A canceller splits a signal, transmitted from a near end terminal (ET) to a far ET, into a sub-sampled signal corresponding to a higher frequency sub-band of the signal transmitted to the far ET, and a sub-sampled signal corresponding to a lower frequency sub-band of the signal transmitted to the far ET; and splits a signal received from a far ET into a sub-sampled signal corresponding to a higher frequency sub-band of the signal received from the far ET, and a sub-sampled signal corresponding to a lower frequency sub-band of the signal received from the far ET. The canceller includes a first adaptive filter for filtering the sub-sampled signal corresponding to the lower frequency sub-band, a second adaptive filter for filtering the sub-sampled signal corresponding to the higher frequency sub-band, and controls the adaptation of the first and second adaptive filters so that these two adaptations are never simultaneous.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an echo canceller that can be used in a telecommunication network, for instance in a softphone, or a gateway. It peculiarly concerns an echo cancelling for a wide band audio signal. The present invention could be also applied for audio signals at sampling rate higher than 16000 Hz (examples: 22050 Hz, 32000 Hz, 44100 Hz . . . ).
The echo cancellation is required for audio communication over Internet protocol. The use of wide band audio implies the use of wide band echo cancellation. In order to achieve the same effectiveness as narrow band echo cancellation, in terms of quality, the wide band echo cancellation needs a greater computation volume, i.e. a greater number of millions of instructions per second (MIPS), by a factor four. It means that, if a narrow band echo cancellation requires n MIPS, a wide band echo cancellation using the same technology will require 4×n MIPS. In general, when the band width is doubled the computing volume of echo cancellation is quadrupled.
In a softphone, or a gateway, the echo cancelling is provided by an echo canceller constituted by a signal processor running echo cancelling software. As an audio codec used for wide band telephony requires more computation volume than an audio codec for narrow band telephony, the overall computation volume of a softphone is very high. In addition, a softphone usually runs with other applications at the same time in a personal computer. So it is important to reduce the computation volume of the echo canceller, while providing a high level of audio quality, peculiarly in hand free mode.
This invention deals with the problem of computation volume of echo cancellation, and proposes an echo canceller to reduce this volume without reducing the quality of the audio signal.
2. Description of the Prior Art
There are several known methods to reduce the computation volume of wide band echo cancellation. These methods are based on sub-band decomposition, or frequency domain computation. But these methods introduce:                An extra delay in the communication, which increases with the number of sub-bands. This delay is important for more than two sub-bands.        A degradation of audio quality (for more than two sub-bands). This degradation is due to an imperfect separation of the sub-bands (because no filter is ideal).
There are also known methods avoiding these drawbacks. These methods are based on sub-band decomposition and sub-band filter adaptation. They consist in synthesizing a full band filter by using two sub-band filters. These methods are called delay less decomposition. The document WO 2007/021722 describes such a method. They are not good enough because:                They imply the use of Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) and inverse Fast Fourier Transforms (iFFT) to synthesize the full band filter. They need extra computation because the computation of FFT and iFFT must be done with floating point coding of numbers.        They introduce a problem of quality, due to the synthesis of the full band filter, peculiarly with fixed point coding of numbers computing.
Among known methods based on sub-band decomposition, decomposition in two sub-bands enables to reduce the computing by a factor of about 2 (less than 2 in fact). The document WO 2005/062595 describes such a method. For the wide band audio signal, this decomposition does not introduce a subjective degradation of the quality. But it would be desirable to reduce the computation volume more significantly.
FIG. 1 represents the functional diagram of an example EC1 of such a two sub-band echo canceller according to the prior art. This example comprises:                An input receiving a signal TXi from the near end terminal.        An output sending a signal TXo to the far end terminal, this signal being identical to the signal TXi received from the near end terminal.        An input receiving a signal RXi composed of a vocal signal captured by the far end terminal and an echo originating from the near end terminal and coming back via the far end terminal.        An output sending a signal RXo to the near end terminal. The echo is cancelled or at least attenuated in this signal Rxo.        A splitter device SP1 for separating the signal TXi into two sub-sampled signals TH and TL respectively corresponding to a higher sub-band and a lower sub-band.        Two adaptive filters AL and AH for respectively filtering the two signals TH and TL respectively corresponding to the higher sub-band and the lower sub-band. These filters supply filtered signals FTL and FTH respectively.        A splitter device SP2 for separating the signal RXi into two sub-sampled signals RH and RL respectively corresponding to the higher sub-band and the lower sub-band.        A first subtractor SH for subtracting the signal FTH to the signal RH, the resulting signal being a corrected signal CRH for the higher sub-band.        A second subtractor SL for subtracting the signal FTL to the signal RL, the resulting signal being a corrected signal CRL for the lower sub-band.        A mixer device MX for constituting the signal RXo by up-sampling, combining and smoothing the two corrected signals CRH and CRL.
The two adaptive filters AL and AH are respectively controlled by the corrected signal CRL and CRH so that these corrected signals are minimized, i.e. so that the echo is minimized in each of the sub-bands. For instance, the higher sub-band spreads from 4000 Hz to 7000 HZ; and the lower sub-band spreads from 50 Hz to 4000 HZ.
The splitter device SP1 comprises a low-pass filter LP1 and a high pass filter HP1, associated respectively with two sub-sampling devices LSS1 and HSS1. One out of two successive samples of each of the two filtered signals, respectively supplied by the low-pass filter LP1 and the high pass filter HP1, is dropped for constituting respectively the signals TL and TH.
The splitter device SP2 comprises a low-pass filter LP2 and a high pass filter HP2, associated respectively with two sub-sampling devices LSS2 and HSS2 for generating respectively the signals RL and RH. One out of two successive samples of each of the two filtered signals, respectively supplied by the low-pass filter LP2 and the high pass filter HP2, is dropped for constituting respectively the signals RL and RH.
The mixer device MX comprises:                two up-samplers HUS and LUS for respectively up-sampling the corrected signals CRH and CRL, by duplicating each sample;        a high pass filter HP3 for filtering the signal restituted by the up-sampler HUS;        a low pass filter LP3 for filtering the signal restituted by the up-sampler LUS;        an adder device AO for adding the two filtered signals respectively supplied by the filters HP3 and LP3, and generating the output signal RXo to be supplied to the near end terminal.
The computation volume for removing echo in each sub-band (in this example) is reduced by a factor four, due to a down-sampling factor equal to two. But there is an additional cost for decomposing the signals into two sub-bands and then synthesizing a complete signal. So the cost of this solution is:2×(Full Band cost)/4+Decomposition Cost+Synthesis Cost
The cost of this known solution is slightly greater than half the cost of a full band solution, because the decomposition cost and synthesis cost are very low with respect to the cost of echo filtering and adaptation. The same known method can be used for n band decomposition.
For the wide band audio signal, this decomposition does not introduce a subjective degradation of the quality. But it would be desirable to reduce the computation volume more significantly.
Thus, there is a need to provide a technical solution for further reducing the computing volume of the echo cancellation for wide band audio communication. This point is particularly important for mobile device and also multichannel echo canceller used on gateways. This can be solved by the echo canceller according to the invention.

