A variation in brightness among light emitting portions provided in a plurality of liquid containers can be reduced to decrease power required to drive the light emitting portions, while allowing the light emitting portions to appropriately function as reporting units. Thus, to illuminate the light emitting portions provided in the plurality of ink tanks, a driving pulse for each of the plurality of light emitting portions is modulated to control rates of a light emission period and a light emission halted period during a unit time. Further, the light emission period of at least one of the plurality of light emitting portions overlaps the light emission halted period of at least another one of the plurality of light emitting portions.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a light emitting portion for a liquid container as well as a printing apparatus, and more specifically, to a method for controlling a light emitting portion for a liquid container which can individually control light emitting portions such as LEDs provided in a plurality of liquid containers, and a printing apparatus using a plurality of liquid containers comprising light emitting portions.
2. Description of the Related Art
With the recent prevalence of digital cameras, printers (printing apparatuses) have more often been connected directly to digital cameras without the mediation of PCs (Personal Computers). Moreover, card type information storage media for digital cameras have more often been installed directly in printers so that data in the information storage media can be transferred to the printer for printing (non PC printing).
As a method for determining the amounts of ink remaining in ink tanks (liquid containers) provided in a printer, a technique is well known which checks the amount on a monitor via a PC. In connection with the non PC printing, there has been a growing need to determine the amounts of ink remaining in the ink tanks without the mediation of the PC. By determining that only a small amount of ink remains in an ink tank, users can replace the ink tank with a new one, for example, before starting printing. This makes it possible to prevent a printing operation from being substantially disabled by the insufficient amount of ink before the operation is completed.
A configuration using display elements such as LEDs has been known as means for reporting such a condition of the ink tank to the user. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-275156 describes a configuration in which two LEDs are provided for each of the ink tanks integrated with a print head to illuminate at two levels depending on the ink remaining amount. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-301829 also describes a configuration in which each ink tank is provided with a lamp that illuminates depending on the ink remaining amount. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-301829 also describes a configuration in which each of four ink tanks used in the printing apparatus is provided with a lamp that indicates the ink remaining amount.
On the other hand, the need for the improved quality of printed images has led to the use of ink such as light magenta or cyan which has a lower concentration, in addition to conventional four colors (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan). Moreover, what is called special color ink such as red or blue has more often been used. More ink tanks are now mounted in printers in association with the types of inks used.
Owing to manufactural variations among light emitting portions using light emitting elements such as LEDs, the quantity of emitted light varies among the plurality of LEDs even if the same current is passed through the same circuit. Thus, if LEDs are provided for the respective ink tanks provided in the printer, the quantity of light emitted by these LEDs may vary.
The ink tank may be provided with a light emitting portion, a light guiding portion, and a display portion so that light from the light emitting portion is guided through the light guiding portion to the display portion located where it is easily seen by the user. However, in this case, manufactural variations among the light guiding portions may vary their light guiding characteristics and thus the quantity of light guided from the light emitting portion to the display portion. For example, it is assumed that the printer has a mixture of ink tanks with LEDs illuminating brightly and ink tanks with LEDs illuminating darkly and that the LEDs provided in the plurality of ink tanks are all blinking. In this case, the user may erroneously determine that a large amount of ink still remains in the ink tanks with the LEDs illuminating brightly and that only a small amount of ink remains in the ink tanks with the LEDs illuminating darkly. The users may thus determine that a variation in brightness among the LEDs for the ink tanks has some meaning. This may impair the functions of the reporting means using the LEDs.
The recent printers are also desired to consume reduced power for an ecological reason. Moreover, since portable computers called a notebook type are commonly used as PCs (Personal Computers) serving as host devices, mobile printers have appeared which can be connected to these-notebook PCs. Many mobile printers need to be driven by a limited power source such as batteries instead of a common domestic power source that can be inexhaustibly used by printers. Thus, electronic control modules constituting these mobile printers are desired to further save power.

Method for controlling light emitting portion for liquid container and printing apparatus


There is provided a multi-mode communication system which is operable according to different operating modes, such as GSM and WCDMA. The multi-mode communication system includes first and second switching units, a delta-sigma modulator, an analog-to-digital converter, sequential convolution units and a selection unit. The delta-sigma modulator samples an analog signal, which is inputted through the first switching unit in one mode, into 1-bit digital signal. In another mode, the analog-to-digital converter samples an analog signal, which is inputted through the first switching unit into an n-bit digital signal. The sequential convolution units multiply filter factors with the output of the delta-sigma modulator, which is inputted through the second switching unit at the first mode, and multiply PN codes by the output of the analog-to-digital converter, which is inputted through the second switching unit at the second mode, to generate WCDMA output waveforms. The selection unit delays the outputs of the sequential convolution units by a predetermined time at the GSM mode to restore GSM output waveforms. Accordingly, the multi-mode communication system is operable according to multimodes, such as GSM mode and WCDMA mode.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-mode communication device, and more particularly, to a multi-mode communication device which is operable in either GSM/WCDMA mode.
2. Description of the Related Art
Global System for Mobile Communications (hereinafter, referred to as "GSM") is an international standard for cellular services used in certain parts of the world. For example, GSM operates in the 900 MHz band (890 MHz-960 MHz) in Europe and Asia and in the 1900 MHz (sometimes referred to as 1.9 GHz) band in the United States. With present and future demands for multimedia capabilities for mobile phone, data and video access as well as transmission of voice in communication services, the current transmission capacity of mobile networks quickly becomes insufficient.
A universal mobile telecommunication system (hereinafter, referred to as "UMTS") is a global wireless multimedia system that provides wireless communications having very fast data transmission and provides more flexible functions to users in a form of new kinds of services. Basic requirements of the UMTS network includes higher transmission rate, the number of subscriber access, and larger capacity in the current system, and also more enhanced quality of service, wider coverage area, and a large number of supplementary services in the current mobile communication network.
Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) is a third-generation (3G) mobile wireless technology offering much higher data speeds to mobile and portable wireless devices than narrowband CDMA. WCDMA can support mobile/portable voice, images, data, and video communications at up to 2 Mbps (local area access) or 384 Kpbs (wide area access). The input signals are digitized and transmitted in coded, spread-spectrum mode over a broad range of frequencies. A 5 Mhz-wide carrier is used, compared with 200 Khz-wide carrier for narrowband CDMA.
Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) is another 3G network that can be used to transmit digitally formatted voice, multimedia or other information. As the simplest configuration of the data transmission channel, the UMTS is a telephone or a portable computer that operates almost throughout the world and provides a constant high-speed access to Internet network. The UMTS is capable of transmitting high quality video images. The UMTS system is based on the GSM system and operates at a frequency of about 2 GHz, which is higher than a frequency of a current DCS-1800 network (a 1800 MHz digital cellular system).
GSM is mostly used in Europe and Asia, and CDMA is used mostly in America, China, Korea, India and Taiwan. In an environment in which voice and data communications are enhanced and expanded in world markets, a strong demand exists from international travelers for a "universal telephone" that is operable in many nations. For example, a phone operable in multi-mode such as in GSM and/or WCDMA.

