It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device in which problems such as an increase of power consumption and increase of a load of when light is emitted are reduced by using a method for realizing pseudo impulsive driving by inserting an dark image, and a driving method thereof. A display device which displays a gray scale by dividing one frame period into a plurality of subframe periods, where one frame period is divided into at least a first subframe period and a second subframe period; and when luminance in the first subframe period to display the maximum gray scale is Lmax1 and luminance in the second subframe period to display the maximum gray scale is Lmax2, (½) Lmax2<Lmax1<( 9/10) Lmax2 is satisfied in the one frame period, is provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device and a driving method thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a driving method thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a display device and a driving method thereof, particularly a method of improving the quality of moving images by hold driving.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, there has been growing interests in thin display devices. As substitutes for CRT displays, liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, projection displays, and the like have been developed and becoming popular. Furthermore, field emission displays, inorganic electroluminescence displays, organic electroluminescence displays, electronic paper, and the like have been developed as next-generation display devices.
In a display portion which is provided in the above-described display device, pixels each of which is a minimum unit for constituting an image are juxtaposed. Each of the pixels emits light with certain luminance in accordance with the image data, whereby an image is formed in the display portion.
When a moving image is to be displayed with the use of such a display device, different images are displayed quickly, several tens of times per second. The period in which an image is displayed is referred to as one frame period.
Here, driving methods of display devices can be classified according to temporal distribution of the luminance of a pixel in one frame period. As for the hold driving which is typified by an active matrix display device, the luminance of a pixel is constant in one frame period. On the other hand, as for impulsive driving which is typified by CRT, after intense light is emitted once in one frame period, the luminance of a pixel immediately attenuates and light is not emitted any more. In impulsive driving, a non-lighting state dominates the most part of one frame period.
The recent research has made it clear that the hold driving has an essential problem in that contour becomes vague or movement looks unnatural when a moving image is displayed. An impulse-driven display device does not have this problem. In order to solve such a problem unique to the hold driving, a method for realizing pseudo impulsive driving, in which a black image that displays nothing is displayed for a certain period in one frame period, is disclosed (for example, Reference 1: Japanese Published Patent Application No. H9-325715 and Reference 2: Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2000-200063). In addition, as another method for realizing pseudo impulsive driving, Reference 3: SID'05 DIGEST, 60.2, pp 1734, (2005) is disclosed. This is a method in which one frame period is divided into two subframe periods, light is emitted only in a subframe that is located in the latter half of one frame in a low gray scale region, and light is emitted in a subframe that is located in the first half of one frame while light is emitted in a subframe located in the latter half of one frame in a high gray scale region, thereby realizing a pseudo impulsive driving.

Display device and driving method thereof

Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.


Systems and methods of making and using a sink device fitted with sensors that measure characteristics related to the water cleansing and maintenance of the sink and its turnover and communicate this data to a cloud-based system that automatically or remotely operates mechanisms that control soap dispensation, sanitizer dispensation, liquid level, water temperature and dispensation, water cleanliness (with or without soap or sanitizer in solution) and draining, as required for hospitality regulation compliance. Although three-compartment sinks are the primary subject matter used in the following examples to illustrate the features and functions of the systems and methods, the features and functions provided by the present disclosure may be adapted for use in other sinks, tubs, and the like.

The present subject matter relates generally to a system and method for hospitality water cleansing and monitoring. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system of mechanical dispensers and stoppers for three-basin sinks (also referred to as "three-compartment sinks") including sensors and wireless devices placed to collect data related to the sink's sanitation and enable a cloud-based compilation of this same data, as well as cloud-based control of the sink's cleansing and monitoring to reduce risks and overtreatment costs associated with such maintenance.
Three-basin sinks are almost universal in the hospitality industry. In fact, city health codes generally require them. Establishments use these sinks to manage the washing of dishware, glassware, and utensils, using one sink basin (or compartment) to wash, the second basin (or compartment) to rinse, and the third basin (or compartment) to sanitize. Additionally, these sinks must themselves be cleansed and maintained. Each of these steps must proceed according to health codes, which specify such things as timing, temperature, and use of bactericide or other sanitizer.
Health code regulations are essential to customer safety and customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry. Likewise, cleanliness of dishware, glassware and utensils also is essential to customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry. However, whereas the high standards that characterize health codes are designed to exact safety, they are not designed to exact efficiency.
Despite the safety that health codes promote, meeting the exacting requirements could strain and overburden hospitality staff, especially at peak times. Hospitality staff are often untrained or improperly trained on how to wash properly dishware, glasses, and utensils. Compliance with regulations, such as those related to three-basin sinks, heretofore required manual attention to cleansing and monitoring. Every detail demanded hands-on attention from hospitality staff, no matter how busy the staff was. The tension between the demands of local regulation and a day's service often lead to careless errors. A sink cleanse may have begun too late, used the wrong temperature water, used too much or too little soap, detergent or sanitizer, or occurred too frequently. The term "soap" as used herein includes soap, detergent or similar substance. These mistakes were no small matter to inspectors or restaurant and bar owners, and each could result in costly fines or wastes of resources that strained and drained an establishment's resources. Additionally, each could lead to dishware, glasses and utensils being unclean, which could diminish customer satisfaction and, in turn, harm an establishment's reputation and revenue. Keeping pace with both regulations and service, however, was not the only problem with hospitality water cleansing and maintenance.
Additionally, the records keeping associated with cleansing and maintenance compliance was often cumbersome, unreliable and lead establishments away from efficient operations. For example, although an establishment may have kept records of when a cleansing wash occurred, these records were usually kept on a hard copy document that noted the date and time of the cleanse, but not information such as the amount of cleaning solution or water used, duration of the cleanse, or any fluctuations in temperature. Additionally, some establishments find it difficult to make a record of every transaction. These practices lead establishments away from efficient operations because these records did not provide insightful operational data in an accessible manner. Because, for example, the establishment manager did not know how much cleaning solution was being used for cleansing, she could not know whether the cleaning solution was being used efficiently.
The previously available solutions available for dealing with the operational strain that health regulations place on establishments seemed to only compound the issue. For example, an establishment could bring on additional staff to ensure compliance. Such staffing or hiring, however, was not necessarily operationally efficient since many of the costly errors that occurred in cleansing and maintenance were rooted in the inherent error-prone nature of the process, rather than a lack of personnel. Furthermore, adding employees to the payroll added to the compliance costs.
Similarly, previously available procedural solutions only made operations more unwieldy. For example, if establishments wanted more detailed information on the cleansing and maintenance associated with three-basin sinks, they could have required their staff to keep more detailed records. This solution only put additional burdens on an already overburdened staff. A new solution is needed that provides a system and method that allows establishments to seamlessly track and control operations with efficiency and precision as the demands of a service change from day-to-day and even minute-to-minute.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method that allows establishments to operate, clean and monitor such appliances as three-basin sinks in a manner that addresses the costly operational inefficiencies described herein. There are also additional opportunities to meet needs in related circumstances, such as the automatic filling, cleaning and draining of bath tubs and the like.

System and method for hospitality water cleansing and monitoring


The present invention a method and apparatus for implementing a short range radio on a single chip. A radio, baseband, and link controller may be fully integrated within a single-chip comprising an area approximately one square centimeter. Through the integration of components upon a single package, cost and real estate savings may be provided in a baseband controller with improved performance.

Wireless communication protocols are providing a low cost and reliable alternative to hard-wire data transfer. Wireless communication protocols include BLUETOOTH, IEEE 802.11 and Home RF. The transfer of data across a wireless connection requires that devices within a wireless network are equipped with a baseband controller which may include a radio and baseband.
Typical utilization of wireless communication is through remote, battery-powered devices with a central or host device. For example, wireless data transfer may be utilized to transfer data between a personal digital assistant and a personal computer. Additional power consumption as required by the employment of a wireless data transfer causes a battery-powered device to have less operating time. Also, components necessary to implement a wireless connection may add cost and occupy additional space within the remote device. For example, adding a baseband controller to a cellular telephone may add cost for the consumer when purchasing a cellular phone and may cause the cellular phone to require a larger volume. Size and cost are typical factors which consumers tend to consider when purchasing remote battery-powered devices. For example, personal digital assistants may require a specific price point and size in order to be marketable.
Consequently, while wireless data transfer is desirable for consumers, manufacturers of devices employing wireless capability require that cost, space, and energy consumption are restrained to effectively market wireless devices. As a result, a baseband controller for wireless communication that does not require significant volume and energy usage while being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner is necessary.