Computation saving echo canceller for a wide band audio signal


Insecticidal, acaricidal or nematocidal compositions which comprise organophosphorus compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group;. X represents NH or N--R.sup.4 wherein R.sup.4 represents an alkyl; an alkenyl; an alkynyl; a phosphoric acid ester radical; a cyano group; a group of formula (II): ##STR2## (wherein R.sup.5 represents an alkyl or alkylamino group); or a group of the formula: --(R.sup.6).sub.n --CO--R.sup.7 (wherein n is 0 or 1; R.sup.6 represents a methylene or an ethylene group; and R.sup.7 represents an alkyl, an alkoxy, an alkylthio group, an alkylamino group or a hydrogen atom); PA0 Z represents N--R.sup.8 (wherein R.sup.8 represents a nitro group, a cyano group, an alkylsulfonyl group, a tosyl group or an alkylcarbonyl group) or a group represented by the formula: C(CN)R.sup.9 (wherein R.sup.9 represents a cyano group or an alkoxycarbonyl group); and PA0 A represents an ethylene group which may be substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl, PA0 excluding organophosphorus compounds of formula (I) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl groups, X is NH, Z is a cyanoimino group or a nitroimino group and A is an ethylene group.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organophosphorus compound represented by the following general formula (I): ##STR3## [wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 each represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group; X represents O, S, CH.sub.2, CH--R.sup.3 (wherein R.sup.3 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl group), NH or N--R.sup.4 {wherein R.sup.4 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl group (the alkyl group may be substituted with at least one group selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, alkylthio, cyano, alkoxyalkyloxy and alkylamino groups and halogen atoms), an alkenyl group which may be substituted with halogen atoms, an alkynyl group which may be substituted with halogen atoms, a phosphoric acid ester radical, a cyano group, a group of the following general formula (II): ##STR4## (wherein R.sup.5 represents an alkyl or alkylamino group which may be substituted with halogen atoms) or a group represented by the following general formula: --(R.sup.6).sub.n --CO--R.sup.7 (wherein n is 0 or 1; R.sup.6 represents a methylene group which may be substituted with alkyl groups, or an ethylene group which may be substituted with alkyl groups; R.sup.7 represents an alkyl group which may be substituted with halogen atoms, an alkoxy group which may be substituted with halogen atoms, an alkylthio group, an alkylamino group or a hydrogen atom)}; Z represents a group represented by the general formula: N--R.sup.8 (R.sup.8 represents a nitro group, a cyano group, an alkylsulfonyl group which may be substituted with halogen atoms, a tosyl group or an alkylcarbonyl group which may be substituted with halogen atoms) or a group represented by the general formula: C(CN)R.sup.9 (wherein R.sup.9 represents a cyano group or an alkoxycarbonyl group); and A represents an ethylene group which may be substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl groups, a trimethylene group which may be substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl groups or a group represented by the general formula: --CH.sub.2 NR.sup.10 CH.sub.2 -- (wherein R.sup.10 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl group)]. The compound of formula (I) according to the present invention specifically excludes an organophosphorus compound of the general formula (I) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl groups respectively, X is NH, Z is a cyanoimino group or a nitroimino group and A is an ethylene group which may be substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl groups or a trimethylene group which may be substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl groups. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the compound, of formula (I), and insecticides, acaricides and nematocides which comprise the compound as an active ingredient.
2. Prior Art Statement
Recently, organophosphorus compounds having an imidazolidinyl group have been investigated and developed. For instance, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 61-267594 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 2-793 disclose that these compounds can be used as insecticides, acaricides, nematocides and agents for killing soil insect pests. However, these patents simply disclose organophosphorus compounds having an imidazolidine skeleton which carries an oxygen or sulfur atom on the 2-position. Moreover, the insecticidal, acaricidal and nematocidal effects of these compounds are insufficient and are not necessarily satisfactory.

Organophosphorus compounds and its insecticides acaricides and nematocides containing same


A video signal recording apparatus for recording video signals while forming m number of tracks per frame on a recording medium by using a n number of rotary heads, m being an integer greater than n with n an integer of 2 or more. The apparatus is arranged to record tracking control signals cyclically on every n number of tracks.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a video signal recording apparatus and, more particularly, to a video signal recording apparatus of the type employing a plurality of rotary heads.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known that video tape recorders of the rotary-head type have gained in popularity as a domestic electronic appliance. Such a rotary-head type of video tape recorder (hereinafter referred to simply as "VTR") is arranged to record or reproduce video signals while forming a series of oblique tracks on a recording medium, for example, a magnetic tape. In order to increase recording density, no guard band is provided between adjacent tracks, and crosstalk occurring between adjacent tracks during reproduction is therefore suppressed by utilizing azimuth loss which is provided by making the azimuth angle of recording and reproducing heads differ between the adjacent tracks.
In such a VTR, it is necessary that the reproducing head accurately trace each track formed on the magnetic tape, and tracking control for controlling the tracing operation plays an important role.
A video signal recording apparatus of the conventional type having the ability to perform high-density recording and reproduction, for example, a digital video recorder, generally employs what is called the area-division ATF (Automatic Tracking Finding) method for purposes of tracking control. This method is known as a representative tracking method in the field of digital aidio tape recorders (DAT). In accordance with such a method, each track is provided with a tracking controlling area independent of an area on which main video data is recorded, and a pilot signal is recorded in the tracking controlling area.
In this area-division ATF method, the number l of tracks corresponding to a repetitive recording pattern of pilot signals recorded on the magnetic tape, has been selected to be equal to the number m of tracks required to record a predetermined set of signals, for example, one frame of video signals.
Recording and reproduction for the case where m=l=6; n=4 (n: the number of heads) are explained below with illustrative reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a recording pattern formed on a magnetic tape, and a series of recording tracks 2 are shown as being formed on a magnetic tape 1 which serves as a recording medium. As illustrated, since the period of each recording pattern of ATF pilot signals corresponds to the number of tracks required to record one frame of video signals, the recording pattern shown in FIG. 1 is obtained. In the figure, "Data" represents a video signal, and ATF1 to ATF6 represent a series of ATF pilot signals for one period. If tracking is performed on a tape transport system in order to reproduce such a recording pattern, it follows that servo introducing points exist for each period of the recording pattern consisting of a series of ATF pilot signals. In this case, because of m=l=6, a servo introducing point appears every six tracks. In other words, in the conventional arrangement which relies on m=l, the number of tracks required to record one frame of video signals means the number of servo introducing points in a tape transport servo system.
However, if a particular kind of video signal which contains a large amount of information, such as a high-definition television signal, is to be recorded, the number of tracks required to record video signals for one frame increases, with the result that it will take a long time until the tape transport servo system introduces its servo control. Moreover, in a case where it is assumed that the series of recording tracks 2 of FIG. 1 is subjected to recording and reproduction by means of four heads, even if each recording track 2 is subjected to recording and reproduction with the same apparatus, a track subjected to recording by a particular head may be subjected to reproduction by a different head. This is because the number of tracks corresponding to each repetitive recording pattern consisting of a sequence of ATF pilot signals differs from the number of heads. If recording and reproduction of the tracks are not performed by the same head, the recording and reproducing operations may become unstable due to variations in characteristics between the heads even by employing the same apparatus (self-recording and self-reproduction) which should realize recording and reproduction of optimum characteristics.
In brief, the conventional method has the following two problems: (1) the fact that if a video signal containing a very large amount of information, such as a high-definition television signal, is to be recorded and reproduced, a period of time required to introduce the tracking servo increases; and (2) the fact that, since tracks are not always subjected to recording and reproduction by the same recording/reproducing head even in the case of self-recording and self-reproduction, optimum characteristics are not obtained because of the influence of variations in the characteristics of the heads.


This disclosure relates to a signal processing device, a signal processing method, and a receiving device that are capable of detecting response information at a high degree of accuracy from a carrier signal that is load-modulated based on the response information. A positive DC generating unit 61 generates a positive threshold based on a load-modulated carrier signal. A positive selecting unit 62 compares the voltage of the carrier signal with the positive threshold, and outputs the value of the larger one to an adding unit 65. A negative DC generating unit 63 generates a negative threshold based on the load-modulated carrier signal. A negative selecting unit 64 compares the voltage of the carrier signal with the negative threshold, and outputs the value of the smaller one to the adding unit 65. The adding unit 65 adds the output of the positive selecting unit 62 and the output of the negative selecting unit 64, and outputs the addition result to an IQ detecting unit 53. As a result of the combining, a signal that has smaller Vpp than that of the original carrier signal and maintains the fluctuation portions of the voltage is obtained. This disclosure can be applied to non-contact communication systems.

