A co-simulation design system that runs on a host computer system is described that includes a hardware simulator and a processor simulator coupled via a interface mechanism. The execution of a user program is simulated by executing an analyzed version of the user program on the host computer system. The analysis adds timing information to the user program so that the processor simulator provides accurate timing information whenever the processor simulator interacts with the hardware simulator.

The present invention relates to computer hardware simulators, and more specifically, to a system and method for the simulation of an electronic system that includes one or more target processors executing software and interacting with hardware.
Computer simulation of digital hardware systems has become a common technique to reduce the cost and time required for the design of such hardware systems. Simulating digital hardware allows a designer to predict the functioning and performance of the hardware prior to fabricating the hardware. As more and more digital systems incorporate a processor, including a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or other special purpose computer processor, there has been increased effort to develop a simulation system that includes simulating the hardware and simulating the running of software on a processor that is included in the digital system. Having such a simulation system allows a designer to test the operation of software on the processor before a physical processor is available. Thus, for example, a designer may be able to start designing a system incorporating a new microprocessor before the manufacturer actually releases physical samples of the microprocessor. In addition, a system designer designing an integrated circuit or a system on a printed circuit board that includes a processor can, for example, use the simulation system to test the integrated circuit or printed circuit board implementation, including operation of software on the processor part, and any testing interactions between the processor and the other digital circuit elements of the integrated circuit or board, before the integrated circuit or board is fabricated. This clearly can save time and money.
Such a simulation system is called a co-simulation design system, a co-simulation system, or simply a design system herein, and the environment for operating such a co-simulation system is called a design environment. The processor is called a target processor and the computer system on which the environment operates is called the host computer system. The hardware other than the processor is called digital circuitry. The computer software program that is designed by a user to operate on the target processor is called the user program.
The target processor may be a separate microprocessor with the digital circuitry being external to the microprocessor (e.g., on a printed circuit board or elsewhere in the system), or may be a processor embedded in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a custom integrated circuit (IC) such as a very large scale integrated (VLSI) device, with the digital circuitry including some components that are part of the ASIC or IC, and other components that are external to the ASIC or IC.
A design environment capable of co-simulation requires 1) the capability of accurately simulating the digital circuitry, including timing, and 2) the capability of accurately simulating on the host processor the running of the user program on the target processor, including the accurate timing of operation of the user program and of any software/hardware interaction. The first requirement is available today in a range of hardware description languages (HDLs) such as Verilog and VHDL, and simulation environments using them. It also is available as a set of constructed libraries and classes that allows the modeling of hardware in a higher-level language such as xe2x80x98Cxe2x80x99 or xe2x80x98C++.xe2x80x99 The second requirement is for a processor simulator using an executable processor model that both accurately simulates the execution of a user program on the target processor, and can interact with the digital circuitry simulation environment. Such a processor simulator should provide timing information, particularly at times of software/hardware interaction, i.e., at the software/hardware interface. A processor model that includes such accurate timing information is called a xe2x80x9cquantifiablexe2x80x9d model herein.
One known way of providing such processor simulation is to simulate the actual hardware design of the processor. This can be done, for example, by specifying a processor model in a hardware description language (HDL). Such a model is called an architectural hardware model herein, and a processor simulator derived therefrom is called a hardware architecture simulator herein. An architectural hardware model clearly can include all the intricacies of the processor design, and thus is capable of accurate timing. Since it is written in a hardware description language, it may be treated as a hardware device in a hardware simulation environment. The main but great disadvantage of simulating the operation of the processor by simulating the hardware in some HDL is the slow execution speed, typically in the range of 0.1-100 instructions per second.
Another known way of accurately simulating the execution of software on a processor for inclusion in a co-simulation environment is an instruction set simulator (ISS), wherein both the function and the sequencing of the microprocessor is mimicked in software. An instruction set simulator still executes relatively slowly, compared for example to how fast a program would execute on the target processor. An ISS executes in the range of 1,000 to 50,000 instructions per second depending on the level of timing and operational detail provided by the model.
