A device management service to facilitate onboarding of a remote IoT device may receive, from a client service, a request for a session certificate for a remote device. The device management service may send the session certificate to the client service, where the session certificate is valid for the remote device to obtain a primary certificate during a session duration. The device management service may receive, from the remote device, a request for the primary certificate for the remote device. The device management service may send, to the remote device, the primary certificate, wherein the primary certificate enables communication between the remote device and the device management service, and wherein the primary certificate has a primary duration that is longer than the session duration. The device management service may establish a communication channel with the remote device according to the primary certificate.

Connected devices, such as Internet of Things ("IoT") devices, perform various tasks around a physical location in conjunction with one or more services operating via the Internet. IoT devices are manufactured with unique identifiers and unique certificates to enable communications with their respective services. Manufacturing the IoT devices with the unique certificates may increase production time and costs. Onboarding multiple IoT devices may be managed by a centralized device management service that is configured to manage certificates for the IoT devices. The unique certificates may be compared against certificates stored at the device management service to validate that the IoT devices are allowed to access the device management service. At scale, storage of numerous unique certificates creates a burden on the device management service.
The unique certificates embedded on the IoT devices may be valid for an indefinite time period because the manufacturer has no indication on how much time will pass between manufacturing and activation of the IoT device by an end user. Indefinite access to the device management service may create a security flaw that is avoidable by limiting access to the device management service by the IoT devices. The unique certificates embedded on the IoT devices are also not easily changed in response to changes to the device management service. For example, already manufactured IoT devices may need to be recalled from marketplaces in order to modify the embedded certificates.
While embodiments are described herein by way of example for several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit embodiments to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words "include", "including", and "includes" mean including, but not limited to.
This specification includes references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment." The appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner consistent with this disclosure.
"Comprising." This term is open-ended. As used in the appended claims, this term does not foreclose additional structure or steps. Consider a claim that recites: "An apparatus comprising one or more processor units . . . " Such a claim does not foreclose the apparatus from including additional components (e.g., a network interface unit, graphics circuitry, etc.).
"Configured To." Various units, circuits, or other components may be described or claimed as "configured to" perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is used to connote structure by indicating that the units/circuits/components include structure (e.g., circuitry) that performs those task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be said to be configured to perform the task even when the specified unit/circuit/component is not currently operational (e.g., is not on). The units/circuits/components used with the "configured to" language include hardware—for example, circuits, memory storing program instructions executable to implement the operation, etc. Reciting that a unit/circuit/component is "configured to" perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f), for that unit/circuit/component. Additionally, "configured to" can include generic structure (e.g., generic circuitry) that is manipulated by software or firmware (e.g., an FPGA or a general-purpose processor executing software) to operate in manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. "Configure to" may also include adapting a manufacturing process (e.g., a semiconductor fabrication facility) to fabricate devices (e.g., integrated circuits) that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.
"First," "Second," etc. As used herein, these terms are used as labels for nouns that they precede, and do not imply any type of ordering (e.g., spatial, temporal, logical, etc.). For example, a buffer circuit may be described herein as performing write operations for "first" and "second" values. The terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that the first value must be written before the second value.
"Based On" or "Dependent On." As used herein, these terms are used to describe one or more factors that affect a determination. These terms do not foreclose additional factors that may affect a determination. That is, a determination may be solely based on those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors. Consider the phrase "determine A based on B." While in this case, B is a factor that affects the determination of A, such a phrase does not foreclose the determination of A from also being based on C. In other instances, A may be determined based solely on B.

Systems and methods for onboarding IoT devices with session certificates


An optical pickup apparatus is provided with: an astigmatic element for introducing astigmatism to a reflected light from a recording medium; and an optical element for varying advancing directions of luminous fluxes within four different luminous flux regions with one another, out of the reflected light, so as to scatter the luminous fluxes within the four luminous flux regions with one another. When an intersecting point of two mutually crossing straight lines respectively parallel to a first direction by the astigmatic element and a second direction vertical to the first convergence direction is aligned to an optical axis of the reflected light, the two luminous flux regions are placed in a direction where a set of vertical angles created by the two straight lines forms a line, and the remaining two luminous flux regions are placed in a direction where the other set of vertical angles forms a line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical pickup apparatus and a focal-point adjusting method, and more particularly, relates to an optical pickup apparatus and focal-point adjusting method suitable in use at the time of recording to and reproducing from a recording medium stacked thereon with a plurality of recording layers.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the recent years, along with the increased capacity of optical discs, the multilayered recording layers have been advanced. By including a plurality of recording layers in a single disc, the data capacity of the disc can be increased remarkably. When stacking the recording layers, the general practice until now has been to stack two layers on one side, but recently, to further advance the large capacity, disposing three or more recording layers on one side is also examined. Herein, when the number of recording layers to be stacked is increased, the large capacity of a disc can be promoted. However, on the other hand, the space between recording layers is narrowed, and signal degradation caused by crosstalk between layers increases.
If the recording layer is multilayered, a reflected light from the recording layer to be recorded or reproduced (target recording layer) becomes very weak. Therefore, when unnecessary reflected light (stray light) enters a photodetector from the recording layers present above and below the target recording layer, the detection signal is degraded, which may exert an adverse effect on a focus servo and a tracking servo. Therefore, when a large number of recording layers are disposed in this way, the stray light needs to be removed properly so as to stabilize the signals from the photodetector.
Herein, a method for removing the stray light includes that which uses a pinhole. In this method, a pinhole is disposed at a convergence position of the signal light. According to this method, a part of the stray light is intercepted by the pinhole, and therefore, the unnecessary stray light component entering the photodetector can be reduced. Another method for removing the stray light includes that which combines ½ wavelength plates and polarized light optical elements. According to this method, a polarization direction of the stray light is changed by the ½ wavelength plates, and the stray light is intercepted by the polarized light optical elements. Thus, the unnecessary stray light component entering the photodetector can be removed.
However, in the case of the method for removing the stray light by using a pinhole, the pinhole needs to be positioned accurately at the convergence position of a laser light (signal light) reflected from the target recording layer, and therefore, a task for adjusting the position of the pinhole is difficult, thus posing a problem. If the size of the pinhole is increased to facilitate the task for adjusting the position, the proportion of the stray light passing through the pinhole increases, and the signal degradation caused by the stray light cannot be inhibited effectively.
Furthermore, in the case of the method in which the ½ wavelength plates and the polarized light optical elements are combined to remove the stray light, apart from the fact that the ½ wavelength plates and the polarized light optical elements two each are needed to remove the stray light, a user needs to have two lenses, which increases the number of components and the cost, and adjusting the placement of each component is a complex process, thus posing a problem. Furthermore, the user needs to have a space for placing and arraying these components, which results in the enlargement of the optical system, thus posing a problem.

Optical pickup apparatus and focal-point adjusting method


A screening tool for an antiplatelet agent wherein the tool is a human ADP receptor P2TAC protein, a variation functionally equivalent thereto, or a homologous protein thereof, and a screening tool for an antiplatelet agent wherein the tool is a transformant which is transformed with an expression vector comprising a DNA encoding the protein and is expressing the polypeptide are disclosed. Further, a method for detecting an ADP receptor P2TAC ligand, antagonist, or agonist by using the screening tool for an antiplatelet agent, and a method for screening an antiplatelet agent by the detecting method are disclosed.

