A method for diagnosing a catalytic converter (7), which is arranged in an exhaust-gas system (6) of an internal combustion engine (1) has the steps of: detecting the signal (USHK) of an exhaust-gas probe (9) downstream of the catalytic converter; forming a limit value model amplitude (AHKF) from at least one quantity (ML, n) which occurs upstream of the catalytic converter (7); forming a catalytic converter evaluation quantity (DKATI) whose value increases with increasing deviation of the amplitude (AHK) of the signal (USHK) from the limit value model amplitude (AHKF); evaluating the operability of the catalytic converter (7) on the basis of the catalytic converter evaluation quantity (DKATI); stopping the evaluation when an oxygen-dependent catalytic converter load (KATIN) exceeds or drops below a threshold value. The method is characterized in that the threshold value is pregiven in dependence upon the signal (USHK) of the exhaust-gas probe (9) rearward of the catalytic converter.

From U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,883, a method and an arrangement are known wherein an interruption of the diagnosis of the catalytic converter is provided when specific stop criteria are present. One stop criterion is the reaching of a threshold value of the charge of oxygen into the catalytic converter or of the discharge of oxygen out of the catalytic converter. The limiting of the diagnosis considers nonlinearities in the oxygen storage behavior of the catalytic converter. The oxygen storage in the catalytic converter for high oxygen charge or oxygen discharge cannot be described by the same model parameters as for low oxygen charge or oxygen discharge.
The interruption or the non-triggering of the diagnosis under such conditions, on the one hand, reliably prevents false diagnostic results but, on the other hand, reduces also the rate of diagnosis.

Method and electronic control unit for diagnosing a catalytic converter


A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle, in particular for a low-floor bus (31) with a rear axle (33) and having a drive motor (34) positioned transverse to the direction of travel (X) and integrally built-in to a rear section (32) of the low-floor bus. The motor, via the gear train, is connection with a first, motor-sided bevel gear stage (36) and a second, axle-sided bevel gear stage (38) leading to a driving connection with the rear axle. The motor-sided bevel gear stage possesses an input driving bevel gear (36a) aligned co-axially to a transversely positioned motor shaft (34a), which is in meshed gear engagement (36a/b) with an output driving bevel gear (36b). The meshed gear engagement is placed behind the motor shaft when seen in the direction of travel (X).

DE 100 42 475 A1 discloses a drive train arrangement for a low-floor bus, which bus possesses a rear-mounted driving motor, which is oriented transversely to the direction of travel. This driving motor inputs driving energy to the rear axle by way of an angular bevel gear connection. The rear axle in this connection is generally referred to hereinafter as the "portal axle", which axle has structural characteristics convenient for low-floor bus construction. An angular bevel gear drive unit is employed, which consists essentially of a housed gear combination with a motor sided, input driver bevel gear and a corresponding output bevel gear. The latter is bound to the rear axle by a complementary crown gear attachment. The input drive, motor sided bevel gear is co-axial with the motor shaft, which shaft lies transverse to the direction of travel and engages with the output drive bevel gear, which is placed on an intermediate shaft leading to the rear axle. The meshing engagement of both bevel gears, as seen in the direction of travel, is placed ahead of the transversely situated motor axis, i.e., located between the motor drive shaft and the above portal axle. By way of this positioning, a short intermediate shaft is allowable and hence a space-saving construction is thereby achieved.
A problem then arises, if such a drive arrangement is to be designed for both right- and left-handed driving, respectfully as is found in the United States and England where a door may be located between the portal axle and the motor, which is placed transverse and off-center in the rear. This door may be located on the right side of the bus in a case of left-hand drive construction or, conversely, may be located on the left side, in case of right-hand drive construction. Since the widest possible door opening to the rear must be assured, then the placement of a crown gear for rear axle drive is necessary on an off-center wheel-side. Since the motor for right-hand drive travel must be rotated 180° about its vertical axis and counter to that required for left-hand drive, the same direction of rotation must be retained for this reason; a reversal of the direction of rotation for the rear axle of the bus becomes necessary. It is known that for this purpose, an additional spur gear is installed behind the bevel gear stage, which obviously presents the disadvantage of an increase in constructional height, as well as higher costs and a lowered degree of efficiency.
It is the purpose of the present invention to create a drive arrangement of the type described in the introduction, which brings about a change of rotational direction upon a change of position of the driving motor and to do so without an additional demand for space and without a diminution of efficiency.

Drive arrangement for a motor vehicle, in particular a low platform bus


A mechanical apparatus and method are disclosed for orienting and positioning semiconductor wafers while avoiding contamination of elements on the faces thereof, by only contacting the peripheries thereof. The apparatus may include a frame for wafer supports and a semiconductor wafer gripping arm. The gripping arm is mounted on a translator for movement in X, Y, and Z directions to engage and move wafers in, from, and between supports. The gripping arm comprises a rigid structure with a plurality of semiconductor support wheels mounted thereon to support a wafer only around its periphery. A drive wheel is provided to orient a supported wafer rotationally while it is being supported around its periphery. A detector is provided to detect orientation of the wafer relative to a notch or other position mark on its periphery.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns those fields involving the manufacture of electronic components, primarily the fabrication of integrated circuits from substrates or semiconductor wafer materials, such as silicon, more particularly the mechanical procedures and devices used to change the position of at least one semiconductor wafer provided with at least one positioning mark and placed in a support intended to hold a plurality of semiconductor wafers.
2. Discussion of Related Art
The prior art teaches that such methods consist primarily in grasping a semiconductor wafer by one of its faces to change its position, primarily by displacing it from one location to another, whereby devices used to implement these methods comprise means allowing a wafer to be grasped by suction in the central region of one of its faces. Independently of the displacement of the wafers from one location to another, the semiconductor wafers are oriented in such a way that their positioning mark is placed in a predetermined position, which operation may consist, for example, in aligning the positioning marks on all the wafers intended to be moved or situated in a common support.
The disadvantage of the methods and devices of the prior art is that they can lead to contamination of the semiconductor wafers resulting from the grasping of said wafers by one of their faces, which consists of a material that is highly sensitive to various forms of contamination, the risk of contamination being further enhanced by the fact that there is contact between the face and an object. Moreover, the methods and devices according to the prior art require considerable time for the operations of displacement and orientation of one or several semiconductor wafers, these operations being managed independently, which results in longer processing periods for semiconductor wafers and therefore higher processing costs.
We are familiar with document U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,291, which refers to a method and apparatus for orienting a silicon wafer located in a support by grasping its periphery so as to minimize possible contamination from direct contact with its faces. Wafers are grasped one by one between two gripper arms movable in translation with respect to one another along a straight line, which are urged toward each other in translation along the guide direction until the two arms exert pressure against the periphery of the wafer being grasped by means of four pressure wheels that lift the wafer prior to contact of the wheels against the periphery of the wafer, the grasped silicon wafer being capable of being rotationally oriented to a specific position with respect to the support by means of pressure wheels rotating in the plane of the wafer, at least one of which is motorized. Moreover, the apparatus is used to move the grasped wafer in a straight line only because of the two gripper arms. Detection of the desired orientation of the wafer can take place by means of a mechanical, optical, electrical, or other type of sensor. For wafers provided with a notch, the document specifies a pin that is smaller than the notch and which penetrates the notch when the wafer is in a desired position.
We are also familiar with U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,486, which relates to an apparatus for transferring silicon wafers from one support to another by means of a gripper arm inserted between wafers in a support, the gripper arm grasping one or more wafers by the periphery of their bottom surface. The apparatus does not have a means for orienting the transferred wafers.
The intended processing of semiconductor wafers can include any process involving a change in position of a wafer, of several wafers, or of all the semiconductor wafers located in a common support, as, for example, the transfer of wafers from one support to another, the alignment of marks for the purpose of identifying wafers in the support, or even modification of the angular position of the semiconductor wafer found in the support for the placement of marks at a predetermined position.
The present invention proposes to overcome the above disadvantages and provide other advantages. One object of the present invention is to enable the change of position of at least one semiconductor wafer while avoiding any contamination resulting from grasping the wafer by one of its faces and, furthermore, reducing the risks of contamination.
Another object of the present invention is to enable a change of position of at least one semiconductor wafer, thus modifying the orientation of a wafer while another processing operation is taking place, especially the displacement or transfer of the wafer.
Another object of the present invention is to provide increased space within a semiconductor wafer processing station by eliminating the need for specific equipment for the orientation or alignment of positioning marks on wafers.
Another object of the present invention is to enable a plurality of semiconductor wafers to be grasped and oriented, the orientation of the wafers occurring simultaneously and, moreover, simultaneously with another operation, such as the displacement of a plurality of wafers.

