer that is used in forming the nanotube emitter stacks. An auxiliary cathode formed of an electrically conductive material is coated on the interior surface of a top glass plate to further repel electrons in a downward direction toward the anode on the bottom glass plate. As a result, the distance between the top plate and the bottom plate can be chosen to allow the rapid evacuation of the panel cavity to form a high vacuum therein without affecting the operating voltage of the device. The present invention novel FED panel can be fabricated with a large panel area and at a low cost.

The present invention generally relates to a field emission display (FED) device and a method for fabricating the device and more particularly, relates to a field emission display device equipped with two cathodes, an anode and nanotube emitters as the electron emission source, and a method for fabricating the device by a thick film printing technique.
In recent years, flat panel display devices have been developed and widely used in electronic applications such as personal computers. One of the popularly used flat panel display device is an active matrix liquid crystal display which provides improved resolution. However, the liquid crystal display device has many inherent limitations that render it unsuitable for a number of applications. For instance, liquid crystal displays have numerous fabrication limitations including a slow deposition process for coating a glass panel with amorphous silicon, high manufacturing complexity and low yield for the fabrication process. Moreover, the liquid crystal display devices require a fluorescent back light which draws high power while most of the light generated is wasted. A liquid crystal display image is also difficult to see under bright light conditions or at wide viewing angles which further limit its use in many applications.
Other flat panel display devices have been developed in recent years to replace the liquid crystal display panels. One of such devices is a field emission display device that overcomes some of the limitations of LCD and provides significant advantages over the traditional LCD devices. For instance, the field emission display devices have higher contrast ratio, larger viewing angle, higher maximum brightness, lower power consumption and a wider operating temperature range when compared to a conventional thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display panel.
A most drastic difference between a FED and a LCD is that, unlike the LCD, FED produces its own light source utilizing colored phosphors. The FEDs do not require complicated, power-consuming backlights and filters and as a result, almost all the light generated by a FED is visible to the user. Furthermore, the FEDs do not require large arrays of thin film transistors, and thus, a major source of high cost and yield problems for active matrix LCDs is eliminated.
In a FED, electrons are emitted from a cathode and impinge on phosphors coated on the back of a transparent cover plate to produce an image. Such a cathodoluminescent process is known as one of the most efficient methods for generating light. Contrary to a conventional CRT device, each pixel or emission unit in a FED has its own electron source, i.e., typically an array of emitting microtips. A voltage difference existed between a cathode and a gate electrode which extracts electrons from the cathode and accelerates them toward the phosphor coating. The emission current, and thus the display brightness, is strongly dependent on the work function of the emitting material. To achieve the necessary efficiency of a FED, the cleanliness and uniformity of the emitter source material are very important.
In order for the electron to travel in a FED, most FEDs are evacuated to a low pressure such as 10xe2x88x927 torr in order to provide a log mean free path for the emitted electrons and to prevent contamination and deterioration of the microtips. The resolution of the display can be improved by using a focus. grid to collimate electrons drawn from the microtips.
In the early development for field emission cathodes, a metal microtip emitter of molybdenum was utilized. In such a device, a silicon wafer is first oxidized to produce a thick silicon oxide layer and then a metallic gate layer is deposited on top of the oxide. The metallic gate layer is then patterned to form gate openings, while subsequent etching of the silicon oxide underneath the openings undercuts the gate and creates a well. A sacrificial material layer such as nickel is deposited to prevent deposition of nickel into the emitter well. Molybdenum is then deposited at normal incidence such that a cone with a sharp point grows inside the cavity until the opening closes thereabove. An emitter cone is left when the sacrificial layer of nickel is removed.
In an alternate design, silicon microtip emitters are produced by first conducting a thermal oxidation on silicon and then followed by patterning the oxide and selectively etching to form silicon tips. Further oxidation or etching protects the silicon and sharpens the point to provide a sacrificial layer. In another alternate design, the microtips are built onto a substrate of a desirable material such as glass, as an ideal substrate for large area flat panel displays. The microtips can be formed of conducting materials such as metals or doped semi-conducting materials. In this alternate design for a FED device, an interlayer that has controlled conductivity deposited between the cathode and the microtips is highly desirable. A proper resistivity of the interlayer enables the device to operate in a stable condition. In fabricating such FED devices, it is therefore desirable to deposit an amorphous silicon film which has electrical conductivity in an intermediate range between that of intrinsic amorphous silicon and n+ doped amorphous silicon. The conductivity of the nxe2x88x92 doped amorphous silicon can be controlled by adjusting the amount of phosphorous atoms contained in the film.