The platelet was discovered in 1842 by Donne [C. R. Acad. Sci.(paris), 14, 336-368, 1842], and has long been regarded as a component of blood necessary for hemostasis. It is now known that the platelet plays not only a main role in the hemostatic system, but also multifunctional roles, for example, a clinically notable generation of arteriosclerosis, circulatory diseases including thrombotic diseases, metastasis of cancer, inflammation, rejection after grafting, participation in immune reaction, or the like.
At present, revascularization by pharmacological or physical methods is carried out to treat thrombotic diseases and ischemic diseases. However, it has been recently found that the activation, adhesion, and/or aggregation of the platelets is promoted by a collapse of blood vessel tissue including an endothelial cell after revascularization, or a collapse of a fibrinolysis-coagulation balance caused by a medicament per se, which becomes a clinical problem. For example, it is known that, after revascularization by a thrombolytic therapy using t-PA or the like, the fibrinolytic activity and/or coagulative activity are activated, and then the systemic fibrinolysis-coagulation balance collapses. Clinically, this causes re-occlusion, and becomes a critical problem therapeutically (J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 12, 616-623, 1988).
In addition, the PTCA (Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) therapy has quickly become widely used, and has achieved good results in the treatment of diseases based on aortostenosis or coronary stenosis such as angina, myocardial infarction, or the like. However, the therapy injures blood vessel tissue including an endothelial cell, and acute coronary obstruction, and restenosis, which is observed in approximately 30% of cases, become a problem.
The platelet plays an important role in these various thrombotic disorders (such as re-occlusion or the like) after the revascularization therapy. Therefore, an antiplatelet agent is desired as an agent for treating or preventing these thrombotic disorders.
In this connection, adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) is known as an important factor which induces or promotes the activation, adhesion, and aggregation of the platelets. ADP is released from platelets activated by collagen, thrombin, or the like, or from hemocytes, vascular endothelial cells, or organs injured by revascularization or the like. It is considered that ADP activates the platelets via a G protein-coupled ADP receptor P2T located in the platelet membrane (Biochem. J., 336, 513-523, 1998).
It has been suggested that a platelet ADP receptor P2TPLC which is coupled to Gq, one of the G proteins, and increases an intracellular Ca2+ concentration via phospholipase C (PLC), and a platelet ADP receptor P2TAC which is coupled to Gi, one of the G proteins, and suppresses an activity of adenylate cyclase (AC) are present as platelet ADP receptors. At present, the platelet ADP receptor P2TPLC has been identified as the receptor known as platelet ADP receptor P2Y1, but the entity of platelet ADP receptor P2TAC is not identified (Kunapuli, S. P. et al., Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 19, 391-394, 1998).
It is considered that Ticlopidine or Clopidogrel used as an antiplatelet agent functions by inhibiting the ADP receptor P2TAC via its metabolite in a body (Savi, P. J., Pharmaclo. Exp. Ther., 269, 772-777, 1994). Further, ARL67085, which is synthesized as a derivative of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is an ADP receptor antagonist in a body, exhibits an activity of suppressing a platelet aggregation by the antagonist activity against the platelet ADP receptor P2TAC, and the effectiveness thereof is proven by using a thrombosis model (Mills, D. C., Thromb. Hemost., 76, 835-856, 1996; and Humphries, R. G., Trends Pharmacol. Sci., 16, 179-181, 1995). Further, a derivative of Ap4A [P1,P4-di(adenosine-5′)tetraphosphate] exhibits an activity suppressing the platelet aggregation by ADP, by the antagonist activity against the platelet ADP receptor P2TAC, and the effectiveness thereof is proven by using a thrombosis model (Kim, B. K., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89, 2370-2373, 1992).
From the above information, an antagonist against the platelet ADP receptor P2TAC is desired as a strong antiplatelet agent. However, Ticlopidine or Clopidogrel exhibits a weak antiplatelet activity, and has problems such as a strong side effect or the like. Further, ARL67085 or derivatives thereof (ATP analogues), derivatives of Ap4A, or the like, which is studied as the ADP receptor antagonist, is a derivative of nucleotide, and then an oral bioavailability is not sufficient, and further problems arise such as a weak activity of suppressing the platelet aggregation. Therefore, an ADP receptor antagonist having a strong oral bioavailability is intensely desired (CAPRIE STEERING COMMITTEE, Lancet, 348, 1329-1339, 1996).
However, the ADP receptor P2TAC protein has not been identified as yet. Therefore, it is difficult to construct a convenient system for screening such a compound, and farther, the development of the ADP receptor P2TAC antagonist has not progressed.
In this connection, with regard to a DNA encoding a polypeptide consisting of the same amino acid sequence as that of a human ADP receptor P2TAC protein, which may be used in the present invention, and an amino acid sequence deduced from the DNA, there are several reports (WO00/22131, WO00/31258, WO00/28028, and WO98/50549 pamphlets). However, ligands are not elucidated in the reports, and no reports disclose that the protein is an ADP receptor located in the platelet.


A non-aqueous secondary lithium battery includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode which including at least one component selected from the group consisting of lithium, a lithium alloy, and a host compound which forms an intercalation compound or complex in combination with lithium; and an electrolytic solution or solid electrolyte containing a silicone compound.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a non-aqueous secondary lithium battery with a negative electrode comprising metal lithium, a lithium alloy, or a host compound which forms an intercalation compound or complex with lithium ions.
2. Discussion of Background
A secondary lithium battery is expected to be put to practical use, not only as a power source for portable electronic appliances, but also as a power source for electric automobiles and as a power source for power storage.
However, conventional secondary lithium batteries using metal lithium as a negative electrode thereof have problems in the cycle life and safety thereof when used in practice, so that a secondary lithium battery with satisfactory performance has not yet been developed. It is considered that this is partly because a negative electrode with satisfactory performance for the secondary lithium battery has not yet been developed.
One problem of the negative electrode of such conventional secondary lithium batteries, when used in practice, is that the metal lithium used in the negative electrode is so reactive that the surface of the negative electrode is apt to react with a solvent in contact therewith.
Lithium ion is reduced during the charging of the battery, so that metal lithium is formed. However, the metal lithium is apt to be formed in the form of dendrite, which has a problem of destroying an insulating separator disposed between a positive electrode and the negative electrode.
In order to solve this problem, additives for an electrolytic solutions have been studied as reported in "Denka" 57, 523 (1989) by M. Morita, S. Aoki and Y. Matsuda; and Progress in Batteries & Solar Cells, Vol. 8 (1989).
Furthermore, new negative electrodes using as a negative electrode material therefor an intercalation compound in which lithium ions are incorporated, a carbon material in which metal lithium is stabilized, or a ceramic material, are now being developed.
Examples of an intercalant for lithium ion are natural graphite, pyrolytic carbon prepared by thermal decomposition of coal, coke or organic materials; and carbon materials obtained by carbonizing natural polymers and synthetic polymers. Such carbon materials may be in various forms such as in the forms of porous powder, carbon fibers, and glassy carbon.
Varieties of active carbon materials for the negative electrode have been proposed.
For example, a conducting carbon material obtained by carbonizing furfuryl resin at 1100.degree. C. is proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 2-66856; a conducting carbon material which is obtained by thermal treatment of an aromatic polyimide in the atmosphere of an inert gas at 2000.degree. C. or more is proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 61-277165; and a graphite prepared from graphite-like spherical carbon particles is proposed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 4-115457.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application 61-77275 discloses a secondary battery comprising an electrode which is made of an insulating or semiconductive carbon material with a polyacene structure, which is prepared by subjecting a phenolic polymer to heat treatment.
Secondary batteries by use of the above negative electrodes are of an ionic system type and are in fact improved with respect to the cycle life and battery performance. However, the current characteristics thereof are insufficient for use in practice.


A multiple access processing system for a plurality of users employing a multiuser detector processing partial blocks of data within a window. The multiuser detector processes the data for all users within a processing window and is interrupted at successive frame boundaries. Once an entire block is processed by the MUD, the blocks for that user are decoded and the processing continues.