Method and device for changing a semiconductor wafer position


A diagnostic table for a medical imaging apparatus includes a sliding command input device by which a sliding command is configured to be input to produce a sliding movement of a tabletop, a first detector configured to detect sliding movement of the tabletop, a second detector configured to detect input of the sliding command, a stopper coupled to the tabletop and configured to prevent the tabletop from sliding, and a controller coupled to the first and second detectors and the stopper, the controller configured to determine a fault condition when the first detector detects sliding movement of the tabletop inconsistent with the command detected by the second detector and to activate the stopper to prevent the sliding movement of the tabletop upon determining existence of the fault condition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a diagnostic table which can be tilted, as well as a medical imaging apparatus including the diagnostic table.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In a medical imaging apparatus such as, for example, an X-ray diagnosis apparatus, a diagnostic table is used as a part of or independent of the medical imaging apparatus. A patient who to be imaged by the medical imaging apparatus typically lies on a tabletop of the diagnostic table. One known tabletop is usually controlled to change its position so that the patient can be positioned appropriately to be imaged by the medical imaging apparatus. The tabletop may be moved in various directions, for example, upwards and downwards, along its longitudinal direction or a body axis of the patient lying on the tabletop, and/or along a left/right direction of the patient lying on the tabletop (i.e., a lateral direction). The tabletop may also be rotated and/or be tilted. An operator of the diagnostic table typically operates an operation unit of the diagnostic table so that the tabletop may be adjusted to an appropriate position for imaging the patient by a motor provided in the diagnostic table.
When power is supplied to the diagnostic table, a magnetic brake fixes the position of the tabletop. If the operator, for example, grasps a grip of the tabletop when the tabletop is kept horizontally, a switch provided in the grip is activated in response to the grasp. Accordingly, the magnetic brake is released so that the operator can manually move the tabletop horizontally along the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Such direction movement is referred to as a floating operation. Further, in response to the release of the magnetic brake, the operator can rotate the tabletop horizontally. Such a rotation is referred to as a panning operation.
A first gear, which can be activated by a gear motor, is also provided in the diagnostic table. The first gear may be formed like a disk and have teeth along an edge of the disk. The diagnostic table further includes the second gear magnetically coupled to the first gear when the second gear is engaged with the first gear. The second gear is formed in a toric shape and has inner teeth along the inside of the toric shape. The first gear can be inserted into the inside of the second gear. The teeth of the first gear are engaged with the inner teeth of the second gear. Such a relationship between the first gear and the second gear may be called a tooth clutch. The second gear also has outer teeth along an edge of the toric shape. The tabletop has teeth on the side opposite to the side where the patient lies. The outer teeth of the second gear may be engaged with the teeth of the tabletop.
In the above configuration, when the operator activates a tabletop tilt button to tilt the tabletop, the first gear is inserted into the inside of the second gear, and the teeth of the first gear are magnetically coupled to and engaged by the teeth of the second gear. Also in response to the activation of the tabletop tilt button, another motor (tilt motor) is activated to tilt the tabletop. During tilting, the tabletop is fixed by the magnetic brake and the tooth clutch operation at a position determined before tilting. When the tilt position is determined, the tilt motor is stopped in response to deactivation of the tabletop tilt button by the operator. If it is necessary to adjust a position of the tabletop along the tilt, that is, for example, along the longitudinal direction of the tabletop, a tabletop longitudinal movement button is activated by the operator. In response to the activation, the gear motor is activated (or rotated) to rotate the first gear while the magnetic brake is released from the tabletop. Since the first gear has been already engaged with the second gear, the tabletop is moved along the longitudinal direction by the second gear, which is rotated by the first gear. Consequently, the patient lying on the tabletop can be positioned appropriately for imaging by the X-ray diagnosis apparatus. After the movement along the longitudinal direction, the magnetic brake is activated again.
After imaging, the tabletop may be tilted back to the horizontal position in a manner similar to the above description, and the engagement of the tooth clutch is released. Also the magnetic brake can be released to allow the floating operation and the panning operation. After the power supply to the diagnostic table is terminated, the magnetic brake may attract the tabletop with its remaining magnetic force.
Examples of the above-described diagnostic table are described in Japanese patent application publication nos. PH07-88102 and UH06-3306.
When the patient is lying on the tabletop, the gross weight of the tabletop and the patient may be approximately one hundred to one hundred and fifty kilograms, or more. Such weight is applied to the magnetic brake and the tooth clutch. When the tabletop is tilted, if a deficiency exists within the tooth clutch and/or the gear motor such that the teeth of the first gear and the inner teeth of the second gear cannot satisfactorily engage with one another, the magnetic brake may not be able to support the weight when the weight is greater than a predetermined maximum weight of the magnetic brake. The deficiency may be, for example, worn-out of the teeth of the first gear, the inner teeth of the second gear, the outer teeth of the second gear, a gear of the gear motor, the gear of the tabletop, and/or reduction gear(s) coupled to the motor if provided. Another possible deficiency may be damage to one or more signal lines to the gear motor, leakage of oil for the reduction gear(s), and/or the like. Also the deficiency may be a breakdown of the gear motor, a breakdown of a reduction unit connected to the gear motor due to oil leakage, a breakdown of internal coils which control the coupling of the gears in the tooth clutch, and/or a break of one or more power lines to the internal coils.
As a result, the tabletop cannot be fixed, and may slide. The tabletop is likely to slide to a greater degree as the tabletop is increasingly tilted.
It is important to prevent or limit this sliding to ensure the safety of the patient. One way to prevent the sliding may be an installation of another tooth clutch. Such a solution, however, complicates the diagnostic table. Further, the tabletop may still slide even after providing another tooth clutch, depending on the weight and a tilted angle. Particularly, when there is deficiency in the gear of the tabletop, the provision of another tooth clutch may not prevent the tabletop from sliding.


An I/O hint framework is provided. In one embodiment, a computer system can receive an I/O command originating from a virtual machine (VM), where the I/O command identifies a data block of a virtual disk. The computer system can further extract hint metadata from the I/O command, where the hint metadata includes one or more characteristics of the data block that are relevant for determining how to cache the data block in a flash storage-based cache. The computer system can then make the hint metadata available to a caching module configured to manage the flash storage-based cache.

Server Flash Cache (SFC) is a technology that allows host systems to leverage flash storage to accelerate virtual machine (VM) I/O operations. Generally speaking, an SFC-enabled host system includes a host-side flash storage device (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD), a PCIe flash card, etc.) and a hypervisor-resident caching module. The caching module intercepts I/O requests from VMs running on the host system and caches, in a portion of the host-side flash storage device referred to as a "flash cache," data associated with the I/O requests that the host system reads from, or writes to, a backend storage array (e.g., a hard disk-based array). In addition, upon intercepting a read request, the caching module determines whether the data associated with the read request is already available in the flash cache. If so, the caching module services the read request from the flash cache rather than the backend storage array. Since the I/O latency for flash storage access is typically several orders of magnitude less than the I/O latency for hard disk access, this caching mechanism can significantly improve VM I/O performance.
In certain instances, an application running within a VM may have access to contextual information regarding the I/O requests it issues that can assist the caching module in managing the flash cache. For example, the application may know that it will issue a read request for a particular data block several times over a short timespan, which suggests that the caching module should keep that data block in the flash cache to service the multiple requests. As another example, the application may know that it will issue a read request for a particular data block only once, which suggests that the caching module should deprioritize that data block or avoid caching it altogether. Unfortunately, with current SFC implementations, there is no way to communicate such contextual information (referred to as "I/O hints" or "hints") from the VM-level application to the hypervisor-level caching module. Thus, the caching module can only make caching decisions based on the observed I/O requests themselves, which may result in sub-optimal flash cache usage/management.

I/O hint framework for Server Flash Cache


A device and method for emitting composite output light uses multiple wavelength-conversion mechanisms to convert the original light generated by a light source of the device into longer wavelength light to produce the composite output light. One of the wavelength-conversion mechanisms of the device is a fluorescent substrate of the light source that converts the original light into first converted light. Another wavelength-conversion mechanism of the device is a wavelength-conversion region optically coupled to the light source that converts the original light into second converted light. The original light, the first converted light and the second converted light are emitted from the device as components of the composite output light.