Generally, in the fabrication of a FED device, the device is contained in a cavity of very low pressure such that the emission of electrons is not impeded. For instance, a low pressure of 10xe2x88x927 torr is normally required. In order to prevent the collapse of two relatively large glass panels which form the FED device, spacers must be used to support and provide proper spacing between the two panels. For instance, in conventional FED devices, glass spheres or glass crosses have been used for maintaining such spacings in FED devices. Elongated spacers have also been used for such purpose.
Referring initially to FIG. 1A wherein an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a conventional field emission display device 10 is shown. The FED device 10 is formed by depositing a resistive layer 12 of typically an amorphous silicon base film on a glass substrate 14. An insulating layer 16 of a dielectric material and a metallic gate layer 18 are then deposited and formed together to provide metallic microtips 20 and a cathode structure 22 is covered by the resistive layer 12 and thus, a resistive but somewhat conductive amorphous silicon layer 12 underlies a highly insulating layer 16 which is formed of a dielectric material such as SiO2. It is important to be able to control the resistivity of the amorphous silicon layer 12 such that it is not overly resistive but yet, it will act as a limiting resistor to prevent excessive current flow if one of the microtips 20 shorts to the metal layer 18.
A completed FED structure 30 including anode 28 mounted on top of the structure 30 is shown in FIG. 1B. It is to be noted, for simplicity reasons, the cathode layer 22 and the resistive layer 12 are shown as a single layer 22 for the cathode. The microtips 20 are formed to emit electrons 26 from the tips of the microtips 20. The gate electrodes 18 are provided with a positive charge, while the anode 28 is provided with a higher positive charge. The anode 28 is formed by a glass plate 36 which is coated with phosphorous particles 32. An intermittent conductive layer of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) layer 34 may also be utilized to further improve the brightness of the phosphorous layer when bombarded by electrons 26. This is shown in a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 1C. The total thickness of the FED device is only about 2 mm, with vacuum pulled in between the lower glass plate 14 and the upper glass plate 36 sealed by sidewall panels 38 (shown in FIG. 1B).
The conventional FED devices formed by microtips shown in FIGS. 1A-1C produce a flat panel display device of improved quality when compared to liquid crystal display devices. However, a major disadvantage of the microtip FED device is the complicated processing steps that must be used to fabricate the device. For instance, the formation of the various layers in the device, and specifically, the formation of the microtips requires a thin film deposition technique utilizing a photolithographic method. As a result, numerous photomasking steps must be performed in order to define and fabricate the various structural features in the FED. The CVD deposition processes and the photolithographic processes involved greatly increase the manufacturing cost of a FED device.
In a co-pending application, Ser. No. 09/377,315, assigned to the common assignee of the present invention, a field emission display device and a method for fabricating such device of a triode structure using nanotube emitters as the electron emission sources were disclosed. In the triode structure FED device, the device is constructed by a first electrically insulating plate, a cathode formed on the first electrically insulating plate by a material that includes metal, a layer formed on the cathode of a high electrical resistivity material, a layer of nanotube emitters formed on the resistivity layer of a material of carbon, diamond or diamond-like carbon wherein the cathode, the resistivity layer and the nanotube emitter layer form an emitter stack insulated by an insulating rib section from adjacent emitter stacks, a dielectric material layer perpendicularly overlying a multiplicity of the emitter stacks, a gate electrode on top of the dielectric material layer, and an anode formed on a second electrically insulating plate overlying the gate electrode. The FED device proposed can be fabricated advantageously by a thick film printing technique at substantially lower fabrication cost and higher fabrication efficiency than the FEDs utilizing microtips. However, three separate electrodes are still required for the device, i.e., a cathode, a gate electrode and an anode which must be formed in separate process steps.
In another co-pending application, Ser. No. 09/396,536, assigned to the common assignee of the present invention, a field emission display device and a method for fabricating the diode structure device using nanotube emitters as the electron emission sources were disclosed. In the diode structure FED device, the device is constructed by a first glass plate that has a plurality of emitter stacks formed on a top surface, each of the emitter stacks is formed parallel to a transverse direction of the glass plate and includes a layer of electrically conductive material such as silver paste and a layer of nanotube emitter on top. The first glass plate has a plurality of rib sections formed of an insulating material in between the plurality of emitter stacks to provide electrical insulation. A second glass plate is positioned over and spaced-apart from the first glass plate with an inside surface coated with a layer of an electrically conductive material such as indium-tin-oxide. A multiplicity of fluorescent powder coating strips is then formed on the ITO layer each for emitting a red, green or blue light when activated by electrons emitted from the plurality of emitter stacks. The field emission display panel is assembled together by a number of side panels that joins the peripheries of the first and second glass plate together to form a vacuum-tight cavity therein. The FED device disclosed in this application can be fabricated with only two electrodes, i.e., the first electrode coated on the bottom glass plate and the second electrode coated on the top glass plate without the use of a gate electrode in between the two plates. In this configuration, the electron emitted from the nanotube emitters do not strike the phosphor coating layer on the top glass plate as hard as they would have when a gate electrode is utilized.