A voltage level shifter circuit includes a pair of CMOS invertors having inputs and outputs cross connected thereto. One of a pair of power source terminals of each of the CMOS invertors is grounded, and complementary input signals are supplied to the CMOS invertors by way of the other power source terminals, and output signals are taken out from output terminals of the CMOS invertors. The voltage level shifter circuit level shifts an input amplitude substantially equal to an input threshold value of transistors to the voltage level of the power source while suppressing the dc consumption current.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) voltage shifting logic circuit characterized by low direct current power consumption and high speed switching operation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A level shifter circuit is conventionally employed to amplify a signal of a small voltage amplitude such as, for example, an ECL level to effect shifting of a voltage level of the signal to another signal of a greater amplitude.
Exemplary ones of conventional level shifter circuits are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a conventional level shifter circuit which employs a flip-flop while FIG. 2 shows another conventional level shifter circuit which employs a current mirror.
In order to assure a high driving capacity for an output load of each of the level shifter circuits shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the current driving capacity of an element employed must necessarily be high. However, since dc current flows through the level shifter circuits, if the driving capacity is increased, then the dc consumption current is increased. Accordingly, the conventional level shifter circuits have a drawback that the operating speed depends upon a trade-off with the dc consumption current.


The present invention provides a driving circuit for a piezoelectric transformer. The driving circuit comprises a driver circuit and a detector circuit. The driver circuit is electrically connected to a primary side of the piezoelectric transformer for generating a driving signal which is transmitted to the primary side of the piezoelectric transformer so that the piezoelectric transformer exhibits a vibration due to piezoelectric effect and generates a transformed output voltage on a secondary side thereof. The detector circuit is electrically connected to an output side of the driver circuit for receipt of the driving signal from the driver circuit and also electrically connected to the secondary side of the piezoelectric transformer for receipt of the transformed output voltage from the piezoelectric transformer so that the detector circuit is capable of detecting a drop of the transformed output voltage when a voltage level of the driving signal is in an available range.

The present invention relates to a driver circuit for a piezoelectric transformer, and more particularly to a driver circuit for a piezoelectric transformer to be used as a back-light power source of a liquid crystal display device.
The piezoelectric transformer is a voltage converter which shows a mechanical vibration due to piezo effect so that a converted or transformed voltage appears on a secondary side of the converter. A piezoelectric vibrator is made of a piezoelectric material showing piezo effect. Primary and secondary electrodes are provided at primary and secondary sides of the piezoelectric vibrator. The primary electrode is applied with a driving voltage which has the same frequency as a resonant frequency of the piezoelectric resonator so that the piezoelectric resonator exhibits a vibration at the resonant frequency. The piezoelectric transformer is superior in allowability of scaling down and thickness reduction as compared to an electromagnetic transformer, for which reason the piezoelectric transformer is suitable for a back-light power source in the liquid crystal display device.
A conventional driving circuit for such a piezoelectric transformer is disclosed in the Japanese laid-open patent publication No. 7-177736. The conventional driving circuit and the piezoelectric transformer have a protection feature which prevents them from substantial damage. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrative of the conventional driving circuit for the piezoelectric transformer. The driver circuit has a piezoelectric transformer 4 which has a primary electrode applied with an alternating current and a secondary electrode on which an output voltage appears which has been transformed by the piezoelectric effect. A power source VDD is provided which is electrically connected through a power switch 406 to the primary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer 4. An output voltage detector 403 is also provided which is electrically connected to the secondary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer 4. A comparator 404 is also provided which is electrically connected to the output voltage detector 403 for comparison of the detected output voltage to a reference voltage. A control unit 405 is further provided which is connected to the power switch 406 and the comparator 404 for sending the power switch 406 a control signal based upon the result of the comparison. A display device 407 is furthermore provided which is electrically connected to the comparator 404 for displaying the result of the comparison. A load 5 is also provided between the secondary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer 4 and the ground.
If the detected output voltage level is beyond the reference voltage, the control unit 405 sends the power switch 406 an instruction to stop the power supply.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrative of the output voltage detector 403, the comparator 404 and the display device 407 of FIG. 1. Operations of the conventional driver circuit will be described as follows. A comparator 503 is provided in the comparator 404 for outputting a high voltage level when the output voltage level of the piezoelectric transformer 4 is below the available range. A comparator 505 is provided in the comparator 404 for outputting a high voltage level when the output voltage level of the piezoelectric transformer 4 is above the available range. A comparator 504 is provided in the comparator 404 for outputting a high voltage level when the output voltage level of the piezoelectric transformer 4 is in the available range.
If, for example, the piezoelectric transformer 4 is broken and the output voltage appearing on the secondary electrode is dropped to a lower level than the available voltage range, then the comparator 503 outputs the high level signal to send an OFF signal through a latch 506 to the power switch 406. If the load 5 is opened and the load impedance rapidly increases, then the output voltage level of the piezoelectric transformer 4 is rapidly increased whereby the piezoelectric transformer 4 exhibits an excess vibration. As a result, the output voltage level from the secondary electrode of the piezoelectric transformer 4 is beyond the available voltage range. In this case, the comparator 505 outputs a high level signal which is transmitted through the latch 507 to a light emitting diode 510 whereby the light emitting diode 510 enters into the light-ON as well as send OFF signal to the power switch 406. If the output voltage is in the available range, then the comparator 504 is operated and the light emitting diode 509 lights ON. If the piezoelectric transformer 4 is broken, then the protection circuit is operated to stop the power supply to prevent a discharge from the broken part thereof.
The above protection circuit described above has the following problems. The first problem is that even if no break appears but an output voltage is dropped to a lower voltage level than the available voltage range, the power switch turns OFF and will remain in the OFF state. The above piezoelectric transformer is the voltage converter which shows a mechanical vibration due to piezo effect so that a converted or transformed voltage appears on a secondary side of the converter. Immediately after the power-on, it takes a time to achieve the predetermined output voltage level.
FIG. 3 is a time chart showing one characteristic of rising up of the driving of the piezoelectric transformer 4. The necessary driving time duration, or a time duration, from the initiation of the supply of a driving voltage with a resonant frequency to a predetermined output voltage level was about 150 microseconds. The driving circuit for the piezoelectric transformer sweeps the driving frequency of the piezoelectric transformer to set the frequency at an appropriate driving frequency. Actually, this sweeping time is essential. The sweeping time depends upon the driving circuit and is, for example, a few milliseconds to several tens of milliseconds. For this reason, immediately after the power-on, no output voltage is generated. At this time, the conventional driving circuit is considered to be in the abnormal state and then the power switch turns OFF and will remain the OFF state.
If a battery is used as the power source, there is a problem in any insufficient power supply due to consumption of the power. In this case, if the driving is made at the resonant frequency allowing a maximum power voltage, it might be difficult to generate the necessary voltage level for lighting a cathode tube. In this case, the power switch turns OFF to discontinue the power supply. Even if the power source voltage is returned to a rated value, then the power switch remains OFF whereby the cathode tube does not light ON.
If the output voltage is above the available range, then the power switch 406 turns OFF and will remain in the OFF state. If, for example, no light-ON state can be obtained due to a high impedance of the cathode tube on the ground of a low atmospheric temperature. In case of the load opening state due to electrical content imperfection, the output voltage level of the piezoelectric transformer is rapidly increased up to a higher voltage level than the available voltage range whereby the power supply is discontinued. Even if the atmospheric temperature is increased or the electrical contact perfection can be obtained, then the power switch remains OFF whereby the cathode tube will not turn ON.
In the above circumstances, it had been required to develop a novel driving circuit for a piezoelectric transformer free from the above problems.

Driver circuit for piezoelectric transformer


A physical energy-converting rotor has a rotor body and multiple weights. When the rotor body is rotated, an inner virtual orbit and an outer virtual orbit are formed and the weights are rotated. The weights are moved back and forth between the inner and outer virtual orbits to form non-balances to keep the rotor body rotating. The physical energy-converting rotor may operate alone, or may cooperate with non-pollution generators such as wind generators and water generators to enhance power-generating effect.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a physical energy-converting rotor, especially to a rotor that generates energy with a force action-at-distance.
2. Description of the Prior Arts
For supplying modern life needs, energy consumption is steadily increasing. Presently, chemical-energy conversion is used to generate energy. Among the chemical-energy conversion methods, thermal power generation and nuclear power generation. However, generating power by fossil-fuel combustion using thermal energy for power generation produces large amounts of polluted air so causes air pollution and environmental effects related to global warming. Nuclear power generation has concerns regarding radioactivity. Alternative power generation, such as by wind, wave, and solar energy are regarded as non-polluting energy, but energy conversion rates are too low and unreliable to be a major power resource.
Therefore, gaining large amounts of energy without polluting is very important.