Conventional light sources, such as incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lamps, have not been significantly improved in the past twenty years. However, light emitting diode ("LEDs") have been improved to a point with respect to operating efficiency where LEDs are now replacing the conventional light sources in traditional monochrome lighting applications, such as traffic signal lights and automotive taillights. This is due in part to the fact that LEDs have many advantages over conventional light sources. These advantages include longer operating life, lower power consumption, and smaller size.
LEDs are typically monochromatic semiconductor light sources, and are currently available in various colors from UV-blue to green, yellow and red. Due to the narrow-band emission characteristics, monochromatic LEDs cannot be directly used for "white" light applications. Rather, the output light of a monochromatic LED must be mixed with other light of one or more different wavelengths to produce white composite light. Some conventional LEDs include a wavelength-conversion mechanism to convert some of the original light generated by the LEDs into longer different wavelength light, which combines with the original light to produce white composite light. One such type of LEDs of interest uses an LED die with a fluorescent substrate as the wavelength-conversion mechanism to convert the light emitted from an active layer of the LED die into longer wavelength light. As an example, the active layer of the LED die may be Gallium Indium Nitride (GaInN) active layer that emits light having a peak wavelength of approximately 430 nm, and the fluorescent substrate of the LED die may be a Gallium Nitride (GaN) substrate doped with oxygen, carbon or nitrogen vacancy that converts some of the light emitted from the GaN active layer into light having a peak wavelength of approximately 550 nm.
A concern with the conventional LEDs that use a fluorescent substrate as a wavelength-conversion mechanism is that the resulting white composite light from the LEDs may be deficient in certain wavelengths, e.g., in the red wavelength range of the visible spectrum (˜620 nm to ˜800 nm). As such, these LEDs do not have high color rendering characteristics.
Another concern is that since the original light and the converted light originate from different locations within an LED die, the original light and the converted light may not blend together well, resulting in a composite light that has a non-homogeneous color. As an example, the composite output light from the central portion of the LED may appear bluer than the light from the perimeter of the LED.
In view of these concerns, there is a need for an LED and method for emitting white composite light with high color rendering characteristics and more homogeneous color.

Device and method for emitting composite output light using multiple wavelength-conversion mechanisms

Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.


Structured beams, Bessel beams, Laguerre Gaussian beams, and focused Gaussian are used as a natural waveguide and its group velocity can be subluminal (slower than the speed of light) as compared to a Gaussian beam in free space. A free space dispersion relation for a Bessel beam, i.e., the dependence of its wavenumber on its angular frequency, is outlined from which the Bessel beam's subliminal group velocity is derived. For reasonable conditions a Bessel light beam has associated parameters that allow slowing near a critical frequency. The application of Bessel beams for a natural optical buffer in free space is presented. Optical transitions and selection rules in materials are altered by structured light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Nano antennas are used to enhance the interactions of structured light.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to methods of using Structure Complex light from Special Functions, such as Bessel (B), Laguerre Gaussian (LG), and Gaussian (G), which satisfies Maxwell linear and nonlinear Polarization Wave equation for slowing light. In certain embodiments, the subject matter relates to an optical buffer that slows light and to a special small antenna to enhance the interactions and transitions in materials using the Special functions.
Light's salient degrees of freedom are the independent parameters that completely describe an electromagnetic wave (in the paraxial approximation) and include polarization, wavelength, and time. Light's space degree of freedom has received significant attention via the sub-discipline of optics that can be referred to as complex light or structured light. The study of complex light is a veritable renaissance of optics; using light's space degree of freedom many classical optics phenomena have been revisited with novel results, such as double slit diffraction, the mechanical Faraday effect, and Fermat's principle. Additionally, using light's space degree of freedom the fundamental limits of many optics applications have been addressed, e.g., the transmission data rate of optical fiber communication can potentially be increased beyond that single mode optical fibers via space division multiplexing, and it is possible to image below the diffraction limit via Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy.
There are several ways to slow light to store in a buffer: as optical fiber, grating, resonator cavity, and etalons. There are few new approaches, including electromagnetic induced transparency (EIT) and coupled resonator (CR). EIT slowing has been observed in metal vapor with large vg=10 m/s. CR delays light on the same time scale. It would be desirable to provide new methods of slowing light.
The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Method for altering light interactions with complex structured light

Research Foundation of the City University of New York


An electric circuit is described for generating electric power. In this circuit, an asynchronous generator includes a stator and a rotor. On the stator side, the asynchronous generator is coupled to a power grid. The rotor current flowing to the rotor of the asynchronous generator can be measured. A control device is designed such that, in case of a fault in the power grid, the stator current flowing to the stator of the asynchronous generator is calculated from the measured rotor current as a function of parameters of the asynchronous generator.

A method of this kind and an electric circuit of this kind are known, for example, from DE 10 2007 014 728 A1. The stator current flowing to the stator and the rotor current flowing to the rotor are measured by means of sensors and then taken into account in the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the circuit.
In case of a fault in the power grid, in particular after a collapse in the mains voltage, the measurement of the stator current can be inaccurate or even incorrect. The open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the circuit can thus lead to considerable control errors and thus potentially cannot be continued on the basis of the stator current.

Electric circuit for generating electric power

GE Energy Power Conversion Technology Limited


An emergency flasher is provided including a housing having an inboard extent and an outboard extent rotatably coupled to the inboard extent. A flasher bulb is mounted on the outboard extent for intermittently illuminating upon the actuation thereof. Next included is a coupling assembly mounted on the housing for coupling the same to a recipient surface.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to flashlights and more particularly pertains to a new emergency alert light for signaling an emergency vehicle at a site of an emergency.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of flashlights is known in the prior art. More specifically, flashlights heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
Known prior art flashlights include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,686,505; 4,328,481; 4,518,946; 4,959,637; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 274,561; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,270.
In these respects, the emergency alert light according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of signaling an emergency vehicle at a site of an emergency.


An imaging device for receiving a radio signal output from an RF tag attached to a subject to acquire identification information of the subject, includes: an imaging unit for continuously imaging a plurality of subjects to acquire a moving image; a radio receiver for receiving a plurality of radio signals respectively output from RF tags attached to the subjects to acquire a plurality of units of subject identification information respectively indicated by the radio signals, the subject identification information identifying a corresponding subject, the radio receiver moving together with the imaging unit and having directivity in a direction approximately the same as an imaging direction of the imaging unit; a moving amount calculation unit for calculating a moving amount of the radio receiver based on the acquired moving image; and a subject direction specifying unit for specifying directions of the subjects respectively identified by the plurality of units of subject identification information based on changes in field intensities of the radio signals, the changes corresponding to the moving amount of the radio receiver.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imaging device, an information storage server and an article identification apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to an imaging device for receiving a radio signal output from an RF (radio frequency) tag attached to a subject and acquiring identification information of the subject, an information storage server for storing information acquired from that imaging device, and an article identification information for acquiring information on an article by receiving a radio signal output from an RF tag attached to the article so as to identify the article.
The present invention also relates to an imaging device and an imaging system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an imaging device and an imaging system for restricting acquisition or use of an image containing a predetermined subject.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, cellular phones with cameras have spread rapidly. Moreover, a cellular phone with a mega-pixel camera is put into practical use, and rapid improvement of image quality has continued to achieve image quality that is not inferior to that of a conventional digital camera. Thus, an environment is achieved in which many people always cellular phones with cameras and can take pictures anywhere at any time. The inventors of the present application found no publication disclosing the art related to the present invention. Therefore, description of such a publication is omitted.
When encountering an attractive item, a user of the cellular phone with the camera may take an image of that item there and look for information on that item by using the thus taken image. For example, in a case where the user wants to buy an item the same as clothes or a cap another person wears on the street, the user can take an image of that item by the cellular phone with the camera and find and buy that item by using that image. However, in some cases, the user cannot find that item only based on that image or it takes a long time to find that item. Thus, such an approach to finding that item is inconvenient.
Moreover, the fact many people can take pictures anywhere at any time means that everyone is placed in an environment in which everyone can be imaged anywhere at any time. Thus, protection of privacy becomes a hot topic with the spread of the cellular phone with the camera.

Imaging device, information storage server, article identification apparatus and imaging system


The present invention relates to an electronic device for driving a light emitting diode, which includes a switch (Ts) being adapted to switch a switch-mode power converter, and controlling means (CNTL) being adapted for controlling the switch (Ts) in response to a sensing value (Vs) indicative of a current of the switch-mode power converter and for controlling by the switch (Ts) the output voltage of the switched power converter and a current (Iout) through the light emitting diode.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are broadly used for light sources, displays, and signaling elements. As LEDs are more power efficient than conventional light sources, and since the packing density allows high quality displaying functionality, a significant increase in applications using LEDs can be observed. LEDs are typically used in string-like or array-like configurations, where a large number of light emitting diodes is coupled to form either stings or display panels, or to provide efficient light or backlight sources for numerous applications. Accordingly, there is a general motivation to provide power efficient, small, and cheap electronic devices for driving the LEDs. The conventional approach to drive LEDs consists in coupling a current source to the LEDs in order to provide a constant current through the LEDs, such that a specific intensity and color of the light emission is achieved. A more sophisticated conventional approach includes a switch, as for example a metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET), which is coupled in series with the LEDs. The LED is switched on and off by the switch at a high frequency. The ratio of the ON- and OFF-periods allows to control the light emission of the LEDs. In addition to this well-known control mechanism, a variety of power management concepts is applied for the current sources or voltage sources. In order to provide a variety of different regulated output voltages and output currents from a single power source, the switched power regulators are used, such as boost-, buck-, and buck-boost-converters. Generally, LEDs are to be driven at a constant current. Switch-mode solutions are preferred, as they provide an improved efficiency for varying load conditions caused by production spread, temperature variations, and ageing of the LED forward voltage. Additionally, taking the whole system into consideration, low cost and good color stability are advantages of the switch mode solutions. The switch mode solutions are most appropriate for 0D and 1D dimming backlight systems for mass production. The basic principle of the switch mode power converters consists in supplying a specific current to an inductor (e.g. a coil), decoupling the voltage source from the inductor by a switch, and driving for a limited time a load by the energy stored in the decoupled inductor. Once a specific part of the energy in the inductor is spent, the inductor is again coupled to the voltage source. Particular arrangements of switches, inductors, diodes and capacitors in combination with specific switching mechanisms and sequences allow to provide output voltages in a wide range being above, below or above and below the input voltage.
Although switch mode power converters are beneficial in terms of power consumption and flexibility, a major drawback of the conventional solutions resides in the rather complex control mechanisms to establish well-defined conditions for the LEDs. Providing an appropriate current through the LEDs for a specific light emission and other parameters and preserving at the same time the suitable timing (e.g. for PWM) for the switched voltage or current sources impose high requirements on the control circuitry. If, for example, the control mechanism for the LEDs is too slow, variations of the input and output voltage, as well as variations of internal parameters will become visible in variations of luminance and color stability of the LEDs.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Electronic device for driving light emitting diodes


The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within the head and neck of a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the ear, nose and throat. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid to remove and/or modify the structure of tissue structures. The present invention is particularly useful for treating sleep obstructive disorders, such as sleep apnea and snoring.