Non-contact communication systems, such as FeliCa (a registered trademark of Sony Corporation), are widely used today. Such non-contact communication systems are employed in the ticket gate systems for public transportation such as trains and buses, and the electronic money systems that can be used at various kinds of shops and vending machines.
FIG. 1 shows an example structure of a conventional non-contact communication system. This non-contact communication system 10 is formed with a reader/writer 11 and a transponder 12. In a case where this non-contact communication system 10 is employed at a ticket gate of a train station, for example, the reader/writer 11 is installed in the ticket gate, and the transponder 12 is embedded in an IC card serving as a ticket, such as Suica (a trademark).
In a case where predetermined transmission information is transmitted from the reader/writer 11 to the transponder 12, a sinusoidal carrier signal (a carrier wave) like the signal shown in A of FIG. 2 is ASK (amplitude shift keying)-modulated and transmitted in accordance with the transmission information. In a case where predetermined digitized response information like the information shown in B of FIG. 2 is transmitted from the transponder 12 to the reader/writer 11, on the other hand, load modulation is performed to cause changes in the voltage of the carrier signal as shown in C of FIG. 2 by switching on and off a damping resistor R1 in the transponder 12 with a switch in accordance with the predetermined response information (see Patent Document 1, for example).
The load-modulated carrier signal is then received by an antenna of the reader/writer 11. The received load-modulated carrier signal has its degree of modulation lowered in accordance with the distance between the reader/writer 11 and the transponder 12, as shown in D of FIG. 2. As the degree of modulation becomes lower, detection of the response information becomes more difficult.
In a case where the non-contact communication system 10 is used in a ticket gate at a train station or the like, to ensure user friendliness, it is required that communication should be possible even if the distance between the reader/writer 11 and the antenna of the transponder 12 is 10 cm or longer.
If the distance between the reader/writer 11 and the transponder 12 becomes longer, the degree of modulation of a load-modulated carrier signal becomes lower, and detection of response information becomes difficult as described above. To compensate for that, the peak-to-peak voltage (hereinafter referred to as Vpp) of the carrier signal is increased to approximately 20 V.
FIG. 3 shows an example structure of a conventional reader/writer that can be used in a case where Vpp of the carrier signal is 20 V. This reader/writer 20 detects response information based on amplitude changes in the voltage of a load-modulated carrier signal.
In the reader/writer 20, full-wave rectification is performed on the load-modulated carrier signal, and envelope detection is performed on the carrier signal by a peak holding circuit that outputs a detection signal. For example, in the case of a carrier signal load-modulated to a modulation degree of 10% as shown in A of FIG. 4, full-wave rectification is performed as shown in B of FIG. 4, and a detection signal with a 1 V difference is output as shown in C of FIG. 4.

Signal processing device, signal processing method, and receiving device


Subject matter disclosed herein relates to arrangements and techniques that provide for harvesting thermal energy within a display, for example an electrowetting display, of an image display apparatus and converting the thermal energy into electricity. The electrowetting display comprises a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a plurality of pixel portions defined between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a hydrophobic surface on the first substrate. A first fluid is included within the pixel portions and on the hydrophobic surface, while a second fluid is included on the first fluid, wherein the second fluid is substantially immiscible with the first fluid. A pyroelectric layer is included between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the pyroelectric layer is configured to absorb thermal energy within the electrowetting display and output a voltage based upon the thermal energy.

Most portable electronic devices include displays for displaying various types of images. Examples of such displays include electrowetting displays (EWDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), light emitting diode displays (LED displays), etc. Many components of portable electronic devices require a substantial amount of power to operate. For example, an EWD generally requires 20 to 40 milliwatts (mW) of power to operate. Additionally, many portable electronic devices, including their displays, generate a fair amount of heat. Such heat, including heat from a surrounding environment of a portable electronic device, may be useful in optimizing the efficiency of the portable electronic device.

Energy recovery layer in an electrowetting display


The present disclosure is directed to a software tool that facilitates the presentation of a three-dimensional view of a construction project as well as the generation of various types of two-dimensional technical drawings based on this three-dimensional view. In one implementation, the software tool causes a computing device to engage in the following operations. The computing device may receive a user input identifying at least one first mesh and at least one second mesh, determine portions of each identified mesh that intersect with a two-dimensional plane, and generate a two-dimensional drawing including a display of relevant dimensioning information based on the determined portions.

Construction projects are often complex endeavors involving the coordination of many professionals across several discrete phases. Typically, a construction project commences with a design phase, where architects design the overall shape and layout of a construction project, such as a building. Next, engineers engage in a planning phase where they take the architects' designs and produce engineering drawings and plans for the construction of the project. At this stage, engineers may also design various portions of the project's infrastructure, such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc., and produce plans reflecting these designs as well. After, or perhaps in conjunction with, the planning phase, contractors may engage in a logistics phase to review these plans and begin to allocate various resources to the project, including determining what materials to purchase, scheduling delivery, and developing a plan for carrying out the actual construction of the project. Finally, during the construction phase, construction professionals begin to construct the project based on the finalized plans.
Overview
As a general matter, one phase of a construction project involves the creation, review, and sometimes revision, of plans of the construction project. In most cases, these plans comprise visual representations of the construction project that visually communicate information about the construction project, such as how to assemble or construct the project. Such visual representations tend to take one of at least two different forms. One form may be a two-dimensional technical drawing, such as an architectural drawing or a construction blueprint, in which two-dimensional line segments of the drawing represent certain physical elements of the construction project like walls and ducts. In this respect, a two-dimensional technical drawing could be embodied either in paper form or in a computerized form, such as an image file (e.g., a PDF, JPEG, etc.).
Two-dimensional technical drawings have advantages. For instance, they are often set out in a universally-recognized format that most, if not all, construction professionals can read and understand. Further, they are designed to be relatively compact, with one drawing being arranged to fit on a single piece of paper or in a computerized file format that requires minimal processing power and computer storage (e.g., a PDF viewer, JPEG viewer, etc.). Yet, two-dimensional drawings have disadvantages as well. For instance, it often takes multiple drawings in order to visually communicate an overview of an entire construction project. This is due to the fact that two-dimensional drawings tend not to efficiently present information about the construction project from a third (e.g., vertical) dimension. Typically, a construction project may have at least one two-dimensional technical drawing per floor of the construction project. Thus, for a construction project spanning, say, ten floors, the construction project will have at least ten two-dimensional technical drawings, and perhaps more to fully visually communicate the various aspects of the construction project.
To advance over two-dimensional technical drawings, computerized, three-dimensional technology was developed as another form in which information about a construction project can be visually communicated. In this respect, a three-dimensional model of the construction project would be embodied in a computerized form, such as in a building information model (BIM) file, with three-dimensional meshes visually representing the physical elements of the construction project (e.g., walls, ducts, etc.). Specialized software is configured to access a BIM file and, based on this BIM file, render a three-dimensional view of the construction project from one or more perspectives. This provided some advantages over two-dimensional technical drawings, namely that a construction professional could often get a full overview of the entire construction project based on a single three-dimensional view and thus may not have to shuffle through multiple two-dimensional drawings in order to conceptualize what the construction project looks like. In addition, the specialized software allowed a construction professional to navigate throughout the three-dimensional view and focus on elements of interest in the construction project, such as a particular wall or duct.
However, existing technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects has several limitations. For example, one such limitation is that existing software tools for rendering three-dimensional views of construction projects do not provide all the information about a construction project that may be available on certain two-dimensional technical drawings. For instance, dimensioning information for certain physical elements of a construction project may not be presented on a three-dimensional view of a construction project as doing so may clutter or obscure the three-dimensional presentation. Such information is more aptly displayed on an appropriate two-dimensional drawing.
Another limitation is that existing software tools for rendering three-dimensional views of construction projects do not have the capability to generate two-dimensional drawings that correspond to the three-dimensional view. This is problematic because, as mentioned, two-dimensional drawings may display certain information, such as dimensioning information, that is not (and perhaps cannot be) presented in the three-dimensional view of the construction project.
Another limitation with existing technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects is that, while some software tools exist that can render a three-dimensional view of the construction project from various perspectives, these software tools tend not to provide any overview of the entire construction project that is functional. For instance, some software tools for rendering three-dimensional views of construction projects may also have the capability to present a static, two-dimensional drawing of the project as an inset to the rendering of a three-dimensional view (usually positioned, for instance, in the top left or top right corner of the screen). However, such an inset tends not be as functional as desired. For instance, in some cases, the inset does not display enough information about the construction project or does not provide any ability to use the inset to navigate about the three-dimensional model.
Yet another limitation with existing technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects is that, in some cases, neither a two-dimensional technical drawing nor a three-dimensional view readily provides desired information about the construction project. For instance, consider a scenario where construction plans call for a collection of multiple pipes to run parallel to a floor, but, perhaps as an oversight, no individual technical drawing nor any view of a three-dimensional model indicates the specific distance between each of these pipes. In scenarios like these, the construction professional would typically derive this information based on his or her own calculation, accounting for, among other things, the known dimension of an individual pipe, the total number of pipes in the collection, how far the first pipe is from the near wall, and how far the last pipe is from the far wall.
To address these problems (among others) with existing technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects, disclosed herein is software technology that enables a computing system to generate a two-dimensional technical drawing at a custom clip height based on a view of a three-dimensional model, which may then be presented to a user of the computer system (e.g., a construction professional). For instance, in one implementation, the disclosed software technology may cause a computing device to engage in the following operations: (1) receive an indication of a desired clip height of a three-dimensional view at which to generate a two-dimensional technical drawing; (2) identify a subset of meshes that intersect with a two-dimensional plane at the desired clip height; (3) determine respective portions of each mesh that intersect the two-dimensional plane at the desired clip height; (4) compile a dataset that defines the two-dimensional drawing; and (5) render the two-dimensional drawing using the compiled dataset. However, it should be understood that the disclosed software technology for generating a two-dimensional technical drawing based on a three-dimensional model may cause a computing system to perform various other operations as well.
To further address the aforementioned problems (among others) with existing technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects, also disclosed herein is software technology that enables a computing system to use a three-dimensional model as a basis for generating a two-dimensional drawing that may serve as a functional inset to the three-dimensional view, which may then be presented to a user of the computing system (e.g., a construction professional). For instance, in one implementation, the disclosed software technology may cause a computing device to engage in the following operations: (1) generate a top-down two-dimensional drawing of the three-dimensional model at a default clip height by, for instance, engaging in a similar process to that mentioned above; (2) retrieve from data storage a technical drawing file and use a pattern matching technique in order to match portions of the generated top-down two-dimensional technical drawing with portions of the retrieved technical drawing file; and (3) overlay the top-down two-dimensional drawing onto the retrieved technical drawing file in accordance with the pattern matching technique to thereby create a functional inset. However, it should be understood that the disclosed software technology for generating a functional two-dimensional technical drawing may cause a computing system to perform various other operations as well.
To still further address the aforementioned problems (among others) with existing technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects, also disclosed herein is software technology that enables a computing system to use a three-dimensional model as a basis for generating a two-dimensional drawing that includes additional dimensioning information that may not be otherwise available, which may then be presented to a user of the computing system (e.g., a construction professional). For instance, in one implementation, the disclosed software technology may cause a computing device to engage in the following operations: (1) receive an indication of an area of interest in a three-dimensional model that includes at least one mesh; (2) identify from among the meshes in the three-dimensional model the meshes that intersect with the area of interest; (3) determine portions of each mesh that intersects with the area of interest line; and (4) based on the determined portions, generate a two-dimensional drawing including a display of dimension information. In another implementation, the disclosed software technology may cause a computing device to engage in the following operations: (1) receive a user input identifying at least one first mesh and at least one second mesh; (2) determine portions of each identified mesh that intersect with a two-dimensional plane; and (3) generate a two-dimensional drawing including a display of relevant dimensioning information based on the determined portions. However, it should be understood that the disclosed software technology for generating a two-dimensional drawing having additional dimensioning information may cause a computing system to perform various other operations as well.
As set forth in more detail below, the disclosed software technology for presenting visual representations of construction projects may cause the computing system to engage in various other operations as well.
Accordingly, in one aspect, disclosed herein is a computer-implemented method that involves (a) rendering a three-dimensional view of a construction project using a three-dimensional model file that defines a set of meshes; (b) receiving an indication of a clip height at which to generate a two-dimensional drawing of the construction project, wherein the clip height is associated with the rendered three-dimensional view of the construction project; (c) identifying, from among the set of meshes defined by the three-dimensional model file, a subset of meshes that intersect with a two-dimensional plane positioned at the clip height; (d) for each respective mesh in the identified subset of meshes, generating a respective dataset that defines a particular portion of the respective mesh that intersects with the two-dimensional plane positioned at the clip height; (e) based at least on the respective dataset for each respective mesh in the identified subset of meshes, generating a compiled dataset that defines the two-dimensional drawing of the construction project at the clip height; and (f) rendering the two-dimensional drawing of the construction project using the compiled dataset.
In another aspect, disclosed herein is a computing system that comprises at least one processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium that are executable by the at least one processor to cause the computing system to carry out the operations disclosed herein, including but not limited to the operations of the foregoing method.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that are executable to cause a computing system to carry out the operations disclosed herein, including but not limited to the operations of the foregoing method.
One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate these as well as numerous other aspects in reading the following disclosure.

