A method and device that provides independent temperature control of x-ray detector crystals, either singly or in small groups. In addition to a thermal control network for the crystals, electronic devices are associated with each detector crystal and are independently cooled using Peltier devices so that lifetime and reliability are maximized. In most operating environments the ambient temperature is less than the operating temperature of the detector crystals. In these situations, the heat removed from the electronics can be used to heat the detector crystals, resulting in efficient operation.

It is well-known that temperature has a significant effect on the performance of pixilated semiconductor and semi-insulator materials used for photon counting in CT machines. In particular, CdTe, CdTe:Cl, CdZnTe, HgI2, and other semi-insulators exhibit poor carrier transport properties so that significant space charge can build within the material during use. This space charge affects the induced signal, resulting in tailing of the spectrum (i.e., spreading of the lower energy tail), spectral broadening, as characterized by FWHM measurements, and spectral shifts. The counter can become highly non-linear and, in extreme cases, even cease to function.
At low flux, space charge has very little effect. In certain medical applications a higher flux is used so that exposure time can be minimized. Inspection applications, for example in luggage scanning, require a high flux so that penetration can be maximized. In both cases sufficient photons must be collected to ensure statistical significance; it is inevitable that some level of space charge will build up during use.
The energy-discriminating systems currently being developed for medical and inspection applications use spectral integration to determine attenuation over specific energy ranges. Repeatable, non-linear effects can be removed mathematically from the data, provided that the response of the detector crystal does not vary with time. Controlling the temporal variation of space charge is thus critical to advance this technology.
The existing prior art, which deals mostly with scintillator/silicon devices, teaches that the temperature of detector material must be maintained within a narrow range to prevent significant changes in spectral response. Thermo-mechanical stability has also been identified as an important factor in CT applications.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,563 for X-RAY DETECTOR ARRAY MAINTAINED IN ISOTHERMAL CONDITION by Snyder et al. teaches the use of heat pipes to reduce temperature gradients within the detector arm of a CT scanner. Related U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,757 for X-RAY DETECTOR ARRAY WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL HEAT SYSTEM by Joseph Lacey teaches the use of a phase change material and a sensor to measure and control the temperature within a detector array. However, this reference fails to control the temperature through the use of a feedback network.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,881 for X-RAY IMAGER COOLING DEVICE by Fyodor Maydanich teaches the use of a planar heat spreader disposed directly beneath an array of silicon detectors to maintain a nearly uniform temperature. The heat spreader is cooled with a thermoelectric device.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,092 for SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF CT DETECTOR CIRCUITRY by Joshi et al. teaches the use of a heat sink to cool chips used for data acquisition within a CT machine. However, these chips are not located near the scintillator array and are more akin to the cooling schemes that are widely used in computers.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,135,687 for THERMOELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED X-RAY DETECTOR ARRAY STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH by Lacey et al. teaches the use of a thermoelectric system to control the temperature gradient across a large array of detectors. It cannot, however, adequately control a large array of detectors which will be subjected to very different thermal environments due to local conduction and convection effects. It also fails to address the need to reduce space charge at high flux levels, but seeks only to minimize spectral and special shifts with operating temperature.
Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 7,161,157 for SELF REGULATING DETECTOR RAIL HEATER FOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING SYSTEMS by Joseph Lacey teaches the use of PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters within a detector array to maintain a uniform temperature. Since the current flowing through the heaters is a strong function of temperature, the devices become self-regulating. There is, however, a dependence on ambient temperature, air-flow and other variables. This scheme is therefore unlikely to provide the temperature stability needed to control variations in crystal response arising from the build-up of space charge.
In energy-discriminating CT systems, the performance of pixilated semiconductor and semi-insulator materials is improved when the temperature is raised above 40° C. due to increased carrier mobility.
None of the aforementioned inventions recognizes that detector crystals should be operated at these temperatures. The prior art is largely confined to scintillator/silicon technology; operating temperatures above 35° C. are not taught. Thus the electronics, which are typically reliable only at operating temperatures of less than 40° C., can operate in the same thermal environment as the detectors. This is no longer the case when crystal temperatures are increased to improve carrier mobility.
Further, a complication arises when the counting electronics must be located in proximity to the detector crystal. This requirement arises due to induced noise, low signal levels, and capacitance in the circuitry. It is the proximity of devices, with their conflicting thermal requirements, that has not previously been addressed.
Thus, it is desirable to provide independent means of controlling the temperature of semi-insulator, solid-state detector crystals within a narrow range while cooling their associated electronics so that performance, reliability and lifetime are maximized. Clearly a thermal solution is needed, such as this invention which can control and maintain an elevated temperature in detector crystals, either individually or in small groups, while cooling the associated electronics.

Test equipment for verification of crystal linearity at high-flux levels


A software defined networking (SDN) controller for a communication network is provided. The SDN controller includes a northbound interface, a southbound interface, and a database as a service (DBaaS) layer. The northbound interface includes an application layer having one or more independent SDN applications. The southbound interface includes an adapter layer having one or more independent device adapters. The DBaaS layer includes a persistent DBaaS unit and a state DBaaS unit.

The field of the disclosure relates generally to management of computer networks, and more particularly, to management of the control plane for a software defined network (SDN).
Conventional management of the SDN control plane is managed by a central SDN controller, which is run on a single or clustered application. Such conventional SDN controllers are implemented for configured processes that are executed in the same runtime, and are thus designed in a similar monolithic manner for ease of management, data delivery, administration, and performance under load. However, conventional SDN controllers will include subsystems that are not generally saturated. Although the addition of new node to a cluster s mitigate performance issues come on the monolithic nature of conventional SDN controllers is known to introduce unintended complications to the system utilizing the SDN controller, such as undesirable resource utilization allocated to processing threads that our not actually experiencing any problems, or need for resources. SDN controllers are capable of maintaining a number subsystems in the same runtime; however, conventional SDN controller designs do not permit resource allocation to only what is necessary.
The monolithic architectures of conventional SDN controllers are therefore known to inherently lead to such system performance problems. These conventional SDN controllers additionally are known to experience problems with respect to state management, vendor lock-in, and interoperability. Since SDN controllers must persist metadata about each entity within its inventory, as well as the current state thereof, each controller is conventionally designed to have its own storage and management means, each of which requires its own subsystems to be coupled to the controller core.
FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a communication system 100 having a conventional centralized SDN system architecture 102. Architecture 102 includes a central SDN controller 104 between a user 106 and one or more devices 108. FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a conventional master/slave SDN system architecture 110. Instead of a single central controller between a user 112 and one or more devices 114, architecture 110 includes a master SDN controller 116 managing one or more slave SDN controllers 118. FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a conventional partitioned SDN system architecture 120. Instead of the single central controller between a user 122 and one or more devices 124, architecture 120 includes a load balancer 126 for balancing one or more partitions 128 of an SDN controller layer 130. Each of the conventional solutions represented by system architectures 102, 110, 120 is nevertheless monolithic in the overall design, and experiences the specific problems described above.

Systems and methods for disaggregated software defined networking control


An apparatus for controlling light distribution of a vehicle head lamp has a first calculating means for estimating a driver's view position, a second calculating means for estimating a deviation angle formed by a running direction of the vehicle and a direction of the driver's view position, control means for controlling the light distribution composed of beam orientation, beam spread and upper bright-dark limit, said control means further comprising control-lamp selecting means which selects a high-beam head lamp or a low-beam head lamp corresponding to the result of the first calculating means.. The first calculating means estimates a driver's view position which is determined by the distance reached by the vehicle after an estimated time along a forward roadway, which accounts for the driver's abilities.. The second calculating means provides the deviation angle formed between the running direction of the vehicle and the direction of the driver's line of view.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling light distributions of head lamps, and particularly to an apparatus for controlling light distributions of head lamps which illuminate the front of a vehicle while the vehicle is running.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to provide vehicles with head lamps to improve visibility in front of a driver during night or the like. In general, head lamps are attached to both sides of the front end of a vehicle and they illuminate a relatively wide range. Since, however, the head lamps are fixed, there may be cases where the driver continuously visually observes a dark portion out of the illumination range of the head lamps when the vehicle is being driven, e.g., when the vehicle is being turned, so that portions necessary for the driver to watch during driving cannot be brightly illuminated.
To improve driver visibility, an apparatus for controlling light distributions of head lamps has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6(1994)-72234 (corresponding to the priority document for U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,454) as an illustrative example. This apparatus includes a vehicle speed sensor, head lamps in which the light distribution composed of beam spread and beam orientation is changeable, a calculating means and a control means. The calculating means calculates a driver's view position which is determined by the distance the vehicle reaches after a predetermined time along a forward roadway, and calculates a deviation angle formed by a running direction of the vehicle and a direction of said driver's view position. The control means controls the light distribution composed of beam spread and beam orientation of said head lamp on the basis of a result of calculations by said calculating means. Accordingly, the head lamps apply the light to the position which will be observed by the driver so that the visibility at the time of driving is ensured.