Multi-mode communication device operable in GSM/WCDMA


A rear platen is moved forward toward a fixed platen as much as the amount corresponding to a mold clamping force which is set in advance, in a state in which the toggle mechanism of a toggle type mold clamping system is contracted, to detect that a fixed mold half attached to the rear platen touches a movable mold half attached to the fixed platen. When mold touch is detected, the rear platen is moved backward as much as the amount of stretch of a tie bar which is generated from the mold touch.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mold clamping force adjustment device of an injection molding machine having a toggle type mold clamping system.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In an injection molding machine having a toggle type mold clamping system, a toggle mechanism of the toggle type mold clamping system is built between a movable platen and a rear platen. When closing the mold, first of all a movable mold half and a fixed mold half are caused to touch each other in a contraction state of the toggle mechanism. Then, the toggle mechanism is stretched and a tie bar which couples a fixed platen to the rear platen is stretched. Under such condition in which the toggle mechanism is stretched completely ("lock-up state"), a set mold clamping force is generated between the movable mold half and the front mold half by the reaction force (elastic force) of the stretched tie bar.
As above, a mold clamping force is determined based on the amount of stretch of the toggle mechanism from the time when the toggle mechanism is contracted to cause the mold halves to touch each other until the time when the toggle mechanism is stretched completely and applies the set mold clamping force to the mold halves (i.e. the amount of movement of the movable platen). Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the position of the rear platen (mold clamping force adjustment) so that the toggle mechanism is contracted as much as the amount corresponding to a desired amount of stretch to cause the mold halves to touch each other.
Examples of the conventional technologies of such mold clamping force adjustment will now be described hereinafter.
(1) Mold Clamping Force Adjustment Described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S62-220314:
A toggle mechanism of a toggle type mold clamping system is contracted as much as the amount necessary to generate a mold clamping force that is set. A torque limit is applied to a servomotor which drives the toggle type mold clamping system, and a geared motor which drives a rear platen is rotated normally. Since an output torque of the servomotor is limited, when the mold halves touch, the toggle mechanism is contracted, and the servomotor is rotated, whereby the value of the error resistor (error value) is increased. When the error value reaches a set value, the drive of the geared motor is stopped. Thereafter, the geared motor is rotated backward, the rear platen and the movable platen (movable mold half) are moved backward, and the mold is opened. Then the movable platen is moved forward as much as the amount of the error value. Furthermore, the torque limit of the servomotor is canceled, the geared motor is rotated normally for a predetermined period of time, and the rear platen and the movable platen (movable mold half) are moved forward. By determining the position of the rear platen as above, the mold clamping force is adjusted.
(2) Mold Clamping Force Adjustment Described in Japanese Utility Model Examined Publication No. H7-32024
There is provided a thermal relay for detecting excess current of a motor for mold thickness adjustment which drives a toggle support of a toggle type mold clamping system. The toggle mechanism of the toggle type mold clamping system is caused to move forward in a state where a set mold clamping force is contracted by the necessary amount to generate. When mold touch occurs, the thermal relay detecting the excess current of the motor for mold thickness adjustment is turned off. This is detected to stop the drive of the motor for mold thickness adjustment and to finish mold thickness adjustment.
(3) Mold Clamping Force Adjustment Described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-278084 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-239562:
The amount of stretch of a tie bar at the time when a toggle mechanism of the toggle type mold clamping system is driven to cause mold touch by means of certain pressing pressure is determined in advance, the amount of stretch of the tie bar is corrected, and the position of the rear platen is determined.
As described above, the toggle type mold clamping system generates a set mold clamping force by using the movement of the movable platen from the time when the mold is touched until the time when the toggle mechanism is brought to the lock-up state. To that end, the position of the movable platen at the time when the mold is touched needs to be detected accurately. If the tie bar is stretched at the time when it is detected that the mold is touched, thereby generating a mold clamping force, the mold clamping force to be generated is increased more than the set mold clamping force by that much.
In the case of the conventional technologies (1) and (2), a mold clamping force is already applied to the mold when mold touch is detected. Therefore, by using the toggle mechanism to move the movable plate as much as the amount necessary to generate a set mold clamping force, the amount of a mold clamping force which is actually generated is larger than the set mold clamping force.
In the case of the conventional technology (3) above, on the other hand, the position of the rear platen is determined so that a set mold clamping force is obtained by correcting the stretch of the tie bar that occurs at the time of mold touch. However, the motor for driving the toggle mechanism is driven in order to cause mold touch so as to obtain the amount of correction, thus a pressing force (mold clamping force) to the mold that is generated varies depending on the bending state of the toggle mechanism. Consequently, this correction amount varies depending on the thickness of the mold, thus it is necessary to measure this correction amount for every mold clamping force adjustment performed in accordance with the mold thickness, which requires time and effort in a mold clamping force adjustment work.

Mold clamping force adjustment device of toggle type injection molding machine


An expanded memory interface is shown including an expanded memory controller for controlling a plurality of memory components for an application processor external to the interface. The application processor is connected to the expanded memory controller, which is in turn coupled to at least one status port for communication between the application processor and an external processor. At least one of the status ports are coupled to the external processor which uses such status port as an interrupt register for indicating status changes to the application processor.

The terms microprocessor and microcomputer often are used interchangeably even though a microprocessor technically does not have any memory on the same chip with the processor. A microcomputer, on the other hand, includes a processor and at least some memory on the same chip. Since the present invention can be utilized with both microprocessors and microcomputers the terms will be used interchangeably herein. It is to be understood, however that use of one term includes the other unless the context indicates otherwise.
Microprocessors running application programs, such as DOS based programs, have the ability to directly address only a limited amount of conventional memory. In the case of DOS based application processors that limit is 1 megabyte (MB) of memory. This limit of memory can be expanded by using an Expanded Memory System (EMS). Such an EMS is disclosed in the "AST Enhanced Expanded Memory Specification (EEMS) Technical Reference Manual", 000408-001 A, September, 1986. A similar EMS is disclosed in "The MS-DOS Encyclopedia", Microsoft Press, Redmond, Wash., 1988, Duncan, Ray, General Editor.
In general an EMS is provided by mapping 16 KB pages of expanded memory into a 64 KB area , called the page frame, above the 640 KB memory boundary within the conventional memory. The DOS kernel does not take part in expanded memory manipulations and does not use expanded memory for its own purposes. The manipulation and management of the expanded memory is performed by an EMS controller. Typically, however, EMS memory is usually conceived as a fixed mass of RAM permanently attached to the DOS processor and controlled by a discrete realization of the EMS controller.
Extended memory (EXT) is that memory storage at addresses above 1 MB that can be accessed directly by a microprocessor running in protected mode. Protected mode operating systems, such as XENIX and OS/2, can use extended memory for execution of programs. DOS based application programs, on the other hand, run in real mode, and ordinarily cannot execute from extended memory or even address that memory for storage of data. Some microprocessors can theoretically have as much as 15 MB of extended memory installed in addition to the usual 1 MB of conventional memory address space.
Microprocessors can support three different types of memory. Conventional memory is the term used for the 1 MB of linear address space that can be accessed by the microprocessor running in real mode. Expanded memory (EXP) can be made available by mapping 16 KB pages into a 64 KB space within the 1 MB of conventional memory. Extended memory (EXT) relates to that memory above 1 MB that can be directly accessed by a microprocessor running in protected mode. The memory media can, of course, include a wide variety of structures, such as ROM, RAM, floppy disks, hard disks and others.

Expanded memory interface for supporting expanded, conventional or extended memory for communication between an application processor and an external processor


A laser puncher for punching holes on tipping paper, comprises a panel, a light guiding cylinder, a laser connected with the light guiding cylinder, and a transmission system for driving a piece of tipping paper to move in a curved manner. The laser puncher further includes at least one focusing optical head, at least one driving motor fixed on the panel, and a connecting rod fixedly connected with at least one moving optical cylinder. The moving optical cylinder is associated with the light guiding cylinder that penetrates the panel and is connected with the focusing optical head. The driving motor drives the focusing optical head to reciprocate back and forth via the connecting rod and the moving optical cylinder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a laser puncher and particularly to a laser puncher capable of punching holes on a piece of tipping paper in a curve manner.
2. Relevant Background
Tipping paper, a kind of decorative paper that is produced by printing base paper and widely used in modern industry, is a cigarette wrapping material dedicated to the packaging of the filter tip of a cigarette, belonging to a special kind of industrial paper. In order to reduce tar content, tipping paper manufacturers employ a laser puncher to punch holes on tipping papers; however, as the focusing optical head of existing laser puncher is fixedly installed, the one or more rows of hole lines formed on a piece of tipping paper are all linearly arranged. As a consequence, the tipping papers produced by different manufacturers are all similar and are therefore difficult to be distinguished.

Laser puncher for punching hole on tipping paper in a curved manner

Wuhan Huagong Laser Engineering Co., LTD


A new and distinct cultivar of Bidens plant named ‘TOP BID 11904’, characterized by its semi-upright, outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; vigorous growth habit; relatively large leaves; freely flowering habit; relatively large inflorescences with golden yellow-colored ray florets; and strong peduncles that hold the inflorescences above and beyond the foliar plane.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Bidens plant, botanically known as Bidens triplinervia×Bidens ferulifolia and hereinafter referred to by the name 'TOP BID 11904'.
The new Bidens is a product of a planned breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Bolzano, Italy. The objective of the breeding program was to develop new Bidens plants with large inflorescences with numerous ray florets.
The new Bidens plant originated from a cross-pollination made by the Inventor in Bolzano, Italy in May, 2010 of Bidens triplinervia×Bidens ferulifolia 'BID 719', disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 22,271, as the female, or seed, parent with Bidens triplinervia×Bidens ferulifolia 'TOP BID 9304', not patented, as the male, or pollen, parent. The new Bidens plant was discovered and selected by the Inventor as a single flowering plant from within the progeny of the stated cross-pollination grown in a controlled environment in Bolzano, Italy in October, 2010.
Asexual reproduction of the new Bidens by vegetative cuttings in a controlled environment in Bolzano, Italy since November, 2010, has shown that the unique features of this new Bidens plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.


A novel semiconductor device high in both heat dissipating property and connection reliability in mounting is to be provided. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor chip, a resin sealing member for sealing the semiconductor chip, a first conductive member connected to a first electrode formed on a first main surface of the semiconductor chip, and a second conductive member connected to a second electrode formed on a second main surface opposite to the first main surface of the semiconductor chip, the first conductive member being exposed from a first main surface of the resin sealing member, and the second conductive member being exposed from a second main surface opposite to the first main surface of the resin sealing member and also from side faces of the resin sealing member.