Generating technical drawings from building information models


A method for designing a semiconductor device having a plurality of logic elements provided with a plurality of power supplies. First, a power supply type name is given to each power supply in accordance with the purpose of the power supply in each logic element. Each logic element is associated with the power supply type name of the power supply that is to be provided to the logic element. A power supply group is formed for each power supply. Specific information of each power supply group associating the power supply type name with supplied voltage is generated. Then, the power supply provided to each logic element is determined by allocating the power supply group to the logic element. The method simplifies designing the layout of a semiconductor device operated by multiple power supplies.

The present invention relates to a method for designing a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to a method for designing a semiconductor device operated at different power supply voltages.
In the prior art, two methods have been proposed to design the layout of a semiconductor device having multiple power supply systems. These two methods are described below.
In the first method, information of a power supply line (net list) is generated. Power line patterns are connected to circuit patterns based on the line information to separate power supplies.
In the second method, a library of logic elements is prepared for each type of power supply. Power supply connections are determined based on each library to design a layout that separates power supplies.
However, in the first method, the designer must accurately recognize the power supply terminal of each logic element and know what type of power supply is connected to each logic element to generate the net list of the power supply line. This makes it burdensome to the designer.
Further, in the second embodiment, the number of libraries that have to be prepared increases as the types of power supplies increases. This limits the application of the libraries.
In addition, the information for separating the power supplies is generated only when the logic elements are determined in the first and second methods.
Methods of logic simulation (e.g., delay calculation) and power consumption calculation have also been proposed. These methods (i.e., a third method and a fourth method) are described below.
In the third method, a multiple power supply semiconductor device is assumed to be a single power supply semiconductor device to perform delay calculation and power consumption calculation.
In the fourth method, a functional macro is set for each power supply, and the delay calculation and power consumption calculation is performed for each functional macro.
However, errors in the results of the delay calculation and power consumption calculation are relatively large in the third method. Thus, operational confirmations may not be performed accurately and the estimate of power consumption may not be accurate. As a result, re-designing may become necessary.
The semiconductor device is divided into multiple functional macros in the fourth method. This makes it difficult to inspect the semiconductor device as a whole. Further, the usage of macros decreases the designing efficiency.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method that facilitates the designing of a layout of a semiconductor device operated by multiple power supplies.
To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for de signing a semiconductor device having a plurality of logic elements provided with a plurality of power supplies. The method includes giving a power supply type name to each power supply in accordance with the purpose of the power supply in each logic element, associating each logic element with the power supply type name of the power supply that is to be provided to the logic element, forming a power supply group for each power supply, generating specific information of each power supply group associating the power supply type name with supplied voltage, and determining the power supply provided to each logic element by allocating the power supply group, which is associated with the supplied voltage and the power supply type name of the power supply provided to the logic element, to the logic element.
The present invention also provides a computer readable recording medium recording a program for designing a semiconductor device having a plurality of logic elements provided with a plurality of power supplies. The program includes the steps of giving a power supply type name to each power supply in accordance with the purpose of the power supply in each logic element, associating each logic element with the power supply type name of the power supply that is to be provided to the logic element, forming a power supply group for each power supply, generating specific information of each power supply group associating the power supply type name with supplied voltage, and determining the power supply provided to each logic element by allocating the power supply group, which is associated with the supplied voltage and the power supply type name of the power supply provided to the logic element, to the logic element.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

Method for designing semiconductor device


A system and method for automatically loading a pre-selected value onto a fare card allows a patron to enter or leave a transit system gate without having to add a fare value at a vending machine. The automatic loading provides added convenience and security for the patron. The vehicle for the automatically-loaded value is either a credit card that is pre-authorized for use by the patron, or the patron's available benefits. The automatic loading process may be utilized to autoload values of benefits only, or to load values from a combination of benefits and credit card transactions. The pre-selected autoload value is loaded onto the fare card at the gate before confirmation that the credit card transaction is authorized. The gate sends a message to a transit central computer that an autoload has occurred. The central computer determines whether benefits are available to fill the request, and forwards a request for the difference to a credit processing company.