Apparatus for controlling light distributions of head lamps


An image processor for converts input grayscale values into output grayscale values having two or more grayscales by dividing an input image into pixel groups each including pixels and applying a dither matrix to each pixel group a center of gravity position of the pixel group from the input grayscale value of each pixel included in the pixel group; the center of the dither matrix on the center of gravity position of the pixel group; and output the output grayscale values by corresponding the positioned dither matrix and the input grayscale value of each pixel included in the pixel group. By this, the center of the dither matrix is positioned on the center of gravity position of the pixel group. So dots are generated at the most appropriate positions to reproduce an input image faithfully.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processor, image processing method and image processing program, and more particularly to an image processor for eliminating the blurring of output images and acquiring output images faithful to input.
2. Description of the Related Art
Image processors, such as a printer, have been converting input image data, which have multi-value grayscale values for each pixel, into output image data having lower grayscale values (e.g. binary) by half tone processing, and printing the output image data onto print paper.
As a half tone processing, processing by a dot concentrated dither method (multi-value dither method) is known. In the multi-value dither method, thresholds are distributed so that dots grow from the center in a predetermined size of matrix, and processing is performed by comparing the thresholds with an input grayscale value of each pixel.
However if a threshold matrix is applied to the input image, in some cases the input grayscale value of the pixel is lost in an area where the threshold is high, and the input value is converted into an unnecessarily large output value in an area where the threshold is low. For example, if a fine line exists in the threshold matrix, the fine line in the output image may be disconnected. Therefore processing by the multi-value dither method has a problem in the image quality of the output image.
Therefore there is a prior art where a plurality of threshold matrices having different dot growth characteristics are provided, a matrix with which a desired dot size can be acquired is judged for each half tone generation area, and the threshold matrix to be used is switched (e.g. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H4-195137).
With this method however, a memory for recording a plurality of threshold matrices is required. Also the calculation volume is high since dither processing is performed for a plurality of times for all the pixels of the input image when the matrix is switched. Also in the case of processing by the multi-value dither method, including this method, the dot positions are fixed with a predetermined spacing, so a dot cannot be generated at an optimum position to reproduce the grayscale value distribution which was input, and low resolution images, which are not faithful to the input, may be output.
To solve these problems, the present applicant proposed a method of determining a center of gravity position from a grayscale value of each pixel in a cell which consists of a plurality of pixels, and generating a dot corresponding to the sum of the grayscale values of each pixel at the center of gravity position (e.g. Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-137326 (not published), hereafter called "AAM (Advanced AM Screen) Method").
With the AAM method, however, dots are grown from the center of gravity position in a cell, so even if a fine line exists in the cell, for example, it is reproduced as a circular dot, and the output image becomes a blur.
With the foregoing in view, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processor, image processing method and image processing program which can acquire an output image faithful to the input image, without blurring of the output image.

Image processor, image processing method and image processing program


Vaporizer cartridges are provided. In some implementations, a cartridge includes a body having a base region sized to be inserted into a receptacle on a device, a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the body, a reservoir configured to hold a vaporizable material, a wick positioned to contact the vaporizable material, a resistive heating element having a pair of heating element ends, and a pair of plates away from the distal end. The plates are in contact with the pair of heating element ends, have a contact end exposed on an outer surface of a distal end of the body, and are configured to complete a circuit with the device when the base region is inserted into the receptacle, the exposed contact ends disposed in a first plane on the distal end. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Electronic inhalable aerosol devices (e.g., vaporization devices, electronic vaping devices, etc.) and particularly electronic aerosol devices, typically utilize a vaporizable material that is vaporized to create an aerosol vapor capable of delivering an active ingredient to a user. Control of the temperature of the resistive heater must be maintained (e.g., as part of a control loop), and this control may be based on the resistance of the resistive heating element.
Many of the battery-powered vaporizers described to date include a reusable batter-containing device portion that connects to one or more cartridges containing the consumable vaporizable material. As the cartridges are used up, they are removed and replaced with fresh ones. It may be particularly useful to have the cartridge be integrated with a mouthpiece that the user can draw on to receive vapor. However, a number of surprising disadvantages may result in this configuration, particular to non-cylindrical shapes. For example, the use of a cartridge at the proximal end of the device, which is also held by the user's mouth, particularly where the cartridge is held in the vaporizer device by a friction- or a snap-fit, may result in instability in the electrical contacts, particularly with cartridges of greater than 1 cm length.
Described herein are apparatuses and methods that may address the issues discussed above.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The present invention comprises an apparatus for communicating with, monitoring, and gathering data from a plurality of programmable test devices connected to predetermined points on a network of equipment. The present invention is particularly suitable for x-ray and vascular systems which have multiple pieces of equipment which require maintenance, repair, and adjustment. The apparatus of the present invention can be used in conjuction with an expert system which provides diagnostic and troubleshooting assistance to the field service engineer to provide for faster repair and maintenance of vascular or x-ray systems.

This application is submitted with a microfiche Appendix consisting of one (1) microfiche with twenty-eight (28) frames.
The invention described herein relates to the monitoring, maintenance, and repair of vascular x-ray imaging systems or any similar system in which a number of distinct equipment modules are interconnected to form a functioning system.
A typical vascular system consists of a patient table, an operator console, a control panel, and a high tension transformer. These components are costly to service. The increased costs are a direct result of the trend toward modular systems. A modular design allows the buyer to customize a system to meet his individual requirements, but at an increased cost since repair and maintenance is more complex and must also be tailored to the individual system. The cost factor alone makes vascular systems primary candidates for development of cost saving diagnostic techniques and systems.
Repair and maintenance requires that the field service engineer must have the technical manuals and repair procedures immediately available to him or her at the site to research any eventuality that may occur. Again, however, modularity becomes a factor. Since a variety of modules may be used in a typical vascular system, technical manuals and procedures for each module must be on-hand. This can represent a substantial amount of paper.
The present invention is an apparatus for communicating with a plurality of devices, in which a a plurality of programmable distributed test units (DTUs), each communicating with an associated one of the plurality of devices, communicate with one another by way of a network, preferably an optical network. A system monitor unit communicates with the plurality of programmable distributed test units by way of the network, programs each of the plurality of programmable distributed test units to function in a selected manner, and gathers information obtained by the plurality of programmable distributed test units, as programmed, from the plurality of devices.
Each of the plurality of distributed test units include a standardized controller unit which is programmed by the system monitor unit, and a sample control module which is controlled by the programmed controller unit, and which is adapted to communicate with a corresponding one of the plurality of devices.
Using the network of DTUs, connected to selected vascular devices, such as the dosimeter and control console, the DTUs gather and transfer data to the system monitor. The field service engineer connects a field service notebook (laptop computer) to the system monitor to access data gathered from the DTUs. Using the gathered data, accurate measures of system performance are developed which can easily be monitored and recreated, yielding xe2x80x9coptimumxe2x80x9d performance levels based on preset benchmarks. Through the electronic database storage capabilities of the system monitor, the field service engineer is provided with a support system and reference materials, including component lists, manuals, and current software releases, that allow for quicker, less cumbersome and more accurate repair of the vascular system.
The present invention can be used in connecting with an automated system which reduces the probability of errors occurring during manual data transfer, decreases hard copy support and technical data which the field service engineer has to carry to the site, and, allows the system monitor to perform the highly accurate performance data analysis required, thus reducing human error in diagnosis and repair.
Such a diagnostic system enhances the efficiency of troubleshooting and repair and leads to shorter down times, thereby reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction. The system is also non-invasive so that it can collect data from the test points while the vascular system is in use. This allows field service engineers to proactively detect and correct system performance deterioration before the system fails.
An offsite Technical Assistance Center (TAC) can be used to contact the system monitor remotely to access the DTU network to check system operations, and to update the information stored in the system monitor.
The present invention can be used to shorten evaluation time through automation when used with a diagnostic system which employs an expert system which comprises software in the system monitor processor that analyzes data gathered and stored from the DTUs. The expert system can refer more quickly to similar problem situations in the past and recall resolutions. The expert system is therefore able to provide the field service engineer with suggestions on how and where to work on the system. The expert system also anticipates when an incorrect procedure is run, and directs the field service engineer to alternative correct solutions. As a result, time consuming guesswork, and trial and error, normally associated with the repair process are reduced, thereby allowing faster repair or adjustment of the vascular system.


A purified glycoprotein complex of over 1200 kD apparent native molecular weight having a sedimentation value of approximately 25S and having the ability to selectively bind human Mac-2 or interfere with PHA activation of lymphocytes, DNA sequences that encode the protein, and expression systems for expressing it, thus providing for medicaments that are useful for treating or diagnosing diseases, including cancer, infectious disease, and diseases of the immune system.