Physical energy-converting rotor, rotating method of the same and generating set using the same


A sense amplifier of a virtual ground flat cell is provided that prevents leakage currents. The sense amplifier includes a first through third current/voltage converters and a voltage comparator. The third current/voltage converter maintains electric potentials substantially equal between cells adjacent and nearby a selected cell being read. In particular, the third current/voltage converter maintains electric potentials between the low cells coupled to a ground terminal not selected as a bit line. The first current/voltage converter converts a current from the selected memory cell received via a bit line to a first voltage. The second current/voltage converter converts a reference current to a reference voltage. The voltage comparator compares the first and reference voltages to output a voltage corresponding to the data stored in the selected memory cell. The third current/voltage converter uses the first voltage to convert the current sensed in the bit line into a voltage to cut off the leakage current flowing to a non-selected virtual ground side through a low cell adjacent to a high cell being read.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a memory device, and more particularly, to a sense amplifier for a memory device.
2. Background of the Related Art
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a sense amplifier of a virtual ground flat cell according to the related art. As shown in FIG. 1, the sense amplifier of a virtual ground flat cell includes a first current/voltage converter 11A connected to a bit line (BL) of a virtual ground flat cell for converting a current of a cell into a voltage. A second current/voltage converter 11B converts a reference current Iref into a reference voltage. A voltage comparator 12 compares outputs from the first and second current/voltage converters 11A, 11B to output a voltage corresponding to a read data.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a virtual ground flat cell array according to the related art. When an arbitrary low cell (i.e., a cell having a low value stored therein) in the virtual ground flat cell array in FIG. 2 is read, a large current flows along the bit line (BL) to apply a high level current to the gate of an NMOS transistor (NM1) from an inverter (I1). As a result, the NMOS transistor (NM1) is turned on and a voltage from an output node (Na) of the first current/voltage converter 11A becomes lower than the reference voltage applied to an output node (Nb) from the second current/voltage converter 11B. Accordingly, the voltage comparator 12 compares the voltages from the output nodes (Na, Nb) to output a low level of a ground voltage (Vss), which becomes an output (DATA OUT) from the sense amplifier.
When an arbitrary high cell (i.e., a cell having a high value stored therein) in the virtual ground flat cell array is read, a small current flows along the bit line (BL). As a result, the voltage from the output node (Na) of the first current/voltage converter 11A becomes higher than the reference voltage applied to the output node (Nb). Accordingly, the voltage comparator 12 compares the voltages from the output nodes (Na, Nb) to generate a high level source voltage (Vcc), which becomes the output (DATA OUT) from the sense amplifier. The voltage comparator 12 includes a differential amplifier type voltage comparator and an inverter type voltage comparator.
As an example, a read path will now be described. The read path as shown in FIG. 2 is initially described where a high cell of an NMOS transistor (NM35) is read and then where a low cell of an NMOS transistor (NM34) is read.
When the high cell of the NMOS transistor (NM35) is read, a bank select signal (SEL1), a word line signal (WL0) and a left-right select signal (/SEL2) are applied as a high level while the other signals are applied as a low level. Accordingly, the bit line (BL) is connected to the ground terminal (Vss), sequentially through a metal contact (MC3) and NMOS transistors (NM13, NM35, NM52, NM12).
When the low cell of the NMOS transistor (NM34) is read, the bank select signal (SEL1), the word line signal (WL0) and a bank select signal (SEL2) are applied as a high level while the other signals are applied as a low level. Accordingly, the bit line (BL) is connected to the ground terminal (Vss), sequentially through a metal contact (MC3) and NMOS transistors (NM13, NM22, NM34, NM12).
However, when NMOS transistors (NM36, NM37), which are adjacent to the NMOS transistor (NM35) are low cells, and the high cell of the NMOS transistor (NM35) is read, a leakage current flows toward the ground sides not selected. That is, the leakage current flows toward the side of the NMOS transistors (NM36, NM37). When the leakage current exceeds the reference current, a large current flows along the bit line (BL) similar to the case when the low cell is read. As a result, the voltage from the output node (Na) becomes lower than the reference voltage from the output node (Nb). Therefore, the voltage comparator 12 improperly generates a low level ground voltage (Vss) as when the low cell (NM34) is read.
As described above the related art sense amplifier has various disadvantages. When a low cell is positioned adjacent a high cell when the high cell is read in the related art sense amplifier for a virtual ground flat cell, a leakage current flows in accordance with the low cell. Further, when the leakage current exceeds the reference value, the sense amplifier performs an erroneous operation.
The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

Sense amplifier of virtual ground flat-cell


A hair cosmetic composition comprising, as components of this hair cosmetic composition, (A) a mono-long chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salt, (B) a higher alcohol having a straight alkyl group having 14 to 22 carbon atoms and (C) a high molecular weight silicone which is gelled at normal temperature, the molar ratio of (B) relative to (A) being within the range of from 3 to 15, and containing the respective components (A), (B) and (C) at specific ratios in the above cosmetic composition.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic composition, and more particularly, to a hair cosmetic composition capable of imparting an excellent smoothness and luster to hair, without making the hair sticky, an providing an excellent protection of hair from physical damage caused by, for example, brushing.
2. Description of the Related Art
Hair cosmetic compositions used as a rinse, to impart a smoothness and luster to hair and improve the combing of hair, are commercially available as, for example, a hair rinse, hair treatment, and hair conditioner. These hair cosmetic compositions generally have quaternary ammonium salts formulated therein, and it is known that the rinsing effect mentioned above is obtained by an adsorption of these salts by the hair. Further, to improve the feeling after use, such as the smoothness, luster and wetness, oil components such as higher alcohols, glycerol mono-fatty acid esters, higher fatty acids, liquid paraffins, solid paraffins, ester oils, and silicone oils with polymerization degrees of 3 to 650, are added. Namely, these respective components are used to obtain hair cosmetic compositions imparting a smoothness to the hair without making the hair sticky.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) NO. 61-286311 discloses a hair cosmetic composition in which a mixed component of a quaternary ammonium salt and a higher alcohol, also a part of the components used in the present invention when combined at a specific ratio, and a low viscosity oil component are incorporated in specific amounts, respectively, to give an excellent smoothness without stickiness. Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-222109 discloses a hair cosmetic composition comprising the above quaternary ammonium salt and a high molecular weight silicone belonging to the category of silicone gum, at specific ratios, to give the hair an excellent washing resistance.
The prior arts mentioned above have achieved some improvements in the hair cosmetic compositions. For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-222109, a softness, smoothness and a luster imparting effect to the hair are exhibited along with an improvement of the washing resistance thereof, but this does not discount the need for a hair cosmetic composition with a further improved smoothness, softness and luster imparting effect. For example, even if a smoothness can be imparted without stickiness during the coating and rinsing of these hair cosmetic compositions, it does not necessarily follow that satisfactory characteristics can be exhibited during the drying of the hair or thereafter.


N-containing, condensed heterocyclic compounds and salts thereof are disclosed which are useful for inhibiting squalene synthetase and fungal growth, and which are useful for treating or preventing hyperlipidemia. Also disclosed is a method for producing these compounds.