The present invention relates to a packaging technique for a semiconductor device.
As one of semiconductor devices there is known a power transistor used as a switching element in, for example, a power amplifier circuit or a power supply circuit. As to the power transistor, there have been proposed various structures, which have been produced on a commercial basis. For example, in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-223634 (Patent Literature 1) there is disclosed a surface-mounted type power transistor. In the same publication (FIG. 17 and paragraphs [0058] and [0059] in the specification) there also is disclosed a technique wherein a portion of lead terminals bonded to electrodes on a main surface of a semiconductor chip are exposed from an upper surface of a resin housing to decrease the heat resistance of a semiconductor package.
[Patent Literature 1]    Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-223634

Semiconductor device having a sealing body and partially exposed conductors


A method of detecting a silent frame at a mobile station in a GSM transmission is disclosed. The method comprises first receiving a data burst intended for the mobile station. Then, a signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) is determined for the data burst. If the SINR is below a predetermined threshold, then the data burst is determined as from a silent frame.

The most common use of the Global System for Mobile telecommunications (GSM) mobile communication system is to transmit voice. It is well known that during a normal conversation, the participants alternate so that, on the average, each direction of transmission is occupied only about 50% of the time. Discontinuous transmission (DTX) is a mode of operation in the GSM system where the base station and mobile transmitters are switched on only for those frames which contain useful information. This is done in order to prolong battery life at the mobile station and to reduce the average interference level over the "air", leading to better spectrum efficiency.
When DTX mode is enabled in communication, the received frames (one frame contains eight bursts and only one burst is allocated to one user in most conditions for GSM system) can be classified by the mobile station as either useful or silent. The useful frames carry data bits and the silent frames contain only noise and interference.
It is important to determine which frames are useful frames and which frames are silent frames. If the type of the received frame is not known, certain measurement processes in the mobile station will be erroneously based on the noise and interference of a silent frame. For example, if silent frames are not discarded, processes such as the measurement of received signal strength information (RSSI) will be nonsensical. This error will cascade into other processes such as the automatic gain control (AGC). Therefore, it is important to determine whether a received frame is a useful frame or a silent frame at the mobile station.

Method and apparatus for silent frame detection in a GSM communications system


A shifting arrangement for a synchronized motor vehicle transmission with six forward gears and one reverse gear has a longitudinally displaceably and rotatably disposed shifting shaft whose shift fingers can be introduced into mutually aligned grooves of shift tongues for the preselecting of the transmission gears. The shift tongues are pivotally connected to swinging forks which are pivotally arranged in the transmission case and, via their forks, engage in a formlocking manner in sliding sleeves of synchronizer clutches. The shifting fork of the reverse gear is fastened on a shift rod situated perpendicularly to the shifting shaft on which a guide rail is constructed for the longitudinal guiding of the shift tongues.

This invention relates to a shifting arrangement for a speed changing transmission of a motor vehicle having several forward gears that are shiftable by swinging forks engaging in synchronizer clutches and pivotally disposed in the transmission case. A shifting shaft is disposed in a longitudinally displaceable and rotatable manner in the transmission case in parallel to the bearing axis of the swinging forks.
A shifting arrangement of this type is known from the German Patent Document DE-AS 14 80 679. A shifting shaft, which is disposed in the transmission case in a longitudinally movable and pivotal manner, engages by means of a driving dog, according to a preselected position, in one of three gear shift levers. The gear shift levers are connected with two swinging forks disposed in the transmission case in parallel to the shifting shaft via two thrust rods pivotally connected to them. A third swinging fork is connected directly, with respect to the drive, with the gear shift lever disposed directly above it. By means of the rotation of the shifting shaft, the selected swinging fork is also rotated and, by engaging in a synchronizer clutch, shifts the transmission gear assigned to it. The transmission gears are preselected by the longitudinal displacement of the shifting shaft in the grooves of the gear shift levers.
It is an object of the invention to provide a shift mechanism that is more cost effective and more reliable operationally by having a reduced number of piece parts.
This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which provides a shifting arrangement for a synchronized speed changing transmission of a motor vehicle. The arrangement has a plurality of shiftable forward gears, and swinging forks that engage in synchronizer clutches to shift the forward gears, the swinging forks being pivotally disposed in a transmission case. A shifting shaft is disposed in a longitudinally displaceable and rotatable manner in the transmission case in parallel to a bearing axis of the swinging forks. Shift tongues are fastened to the swinging forks and have mutually aligned grooves. A shift finger is fastened to the shifting shaft and is longitudinally displaceable in the grooves. The shift finger interacts with the shift tongues such that by longitudinal displacement in the grooves and a rotating of the shift finger, the transmission gears ar selected.
With the present invention, the shift finger of the shifting shaft interacts directly with shift tongues which are fastened to swinging forks; additional intermediately disposed transmission parts are not required.
In an embodiment of the invention, the shift tongues are pivotally connected to the swinging forks and longitudinally guided on a guide rail which is fixedly mounted on a shift rod disposed perpendicularly with respect to the shifting shaft in the transmission case. The shifting fork for the reverse gear is fastened on the end face on this shift rod.
When the transmission is constructed with an overdrive, the swinging fork of transmission gears G5/G6 is replaced by a shifting fork which is disposed on the shift rod in a rotatable and longitudinally displaceable manner. The same transmission concept can be used for a low-cost modification to implement a normal 6-gear transmission or a transmission with an overdrive.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Shifting arrangement for a speed changing transmission of a motor vehicle


The present invention is a computerized game device or game playing method for use with objects such as balls and a generally planar surface. The game device may comprise at least two electromagnetic beam transmitters arranged to emit electromagnetic beams and at least two corresponding electromagnetic beam receivers generating signals. The game device further comprises a support for the transmitters and receivers having a surface shaped to rest stably against the planar surface, the support positioning each transmitter to emit its electromagnetic beam parallel to the other beams and parallel to the planar surface, the support positioning each receiver to receive one of the electromagnetic beams, and the support shaped to permit the objects to pass through the beams and to strike the planar surface without striking the support. The game device further comprises a game computer arranged to receive signals from the receivers and programmed to implement at least one game where performance is judged by analysis of the signals received from the receivers.

The present invention relates generally to electronic games utilizing balls, and more particularly to such games that detect where a ball bounces by means of sensors when the ball breaks or deflects an electromagnetic beam.
Visible and infrared light beams generated by transmitters and aimed at receivers are well-known as arrangements that can detect when an object or person moves between the transmitter and the receiver, thus blocking the beam from reaching the receiver. For example, elevators have long been equipped with a beam transmitter positioned at one side of an elevator door and beamed at a beam receiver positioned at the other side of the door. The elevator doors are not permitted to close whenever the transmitted beam does not reach the receiver, since it is presumed that some person or object (such as boxes on a dolly) is blocking the elevator door. Similar arrangements are used in conjunction with conveyor belts to detect when boxes and other objects are passing by a work station. Such beams are also used as burglar alarms.
Infrared beams are also used widely in remote controls for television sets and other electronic appliances. In such applications, the beams are normally broader and not so focused, since such remote controls are normally hand held. Since several controllers may be in operation at the same time, the infrared beams generated by remote controls are typically modulated with a different encoding depending upon both the appliance being addressed and also the desired function. Decoders in the television sets and the like decode the information conveyed by the beams first to determine if the information is directed to that particular television set or other appliance and secondly to determine what function is called for.
Infrared beams and visible light beams are also used in conjunction with some touch sensitive computer displays. Horizontal and vertical beams are sent from transmitters to receivers across the surface of such a display to detect any finger that touches the screen and to determine, by which horizontal and which vertical beam is broken, the approximate X and Y coordinates of the finger pressed against the screen.
Electromagnetic transmitters capable of sending beams to electromagnetic receivers have been used in a variety of games and sports activity motion tracking devices in the past. U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,182 discloses a game where the players use mirrors to selectively divert the path of laser beams towards and away from targets. U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,086 discloses a system that uses a stationary electromagnetic wave transmitter with three orthogonally-disposed antennas to detect the motion of a sensor attached, for example, to a ping pong paddle, the sensor having three orthogonally-disposed coils. U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,554 discloses a simulated gun which beams a focused beam of light at a retro-reflective target such that the beam is reflected back to a receiver also mounted on the gun if the gun is properly aimed at the target. U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,484 discloses a simulated ping-pong game where light beams are directed to the fore-hand and back-hand sides of a player, and the player must, within a given short time period, deflect those light beams with a hand-held paddle having a light-diffusing surface such that light is reflected back to a receiver whenever the paddle intercepts the beam. U.S. Pat. No. 4,192,507 discloses a shooting arcade game with multiple simulated guns and multiple targets, each target having a light sensor, each gun having a light pulse transmitter, the system using time multiplexing to determine which gun hit which target. U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,825 discloses two infrared light sources and three linear arrays of focused multiple infrared light sensors. The three linear arrays of multiple sensors, by capturing infrared light reflected off of a driven golf ball, are able to record the left-to-right positioning of the golf ball in three spaced-apart planes oriented generally perpendicular to the golf ball's outward path of travel as it travels away from a golfer and also its return path of travel after it bounces off of a target screen.