Cell surface molecules play a key role in the infectivity of viruses and other pathogens with their target cells. For example, ICAM-1, the endothelial cell receptor for integrin binding, is also the receptor for rhinovirus binding. Rhinoviruses are members of the picornavirus family and are responsible for about 50% of common colds in humans. Another classic example of such interactions is influenza hemagglutinin, a lectin that binds to sialic acid on its host cell as the first step in infection. Thus, a prophylactic approach to preventing the common cold is to interfere with the binding of rhinovirus to cell-bound ICAM-1 by administration of soluble binding competitors to the host receptor.
Lectins are a class of proteins that bind carbohydrates specifically and noncovalently. Lis, H. and Sharon, N., 1986, Annual Review of Biochemistry, 55:35. Numerous lectins have been identified in higher animals, both membrane-bound and soluble, and have been implicated in a variety of cell-recognition phenomena, in addition to roles that they play in metastasis.
Lectins may generally be classified as either of the C-type, whose binding properties are calcium-dependent and which are structurally related to the asialoglycoprotein receptor, or the S-type, or thiol-dependent lectin. It should be noted, however, that there are other proteins with lectin properties that apparently do not fall into either of these classes, such as for example, fibronectin and laminin. Drickamar, K., 1988, J. Biol. Chem., 263:9557.
Lectins are thought to play a role in regulating cellular events that are initiated at the level of the plasma membrane. For instance, plasma membrane associated molecules are involved in the activation of various subsets of lymphoid cells, particularly T-lymphocytes, and it is known that cell-surface molecules are responsible for activation of these cells and consequently their response during an immune reaction. This phenomenon has been studied using various plant lectins, such as leucoagglutinating phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (con A). These molecules are thought to activate T-cells by binding to carbohydrate moieties associated with specific molecules on the T-lymphocyte cell surface.
One known human lectin, originally described as a cell-associated macrophage antigen, is called "Mac-2". Ho & Springer, J. Immunol., (1982) 128:1221-1228. The 32-kDa lectin Mac-2, is expressed at significant levels in thioglycolate-elicited mouse macrophages but not in resident macrophages and may be involved in cell adhesion or immune responses. The human homologue of Mac-2 has been cloned and shown to be a lactose/galactose-specific lectin that is externalized, despite lacking a leader sequence. Oda et al., Gene (1991) 99:279-283; Cherayil et al., PNAS (USA) (1990) 87:7324-7438. Mac-2 is identical or closely related to other previously described lectins: EBP, a protein believed to represent a new type of cell adhesin (Frigeri & Liu, J. Immunol. (1992) 148:861-867), CBP35, a galactose-binding lectin (Jai & Wang, J. Biol. Chem. (1988) 263:6009-6011), a non-integrin laminin-binding protein (Woo et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1990) 265:7097-7099), RL-29, a lactose-specific lung lectin (Leffler & Barondes, J. Biol. Chem. (1986) 261:10119-10126), and L-34, a galactose-binding lectin correlated with neoplastic transformation and metastasis (Raz et al., Int. J. Cancer (1990) 46:871-877). Mac-2 is present in significant concentrations in the tips of intestinal villi, where it may be a target for colonization by human pathogens.
Several researchers have isolated and purified glycoproteins that act as ligands for various lectins. For example, a protein termed the tamm-horsfall glycoprotein has been shown to inhibit lymphocyte activation induced by several lectins, including leucoagglutinin and hemagglutinin from Phaseolus vulgaris. Serafini-Cessi, F. et al., 1979, Biochemical Journal, 183:381-388. Additionally, glycoproteins that act as PHA-binding factors have been partially purified from porcine splenic lymphocytes. Further studies also show that PHA activation of porcine lymphocytes is inhibited by the partially purified glycoproteins. Dupuis, G. et al., 1985, Canadian Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, 63:932-940. These researchers were unable to identify a precise molecular weight species that exhibited the inhibitory activity. Rather, they reported a range of molecular weight species in partially purified preparations, as revealed by Coomassie Blue staining of sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels. Major bands were observed having apparent molecular weights of about 50-55, 75, 95, 130, and 155 kD; additional minor species exhibited apparent molecular weights of about 42, 45, 60-65, 175, and 200-250 kD.
Similar studies by other investigators have shown the existence of other PHA-binding molecules. For instance, a PHA-binding factor from pig mesenteric lymph nodes has been isolated and shown to have a molecular mass of about 100 kD. Allan, D. and Crumpton, N. J., 1973, Exp. Cell Res., 7:271-278. A PHA-binding molecule present in plasma membranes from pig submaxillary lymph node lymphocytes was shown to exhibit an apparent molecular mass greater than 94 kD. Alexander, S. et al., 1978, Biochemical Biophys. Acta, 512:350-364. Other PHA-binding ligands have been isolated from human peripheral blood by affinity chromatography and have been found to have molecular masses in the range of 20-35, 43, 60, and 70 kD. Skoog, B. et al., 1980, Scand. Journal Immun., 11:369-376. Other researchers have reported the presence of leucoagglutinin-receptor glycoproteins with molecular weights ranging from 43 to 250 kD in neuraminidase-treated peripheral human T lymphocytes.
The health benefits of human breast milk have long been recognized. Recently, the prophylactic effects of milk in preventing gastrointestinal infections have been described. Gerrard, J., 1974, Pediatrics, 54:757-764. At least in part, this is due to non-immunoglobin glycoproteins present in milk that have binding properties that protect newborns from viral or bacterial infections. Lonnerdal, B., 1985, Am. J. Clin., 42:1299-1317 and Holmgren, J. et al., 1983, Infect. Immun., 33:459-463. These proteins are thought to exert their effects, at least in part, by preventing or disrupting the adherence of bacteria or viruses to intestinal epithelium by binding to bacterial adhesins or viral hemagglutinins. Bacterial adhesins and viral hemagglutinins are surface molecules that facilitate the adherence of these organisms to epithelial cell surfaces as an early step in infection. The milk proteins involved in this process have not been well characterized. Holmgren, J. et al., 1983, Infect. Immun., 33:459-463. However, a glycoprotein having a molecular weight above 400,000 has been described that is able to neutralize respiratory syncytial virus. Laegreid, A. et al., 1986, Acta Paediatric. Scand., 75:696-701. In addition to the immuno-protective and anti-infective functions provided by such proteins, other human milk proteins serve special roles as carriers of specific nutrients.
Similarly, a high molecular weight material has been identified in human serum that interferes with the attachment and infectivity of hepatitis A virus to various cell lines. Zajac, A. et al., 1991, J. of Gen. Virol, 72:1667-1675. This material has not been purified nor have its properties been further characterized.
Rosenberg et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1991) 266:18731-18736, describe a Mac-2 binding protein from colon carcinoma cells, and report a partial N-terminal protein sequence. Linsley et al., Biochem. (1986) 25:2978-2986 have characterized a lung carcinoma protein, L3, with a identical N-terminal protein sequence. No one has as yet identified the complete amino acid sequence for a novel glycoprotein specific for binding to the human Mac-2 lectin, nor has the cDNA encoding such a sequence been cloned.