Hypercholesteremia, high blood pressure and smoking are known as three major, dangerous factors causing ischemic diseases. Adequate control of cholesterol concentration in blood is remarkably important for the prophylaxis or therapy of, not only ischemic diseases, but also coronary sclerosis.
Abnormal elevations of lipid levels in the serum or the plasma are called hyperlipidemia or hyperlipemia. There are various lipids, such as cholesterol (cholesteryl ester and free cholesterol), phospholipids (lecithin, sphingomyelin and so on), triglyceride, free fatty acids and other sterols in the serum or the plasma. Especially cholesterol and triglyceride are clinically important among them.
Therefore, it is important to control blood lipid levels within normal range for the treatment and the prevention of various diseases related to atherosclerosis, such as coronary heart disease and cerebral infarction. Hypertriglyceridemia is also related to the development of pancreatitis.
As pharmaceutical compositions for lowering cholesterol in blood, attention has been drawn to those for controlling the biosynthesis of cholesterol, besides those of inhibiting its absorption by binding bile acid including, among others, cholestyramine, colestipol (disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,009), and those of suppressing the intestinal absorption of cholesterol by inhibiting acyl coenzyme A cholesterol acyl transferase (ACAT) including melinamide (disclosed in French Patent No.1476569). As pharmaceutical preparations for controlling the biosynthesis of cholesterol, lovastatin (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,231,938), simvastatin (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,444,784), pravastatin (U.S. Pat. No. 4,346,227), etc., which are capable of inhibiting especially 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase, are provided for medicinal use. However, when HMG-COA reductase is inhibited, not only the biosynthesis of cholesterol but the biosynthesis of some other components such ubiquinone, dolichol and heme A, which are necessary for the living body, is also inhibited, so that occurrences of undesirable side effects to be caused thereby are feared.
Squalene synthetase is the enzyme involved in the committed step of the de novo cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. This enzyme catalyzes the reductive dimerization of two molecules of farnesyl pyrophosphate to form squalene.
On the other hand, the compounds expected as inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis by inhibiting squalene synthetase are disclosed in JPA H1(1989)-213288, JPA H2(1990)-101088, JPA H2(1990)-235820, JPA H2(1990)-235821, JPA H3(1991)-20226, JPA H3(1991)68591, JPA H3(1991)-48288, U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,390, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 51 (10), p.1869-1871 (1988), U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,935 and WO 9215579.
Also, the compounds expected as inhibitors of fungal growth by inhibiting squalene synthetase are disclosed in JPA H4 (1992)-279589, EP 475706-A, EP 494622-A and EP 503520-A.
Among 4,1-benzoxazepine derivatives, in 4,1-benzoxazepin-2-one derivatives in which 2-position is substituted with a ketone group, those in which one of the hydrogen atoms at 3-position is replaced with a different substituent, are disclosed in JPA S57(1982)345765 and Chem. Pharm. Bull., 34, 140 (1986).
Ubiquinone, dolichol and heme A have been known as being synthesized from farnesyl pyrophosphate along the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Therefore, for avoiding occurrence of side effects due to loss of these substances, it is desirable to inhibit enzymes subsequent to farnesyl pyrophosphate, especially squalene synthetase, in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway.
In addition, fabric acid derivatives, such as clofibrate (British patent No. 860303) and phenofibrate (Germany patent No. 2250327), are on the market as hypotriglyceridemic agents. But, caution is claimed against the combination therapy of fibrates with statins because of the heightened risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
Hyperlipidemia or hyperlipoproteinemia is classified by WHO as follows:
Type I: Hyperchyromicronemia PA1 Type IIa: Hyper low density lipoproteinemia (Hypercholesterolemia) PA1 Type IIb: Mixed-type hyperlipidemia which shows increases in low density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein PA1 Type III: Abnormal .beta.-lipoproteinemia which shows the presence of .beta.-very low density lipoprotein PA1 Type IV: Hyper very low density lipoproteinemia (Hypertriglyceridemia) PA1 Type V: Mixed-type hyperlipemia which shows increases in very low density lipoprotein and chyromicron PA1 (1) 4,1-Benzoxazepin-2-one derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR3## wherein R.sub.1 stands for hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently stand for hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group; X stands for a bond or a spacer having the chain length of 1 to 7 atoms; Y stands for an optionally esterified or thioesterified carboxyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted amino group, an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted carbamoyl group or a N-containing heterocyclic residue having hydrogen atom capable of being deprotonated; provided that, when X is methylene and R.sub.1 is not an alkyl group having carbon atoms of more than 4, Y is neither carboxyl group nor alkoxycarbonyl group; and the ring A may optionally be substituted, or salts thereof, PA1 (2) 4,1-Benzoxazepin-2-one derivatives represented by the formula (I'): ##STR4## wherein R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently stand for hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group; X stands for a bond or a spacer having the chain length of 1 to 7 atoms; Y stands for an optionally esterified or thioesterified carboxyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted amino group, an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted carbamoyl group or a N-containing heterocyclic residue having hydrogen atom capable of being deprotonated; provided that, when X is methylene, Y is neither carboxyl group nor alkoxycarbonyl group; and the ring A may optionally be substituted, or salts thereof, PA1 (3) a squalene synthetase inhibitor comprising as an active ingredient a 4,1-Benzoxazepin-2-one derivative represented by the formula (I"): ##STR5## wherein R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently stand for hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group; X stands for a bond or a spacer having the chain length of 1 to 7 atoms; Y stands for an optionally esterified or thioesterified carboxyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted amino group, an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted carbamoyl group or a N-containing heterocyclic residue having hydrogen atom capable of being deprotonated; and the ring A may optionally be substituted, or a salt thereof, and PA1 (4) a fungal growth inhibitor comprising as an active ingredient a 4,1-Benzoxazepin-2-one derivative represented by the formula (I"): ##STR6## wherein R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen atom or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group; R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 independently stand for hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted lower alkyl group, an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted aromatic heterocyclic group; X stands for a bond or a spacer having the chain length of 1 to 7 atoms; Y stands for an optionally esterified or thioesterified carboxyl group, an optionally substituted hydroxyl group, an optionally substituted amino group, an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted carbamoyl group or a N-containing heterocyclic residue having hydrogen atom capable of being deprotonated; and the ring A may optionally be substituted, or a salt thereof.

N-containing condensed heterocyclic compounds, their production, and their uses


A unit and a method for determining gains of a PID (Proportion, Integral, Differential) controller using a genetic algorithm. A genetic algorithm tuning unit decodes an output value from an object system extracted by a feature extracting unit, and generates a first population including a random binary string. Then, the first population is normalized in a given ratio to measure a PID gain converting fitness with respect to the first population. Thereafter, the normalized first population is compared with the decoded value to determine whether it is a user's desired value. If the desired value is obtained, the genetic algorithm tuning unit generates PID gain control signals with respect to the resulting value, which are supplied to the PID controller to tune PID gains.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a unit and a method for determining gains of a PID (Proportion, Integral, Differential) controller using a genetic algorithm. More particularly, the present invention relates to a unit and a method for determining gains of the PID controller using a genetic algorithm wherein control gains, i.e., PID gains to control an object system, are determined by means of a random search.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, a PID controller is a controller of a type which has been used most widely in an industrial place. Since this PID controller is very sensitive to the object system, however, there is no exact theory or rule of determining proper PID gains for every object system. Further, even though a number of theories exist, it is possible to determine PID gains only when a mathematical model with respect to the object system exists. Therefore, unless the exact mathematical model exists, it is very difficult to determine the proper PID gains. Further, to determine the gains is very troublesome work which is accomplished by skilled specialists. This is accomplished through many trials and errors by the skilled specialists and many experiences for a long period of time. In PID control, determination of parameters for proportional gain, integral time, and differential time to improve a characteristic of the system is most important.
The PID control is to control simultaneously the proportional control mode, integral control mode, and differential control mode so that the system reaches a target value in a stable state within a fast period of time as soon as possible, when a difference between a reference input and an output value of the object system, i.e., a derivative, is input to an input element of the controller. In PID control, increase of the derivative is prevented in the integral control mode, and decrease of a remaining derivative is effected in the differential control mode. To increase a value of proportional gain enables the system to reach the target value within a fast period of time, but the system is unstable by producing a large overshot. To decrease a value of the proportional gain, on the other hand, enables a normal derivative to occur often, and thus, the need to automatically tune the PID control is rising.
One technique of automatically determining gain of the PID controller is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,061, entitled "Control parameter tuning unit and a method of tuning parameters for a control unit". This technique uses a fuzzy logic instead of a neural logic, thus being very expensive.
Further, another conventional technique is disclosed in "EXACT" by Foxbor company, 1975, available on the market. In this technique, after obtaining the model of the object system by monitoring the output of the object system, proper gain is obtained by mathematical computation from the obtained model, so that a response characteristic is very slow because of the emphasis on robustness with respect to disturbances.
The above technique of automatically determining the gain of the PID controller disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,061 is now described with reference to FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1, an automatic gain determining unit 5 includes a reference setting value inputting unit 10 for inputting reference data to control an output state of an object system 40, a fuzzy control unit 30 for comparing the reference data input through the reference setting value inputting unit 10 with output data of the object system 40, determining whether the output data of the object system 40 satisfies a user's setting value, and generating control signals to control PID gains if there is no satisfaction, and a PID controller 20 for converting the PID gains by the control signals output from the fuzzy control unit 30 to control the object system 40 by a control signal corresponding to the converted gains.
The fuzzy control unit 30 includes a fuzzy control knowledge base 30a storing fuzzy control rules and membership functions, and a fuzzy inference unit 30b effecting inference based on the fuzzy rules and membership functions stored in the fuzzy control knowledge base 30a.
An assumption is made that gain of the PID controller is set through a simple mathematical model of the object system 40. The reference setting value is input through the reference setting value inputting unit 10 so that the object system 40 is placed in any state. Then, the setting value is supplied to the fuzzy control unit 30 and the PID controller 20. If the PID controller 20 supplies the control signals to the object system 40, the object system 40 makes a control action in accordance with the input control signal to produce a changed output.
If a temperature is controlled, the reference input setting value comes to a temperature and the output of the object system 40 comes to a temperature.
The output is fed back to the fuzzy control unit 30 and the PID controller 20. Then, the fuzzy control unit 30 compares the reference setting value with the output of the object system 40 to determine whether the output of the object system 40 is satisfied with the user's setting value. If there is no satisfaction, after bringing out a necessary knowledge in the fuzzy control knowledge base 30a, and determining that any gain has to be changed to any extent through the fuzzy inference unit 30b, the gain of the PID controller 20 is changed.
Thus, the PID controller 20 operates to control the object system 40 with the changed gain.
Therefore, the fuzzy inference unit 30b requires some computing times. As a result of the fact that it takes some time for the fuzzy inference unit 30b to define a proper inference, a response velocity is lowered and, therefore, the automatic gain determining unit 5 can only be used in chemical reaction equipment or a water level controlling mechanism, etc., which does not require a high response velocity. Further, this unit requires the fuzzy control knowledge base 30a necessary for the fuzzy inference unit 30b and memories (DRAM, SRAM, or flash memory) storing the membership functions. Since the fuzzy inference unit 30b requires computing, a microprocessor having a large capacity is indispensable, thus raising a problem in that an inexpensive PID controller can not be manufactured.