The present invention relates generally to the field of electrosurgery, and more particularly to surgical devices and methods which employ high frequency electrical energy to treat tissue in regions of the head and neck, such as the ear, nose and throat. The present invention is particularly suited for treating sleep obstructive disorders, such as sleep-apnea, snoring and the like.
Sleep-apnea syndrome is a medical condition characterized by daytime hypersomnolence, intellectual deterioration, cardiac arrhythmias, snoring and thrashing during sleep. This syndrome is classically divided into two types. One type, termed "central sleep apnea syndrome", is characterized by repeated loss of respiratory effort. The second type, termed obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, is characterized by repeated apneic episodes during sleep resulting from obstruction of the patient's upper airway or that portion of the patient's respiratory tract which is cephalad to, and does not include, the larynx.
Treatment for sleep apnea has included various medical, surgical and physical measures. Medical measures include the use of medications and the avoidance of central nervous system depressants, such as sedatives or alcohol. These measures are sometimes helpful, but rarely completely effective. Physical measures have included weight loss, nasopharygeal airways, nasal CPAP and various tongue retaining devices used nocturnally. These measures are cumbersome, uncomfortable and difficult to use for prolonged periods of time. In particular, CPAP devices, which act essentially as a pneumatic "splint" to the airway to alleviate the obstruction, may last for the entire patient's lifetime, and typically requires close to 100% usage of the device while sleeping and napping.
Surgical interventions have included uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), laser-assisted uvuloplasty procedures (LAUP), tonsillectomy, surgery to correct severe retrognathia and tracheostomy. The LAUP procedures involve the use a CO2 laser to excise and vaporize excess tissue in the region of the palate and uvula. In UPPP procedures, a scalpel or conventional electrocautery device is typically employed to remove portions of the uvula, palate, pharynx and/or tonsils. While these procedures are effective, the risk of surgery in some patients is often prohibitive. In addition, UPPP and LAUP procedures performed with conventional electrocautery or laser devices typically generate excessive bleeding and extreme post-operative pain which may be unacceptable to the patient.
Recently, RF energy has been used to selectively destroy portions of the tongue to treat air passage disorders, such as sleep apnea. This procedure, which was developed by Somnus Medical Technologies of Sunnyvale, Calif., involves the use of a monopolar electrode that directs RF current into the target tissue to desiccate or destroy submucosal tissue in the patient's mouth. Of course, such monopolar devices suffer from the disadvantage that the electric current will flow through undefined paths in the patient's body, thereby increasing the risk of unwanted electrical stimulation to portions of the patient's body. In addition, since the defined path through the patient's body has a relatively high impedance (because of the large distance or resistivity of the patient's body), large voltage differences must typically be applied between the return and active electrodes in order to generate a current suitable for ablation or cutting of the target tissue. This current, however, may inadvertently flow along body paths having less impedance than the defined electrical path, which will substantially increase the current flowing through these paths, possibly causing damage to or destroying surrounding tissue or neighboring peripheral nerves.