Both the ISS and the architectural hardware model approaches to simulating software are relatively slow, and users of such environments often express frustration at their inability to run simulations at practical speeds. HDL and ISS microprocessor models limit the number of software cycles that can be properly verified on a hardware-software modeling system; a few thousand per second is all they allow. On the other hand, real systems execute 50-1000 million instructions per second or more. From this arises a disparity of a factor between about 10,000 to 200,000 in performance, so that 3 to 60 hours of simulation may be needed to model 1 second of real-time target processor performance.
One solution to the slow speed of simulating a processor is to use a hardware processor model. This device includes a physical microprocessor and some circuitry for interfacing and interacting with the design environment simulating the digital circuitry. The memory for the target processor is simulated as part of the digital circuitry. Such an approach is fairly expensive. Another limitation is due to having two definitions of time operating on the same simulation system: simulation time of a hardware simulator, and processor time, which is real time for the hardware processor. Correlating these is difficult.
Another solution is to use an emulator as the target processor model. An emulator, like a hardware processor model, is a hardware device, typically the target processor, and usually includes some memory. The emulator is designed to emulate the operation of the microprocessor. Such a processor emulator when it includes memory can execute the user program directly, but again is expensive and may require the development of external circuitry to interact with the hardware simulator simulating the digital circuitry. U.S. Pat. No. 5,838,948 describes an environment that uses an emulator for speeding up the running of a user program in the design environment.
Thus there still is a need for a design environment that operates on a host computer system which includes a mechanism for rapidly simulating the operation of a target processor.
Behavioral processor simulators are known that can run a user program on the host computer system. With such an approach, the functional outcome of the software execution is combined with the outcome of executing the hardware models described, for example, in an HDL. While such processor models can run at more than 100 million instructions per second and have reasonable functionality, they include no timing or architectural precision, for example to accurately simulate the interaction between the digital circuitry and the processor.
Thus there still is a need for a design environment that operates on a host computer system which includes a mechanism for rapidly simulating the operation of a target processor with timing accuracy and the ability to model hardware/software interaction.
One of the requirements for accurately simulating a processor is architectural precision. For example, modern processors include an instruction pipeline that enables the different stages of handling an instruction to be overlapped. For example, a simple modern pipeline may have the following 5 stages: instruction fetch (IF), instruction decode (ID), execute (EX), memory access (MEM) and write back (WB). After the pipeline is filled, the processor is capable of executing instructions five times faster than it would take an individual instruction to complete all five states. However, pipeline hazards are known that cause a pipeline to stall. For example, hazards occur because instructions that are overlapped in execution may require processor resources simultaneously, with insufficient resources available to service all the requirements of the instructions simultaneously. Hazards also may occur when one instruction is dependent on a preceding instruction, and the dependency cannot be satisfied because the instructions overlap in the pipeline. It is desired to be able to accurately simulate the operation of the user program, including taking into account pipeline effects such as hazards. Hardware architecture simulators and instruction set simulators can be specified to include these intricacies, but, as described above, such processor simulators are inherently slow. Thus, there is a need in the art for a processor simulator that can simulate a user program operating on a target processor with reasonable speed. There also is a need in the art for a design system that simulates an electronic system that includes digital circuitry and a target processor having a pipeline, the design system including a processor simulator that can simulate a user program operating on a target processor with reasonable speed. There also is a need in the art for a processor model of a target processor that has a pipeline for use in a design system that simulates an electronic system that includes digital circuitry and the target processor, the model providing for rapid simulation of a user program operating on a target processor and taking into account timing and pipeline effects such as pipeline hazards.
While sometimes it is desired to run a simulation with great precision at a high level of detail, at other times, less detail may suffice, enabling faster execution of the simulation. There therefore is a need in the art for an executable and quantifiable processor model that can be used in a co-simulation system and that models the operation of the target processor at an elected level of detail, including an elected level of detail at the hardware/software interface.