Unit and method for determining gains a of PID controller using a genetic algorithm


The present disclosure provides a satellite dish cover comprising a main body portion having a front side, a back side and an outer edge, and a securing element for securing said satellite dish cover to the concave face of a satellite dish. The securing element requires no manual adjustment in order to be secured to a satellite dish. The satellite dish cover may further comprise a design element, a color or a texture to increase the aesthetic appeal of the satellite dish cover.

Over the past decade, the use and prevalence of digital satellite communications systems in residential and business settings have increased dramatically. The use of satellite dishes allows a convenient and cost effective alternative to traditional cable-based systems for receiving information, such as entertainment content. In addition, satellite communications systems are also being used in non-traditional settings such as recreational vehicles and at outdoor gatherings, such as may be observed prior to sporting events. A variety of digital satellite communications systems are available to a consumer. However, generally, such systems comprise a satellite dish, a support for stabilizing the satellite dish and anchoring the same to a structure, a feeder horn supporter by an arm member, which is generally positioned in front of the satellite dish. The satellite dish collects and focuses signals transmitted from a satellite and directs such signals to the feeder horn, which transmits such signals to a satellite receiver where the signals are processed for display.
The increasing prevalence of satellite communications systems presents a problem to the user. For instance, many residential neighborhoods and business districts have regulations regarding the aesthetic appearance. The presence of a satellite communication system may violate such regulations, thereby preventing the user from subscribing to a satellite communication service. Due to the technical requirements for the operation of the satellite communication system, the components are often required to be placed in obtrusive locations which are visible to passersby. Furthermore, various contaminants from the environment (such as but not limited to, animal excrement, leaves and trash) may become lodged on a component of the satellite communications system and degrade performance of the system. This is especially true of the satellite dish. When such a situation occurs, the user is required to takes measures to restore the satellite communications system to working order by cleaning the components of the system or taking other corrective action. Since the components of the satellite communications systems must often times located in hard to access locations to ensure adequate signal reception (such as on the corner of or roof), gaining access to the components of the satellite communications systems is a time-consuming, difficult and sometimes dangerous task.
It would be advantageous to users of such satellite communications systems if devices were available to protect the components of the satellite communication system, in particular, the satellite dish. Furthermore, such devices would ideally offer an aesthetic element as well to make the appearance of the satellite dish as pleasing to the eyes as possible and be easy to maintain. Due to their location, satellite dish covers tend to become soiled over time during use requiring the covers be cleaned for optimal aesthetic value. Prior art satellite dish covers were made of materials that were hard to clean or contained attachments/accessories that could be damaged during the cleaning process. For example, the Pfnister patent provided a series of Velcro attachments to secure the device to the satellite dish while Gusik, Jr disclosed a drawstring device; with repeated cleaning these attachments/accessories may be damaged or become inaccessible. As discussed herein, if even damaging the devices during claiming was not an issue, the effort required to reach the satellite dish cover and remove the satellite dish covers makes simple maintenance a chore. The present disclosure provides a satellite dish cover that is eas to clean and simple to maintain. The disclosed cover is essentially "wash and wear" meaning the satellite dish cover can be cleaned (for example in a washing machine) without rear of damaging the cover (such as the Velcro of Pfnister and the drawstring of Gusik, Jr.
In addition, such devices should be as simple to install as possible. This is particularly important since, as mentioned above, the components of the satellite communications systems are often installed in difficult reach locations. Therefore, the ease of installation of such devices would reduce the effort involved in installing such devices and reduce the potential harm to the user in installing such devices. Furthermore, such devices should be designed and constructed to remain on the satellite dish under a range of environment conditions, such as but not limited to, high winds and stormy conditions.
Finally, such devices should be designed and constructed to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, such as but not limited to, extreme heat or cold temperatures, or high winds and stormy conditions, without losing the ability to remain secured to the satellite dish. For example, the satellite dish covers made of hard plastic will undergo repeated expansion and contraction as a result of normal temperature cycling during the day and during a change of seasons. Furthermore, such expansion and contraction may occur as a result of seasonal temperature changes. Due to this contraction and expansion, the satellite dish cover may become cracked, warped or the like and as a result may not remain secured to the satellite dish. The present disclosure provides a satellite dish cover that automatically adjusts to such environmental factors, such as but not limited to, temperature cycling, to remain secured to the satellite dish.
While the prior art has disclosed certain devices for the protections of the components of satellite communications systems, none of the devices provide or suggest the elements as disclosed herein. For example, rigid covers for satellite dishes have been known in the art. However, such rigid covers lack durability and tend to splinter, chip or crack when impacted by debris such as falling tree branches. Such rigid covers also are subject to contraction and expansion as a result of normal temperature cycling in the environment, which may further decrease the integrity of the rigid covers. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,047 to Pfnister discloses a satellite cover and feeder arm cover. The disclosed device requires several manufacturing steps to complete and is difficult to install by a user requiring the user to manipulate a variety of Velcro closures to secure the cover to the satellite dish, greatly increasing the risk of injury to a user. Likewise, the satellite cover disclosed by Gusik, Jr. is also more difficult to install on a satellite dish than the satellite dish cover of the present disclosure requiring the user to manually adjust a drawstring to ensure the cover is secured to the satellite dish.
The present disclosure provides a satellite dish cover that is simple and efficient to manufacture, provides protection to a satellite dish without significant degradation of signal, which is easy to maintain, and which can be installed by a user without any type of manual adjustment. Therefore, the satellite dish cover of the present disclosure provides solutions to problems encountered in the area of satellite communications systems that were previously not appreciated in the art.


A fluid recovery system is adapted for use with a cooling system, such as for use in electronic applications. In one example, an enclosure is configured to contain fluid in both gas and liquid states, wherein the fluid is adapted for use in spray cooling electronic components. A plurality of pick-up ports is defined within the enclosure. In one implementation of the cooling system, an orifice size used in each of the pick-up ports results in withdrawal of fluid from submerged and non-submerged pick-up ports.

Many electronic devices are air-cooled, such as by a passive or active cooling system. Passive cooling systems can be as simple as inclusion of ventilation slots in an enclosure containing the device. Active cooling systems can include a fan, which typically increases the rate of heat removal.
In more advanced cooling systems, a dielectric fluid can be used to provide even greater heat removal. Fluid is continuously cycled between a sprayer, locations wherein the fluid is in contact with components, and a pump. In a stationary system, a sump may collect liquid dielectric fluid from the bottom of an enclosure surrounding the system. However, in a mobile system, both the rate of acceleration and the direction of acceleration of the enclosure can vary with time. As a result, dielectric fluid does not consistently move to an expected location within the enclosure. Accordingly, recovery of dielectric fluid from within a mobile spray-cooled system presents challenges that have not previously been fully resolved.


A hand-operated printer includes a body. A printhead is mounted to the body. A display device is mounted to the body, and a user interface is communicatively coupled to the display device. The user interface provides a user input to the display device that is based on movement of the hand-operated printer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hand-operated printer, and, more particularly, to a user interface for a hand-operated printer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Typical desktop ink jet printers include a reciprocating printhead carrier that carries a printhead in a main scan direction, and includes a drive roller assembly that advances a print medium in a sub-scan direction relative to the printhead. Such ink jet printers typically require user interaction in some form. For example, one such desktop ink jet printer may utilize a host computer in making selections, adjusting parameters, etc. Such an ink jet printer also may include one or more input buttons.
In contrast to desktop printers, a hand-operated printer, also sometimes referred to as a hand held printer, is a printer that typically does not include a drive mechanism for positioning a printhead relative to the print medium, such as paper. An optical encoder typically is used to provide position feedback of relative motion between the hand-operated printer and the print medium.