The use of fare cards in mass transit systems has reached record levels with the introduction of free transfers, unlimited passes, and fare pricing systems based on distance traveled, time of day, and user categorization including age and frequent user. Automatic fare collection (AFC) presents several advantages over person-to-person cash exchanges including reduced operating costs based upon a decrease in required personnel, automation of system accounting, and improved convenience and safety for commuters by the elimination of ticket window lines and ticket purchases for each transit system ride.
Fare cards are available in various formats including magnetic stripe cards, contact smart cards and contactless smart cards. The fare cards may be purchased at automatic vending machines utilizing bills/coins, credit, and/or debit cards. The value of the card may be limited to the value of a single transit fare, or may exceed the value of a single transit fare so that the card may be used for multiple fares. A fare card having a value exceeding one transit fare offers an advantage of a single financial transaction for multiple rides. In addition, since the fare collection systems deduct value automatically for time and/or distance based fares, the rider does not need to compute exact fare amount as long as the amount on the card equals or exceeds the required fare, and thus, the time the rider spends at a fare card dispensing machine is shortened. Any monetary value remaining on the card is usable for a subsequent fare. Fare cards also offer the advantage of being reusable. The transit rider inserts a used card into an automatic fare vending machines along with a payment means including bills/coins, or credit/debit cards, and a corresponding added value is stored on the fare card.
Current automatic vending machines offer the above stated advantages of reuse of a fare card and quick transaction times. However, due to frequent use of the fare card, a transit patron is unlikely to know the exact amount on his or her card at any given time. In order to determine the value before attempting to pass through a transit gate, the patron must have access to a vending machine or another card reader. If the patron attempts to enter the gate without sufficient value on the fare card, he or she will be denied access to the transit system until value is added to the fare card. Thus, the patron will have to seek out a vending machine to add value to the fare card. During peak commuter hours, commuters are often faced with lines at the automatic fare vending machines.
The procedure of loading monetary value onto a fare card requires the patron to insert or wave the fare card past the vending machine to read the current value of the card. The patron then selects an action prompted by the vending machine to add monetary value to the card by either inserting cash into the vending machine conducting the transaction utilizing a credit card. The credit card transaction requires that the patron's credit card be inserted into the vending machine. The vending machine then initiates a check through the credit card company to obtain approval to charge the requested amount. Once a monetary value is deposited into the vending machine or approved via credit, the patron must re-insert or wave the fare card by a target to have the requested value added to the fare card. The patron is then ready to utilize the fare card to gain access to the transit system. The extra time required to add value to the fare card, as well as the need to have cash or a credit card on hand at all time, is inconvenient for the patron and may cause undue delays for the patron in arriving at his or her destination.
Fare cards may also be utilized to support employee benefits programs that supply a set monetary value to be used by the employee each month for payment of transit fare. To receive the benefit, a patron must have the monetary value loaded onto the card at a transit vending machine. Thus, there is a potential for long patron queues waiting at transit vending machines at the beginning of each month. As the benefits program expands, and is made available to an increasing number of patrons, the vendor queues will become frustratingly longer.
Due their increasing popularity, reusable cards are also utilized outside of the transit system environment, also referred to herein as an "out-of-system" environments. An example of an out-of-system environment is use of a magnetic stripe card or smart card to purchase groceries and/or other consumer goods. For example, a magnetic stripe or smart card may be used at grocery stores by a person who is entitled to welfare food benefits awarded by a government agency. Since the benefit is recurring, the card value must be replenished at the issuing agency or at a designated terminal. Similar to transit system environments, out-of-system environments have the potential of presenting inconveniences to the card users who wish to replenish the card value.
Therefore, a need remains in mass transit systems to provide for automatic loading of a monetary value onto fare cards at the rail transit gates and/or bus fare boxes. A further need remains to provide out-of-system environments that automatically load values onto magnetic stripe or smart cards.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


This invention relates to a space forming dew condensation preventing structure and a dew condensation preventing steel door disposed at the entrance to a room. This invention aims to provide a space forming dew condensation preventing structure which has the heat-insulating performance similar to that of an organic heat insulator and the same fire retardance as a conventional inorganic heat insulator, and by forming a heat-insulating layer having a moisture absorbing and releasing property, adjusts the humidity in the room to a comfortable state, and can surely prevent the occurrence of dew condensation. This invention uses a heat insulator prepared by mixing 3 to 50 parts by weight of synthetic resin emulsion in solid content equivalency, 1 to 20 parts by weight of organic microballoon, 0.3 to 5 parts by weight of carbon fiber and 10 to 200 parts by weight of inorganic microballoon with 100 parts by weight of cement.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a dew condensation preventing structure, and more particularly to a dew condensation preventing structure forming a space and a dew condensation preventing steel door disposed at the entrance to a room.
2. Prior Art
In a room of a highly air-tight condominium or hotel for example, using a heater increases humidity and may result in giving a person an unpleasant feeling.
To provide a comfortable room for people, there have been developed wall, ceiling and other dew condensation preventing structures which prevent the occurrence of dew condensation by suitably adjusting moisture in a room.
FIG. 6 shows a dew condensation preventing structure for forming such a room, in which reference numeral 11 denotes a dew condensation preventing structure consisting of walls for forming a space 13.
This dew condensation preventing structure 11 consists of a concrete base 15. On the surface of this concrete base 15 on the space 13 side, a heat-insulating layer 17 is formed. And on the surface of the heat-insulating layer 17 on the space 13 side, a plaster board 19 having fire retardance is bonded by bonding agent 18.
The surface of this plaster board 19 on the space 13 side has a moisture absorbing and releasing layer 21 formed which absorbs moisture when the humidity in the space 13 is high and naturally releases moisture when the humidity is low. This moisture absorbing and releasing layer 21 is formed by having for example a wall paper bonded which can holds 200 to 300 g/m.sup.2 of moisture. And, to give a moisture absorbing and releasing property to the wall paper of the moisture absorbing and releasing layer 21, it is formed in combination with material having a moisture absorbing and releasing property, such as a high water-absorbing polymer for example.
And the heat-insulating layer 17 is made of an organic heat insulator such as expanded urethane or Styrofoam (registered trademark).
In the above dew condensation preventing structure forming a space as described above, the heat-insulating layer 17 excludes the outside heat from entering and the moisture absorbing and releasing layer 21 adjusts the moisture in the space 13 to keep the humidity in the space 13 at a level that people feel comfortable and to suppress the occurrence of dew condensation.
But, the organic heat insulator such as expanded urethane and Styrofoam forming the heat-insulating layer 17 has such a low thermal conductivity of 0.02 to 0.03 (kcal/mhr.sup..degree. C.) that it has remarkable heat-insulating performance but has a disadvantage that it is easily flammable because it is organic.
In view of legal fire preventing regulations and strength, it is necessary to bond a flame retardant plaster board 19 to the surface of heat-insulating layer 17 on the space 13 side to form a base on which the moisture absorbing and releasing layer 21 consisting of a wall paper is applied. This results in disadvantages requiring many construction steps, much labor and making the space 13 narrow.
To solve the above disadvantages, the heat-insulating layer 17 is proposed to be made of an inorganic heat insulator such as expanded mortar or pearlite mortar.
The above inorganic heat insulator is not easily flammable. But it has a thermal conductivity of 0.2 to 0.3 (kcal/mhr.sup..degree. C.) which is exceptionally larger than that (0.02 to 0.03 kcal/mhr.sup..degree. C.) of an organic heat insulator. Thus, it has a disadvantage that its heat-insulating performance is inferior to that of the organic heat insulator.
Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a desired heat insulating performance. And to obtain the desired performance, a very thick material is required.
When the heat-insulating performance could be improved for the above inorganic heat insulator, its strength was adversely deteriorated. Therefore, it had a problem that it did not function as a base on which finishing was applied.
On the other hand, each apartment of an apartment house has a manufactured steel entrance door in view of fire preventing regulations.
These years, at the so-called "water-using area" near the entrance, a bathroom unit including a basin, a bathtub and a toilet is often disposed. Humidity at the corridor from the bathroom to the entrance or the space connecting the entrance and the bathroom is high. From autumn to winter, when the temperature falls, air with a high humidity touches to the surface of the steel front entrance door on the room side, and moisture in the air reached a dew point concentrates on the steel door surface. Very small waterdrops formed on the door grow larger and fall down to deeply wet the lower section of the door, outside floor, and the inside corridor.
To prevent the occurrence of dew condensation on the steel door, it is proposed to lower the humidity of the air in the corridor or connecting space, or to warm the steel door surface to over the dew point.
However, when anyone enters or leaves the bathroom, moisture-containing air flows into the corridor or connecting space, raising the humidity. Thus, it is very difficult to lower the humidity in the corridor or connecting space.
And, there is an idea of warming the steel door surface to above the dew point by employing a method used for heating an automobile window glass by arranging an electrical resistance to flow a current through it. But this is also very difficult because the steel door is not a nonconductor unlike the window glass.