Ball bounce game using electromagnetic beams


A method and apparatus for speech recognition using latent semantic adaptation is described herein. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for recognizing speech comprises using latent semantic analysis (LSA) to generate an LSA space for a collection of documents and to continually adapt the LSA space with new documents as they become available. Adaptation of the LSA space is optimally two-sided, taking into account the new words in the new documents. Alternatively, adaptation is one-sided, taking into account the new documents but discarding any new words appearing in those documents.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to pattern recognition. More particularly, this invention relates to speech recognition systems using latent semantic analysis.
2. Copyright Notice/Permission
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings hereto: Copyright© 2001, Apple Computer, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
3. Background
As computer systems have evolved, the desire to use such systems for pattern recognition has grown. Typically, the goal of pattern recognition systems is to quickly provide accurate recognition of input patterns. One type of pattern recognition system is a voice recognition system, which attempts to accurately identify a user's speech. Another type of pattern recognition is a handwriting recognition system. A speech recognizer discriminates among acoustically similar segments of speech to recognize words, while a handwriting recognizer discriminates among strokes of a pen to recognize words.
An important advancement in speech recognition technology is the use of semantic pattern recognition known as semantic language modeling. Semantic language modeling uses the context of the spoken words to decide which words are most likely to appear next, the context referring to the domain or subject matter of the words as well as the style. For example, a speech recognition application using semantic language modeling will favor the word sequence "recognize speech" over "wreck a nice beach" when the subject matter is speech processing, and vice versa when the subject matter has to do with vacations at the beach.
In semantic language modeling, the domain and style of the spoken words is captured using latent semantic analysis (LSA). LSA is a modification of a paradigm that was first formulated in the context of information retrieval and reveals meaningful associations in language based on semantic patterns previously observed in a corpus of language representative of a particular domain and style, for example, a training corpus having to do with speech processing vs. vacations at the beach. The semantic patterns are word-document co-occurrences that appear in the training corpus, where the corpus is comprised of a collection of one or more documents that contain paragraphs and sentences or other collections of words representative of the domain and style.
The semantic knowledge represented by the semantic patterns is encapsulated in a continuous vector space, referred to as the LSA space, by mapping those word-document co-occurrences into corresponding word and document vectors that characterize the position of the words and documents in the LSA space. During speech recognition, any new words or documents are first mapped onto a point in the LSA space, and then compared to the existing word and document vectors in the space using a similarity measure, a process referred to as semantic inference. Those new words and documents that map most closely to the existing word and document vectors in the LSA space are recognized over those that do not.
A limitation in current implementations of speech recognition applications using semantic language modeling is that the LSA space is a fixed semantic space. This means that semantic patterns not observed in the training corpus cannot be captured and later exploited during speech recognition. As a result, changes in the domain of the speech, or even just changes in the style of the speech, may not be properly recognized. In the case of financial news, for example, this means that an LSA-based speech recognition application trained on a collection of documents, say, from the Wall Street Journal, will not perform optimally on new documents from the Associated Press, and vice versa. The use of a fixed semantic space is particularly deleterious in applications with many heterogeneous domains, such as an information retrieval system, since no database is big enough to contain a training corpus representative of all domains. It is also less than ideal for horizontal (i.e. non-specialized) dictation applications, because the same user typically adopts different styles in different contexts, for example the formal style of a business letter vs. the informal style of a personal letter.
Distributed training seeks to overcome some of the limitations of a fixed semantic space by creating a distinct semantic space for each usage condition. Thus, using the financial news example, there would be one LSA space for the Wall Street Journal, and another LSA space for the Associated Press. However, it is often impossible to predict ahead of time which kind(s) of text the end user will want to process, and even when that can be done, for most narrowly defined contexts and styles it may be challenging to gather enough data to reliably train the speech recognition system.
Explicit modeling also seeks to overcome some of the limitations of a fixed semantic space by including a task (i.e. domain) and/or style component into the LSA paradigm. For example, it has been suggested to define a stochastic matrix to account for the way style modifies the frequency of words (C. H. Papadimitriou, P. Raghavan, H. Tamaki, and S. Vempala, "Latent Semantic Indexing: A Probabilistic Analysis," in Proc. 17th ACM Symp. Princip. Database Syst., Seattle, Wash., 1998). However, this approach makes the assumption—largely invalid—that the influence of style on word frequency is independent of the underlying domain.
Another approach to the problem of a fixed semantic space is to re-compute the LSA space to account for the new words and documents as they become available. One way is simply to re-compute the LSA space from scratch, referred to as full re-computation. Another way is to re-compute the LSA space from scratch, but keeping the dimension of the LSA space constant, referred to as constant dimension re-computation. But full or constant dimension re-computation requires significant additional processing. The additional processing is undesirable since it consumes additional central processor unit (CPU) cycles and degrades responsiveness.
Yet another approach to the problem of a fixed semantic space is to adapt the LSA space to account for the new documents and new words in the new documents as they become available by using traditional "folding-in" to incorporate new variants in the existing LSA space, referred to as baseline adaptation. While less computationally intensive, baseline adaptation results in speech misclassification error rates of unacceptably high levels. What is needed, therefore, is an improved method and apparatus for using semantic language modeling in a speech recognition system to more accurately recognize speech.

Method and apparatus for speech recognition using latent semantic adaptation


In an approach for storing frames of a video, a computer divides a video into one or more frames. The computer identifies a frame type associated with an individual frame within the divided one or more frames, wherein the identified frame type includes one of the following: an I-frame, a B-frame, and a P-frame. The computer stores the individual frame within a corresponding storage location based on the associated identified frame type.

The present invention relates generally to the field of video processing, and more particularly to storing a video and playing the video.
Video provides an electronic medium for recording, copying, playback, broadcasting, and displaying moving visual media. Digital video represents the data for moving visual images in the form of encoded digital data that is discontinuous. Digital video utilizes a video coding format (e.g., video compression format) that is a content representation format for storage or transmission of digital video content (e.g., data file, bit stream, etc.). Video compression utilizes coding techniques to reduce redundancy in video data such as a series of still image frames. The sequence of the frames contain spatial and temporal redundancies that video compression algorithms attempt to eliminate or code in a smaller size. One of the most powerful techniques for compressing video is inter-frame compression. Inter-frame compression uses one or more earlier or later frames in a sequence to compress the current frame while intra-frame compression only uses the current frame (i.e. image compression).
With inter frame prediction, an inter coded frame is divided into blocks known as macro blocks. Rather than encoding the raw pixel values for each block, an encoder searches within a previously encoded frame, or reference frame for a block similar to the one being encoding. When the encoder locates a similar block, the current block is encoded by a motion vector, which points to the position of the matching block at the reference frame and calculates the differences (e.g., prediction error) between the two blocks that need to be transformed. The prediction error is sent to a decoder in order to recover the raw pixels of the encoded block during viewing. When a suitable match is not found, or when a possible reference frame is also encoded using inter frame prediction, in order to synchronize the video stream and reduce the chances of propagating errors in subsequent blocks, an I-frame is used which is intra coded and does not need additional information to be decoded.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

International Business Machines Corporation


A single phase induction motor having a main field winding and an auxiliary field winding provided with a phase advancing capacitor is controlled by a control unit having a timer unit and a by-pass switch for by passing the phase advancing capacitor. The main field winding is provided with a main switch operable by a relay controlled by the timer. The control unit also has a clutch detecting unit which detects the engagement and disengagement of the clutch adapted to couple the motor with a load such as a sewing machine. The timer is so set to activate the relay after a predetermined time period when the clutch is disengaged to relieve the motor of its load, whereby the relay causes the main switch to open, and the by-pass switch to close, such that the motor is operated solely on the auxiliary field winding when no load is applied, so as to save the power consumption at an idling operation.

This invention relates to a control device for a single phase induction motor, more particularly an improved control device for controlling the motor for use in driving an apparatus, such as a sewing machine, which is operated intermittently and the load is intermittently applied to the motor.
Conventionally, a sewing machine is driven by a single phase induction motor having a magnetic field circuit containing a main winding and an auxiliary winding; wherein a capacitor is connected to the auxiliary winding to advance the phase of the current passing through the auxiliary winding to facilitate the starting of the motor. The field circuit is normally so designed such that a relatively large amount of the current is allowed to pass through the main winding and thus the major portion of the torque produced by the motor is generated by the main winding. In an earlier type of the single phase induction motor, a switch is provided in the auxiliary winding such that the switch is caused to open as soon as the motor is started and its speed has reached a certain level to cut off the current supplied to the auxiliary winding, leaving the motor to operate solely on the main winding. When either one of such conventional single phase induction motors, with or without a cut off switch, is used for driving a sewing machine, a magnetic clutch is normally employed to couple the motor with the sewing machine. This is because the sewing machine operates intermittently and the motor must be disconnected from the sewing machine instantly when the sewing machine stops, and on the other hand, the motor must be capable of being coupled to the sewing machine immediately when one wishes to operate the sewing machine.
A problem arises as the operation of the motor is maintained solely by the main winding, which draws a relatively large amount of the electric current even when the magnetic clutch is disengaged and the load is not applied onto the motor; a considerable amount of the electric energy is still consumed by the motor while the sewing machine is not operating and the motor is left idling, and such an excessive consumption of electric energy tends to generate heat and noise.
In view of the above-mentioned problems with the conventional single phase induction motor, this application offers an improved control device which reduces electric energy consumption while the motor is operating under a no-load condition.