Systems and methods for electrosurgical treatment of obstructive sleep disorders


The object of the invention is to provide an image processing apparatus that greatly enhances color conversion precision by considering in-plane uniformity and nonlinearity such as a gradation characteristic and a multiple transfer characteristic in an image formation device when color variation in a plane of the image formation device is considered in color conversion. An arithmetic section converts a signal L* to an image recording signal K of the image formation device based upon a lightness L* signal input from an image input device, a recorded position coordinate signal x in a horizontal scanning direction on paper and the rotation angle signal y of a photo conductor showing a recorded position coordinate in a vertical scanning direction on the photo conductor from the image formation device in consideration of color variation caused due to an image formation process on the photo conductor in the image formation device and the signal L*. This color conversion can be made using n-dimensional DLUT for example. The image recording signal K is output to the image formation device and an image is formed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that converts an input chrominance signal to an image recording signal for an image formation device.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, as a scanner and a digital camera are popularized in addition to the development of a computer, network service and the development of a mass storage medium, a picture signal is rapidly digitized and a demand for printing such a digital picture signal with high quality rises. To acquire the printout of high quality based upon a digital picture signal, it is important to output an image with color corresponding to color information of an input picture signal. However, the color reproducibility is different every image formation device utilized in printout and when an input digital picture signal is output as it is, faithful color reproduction cannot be expected.
Therefore, an image formation device performs so-called color conversion that an input chrominance signal is converted to an image recording signal according to the color reproduction characteristic of the image formation device so that color faithful to the chromatic information of an input picture signal is reproduced. For the color conversion, a method of using matrix operation, a neural network and a multidimensional look-up table (hereinafter called DLUT) is generally used widely.
For the method of using matrix operation, relation between an input value and an output value is described in a one-dimensional or a high-dimensional determinant and the output value is acquired by operating the determinant based upon the input value. The coefficient of the determinant can be stored in a read only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM) beforehand. The method of using matrix operation has an advantage that only very few parameters are required for color conversion and the capacity of ROM and RAM may be small. However, there is a problem that in case the method of using matrix operation has input-output characteristics high in nonlinearity, it is difficult to acquire the high color conversion precision.
For the method of using the neural network, relation between an input value and an output value is described in a form of a neural network and the output value corresponding to the input value is acquired. The method of using the neural network has an advantage that only relatively few parameters are required for color conversion and in case of input-output characteristics high in nonlinearity, high color conversion precision can be also acquired. However, the method of using the neural network has a problem that as the amount of operation is much, it is not suitable for real time processing.
For the method of using DLUT, an output value is stored at an address of ROM or RAM corresponding to an input signal. The method of using DLUT has an advantage that color conversion can be made at extremely high speed because an output value can be acquired by only applying an input signal as an address and operation time is not substantially required. There is also a case that interpolation is used, however, even in that case, an output value can be acquired by simple operation at high speed. Further, the method of using DLUT has another advantage that as input and output can be freely set in principle, high color conversion precision can be also acquired in case input-output characteristics have high nonlinearity.
As nonlinearity between an input chrominance signal and an image recording signal is generally very high in an image formation device, DLUT which enables high speed processing and the color conversion precision of which is high is widely utilized. However, in an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low, even if color conversion is made using DLUT, it is difficult to realize high color conversion precision. The image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low means an image formation device wherein even if a fixed image recording signal is input, color is different depending upon a position on the recording surface of paper. For example, in an image formation device according to an ink-jet recording method and an image formation device according to electrophotography, gray of middle density is output on the whole surface of paper of size A3, the average value of colorimetric values in the plane and color difference between each point of measurement are calculated and the in-plane uniformity is evaluated by the average value and the maximum value of the color difference. For the result of the evaluation, the average value and the maximum value of the color difference are both 1 or less in the ink-jet recording method, while in electrophotography, the color difference the average value of which is approximately 3 to 5 and the maximum value of which is approximately 6 to 10 exists.
When color conversion is actually made using DLUT and color conversion precision is evaluated using color difference between an input chrominance signal and an output colorimetric value, such enough precision as the average value and the maximum value of the color difference are both 1 or less is acquired in the ink-jet recording method the in-plane uniformity of which is high, while in electrophotography the in-plane uniformity of which is low, color difference the average value of which is approximately 3 to 5 and the maximum value of which is approximately 6 to 10 exists. Therefore, in electrophotography, sufficiently high color conversion precision is not acquired. When a color conversion parameter of DLUT is determined, required color of colors in an overall range in which color is to be reproduced in an image formation device is output and a value measured by using a colorimeter is set as the color conversion parameter of DLUT. However, as colorimetric color has an error in an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low, color conversion precision exceeding the in-plane uniformity of the image formation device cannot be acquired in principle. Therefore, in electrophotography, even if color conversion is made by using DLUT generated based upon correspondence with an input chrominance signal and an output colorimetric value, enough precision cannot be acquired.
It is normally said that in case color difference is 1 or less, it is not perceived even if colors are arranged, however, in case color difference is 5 or more, it is perceived without arranging colors. At the above-mentioned color conversion precision acquired in electrophotography, color difference between an input chrominance signal and the color of a printed image can be easily perceived.
Further, there is a problem that when DLUT is applied to color conversion in an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low and a color conversion parameter is determined in consideration of color conversion precision, the color conversion parameter has a random error and the continuity of a color conversion characteristic is deteriorated. When the continuity of the color conversion characteristic is deteriorated as described above, a pseudocontour is formed in an image in case the gradation image is output.
To improve these problems, technique for reducing an error of a colorimetric value caused in an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low is disclosed in JP-A-11-261831 for example. That is, a first color chart having plural color patches of combinations of output values of three colors varied, respectively, and a second color chart having an overall uniform output value are output, and these plural color patches and the color of the uniform output image are measured. Hereby, as an in-plane color variation value is acquired based upon the colorimetric value of the uniform output value image, color variation proper to an image formation device included in the plural color patches is removed based upon the color variation value and three-dimensional DLUT acquired by removing the color variation from these plural color patches is generated.
As the effect of an error by in-plane color variation of an image formation device can be reduced in determining a color conversion parameter value of DLUT according to this method, color conversion precision is enhanced and the formation of a pseudocontour can be reduced. However, according to this method, the effect of an error by color variation in the plane cannot be removed in principle. That is, for the color conversion parameter value of DLUT, an error by in-plane color variation is considered, however, an error by in-plane color variation when recording is actually performed based upon an output chrominance signal to which color conversion is applied by using DLUT occurs. Therefore, there is a problem of color conversion precision that an error equivalent to color variation is left.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory drawing for explaining a problem in one example of a related art. The above-mentioned problem will be described below, referring to FIG. 10. Supposing that in FIG. 10, they-axis and the x-axis respectively show lightness L* and a position on paper and color variation exists on the paper as shown in FIG. 10. In case that a color conversion parameter is determined in a position A on the paper, color difference in the position A is zero by a method of using a measured value for a color conversion parameter as it is as normally performed and color difference in a position B is 2ΔL. In case that the color conversion parameter is determined by using the method disclosed in JP-A-11-261831, since a value acquired by correcting a measured value in the position A with the average value Lave of lightness in the position A and the position B becomes a color conversion parameter, color differences in the position A and the position B are both ΔL. Therefore, average color difference by the method of using the measured value for the color conversion parameter as it is is (0+2ΔL)/2=ΔL and maximum color difference is 2ΔL. In the method disclosed in JP-A-11-261831, average color difference is (ΔL+ΔL)/2=ΔL, maximum color difference is ΔL. Though the method produces effect in reducing the maximum color difference, the effect of reducing the average color difference cannot be expected.
Therefore, in the method disclosed in JP-A-11-261831, in case that a uniform image is output in a plane, color variation caused by the in-plane uniformity of an image formation device is output without correction as it is. Therefore, in an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low such as an electrophotographic printer, color variation in an output image is perceived as irregular color. According to the above described reasons, it is difficult to say that high-precision color conversion can be realized by the method disclosed in JP-A-11-261831.
As described above, in color conversion according to the related art, even if high-precision color conversion represented by DLUT is applied, high color conversion precision cannot be acquired in an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low.
For an image formation method the in-plane uniformity of which is low, an electrophotographic image formation device is representative as described above. For trial to enhance the in-plane uniformity of electrophotography, some methods have been heretofore proposed.
Cause in which the in-plane uniformity of electrophotography is low can be roughly classified into two. One is color variation caused in a plane due to so-called misregistration that an image recorded position is off a desired position due to vibration of a driving system and the mechanical precision of the driving system when an image is recorded on an image carrier such as a photo conductor and a transfer belt. Another is color variation caused in a plane due to an image formation process including electrification, exposure, developing and transfer.
Color variation caused in a plane due to misregistration can be reduced up to a level at which the color variation is not a problem visually by measures including optimization of the mechanism and the control of a driving system, adoption of a rotational screen for differentiating the screen angle of each color, optimization of the number of lines and form of a dot and further, forming a mark for detecting misregistration on an image carrier, measuring misregistration by detecting this mark by a sensor and correcting an image recorded position based upon the amount of measured misregistration. However, as for color variation caused in a plane because of an image formation process such as the electrification, the exposure, the developing and the transfer, decisive possible solution is not proposed as described later. Therefore an electrophotographic image formation device wherein color variation is reduced up to a level at which the color variation is not problem visually has not been realized yet.
Characteristic color variations of color variations caused in a plane in an electrophotographic image formation process will be described below. In an electrophotographic image formation device generally utilized for a copying machine and a printer, an image is formed by exposing an image part by an optical scanner after a photo conductor is evenly charged and making charged toner electrostatically adhere to the photo conductor by a developer. Generally, the photo conductor has in-plane unevenness in the charge and optical sensitivity and has a problem that even if uniform charge, uniform exposure and uniform developing are performed, dispersion occurs in density thereof depending upon a two-dimensional location. The cause in which in-plane unevenness is caused in the charge and the optical sensitivity of the photo conductor greatly depends upon the manufacturing method and the structural problem of the photo conductor. Normally, a photo conductor is manufactured by applying sensitive material such as organic sensitive material onto a pipe or a belt made of conductive material such as aluminum. The sensitive material applied at this time is a few tens um thick and is very thin. The charge and the optical sensitivity of the photo conductor are greatly influenced by the thickness. Therefore, the thickness is required to be unified, however, as the sensitive material is required to be precisely applied in units of micron for that purpose, the cost of the photo conductor is increased and the method is not realistic.
Further, there is a problem that it is difficult to uniformly charge and expose a photo conductor and to uniformly develop on the photo conductor. In developing, unless an interval between a developing roll and a photo conductor is fixed, the quantity of toner used for developing differs and the amount of toner that adheres to the photo conductor disperses. The developing roll and the photo conductor are normally apart by a few hundreds μm. Therefore, high mechanical precision and rigidity are required for a frame for fixing the developing roll and the photo conductor and there is a problem that the cost of the image formation device is increased and the image formation device is large-sized.
In case that a laser scanner is used for exposure, a beam diameter on a photo conductor in a direction of horizontal scanning differs depending upon positional precision between the optical scanner and the photo conductor and unevenness is caused in the electric potential of the photo conductor in the direction of horizontal scanning.
In addition, in a color electrophotographic image formation device, an image is formed by transferring a toner image formed on the photo conductor onto a recording paper on an intermediate transfer belt or on a transfer belt. Generally, as the volume resistivity of the transfer belt is not uniform in a plane of the belt, there is a problem that color variation is caused depending upon a location in a two-dimensional plane. A reason why the color variation is caused by the transfer belt is that it is difficult to manufacture the transfer belt so that the thickness is uniform overall. To adjust the volume resistivity of the transfer belt, carbon black is mixed in plastic such as polyimide which is a base of the transfer belt, however, at that time, as the carbon black is not uniformly dispersed in the plastic, the volume resistivity in a plane of the transfer belt is not fixed.
The transfer efficiency differs depending upon a location of the transfer belt because of such a manufacturing problem. Therefore, when fixed transfer current flows, the density of a transferred image varies to cause color variation. Particularly, it is difficult in manufacture to unify the volume resistivity of an overall transfer belt the transfer efficiency of which is satisfactory, that is, the volume resistivity of which is small and such a transfer belt has a defect that color variation is remarkably caused depending upon a location in a two-dimensional plane of paper. To unify the volume resistivity of the transfer belt, the transfer belt is required to be manufactured so that the thickness is uniform overall and carbon black is required to be uniformly dispersed in the plastic which is the base thereof, however, this causes the increase of the manufacturing cost and is not realistic.
Such an electrophotographic image formation device has a cause that causes in-plane color variation in image formation process thereof including charge, exposure, developing and transfer and color variation is caused in an image on paper depending upon a location in the two-dimensional plane as synthesis of the color variation caused in each image formation process.
In the meantime, in JP-A-6-135051 for example, an image formation device that calculates one-dimensional density correction tables of a horizontal scanning direction and a vertical scanning direction by reading an image pattern formed on a photo conductor and corrects color variation caused in its image formation process by correcting a picture signal referring to the density correction table is disclosed. The method of correcting a picture signal referring to the one-dimensional density correction tables of the horizontal scanning direction and the vertical scanning direction as described above is effective to the correction of the color variation caused by a cause in one dimension being independent of the horizontal scanning direction and the vertical scanning direction. However, since color variation caused on an image carrier such as a photo conductor and a transfer belt exists at random in a two-dimensional plane, it is impossible in principle to correct color variation in the two-dimensional plane by only one-dimensional correction.
Also, in JP-A-5-227396 for example, an image formation device that records an image having fixed density on overall paper, reads the image to store calculated correction value, and corrects in-plane color variation by correcting a read image of a manuscript according to the correction value to output the corrected image when reading the image of the manuscript to perform image recording, and thereby corrects the color variation in a plane of paper is disclosed.
Normally, in an electrophotographic image formation device, it differs depending upon the configuration whether paper and an image carrier such as a photo conductor and a transfer belt are synchronous or not. For a typical example in which paper and an image carrier are synchronous, an image formation device that forms a toner image of each color on one photo conductor and forms a color image by sequentially transferring the toner image of each color on paper on a transfer drum maybe given. In case that the transfer drum is used, since the photo conductor and the transfer drum are synchronized to prevent misregistration, a paper, the photo conductor which is an image carrier and the transfer drum are completely synchronous. Therefore, as represented by this example, in the image formation device wherein the photo conductor and the transfer drum are synchronous, the color variation in a plane of paper has reproducibility.
In the meantime, for a typical example in which paper and an image carrier are asynchronous, an image formation device that forms a plurality of toner images of colors corresponding to a plurality of photo conductors, respectively, and forms a color image by transferring toner images on a paper together after the toner images of the colors corresponding to the plurality of photo conductors is sequentially transferred on an intermediate transfer belt may be given. In case that the intermediate transfer belt is used, since a slight slip is caused between the photo conductor and the intermediate transfer belt to absorb a mechanical dimensional error and an operational error, the photo conductor and the intermediate transfer belt are asynchronous. Normally, since the image formation device is configured so that a reference position of the intermediate transfer belt is detected by a sensor and an image is always transferred in the same position of the intermediate transfer belt, the intermediate transfer belt and a paper are synchronous. Therefore, as paper, the intermediate transfer belt and the photo conductor are not completely synchronous, the color variation in a plane of paper does not have reproducibility in this method.
Therefore, such method of calculating the correction value based upon the output of the image of the fixed density on overall paper and correcting the picture signal according to the correction value as is proposed in JP-A-5-227396 is considered to be effective to the correction of the color variation in the two-dimensional plane of the image formation device in which the paper and the image carrier are synchronous. However, as in-plane color variation varies because the paper and the image carrier are in relative positional relation in the image formation device in which the paper and the image carrier such as a photo conductor and an intermediate transfer belt are asynchronous, such in-plane color variation cannot be corrected.
Further, in the methods proposed in JP-A-6-135051 and JP-A-5-227396, the correction value is determined by measuring the density of the reference image of the fixed density. However, gradation in charge is nonlinear and the amount of the color variation in a plane differs depending upon density. Therefore, there is a problem that when the correction is made based upon the correction value determined based upon the image of an intermediate density as described in these documents, an error is caused in a part of low density and a part of high density, the color variation is not corrected and color variation by excessive correction appears as a defect of an image by irregular color.
In addition, in the methods proposed in JP-A-6-135051 and JP-A-5-227396, the correction value is determined by measuring monochromatic toner. Supposing that these methods are applied to a color image formation device, the same amount of correction is applied to each color. However, when a color image is formed in electrophotography, multiple transfer is performed. The nonlinearity of the multiple transfer has a problem that in a color image of second order color or higher order, a large error is caused by the amount of correction determined based upon a monochrome.
The nonlinearity of multiple transfer means that in case cyan (hereinafter called C), magenta (hereinafter called M) and yellow (hereinafter called Y) for example are output at the ratio of the area of a dot of 50%, C, M and Y are multiply transferred on a transfer belt in the order and gray is output, the toner of C first transferred is heavier than that in the case of a monochrome and the toner of Y finally transferred is lighter than that in the case of a monochrome respectively because of the nonlinearity of multiple transfer. As difference in the weight of toner by multiple transfer normally exists by 10 to 20% in this example, it is clear that a large error is caused in a correction according to the amount of correction determined based upon a monochrome in the case of second color or more.
As described above, in the color conversion according to the related art, since an effect by in-plane color variation cannot be completely considered in the electrophotographic image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low even if a high-precision color conversion system represented by DLUT is applied, high color conversion precision cannot be acquired. Also, in the color conversion according to the related art, when a uniform image is output by using an image formation device the in-plane uniformity of which is low, irregular color caused due to in-plane color variation is also perceived as a defect of an image.
In electrophotography, in order to enhance in-plane uniformity, a method of recording an image of fixed density in a plane and correcting a picture signal based upon its measured value is proposed, however, as in this technique, the nonlinearity of a gradation characteristic of electrophotography and the nonlinearity of a multiple transfer characteristic of electrophotography and synchronization between an image carrier and paper are not considered, in-plane color variation cannot be completely corrected in principle.
In the meantime, to enhance in-plane uniformity by improving an image formation process including electrification, developing and transfer, the increase of the cost of a photo conductor and a transfer belt, a large-sized apparatus and high precision are required and are not realistic.