User interface for a hand-operated printer


A screwing device includes a screwdriver and a connection element for coupling the screwdriver to a robot arm. The connection element has a first robot-side transmission element, a second tool-side transmission element, a restoring element arranged between the first and second transmission elements, and a distance measuring element. The two transmission elements can be moved towards each other against a restoring force of the restoring element in an actuation direction. The distance measuring element measures a distance that represents the spacing between the transmission elements in the actuation direction and is used to control the actuating force acting on the screwdriver.

WO 2010/24794 A1 discloses a connection element between a gripper and a robot arm of an industrial robot. The industrial robot is intended to be able, due to the combination of the gripper and the connection element, to pick up parts lying haphazardly in a container. For this purpose, the connection element comprises, for example, a rubber bladder arranged between two transmission elements. Moreover, the connection element comprises proximity sensors, a spacing between the two transmission elements being determined in order to determine an actuating force.
JP 2010 264514 A discloses a screwing device and a method for screwing a screw into a workpiece. The screwing device comprises a force sensor, for example in the form of a load cell. When a screw is screwed into a workpiece, a desired actuating force is set.
EP 0 421 323 B1 discloses a connection element for coupling a tool, in the form of a grinding head for grinding a surface of a workpiece, to a robot arm. The connection element comprises a force sensor in the form of a strain gauge for measuring a force acting on the grinding head. A position of the grinding head can in addition be determined. The force and position are regulated on the basis thereof. Grinding the surface of a tool is a comparatively uniform process, and therefore the force acting on the grinding head can be measured reliably and without significant impact from disturbance variables, and can be used for regulating the force.
There are also applications, however, in which disturbance variables such as force pulses in the form of impacts or vibrations act on a tool coupled to a robot arm and thus make direct force measurement, for example using a strain gauge, significantly more difficult or even impossible. Disturbance variables of this kind arise, for example, when screwing a screw into a solid wall, in particular into a concrete wall.

Screwing device and method for screwing a screw into a wall


An audience measurement or personalized recommendation system may be actively trained for each panel member for a training period, during which the presence of each member is recorded while content is displayed. Panel members may carry or wear portable devices with wireless transmitters which may be detected by the measurement system. For example, each panel member may wear a wristband including a wireless transmitter broadcasting an identification code, and a measurement device may include a wireless receiver to receive broadcast identification codes and determine that the corresponding one or more panel members are present during display of content. An inference engine may create personalized profiles of each panel participant during the training period. After the training period, panel participants may stop carrying or wearing the devices, and the inference engine may determine, based on the profiles, which participants are likely present when content is being viewed.

Audiences for content blocks, such as broadcast media or online streamed media, including commercial advertising, are typically measured via single-source data panels consisting of individuals or households recording content exposure over time. In one typical system, panel members record daily or weekly journals identifying watched content. However, if a panel member forgets that they watched an item of content, measurements may be inaccurate. Another system provides panel members with portable devices or meters that detect audio watermarks embedded in content. While an improvement on journal-based systems, such systems require panel members to continuously wear or carry the meter, as failure to do so results in missed measurements.
Other audience measurement systems may be built into smart televisions, cable demodulators, digital video recorders, or set-top boxes to record identifications of content displayed. These systems may accurately record content that has been shown, on a household basis, but may not be able to distinguish individuals within the household. Such systems may also be used for personalization, such as for recommending video-on-demand content based on previously viewed content. In demographically diverse households or households with members with different interests, this may result in poor recommendations. For example, a typical family may include one member who watches sports, another member who watches reality television programming, and still another who watches children's programming. Without the ability to distinguish between viewers, a recommendation system may suggest children's content to the sports viewer or vice versa. While some systems allow multiple user profiles, users must remember to diligently select their own profile each time they watch an item of content. Additionally, the system may not be able to distinguish between a single user and multiple users, such as a family watching a movie together, while one user is logged in. Content chosen by a group of viewers is frequently a compromise selection based on their combined interests, and may not be content that would be watched by any viewer alone. Accordingly, when the logged-in user subsequently seeks content to view alone, the system may make inaccurate recommendations.

Systems and methods for active training of broadcast personalization and audience measurement systems using a presence band


A foldable frame (10) for a lightweight wheelchair (8) is disclosed. The foldable wheelchair frame (10) includes a pair of side frame assemblies (12, 14) each having a substantially horizontally oriented upper side frame member (16) extending for directly supporting a seat assembly (20). A cross bracing assembly (38) is mounted between the side frame assemblies (12, 14) for movement of the side frame assemblies (12, 14) between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The cross bracing assembly (38) includes a pair of cross bracing members (40, 42) pivotally coupled to each other by a pivot (44). The cross bracing members (40, 42) are pivotably coupled to the side frame assemblies (12, 14) by coupling proximate upper ends to the upper side frame members (16) and proximate lower ends to a remainder of the side frame assemblies (12, 14). At least one of the cross bracing members (40, 42) is formed for cooperative interengagement with one of the upper side frame members (16 ) and a pivot assembly (46) to secure the cross bracing members (40, 42) in a weight supporting position in the deployed condition.

Portable wheelchairs are becoming an increasingly popular alternative over the standard rigid models for wheelchair riders. The portable wheelchairs generally have a frame which folds or collapses for easy transportation, enabling a user to conveniently travel between various locations, such as from home to work, school, restaurants, the theater or any other site of interest. Typically, the portable wheelchairs are light in weight for improved maneuverability and handling. The frame is often formed from a tubular material, such as a lightweight, high-strength aircraft-grade aluminum tubing, to reduce the overall chair weight while providing the necessary strength. In efforts to further reduce the weight of the chair, the number of components comprising the chair frame has also been reduced.
The portable wheelchairs available in the art typically include opposed side frame assemblies having upper and lower horizontally extending bars and a pair of cross braces pivoted for movement about the lower frame bars. The opposite ends of each of the cross braces are pivotably mounted to a horizontally extending seat frame rod. A flexible seat is suspended between the laterally spaced seat frame rods. When the wheelchair is deployed, the seat frame is supported on brackets carried by the upper bars of the opposed side frames. The seat frame is held by the brackets in a superimposed position above the side frame assemblies. The wheelchair frame is folded or collapsed for transport by pivoting the cross braces about the respective side frame bars, raising the seat frame and drawing the opposed side frame assemblies towards one another.
With one type of folding wheelchair, the support brackets have a shallow groove formed to receive the seat frame rod. The seat frame is supported by the bracket during use, with the frame rod held within the groove by the weight of the seat assembly. Once the user vacates the chair, the wheelchair is easily folded for transport or storage by lifting the frame rods from the grooved brackets and moving the side frame assemblies towards one another. During operation, the user's weight often tends to urge the seat frame assembly off of the support bracket. When traveling over bumps or rough terrain, for example, the seat frame assembly will be lifted slightly from the support brackets, partially folding or collapsing the wheelchair. Thus, under certain operating conditions the wheelchair produces a sense of instability, resulting in user discomfort.
Other available wheelchairs include brackets or other means formed for supporting and retaining the seat frame in a stable superimposed position above the side frame assemblies. U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,553 discloses a wheelchair in which a support or mounting block is provided for carrying the seat frame assembly. The mounting block is formed with a cylindrical recess having a circumference extending beyond 180 degrees to provide a detent for retaining the seat frame rod. When the wheelchair frame is deployed, the seat frame rod is held in place by the opposed edges bordering the recess. As the wheelchair is folded or opened, the space between the opposed edges is resiliently enlarged to allow passage of the seat frame rod without requiring the application of excessive force. The mounting block of the disclosed wheelchair is formed for retaining the seat frame assembly above the opposed side frames during operation and for conveniently releasing the seat frame when folding or collapsing the wheelchair.
The side frame assemblies, the seat frame and the cross braces of the portable wheelchairs available in the art cooperate to provide a collapsible frame which may be conveniently deployed. The cross braces are pivotably mounted at opposite ends to the side frame assemblies and the seat frame. During operation, the support blocks distribute forces applied during operation between the side frame assemblies, cross braces and the seat frame. The operational forces imparted on the wheelchair during use may induce structural fatigue of the support brackets, eventually resulting in part failure. As the bracket or mount wears, the seat frame will not be adequately supported in a superimposed position above the side frame assemblies. Moreover, the support brackets will no longer evenly distribute the forces of operation, placing other components of the wheelchair frame under stress and potentially damaging the wheelchair.
Providing a folding wheelchair frame having a pair of cross bracing members pivotably coupled to the side frame assemblies would eliminate the need for a seat frame assembly and the required support brackets or blocks. The operational forces would be evenly distributed between the side frame assemblies and the cross braces, with the seat being supported directly by the opposed side frame assemblies. Allowing the seat to rest directly on the opposed side frames would substantially increase the structural life of the frame by reducing the stresses exerted on the various components of the wheelchair.
With the wheelchairs known in the prior art, the seat is suspended by the seat frame, which is in turn supported by the side frame assembly via the support brackets. Eliminating the seat frame assembly enables the seat to be supported directly by the opposed side frames. The effective height of the seat is thereby lowered, providing a stable ride similar to that offered by a rigid-type wheelchair frame. The wheelchair is lighter in weight without the seat frame assembly. Moreover, reducing the number of components substantially decreases the costs of manufacture and maintenance.
When the folding wheelchairs of the prior art are collapsed, the seat frame rods are vertically raised relative to the upper side frame bars. The raised seat frame assembly makes the collapsed wheelchair somewhat cumbersome. Eliminating the seat frame assembly enhances the portability of the folded wheelchair by reducing the number of components which must be accommodated when the frame is collapsed.
Accordingly, a foldable frame for a wheelchair including opposed side frames assemblies and cross bracing members pivotably coupled to the side frame assemblies is highly desirable. A wheelchair frame in which at least one of the cross braces interengages with one of the side frame assemblies to secure the cross bracing members in a weight-supporting condition when the frame is deployed is similarly desirable. A portable wheelchair frame providing the stability of a rigid-type wheelchair is also desirable. A wheelchair frame which is lightweight, compact, and which may be efficiently manufactured would be particularly useful. A foldable frame for a wheelchair which may be conveniently collapsed and transported would also be useful.
A primary object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a foldable frame for a wheelchair having a cross bracing assembly pivotably coupled to the side frame assemblies for movement of the side frame assemblies between a deployed position and a collapsed position.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame for a wheelchair having a pair of cross bracing members, with at least one of the cross bracing members secured in a weight-supporting condition when the wheelchair is deployed.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame for a wheelchair in which the cross braces and the side frame assemblies are pivotably coupled together when the wheelchair frame is deployed.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame for a wheelchair which provides the stability of a rigid wheelchair frame.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame for a wheelchair which is lightweight.
A more general object of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame for a wheelchair which is compact, and which may be efficiently manufactured and maintained.
The foldable wheelchair frame of the present invention has other objects and features of advantage which will become apparent from and are set forth in more detail in the description of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention and the accompanying drawings.