Control device for intermittent operation of an induction motor


A software-integrated disposable kit contains a series of sterile packages which hold instrumented surgical tools, surgical accessories, user input computer controlling peripherals (e.g. mouse, keyboard), markers, and a one time use digital medium. When image guided surgery is to be performed, the digital medium is inserted into the computer and the user interface is displayed. The digital medium stores a portion of the software which, in combination with software on the computer, provides all of the software necessary for full user functionality (e.g. display diagnostic image information, tracking surgical instruments, superimposition of surgical tools). At the end of a surgical procedure, the digital medium is deactivated or encrypted and the used surgical tools are then disposed of without reuse. The system allows the user to save relevant information obtained from the surgery (e.g. images, notes) on the digital medium which is encrypted against reuse and archived.

The present invention relates to the art of image guided surgery. It finds particular application in conjunction with neurosurgical and orthopedic procedures and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention is equally applicable to a wide range of image guided surgical applications in humans as well as veterinary applications.
Heretofore, images of a region of a patient in which surgery is planned have been made using magnetic resonance imaging systems, computed tomography, or other similar imaging modalities. These techniques generate a substantial amount of data, which is then manipulated through software to provide three-dimensional guidance within the imaged region. Typically, to facilitate diagnoses and treatment through image guidance, this data is manipulated using a computer supplemented with other specialized computer hardware to display selected views during surgery, e.g., orthogonal views, slices, perspective renderings, or the like.
Acquired images used for image guided surgery typically use anatomical reference markers which are commonly imaged with the patient. At the surgical site, acoustic, infrared, video camera, or other tracking technologies are utilized to determine the location of the markers relative to the patient and the surgical site. Additional computer software is provided to register the coordinate system of the markers, hence the patient, with the image(s). Thereafter, the same system is used to monitor the current position of surgical tools instrumented with similar markers, and coordinate their position in physical space with their position in the image(s). In this manner, the current position of the tool or probe relative to obscured portions of the patient's anatomy is readily determined. This facilitates implementing minimally invasive techniques by allowing the surgeon to use the acquired image(s) to see below the visible surface of the patient. For example, the surgeon can use the software's graphic user interface to mark the entry point and proposed trajectory of a pedicle screw on a patient's spine. The marked image(s) can then be used to enable the surgeon to follow the trajectory created below the surface with the instrumented surgical tool to be sure that the screw will not impinge the spinal cord and that it will engage sufficient bone to anchor properly, and the like.
In prior image guided surgery systems, different tools have been used for different portions of the human anatomy. To accommodate the use of different tools, the surgeon typically needs to calibrate the tool to the system. That is, the system needs to know the length, diameter, distances between various portions of the tool and the markers mounted on the tool, relative locations of markers and a tool axis, and the like. Prior image guided surgery systems did not allow use of non-instrumented or standard surgical tools. Also, in prior image guided surgery systems, as new tools are developed or as tools are modified, information about the tools loaded into the system must be reloaded on the entire installed base. Similar reinstallation problems occur when improvements are made to the software.
Prior image guided surgery systems also relied on reusable surgical tools. This has several drawbacks. First, with use, tools with cutting edges become dull. Second, since the tools are sterilized between uses, infection to the patient is possible due to a potential failure of the sterilization procedure.
Typically, image guided surgery systems are universal, i.e., applicable to any portion of the human anatomy that can be clearly imaged with reference markers. Computer software is provided to handle the imaging and alignment needs in virtually any region of the human anatomy. In some instances, the image guided surgery software is incorporated directly into the diagnostic imaging device. In other instances, additional expensive hardware is provided separately.
Prior image guided surgery systems have also relied on a capital equipment sales model, which has resulted in limited market acceptance. Prior image guided surgery systems have been large in size and cost-prohibitive for most. The shipping logistics has been expensive and cumbersome.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved method for image guided surgery, which overcomes the above-referenced problems and several others.

Digital minimally invasive surgery system


Techniques are disclosed for multi-modal identification that utilize a classifier combination framework. One embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-modal identification system that includes a collection of classifiers that classify feature streams derived from audio and/or video sources. A classifier combination scheme is used to combine the classifier outputs having varying degrees of confidence, but in a robust way by using a confidence-based weighting scheme that operates on a “per-class” basis, rather than (or in addition to) the traditional “per-classifier” basis. The system can be distributed across several machines running independent feature classifiers on the subscription basis.

Multi-modal identification systems have been growing in popularity over the years, particularly for their relevance to applications in-unconstrained environments (e.g., robotics or video surveillance). Multi-modal refers to multiple sources of data from which identification can be made. The sources of data can be different features of an entity to be identified.
For example, a person can be identified by a number of features, including face, height, body shape, gait, voice, etc. However, the features are not equal in their overall contribution to identifying a person. For instance, face and voice features can be highly discriminative in the identification process, while other features, such as, gait or body shape are only mildly discriminative. Even though high recognition rates can be achieved when classifying more discriminative features, such features are typically observed relatively rarely. For example, in a surveillance video sequence the face image can only be used if the person is close enough and is facing the camera. Similarly, a person's voice can only be used when the person actually speaks. In contrast, less discriminative features tend to be plentiful.
In pattern recognition, multiple classifiers can be used in order to improve the recognition rate of a given classification system. Many comparisons have been made between alternative combination rules, such as sum and product rules. In particular, the product rule is optimal when the classifiers in the ensemble are correlated, while the sum (or mean) rule is preferred if they are not. Rank order statistics rules (e.g., min/max) are more robust to outliers than the sum rule, but typically do not offer as much improvement over the error variance.
What is needed, is a multi-modal identification system that utilizes a classifier combination framework.

Confidence weighted classifier combination for multi-modal identification


Methods of improved selectively for SAM-based selective depositions are described. Some of the methods include forming a SAM on a second surface and a carbonized layer on the first surface. The substrate is exposed to an oxygenating agent to remove the carbonized layer from the first surface, and a film is deposited on the first surface over the protected second surface. Some of the methods include overdosing a SAM molecule to form a SAM layer and SAM agglomerates, depositing a film, removing the agglomerates, reforming the SAM layer and redepositing the film.

As the design of semiconductor devices evolve, precision material manufacturing in the semiconductor industry has entered an era of atomic scale dimensions. At the atomic scale, with only tens of atoms at stake, there is no margin for error, i.e., every atom matters. This unprecedented challenge demands new material processing techniques which have atomic level precisions. However, increasing complexity of the process flow required in atomic scale device manufacturing can significantly increase the cost of manufacturing.
Selective deposition technology offers the potential for chemically-selective atomic-layer precision in semiconductor film patterning. Selective deposition also offers the potential for simpler process flows by eliminating lithography or other process steps.
One form of selective deposition, based on long-chain carbon-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), has been proposed as a method for depositing a sacrificial layer in various selective deposition schemes. A feature of selective deposition process flows based on SAMs is the degree to which a high-quality SAM can be grown on part of the structure (e.g. dielectric surfaces) without depositing any SAM on the other part of the structure (e.g. metal surfaces).
To achieve atomic level material processing and maintain low cost at the same time, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) based selective deposition technique has been developed. The technique combines the selectivity of SAM and ultra-high precision of atomic layer deposition (ALD) providing chemically-selective atomic-layer precision in semiconductor film patterning with a fundamentally simplified process flow, i.e., with high precision and low cost.
In the selective deposition flow, long-chain carbon-based SAM serves as a sacrificial layer which forms closely packed monolayer on part of the structure (e.g. dielectric films) leaving the other part of the structure untouched (e.g. metal films). Accordingly the quality of SAM film, i.e. high SAM molecular packing density on dielectric and low unwanted SAM agglomerates landed on metal, is used to achieve high quality selectively deposited ALD films.
However the SAM packing density and agglomerates compete in regular SAM deposition process. For example, a highly densified SAM film is prone to having high amounts of SAM agglomerates. As a consequence, the final ALD film could have voids or the dielectric area could have unwanted ALD deposition. Therefore, there is a need for a method to achieve high SAM density and minimize or eliminate SAM agglomerate to enable the high quality growth of subsequent ALD layer.
Additionally, SAM molecules deposited on unwanted areas of the structure can substantially degrade the quality of electrical devices formed by depositing films over these unwanted SAMs. Having a high degree of differentiation between the areas where SAM adsorption is targeted is a factor in the success of this integration flow. Therefore, methods are needed to clean the area where unwanted SAM has been deposited and enable the high quality growth of a subsequent layer.