Image processing apparatus for color conversion


The present invention relates to the creating of an aircrew flight scheduling pattern as a time series pattern, and aims at facilitating the effective crew flight scheduling pattern creation by applying a genetic algorithm. A plurality of flight strings are created based on link relations among flights regarded as elements for one day which is defined as a first time span. A genetic algorithm is executed for each flight string, and daily crew flight scheduling patterns are created based on the most suitable evaluation value flight strings. For one month which is defined as a second time span, a monthly crew flight scheduling pattern is created based on the most suitable evaluation value daily pattern strings in the same way by regarding the daily crew flight patterns for 30 days as elements.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a time series pattern creating method for creating a plurality of time series patterns by sequencing a plurality of elements to be arranged in time series. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for automatically creating a crew flight scheduling pattern for a crew flight scheduling string of an aircrew, for example.
2. Description of the Related Art
A prior art is hereinafter explained, which relates to crew flight scheduling pattern creation for an airplane crew. Such art is explained in order to explain a preferred embodiment as an actual example of a crew flight scheduling pattern of an airplane crew, which will be explained later. This invention, however, relates to a time series pattern creating method for creating time series patterns generally by sequencing elements to be arranged in time series.
An aircrew flight scheduling pattern is a successive flight schedule in which the captain of an airplane starts from Haneda Airport, Tokyo, at 6:40, for example, in order to fly the airplane (an airplane number: 001, an airplane type: B767), which arrives at Sapporo Airport at 8:10, then starts from Sapporo Airport at 9:30 using another airplane, leaving for Osaka Airport.
Since operating an airplane is expensive, successive flights are generally fixed in an airplane operation pattern, that is, in a shipping pattern. Therefore, it is necessary to create aircrew scheduling patterns so that the cost can be reduced as much as possible, and for the personnel to work effectively, for example, by the captain changing between airplanes.
Conventionally, this kind of crew scheduling pattern is obtained by creating a crew scheduling pattern for every day, while considering various objective conditions. Such objective conditions include, for example, a condition in which the number of necessary personnel was reduced by decreasing a total number of patterns.
However, there arose a problem in that a crew scheduling pattern which worked effectively as a whole, could not be easily created. That was because the total number of flights often increases, and the objective conditions included not only the total number of patterns, but also various other conditions. Those other conditions included conditions such as to reduce the number of times the captain boards an airplane as a passenger only for a transfer to another airplane at another airport, the removal of a variation of flight hours among the aircrews, and the like.
Further, there was another problem in that it was impossible to create the most effective monthly pattern because the number of flights, as the volume of data, becomes significantly large, and the number of object conditions to be considered also becomes large, when a crew flight scheduling pattern per month, namely, monthly patterns, are created.

Automatic time series pattern creating method


A drive unit for driving at least two axles of an all-wheel drive vehicle, having a housing (3), an input gear (5) meshing with an output gear (4) of a gear-shift transmission (2), a center differential (6) coaxially disposed relative to the input gear (5) and one of the axles. To yield maximum rigidity at minimum structural dimensions the input gear (5) is rigidly mounted to a cage (20) of the center differential (6), the cage (20) being journalled at one end in a first tapered roller bearing (35) seated in the housing (3). A further output member (28) of the center differential (6) extends from the opposite end of the cage (20) and is rigidly connected to an output gear (10; 40) journalled in a second tapered roller bearing (36) seated in the housing (3) and provided with a third tapered roller bearing (37) wherein the other end of the cage (20) is journalled.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention, in general, relates to a transversely mounted drive unit for driving at least two axles of an all wheel drive vehicle, and, more particularly, to a drive unit comprising a housing, an input gear adapted to mesh with an output pinion of a gear shift transmission, a center differential arranged coaxially relative to the input gear and one axle, at least one output member for driving one axle and an output gear drivingly connected in coaxial relationship with a second output member of the center differential for driving the other axle.
2. Background of the Invention
There are two known problems which present themselves in connection with drive units having a transversely mounted engine-transmission block and a first driven axle arranged parallel thereto. One problem is encountered in providing sufficient mounting space outside of the motor structure for accommodating the additional drive elements required to drive the second driven axle, and the other problem is, if at all possible to accommodate those elements without altering the structural elements required for driving only one axle. The former problem often imposes compromises in respect of the size of the output gear and of the mounting support.