Nucleic acid encoding secreted Mac-2 binding glycoprotein


A droplet discharge method includes performing a plurality of scans in which a discharge head and a substrate are scanned relative to each other, and discharging droplets of a plurality of types of functional liquid from the discharge head onto a plurality of prescribed portions on the substrate configured and arranged to hold the discharged functional liquid while the discharge head and the substrate are scanned. The performing of the plurality of scans includes performing at least one full discharge scan for each of the prescribed portions so that the functional liquid is discharged over an entire region of each of the prescribed portions, and performing a partial discharge scan so that the functional liquid is discharged so as to avoid at least part of peripheral edges of the prescribed portions.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a droplet discharge method, an electro-optical device, and an electronic device.
2. Related Art
The droplet discharge head of an inkjet printer is able to discharge microscopic ink droplets in the form of dots, which affords extremely high precision in terms of the uniformity of the size and pitch of the ink droplets. This technology has been applied to the manufacture of many different products, such as electro-optical devices. For instance, it can be applied in the formation of a film for the light-emitting components of organic EL display devices or the color filter layers of liquid crystal devices.
More specifically, a droplet discharge head is filled with a special ink, a photosensitive resin liquid, or another such functional liquid, and droplets of this functional liquid are discharged onto prescribed portions provided on a substrate. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2004-267927 is an example of related art. A number of different colors are usually formed in the light-emitting components or color filters used in conventional electro-optical devices, and a plurality of types of functional liquid are discharged onto the substrate, each by a different device, one at a time.
When the apparatus discussed in the above mentioned reference is used, however, since a plurality of types of functional liquid are discharged onto the substrate by different devices one at a time, the overall discharge process ends up taking a long time. In view of this, the idea was conceived to discharge all types of functional liquid with a single device in order to shorten the discharge time.
Also, the prescribed portions provided to the substrate usually have a larger volume than the droplets of functional liquid, and cannot be fully filled with functional liquid in a single scan, so scanning is performed a number of times. Further, since the prescribed portions have a large bottom surface area compared to the size of the droplets of functional liquid, in each scan the functional liquid is discharged evenly over the entire bottom surface of the prescribed portions so that the functional liquid will not be distributed unevenly within the prescribed portions.
However, as the functional liquid starts to fill the prescribed portions over a plurality of scans, the functional liquid newly discharged toward the prescribed portions can sometimes rebound upon hitting the surface. Particularly around the peripheral edges of the prescribed portions, any functional liquid that rebounds can splash out of the prescribed portions and may become mixed up with another type of functional liquid, such as the functional liquid held in an adjacent prescribed portion. Furthermore, if discharged functional liquid comes into contact with the top of the dividing walls that separate the prescribed portions, the functional liquid may rebound, or the functional liquid adhering to the top part of the walls may flow and become mixed with the functional liquid of another prescribed portion adjacent to the targeted prescribed portion. If functional liquids of different types become mixed in an electro-optical device, this can lead to a decrease in contrast. Also, even if functional liquids of the same type become mixed, the targeted prescribed portions may end up not holding the intended amounts of functional liquid, which causes density unevenness.
In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved droplet discharge method, an improved electro-optical device, and an improved electronic device. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Droplet discharge method, electro-optical device, and electronic device


Foldout tabs for assisting with the removal of contents from a carton. When extended, the foldout tabs provide a leverage point on which a user may place one or both feet so that while pulling the contents from within the carton, the carton does not exhibit its normal tendency to follow the contents.

As evident from the huge expansion in mail order and Internet shopping, many more products are being purchased and delivered in packaging or boxes. Furthermore, many consumer and business products that are purchased in retail outlets are provided in packaging or boxes. In many cases, the internal packing materials and the weight of the enclosed products tend to make it difficult to remove the purchased goods from the shipping carton, especially when the contents are bulky and/or heavy. This is due to at least three factors: the weight of the product, the friction of the packing material as it is pulled from the shipping carton and the air pressure or the vacuum created as the product is pulled out of the shipping carton. All these factors make it more difficult to remove the product from the shipping carton. As the user pulls on the product or packing material to remove it from the shipping carton, the shipping carton tends to move in the same direction.
Furthermore, the actions of the user sometimes make this situation worse. When the shipping carton moves with the product during removal, the industrious user will try to use his or her legs to hold the carton in place. This not only causes the user to exert pressure in a way that is not natural to them, but as they put pressure on the box, the box deforms, putting further pressure on the packing material or product, making the task even more difficult.

Device for assisting in the removal of contents from its packaging


Techniques are presented to determine a location of a wireless client device operating in a wireless local area network. A beacon report request action frame is sent to a wireless client device, where the request frame is configured to cause the wireless client device to transmit a broadcast probe request frame. A beacon report response message is received from the wireless client device and includes one or more probe response frames transmitted by one or more wireless access points that receive the broadcast probe request frame. The wireless client device location is determined based in part on signal strength information in the probe response frames sent by the one or more wireless access points and which signal strength information indicates the signal strength observed by the one or more wireless access points with respect to the broadcast probe request frame transmitted by the wireless client device.

The location of wireless client devices in a coverage area can be determined based on signal strength information between the wireless client devices and wireless access points (APs). An AP that is installed in a region will have its location previously known. This location information will be stored, for example, in mapping information associated with a particular region. When a wireless client device transmits data or frames, the same frame can be received by different APs in the vicinity at different signal levels. From these signal levels, it is possible to generate contours that represent approximate locations of wireless client devices at a particular instance. In one example, an intersection of the contours may represent an approximate location of a wireless client device. For location detection of wireless client devices, it may be necessary to have a minimum of three or more APs to determine these signal levels.

Using neighboring access points to provide client device location data


An ergonomic makeup shield for use in applying eye makeup and methods of using the same are disclosed. The makeup shield has a generally planar body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the body further including at least four generally straight side, with adjacent sides being connected by generally curved corners and the sides being oriented relative to each other to provide angles between adjacent sides wherein at least two of the angles are acute angles and at least two of the angles are obtuse angles, and wherein the top surface has a perimeter that is smaller than the bottom surface and the top surface is connected to the bottom surface by a generally beveled edge extending around at least two of the generally curved corners and along the respective sides adjacent thereto. The makeup shield also may include scale indicia along at least two of the sides.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to devices or accessories that are used in applying makeup or cosmetics, and more particularly to an ergonomic makeup shield for use in applying eye makeup to a face, and methods of using the same. This disclosure presents an example embodiment that is representative of such a device that may be utilized for particular purposes.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
There have been many different devices used by makeup artists, cosmetologists and other individuals when applying eye makeup to a face, whether to a face of another individual or oneself. Objects such as a business card or credit card have been used, and many different makeup shield devices have been developed. Such makeup shield devices commonly include at least one concave edge, so as to be able to place the makeup shield between the lower eye lashes and the skin immediately below the eye or between the upper eye lashes and the skin of the eyelid, to protect the skin while applying mascara or other makeup. Some prior art makeup shields include a handle for grasping the device, and some include other ways of being held in place, including for instance hands-free designs that use adhesive, so as to adhere the makeup shield to the face to protect the skin around the eye. However, such devices are not particularly well suited for the application of eye liner or eye shadow and leave room for improvement.
For instance, it is somewhat common that such devices present sharp corners that could be harmful when used around an eye or against a face. Also, many provide relatively abruptly cut and thick edges, which tend to provide a place for eye makeup to clump or collect and create problems. For those devices that are intended to be adhered to the skin, this limits the ways and order in which makeup can be applied to the face because it is not practical to have a makeup shield adhered to the face in an area already bearing makeup.
The shape of prior art devices may not permit only the top surface or only the bottom surface of a device to be held against the face when applying makeup proximate the respective first and second eyes. However, having to hold against the face the respective opposed top and bottom surfaces of the device can create cleanliness issues, due to the residue that may be captured on one surface which then must be held against the face. Also, prior art devices tend to make it difficult to apply eye makeup accurately and tend to leave the user guessing when attempting to apply eye makeup to both eyes in a substantially similar pattern.
The present disclosure provides a device and methods of using the device that address shortcomings found in prior art makeup shields for applying eye makeup.

Ergonomic makeup shield for applying eye makeup and methods of using the same


A method and apparatus for selectively powering down a portion of a cache memory includes determining a power down condition dependent upon a number of accesses to the cache memory. In response to the detection of the power down condition, selecting a group of cache ways included in the cache memory dependent upon a number of cache lines in each cache way that are also included in another cache memory. The method further includes locking and flushing the selected group of cache ways, and then activating a low power mode for the selected group of cache ways.

Technical Field
This disclosure relates to processor cache operation, and more particularly to cache management mechanisms.
Description of the Related Art
Modern processors use a number of cache memory hierarchies in an effort to expedite data retrieval from main memory. In particular, most all processor cores will have at least a level one (L1) cache that is proximal to the core. In many cases, and especially in multi-core designs, a processor will also have a level two (L2) cache, and in some cases a level three (L3) cache. The L2 and L3 caches are in many cases shared among the various processor cores. The multiple cache hierarchies allow a processing system to keep copies of data that is accessed frequently in the local faster cache memory hierarchy, rather than having to access main memory which is typically slower.
Additional levels of cache memories as well as increased sizes of cache memories have contributed to power consumption in processing systems. In many applications, such as, e.g., mobile computing, additional power consumption may lead to a decrease in battery life. Many processing systems attempt to reduce power consumption by removing power (commonly referred to as "power gating") to unused functional blocks within the system. For example, cache memories may be power gated when processor cores are inactive and not accessing the memories.