Although Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or spread spectrum communications has been around for many years, there is an increasing interest in using spread spectrum systems in commercial applications to allow superior quality performance and a greater number of users within a given bandwidth. The digital format of CDMA architecture allows complex processing and high-level algorithms for transmission and reception.
In a CDMA system, each signal is transmitted using spread spectrum techniques. The transmitted informational data stream is impressed upon a much higher rate data stream termed a signature sequence. The bit stream of the signature sequence data is typically binary, and can be generated using a pseudo-noise (PN) process that appears random, but can be replicated by an authorized receiver. The informational data stream and the high bit rate signature sequence stream are combined by multiplying the two bit streams together, assuming the binary values of the two bit streams are represented by +1 or −1. This combination of the higher bit rate signal with the lower bit rate data stream is called spreading the informational data stream signal. Each informational data stream or channel is allocated a unique signature sequence.
In the operation of standard single-user receivers, a plurality of spread information signals each modulate a radio frequency (RF) carrier and may be jointly received as a composite signal at the single receiver. Each of the spread signals overlaps all of the other spread signals, as well as noise-related signals, in both frequency and time. The receiver correlates the composite signal with one of the unique time, frequency, or code sequences, and the corresponding information signal is isolated and processed. This is generally termed matched filtering. The FDMA, TDMA, or CDMA signals have been designed to separate in this fashion, and the desired information is retrieved.
In joint detection signal processing, the waveform appearing at the receiver is not processed by standard single-user processing, or a combination of several single-user processors. The joint detection processing more commonly referred to as Multiuser Detection (MUD), proceeds by computing the outputs for each user in one mathematical step, wherein data from each user is simultaneously considered. In the previous example for the single-user receiver, MUD is employed by replacing the matched filter with a decorrelator. In the operation of a decorrelator, the matched filter taps for each user is collected into a signature matrix (one column for each user), sometimes called the 'S' matrix. The decorrelator would jointly compute the K bits {right arrow over (b)}=(SHS)−1SHr, where r is the received data. This can be contrasted with the matched filters that would individually compute the single bit values (for each user k) bk=(skHsk)−1skHr, where sk is the matched filter for the kth user.
There has been considerable research to address joint demodulation, which is further described in S. Verdu, "Minimum Probability of Error For Asynchronous Gaussian Multiple-Access Channels," IEEE Trans. Info. Theory, Vol. IT-32, pp. 85-96, R. Lupas and S. Verdu, "Linear multiuser detectors for synchronous code-division multiple-access channels," IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, Vol. 35, pp. 123-136, January 1989; and R. Lupas and S. Verdu, "Near-far resistance of multiuser detectors in asynchronous channels," IEEE Trans. Commun., Vol. 38, pp. 496-508, April 1990. A description of CDMA communication techniques is further outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,506,861, which describes radiotelephone communication systems, and in particular, receivers for jointly demodulating a plurality of CDMA signals with multipath time dispersion.
There are a host of approaches for jointly demodulating any set of interfering digitally modulated signals. Maximum Likelihood Sequence Estimation determines the most likely set of transmitted information bits for a plurality of digital signals without multipath time dispersion. The maximum likelihood joint demodulator is capable, in theory, of accommodating the largest number of interfering signals, but has a prohibitive computational complexity that makes it commercially impractical. The decorrelation receiver is another, less computationally complex receiver processing approach that zeroes out the interfering signals, or decorrelates the different signals. The decorrelator, as well as virtually every other lower complexity joint demodulator, is generally non-operational when the number of signals is over a set threshold which falls significantly short of the theoretical maximum.
There are various multiuser detectors known in the art, including optimal or maximum likelihood MUD, maximum likelihood sequence estimator for multiple interfering users, successive interference cancellation, TurboMUD or iterative MUD, and various linear algebra based multi-user detectors such as those detailed in the well-known text "Multiuser Detection" by Sergio Verdu. In basic terms, turbo-decoding refers to iteratively passing information in the form of temporary or provisional bit decisions between a MUD processing block, and a decoding processing block, wherein for a turbo MUD the data is coded at the source.
The Viterbi algorithm is a method for decoding convolutional codes, and is a maximum-likelihood decoding method that minimizes the sequence-error probability for convolutional codes. To minimize the symbol-error probability, Bahl, Cocke, Jelinek, and Raviv (BCJR) published a forward-backward a posteriori probability (APP) decoding algorithm, the BCJR algorithm. The BCJR algorithm has seen an increased activity in coding field in relation to turbo decoding because it computes and stores likelihoods at each step, and can therefore provides more precise information to the MUD.
A MUD algorithm within the TurboMUD system determines discrete estimates of the transmitted channel symbols, with the estimates then provided to a bank of single-user decoders (one decoder for each user) to recover the input bit streams of all transmitted signals. Two general types of multi-user detectors within the TurboMUD system are possible, namely those that provide hard outputs, which are discrete values, and those that provide soft outputs, which indicate both the discrete estimate and the probability that the estimate is correct.
A further description of a TurboMUD system is described in an article by Paul D. Alexander, Mark C. Reed, John A. Asenstorfer and Christian B. Schlagel in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 47, number 7, July 1999, entitled "Iterative Multi-User Interference Reduction: Turbo CDMA", wherein multiple users transmit coded information on the same frequency at the same time.
In a Turbo MUD system, decoding and confidence information is passed between the multiuser detector and decoder components. Maximum a posteriori (MAP) decoders or approximations of MAP decoders are well known to those in the art and are used for both the MUD and single user (SU) decoders so that soft output information is available if desired. The filtered signal is typically then passed into a MUD detector. In the optimal case, the MUD detector is a full-complexity MAP detector. Suboptimal reduced complexity MAP-based approaches are known in the relevant art.
In the state of the art, the MUD detector passes soft decisions in the form of reliability, or confidence, measures to the single user decoders. The reliability measures are presented with one associated with each symbol of each user to the bank of decoders. If the signals were transmitted with interleaving, the reliability measures from the MUD are first passed through a deinterleaver and passed on in shuffled form to the decoder. Shuffling refers to same values but changes the placement or presentation of the values.
MAP decoding is known in the art and further described in C. Schlegel, Trellis Coding, IEEE Press, 1997; Robertson, Villebrun and Hoeher, "A Comparison of Optimal and Sub-Optimal MAP Decoding Algorithms Operation in the Log Domain," ICC95; Hagenauer, and Hoeher, "A Viterbi Algorithm with Soft-Decision Outputs and its Applications," Globecom 89; Pottie and Taylor, "A Comparison of Reduced complexity Decoding Algorithms for Trellis Codes," J Sel. Areas in Comm December 1989. The iterative turbo principle, on which Turbo MUD is based, is described by Berrou, Glavieux, and Thitimajshima, "Near Shannon Limit Error-Correcting Coding and Decoding: Turbo-Codes (1)," ICC 93; Berrou and Glavieux, "Near Optimum Error Correcting Coding and Decoding: Turbo-Codes", Trans on Comm, October 1996; and Wang and Kobayashi, "Low-Complexity MAP Decoding for Turbo Codes", Vehicular Technology Conference 2000]. Turbo MUD approaches are described in, for example, Alexander, Reed, Asenstorfer, and Schlegel, "Iterative Multiuser Interference Reduction: Turbo CDMA," Trans on Comm, July 1999; Poor, "Turbo Multiuser Detection: An Overview, " ISSSTA 2000; and Wang and Poor, "Iterative (Turbo) Soft Interference Cancellation and Decoding for Coded CDMA", Trans on Comm, July 1999.
Any of the known MUD algorithms can be used as the MUD processing block in a turbo MUD algorithm. The turbo MUD generally outperforms a simple MUD/decode processor because the processing blocks in the turbo configuration are allowed to share information in the form of the provisional bit decisions, rather than each processor operating autonomously. The MUD algorithm within a Turbo MUD system computes estimates of the transmitted channel symbols and passes them to a bank of single-user decoders (one decoder for each user). This process proceeds for several iterations, eventually recovering the input bit streams of all transmitted signals.
For these reasons, to achieve real-time performance by reducing the computational complexity of an iterative multi-user, the state of the art suggests linear algorithms for the MUD processing block rather than optimal MUD or the T and M algorithm counterparts. It is well known that the reduction in performance of the linear MUDs can be offset by the gains due to the iteration in the turbo MUD. For example, it is not uncommon that five iterations in a turbo MUD between a linear MUD and a decoder can obtain optimal MUD like performance with fewer computations, even though the processing is repeated five times.
Higher complexity algorithms such as M-algorithm, T-algorithm, FANO or reduced state Viterbi consume more processing time, but produce a more accurate decisions tree. Lower complexity linear MUD algorithms consume less processing time but may not be as accurate. It should be understood that the present invention, as described herein, can use any tree pruned search for the MUD in order to perform suboptimal searching to tree prune without having to do every search. It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art that any higher order tree pruned search such as FANO, M-algorithm, T-algorithm or reduced state Viterbi can be used for the MUD processing.
The MUD outputs a bit (or symbol) stream to a bank of error correcting decoders. In one embodiment of this invention, the decoders provide soft output streams of values associated with the bit streams of each interfering user's signal present in the received signal. MUD can employ any of the soft decision input soft decision output multiuser detector such as a linear-based soft decision MUD known in the art such as Chan and Wornell, 'A Class of Asymptotically Optimum Iterated-Decision Multiuser Detectors', and Wang and Poor, 'Iterative (Turbo) Soft Interference Cancellation and Decoding for Coded CDMA', IEEE Trans. on Comms, July 1999, and Moher, "An Iterative Multiuser Decoder for Near Capacity Communication," IEEE Trans. on Comms., v46, n7, July 1998. The system can also provide hard decisions with the MUD and bank of decoders described in the art for a reduced multi-access interference linear multiuser detector and hard decision error correction decoder.
The growing demand for radio communications raises the need to optimize the performance while maximizing the capacity of wireless communications systems. What is needed is an efficient signal processing technique to improve the quality and spectral efficiency of wireless communications and better techniques for sharing the limited bandwidth among different high capacity users. As can be seen, attempts to make real-time processing multi-user processing have been frustrated by complex and sophisticated hardware and processing requirements.

Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.


A system is configured so that signals passed through an all-pass filter using warp parameter λ are whitening-filtered, and so that the frequency axis is restored by an all-pass filter using warp parameter λ. This optimizes the whitening filter by determining the optimum λ. First, the AR order p is automatically estimated using λ=0. A spectral distance dλ is computed using a discrete Fourier transform spectrum value passed through an all-pass filter using warp parameter λ and a discrete AR spectrum value passed through an all-pass filter using warp parameter λ. The λ which minimizes the spectral distance dλ is set as the warp parameter, and a whitening filter is configured in which the warp parameter has been optimized.

Precision pole estimation methods are currently used in a wide variety of fields, such as DNA structural analysis in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) (see, for example, Murata, Kubota, "Precision Pole Estimation Method Based on AR Process and an Application to the NMR Structural Analysis", IEICE A, Vol. J91-A, No. 8, pp. 772-781, August 2008).
Plans are in the works to launch and operate extremely small satellites called "nano-satellites" at much lower cost than conventional satellites, and disturbance component analysis of attitude control signals for nano-satellites is one of the fields in which precision pole estimation methods are used.
Because nano-satellites are artificial satellites of an unprecedented small size, attitude control plays an important role in observation precision, and these controls have to be performed adaptively. Because the orbital altitude is also lower than before, the disturbances from the natural environment are also different, and the effects of residual magnetic torque are much higher (see, for example, T. Inamori, N. Sako, S. Nakasuka, "Attitude Control System For the Nano-Astrometry Satellite Nano-JASMINE", International Journal of Aircraft Eng. and Aerospace Technology, pp. 221-228, 2011). This means disturbance factors related to observation results include a closed-loop control system that is an adaptive system with very short times, and plant impacts that cannot be assumed based on experience with conventional artificial satellites. Usually, external disturbances affecting artificial satellites pose difficult problems for low-frequency band signals.
In the prior art, as described, for example, in Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2000-224077 and Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2008-199602, controls and observations are performed based on the assumption that all disturbances are white Gaussian signals. However, actually, the low SN ratio signals mentioned above have many unknown frequency signals (multi-tone signals) embedded in the noise. If low SN ratio multi-tone signals are whitened or transformed to a level of disturbance that can be disregarded via modeling and reverse filtering, control and observation precision can be improved. Therefore, an effective technique is required for this modeling.
Identifying an observation signal system as an auto-regressive (AR) model and then applying a reverse filter of this is believed to be effective. In the case of the precision estimations described in Non-patent Literature 1, the effect is often weak on disturbances. However, a technique has been proposed in which an estimation of the number of sine waves is performed based on eigenvalue distributions, etc. even when the SN ratio is negative (see, for example, Tsuji, Ohmori, Sano, "Determination of Number of Sinusoidal Signals in AR Spectral Estimation," IEICE A, Vol. J74-A, No. 9, pp. 1374-1384, September 1991), but this differs from a parameter estimation that is able to configure a spectrum envelope.
Therefore, what is needed for nano-satellite control is automatic precision estimation in which there is bias in the pole distribution based on a low SN ratio at a level for configuring a reverse filter, that is, based on observation signals of several dB, and in which the pole spectrum envelope is not destroyed.