A remote control unit capable of bidirectionally communicating with a display apparatus, such as a television set. The remote control unit comprises a display unit adapted to display an image transmitted from the display apparatus, a detector unit adapted to detect a state of a power supply of the remote control unit, and a switching unit adapted to switch a display mode of the display unit from a moving image mode to a still image mode, according to the state of the power supply.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a bidirectional remote control unit capable of bidirectionally communicating with a display apparatus, such as a television set.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional bidirectional remote control unit is configured to be capable of shifting information concerning operations to be performed on the screen of a television set onto a display device of the bidirectional remote control unit itself, for execution of the operations thereon, whereby a viewer's convenience is improved to enhance the commercial value of the television set.
Further, there has been proposed a bidirectional remote control unit for operating a video apparatus, which is capable of displaying reproduction information on a recorded magnetic tape in the video apparatus, and which includes a changeover switch for selecting between display and non-display of images (see, e.g., Japanese Laid-Open patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2001-103334).
A bidirectional remote control unit of the above-mentioned type is provided with a built-in secondary battery as a power supply.
However, in the conventional bidirectional remote control unit, the capacity of the secondary battery is small relative to the power consumption of the bidirectional remote control unit, and hence the voltage of the secondary battery tends to soon become lower than a predetermined level. To eliminate this inconvenience, a bidirectional remote control unit capable of controlling the power consumption thereof is currently demanded. The above-mentioned problem occurs not only when a secondary battery is used, but also when a primary battery, which is unrechargeable, is used.
Further, a video image is sent from the controlled apparatus to the bidirectional remote control unit by wireless transmission using infrared rays, and hence when the state of transmission become worse, the error rate of the video image increases, which causes disturbance of the video image displayed on the remote control unit. Furthermore, if reception sensitivity is enhanced so as to improve the transmission state at all, the power consumption of the bidirectional remote control unit increases. Therefore, there is currently a demand for a bidirectional remote control unit capable of controlling the power consumption thereof by taking the state of transmission into consideration.