Various other fabrication and performance problems have been encountered in the above-described triode and diode structured FED""S. For instance, in the triode structure FED""s, the fabrication process is more complex and thus more difficult to achieve products of high reliability. The thickness of the insulating dielectric layer and the spacing between the electrodes must be formed with high precision in order to achieve reliability. In the diode structure FED""s, the distance between the cathode of phosphor coating and the anode of nanotube emitters must not be larger than 100 xcexcm. This limitation must be met in order to produce an operating field at 5 volts/xcexcm in a nanotube emitter type FED so that the driving voltage required stays in a reasonable range, i.e. smaller than 500 volts. The small distance allowed between the top plate (the anode) and the bottom plate (the cathode) causes other processing difficulties such as that of achieving a high vacuum in the cavity between the two plates, particularly when display panels of large dimensions are fabricated; and that of scattered electrons when only two electrodes are used resulting in reduced intensity and image quality.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a FED panel that can be fabricated by a thick film printing technique which does not have the drawbacks or shortcomings of the conventional FED panel fabricated by thin film deposition processes.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a FED panel that can be fabricated by a thick film printing technique to form two cathodes and an anode in-between two panel substrates.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a diode structure FED panel that can be fabricated by a thick film printing technique in forming a primary cathode, an auxiliary cathode and an anode for improved light intensity.
It is another further object of the present invention to provide a FED panel that can be fabricated by a screen printing technique and assembled without critical alignment requirements.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a FED panel which utilizes two cathodes formed by a thick film printing technique and an anode of an ITO (indium-tin-oxide) electrode film formed by a thin film sputtering technique.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a FED panel wherein a dielectric layer of large thickness is used to insulate a primary cathode from an anode wherein the primary cathode is formed in two parallelly-positioned rows of electrodes formed of carbon nanotubes on each emitter stack.
It is still another further object of the present invention to provide a method for fabricating a FED panel by first using a thick film technique for forming a plurality of electron emitters in a nanotube material and then a thin film sputtering technique for forming an anode of ITO.
It is yet another further object of the present invention to provide a method for fabricating a FED panel by using a thick film printing technique for forming a plurality of nanotube emitters on top of a cathode layer by mixing nanometer dimensioned hollow fibers of carbon, diamond or diamond-like carbon in a polymeric-based binder.
In accordance with the present invention, a field emission display panel equipped with two cathodes, i.e. a primary cathode and an auxiliary cathode, and an anode and a method for fabricating the FED panel by a thick film printing technique are disclosed.
In a preferred embodiment, a field emission display panel that has two cathodes and an anode is provide which includes a first electrically insulating plate for use as a first panel substrate; a first plurality of emitter stacks formed substantially equally spaced from each other at a predetermined spacing in a longitudinal direction on the first electrically insulating plate, each of the emitter stacks is positioned parallel to a transverse direction of the first insulating plate and includes sequentially a layer of a dielectric material, a layer of a first electrically conductive material and a layer of nanotube emitters with the layer of dielectric material intimately contacting the first electrically insulating plate, the layer of nanotube emitters is formed in two rows spaced-apart and insulated from each other, a second plurality of nanotube emitters is formed spaced-apart and insulated from each other in each row; a second plurality of electrically conductive strips formed of a substantially transparent material coated on the first electrically insulating plate in-between the plurality of emitter stacks insulated from each other by the layer of dielectric material; a second plurality of fluorescent coating strips formed on the second plurality of electrically conductive strips each for emitting a red, green or blue light upon activation by electrons emitted from the second plurality of nanotube emitters on the first plurality of emitter stacks; a second electrically insulating plate positioned over and spaced-apart from the first electrically insulating plate for use as a second panel substrate, the second plate has on a surface facing the first plate a layer of the substantially transparent material coated; and a plurality of side panels joining peripheries of the first and second electrically insulating plates together forming a vacuum-tight cavity therein.
In the field emission display panel that is equipped with two cathodes and an anode, the second plurality of electrically conductive strips may further include a reflective coating layer coated in-between the second plurality of electrically conductive strips and the first electrically insulating plate. The reflective coating layer may be formed of a metal. The first and second electrically insulating plates may be formed of a ceramic material that is substantially transparent. The layer of the first electrically conductive material is a first cathode and the substantially transparent material coated on the second plate is a second cathode for the field emission display panel. The layer of the first electrically conductive material may be a silver paste. The second plurality of electrically conductive strips are an anode for the field emission display panel. The second plurality of electrically conductive strips may be formed of indium-tin-oxide. The layer of nanotube emitters may be formed of a mixture of nanometer dimensioned hollow tubes and a binder material. The layer of nanotube emitters may be formed of a mixture of nanometer dimensioned hollow tubes of carbon, diamond, or diamond-like carbon and a polymeric-based binder. Each of the second plurality of flourescent coating strips emits a light of red, green or blue that is different than the light emitted by its immediate adjacent strips when activated by electrons emitted from an adjacent pair of the second plurality of nanotube emitters. The layer of dielectric material in the first plurality of emitter stacks has a thickness between about 10 xcexcm and about 300 xcexcm.