Whitening filter configuration method, program, and system

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


A roof cover of a building under construction includes a heat shrinkable film stretched over the roof framing of said building under construction. The film brought into conformity with said roof framing through application of heat. The film may be formed by a number of adjoining sheets or strips of material.

Roofs are susceptible to damage from high winds, rain or hail. Tiled roofs for example may have a considerable area of tiles either damaged from hail impact, or dislodged completely as the result of high intensity storms. Shingled roofs are liable to be similarly damaged, and even metal sheeted roofs may suffer partial or total removal of one or more sheets. Damage to roofs may also be caused by the impact of falling trees or large branches.
Storm or impact damage cannot usually be immediately repaired so that to prevent further or potential damage to the interior of the building, temporary covering must be provided. Typically canvas (or similar material) tarpaulins are placed over the damaged part of the roof and secured to the structure by ropes.
One disadvantage of this method of temporary covering is the difficulty of adequately securing a tarpaulin to the roof so that they remain very vulnerable to dislodgement should high winds prevail or recur and often require continuing attention and adjustment. Moreover, they are heavy and awkward to position, posing occupational health and safety issues. A further disadvantage is that they are expensive to acquire and bulky to store, and if the may many roofs are damaged in one storm event, the number of tarpaulins available may be inadequate.
Buildings under construction, particularly timber framed, brick clad dwellings, are frequently constructed in a sequence where the timber frame, including that of the roof, is completed a considerable time before the roof cladding can be added. A disadvantage of this construction technique is that during this period the timber of the structure, which may even include timber or particle board flooring, is liable to deterioration from water and sun. A further disadvantage of this sequence of construction is that, if rain intervenes at the time further internal work is scheduled, the lack of roof covering may cause considerable delay and financial loss.
It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A pressure sensor includes a sensor chip, a pressure receiving diaphragm, a connector case, and a case. A pressure sensing chamber is provide in the connector case and filled with oil. The sensor chip is arranged in the chamber and the diaphragm is fixed to the connector case such that it has contact with the oil and seals the chamber. An O-ring and a welding ring are placed around an edge of the diaphragm and the chamber between the diaphragm and the connector case. The diaphragm is fixed to the connector case via the O-ring and the welding ring and fixed. An inner portion of the welding ring is formed such that it can be placed between the sensor chip, wires, and the diaphragm in the chamber.

A pressure sensor having liquid in a pressure sensing chamber as a pressure transmitting member is proposed in JP-A-2002-98607. The pressure sensor has a case in which the sensing chamber is provided. A pressure sensing element is arranged in the sensing chamber and a diaphragm is fixed to the case such that it covers an opening the pressure sensing chamber.
A cross-sectional view around the sending chamber is shown in FIG. 8. A first case 110 has a recess 111, a space of which is used as a sensing chamber 140. Liquid 115 that is a pressure transmitting member, such as oil, is confined in the sensing chamber 140. A metal diaphragm 134 for receiving pressure is fixed to the first case 110 such that it seals the sensing chamber 140 and has contact with the liquid 115. The diaphragm 134 receives pressure applied in the direction indicated with a white arrow.
A pressure sensing element 120 is arranged in the sensing chamber 140 such that it receives pressure from the liquid 115. The pressure received by the diaphragm 134 is transmitted to the sensing element 120 via the liquid 115. The sensing element 120 is electrically connected with terminals 112 via wires 113. The sensing element 120 outputs signals according to levels of pressure applied by the liquid 115 and the signals are transmitted to an external device via the wires 113 and the terminals 112.
An O-ring 142 and a welding ring 135 arranged around the sensing chamber 140 between the diaphragm 134 and the first case 110. The O-ring 142 is placed adjacent to the first case 110. It seals the sensing chamber 140. The welding ring 135 is a holding member for supporting the diaphragm 134, which is thin and requires a support. The diaphragm 134 and the welding ling 135 are welded to a second case 130 having a pressure intake hole 132. The second case 130 is fixed integrated to the first case 110 by swaging. The diaphragm 134 is pressed against the first case 110 via the O-ring 142 and the welding ring 135 with a force applied when the second case 130 is swaged fixed to the first case 110. As a result, the sensing chamber 140 is sealed.
The liquid 115 may leak when the O-ring 142 is damaged, the O-ring 142 is not tightly fitted due to faulty swaging, or welding of the diaphragm 134 or the welding ring 135 is not properly welded. It may leak when sealing surfaces of the diaphragm 134, the O-ring 142, the welding ring 135 are rough or have scars, burrs, or dents. It may leak when foreign substances are present in the sealing areas. It may leak through a gap between the first case 110 and the terminal 112 when a sealant 114 that seals the gap is broken or removed.
The diaphragm 134 becomes freely movable when the liquid has leaked. As a result, the diaphragm 134 moves toward the sensing element 120 and the wires 113 when a high level of pressure is applied to the diaphragm 134 though the pressure intake hole 132. The diaphragm 134, the sensing element 120, and the wires 113 are electrically shorted at the worst case. The diaphragm 134 a thin plate and therefore it is not steady. Moreover, it is an electric conductor. Thus, electrical shortage occurs among the diaphragm 134, the sensing element 120, and the wires 113.

Pressure sensor having liquid in a pressure sensing chamber


A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with a first signal transmitted by a first satellite in the satellite configuration, and aligning the reflector in tilt with a second signal transmitted by a second satellite in the satellite configuration, wherein aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with the first signal and in tilt with the second signal aligns the reflector with at least a third signal transmitted from a third satellite.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a satellite receiver system, and in particular, to an alignment method for multi-satellite consumer receiver antennas.
2. Description of the Related Art
Satellite broadcasting of communications signals has become commonplace. Satellite distribution of commercial signals for use in television programming currently utilizes multiple feedhorns on a single Outdoor Unit (ODU) which supply signals to up to eight IRDs on separate cables from a multiswitch.
Typically, an antenna is pointed toward the southern sky, and roughly aligned with the satellite downlink beam, and then fine-tuned using a power meter or other alignment tools. The precision of such an alignment is usually not critical. However, additional satellites are being deployed that require more exacting alignment methods, and, without exacting alignment of the antenna dish, the signals from the additional satellites will not be properly received, rendering these signals useless for data and video transmission. It can be seen, then, that there is a need in the art for an alignment method for a satellite broadcast system that can be expanded to include new satellites and new transmission frequencies.

Alignment method for multi-satellite consumer receiver antennas


A method and an apparatus for performing stochastic matching of a set of input test speech data with a corresponding set of training speech data. In particular, a set of input test speech feature information, having been generated from an input test speech utterance, is transformed so that the stochastic characteristics thereof more closely match the stochastic characteristics of a corresponding set of training speech feature information. The corresponding set of training speech data may, for example, comprise training data which was generated from a speaker having the claimed identity of the speaker of the input test speech utterance. Specifically, in accordance with the present invention, a first covariance matrix representative of stochastic characteristics of input test speech feature information is generated based on the input test speech feature information. Then, a transformation is performed on the input test speech feature information, the transformation being based on the first covariance matrix and on a second covariance matrix representative of the stochastic characteristics of the training speech feature information. This transformation advantageously results in transformed input test speech feature information having stochastic characteristics more closely matched to the stochastic characteristics of the speech training feature information.