In a data bus environment where a host device and a plurality of other devices are connected to the bus, the time required for the first and the last device to respond to a host request is measured. Once the time required between the first and the last response is known, then a read/write window time can be minimized thereby increasing the speed of communication over the data bus.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to techniques for determining and supporting required timing in communications systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to hardware reliant systems for automatically determining and supporting such timing.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is necessary quite often in communications systems to determine and support timing for data transfer. An example of such a circumstance involves the well-known approach for bidirectional communication known as the 1-Wire Protocol developed by Dallas Semiconductor Corporation. The 1-Wire Protocol effects half-duplex serial transfer within discrete time slots. In many cases, the 1-Wire Protocol is used for communication between a "cup shaped" master and a "button shaped" slave. In these cases a microcontroller (as the cup shaped master) initiates data transfer by sending a command word to the button-shaped slave "Touch Memory" portable data carrier.
According to the 1-Wire Protocol, commands and data are sent bit by bit to make bytes, starting with the least significant bit. FIG. 1 illustrates the general characteristics of the communication. The synchronization of master and slave is based on the sharp slope that the master generates by pulling the data line low. This sharp slope is generally indicated by reference numeral 2 (for a write one case) and by reference numeral 4 (for a write zero case) in FIG. 1. A certain time after this slope 2, 4, depending on data direction, either the master or the slave samples the voltage on the data line to get one bit of information. In FIG. 1, the period of time in which voltage may be sampled by the slave can be seen to reside between 15 microseconds after the sharp slope begins and 60 microseconds after that same event. Also, in FIG. 1, the period of time in which the master samples the line is less that 15 microseconds. That is to say, there is a 15 microsecond period before the line is pulled high in the write one case where a sampling would not result in a correct reading of a one; and further, there is a 60 microsecond limit on an active time slot before a next bit begins. The foregoing method of operation is called data transfer in time slots. Each time slot is independently timed so that communication pauses can occur between bits if necessary, without causing errors.
It has been found in practice that while the scheme described above and depicted in FIG. 1 provides a 45 microsecond window during which voltage can be sampled during a data transfer, many 1-Wire systems exist where virtually all sampling is done at about 30 microseconds after the sharp slope begins. In both systems having one slave and those having multiple slaves, it has been found rare in practice where sampling occurs much outside a range of about 27-33 microseconds after the line is first pulled low by the master to initiate and synchronize a bit. For example, whereas in theory master writing is limited by the maximum time of 60 microseconds (i.e., slowness could be a problem) and master reading is limited by the minimum time (i.e., fastness could be a problem), the fact remains that very little voltage sampling is done at the active time slot extremes.
It should be appreciated that maintaining a window of opportunity larger than is absolutely necessary reduces the speed of data transfer. It would be a tremendous advance in the art, therefore, to have a scheme in which the window of opportunity for voltage sampling is optimized, that is, made small enough so that accuracy is maintained, while obtaining marked improvements in speed of transfer.
Still further, recognizing the timing optimizing schemes can be effected in hardware, in software, or in a combination of the two, it should also be appreciated that it would be extremely desirable to have a scheme in which all components (whether hardware or software) are used efficiently and so to play to strengths.

Method and system for measuring a maximum and minimum response time of a plurality of devices on a data bus and adapting the timing of read and write time slots


A vapor-deposited metallized film is disclosed including a metallized film that is vapor-deposited across the entire surface, and a metallized film that has been coated a number of times and also a method for producing a vapor-deposited metallized film, a metallized film that is vapor-deposited across the entire surface, and a metallized film that has been coated a number of times, wherein either a structure is printed onto a substrate or onto a supporting film with a soluble ink or the base materials are directly cleaned in a vacuum by means of plasma processing and are simultaneously initiated with target atoms, and wherein a metal or the like is vapor-deposited thereon followed by a production of the structured layer, for multiple uses, for example, in securities, as a radio frequency antenna for transponders and the like.

The present invention relates generally to metallized films, and in particular to a metallized film having structured layers, as well as a method for the production of such films and their uses.
Certain metallized films, for example safety films, are known in the prior art. For example, WO 99/13157 discloses safety films for securities and methods for their production. Such a safety film for incorporation or application in or on securities includes a translucent supporting film and a metallic coating applied thereon with metal-free regions that are clearly visible particularly with transmitted light. For the production of these metallized films, the supporting film is prepared, then a printing ink with high pigment content is printed on the supporting film, the printing ink is then dried to form a porous, raised color coating. After formation of a thin metallic masking layer on the thus imprinted supporting film, the color coating and the masking layer which is lying over it or respectively penetrating into the color coating are removed by washing with a liquid, possibly combined with mechanical action, and finally the supporting film is dried and optionally cut to shape. The metallic masking layer thus remains on the supporting film in those areas originally not covered by the printing ink and may have a thickness of 0.01 μm to 1 μm according to the publication.
Furthermore, EP 0 330 733 A1 discloses a safety element in the form of a thread of a translucent plastic film, which has an opaque coating extending across the element and including recesses in the form of characters or patterns to be incorporated and which contains at least in the areas congruent to the recesses coloring and/or luminescent substances, by which the characters and/or patterns are distinguished under suitable light conditions from the safety document and from the opaque coating in contrasting colored form.
In another prior art publication, DE 36 87 250 T2, a method of making metallizing dielectric carriers is disclosed, wherein a layer of metallic chrome is vapor-deposited on a dimensionally stable polyimide substrate under vacuum conditions and afterwards a copper layer is galvanically applied on this chromium layer. In order to produce a desired pattern on the conductive copper tracks, the copper layer is etched and then a layer of gold or tin or a solder is applied on these conductive tracks.
DE 36 10 379 A1 discloses a method of making a film provided on at least one of its surfaces with a metal layer interrupted at preselected spots. In this method, the metal layer is applied in the preselected spots onto a poorly sticking substrate and mechanically cleared away from the preselected spots. In this way, the poorly sticking substrate can be so distributed across the entire surface of the film that the desired pattern is realized. Regardless of this pattern, the entire surface is then metallized, so that the metallization can be accomplished relatively inexpensively. Since the layer of metal is only loosely applied on the poorly sticking surface, it can be removed from the surface relatively easily by mechanical means.
Other metallized films and methods for their production are known, for example, from EP 0.107,983 A1, EP 0.479,058 A1, EP 0.600.374 A1, DE 198 34 348 A1, DE 198 15 175 A1, DE 198 12 932 A1, DE 196 43 823 A1, DE 197 18 177 A1, DE 197 29 891 A1, DE 198 22 075 A1, DE 198 18 968 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,378, U.S. Pat. No. 4,685,997 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,863,808. To avoid mere repetitions of the respective contents, their full disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, in particular with respect to the structures, layer thicknesses and materials of the metallized films as well as the process steps for the production of patterns with the metallic layer.
While for particular applications, such as, e.g., safety films for securities, some applications of metallized films in principle desire to keep the metallic layer as thin as possible, so that it is spread as little as possible, other applications require thicker and nevertheless cleanly structured or formed metallic layers with fine pattern, which cannot be made in a satisfactory way by conventional methods, such as, e.g, for conductive tracks or printed boards, particularly for antennas, as found, e.g. in cell phones.
It would therefore be desirable and advantageous to provide safety films for securities with improved metallized films to obviate prior art shortcomings and to create a metallized film and a method for its production.

Metallized film, method for the production thereof, and use thereof


An image on which a noise reduction and a dynamic range expansion process have been performed is generated by a sequential synthesis process using continuous-photographed images of different exposure conditions. The continuous-photographed images of different exposure conditions are input, configuration pixels of an input image and an intermediate synthetic image are classified into a noise pixel, an effective pixel, or a saturation pixel, a synthesis processing method of a pixel unit is decided according to a combination of pixel classification results of the corresponding pixels, and the intermediate synthetic image is updated according to the decided method. A 3DNR process is performed when at least one of the corresponding pixels of the input image and the intermediate synthetic image is the effective pixel, the pixel value of the intermediate synthetic image is output without change when both of the corresponding pixels of the input image and the intermediate synthetic image are the saturation pixel or the noise pixel, and the 3DNR process is performed or the pixel value of the intermediate synthetic image is output when one is the saturation pixel, and the other is the noise pixel.