This invention relates to a method of preparing inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) useful for the treatment metabolic diseases, such as lysosomal storage diseases, either alone or in combination with enzyme replacement therapy, and for the treatment of cancer.

The invention relates to a method of preparing inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) useful for the treatment metabolic diseases, such as lysosomal storage diseases, either alone or in combination with enzyme replacement therapy, and for the treatment of cancer.
Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a pivotal enzyme which catalyzes the initial glycosylation step in the biosynthesis of glucosylceramide-base glycosphingolipids (GSLs) namely via the pivotal transfer of glucose from UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc) to ceramide to form glucosylceramide. GCS is a transmembrane, type III integral protein localized in the cis/medial Golgi. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are believed to be integral for the dynamics of many cell membrane events, including cellular interactions, signaling and trafficking. Synthesis of GSL structures has been shown (see, Yamashita et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1999, 96(16), 9142-9147) to be essential for embryonic development and for the differentiation of some tissues. Ceramide plays a central role in sphingolipid metabolism and downregulation of GCS activity has been shown to have marked effects on the sphingolipid pattern with diminished expression of glycosphingolipids. Sphingolipids (SLs) have a biomodulatory role in physiological as well as pathological cardiovascular conditions. In particular, sphingolipids and their regulating enzymes appear to play a role in adaptive responses to chronic hypoxia in the neonatal rat heart (see, El Alwanit et al., Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators 2005, 78(1-4), 249-263).
GCS inhibitors have been proposed for the treatment of a variety of diseases (see for example, WO2005068426). Such treatments include treatment of glycolipid storage diseases (e.g., Tay Sachs, Sandhoffs, GM2 Activator deficiency, GM1 gangliosidosis and Fabry diseases), diseases associated with glycolipid accumulation (e.g., Gaucher disease; Miglustat (Zavesca), a GCS inhibitor, has been approved for therapy in type 1 Gaucher disease patients, see, Treiber et al., Xenobiotica 2007, 37(3), 298-314), diseases that cause renal hypertrophy or hyperplasia such as diabetic nephropathy; diseases that cause hyperglycemia or hyperinsulemia; cancers in which glycolipid synthesis is abnormal, infectious diseases caused by organisms which use cell surface glycolipids as receptors, infectious diseases in which synthesis of glucosylceramide is essential or important, diseases in which synthesis of glucosylceramide is essential or important, diseases in which excessive glycolipid synthesis occurs (e.g., atherosclerosis, polycystic kidney disease, and renal hypertrophy), neuronal disorders, neuronal injury, inflammatory diseases or disorders associated with macrophage recruitment and activation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, asthma and sepsis) and diabetes mellitus and obesity (see, WO 2006053043).
In particular, it has been shown that overexpression of GCS is implicated in multi-drug resistance and disrupts ceramide-induced apoptosis. For example, Turzanski et al., (Experimental Hematology 2005, 33 (1), 62-72 have shown that ceramide induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and that P-glycoprotein (p-gp) confers resistance to ceramide-induced apoptosis, with modulation of the ceramide-glucosylceramide pathway making a marked contribution to this resistance in TF-1 cells. Thus, GCS inhibitors can be useful for treatment of proliferative disorders by inducing apoptosis in diseased cells.

Method of preparing glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors


Provided are an organic electronic element equipped with a sealing layer having excellent gas barrier properties, transparency and the like, and a method for efficiently manufacturing such an organic electronic element. Disclosed are an organic electronic element including, on a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other, with at least one organic functional layer being interposed therebetween, and a method for manufacturing such an organic electronic element, characterized in that a sealing layer is directly provided along the top surface and the lateral surface of the organic electronic element, and the sealing layer is obtained by implanting plasma ions into a coating film containing a silicon compound as a main component.

In recent years, research and development of organic electronic elements that use organic functional layers formed from organic compounds, is underway in a variety of fields such as organic electroluminescent elements (organic EL elements), and organic solar cells.
Among others, attention is being paid to organic electroluminescent elements (organic EL elements) as image display devices that are capable of emitting high-luminance light based on low-voltage direct current driving, and enable further progress in thickness reduction, weight reduction, and flexibility enhancement.
However, there has been a problem with organic EL elements that when the electrodes are oxidized or organic substances are degenerated due to oxygen, water vapor or the like, deterioration of the performance required as an image display device occurs, such as generation of non-emission spots (dark spots).
Thus, in order to solve such problems, there has been suggested a light emitting element (organic EL element) in which emitted light is extracted through the side of an upper electrode that faces a substrate, the light emitting element having a sealing film formed from a silicon nitride film or the like for the purpose of promoting prevention of the reflection between the sealing film and the upper electrode, and of increasing the luminescence efficiency (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
More specifically, disclosed is a light emitting element formed by sequentially laminating a lower electrode, an organic EL layer, and an upper electrode on a substrate, characterized in that a sealing material having a refractive index that is smaller than 3.5 but larger than the refractive index of air, for example, a sealing film formed from a silicon nitride film, is provided on the surface side of the upper electrode by a CVD method.
Furthermore, there has been suggested a method for manufacturing an organic EL element, which is intended to apply an inorganic sealing layer that has excellent barrier properties and is free of defects over a long time, and to reduce luminescence failure (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
More specifically, disclosed is a method for manufacturing an organic EL element, characterized by including a step of forming a first electrode layer on a substrate; a step of forming an organic luminescent medium layer (organic EL layer) on the first electrode layer; a step of forming a second electrode layer on the organic luminescent medium layer; a step of subjecting the entire substrate to a plasma treatment using a gas containing oxygen atoms (O); a step of forming an inorganic sealing layer formed from silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride or the like; and a step of performing a plasma treatment on the inorganic sealing layer using a gas containing fluorine atoms (F).
Furthermore, there has been suggested an organic EL device or the like intended to realize high reliability by having a sealing layer that has enhanced durability and is formed from a silicon compound containing nitrogen (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
More specifically, disclosed is an organic EL device or the like formed by sequentially laminating a lower electrode, an organic EL layer, and an upper electrode on a substrate, characterized in that the organic EL device includes, on the surface side of the upper electrode, a sealing layer formed by alternately laminating a first gas barrier layer containing a nitrogen-containing silicon compound and a second gas barrier layer containing an oxide of a nitrogen-containing silicon compound.
Furthermore, there has been suggested a method for manufacturing a gas barrier film that is intended to be used as a substrate for organic EL elements or the like, the method including plasma-treating a polysilazane film so that a gas barrier film that can be easily manufactured can be provided without using a heating treatment or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
More specifically, disclosed is a method for manufacturing a gas barrier film, characterized by forming a polysilazane film on at least one surface of a plastic film, subjecting the polysilazane film to a plasma treatment, and thereby obtaining a gas barrier film, and the method is characterized in that a gas barrier film thus obtained is used as a substrate for an organic EL element.

Organic electronic element and method for manufacturing organic electronic element


An adjusting apparatus for an electric power steering device includes a steering mechanism converting an input torque into a steering force and transmitting the steering force to wheels, a torque sensor outputting a torque detection signal according to an input torque, an electric motor applying a steering assist torque according to a torque detection signal output from the sensor, a sensor circuit changing output characteristics of the sensor, an actuator applying an input torque to the steering mechanism, a steering force meter actuating the motor via the sensor according to an input torque and measuring a steering force output by the steering mechanism, and a sensor output adjuster adjusting the output characteristic of the sensor circuit to approximate a steering force measured by the meter to an ideal value set in advance according to a deviation amount calculated based on a difference between the steering force and the ideal value.