Speaker verification systems recognize an individual by verifying a claim of identity provided by the individual through an analysis of spoken utterances. In the context of a telecommunications system, for example, speaker verification may be employed to verify the identity of a caller who is charging a call to a credit or calling card. Generally, these systems operate by comparing extracted features of an utterance received from an individual who claims a certain identity to one or more prototypes of speech based on (i.e., "trained" by) utterances which have been previously provided by the identified person.
One significant problem which is frequently encountered in speaker verification systems in the telecommunication context is that a person who has trained a verification system does not always "sound the same" when undertaking a verification trial. Changes in a person's "sound" over time may be caused by, for example, changes in the characteristics of the telecommunications channel carrying the person's voice signals. These changes may be caused by no more than the use of different telephones for the training process and the verification trial. Naturally (and unfortunately), such changes often substantially degrade verification system performance. In fact, because of sensitivity to changing channel characteristics, or even to a speaker's loudness level, verification system performance may degrade to unacceptable levels.
More specifically, speaker recognition systems typically create a speaker-dependent hidden Markov model (HMM) for a given individual whose identity is to be capable of being verified, by performing training based on data often collected in a single enrollment session. The HMM, therefore, matches the probability density function ("pdf") of the training data perfectly. In a subsequent verification session, however, test data may be collected through a different telephone channel and handset. (Data collected during a training process will be referred to herein as "training data" or "training speech data," whereas data obtained during a verification session will be referred to herein as "test data" or "test speech data." In addition, the terms "training information" or "training speech information" will be used to denote information based on the training data, such as, for example, models.) Since the acoustic conditions may be different between the enrollment session and the verification session, a stochastic mismatch may occur between the set of test data and the set of data which was used to train the HMM. Speaker recognition performance is degraded by such a mismatch.
Mathematically, the above-described mismatch can be represented as a linear transform in the cepstral domain: EQU y=Ax+b, (1)
where x is a vector of the cepstral frame of a test utterance; A and b are the matrix and vector which, if properly estimated for the given test utterance, can be applied as shown to eliminate the mismatch; and y is the resultant transformed vector which matches the training data (See, e.g., R. J. Mammone et al., "Robust Speaker Recognition," IEEE Signal Processing Magazine, vol. 13, pp. 58-71, September 1996.) Geometrically, b represents a translation of the test data and A represents both a scale and a rotation thereof. (Note that when A is diagonal, it represents only a scaling operation.)
Prior art speaker verification systems have been limited in their ability to handle stochastic mismatch. For example, Cepstral mean subtraction has often been used for handling stochastic mismatch in both speaker and speech recognition applications. Viewed with respect to Equation (1), this technique essentially estimates b and assumes A to be an identity matrix. For example, in A. E. Rosenberg et al., "Cepstral Channel Normalization Techniques for HMM-based Speaker Verification," Proc. of Int. Conf. on Spoken Language Processing, pp. 1835-1838, 1994, the vector b was estimated by long term averaging, short term averaging, and a maximum likelihood (ML) approach. In A Sankar et al., "A Maximum-Likelihood Approach to Stochastic Matching for Robust Speech Recognition," IEEE Trans. on Speech and Audio Processing, vol. 4, pp. 190-202, May, 1996, maximum likelihood approaches were used to estimate b, a diagonal A, and model parameters for HMMs for purposes of stochastic matching. Recently, a least-squares solution of the linear transform parameters (i.e., A and b) was briefly introduced in R. J. Mammone et al., "Robust Speaker Recognition," cited above. However, none of the prior art approaches to the stochastic mismatch problem have provided an efficient technique to adequately match the overall distribution of the test data with that of the training data based on a generalized linear transform.

Method for performing stochastic matching for use in speaker verification


An image capture apparatus includes an image capture unit adapted to capture an image using an image pickup element, a switch adapted to instruct the image capture apparatus to start a recording process of recording a captured image to a recording medium, and a control unit adapted to determine, using a first white balance value indicating a white balance of an image captured before the switch is operated and a second white balance value indicating a white balance of an image captured after the switch is operated, whether to issue a warning to a user or not, wherein the warning allows the user to determine whether to store the captured image in the recording medium.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus for picking up a still image or a moving image.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, there is known an image processing apparatus (image pickup apparatus), such as an electronic camera, which automatically performs a distance measuring process, a light measuring process and a color measuring process.
In the image processing apparatus of this kind, a photographer himself/herself is not required to adjust a focus and/or an exposure, and the photographer is enabled to conduct a desirable photo-taking operation regardless the kind of incident light even when the light sources of different illuminances are made to enter the image processing apparatus.
In the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, an object image is picked up after the distance measuring, light measuring and color measuring processes are automatically performed. However, in a case where the state of incident light has changed at a point of time between each of the distance measuring, light measuring and color measuring processes and a photo-taking operation, for example, when light of an automobile has suddenly come into the field of view of an image-taking lens, an exposure or a white balance would deviate from an appropriate value, and as a result, there is a problem that a photo-taking operation would be performed on the basis of the deviating exposure or white balance.
Further, in a case where the photographer performs a photo-taking operation in a state in which the object is moving or the apparatus is vibrating due to the shake of the hand of the photographer, the photo-taking operation for obtaining image data is peformed while the object image is in an out-of-focus state, and thus there is a problem that image data for the out-of-focus object image would be recorded in a recording part as it stands.

Image pickup apparatus with image evaluation


The invention is related to identification of an interferon-analog (IFNL4) protein and genetic association with spontaneous clearance of HCV infection and response to treatment for HCV infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family of viruses. It is estimated that approximately 170 million people worldwide, and at least 4 million people in the United States, have been infected with HCV (Thomas D L, Astemborski J, Rai R M, Anania F A, Schaeffer M, Galai N, Nolt K, Nelson K E, Strathdee S A, Johnson L, Laeyendecker O, Boitnott J, Wilson L E, Vlahov D., The Natural History of Hepatitus C Virus Infection. JAMA 2000; 284 (4): 450-456). In the US, more people die of HCV than HIV infection (Ly, K., Xing J, Klevens R M, Jiles R B, Ward J W, Holmberg S D. The Increasing Burden of Mortality From Viral Hepatitis in the United States Between 1999 and 2007. Annals of Internal Medicine 156, 271-278 (2012).) Thus, infection with HCV represents a significant, worldwide health problem.
In most people, acute infection with HCV generally results in mild symptoms such as fatigue, decreased appetite, and flu-like symptoms. By convention, acute hepatitis refers to the presence of clinical signs or symptoms of hepatitis for a period of 6 months or fewer after the presumed time of exposure. In some instances, however, the newly infected individual remains asymptomatic. While some individuals can spontaneously clear the virus, approximately 85% of people infected with HCV will develop chronic hepatitis C, which is defined as persistent viremia occurring at least 6 months after initial exposure (Blackard J T, Shata M T, Shire N J, Sherman K E., Acute Hepatitus C Virus Infection: A Chronic Problem., Hepatology 2008; 47(1):321-331). Chronic infection with HCV is a leading cause of liver cancer and end-stage liver disease. It is also the most common reason for liver transplantation in the U.S. Currently, the standard treatment for HCV infections is pegylated interferon-α (IFN-α) combined with ribavirin. Successful treatment resolves chronic HCV infection, thereby markedly reducing HCV related morbidity and mortality, but the pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin regimen is effective in less than 45% of patients, is expensive and has many adverse effects. More recently, a triple therapy comprising pegylated-IFN-α, ribavirin, and an HCV protease inhibitor has been recommended. Although this new regimen should be more efficacious than treatment with pegylated-interferon-α/ribavirin, a sizeable proportion of patients may fail to respond and patients treated with this regimen will experience the adverse effects seen with pegylated-IFN-α/ribavirin therapy. Thus, a method of identifying patients who are unlikely to respond to treatment with interferon-based therapies is urgently desired so that these patients can be spared the expense and adverse effects associated with futile treatment. In addition, the failure of some patients to respond to treatment indicates the need for new treatments for hepatitis C infections.
Increasing evidence suggests that host genetic factors influence both the natural course of chronic HCV infection and response to therapy (Lauer G M, Walker B D. Hepatitis C virus infection. N Engl J Med 2001 Jul. 5; 345(1):41-52; Manns M P, McHutchison J G, Gordon S C, Rustgi V K, Shiffman M, Reindollar R, et al. Peginterferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin compared with interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin for initial treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a randomised trial. Lancet 2001 Sep. 22; 358(9286):958-965; Fried M W, Shiffman M L, Reddy K R, Smith C, Marinos G, Goncales F L, Jr., et al. Peginterferon α-2a plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus infection. N Engl J Med 2002 Sep. 26; 347(13):975-982; Kau A, Vermehren J, Sarrazin C. Treatment predictors of a sustained virologic response in hepatitis B and C. J Hepatol 2008 October; 49(4):634-651). For example, in two cohorts of pregnant women infected under similar conditions from immunoglobulin preparations contaminated with a single strain of HCV, half spontaneously cleared the infection and half progressed to chronic hepatitis C (Grakoui A, Shoukry N H, Woollard D J, Han J H, Hanson H L, Ghrayeb J, et al. HCV persistence and immune evasion in the absence of memory T cell help. Science 2003 Oct. 24; 302(5645):659-662; Knapp S, Yee L J, Frodsham A J, Hennig B J, Hellier S, Zhang L, et al. Polymorphisms in interferon-induced genes and the outcome of hepatitis C virus infection: roles of MxA, OAS-1 and PKR. Genes Immun 2003 September; 4(6):411-419). Among chronically infected patients, response to treatment differs, even between cases with similar HCV-RNA levels and identical genotypes (Thio C L. Host genetic factors and antiviral immune responses to hepatitis C virus. Clin Liver Dis 2008 August; 12(3):713-26, xi.; Yee L J. Host genetic determinants in hepatitis C virus infection. Genes Immun 2004 June; 5(4):237-245; Muller R. The natural history of hepatitis C: clinical experiences. J Hepatol 1996; 24(2 Suppl):52-54). The response rates are strongly associated with ethnicity (Conjeevaram, H. S. et al. Peginterferon and ribavirin treatment in African American and Caucasian American patients with hepatitis C genotype 1. Gastroenterology, 131:470-7 (2006)). Previous reports revealed the influence of genetic polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) (Sheppard, P. et al. IL-28, IL-29 and their class II cytokine receptor IL-28R. Nat Immunol 4, 63-8 (2003); Robek, M. D., Boyd, B. S. & Chisari, F. V. Lambda interferon inhibits hepatitis B and C virus replication. J. Virol. 79, 3851-3854 (2005)), killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) (Lauterbach, H. et al. Mouse CD8alpha+ DCs and human BDCA3+ DCs are major producers of IFN-lambda in response to Poly I:C. J Exp Med 207, 2703-17), cytokines (WO 00/08215), chemokines and interleukins as well as interferon-stimulated genes on HCV infection outcomes (Lasfar, A. et al. Characterization of the mouse IFN-lambda ligand-receptor system: IFN-lambdas exhibit antitumor activity against B16 melanoma. Cancer Res 66, 4468-77 (2006); Phillips, J. E. & Corces, V. G. CTCF: master weaver of the genome. Cell 137, 1194-211 (2009); Shyu, A. B., Wilkinson, M. F. & van Hoof, A. Messenger RNA regulation: to translate or to degrade. EMBO J 27, 471-81 (2008); Conjeevaram, H. S. et al. Peginterferon and ribavirin treatment in African American and Caucasian American patients with hepatitis C genotype 1. Gastroenterology 131, 470-7 (2006); Ghany, M., Nelson, D. R., Strader, D. B., Thomas, D. L. & Seeff, L. B. An update on treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis c virus infection: 2011 practice guidelines by the American association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology, December 12 (doi: 10.1002/hep.25524) (2011).
Previous studies have used a candidate gene approach based on a priori knowledge of the potential role of a gene in HCV infection. However, previous data do not allow accurate prediction of spontaneous clearance or response to treatment (Robek, M. D., Boyd, B. S. & Chisari, F. V. Lambda interferon inhibits hepatitis B and C virus replication. J. Virol. 79, 3851-3854 (2005)). In 2009, several groups reported results from independent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IFNL3 (IL28B) gene region that are associated with response to pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin treatment among patients with chronic hepatitis C, as well as spontaneous clearance of HCV infection. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0165124 by Bochud et al, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, discloses numerous SNPs associated with both response to interferon-based treatment of HCV, and spontaneous clearance. Among the SNPs identified in these GWAS, the genotype based on rs12979860 is currently accepted as the best predictor of spontaneous clearance and treatment response (Rauch, A. et al. Genetic variation in IL28B Is associated with chronic hepatitis C and treatment failure: a genome-wide association study. Gastroenterology 138, 1338-1345 (2010); Thomas, D. L. et al. Genetic variation in IL28B and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus. Nature 461, 798-801 (2009); Ge, D. et al. Genetic variation in IL28B predicts hepatitis C treatment-induced viral clearance. Nature 461, 399-401 (2009); Suppiah, V. et al. IL28B is associated with response to chronic hepatitis C interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy. Nat Genet 41, 1100-4 (2009); Tanaka, Y. et al. Genome-wide association of IL28B with response to pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Nat Genet 41, 1105-9 (2009)). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs12979860 is located approximately 3 kb upstream of the IFNL3 (IL28B) translational start site. Commercial laboratory tests based on rs12979860 are now available for predicting a patient's probability of responding to treatment.
Compared to persons of European ancestry, African American patients have a higher frequency of chronic hepatitis C and a poorer response to therapy with IFN-α/ribavirin. Racial differences in the frequency of GWAS marker rs12979860 do not completely explain these disparities. Identification of a genetic marker that has optimal predictive values in all population groups would improve clinical decision models for treatment of chronic hepatitis C and help deliver personalized medicine to all HCV-infected patients.
While current tests have proved to be useful in identifying responders to treatment of chronic HCV infection, there remains a need for a more robust and accurate test for predicting spontaneous clearance and response to treatment. Moreover, current tests require the isolation and genotyping of nucleic acid molecules from an individual. Finally, as noted above, there remains a percentage of the population who do not respond to treatment for chronic HCV infection with current therapies. Thus, a need exists for novel methods and treatments for these patients. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other benefits as well.