In a radiation image read-out apparatus, a stimulable phosphor sheet storing thereon a radiation image is exposed to stimulating light and stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon stimulation by the stimulating light is detected and an image signal representing the radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet is obtained by photoelectrically converting the stimulated emission. A read-out system includes an array of a plurality of read-out heads, each including a stimulating light source which projects the stimulating light onto the stimulable phosphor sheet and a photodetector which detects the stimulated emission. A conveyor system conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet and the read-out system relative to each other in a direction intersecting the direction of the array of the read-out heads.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a radiation image read-out apparatus which reads out a radiation image stored on a stimulable phosphor sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
When certain kinds of phosphors are exposed to a radiation such as X-rays, xcex1-rays, xcex2-rays, xcex3-rays, cathode rays or ultraviolet rays, they store a part of energy of the radiation. Then when the phosphor which has been exposed to the radiation is exposed to stimulating rays such as visible light or a laser beam, light is emitted from the phosphor in proportion to the stored energy of the radiation. A phosphor exhibiting such properties is generally referred to as xe2x80x9ca stimulable phosphorxe2x80x9d. In this specification, the light emitted from the stimulable phosphor upon stimulation thereof will be referred to as xe2x80x9cstimulated emissionxe2x80x9d. There has been known a radiation image read-out apparatus in which a stimulating light beam such as a laser beam is caused to scan a stimulable phosphor sheet (a sheet provided with a layer of the stimulable phosphor) which has been exposed to a radiation passing through an object such as a human body to have a radiation image of the object stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet so that the stimulable phosphor sheet emits stimulated emission, the stimulated emission is detected by the use of a light collecting mirror or an optical guide, the detected stimulated emission is photoelectrically converted by a photomultiplier into an image signal (a radiation image signal), and then the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to erasing light after the image signal is obtained from the stimulable phosphor sheet so that the residual energy of the radiation is fully released from the stimulable phosphor sheet.
The radiation image signal thus obtained is subjected to image processing such as gradation processing and/or frequency processing and a radiation image of the object is reproduced as a visible image on the basis of the processed radiation image signal on a recording medium such as a photographic film or a display such as a CRT.
In conventional radiation image read-out apparatuses, there has been a problem that a scanning optical system which can cause a stimulating light beam to scan the stimulable phosphor sheet at least over a half width of the stimulable phosphor sheet and a light condensing/detecting system which can detect stimulated emission diverging at least over a half width of the stimulable phosphor sheet are required, which makes it difficult to miniaturize the apparatus.
In order to overcome the problem, there have been proposed systems in which a line source such as an LED array or an EL element is used as the stimulating light source and a semiconductor sensor is used as an element for detecting the stimulated emission. However such systems have not been put into practice because of poor intensity of the stimulating light source and/or a poor SN ratio of the semiconductor sensor including the processing circuit.
Further, in order to improve the durability of the stimulable phosphor sheets and to improve the quality of the image, there has been proposed a rigid stimulable phosphor sheet. The conventional radiation image recording and reproducing apparatuses are generally provided with a sub-scanning system which conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet in a direction substantially normal to the direction in which the stimulating light beam scans the stimulable phosphor sheet. Use of the rigid stimulable phosphor sheet requires the sub-scanning system to be at least twice as long as the length of the stimulable phosphor sheet, which is disadvantageous in that the overall size of the apparatus becomes very large. Further, when the sub-scanning system is arranged to convey the read-out system including the scanning optical system and the light condensing/detecting system in the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning system should be very firm since the read-out system is very large and a very large space is required to move the large read-out system, which adds to the cost and increases the overall size of the apparatus.
Further, when the radiation image read-out apparatus is of a point scan system in which the stimulable phosphor sheet is exposed to the stimulating light beam from pixel to pixel, the read-out time cannot be sufficiently shortened due to the response time of the stimulable phosphor sheet.
In view of the foregoing observations and the description, the primary object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image read-out apparatus which can be small in size.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a radiation image read-out apparatus which can read out a radiation image at a high speed.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a radiation image read-out apparatus in which a stimulable phosphor sheet storing thereon a radiation image is exposed to stimulating light and stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon stimulation by the stimulating light is detected and an image signal representing the radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet is obtained by photoelectrically converting the stimulated emission, the radiation image read-out apparatus characterized by having
a read-out system comprising an array of a plurality of read-out heads, each comprising a stimulating light source which projects the stimulating light onto the stimulable phosphor sheet and a photodetector which detects the stimulated emission, and
a conveyor system which conveys the stimulable phosphor sheet and the read-out system relative to each other in a direction intersecting the direction of the array of the read-out heads.
The conveyor system may move one of the stimulable phosphor sheet and the read-out system or both of them, though it is preferred from the viewpoint of reducing the overall size of the radiation image read-out apparatus that the conveyor system moves the read-out system with the stimulable phosphor sheet kept stationary.
In the read-out system, the read-out heads may be arranged either linearly or two-dimensionally. That the read-out heads are linearly arranged means that the read-out heads are arranged in a row so that the read-out scanning lines of the respective read-out heads (the lines along which the stimulating light beams are caused to scan the stimulable phosphor sheet in the respective read-out heads) are substantially aligned with each other on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and that the read-out heads are two-dimensionally arranged means that the read-out heads are arranged in a plurality of rows so that the read-out scanning lines of the respective read-out heads form a plurality of substantially parallel lines on the stimulable phosphor sheet. In the latter case, the read-out heads may be arranged so that the read-out scanning lines of the respective read-out heads are arranged in a zigzag pattern on the stimulable phosphor sheet.
The xe2x80x9cdirection of the array of the read-out headsxe2x80x9d means the direction in which the row or the rows of the read-out heads extends, and xe2x80x9ca direction intersecting the direction of the array of the read-out headsxe2x80x9d means any direction which intersects the direction of the array of the read-out heads without limited to the direction normal to the direction of the array of the read-out heads.
The read-out system may include at least two read-out heads so long as the sum of the read-out widths (the width over which the read-out head reads out an image signal) of the read-out heads is substantially equal to the necessary overall read-out width (generally about 350 mm or 430 mm). It is preferred that the read-out width of each read-out head be about xc2xd to {fraction (1/10)} of the necessary overall read-out width.
It is preferred that the read-out heads simultaneously read out image signals, though it is not necessary and the read-out heads may read out image signals in sequence.
It is preferred that the stimulating light source of each read-out head comprises a semiconductor laser and an optical deflector. As the optical deflector, various deflectors including a miniaturized polygonal mirror, a micro scanner, an acousto-optic deflector, and an electro-optic deflector and the like may be employed. Especially, the acousto-optic deflector and the electro-optic deflector are preferable when a plurality of read-out heads simultaneously read out image signals since they are easy to control the deflecting direction. In this case, it is possible to cause the read-out heads to read out image signal in synchronization with each other by controlling the optical deflectors of the respective read-out heads so that the deflecting directions of the respective optical deflectors become substantially equal to each other.
It is preferred that the photodetector comprises a photoelectric convertor element and a stimulating light cut filter which cuts light of a wavelength near the wavelength of the stimulating light.
Further, it is preferred that the read-out system be provided with an erasing light source for erasing a radiation image stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet.
Further, it is preferred that the read-out system be provided with a read-out noise suppressing means which suppresses image read-out noise due to optical crosstalk between adjacent read-out heads.
The read-out noise suppressing means may comprise, for instance, a light-shielding member which optically prevents optical crosstalk between adjacent read-out heads, or a correction means which corrects an image signal to compensate for influence of the optical crosstalk on the image signal, or a read-out control means which controls the read-out heads so that adjacent read-out heads do not simultaneously read image signals.
Further, it is preferred that the read-out system be provided with a spacer member which keeps constant the distance between the read-out heads and the stimulable phosphor sheet. It is especially preferred that the spacer member is in the form of a revolvable roller.
Since being provided with a read-out system comprising an array of a plurality of read-out heads, each comprising a stimulating light source which projects the stimulating light onto the stimulable phosphor sheet and a photodetector which detects the stimulated emission, the radiation image read-out apparatus in accordance with the present invention may be smaller in the scanning distance than the conventional radiation image read-out apparatus which is provided with a single stimulating light source. Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention, the read-out system can be small in size, which makes it feasible to reduce the overall size of the radiation image read-out apparatus.
Further, when the conveyor system moves the read-out system with the stimulable phosphor sheet kept stationary, the necessary space can be smaller as compared with when the stimulable phosphor sheet is moved. Further, since the scanning optical system of each read-out head is smaller than the scanning optical system in the conventional radiation image read-out apparatus, the conveyor system need not be so firm and can be manufactured at low cost.
Further, since having a plurality of read-out heads which can be simultaneously operated, the radiation image read-out apparatus in accordance with the present invention can read an image at a higher speed than the conventional radiation image read-out apparatus of a point scan system.


The device and method for multiplexing cells inputted to an asynchronous transmission mode using an input buffer according to the amount of traffic. The cell multiplexing device of an asynchronous transmission mode, includes: a buffer portion which include cell buffers corresponding to input ports, for storing cells received through the input ports; counters which have the number corresponding to that of the buffers, for storing the number of cells to be stored in the buffers; a unit clock unit for determining for the counters a count unit of cells to be stored in the buffers; a selector for outputting control signals to select buffers having their maximum values by comparing the values of the counters with each other, and a unit for inputting the output of the buffer unit and multiplexing the input cells according to the control signal, wherein the generation of buffer overflow is prevented by primarily processing the cells from a buffer where the most cells are stored.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to multiplexing devices and processes generally, and more particularly, to a device and process for multiplexing cells by dynamically controlling a buffer.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a multiplexing device sequentially selects and transmits input data. A Round Robin multiplexing system is configured to sequentially transmit the data (cell) received in buffers that are provided at each input port. Typically, a multiplexing device sequentially reads the data received to each of the buffers. The Round Robin system reads and transmits the data (cell) stored in a corresponding buffer while making an orderly selection of each of the buffers. I have found however, with multiplexers using a Round-Robin system, that the cell can be lost due to buffer overflow or that buffer delay can occur when traffic concentrates on a particular buffer.
The traffic concentration at a particular buffer during multiplexing as above occurs as follows. First, concentration of traffic can occur when the traffic originates due to burstiness of the source. Second, during the internal for the routing process in the network, the concentration of traffic occurs when a plurality of incoming traffic is received for the same point of destination. Third, the traffic concentrates when the burstiness increases in the traffic due to jitter occurring due to diverse delays inside the net. Accordingly, in multiplexing devices using the Round Robin system, when the input traffic is not uniform and the burstiness becomes strong, the number of the cells being received at a particular cell will correspondingly increase. Thus, cell loss can occur due to buffer overflow attributable to the concentration of the traffic; also, cell transmission delay can occur inside the buffer. I have observed that since the use efficiency of the buffer deteriorates substantially in the event that the number of the cells received by a particular buffer is substantially reduced, multiplexing devices using the Round Robin system are not effective when the traffic is not uniform and when the destination of the traffic tends to be concentrated.
Earlier efforts in asynchronous transmission mode cell switching, such as the Supervision Control System of Yoshimura et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,396, and the Arrangement For Controlling Shared-buffer-memory Overflow In A Multi-priority Environment of Pashan, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,606, depended upon circuits that not infrequently discarded cells. Other efforts such as the Method And A System Of Control Of Asynchronous Time Communication Outputs of Boyer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,191, depended upon continuous comparisons of buffer occupancy in time division multiplexing.
Designs such as the Output-Buffer Switch For Asynchronous Transfer Mode of Kenji Yamada, U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,820, endeavored to avoid loss of cells by operating a buffer controller on the basis of a determination of occupancy ratio relative to a predetermined threshold. These designs however, seem to require an excessive number of buffers, and incur concomitant delay in transmission of the multiplexed cells.
More recent efforts in the art, such as the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) Multiplexing Process Device And Method Of The Broadband Integrated Service Digital Network Subscriber Access Apparatus, by Seung W. Shon, U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,238, for example have sought to use a complex ranking of cells using determinations of whether a buffer is full and the class order of each of the cells. Efforts to address the problems attendant to non-uniform traffic and undue concentration can not be reliably addressed however, on a classification scheme that depends in part upon the occurrence of full buffers.

Device and method for multiplexing cells of asynchronous transmission mode