Methods for enhancing selectivity in SAM-based selective deposition


A phase shifter includes a radio frequency input transmission line, a radio frequency output transmission line, and a first branch and a second branch coupled in parallel between the radio frequency input transmission line and the radio frequency output transmission line, the first branch includes first switch components and first transmission lines coupled in series, and the second branch includes a second transmission line including a first terminal coupled to the radio frequency input transmission line and a second terminal, a third transmission line including a third terminal coupled to the second terminal and a fourth terminal coupled to the radio frequency output transmission line, second switch components, where one terminal of each of the second switch components is coupled to a connection node of the second transmission line and the third transmission line, and the other terminal is coupled to a corresponding grounding component.

With development of communications technologies, a communication capacity of a fifth-generation (5G) communications technology is 1000 times higher than a communication capacity of a fourth-generation (4G) communications technology. The communication capacity is improved mainly by optimizing coding spectrum efficiency, increasing a bandwidth, increasing a quantity of antennas, and the like. The bandwidth is increased from 0 gigahertz (GHz) to 3 GHz to a millimeter wave (24/28/39/60 GHz) and 0 GHz to 6 GHz. A massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology that increases the quantity of antennas is a key technology in hardware.
The massive MIMO has two typical architectures: digital beamforming (DBF) and digital hybrid beamforming (DHBF). The DHBF has an advantage of reducing a quantity of active channels of hardware. 64 transceiver (64TR) dual-polarized massive MIMO is used as an example. DBF needs 64 active channels, and one-driver-one-column DHBF needs only 16 active channels, and a quantity of channels is reduced by 75%. A difference between performance of the DBF and the DHBF is within 20%. Therefore, the DHBF is a preferred technical means for improving a price-performance ratio.
In a DHBF hardware topology, a phase shifter is between a power amplifier and an antenna. A circuit topology of the phase shifter in an existing solution is usually implemented based on a switch and a transmission line. Usually, a switched-line phase shifter may include two branches. One branch is used to implement a small transmission phase, and the other branch is used to implement a large transmission phase. A transmission phase difference between the two branches is a phase shift amount of the phase shifter. A length of the transmission line is usually related to the phase shift amount. A larger phase shift amount indicates a larger length of the transmission line, thereby causing a larger volume of the phase shifter. Therefore, how to reduce a size of the phase shifter is an urgent problem to be resolved.

Phase shifter, antenna system, and communications device


An audio signal processing apparatus includes a splitting unit for splitting an audio signal of a first system and another audio signal of a second system into pluralities of frequency band components, a level comparing unit for calculating a level ratio or a level difference between each of the frequency bands of the first system and each of the frequency bands of the second systems, and an output control unit for removing frequency band components whose level ratio or level difference calculated by the level comparing unit is equal and substantially equal to a predetermined value from at least one of the first and second systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an audio signal processing apparatus and a method for processing audio signals in such a manner that audio signals corresponding to predetermined sound sources are removed from time-sequential audio signals of first and second systems, wherein the time-sequential audio signals are constituted of audio signals from a plurality of sound sources.
2. Description of the Related Art
Phonograph records and compact disks record sound as stereo audio signals of left and right channels. The audio signals of the left and right channels are often generated from a plurality of sound sources. Often, the levels of the stereo audio signals in each channel are differed so that, when the stereo audio signals are played using two speakers, sound images of the sound sources are localized at positions between the speakers.
For example, if signals S1 to S5 from five sound sources 1 to 5, respectively, are recorded as a left-channel audio signal SL and right-channel audio signal SR, the signals S1 to S5 may be additively mixed within the audio signal SL and SR at different levels so that the audio signal SL and SR are represented as:SL=S1+0.9S2+0.7S3+0.4S4 andSR=S5+0.4S2+0.7S3+0.9S4.
If the above-described typical stereo audio signals of two channels include a singing voice and instrumental music, by removing the singing voice from the audio signals, the instrumental music having the singing voice removed can be used for a karaoke machine.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of such a singing-voice removing apparatus. In stereo music, the singing voice is normally localized in the middle of the other sounds of the left and right channels. Therefore, the singing voice can be removed from the stereo audio output by subtracting the left-channel audio signals from the right-channel or vice versa in the singing-voice removing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 18.
In FIG. 18, the above-described principle is only applied to the audio band for the singing voice. The left-channel audio signal SL and the right-channel audio signal SR are sent to a subtracting circuit 1 and to band-stop filters 2 and 3 for removing frequency band components corresponding to the audio band for the singing voice (for example, 300 Hz to 5 kHz). Then, the result of subtracting the left-channel audio signals from the right-channel or vice versa output from the subtracting circuit 1 is sent to a band-pass filter 4 for separating the frequency band components corresponding to the audio band for the singing voice.
The output signal from the band-stop filter 2 and the output signal from the band-pass filter 4 are added at an adding circuit 5 to obtain a left-channel output signal SOL not including the audio components corresponding to the singing voice. The output signal from the band-stop filter 3 and the output signal from the band-pass filter 4 are added at an adding circuit 6 to obtain a right-channel output signal SOR not including the audio components corresponding to the singing voice.
For further details, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-354299.

Audio signal processing apparatus and method for the same


Operations of a communication network may include receiving an initiating communication from an initiating device directed to a network administration application, wherein the initiating communication includes an identification of the initiating device and an identification of the network administration application. A target device for which action is being requested may be identified by the initiating device, and a command communication may be transmitted from the network service application to a subscriber line providing service for the target device. More particularly, the command communication may include the identification of the initiating device, an identification of the target device, and a code identifying the action being requested by the initiating communication. Related systems and computer program products are also discussed.

Various services may be offered by a public switched telephone network. A public switched telephone network, for example, may offer services such as call forwarding and/or voice mail for subscribers to the telephone network. Each such service, however, may require operation of a different network application so that a user may need to contact different applications to obtain status of and/or change status of different network services. Moreover, different human operator(s) may be required to administer status queries and/or changes for each of the different network services. Accordingly, costs of maintenance and/or human operators for different network applications may increase with the addition of new services.

Methods of operating communication networks including command communications with identifications of target lines/devices and initiating devices, and related systems and computer program products


A method for manufacturing a multi-layer circuit board includes steps of: providing three copper clad laminates; forming trace layers in each copper clad laminate by selectively removing portions of copper layer of each copper clad laminate to obtain three first circuit substrates; laminating a dielectric layer on two of the first circuit substrates to obtain two second circuit substrates; forming a metal bump on the trace layer he other one of the three first circuit substrate to obtain a third circuit substrate; stacking and laminating the third circuit substrate between the two second circuit substrate to obtain a multi-layer circuit board.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to circuit board technology, and particularly to a multi-layer circuit board and method for manufacturing the multi-layer circuit board.
2. Description of Related Art
To accommodate the development of miniaturized electronic products with multiple functions, multilayer printed circuit boards are widely used due to their characteristics such as lightness and high-density interconnectability.
Multilayer printed circuit boards are manufactured by using a typical sheet-by-sheet process. First a core substrate is provided, and an inner electrically conductive trace layer is formed on the core substrate. Second, an adhesive layer and a first electrically conductive layer such as a copper foil are sequentially laminated onto the core substrate. Third, a blind hole is formed in the adhesive layer and the first electrically conductive layer. Fourth, a first electrically conductive trace layer is formed by selectively etching the first electrically conductive layer, and a plated metal layer is formed in the blind hole to form a blind via, thus the first electrically conductive trace layer electrically communicates to the inner electrically conductive trace layer by the blind via. Afterwards, another adhesive layer and a second electrically conductive layer are sequentially laminated onto the first electrically conductive trace layer, another electrically conductive trace layer is formed by selectively etching the second electrically conductive layer, and another blind via is formed to electrically communicates the second electrically conductive layer and the first electrically conductive layer. Thus, a multilayer printed circuit board is obtained. However, only one electrically conductive layer can be laminated at one time. Thus, the process for making the multilayer printed circuit board is too long, and a cost for manufacturing the multilayer printed circuit board is too high.
What is needed, therefore, is a multi-layer circuit board and method for manufacturing the multi-layer circuit board to overcome the above-described problems.

Method for manufacturing a multi-layer circuit board


Biocompatible hydrogels, for: scaffoldings for tissue engineering; cell encapsulation matrices; injectable bulking materials for cosmetic and functional restorations; controlled release matrices; gene delivery vehicles; immunoprotection matrices; immobilization materials; food additives; medical gels; conductive electrode gels; lubricious coatings; film forming creams; membranes; superabsorbents; hydrophilic coatings; and wound dressings. The hydrogels include: at least one water-soluble polymer/copolymer; and at least one slow and/or fast dissolving and/or releasing divalent and/or multivalent cation-containing compound. At least one of the monomers is an acid, and/or contains an acid group or a derivative thereof. Such monomer reacts with the cations to form a three-dimensional ionically crosslinked hydrogel composition. A method for preparing such a composition comprises the step of controlling a rate of gel formation by varying at least one of: solubility of the cation containing compounds; cation concentration; mixture of cation containing compounds; polymer concentration; gelation temperature.