A synthesis process using a plurality of continuously photographed images is known to be effective as an image noise reduction (NR) process. Specifically, a pixel value in which noise is reduced is calculated by detecting a corresponding pixel serving as a photographing pixel region of the same subject from a plurality of continuously photographed images and performing, for example, a synthesis process of averaging pixel values of a plurality of corresponding pixels.
A technique of performing noise reduction by continuously photographed images is a process using three-dimensional (3D) data in which a plurality of images at different photographing times as well as a two-dimensional region of one image are included, that is, an image in a time axis direction is also added and thus referred to as a 3D noise reduction process, that is, three-dimensional noise reduction (3DNR).
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a device that performs an image noise reduction process using the 3DNR.
A 3DNR processing unit 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 sequentially receives input images 11 serving as images photographed by a camera. For example, the input images 11 are continuously photographed images each of which includes noise as indicated by an input image sequence in FIG. 1(a).
The 3DNR processing unit 20 receives the input image 11 and an intermediate synthetic image 12 generated based on a previous input image, and calculates a synthetic ratio (α) of corresponding pixels of the two images through a synthetic ratio (α) calculating unit 21.
For example, in the case of a static region, averaging is performed in a state in which an addition ratio of pixel values of corresponding pixels of the input image 11 and the intermediate synthetic image 12 is set to 1:1. A ratio at which added noise is smallest in terms of a noise estimation value of each pixel may be caused as the addition ratio. In the case of a moving region, a synthetic ratio calculation in which a synthetic ratio is set such that the addition ratio of the pixel value of the input image 11 is increased is performed.
For example, it may be determined whether or not a corresponding region is a moving region by comparing a sum of absolute differences (SAD) of pixel values of pixel regions at corresponding positions of respective images with a noise level. In other words, when a differential value is sufficiently larger than a noise level of a target pixel, a corresponding subject can be regarded as a moving subject.
A process of generating an output image based on a plurality of continuously photographed images is used in a dynamic range-expanded image generation process using continuous-photographed images of different exposure conditions as well as the noise reduction process. The dynamic range-expanded image is an image in which high accuracy pixel values are set from a low brightness region to a high brightness region and referred to a wide dynamic range (WDR) image.
A process of generating a WDR image using continuous-photographed images of different exposure conditions is performed as a process of continuously photographing a small exposure amount image having a small exposure amount and a large exposure amount image having a large exposure amount, selectively using or combining (blending) effective pixel values included in the respective images, and setting pixel values of an output image. Through this process, it is possible to generate the WDR image in which effective pixel values are set from a low brightness region to a high brightness region.
Specifically, pixel values of an image having a small exposure amount (a small exposure amount image) are preferentially used for a saturation pixel region included in an image having a large exposure amount (a large exposure amount image), and pixel values of a large exposure amount image is preferentially used for a noise region of a small exposure amount image. By combining a plurality of images having different exposure amounts, it is possible to generate a dynamic range-expanded image in which high-accuracy effective pixel values are set from a low brightness region to a high brightness region. At this time, a method of changing an exposure amount may be implemented, for example, by a method of changing an exposure period of time, a method of changing an F value (diaphragm), or a method of inserting a neutral density filter having a different light transmittance each time of photographing. Further, an exposure amount may be changed by a combination of the above-mentioned methods.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a device that performs a WDR image generation process.
A WDR processing unit 40 illustrated in FIG. 2 sequentially receives input image 31 serving as an image photographed by a camera. For example, the input images 31 are continuous-photographed images of different exposure conditions as indicated in an input image sequence in FIG. 2(a).
FIG. 2(a) illustrates an image sequence of continuous-photographed images of exposure conditions R1 to R4 as an exemplary input image sequence.
The exposure amounts of the images have the following magnitude relation:
R1<R2<R3<R4
For example, images of four different types of exposure conditions are regarded as one WDR set, and one WDR image is generated by combining configuration images of the WDR set and output. When a moving image is photographed, the WDR sets of the exposure conditions R1 to R4 are consecutively acquired, and one WDR image is sequentially generated from each WDR set. A frame rate of an output image is lower than a frame rate of a photographed image, but the output image becomes a wide dynamic range image in which high-accuracy pixel values are set from a low brightness region to a high brightness region.
The WDR processing unit 40 illustrated in FIG. 2 receives the input image 31 and an intermediate synthetic image 32 generated based on a previous input image, and calculates a synthetic ratio (α) of corresponding pixels of the two images through a synthetic ratio (α) calculating unit 41.
As described above, when the WDR image is generated, pixel values of a small exposure amount image having a small exposure amount are preferentially used for a saturation pixel region included in a large exposure amount image having a large exposure amount, and pixel values of a large exposure amount image having a large exposure amount are preferentially used for a noise region in a small exposure amount image having a small exposure amount.
The synthetic ratio (α) calculating unit 41 detects a pixel region having an effective pixel value and a saturation region or an ineffective region having large noise in the input image 31 according to the exposure amount of the input image 31, and sets a synthetic ratio of the pixel value of the input image 31 to be higher than that of the pixel value of the intermediate synthetic image 32 for the effective pixel value region. On the other hand, for the ineffective region, the synthetic ratio of the pixel value of the input image 31 is set to be lower than that of pixel value of the intermediate synthetic image 32.
A synthesis processing unit 42 performs the process of synthesizing pixel values of corresponding pixels of the input image 31 and the intermediate synthetic image 32 according to the synthetic ratio (α) calculated by the synthetic ratio calculating unit 41, and generates a WDR output image 33.
The image generated by the synthesis processing unit 42 is used as a next intermediate synthetic image 32 until processing of one WDR set unit ends and then output as the WDR output image 33 when processing of one WDR set unit ends.
Both the noise reduction process described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the WDR image generation process described above with reference to FIG. 2 are necessary to acquire a high-quality output image, and a device that sequentially performs the two processes has been proposed.
As documents disclosing a configuration of performing a noise reduction process and a wide dynamic range process together through an image synthesis process, there are, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-041200), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-160881), Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-049227), and Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-311240).
An exemplary configuration of a device that performs two processes, the noise reduction process described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the WDR image generation process described above with reference to FIG. 2, will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an image processing device in which a 3DNR processing unit 53 performing noise reduction functions as a preceding processing unit, and a WDR processing unit 57 performing wide dynamic range image generation functions as a subsequent processing unit.
On the other hand, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an image processing device in which a WDR processing unit 65 performing wide dynamic range image generation functions as a preceding processing unit, and a 3DNR processing unit 67 performing noise reduction functions as a subsequent processing unit.
In both configurations, input images 51 and 61 are a repeated input of continuous-photographed images set to different exposure conditions, that is, a repeated input of a WDR set including continuous-photographed images set to different exposure conditions illustrated in FIG. 2(a).
Here, a problem lies in that the 3DNR processing unit performing the noise reduction has to perform a synthesis using a plurality of images of the same exposure condition, and the WDR processing unit performing the wide dynamic range image generation has to perform a synthesis process of synthesizing a plurality of images of different exposure conditions.
In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, the 3DNR processing unit 53 performing the noise reduction functions as the preceding processing unit, and includes frame memories a to d that store images having four different exposure amounts R1 to R4 illustrated in FIG. 2(a), respectively.
The frame memories have a double buffer configuration including memories 54a to 54d and memories 56p to 56s, respectively.
In other words, each of a set of the memory 54a and the memory 56p, a set of the memory 54b and the memory 56q, a set of the memory 54c of the memory 56r, and a set of the memory 54d and the memory 56s has a double buffer configuration, and performs reading and writing alternately.
For example, the image of the exposure condition R1 is written in the frame memory a 54a, and images of an immediately previous WDR set are read from the frame memory p 56p.
Thereafter, the image of the exposure condition R1 is written in the frame memory p 56p, and images of an immediately previous WDR set are read from the frame memory a Ma.
The writing and the reading are alternately performed as described above.
Similarly, the image of the exposure condition R2 uses the frame memory b 54b and the frame memory q 56q.
The image of the exposure condition R3 uses the frame memory c 54c and the frame memory r 56r.
The image of the exposure condition R4 uses the frame memory d 54d and the frame memory s 56s.
A setting is performed as described above.
Through the Double buffer configuration, a smooth process can be performed without adjusting a write timing and a read timing.
The 3DNR processing unit 53 serving as the preceding processing unit selectively reads a synthetic image based on a previous input image having the same exposure condition as an exposure condition of the input image 51 from the frame memory 56, and performs an image synthesis for noise reduction.
Further, the WDR processing unit 57 serving as the subsequent processing unit reads a set (WDR set) of noise-reduced images having different exposure conditions from the frame memories p to q 56p to 56q, performs a synthesis process in which effective pixel regions of each image are preferentially reflected, performs an image wide dynamic range process, and generates one output image.
Through a series of processes described above, an output image that has been subjected to the noise reduction process and the wide dynamic range process, that is, an output image 58 illustrated in FIG. 3 is generated and output.
On the other hand, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, an input image 61 is alternately written in frame memories a to d 63a to 63d and frame memories p to s 64p to 64s according to each exposure condition. The four written images correspond to one WDR set described above with reference to FIG. 2(a).
Further, each of a set of the memory 63a and the memory 64p, a set of the memory 63b and the memory 64q, a set of the memory 63c and the memory 64r, and a set of the memory 63d and the memory 64s has a double buffer configuration, and performs reading and writing alternately.
The images written in the memory are read by the WDR processing unit 65, and one WDR image is generated through the wide dynamic range process using the images.
One WDR image generated in a WDR set unit including the images of a plurality of different exposure conditions by the WDR processing unit 65 is output to the 3DNR processing unit 67 serving as the subsequent processing unit.
The 3DNR processing unit 67 acquires the WDR image input from the WDR processing unit 65 and a previously input WDR image input from a frame memory z 68, performs a synthesis process of synthesizing the two images, and generates and outputs a new noise-reduced image. The output image is rewritten in the frame memory z 68 and output as an output image 69 illustrated in FIG. 4. At this time, the frame memory z may have a double buffer configuration using two frame memories.
In both of the configurations of FIGS. 3 and 4, there is a problem in that an operation circuit portion is increased in size since the synthesis process is independently performed, and a memory capacity necessary to temporarily store a plurality of images is increased.
In the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image synthesis process is performed without considering an alignment between images, but when an alignment is considered, a processing configuration is further complicated.
An exemplary configuration including a motion-compensated image generating unit that performs an alignment process of images of a synthesis target is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.
Similarly to the configuration of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an image processing device in which a 3DNR processing unit 53 performing noise reduction functions as a preceding processing unit, and a WDR processing unit 57 performing wide dynamic range image generation functions as a subsequent processing unit.
On the other hand, similarly to the configuration of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary configuration of an image processing device in which a WDR processing unit 65 performing wide dynamic range image generation functions as a preceding processing unit, and a 3DNR processing unit 67 performing noise reduction functions as a subsequent processing unit.
In both configurations, input images 51 and 61 are a repeated input of continuous-photographed images set to different exposure conditions, that is, a repeated input of a WDR set including continuous-photographed images set to different exposure conditions illustrated in FIG. 2(a).
The configuration of FIG. 5 differs from the configuration of FIG. 3 in that a motion-compensated image generating unit 71 and motion-compensated image generating units 72p to 72r are added.
The motion-compensated image generating unit performs an alignment between images serving as a synthesis target.
In an image alignment process, first, an image serving as a motion matching reference is decided. A motion estimation (ME) process of estimating a motion of an image serving as an alignment target in view of the reference image is performed, and then a motion compensation (MC) process of performing an alignment of an image according to an estimated motion is performed.
The motion-compensated image generating unit 71 and the motion-compensated image generating units 72p to 72r perform the process (MEMC) and perform an alignment between images serving as a synthesis target.
In FIG. 5, the image of the exposure condition R4 is used as the reference image for the alignment, but the reference image is not limited to this example, and any of the exposure conditions R1 to 4 may be used.
The configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 is a configuration in which motion-compensated image generating units 81p to 81r and a motion-compensated image generating unit 82 are added to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4.
The motion-compensated image generating units 81p to 81r and a motion-compensated image generating unit 82 also perform motion estimation (ME) and motion compensation (MC) between images, and perform an alignment between images serving as a synthesis target.
In the configuration in which an alignment between synthetic images is considered as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, there is a problem in that compared to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a configuration is more complicated, and a size of hardware performing the above processes is increased.
As documents disclosing a configuration of performing a noise reduction process and a wide dynamic range process together through an image synthesis process, there are, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-041200), Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-160881), Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-049227), and Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-311240).