Interferon-λ4 (IFNL-4) protein, related nucleic acid molecules, and uses thereof

The USA, as represented by the Secretary, Dept. of Health and Human Services


Disclosed is a mobile terminal incorporating a battery pack utilized as power supply. The mobile terminal includes a positive terminal connected to a battery pack positive electrode, a negative terminal connected to a battery pack negative electrode, a data communication terminal communicating with a circuit in the battery pack, a charge control unit controlling charging of the battery pack via the positive terminal, and a reference voltage output unit outputting reference voltage. The terminal further includes a dividing resistor and a thermistor connected in series between the reference voltage output unit and the negative terminal, a temperature detector detecting temperature, and stopping charging of the battery pack based on the detected temperature, and a switching device controlling the voltage at the predetermined portion. The terminal still further includes a control unit communicating with the circuit in the battery pack via the data communication terminal, and changing the voltage at the predetermined portion when notified abnormality from the battery pack.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone terminal to which an intelligent battery pack can be attached as power supply, and a charging system including the mobile terminal having the intelligent battery pack. Specifically, the invention relates to technology for charging a battery pack via a mobile terminal.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, a mobile phone terminal utilizing a lithium-ion rechargeable battery as power supply generally incorporates a temperature detecting device such as a thermistor inside the battery pack containing the lithium-ion rechargeable battery for detecting temperature anomaly, specifically, for detecting the temperature exceeding the ordinary operating temperature range to monitor the temperature of the battery while charging.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating electric connections between a related art battery pack 2 and a mobile phone terminal 240. As illustrated in the figure, the battery pack 2 includes a battery plus terminal 231, a battery minus terminal 233, and a thermistor 232. A battery cell 20 is connected between the battery plus terminal 231 and the battery minus terminal 233. A switch 22 controlling charge and discharge of the battery cell 20 is connected between the battery cell 20 and the battery minus terminal 233. The switch 22 is controlled by a protection unit 21. A thermistor 23 is connected between the battery minus terminal 233 and the thermistor terminal 232. In the electric connection described above, a resistance value at the thermistor 23 varies with the temperature inside the battery pack 2, based on which voltage of a signal obtained by the thermistor 232 will be changed. The mobile phone terminal 240 is configured to monitor the voltage of the signal obtained by the thermistor terminal 232 and the temperature inside the battery pack 2.
Next, a configuration of the mobile phone terminal 240 is described. The mobile phone terminal 240 has three terminals 241, 242, 243 connecting to terminals in the battery pack 2, respectively. The plus terminal 241 is connected to the battery plus terminal 231 in the battery pack 2. The minus terminal 242 is connected to the battery minus terminal 233 in the battery pack 2. The thermistor connecting terminal 243 is connected to the thermistor terminal 232 in the battery pack 2. The mobile phone terminal 240 also has an external power supply input terminal 230 connecting the mobile phone terminal 240 with external power supply such as an AC adapter that transforms and rectifies commercial alternating power supply.
The mobile phone terminal 240 has a charge processor 210 controlling charging of the battery pack 2. The charge processor 210 is integrally formed, for example, of an integrated circuit (IC), and controls charging of a battery cell 52 inside the battery pack 2. When the battery cell 52 contained in the battery pack 2 is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the battery cell 52 is fully charged with combination of constant current charge and constant voltage charge. The charge processor 210 has a reference voltage output unit 201, current detecting unit 202, charge control unit 203, and temperature detector 200. The reference voltage output unit 201 applies reference voltage output to the thermistor connecting terminal 243 via a dividing resistor 204. When the mobile phone terminal 240 is connected to the battery pack 2, the reference voltage output by the reference voltage output unit 201 is divided between a dividing resistor 204 and thermistor 23, and the voltage at the dividing point thereof is detected by the temperature detector 200. The temperature detector 200 determines whether the detected voltage value exceeds the threshold, and transfers the resulting data to the charge control unit 203.
The mobile phone terminal 240 has a series circuit formed of a charge current detecting resistor 205 and charge control transistor 206 connected between the external power supply input terminal 230 and the plus terminal 241. The current detector 202 gauges the current flowing in the charge current detecting resistor 205 and transfers the gauged current data to the charge control unit 203. The charge control unit 203 controls a charge control transistor 206 based on the data transferred from the current detector 202 and temperature detector 200.
When the mobile phone terminal 240 charges the battery pack 2, the charge processor 230 retains the charge control transistor ON. When the mobile phone terminal 240 stops charging of the battery pack 2, the charge processor 230 turns the charge control transistor 206 OFF to disconnect electric connection between the external input terminal 230 and the battery plus terminal 241. When neither charge current detected nor temperature detected are normal, the mobile phone terminal 240 turns the charge control transistor 206 OFF to stop charging of the battery pack 2.
The mobile phone terminal 240 utilizing the battery pack 2 having such related-art configuration detects the temperature using the thermistor 23 inside the battery pack 2, which implies that analog signals are flowing in the termister terminal 232.
In the related-art configuration of the battery pack 2 shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone terminal controls charging of the battery pack 2 based on the temperature detected inside the battery pack 2. However, an intelligent battery pack is now provided as a more sophisticated battery pack. Such an intelligent battery pack includes an electric circuit that manages the battery condition, and communicates with the mobile phone terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating electric connections between the related art intelligent battery pack 5 and a mobile phone terminal 240.
Description of components identical to those illustrated in FIG. 1 is omitted. A mobile phone terminal 240′ in FIG. 2 has a serial interface (SIF) 212 in addition to the components of the mobile phone terminal 240 in FIG. 1, via which a counterpart connected to the terminal 243 (i.e., intelligent battery pack 5) communicates with a central processing unit (CPU) 211 to control the components of the mobile phone terminal 240′. CPU 211 has a memory 213 connected thereto that stores computer programs and data. CPU 211 controls a liquid crystal display (LCD) 214 that displays various types of display, such as notification of the remaining battery capacity for the mobile phone terminal.
The intelligent battery pack 5 includes a fuel level gauge processor 50 (hereinafter referred to as "FG processor") that gauges voltage, current, and temperature in the battery cell 52, and protection processor 51 that controls the processing of transferring the data from FG processor 50 to the mobile phone terminal 240′ and controls a switch 54 for charge and discharge of the battery cell. A current gauging resistor 53 and switch 54 are connected between the battery cell 52 and the battery minus terminal 233.
FG processor 50 gauges the voltage of one-cell battery 52 with a voltage gauge unit 500. FG processor 501 further gauges the temperature of one-cell battery 52 with a temperature gauge 501. FG processor 501 still further gauges potential at both ends of the current gauging resistor 53 with the current gauge 502 and gauge the current when charge and discharge current. A multiplexer 503 carries out time-division multiplexing on the obtained results, supplies the multiplexed data to an analog-to-digital converter 504 to convert the data into digital data, and then supplies to the resulting data to CPU 505. CPU 505 is connected to a memory 506 on which a computer program for control is recorded, and determines whether the obtained data is normal.
The results determined by CPU 505 is transferred to a level converter (L/S) 510 inside the protection processor 51 via serial interface (SIF) 507, and the level converter (L/S) 510 converts the results into the level of data adequate for transmitting it to the mobile phone terminal 240′ and output the resulting data to a thermistor data communication terminal 234.
As shown in FIG. 2, the intelligent battery pack 5 further includes the thermistor 23 that is connected between the thermistor data communication terminal 234 and the battery minus terminal 233.
In a case where the intelligent battery pack 5 having a configuration shown in FIG. 2 is connected to the mobile phone terminal 240′, the charge processor 210 is capable of controlling charging of the battery pack based on the temperature detected via the thermistor 23 in the mobile phone terminal 240′. Further, CPU 211 is capable of controlling discharge from the intelligent battery pack 5 based on the battery status detected by FG processor 50 inside the battery pack 5. In this case, communication between the battery pack 5 and mobile phone terminal 240′ is carried out using the thermistor terminal in the battery pack shown in FIG. 1 without modification; that is, the communication therebetween is relatively easily carried out with existing configuration.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-155922 discloses a configuration of the battery pack of this type.