The invention relates in general to hydrogel compositions. More particularly, the present invention relates to ionically crosslinked hydrogels and a method for preparing and adjustably controlling the rate of gelation of the same.
Hydrogels are insoluble, hydrophilic water-containing gels, which are made from water-soluble polymers. See, for example, J. I. Kroschwitz, Concise encyclopedia of polymer science and engineering, New York: Wiley. xxix, 1341 (1990); and H. F. Mark and J. I. Kroschwitz, Encyclopedia of polymer science and engineering, 2nd ed. New York: Wiley. v. (1985). Hydrogels have received significant attention in the past three decades because of their high promise in biomedical applications. See, for example, N. A. Peppas, Hydrogels in medicine and pharmacy, Boca Raton, Fla.: CRC Press. (1986); and B. D. Ratner, Biomaterials science: an introduction to materials in medicine, San Diego: Academic Press. xi, 484 (1996). Their biocompatibility makes them widely used in the food industry, clinical medicine, pharmaceutical industry, and biomedical research. Food additives, contact lenses, blood contact materials, controlled release formulations, wound dressings, bioadhesives, membranes, superabsorbents, cell encapsulation and immunoisolation materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds are some of the examples. See, for example, P. Aebischer, E. Buchser, J. Joseph, J. Favre, N. de Tribolet, M. Lysaght, S. Rudnick, and M. Goddard, xe2x80x9cTransplantation in humans of encapsulated xenogeneic cells without immunosuppression: A preliminary reportxe2x80x9d. Transplantation, 58(11): 1275-1277 (1994); L. J. Suggs, E. Y. Kao, L. L. Palombo, R. S. Krishnan, M. S. Widmer, and A. G. Mikos, xe2x80x9cPreparation and characterization of poly(propylene fumarate-co-ethylene glycol) hydrogelsxe2x80x9d. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 9(7): 653-666 (1998); and A. Atala, L. Cima, W. Kim, K. Paige, J. Vacanti, A. Retik, and C. Vacanti, xe2x80x9cInjectable alginate seeded with chondrocytes as a potential treatment for vesicoureteral reflux.xe2x80x9d J Urol, 150(2 Pt 2): 745-747 (1993).
In one prior attempt at making and using hydrogels, sodium alginate was dissolved in water. If cells, proteins or the like were to be included, they were then mixed into the alginate/water solution. The alginate solution was then dripped (via a syringe or the like) into a CaCl2 solution. The outer surface of the alginate solution drop would immediately react with calcium ions to form a bead having a crosslinked outer surface. There are several drawbacks inherent in this procedure. First, the rendered structure is limited to beads having no uniformity, ie. there is no internal structurexe2x80x94the beads simply have a liquid interior with a hardened, crosslinked outer surface. This would lead to structurally non-homogeneous and mechanically weak alginate gels with undefined dimensions. Second, the rate of gelation is extremely fast and uncontrollable, which is undesirable in applications requiring slower and/or controllable gelation rates.
In other prior attempts at making and using hydrogels, harmful chemical crosslinking reagents were used. However, these reagents are toxic to cells and/or biosystems, and cannot be used for or with such cells and/or biosystems.
In yet another attempt at making and using hydrogels, alginate gels were proposed for use as impression material in dentistry. In this method, because alginates in and of themselves are so weak, about 50% ceramic powder is mixed with the alginate. Phosphate is then added as a retarder to the alginate/ceramic powder mixture in order to slow down the very fast reaction of the calcium ions with the alginate. The calcium ions from dissolved CaCl2 react first with the phosphate, then the remaining calcium ions react with the alginate. However, drawbacks also exist in this method. Cells and the like cannot be incorporated into a gel including ceramic powderxe2x80x94cells and the like need a pure, clear gel in order to live and grow. Further, the use of phosphate as a reaction retarder greatly weakens the strength of the gel.
As can readily be appreciated, the need exists for, and it is an object of the present invention to provide structurally homogeneous and mechanically strong hydrogels having defined dimensions. It is another object of the present invention to provide such hydrogels wherein the rate of gelation is selectively variable and controllable.
The present invention addresses and solves the above-mentioned problems and meets the enumerated objects and advantages, as well as others not enumerated, by providing a biocompatible hydrogel composition, consisting essentially of:
at least one water-soluble polymer formed by polymerization of one or more monomers, the polymer being present in a predetermined concentration;
at least one of: a slow dissolving divalent or multivalent cation-containing compound; a slow releasing divalent or multivalent cation-releasing compound; a fast dissolving divalent or multivalent cation-containing compound; and a fast releasing divalent or multivalent cation-releasing compound, the at least one cation containing/releasing compound being present in a predetermined concentration;
wherein at least one of the monomers is selected from the group consisting of acids, monomers containing an acid group, monomers containing a derivative of an acid, and mixtures thereof, wherein the at least one monomer reacts with the divalent or multivalent cations to form ionic crosslinks intermolecularly among polymer chains to form an ionically crosslinked hydrogel composition at a gelation rate;
and wherein at least one of the concentration of the cation-containing/releasing compound and the concentration of the polymer substantially controls the gelation rate.
A method for preparing such an ionically crosslinked hydrogel composition comprises the step of controlling a rate of gel formation of the hydrogel composition by varying at least one of solubility of the cation containing compounds, cation concentration, mixture/ratio of cation containing compounds, polymer concentration, and gelation temperature.

Ionically crosslinked hydrogels with adjustable gelation time

The Regents of the University of Michigan


A wire mesh filter screen has a flat disc shape and is seated on a flat bottom counterbore in a threaded fitting. A circular knife edged punch pierces a ring of material from the counterbore wall surrounding the disc periphery. A second flat punch axially deforms the ring over the disc periphery to securely retain the screen in the fitting.

The present invention relates to fluid flow filters, and particularly filters of the screen type which are inserted or assembled into a flow passage for filtering particles of a predetermined minimum size from entering the flow passage. The present invention relates particularly to filtering particles from entering the flow port of a gas valve, for example the type of valve employed for controlling flow of fuel gas to a burner.
Fuel burner gas valves commonly employ a very fine mesh wire screen in the flow port thereof to prevent foreign particles from entering the valve and becoming lodged on the valve seat to prevent sealing of a valve member thereon and corresponding leakage. In providing filter screens in the flow passage for gaseous fluid, problems have been encountered in installing and securing the screen in such a manner as to prevent easy removal of the screen. Heretofore, it has been common practice to form the screen into a cupped configuration with a rolled edge which may then be pressed with an interference fit on the rolled edge into the outlet port of the valve. However, this procedure can result in small slivers of metallic material entering the valve during the screen installation and becoming lodged between the resilient valve member and the valve seat, thereby causing leakage. With reference to FIG. 7 of the drawings, it has also been known to provide a cupped filter screen, and to retain the screen by reversing and deforming metal tabs over the cupped end to prevent removal of the screen. However, neither of the aforesaid known techniques of screen installation have been proven to be sufficiently tamper resistant as to prevent ready removal of the screen when clogged.

Fluid flow filter and method of making same


Provided are techniques that include operating a spiral contactor. The techniques include receiving, by a spiral contactor, a first fluid, and receiving a second fluid, wherein the first fluid is different than the second fluid. The techniques also include exchanging the first fluid and the second fluid using the spiral contactor, and outputting a deoxygenated fluid from the spiral contactor, wherein the deoxygenated fluid has a lower oxygen concentration than the first fluid.

The present invention generally relates to deoxygenation systems, and more specifically, to fuel deoxygenation with a spiral contactor.
In today's environment, many vehicles and aircraft rely on fuel as the primary source used in combustion engines. Fuel stabilization technologies require the removal of the dissolved oxygen for optimum performance. In addition, fuel stabilization will be required on next-generation aircraft in order to meet performance and operability targets as thermal loads increase while fuel flow decreases.

Fuel deoxygenation with a spiral contactor


An idle mode counting procedure for Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) systems operating in accordance with a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication specification includes sending an idle mode downlink message with an idle mode counting request identifying a PTM compatible service. The idle mode downlink message can be received by wireless communication devices in idle mode and includes an idle mode counting request identifying a PTM compatible service. Idle mode counting request response messages are received from wireless communication devices where the idle mode counting request response messages are transmitted by wireless communication devices that were in the idle mode at the time the downlink message was sent. Each idle mode counting request response message indicates that the communication device sending the idle mode counting request response message should be counted for the PTM compatible service.

Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) is a Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) interface specification designed to provide efficient delivery of broadcast and multicast services within 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) cellular networks. Examples of MBMS interface specifications include those described in Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Long Term Evolution (LTE) communication specifications. For broadcast transmission across multiple cells, the specifications define transmission over single-frequency network configurations. Intended applications include mobile TV, news, radio broadcasting, file delivery, emergency alerts, and others. When services are broadcasted by MBMS, all cells inside an MBSFN (Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency Network) area transmit the same MBMS service.
Users access these services and obtain the MBMS content through wireless communication devices such as cellular phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices with wireless transceivers that communicate with the base stations within the communication system. The base stations, sometimes referred to as eNodeBs or eNBs, provide wireless services to the wireless communication devices, sometimes referred to as user equipment (UE), within cells.
The wireless communication devices (UEs) may be in one of at least two modes including a connected mode and an idle mode. A UE is in Connected Mode when an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection has been established. If no RRC connection is established, the UE is in the idle mode. Therefore, the connected mode comprises an established Radio Resource Control (RRC) Connection while there is no established RRC Connection in the idle mode.
When in the Connected Mode, the UE performs functions such as 1) monitoring a Paging channel and/or System Information Block Type 1 contents to detect system information change, for ETWS capable UEs, ETWS notification, and for MBMS capable UEs, CMAS notification; 2) monitoring control channels associated with the shared data channel to determine if data is scheduled for the UE; 3) providing channel quality and feedback information; 4) performing neighboring cell measurements and measurement reporting; 5) Acquiring system information; and 6) receiving MBMS services via MBSFN.
Communication between the UE and an eNodeB is more limited in the idle mode. In idle mode, the UE receives signals from a selected eNodeB including system information. The UE performs cell measurements to select and reselect cells (eNodeBs). The UE controls its own mobility between cells. In other words, handovers from cell to cell are performed by the UE and not directed by the network. The UE switches from idle mode to Connected Mode by establishing an RRC connection which is performed by first accessing the network on a control channel of the cell from which the UE is receiving information. In most situations, the network is aware of a set of tracking areas where the UE is located. When the network receives a call for the registered UE, the network sends a "paging" message for the particular UE on the control channels of all the cells in the set of tracking areas associated with the UE. The UE receives the paging message because it is tuned to the control channel of a cell in one of the registered tracking areas. The UE can respond on that control channel. In the idle mode, the UE receives emergency notifications such as Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) and Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) notifications. As in the connected mode, the UE can receive MBMS service via MBSFN in the idle mode.
A user can access at least some multimedia services through a UE using either a Point-to-Point (PTP) connection or a Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) transmission. PTP services are provided using Unicast techniques and PTP transmissions are performed using MBMS communication in 3GPP systems. Accordingly, a PTM compatible service can be provided using either Unicast service or MBMS. In order to avoid inefficient use of resources, current specifications and proposals include provisions for tracking and evaluating the number of UEs in connected mode that have been characterized by the network, at least for resource management purposes, as UEs that will receive the PTM compatible service.

Multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) idle mode counting procedure


A disposable toothbrush having an edible toothpaste preapplied. The toothbrush can be made so as to be adjustable in length.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disposable toothbrush having an edible toothpaste composition.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Toothbrushes have been designed that can be used for a single use. These disposable toothbrushes have eliminated the need for a separate tube of toothpaste by incorporating in or on the toothbrush a sufficient amount of toothpaste.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,756 discloses a disposable toothbrush having a flavored toothpaste composition bonded to the bristles of the toothbrush. The process involves the chemical grafting and polymerizing of selected monomers and prepolymers to the bristles via a free radical mechanism. When the toothpaste is brought into contact with an aqueous medium, such as saliva in the oral cavity, the toothpaste dissolves thereby releasing the desired flavor to the teeth and oral cavity.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,764 discloses a combination absorbent applicator, wipe for teeth and oral applicator comprising a sheath having a closed distal end and an open proximal end for receipt of a finger. An abrasive absorbent pad is on an exterior surface and can be applied to teeth, gums, tongue and lips for cleaning and treatment.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,068,941, 5,107,562, 5,213,428 and 5,287,584 are all directed to a finger toothbrush. The '562 patent and the '428 patent describe disposable finger mounted toothbrushes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,009 discloses a disposable toothbrush having a supply of dehydrated toothpaste adhered to a bristle portion .
U.S. Pat. No. 2,649,959 discloses a toothbrush package in which the bristles of a portable toothbrush are coated with a mass of dried toothpaste.
None of the above prior art inventions solve the problem of using a toothbrush without having to rinse out the toothpaste.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,952,867 discloses a disposable cleaning apparatus including a sealed package having a first and second separate compartments. The first compartment includes ingestible toothpaste for cleaning the teeth which can be swallowed without causing any unpleasantness and therefore does not require mouth rinsing or available water facilities. The second compartment includes an applicator having an opening and is sized and shaped for insertion over a finger whereby the teeth may be brushed by the finger after applying the toothpase to the applicator. This device does not use a tooth brush, but uses the finger to brush the teeth.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an individually wrapped, inexpensive disposable toothbrush having an edible toothpaste composition distributed over the bristles of the toothbrush.

Disposable toothbrush having an edible toothpaste composition


An electrically pumped semiconductor laser is provided as including a waveguide structure disposed on the substrate. An optical coupling layer is disposed on the substrate and the waveguide. A resonator layer is disposed on the optical coupling layer and may be adapted to include a photonic crystal lattice having a plurality of substantially cylindrical pores extending downwardly into the resonator layer. An insulating cap layer may be disposed on the resonator layer which operatives to seal the photonic crystal lattice. A first plug filled vias is formed on a central region of the cap layer, which extends downwardly to permit a bottom portion of the first plug to communicate with the photonic crystal lattice. Further, a second plug filled vias is formed on an edge region of the cap layer and extends downwardly to permit a bottom portion of the second plug to communicate with the photonic crystal lattice.

As is known, the semiconductor industry has been trying to develop semiconductor lasers using conventional silicon and/or other Group IV semiconductor manufacturing processes. There has also been significant interest in developing the so-called system on a chip (e.g., SOC), which may include analog and digital circuitry, as well as optical networks, which may all contained in a single package on a single silicon chip. In order to realize an active optical-network-on-a-chip, it has become necessary to provide ultracompact silicon lasers. To make SOCs and other optical semiconductor devices truly practical, it is desirable to have room temperature operation as well as electrical pumping of the silicon laser diodes, which are necessarily contained on the SOCs and/or other optical semiconductor devices.
The search for electrically pumped silicon-based lasers that emit light near 1.3 and 1.55 μm telecomm wavelengths has been underway for years, with a diversity of approaches tried including doping silicon with Erbium ions, or using silicon nano-crystals; however, these as well as other approaches have not provided definitive lasing. The approach closest to success has been the forward-biased silicon PN-junction rib-waveguide device of M. J. Chen et al ("Stimulated emission in a nano-structured silicon pn junction diode using current injection," Applied Physics Letters, vol. 84, pp. 2163-2166, 22 Mar. 2004). This device exhibited stimulated emission at 1.21 μm, however, no resonator was present, the vertical confinement of light was weak, and the ridge was wide.
It would, therefore, be desirable to overcome the aforesaid and other disadvantages.

Electrically pumped Group IV semiconductor micro-ring laser

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force


A plant grow tray system comprising a plurality of trays comprising at least one upper tray and at least one bottom tray is provided. The upper tray is placed inside the bottom tray with upper tray supports between the upper tray and the bottom tray creating a space between the trays. The upper tray and the bottom tray comprise a sealing mechanism to seal the upper tray to the bottom tray. The upper tray has a corrugated profile with crest and trough portions, air holes on the corrugated surface, a drain basin, drain flange, and drain pipe. The bottom tray has an air-flow modifier, air flange, and a drain hole. The system is designed to allow air to be ducted or exhausted from the space between the upper tray and the bottom tray enabling the delivery of conditioned, fresh, or recirculated air directly to a plant.

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relates to a plant grow tray system. More particularly, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a ventilated plant grow tray system.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. Hydroponic and aeroponic methods for growing plants have gained lot of attraction with plant growers over the past few years. Research into appropriate equipment for these methods of growing plants have yielded a variety of tray like equipment in the art. The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that certain plant tray design's available in the art include single tray; tray with no active delivery of air and/or catchment for irrigation runoff; single tray with planter cups that may constraining the placement, amount, and type of plants that may be planted; and the like. It may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that most greenhouse and indoor style plant growing environments may have a problem with mildews and pest infestations that may occur inside a closed area housing the plants due to stale and humid air being trapped in dense foliage. Typical grow environment ventilation may not provide adequate fresh condition air in dense indoor style plant growing environments directly from underneath to the underside of the leaf. Generally, a large percentage of leaf stomata are found on the underside of the leaf and this is where the plants exchange gases with the environment, i.e., breath. In typical ventilation systems for greenhouses and indoor grow environments, conditioned air flows horizontally either over the top or underneath the plant canopy and may not penetrate the foliage effectively.
One can expect that the failure to have proper ventilation may result in mildews, pest infestation, and like issues.
In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.
Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.