A mounting frame is proposed for a system for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors, which mounting frame surrounds the connector at least on the plug side, wherein at least one coding element is held in the mounting frame. The coding element can rotate about its longitudinal axis and can be fixed in various radial positions in a front holding frame, wherein the front holding frame together with a rear securing frame forms the mounting frame. The coding element only interacts with a coding element on the mating connector to be connected when two connectors are being mated in a correspondingly correct position in the mounting frame, thus allowing the connectors to be mated.

The invention relates to a system for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors which can be connected to one another in pairs, comprising a multi-part mounting frame which in each case surrounds one connector, at least on the plug side, comprising at least one coding element, which is arranged in the mounting frame and can be inserted into a coding opening in the mounting frame in a position which can be varied radially about its longitudinal axis, and wherein the coding element interacts with the coding element on a mating connector to be connected only in a correspondingly correct position in the mounting frame.
A system such as this is required in order to prevent mating errors with mating connectors of the same type in a group of a plurality of connectors.
Matching coding combinations on the connectors and mating connectors ensure that only correctly coded connector pairs are in each case mated with one another.
GB 832,658 discloses a system such as this in which a perforated sheet in each case surrounds the connector of the components to be connected. Two flanges which point in the mating direction and extend over the longitudinal face of the connector are fitted to this perforated sheet and have at least one tooth and at least one recess on the corresponding mating sheet, which engage in one another when the connectors are being mated. Numerous mating combinations can be created by appropriate variation of the tooth-recess combinations on different sheet pairs.
Furthermore, EP 1 995 829 B1 discloses a coding system which consists of two coding elements and in which mating can be achieved only when coding elements are not present, or coding elements are arranged correctly distributed, on both coding elements. The coding elements can in this case be inserted loosely into, pressed firmly into, or can be riveted into the coding elements.
This has the disadvantage that the coding options are highly inflexible. In the solution of GB 832,658, the entire flange must be removed for recoding and a new one produced, in order to produce a new mating combination.
The solution described in EP 1 995 829 B1 has the disadvantage that the coding elements are either not fitted fixed in the coding element, or a coding measure can no longer be varied by means of the proposed options.
The invention is based on the object of providing a system for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors, in which the various coding combinations for different connector pairs can be assembled from identical parts, and can likewise be varied again, in order to provide reliable and variable coding combinations using simple components.

System for preventing mating errors between electrical connectors


Disclosed are various embodiments for generating network pages for customers that include customer-generated page portions. A request for a network page is obtained from a client. The network page is associated with a network site hosted by a hosting provider on behalf of a customer. A portion of the network page is obtained from a service operated by the customer in response to the request. The network page, which includes the portion, is generated in response to the request. The generated network page is sent to the client in response to the request.

Compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) and/or other security standards may present challenges for online merchants. For this and other reasons, online merchants may elect to have their electronic commerce platform managed by a third-party electronic commerce hosting provider who ensures compliance with the security standards. However, merchants may lose flexibility in customizing or configuring their network sites when using such a hosted solution as compared with a self-managed solution.

Generating network pages using customer-generated network page portions


The present invention relates to an auto-switch which is used for a control circuit of a power window for moving automobile window glass up and down using an electric window motor, and has a manual/automatic contact, wherein the auto-switch is operably by a single operating knob. In the auto-state, the auto-switch can mechanically retain the manual/automatic contact at a closed state, and can always reset the operating knob to the neutral position.

An example of the construction of a prior art switch for use in a power window is shown in FIG. 22. This switch comprises a long common C.sub.c on a power supply side serving as a fixed contact, a pair of manual operation contacts (which are referred to simply as "manual contacts") C.sub.M provided in juxtaposition with both ends thereof, and a pair of shortest auto-operation contacts (which are referred to simply as "auto-contacts") C.sub.A provided in juxtaposition with the end of each of the manual contacts C.sub.M. A sliding contacts C.sub.S attached to an operating knob K.sub.b is sliding disposed on the intermediate portion of the power supply side common C.sub.c so that the contact C.sub.S may be brought by the knob K.sub.b into contact with either one of the left and right hand manual contacts C.sub.M or with both of either one of the manual contacts C.sub.M and either one of the auto-contacts C.sub.A. The operating knob K.sub.b can be used to change the upward movement of the window glass over to downward movement or vice versa depending on the direction of movement of the knob. For the sake of convenience of the following description, in this drawing, the counterclockwise swing of the knob shall be referred to as "up-side" swing, and the clockwise swing thereof as "down-side" swing. Further, the knob K.sub.b is biased by a spring to return to its neutral position, if the operator's hand is removed from the knob which is in swinging condition. The left and right hand manual contacts C.sub.M are connected through relays R.sub.UP and R.sub.DWN, respectively, which are normally grounded, with a window motor M. The left and right hand auto-contacts C.sub.A are connected through an auto-condition retaining circuit A.R.C with the relays R.sub.UP and R.sub.DWN, respectively.
When the knob K.sub.b is moved to contact the sliding contact C.sub.S with either one of the left and right hand manual contacts C.sub.M, the switch will assume either a manual-up position M.sub.UP or a manual-down position M.sub.DWN. Only while the knob K.sub.b is held at this position, either the relay R.sub.UP or the relay R.sub.DWN is energized so as to connect it with the power supply to rotate the window motor M forward or backward so that upward or downward movement of the window glass can be manually conducted.
When the knob K.sub.b is moved further to contact the sliding contact C.sub.S with either one of the left and right hand manual contacts C.sub.M and either one of the left and right hand auto-switches C.sub.A, the switch will assume either an auto-up position AT.sub.UP or an auto-down position AT.sub.DWN so that, even when the operator's hand is removed from the knob K.sub.b to return it to its neutral position N, electric current flowing through either one of the auto-switches C.sub.A Will allow the auto-condition retaining circuit A.R.C to assume auto-operating condition thus holding either the relay R.sub.UP or the relay R.sub.DWN in operative condition. Consequently, the window motor M is allowed to rotate continuously, When the window glass is opened or shut to its full extent shortly, the window motor M is stopped, and the sensor which detects the stopping of it will release the auto-condition, thereby turning off electricity to the window motor M. Thus, since the arrangement is made such that depending on the amount of movement of the operating knob either the manual operation or the auto-operation can be re-elected as desired, it is only necessary to provide only one piece of the knob so that the structure of the switch can be simplified and also it can be operated easily.
However, when the relay R.sub.UP is held in auto-condition, for example, if the knob K.sub.b, which has been returned to its neutral position N, is moved to the manual-down position M.sub.DWN on the opposite side (reverse manual position), then the auto-condition retaining circuit A.R.C. will release the auto-up condition, and the relay R.sub.DWN is rendered operative after a predetermined time.
An example of the auto-switch adapted to hold the window glass in the auto-condition by means of such a relay is described also in U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,196.
Further, in the following description, upward and downward movements of the window glass by such a manual operation are referred to as manual-up and manual down, respectively, and upward and downward movements of the window glass by such auto-operations as auto-up and auto-down, respectively.
This auto-switch, which enables both the manual operation and the auto-operations to be conducted, is mounted on a door of a motor vehicle by a driver seat, while a manual switch which can be actuated only by manual operation is mounted on each of the remaining doors. As the manual switch of the kind specified above, a reverse switch is sometimes used, which comprises a pair of V-shaped swing contact plates each having a normally-open movable contact and a normally-closed movable contact provided on both ends thereof, the arrangement being made such that either one of the swing contact plates is inclined reversely by swinging the knob, depending on the direction of swing thereof (such a manual switch is described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,317).
Incidentally, since the auto-switch utilizing the above-mentioned relay circuit requires a comparatively large space for mounting the relays R.sub.UP and R.sub.DWN on the up and down sides thereof, it is difficult to assemble these relays integrally in the switch for a power window fitted to a door of a motor vehicle. Therefore, the switch and the circuit/relay must be mounted separately, thus increasing the number of attaching operations to the doors of the motor vehicle, and also increasing the restrictions in terms of space for mounting. Moreover, the separate mounting resulted in increases in the number of parts and the weight, thus increasing the cost. For this reason, it has been desired strongly to make the auto-switch as light- weight and compact as possible by forming it in such a construction which needs not use such relays.
Further, auto-switches which use a solenoid in place of relays are shown in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,376,896 and 4,540,965, etc. However, all of these auto-switched are arranged to hold an operating knob, which is swung to an auto-position and held in a swinging condition, in auto-condition. In order to release the auto-condition at any desired position, a strong force must be applied to the knob to move it back to its neutral position and open the contacts compulsorily. Therefore, it was impossible to operate the knob for releasing the auto-condition at a desired position with the same feeling as that in operating it in the normal operation.
Accordingly, the present invention has for its principal object to provide an auto-switch which is capable of stopping the rotation of the window motor in the auto-condition at any desired position by operating the knob with the same feeling as that in operating it in the normal operation so that the operability of the knob is enhanced.