JP2010-2382A discloses an electric power steering device. An electric power steering device of this type is configured so that an output of an electric motor is controlled according to an input torque detected by a torque sensor and the electric motor applies a predetermined steering assist torque.
At the time of manufacturing a torque sensor, an output adjustment is made to correct an output signal of the torque sensor in response to an input torque in an output sensor output adjustment process after the assembling of the torque sensor is completed in an assembling process, whereby an output variation among torque sensor products is suppressed.

Apparatus and method for adjusting electric power steering device


The digital controlled oscillator includes a variable capacitance section having a first capacitor array of a plurality of first variable capacitors and a second capacitor array of a plurality of second variable capacitors, and generates a signal having an oscillation frequency corresponding to the capacitance value of the variable capacitance section. The first capacitance change amount in the individual first variable capacitors is a value obtained by multiplying the second capacitance change amount in the individual second variable capacitors by an integer equal to or more than 2, and the number of second variable capacitors is equal to or more than a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the integer equal to or more than 2.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a digital controlled oscillator used for a semiconductor integrated circuit, a frequency synthesizer including the same, a control method for the same, and a radio communication apparatus using such a frequency synthesizer.
2. Background Art
With semiconductors being finer and faster, a frequency synthesizer using a digital controlled oscillator (DCO) circuit controlled with a digital value, not an analog value, has been studied (see Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-33660 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,734,741, for example).
FIG. 19 shows an exemplary conventional DCO circuit. As shown in FIG. 19, the conventional DCO circuit includes an inductor 201 and a variable capacitance section 202. The inductor 201 and the variable capacitance section 202 constitute an LC tank circuit, which outputs a signal having a frequency corresponding to the inductance of the inductor 201 and the capacitance of the variable capacitance section 202.
The variable capacitance section 202 has capacitor arrays 203 to 205 each composed of a plurality of varactors. The varactors are variable capacitors whose capacitance value changes between a low capacitive state and a high capacitive state larger in capacitance value than the low capacitive state. Therefore, by changing the capacitance values of the varactors from the low capacitive state to the high capacitive state with a control signal supplied to each capacitor array, the capacitance value of the variable capacitance section 202 changes.
The amount of change in frequency for each unit control signal, that is, the amount of change in frequency observed when the capacitance value of one variable capacitor is switched from its low capacitive state to its high capacitive state differs among the capacitor arrays. For example, the frequency changes by 3 MHz in the capacitor array 203, changes by 320 KHz in the capacitor 204, and changes by 10 KHz in the capacitor array 205. The capacitor arrays therefore cover different oscillation frequency ranges from one another as shown in FIG. 20. The oscillation frequency ranges covered by the capacitor arrays overlap each other, so as to permit the oscillation frequency of the DCO circuit to change in fine steps and also change widely.
However, the conventional digital controlled oscillator has the following problem. In wide-range modulation, to suppress increase in quantization noise, it is necessary to not only permit wide-range frequency variation but also reduce the minimum frequency change to as small as possible and yet keep the change amount constant.
To suppress increase in quantization noise, the frequency change for each unit control signal must be kept constant. In wide-range modulation, therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of control bits while keeping the minimum frequency change amount, that is, the minimum capacitance change amount of the variable capacitance section constant.
The conventional DCO circuit, having the variable capacitance section composed of three capacitor arrays, permits frequency variation over a considerably wide range. However, the changes in oscillation frequency at the operation of the respective capacitor arrays are independent of one another. For wide-range modulation, therefore, it is necessary to increase the number of varactors included in the capacitor array 205 to secure a wide range within which the frequency can be changed linearly. For example, to change the oscillation frequency in 64 steps linearly, at least 63 varactors will be necessary in the capacitor array 205. This causes a problem of increasing the area occupied by the variable capacitance section and thus the area occupied by the DCO circuit. Also, 64 control lines will be necessary to control the varactors in the capacitor array 205 individually. This will increase the area occupied by such control lines, and with the area increase, the parasitic capacitance will further increase.
As described above, if the number of control bits is increased while the unit capacitance is kept small, the occupation areas of the capacitors and the control lines will increase. With the area increase, the parasitic capacitance will also increase. The increase of the parasitic capacitance may cause a problem of narrowing the variable range of the oscillation frequency.

Digital controlled oscillator, frequency synthesizer, radio communication apparatus using the same, and control method for the same


A method of joining two pipe ends, by forming male threads on an end of a first pipe with a steep taper angle, forming matching female threads on an end of a second pipe, and applying adhesive material to the threads before twisting the pipes to fully engage the male and female threads, thereby spreading the adhesive material across adjacent load-bearing surfaces of the threads. The threads have multiple start locations for thread engagement so that the pipe ends may be twisted to achieve full engagement in less than one full relative rotation. The male and female threads are formed with a squeeze angle between matching surfaces of the threads between 0.5 and 5.0 degrees. The finished joint provides immediate leak-tightness, and immediate tensile, compressive and torsional strength and does not protrude outside of the pipe profile. The technique may also be used to join pipes constructed of dissimilar materials, particularly by using a coupler that has the appropriate threading, and securing the coupler to a non-threaded pipe end using any convenient means, such as a mechanical fit, or fusion bonding.

1. Technical Field
The present invention generally relates to methods and systems used to attach structural members, more specifically, to a joint for connecting conduits, and particularly to a joint that may be used to provide both mechanical attachment and a complete pressure seal for polymeric (plastic) pipe.
2. Description of Related Art
Many types of conduits are used to provide various utility services, such as telephone, cable, water, waste water, and natural gas. These conduits come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. One of the most common forms is a pipe having a circular cross-section, constructed of a polymeric (plastic) material, particularly acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polyvinyl chloride. These specific materials are typically used to construct pipes that are relatively rigid.
Conventional distribution systems for these various utilities use polymeric pipes of varying diameters to transport product, or convey signal lines, from suppliers to end users. There is a continual problem regarding leakage in such pipe systems due to inadequate joining of pipe sections. Leakage may be from the inside of the pipe to the outside (e.g., water or natural gas) resulting in the loss of product, or from the outside of the pipe to the inside (e.g., water penetration) which may deteriorate cabling that is protected by the conduit.
Various methods and systems have been devised to join the ends of plastic pipes. One approach is the use of adhesives (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,784,235, 3,909,045 and 3,826,521). Joining pipe using adhesives, however, is generally unacceptable due to the difficult adherence characteristics of many polymers, which can result (after a period of time) in cracks in the cured adhesive or in separation of the adhesive from the pipe surface. The use of adhesive or glue (which may be toxic) also often involves a change in the inner diameter or outer diameter of one or both of the pipes, such as with a bell-and-pipe slip joint. Non-uniform pipe diameters can introduce difficulties when installing the pipe.
There is a further unmet need with regard to the joining of dissimilar plastic pipes, such as polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Present methods depend primarily on mechanical type couplings which are costly, use a variety of sealing methods such as "O" rings to achieve a satisfactory performance based joint. Solvent-based joining materials do not achieve any level of bond strength on polyethylene and other low-surface energy piping materials. Connecting polyethylene pipe to the existing underground network of PVC requires mechanical fittings. In the electrical distribution industry where polyethylene conduit must be joined to the flame retardant PVC sweep riser for service entrance a need exists for a smooth wall (Inside/Out) pipe joining method.
Another technique for fitting pipes together involves the use of electrofusion couplers (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,650). These couplers overcome the adherence properties of the polyolefin compositions by being formed of the same thermoplastic material as the conduits to be joined. An electrical resistance heating element within the coupler raises the temperature of the material in both the coupler and the adjoining pipe, which then flows together. Upon cooling, the material from the two parts fuses together. As with other prior art techniques, however, electrofusion couplers often do not create a complete seal and the entire process must sometimes be repeated. Electrofusion couplers are also relatively expensive.
A more complicated technique for joining plastic pipe, using microwaves, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,824. That system requires a composite bonding material comprised of a plurality of coated susceptor particles suspended in a matrix. As with the electrofusion couplers, the material of the matrix is adapted to fuse with the material of the pipe at high temperatures. The material is heated by energization of the susceptor particles via radiant microwave energy. This system is very complicated, however, as it requires a special microwave cavity and power supply, both of which can be very bulky. This technique also presents safety hazard to workers who may be exposed to microwave radiation.
A simpler approach to joining pipes is the use of pipe threading, i.e., where one pipe (with exterior male threads) screws into the end of the second pipe (with interior female threads). While threading is an acceptable way of joining certain kinds of pipe, particularly metal pipe, it is again much less useful in joining plastic pipe. Plastic threads do not have the strength of metal threads, and are more susceptible to stripping. Also, when a straight thread is used to connect two cylinders, a deep shoulder is required to accommodate each thread (male and female), which accordingly decreases the longitudinal strength of the cylinder wall. To avoid this problem, it is necessary to alter either the inner diameter or outer diameter of one of the pipes, which may lead to the difficulties mentioned above.
An alternative molded plastic cylinder thread design is disclosed in NASA Tech Brief 71-10336. That design uses a specific molded Spiral Buttress Thread with a 30 degree taper. With the Spiral Buttress design, no shoulder is required, removing the concerns regarding compromised wall thickness. The Spiral Buttress Thread is generally easy to start (that is, to align the male and female threads) and may, depending upon the initial relative axial orientation of the two pipe ends, be fully engaged in less than one relative rotation of the pipe ends, regardless of their diameter. This design, however, still does not provide a sufficient mechanical connection or a reliable high pressure seal. It would, therefore, be desirable to devise an improved pipe joint which both mechanically affixes two pipe ends and provides a stronger pressure seal. It would be further advantageous if the improved joint could be quickly completed without the need for special tools or equipment.