Image processing device, image processing method, and program

Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation


A keypad packing box made by cutting a substantially rectangular base board into a design, permitting the cut rectangular base board to be folded up into a double bevel configuration for holding individually packed keypads at two sides for exhibition.

The present invention relates to packing boxes for packing keypads, and more particularly to such a keypad packing box which is made by cutting a substantially rectangular base board into a design and then folding up the cut rectangular base board into shape.
When individual keypads are packed in individual blister cards, they are packed in a packing box. Regular packing boxes designed for this purpose can only be used for packing keypads for transport. These packing boxes cannot be used as exhibition means to show packed items in retail stores, shops, etc.


In an information processing device, a photographed image acquiring unit acquires an image which has been photographed by a camera attached to a head mount display. A region determining unit predicts a region which a user gazes at in a display image. An image analyzing unit has a first fineness processing unit and a second fineness processing unit, with the former analyzing a region corresponding to the gaze region in the photographed image with a higher fineness than the latter. An information processing unit performs information processing by using the result of analysis. An image generating unit has a first fineness processing unit and a second fineness processing unit, with the former generating a display image on the gaze region with a higher fineness than the latter. An output unit sends data of the display image to the head mount display.

There has been developed a new system which is capable of displaying panoramic images on the head mount display, with the panoramic images changing along the sight line as the user wearing it turns his or her head. The head mount display helps the user get himself or herself absorbed in images and makes applications (such as game) run more easily. There has also been developed a walk-through system that permits the user wearing the head mount display to walk around in the displayed virtual space as he or she physically moves.

Information processing device, information processing system, and information processing method


An electrical terminal for automotive vehicle connectors comprising a cage extending in a terminal insertion direction between a front opening and a tail. A locking lance extends longitudinally substantially in the insertion direction above the top wall from a joint to a free end. The locking lance is astride an intermediate bar which extends substantially along the insertion direction from a front portion to a rear portion respectively linked to the front end and the rear end of the cage.

For electrical connections in automotive vehicles, it is common to use male and female terminals made of metal such as copper, mounted in connector housings made of insulating material, such as plastics.
These terminals are usually made of folded and stamped sheet(s) of metal and comprise a rear tail for attaching (e.g. by crimping and/or soldering) an electrical lead and a terminal body having a connecting portion.
In case of female terminals, the connecting portion is a receptacle (also called cage) for receiving and contacting a male terminal. In case of male terminals, it is a pin to be inserted in a cage of female terminal.
For the connector mounting, a terminal is inserted in a respective housing cavity in a direction which is opposite to the mating direction of a counter-connector with the connector. In other words when the connector is mated with a counter-connector, terminals tend to be pushed back in a direction which is opposite to the direction in which terminal are inserted in the cavity. Thus terminals have to be prevented from moving back. For this purpose, locking lances are often used in order to lock terminals in insulating housings. This corresponds to the so called "primary locking", which is essentially useful during the assembly process of cable harnesses with connectors.
Sometimes, locking lances are made of plastic beams extending from the housing and engaging a respective opening in the terminal. Other times, locking lances are metal beams extending from the terminal.
Due to the continuous trend to enlarged functional contents in vehicles, downsizing of components in general, and of connectors in particular, becomes more important. Common terminal size has been set up to now to 0.63 mm for the width of the male terminal pins. To achieve smaller packaging in combination with reduced cable dimensioning, this dimension tends to become 0.5 mm, in order to reduce the terminal pitch in connectors from 2.54 mm to 1.8 mm. And this trend may lead to even smaller pitch and terminal dimensions.
Such terminals are called miniaturized terminals. For example, miniaturized female terminals have a cage adapted for receiving male pins having a cross-section less than 1 mm width, for instance 0.5 mm width or even less than that, and 0.4 mm thick or less. These so-called miniaturized terminals are made of only one piece but are required to fulfill common specifications based on usual performance of two piece terminals, in particular in terms of processing, of robustness, as well as in terms of retention force, dynamic load performance, reduced mating force, and increased lifetime.
Due to the small dimensions of miniaturized terminals, designing robust, though elastic, metal locking lances becomes challenging.
Metal locking lances extend longitudinally substantially between a front portion linked to the terminal body to a free end. In fact, when the terminal is accommodated in a housing cavity, the longitudinal direction of the locking lance makes an angle with the longitudinal direction of the terminal, so that the free end of the locking lance protrudes from the remaining part of the terminal. Indeed, the locking lance is elastically linked to the terminal body so as to retract along this terminal body during the insertion of the terminal in its housing cavity and to spring back for engaging a stop in the housing when in place in this cavity.
A coding ridge is also provided on the terminal body. Such a coding ridge prevents the insertion of the terminal in its cavity in a wrong orientation. The locking lance and the coding ridge are advantageously cut out from the same blank. The locking lance may advantageously be carried out by terminal body, in alignment with the coding ridge so as to have the locking lance protected by the coding ridge during the insertion of the terminal in its cavity.
Patent document EP 2193577 B1 discloses a female terminal of the prior art comprising a terminal body made of a folded and stamped sheet of metal. In female terminals, the terminal body has a cage-shaped receptacle which extends in the insertion direction of the male terminal pin. The terminal body extends longitudinally along this insertion direction between a front end and a rear end. The front end comprises a front opening, for inserting the male terminal pin, and the rear end is linked to the rear tail through an intermediate portion. A locking lance extends longitudinally along the insertion direction from a front portion to a free end. The front portion is elastically linked to the terminal body, toward (i.e. in the vicinity of) its front end. The free end of the locking lance is toward the rear end of the terminal body. The locking lance is in alignment with a coding ridge. The locking lance has essentially an L-shape cross section with a side wall and a top wall, folded at right angle from each other.
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions.

Electrical terminal with a locking lance


The invention provides novel chiral compounds including 2-methoxy-2-trifluoromethylphenylacetic thioacid useful to react with and analyze other chiral compounds that have an electrophilic chiral carbon center.

Since its introduction nearly forty years ago, Mosher's acid (2-methoxy-2-triflouromethylphenylacetic acid 1), (1) and the corresponding acid chloride (2) have found increasing use as agents for determining the enantiomeric excess of amines and alcohols by NMR and other methods (2).