A shoe press for a paper or board machine, comprising a press shoe and a counter roll which between themselves form an extended nip for a paper or cardboard web and a circulated flexible belt, and at least one loading cylinder which is arranged between a supporting beam included in the frame system of the shoe press and the press shoe and adapted to press the press shoe against the counter roll. The press shoe is arranged on top of the loading cylinder and there is a device for releasably securing the loading cylinder on the supporting beam. With the aid of eccentric means arranged on upstream and downstream sides of the loading cylinder or cylinders, each loading cylinder is positionable in multiple locations in the machine direction for regulating the pressure profile of the shoe press.

Various types of shoe presses and the like are commonly used for performing pressing operations on a running fibrous web in a paper or board machine. For instance, in the press section of a paper or board machine, the running web is dewatered by pressing the web in one or more shoe presses. Each of the shoe presses comprises a press shoe and a counter roll which between themselves form an extended nip through which the running web is carried by a circulated flexible belt. At least one loading cylinder is arranged between a supporting beam of the shoe press and the press shoe and adapted to press the press shoe against the counter roll.
There is frequently a desire to be able to vary the character of the pressure profile exerted on the running web in the nip of a shoe press, particularly in the machine direction along which the web travels. Accordingly, various mechanisms have been developed for shifting the position of a center of load exerted on a press shoe.
For example, a shoe press with a device for moving a press shoe relative to the shoe press center line containing the center line of the counter roll is known from FIG. 6 in DE-331 74 57 A1, in which the device comprises a hydraulic-fluid-actuatable tube and a spring. Various other devices for moving the center of gravity of the supporting forces acting on the press shoe relative to the press shoe are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,147, in which a press shoe support between the press shoe and the frame system of the shoe press is movable in the machine direction relative to the press shoe. In a variant, this press shoe support is a hydraulic-fluid-actuatable loading cylinder for pressing the press shoe against the counter roll. The press shoe support is engaged by a set screw journaled in a stationary frame of the shoe press. Rotation of the set screw causes the shoe support to be translated in the machine direction relative to the press shoe.


The present invention relates to a defined crystal modification of 8-cyano-1-cyclopropyl-7-(1S,6S-2,8-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-yl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid, to processes for its preparation and to its use in pharmaceutical preparations.

The present invention relates to a defined crystal modification of 8-cyano-1-cyclopropyl-7-(1S,6S-2,8-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-yl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid, to processes for its preparation and to its use in pharmaceutical preparations.
Hereinbelow, 8-cyano-1-cyclopropyl-7-(1S,6S-2,8-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-yl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid of the formula (I) is referred to as CCDC.
CCDC is known from DE-A 19 633 805 or PCT Appl. No. 97 903 260.4. According to these publications, it is prepared by reacting 7-chloro-8-cyano-1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid with (1S,6S)-2,8-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonane in a mixture of dimethylformamide and acetonitrile in the presence of an auxiliary base. Water is added to the mixture and CCDC is then extracted from water using dichloromethane and is isolated by removing the extractant. This gives a powder whose crystal modification is not unambiguous. On the contrary, the powder is largely amorphous and can contain mixtures of different crystal modifications. If, by chance, a uniform crystal modification is formed, it is not clear how it can be extracted and obtained in a defined form. However, it is the precondition for preparing medicaments that, for an active compound which can be present in different crystal modifications, it can be stated unamibiguously which of its crystal modifications is used for preparing the medicament.
The partially amorphous powder which is obtained by the preparation process outlined above is furthermore hygroscopic. However, amorphous solids, and in particular hygroscopic solids, are difficult to handle when being processed pharmaceutically since, for example, they have low bulk densities and unsatisfactory flow properties. Moreover, the handling of hygroscopic solids requires special work techniques and apparatuses to obtain reproducible results, for example with respect to the active compound content or the stability of the solid formulations produced.
It is therefore an object of the invention to prepare a crystaine form of a defined modification of CCDC which, owing to its physical properties, in particular its crystal properties, is easy to handle in pharmaceutical formulations.
This object is achieved according to the invention by a novel crystalline form of CCDC which is referred to as modification D hereinbelow.
The invention accordingly provides the crystalline modification D of CCDC which is characterized in that it has an X-ray powder diffractogram with the reflection signals (2 theta) of high and medium intensity ( greater than 30% relative intensity) listed in Table 1 below.

Crystal modification d of 8-cyano-1-cyclopropyl-7-(1s, 6s- 2,8-diazabicyclo-[4.3.0]nonan-8-yl)-6-fluoro-1,4- dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid

Abstract: The crystal modification can be distinguished from other crystal modifications of 8-cyano-1-cyclopropyl-7-(1S,6S-2,8-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan-8-yl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid of the formula (I) by its characteristic X-ray powder diffractogram and its differential thermodiagram (see description).


An actuating mechanism (10) is taught that is used for externally operating a mini-blind (20) or a shade (20′) in a sealed double glazed window (22) which includes a window frame (24) with a side opening (26) and a roll box (28) in alignment with the side opening. A blind actuator (34) incorporates a rotatably sealed pulley shaft (38) that interfaces with the roll box on an interior end (40) and a belt pulley (66) on an exterior end (42). The actuator is sealed to the window frame with an O-ring (48) and rotation of the belt pulley causes the blinds to raise, lower and tilt. When the actuator is slideably removed from the window frame the mini-blind cord roll box may be extricated for replacement or repair.

Double pane windows have been popular for many years and are sealed to assure optimum heat transfer along with prevention of fogging and collection of dust. Double pane windows have also been developed that include mini-blinds of shades with this type commonly available in today's marketplace. When the double pane window includes this type of blind or shade the problem became how to seal the space between the panes and yet not compromise the air seal and yet be able to adjust the blind from the outside. Some prior art has used magnets one inside and one outside which function but not optimally.
Double pane windows are sealed to assure blocking heat transfer and outside noise. Further, blinds and shades enclosed in double glazed units are available either limited actuation mechanisms which are commonly magnetic handles. A magnetic actuation system is popular in the prior art.
A search directed toward a combination of the double pane window having the blind of shade inside sealed with the actuation of the blind provided by a mechanism that provides rotary movement to the blind device for raising and lowering the blades from the outside without affecting the seal. The prior art found did not disclose any patents that possess the novelty of the instant invention; however the following U.S. patents are considered related:
Pat. No.InventorIssue Date3,253,644GotohMay 31, 19663,703,920DebsNov. 28, 19724,194,550HopperMar. 25, 19805,826,638JelicOct. 27, 19986,070,638JelicJun. 6, 20006,397,917LevertJun. 4, 20026,601,633 B2Sun et al.Aug. 5, 20036,817,401 B2Sun et al.Nov. 16, 20046,837,295 B2WangJan. 4, 2005
Gotoh in U.S. Pat. No. 3,253,644 discloses a double pane window with enclosed folded or reel type blinds using magnets to operate the blinds vertically from an open to a closed position.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,920 issued to Debs is for a double pane window with enclosed blinds using cords to operate the blinds. Tilt and lift cords are connected to individual spool members of a cord operating unit.
Hopper in U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,550 discloses a double pane window with enclosed parallel sheets using a gear motor for operation. Spacers collapsible or nestable are mounted to separate each pair of adjacent sheets with the combination of dead air space and low emittance surface sheets impede heat transfer.
Jelic in U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,638 presents a window blind for use between double panes of glass with the blind having an outwardly curved top attached along front and back edges. The top has an opening through which tilt cords pass and the bottom has a hole for the ladder which is held in place with a rivet. The blind may also have a two piece head rail wherein one piece is plastic and the other pieces are metal to produce a thermal break.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,638 issued to Jelic teaches a double pane window that has a blind between the panes. A cord guide is provided in the top edge of the housing and has lift and tilt cords passing through a slot to operate the blinds. The blind may be raised, lowered and tilted while maintaining a seal between the window frame and the window panes.
Levert in U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,917 discloses a double pane window with enclosed blinds using an upper window with non-tilting fixed blades and the lower window using an electric motor hermetically sealed inside to operate the blinds.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,633 B2 of Sun et al. teach and insulated glass window with and integral blind assembly with corner keys which include pulley's for cords and a leg slideably retained between the frame and the glass to allow operation.
Sun et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,401 B2 disclose a retrofit blind for a doorlight which includes a blind actuator with gears and a toothed belt. The mounting system includes a pair of movable catches on the frame that may be locked behind the doorlight to secure the lower end of the assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,295 of Wang is for a double pane window with enclosed blinds using a magnetic tilt mechanism to operate the blinds. Two magnet pieces are separated from the glass with the rotation of the outside piece causing the internal piece to likewise rotate without affecting the insulation properties of the double pane window.

External blind actuator for sealed double glazed window