The present invention is further directed to a method for fabricating a field emission display panel with two cathodes and an anode including the operating steps of first providing a first electrically insulating plate; forming a first plurality of electrically conductive strips of a substantially transparent material on the first electrically insulating plate, the first plurality of electrically conductive strips is an anode; forming a first plurality of emitter stacks on the first electrically insulating plate by a thick film printing technique parallel to a transverse direction of the first electrically insulating plate, each of the emitter stacks includes sequentially a layer of a dielectric material, a layer of a second electrically conductive material and a layer of nanotube emitters with the layer of dielectric material intimately contacting the first electrically insulating plate; forming a second plurality of nanotube emitters spaced-apart and insulated from each other in two parallelly situated and spaced-apart rows on top of each emitter stack from the layer of nanotube emitters, the second plurality of nanotube emitters is a first cathode; forming a second plurality of fluorescent coating strips on the first plurality of electrically conductive strips each for emitting a red, green or blue light when activated by electrons emitted from the second plurality of nanotube emitters on the first plurality of emitter stacks, positioning a second electrically insulating plate over and spaced-apart from the first electrically insulating plate, the second plate has on a surface facing the first plate a layer of the substantially transparent material coated forming a second cathode; and joining the first and second electrically insulating plates together by side panels and forming a vacuum-tight cavity therein.
The method for fabricating a field emission display panel with two cathodes and an anode may further include the step of providing the first and second electrically insulating plates in substantially transparent glass plates. The method may further include the step of printing the layer of a second electrically conductive material in a silver paste. The method may further include the step of printing the layer of nanotube emitters from a mixture of a binder and nanometer dimensioned hollow fibers selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, diamond fibers and diamond-like carbon fibers. The method may further include the step of connecting a negative charge to each of the first and second cathodes and a positive charge to the anode. The first plurality of electrically conductive strips may be formed of indium-tin-oxide.
The method for fabricating a field emission display panel with two cathodes and an anode may further include the step of coating a reflective coating layer in-between the first plurality of electrically conductive strips and the first electrically insulating plate. The second multiplicity of fluorescent coating strips may be formed by a thick film printing technique. The second multiplicity of fluorescent coating strips may be formed such that each strip emits a red, green or blue light that is different than its immediate adjacent strips when activated by electrons emitted from an adjacent pair of the second plurality of nanotube emitters. The method may further include the step of coating the reflective coating layer in a metallic material, or in Cr or Al. The method may further include the step of forming the second plurality of fluorescent coating strips by a material that includes phosphor.

Field emission display panel equipped with two cathodes and an anode

Industrial Technology Research Institute


A grid-connected inverter apparatus includes: an inverter 50 for converting a DC output based on power generated from a power generation equipment 100 into an AC; a DC voltage measuring unit 40 for measuring a DC voltage on a DC input side of the inverter 50; a grid interconnection switch 70 having two independent relay switches 71, 72 each corresponding to phases of a grid power system 110 to which the inverter 50 is connected; and a control unit 90 for controlling the two relay switches 71, 72, such that the control unit 90, after opening the two relay switches 71, 72, changes the relay switch 71 such that the opening control is changes to closing control and, based on a change in the DC voltage measured by the DC voltage measuring unit 40 before and after the changing control, determines whether the relay switch 72 is faulty.

A power generation system having a power generation equipment such as a solar panel and the like is provided with a grid-connected inverter apparatus that converts a direct current (DC) from the power generation equipment into an alternating current (AC) and supplies power to loads on a premise by interconnecting with the grid or conducts reverse power flow of excess power to the grid. Such a grid-connected inverter apparatus is also called as a power conditioner and provided with an inverter for converting the DC from the power generation equipment into the AC and a grid interconnection switch for connecting the inverter to the grid (for example, see Patent Document 1).
The grid interconnection switch is usually constituted by using a relay switch and, upon occurrence of abnormalities of a grid voltage due to a power failure and the like, upon occurrence of a fault in the grid-connected inverter apparatus itself, or upon stopping operation of a driving operation by a user, switched off by a control unit. Thereby, the inverter is disconnected from the grid, such that the safety of the power generation system and the grid is ensured.
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-27764

Grid-connected inverter apparatus and control method therefor