Other reagents are needed that can be used to determine the stereochemistry of other chiral compounds, particularly those that do not react well with Mosher's acid.

Thioacids and thioacid salts for determining the enantiomeric excess of chiral compounds containing an electrophilic carbon center


A circuit arrangement configured to drive a load is disclosed herein. The circuit arrangement comprises a first and a second supply potential terminal for application of a first supply potential and a second supply potential. A load terminal is provided between the first and second supply potential for connection of the load. The circuit arrangement further comprises a first transistor component of a first conduction type. The first transistor component includes a load path and a control terminal, with the load path connected between the first supply potential terminal and the load terminal. The circuit arrangement also comprises a freewheeling element. The freewheeling element is provided as a second transistor of a second conduction type connected up as a diode. The second transistor is connected between the load terminal and the second supply potential terminal. The first transistor component and the freewheeling element are integrated in a common semiconductor body.

When driving a load using a transistor component it is generally known to connect the transistor component in series with the load between terminals for first and second supply potentials or positive and negative supply potentials. Such a circuit arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this case, the reference symbol M designates a transistor component formed as a MOSFET, the load path of which is connected between a first connecting terminal K1 for a first supply potential +V and an output terminal OUT. A load L is connected between said output terminal OUT and a second connecting terminal K2 for a second supply potential GND, so that the load path of the transistor component M and the load L are connected in series between the connecting terminals K1, K2 for the supply potentials. The load path of the MOSFET M is formed by the drain-source path thereof. The MOSFET M can be driven via its gate terminal, which forms a control terminal, by a drive circuit 10 according to a switching signal Sin. The drive circuit 10 is designed to generate a drive signal Sdrv according to the switching signal Sin, which drive signal drives the MOSFET M in the on state or in the off state according to the switching signal Sin.
An example of such a circuit arrangement having a transistor component for driving a load and a drive circuit for driving the transistor component is the integrated device BTS 307 from Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, which belongs to the PROFET® family and is described in the data sheet PROFET® BTS 307, Oct. 1, 2003, Infineon Technologies AG, Munich. In this arrangement, a transistor component formed as a power MOSFET and the associated drive circuit are monolithically integrated in a semiconductor body/semiconductor chip.
If the transistor component M in the circuit in accordance with FIG. 1 is driven in the on state, then the voltage drop across its load path D-S is usually very small in comparison with the supply voltage present between the connecting terminals K1, K2. The supply voltage is thus present approximately exclusively across the load L. When driving an inductive load, a considerable voltage loading on the semiconductor switching element M may occur after the semiconductor switching element M has been turned off, which voltage loading may be significantly greater than the supply voltage, as is explained below with reference to FIG. 2.
It shall be assumed that the semiconductor switching element M is driven in the on state depending on the switching signal Sin up to an instant toff. The output voltage Vout present across the load L then essentially corresponds to the supply voltage +V. If the semiconductor switching element M is turned off at the switch-off instant toff, then upon commutation of the inductive load L a voltage is induced which causes the potential at the output terminal OUT to fall far below the reference potential GND present at the second connecting terminal K2, so that the voltage present across the semiconductor switching element M is significantly higher than the supply voltage +V.
This fall in the potential at the output terminal OUT when the transistor component M is turned off can be counteracted by connecting a diode D in parallel with the load L. This diode D has the effect that, upon commutation of the load L, the potential at the output terminal OUT falls below the value of the reference potential GND at most by the value of the forward voltage of the diode. The diode D acts as a freewheeling element and accepts the freewheeling current flowing upon commutation of the inductive load L.
What is disadvantageous about the previously explained solution is the need to have to use an additional external component in the form of the diode D, which increases the production costs and the complexity in the realization of the circuit.
Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a circuit arrangement for driving a load, in particular for driving an inductive load, which has a freewheeling element and which can be realized simply and cost-effectively.

Circuit arrangement having a transistor component and a freewheeling element


A portable electric adapter unit is installed by removing the operating knobs or levers of an existing household faucet and locking the unit to the exposed valve stems. Switches on the unit control motors which drive a gear chain which, In turn, rotate the respective valve stems thereby controlling the temperature and flow of water. A liquid soap dispenser is included in the assembly as well as a pair of switches that allow for setting of the rotation direction of the motors during installation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electrical control of faucets and more particularly to apparatus for electrically adjusting the amount of flow and temperature of that flow in commercial household mixing faucet including an automatic liquid soap dispenser.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Many present day household faucets include two handles or two knobs and a single spout, rotation of each handle or knob controlling its respective valve opening. One valve controls the flow of hot water and the other valve controls the flow of cold water. The mixture of hot and cold water flows out of the single spout. The temperature and volume of the mixture is controlled by the amount each valve is opened.
Manipulation of the handles or knobs in often difficult for the elderly, particularly those with an arthritic condition. Also children may not have the strength to open a faucet valve that is tightly shut. Faucets for use by the handicapped are designed with huge handles having a long lever arm. But even these long handles may be difficult for one to manage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,315 entitled "Electrically Opening and Closing Faucet Device" describes the electrical control of a faucet having a single spindle controlling a single valve for controlling the flow from a single spigot. There are a number of problems with this design, an aesthetics problem, an operational problem and a mechanical problem.
Great care is taken by Industrial Designers to develop household appliances which are pleasing to the artistic eye and fit the decor of the room. The design of the '315 patent would result in the knob or handle being located in an unsightly position.
The operational problem results because no ready means is described for mixing the hot and cold water to the desired temperature. Note that the electrical sensor control claimed implies that only water having a fixed temperature is supplied.
The mechanical problem results since it not obvious how the invention would be mounted to a household faucet.
Dual valve faucets are designed so that the hot and cold water valves may close in the same direction, or that they may close in the opposite direction. For example, a hot water valve may close in a clockwise direction and the clod water valve may also close in a clockwise direction. On another type of faucet the hot water valve may close in a counter-clockwise direction, while the cold water valve closes in a clockwise direction. It is not obvious how this would be accomplished without an additional switch to change the rotational direction of the drive motor which would change the rotation of the valve. Therefore this would result in a problem whereby depressing the OFF button would turn the water ON, and depressing the ON button would turn the water off.


A zoom lens of five group construction utilizing an inner focus system. The zoom lens includes a first lens group G1 having a positive refracting power, a second lens group G2 having a negative refracting power, a third lens group G3 having a negative refracting power, a fourth lens group G4 having a positive refracting power and a fifth lens group G5 having a negative refracting power, which are arranged in this order from an object side, and the distances among the respective lens groups are selectively varied to effect the desired zooming operation. During close-up photographing, the second lens group G2 is moved along an optical axis to effect the desired focusing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a zoom lens utilizing inner focus system and more particularly to a zoom lens including focusing lens groups which are small in size and light in weight and which are well suited for automatic focusing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The focusing methods of known zoom lenses have been generally so designed that of all the lense groups, the lens group closest to the object side is moved out to effect the focusing. Presently, this method has been used chiefly with the existing zoom lenses owing to the fact that the lens barrel construction can be made relatively simple and moreover the focusing can be effected through substantially a given amount of movement over the whole zooming range with an object at the same distance.
However, generally the most-object-side lens of the zoom lens requires the largest diameter and therefore it tends to be largest in weight. Therefore, where the most-object-side lens group is moved as a focusing group, there are disadvantages such as a problem of weight balance and deterioration of the performance due to flexture, whereas if it is used for automatic focusing purposes, not only the focusing speed is decreased but also the load on the focusing motor is increased.
As a result, recently there has existed a demand for reduction in the weight of the focusing group and various focusing methods have been proposed in known literatures including Japanese Laid-Open Patents No. 52-109952, No. 56-21112 and No. 59-33418.
In the zoom lens described in Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 52-109952, the most-object-side, large-diameter lens group is divided into three parts so as to use the resulting intermediate lenses as a focusing group and therefore there are disadvantages that not only the lens diameter is increased and there is less possibility of remarkably decreasing the weight of the focusing group but also the number of the lenses in the group is increased and the weight balance of the lens on the whole is deteriorated. Also, in the zoom lens disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 56-21112, the number of the constituting lenses of the focusing group is large as compared with its diameter thus failing to serve the effect of reducing the weight. Moreover, this focusing system has the disadvantage of lacking versatility in that it is limited to the zoom lenses whose lens type is the four group construction and including an an afocal portion and it has no versatility. On the other hand, Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 59-33418 discloses a zoom lens so designed that the focusing is effected by using a part of the most-image-side fixed imaging lens group as a focusing lens group and therefore, while the focusing group is reduced in diameter and in the number of the constituting lenses with the resulting reduction in weight, in the case of an object at the same distance variation in the amount of movement is increased with shift from the wide-angle range to the telephoto range with the result that the air spacing required for this purpose must be ensured thus increasing the whole length of the lens.