Mobile phone terminal and charging system

Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications Japan, Inc


A method and apparatus are provided for measuring samples of the electric field of light propagated through a device under test and determining a nonlinear property of the device, such as self-phase modulation or cross phase modulation, using the measured samples.

The present invention generally relates to the field of optical communications and more particularly to methods and apparatus for determining nonlinear properties of optical devices and fibers.
Nonlinear effects that cause unwanted impairments may occur during the propagation of light pulses in fibers and other optical devices. For example, self phase modulation (SPM) and cross-phase modulation (XPM) are known to be limiting factors in long-haul optical networks. SPM and XPM effects correspond to an induced temporal phase that is related to the temporal intensity of the pulses themselves (in the case of SPM) or to the temporal intensity of another optical source or a combination of optical sources (in the case of XPM). The coupling between the intensity and phase depends upon the medium, the characteristics of the interacting waves (for example the state of polarization and wavelength) and the nonlinear interaction. For example, in an optical fiber, SPM manifests itself on a signal of intensity I(t) as an intensity-dependent phase φ(t) such as φ(t)=ΓI(t).
Nonlinear effects are also beneficially used in a wide variety of applications, such as wavelength conversion using a semiconductor optical amplifier, or pulse compression in a nonlinear fiber. Signal processing and pulse compression applications can require a high nonlinear index, since this decreases the required input peak power to achieve a given nonlinear phase shift.
It can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that measurement of the linear and nonlinear properties of optical devices and fibers is an important task in optical telecommunications since these properties can directly impact the propagation of light through devices and fibers.
Various techniques to measure nonlinear effects have been proposed. One proposed technique is based on the generation of an optical signal having known properties, and propagation of the optical signal through a device under test at a power level sufficient to induce modification of the signal via the particular nonlinear effects to be measured or characterized. Using such a technique, the temporal electric field of a short optical pulse can be measured before and after propagation through the device under test, and the comparison of the temporal phase before and after propagation can be used to determine a measurement of the nonlinear coefficient of the device. A limitation of this technique is that the generation of short optical pulses can be complex and costly. Furthermore, pulse characterization is usually devoted to pulses shorter than 100 ps, and these pulses can be modified by chromatic dispersion and polarization-mode dispersion during propagation in the device under test, thereby complicating any analysis of the results.
Another known technique involves propagating light from two CW lasers through a device under test and measuring the optical spectrum after propagation to obtain a nonlinear coefficient. A limiting factor of this technique is that since the wavelengths of the two lasers must be very close to avoid the effects of chromatic dispersion and polarization-mode dispersion, the use of a costly high-resolution optical spectrum analyzer is typically required.
Finally, techniques for measuring the nonlinear refractive index have been demonstrated based on self-phase modulation, cross-phase modulation, four-wave mixing or modulation instability. These techniques typically do not directly measure the phase shift, but instead make a determination from a measured experimental trace, for example, the power and frequency of sidebands in the optical spectrum. Since the determination of the nonlinear properties of the medium is indirect, it can be subject to errors that are difficult to track.

Method and apparatus for determining the nonlinear properties of devices and fibers


An electromagnetic band gap device is provided, comprising: a conductive plane; a non-conductive substrate located over the conductive plane; and an electromagnetic band gap unit cell that includes a first via located in the non-conductive substrate and filled with a conductive material, a second via located in the non-conductive substrate and filled with the conductive material, a first conductive surface located on the non-conductive substrate over the first via, and a second conductive surface located on the non-conductive substrate over the second via, wherein the electromagnetic band gap unit cell is configured to operate as an LC resonant circuit in conjunction with the conductive plane, at least one gap is located in the electromagnetic band gap unit cell, the at least one gap being located in the first via, in the first conductive surface, in the second conductive surface, and in the second via.

When an integrated circuit (IC) is formed over a ground plane, there will be portions of the ground plane where electromagnetic (EM) energy scatters from the transitions caused by geometrical discontinuities and impedance mismatches on the IC. This can cause propagation of EM waves between the IC and the ground plane at certain interfering frequencies. If a radio frequency (RF) device is attached to the IC or operating near the IC, the EM waves caused by this EM energy can interfere with the of that RF device, particularly when the interfering frequencies are near the operating frequencies of the RF device.
For this reason, electromagnetic band gap devices have been designed to suppress and control the EM energy that causes the propagation of EM waves between the IC and the ground plane. An electromagnetic band gap device serves to create a band gap in the frequency spectrum of the propagating electromagnetic waves. This frequency band gap is designed to effectively eliminate interference in a desired frequency range by attenuating the potentially interfering signals to such a degree that they are below a threshold of interference. For example, when a radio or a radar device will be operating near the ground plane, the frequency band gap is provided in the operational frequency range of the radio or radar device.
One way of creating such a frequency band gap is through Sievenpiper electromagnetic band gap devices. Such devices resemble an array of tables formed over a ground plane, each of the tables having a single support rod holding it up.

System for reducing electromagnetic induction interference


An axle suspension system for a load-bearing vehicle is described which comprises first and second mounting brackets secured to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. First and second lower control arms are pivotally secured at their forward ends to the first and second mounting brackets and extend rearwardly therefrom. First and second axle supports are positioned rearwardly of the first and second mounting brackets and have the rearward ends of the first and second lower control arms pivotally secured thereto. An axle and wheel assembly is secured to the first and second axle supports. First and second air springs are operatively secured to the first and second axle supports. A stabilizer bar assembly is provided and combines the functions of a stabilizer bar and upper control arms. The stabilizer bar assembly includes a central base portion which is pivotally secured to the first and second axle supports and which has forwardly extending end portions provided at the opposite ends thereof. The forward ends of the end portions of the stabilizer bar assembly are pivotally connected to the first and second mounting brackets to perform the function of upper control arms. In a second embodiment, the stabilizer bar assembly combines the function of a stabilizer bar and lower control arms.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an axle suspension system and more particularly to a drive axle suspension system utilizing a parallelogram-type suspension system. More particularly, in one embodiment, the axle suspension system of this invention combines the functions of upper control arms and a stabilizer bar and in another embodiment combines the functions of lower control arms and a stabilizer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In many conventional rear drive axle suspension systems for trucks, the opposite ends of the rear drive axle are secured to the frame members of the truck by leaf spring suspension systems. Although the leaf spring suspension systems have functioned well for many years, it is sometimes desirable to replace the leaf springs with air spring to enhance the load carrying characteristics of the suspension system.
One prior art axle suspension system is known as a parallelogram-type axle suspension system wherein a pair of upper and lower control arms are provided beneath each of the frame members of the truck with the forward ends of the control arms being pivotally secured to mounting brackets and with the rearward ends of the control arms being secured to axle supports. Although the parallelogram-type axle suspension systems have met with considerable success, a separate sway bar or stabilizer bar is sometimes required to control roll or sway movements. The need for a separate stabilizer bar involves additional mounting problems and expense.


A device for improving the breathing air quality for the crew and/or the passengers in an aircraft cabin includes an oxygen source, a water source and a feed line, wherein the feed line is connectable to the oxygen source and the water source in order to oxygenate and/or humidify air that is introduced into the feed line. The feed line is further connected to an inlet port of a locally delimited area of the aircraft cabin and adapted so as to feed oxygenated and/or humidified air to the locally delimited area of the aircraft cabin.