The Zeeman shift of electronic spins in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond has been exploited in lab-scale instruments for ultra-high-resolution, vector-based magnetic sensing. A quantum magnetometer in CMOS utilizing a diamond-nanocrystal layer with NVs or NV-doped bulk diamond on a chip-integrated system provides vector-based magnetic sensing in a compact package. The system performs two functions for the quantum magnetometry: (1) strong generation and efficient delivery of microwave for quantum-state control and (2) optical filtering/detection of spin-dependent fluorescence for quantum-state readout. The microwave delivery can be accomplished with a loop inductor or array of wires integrated into the chip below the nanodiamond layer or diamond. And the wire array can also suppress excitation light using a combination of plasmonic and (optionally) Talbot effects.

Atom-like semiconductor spins are outstanding quantum platforms for metrology and information processing. For example, nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers have been extensively exploited for room-temperature sensors and quantum information processing in recent years. FIG. 1A shows a diamond lattice (right) with NV centers in four different orientations. Each NV center is a quantum site with a nitrogen atom and a vacancy that substitute for a pair of carbon atoms in the diamond lattice. Under microwave (f0=˜2.87 GHz) and green-light stimulation, an NV center's ms=±1 spin state can be excited. The NV center emits red fluorescence in response to this excitation, leading to a dip in a plot of fluorescence intensity If versus microwave frequency f0.
FIG. 1B shows the energy-level diagram of an NV center. The NV center forms a spin triplet at its ground state, with a |ms=0> state at its lowest energy and degenerate |ms=±1> states raised by 2.87 GHz. An external magnetic field with a component Bz along the N-V axis splits the |+1> and |−1> states by 2γeBz, (γe=28 GHz/T). Consequently, the NV spin resonance frequencies (f− and f+) that drive these two spin states split from 2.87 GHz. The difference between f− and f+ is proportional to Bz and can be measured from optical detection of the magnetic resonances (ODMR). This optical detection is accomplished by exciting the NV centers with green excitation, resulting in red fluorescence minima at f− and f+. In a bulk diamond, each of the four crystal lattice axes possesses a population of NV centers. To fully reconstruct an applied magnetic-field's direction and magnitude, its projections along each of the NV's axes are measured.
The plot in FIG. 1C is an example ODMR spectrum, complete with a dip in intensity at a frequency f0. Because the frequency f0 of the dip is sensitive to various physical conditions, including magnetic field, the NV center can be used for sensing. When an external magnetic field (Bz) is applied in the N-V direction of an NV center, the NV center's+1 and −1 spin states possess different resonance frequencies f0, causing a dip split in the ODMR plot (the Zeeman effect) as shown in FIG. 1C. Because an NV center has four possible orientations in a diamond lattice, it is possible to align the magnetic field so that it produces four frequency splits for a total of eight dips in intensity disposed symmetrically about 2.87 GHz.
The magnitudes of these frequency splits are proportional to the projections of the magnetic field strength along each crystalline axis of the diamond lattice. The different frequency spacing allows the NV centers to perform vector magnetometry. The narrowness of each dip means that the NV center is very sensitive to magnetic field changes. The NV centers small sizes offers nanoscale spatial resolution. This nanoscale spatial resolution is possible due to nanometer-scale electronic wavefunction of NV centers.
Typically, a permanent magnet or electromagnet applies a bias magnetic field of known amplitude and orientation to the NV defects. This bias magnetic field causes the NV centers' resonances to split as shown in FIG. 1C. Subjecting the NV centers to an unknown environmental quantity (e.g., magnetic field, electric field, or temperature) causes the resonances to shift in frequency, according to the ground spin Hamiltonian.
Moreover, NV centers are also used for quantum information processing based on their outstanding spin properties: (i) long spin coherence time even in ambient conditions and (ii) optical interfaces for efficient spin state preparation and measurement with high spatial resolution. Combined with nearby nuclear spins, NV centers provide as quantum memories where quantum information is stored and manipulated.

On-chip detection of spin states in color centers for metrology and information processing


Apparatuses are provided for controlling flow conductance of plasma formed in a plasma processing apparatus that includes an upper electrode opposite a lower electrode to form a gap therebetween. The lower electrode is adapted to support a substrate and coupled to a RF power supply. Process gas injected into the gap is excited into the plasma state during operation. The apparatus includes a ground ring that concentrically surrounds the lower electrode and has a set of slots formed therein, and a mechanism for controlling gas flow through the slots.

Integrated circuits are formed from a wafer or substrate over which are formed patterned microelectronics layers. In the processing of the substrate, plasma is often employed to deposit films on the substrate or to etch intended portions of the films. Shrinking feature sizes and implementation of new materials in next generation microelectronics layers have put new requirements on plasma processing equipments. The smaller features, larger substrate size and new processing techniques, such as dual damascene etching technique, require precise control of the plasma parameters, such as plasma density and uniformity across the substrate, for better yields.

Methods and apparatuses for controlling gas flow conductance in a capacitively-coupled plasma processing chamber


The present invention relates to an artificial marble comprising a base resin part; and a pearl stripe part which contains a matrix resin and pearls, and expresses stripes on said base resin part by the contained pearls and a process for preparing the same. The present invention may provide an artificial marble, which can embody higher grade appearance effects by concentrating pearl into the parts expressing stripes of the artificial marble and freely regulating color, quality of pearl and/or patterns of stripes, and a process for preparing the same.

An artificial marble is an artificially synthesized material embodying the texture of native rock by combining additives such as natural stone dusts, minerals and/or resin chips with a cement base or a resin base such as an acrylic resin, an unsaturated polyester resin and/or an epoxy resin.
The artificial marbles may be roughly divided into single colored products (solid products) and products (granite products) comprising chips and the like. Representative examples of the artificial marbles include acrylic artificial marbles, polyester artificial marbles, epoxy artificial marbles, melamine artificial marbles or engineered stone (E-stone) type artificial marbles and the like. Such artificial marbles have a beautiful appearance and an excellent workability, are lighter than natural marbles and have an excellent strength. Therefore such artificial marbles are widely used as various interior/exterior materials such as various upper board materials, dressing tables, washstands, counters, wall materials, floors and furniture.
Now, in order to embody closer patterns to natural rock or new patterns not known yet in the artificial marble, there is an attempt to form stripe patterns on the artificial marbles, or give variety to a size, a color or a quality of the chips contained in the artificial marbles. However, the above technique has limit to form excellent patterns, since there are concerns that it makes a monotonous impression. In addition, as an alternative process, there is a method of imitating patterns such as BIANCO in a way that patterns are directly painted in products. However, in this way, it is also difficult to freely regulate patterns and there is a drawback that reproducibility is lowered.

Artificial marble and preparation process thereof