Because of the lower aerodynamic drag at high altitudes, a higher cruising altitude of an aircraft fundamentally allows a reduction of the fuel consumption of the aircraft engines. There is therefore a trend towards designing commercial aircraft for flights at increasingly high cruising altitudes of up to 43,000 feet (ca. 13100 m). Commercial aircraft currently in operation comprise a pressurized cabin, the internal pressure of which during cruising is held by means of an air-conditioning system, which is supplied with engine bleed air, at a pressure level that is higher than the ambient pressure, i.e. the reduced atmospheric pressure at high altitudes.
In order to limit the fuselage loads resulting from the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the higher cabin internal pressure as well as the work that the air-conditioning system has to do in order to maintain the desired pressure level in the interior of the aircraft cabin, the cabin internal pressure of a commercial aircraft during cruising of the aircraft is not held at a pressure level corresponding to the atmospheric pressure at sea level. Rather, the pressure in the interior of the cabin of a commercial aircraft during cruising of the aircraft, i.e. when the aircraft is situated at cruising altitude, usually corresponds approximately to the atmospheric pressure at a height of 8000 feet (ca. 2400 m).
In principle, the oxygen partial pressure of the air in the interior of the aircraft cabin that arises in the case of a cabin internal pressure corresponding approximately to the atmospheric pressure at a height of 8000 feet is high enough to guarantee an adequate supply of oxygen for the crew and passengers on board the aircraft. However, compensating for the pressure difference between the cabin internal pressure during cruising of the aircraft, which corresponds approximately to the atmospheric pressure at a height of 8000 feet, and the pressure level on the ground, which usually corresponds to or lies slightly below the atmospheric pressure at sea level, requires the performance of an adaptation process by the human body. Particularly for persons who react sensitively to a reduced oxygen partial pressure, the performance of this adaptation process may be taxing and lead to symptoms such as dizziness or even fainting. These symptoms may be additionally intensified by some other illness of an affected person or by stress.
Besides the reduced oxygen partial pressure, the low air humidity in the interior of an aircraft cabin may lead to health problems in sensitively reacting persons. In order to minimize the condensing-out of water on the cold outer skin of the fuselage of the aircraft, the air humidity in the aircraft cabin is kept artificially low and in a front fuselage portion of the aircraft is only approximately 5%. Such a low air humidity is generally perceived as uncomfortable and may lead to drying-out and irritation of the mucous membranes.
As a result of the reduced oxygen partial pressure and the low moisture content of the breathing air in the interior of the aircraft cabin, the crew and the passengers of a commercial aircraft during the flight are subject as a whole to increased physical stress. The extent to which a person perceives this stress however depends upon the individual sensitivity of the person to the special ambient conditions on board an aircraft and upon the flying time. The negative effects of the increased physical stress are therefore perceived to a greater extent by persons who react sensitively to a reduced oxygen partial pressure and low air humidity, especially on long-haul flights.
For the improved comfort of crew members and passengers on board an aircraft and in order to prevent health problems that are caused by a reduced oxygen partial pressure in an aircraft cabin, EP 0 808 769 A2 proposes to supply air which is oxygenated by means of an oxygen concentrator to an aircraft cabin. With the aid of the system described in this document the oxygen content of the air to be supplied to the aircraft cabin may be increased to 25 to 35% by volume. The oxygen enrichment system known from EP 0 808 769 A2 makes it possible to increase the well-being of the crew members and the passengers on board the aircraft. What is more, the pressure difference between the ambient pressure during the flight and the raised cabin internal pressure and hence the stresses of the fuselage resulting therefrom may be limited because the raising of the oxygen partial pressure in the aircraft cabin is realized exclusively by means of oxygen enrichment of the air to be supplied to the cabin and not by means of an increase of the cabin pressure.
An important drawback of the system described in EP 0 808 769 A2 is however that in order to increase the oxygen partial pressure in the aircraft cabin a large quantity of oxygen has to be produced. The oxygen concentrator, which is operated permanently under a high load, therefore involves a high maintenance outlay. The individual components of the system as well as the entire system are moreover very heavy. If instead of the oxygen concentrator described in EP 0 808 769 A2 an oxygen reservoir is used to provide the oxygen needed to enrich the air to be supplied to the aircraft cabin, this oxygen reservoir is likewise very heavy and moreover takes up a large amount of installation space.
The underlying object of the invention is therefore to provide a lightweight and compact device for improving the breathing air quality in an aircraft cabin.

Device for improving the breathing air quality in an aircraft cabin


A control device of the internal combustion engine has a first arithmetic unit and a second arithmetic unit. The arithmetic units process a control program with a first, second and third program level. In the second program level an actuation signal is monitored, and a first emergency operating function is activated in the first program level if the second program level has detected an implausibility of the actuation signal. The third program level is caused to carry out a second emergency operating function if, while the first emergency operating function is being carried out in the first program level, the implausibility of the actuation signal continues to be detected.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine. A sensor is provided which senses an operating parameter of the internal combustion engine and generates a measurement signal. A control device comprises first and second arithmetic units in which a control program having a first, second and third program level is processed, wherein:
the first and second program levels are processed in the first arithmetic unit, and the third program level is divided between the first and second arithmetic units; PA1 at least one actuation signal for an actuator of the internal combustion engine is determined in the first program level as a function of the operating parameter; PA1 the actuation signal is monitored in the second program level, and a first emergency operating function is activated in the first program level if the second program level has detected implausibility in the actuation signal; and PA1 the first arithmetic unit is monitored in the third program level and the second program level is subjected to a runtime sequence check, and a second emergency operating function is carried out if the third program level detects an error. PA1 providing a sensor and sensing therewith an operating parameter of an internal combustion engine and generating a measurement signal; PA1 providing a control device with a first arithmetic unit and a second arithmetic unit for processing therein a control program having a first program level, a second program level, and a third program level; PA1 processing the first and second program levels in the first arithmetic unit, and dividing the third program level between the first and second arithmetic units; PA1 determining an actuation signal for an actuator of the internal combustion engine in the first program level in dependence on the operating parameter of the internal combustion engine; PA1 monitoring the actuation signal in the second program level, and activating a first emergency operating function in the first program level if the second program level detects an implausibility in the actuation signal; PA1 monitoring the first arithmetic unit in the third program level, and subjecting the second program level to a program sequence check, and carrying out a second emergency operating function if the third program level detects an error; and PA1 with the second program level, causing the third program level to carry out the second emergency operating function if, assuming that the first emergency operating function is being carried out in the first program level, the implausibility of the actuation signal continues to be detected.
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine is known from German published non-prosecuted patent application DE 44 38 714 A1. There, a control device that comprises a first and second arithmetic unit is assigned to the internal combustion engine. A control program has a first, second and third program level. The first and second program levels are processed in the first arithmetic unit. The third program level is divided between the first and second arithmetic units. At least one actuation signal for an actuator of the internal combustion engine is determined in the first program level as a function of an operating parameter. An emergency operating mode in the first program level is activated in the second program level if implausibility of the actuation signal is detected.
In the third program level, memory elements are tested and there is a sequence check of the second program level. A performance limitation is implemented if the third program level has detected an error.
If an emergency operating mode in the first program level is initiated by the second program level, the emergency operation is possibly in fact not carried out, or only carried out in an incorrect way. This is a high risk for the driving safety of a motor vehicle with the control device if the performance of the internal combustion engine is influenced by the actuator, since the third program level only monitors the second program level.
Furthermore, the disclosure DE 44 38 714 that a fault state which has been detected leads to a performance limitation by means of the third program level. However, in practice, the third program level has only little, or even no, information on the current values of the operating parameters. Accordingly, the performance limitation can then only be implemented by deactivating the internal combustion engine. However, this means a considerable loss in driving convenience and can result in an unnecessarily low reliability of the control device.

Method of controlling an internal combustion engine


Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor including a capacitor element, the capacitor element having an anode body with a dielectric coating film formed on a surface thereof and a solid electrolyte made of a conductive polymer. The method includes the steps of: forming the capacitor element having the anode body with the dielectric coating film formed on the surface thereof; preparing a polymerization liquid A containing one of a monomer as a precursor of the conductive polymer and an oxidant, and a silane compound; preparing a polymerization liquid B by adding the other of the monomer and the oxidant that is not contained in polymerization liquid A, to polymerization liquid A; and performing polymerization after impregnating the capacitor element with polymerization liquid B.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor.
2. Description of the Background Art
As a typical solid electrolytic capacitor, the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is known (Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-144574).
As shown in a cross sectional view of FIG. 1, a solid electrolytic capacitor 1 has a capacitor element 6 having leads 8A and 8B, a bottomed case 9 accommodating capacitor element 6, and a sealing member 10 sealing capacitor element 6. The vicinity of an opening end of bottomed case 9 is subjected to pressing in a lateral direction and curling.
As shown in a perspective view of FIG. 2, capacitor element 6 is formed by winding an anode body 2 having a dielectric coating film formed on a surface thereof and a cathode body 3 together, with a separator 12 being interposed therebetween, and thereafter securing the wound object with a winding stop tape 5. Anode lead 8A is connected with anode body 2 through an anode lead tab 7A, and cathode lead 8B is connected with cathode body 3 through a cathode lead tab 7B.
As an electrolyte of solid electrolytic capacitor 1 with a configuration as described above, for example, a solid electrolyte made of a conductive polymer is used. Such an electrolyte is charged into a gap between anode body 2 and cathode body 3 as electrode foils of capacitor element 6.

Method of manufacturing solid electrolytic capacitor

PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.