Computer networks are becoming ubiquitous, and it is desired to be able to operate a co-simulation design system on a computer network, with different elements of the design system running on different processors of the computer network to speed execution. Similarly, multiprocessor computers are also becoming commonplace, and it would be desirable to be able to operate a co-simulation design system on a computer network, with different elements running on different processors of the computer network.
Electronic systems nowadays may include more than one target processor. It is therefore desirable to have a co-simulation design system that provides for rapidly simulating such an electronic system, including simulating respective user programs executing on the target processors, such processor simulation providing timing detail that takes into account instruction timing and pipeline effects for target processors that include a pipeline.
The broad goal of the invention is a method and system for rapidly simulating on a host computer system a target processor executing a user program. One feature of the invention is providing a processor model for the target processor that operates up to the host processor speed and yet takes into account instruction timing. As an additional feature, the processor model also takes into account pipeline effects such as pipeline hazards. Another feature of the invention is such a processor model that a user can modify to include more or less detail. Another feature of the invention is such a processor model that can be incorporated into a design system that simulates an electronic circuit that includes the target processor and digital circuitry. Another feature of the invention is using more than one such processor model in a design system that simulates an electronic circuit that includes more than one target processor and digital circuitry.
Described herein is a design system operating on a host computer system and simulating an electronic system that contains target digital circuitry and a target processor having a pipeline, the design system comprising a hardware simulator simulating the target digital circuitry, a processor simulator simulating the target processor executing a user program by executing the user program substantially on the host computer system, and an interface mechanism that couples the hardware simulator with the processor simulator including passing information between the hardware simulator and the processor simulator. The hardware processor provides a simulation time frame for the design system. In one version, at significant events, including events that require the user program to interact with the target digital circuitry, the operation of the processor simulator is suspended and associated event information is passed from the processor simulator to the hardware simulator. The operation of the processor simulator then is resumed when the hardware simulator processes information and passes an event result back to the processor simulator.
The processor simulator accumulates a simulation time delay when operating, the simulation time delay determined using timing information that accounts for instruction timing including pipeline effects. The timing information is determined by an analysis process performed on the user program in accordance to characteristics of the target processor including instruction timing characteristics and pipeline characteristics.
According to one aspect of the invention, the hardware simulator passes resumption control information to the processor simulator after the most recently accumulated simulation time delay has been consumed by the hardware simulator.
The static analysis process comprises decomposing the user program into linear blocks of one or more instructions; determining the time delay for each linear block of the user program using characteristics of the target processor; and combining the linear block timing information with the user program to determine the timing information for the processor simulator.
In one embodiment, the hardware simulator runs on an HDL and at least some of the digital circuitry is specified in the HDL. In another embodiment, all or some of the digital circuitry is described to the hardware simulator in a higher-level language such as such as xe2x80x98Cxe2x80x99 or xe2x80x98C++.xe2x80x99
In accordance with another aspect, a method is described of simulating on a host computer system the execution of a user program on a target processor having a pipeline, the method comprising decomposing the user program into linear blocks, determining linear block timing information including the time delays that would be incurred executing each linear block of the user program on the target processor, and executing the combined user program and linear block timing information on the host computer system, such that the execution on the host computer system simulates the execution of the user program on the target processor including providing accurate execution timing that takes into account instruction timing and pipeline effects. The determining of the block timing information uses characteristics of the target processor, including instruction timing and pipeline characteristics, so that the block timing information takes into account instruction timing and pipeline effects. The determining of the block timing information also includes combining the linear block timing information with the user program.
One implementation described is when the user program includes statements in a higher-level language such as xe2x80x98Cxe2x80x99, xe2x80x98C++xe2x80x99, Java(copyright), ADA, FORTRAN, ALGOL, PASCAL, SIMULA, LISP, APL, and so forth. In this implementation, the step of decomposing the user program into linear blocks includes parsing the user program to determine linear block boundaries. The determining of the time delay for each linear block then further comprises cross compiling the user program to produce target code, parsing the cross compiled target code to determine the time delay for each line in each section of the target code corresponding to each linear block in the user program, and determining the time delay for each linear block of the user program from the time delays determined in the target code parsing step. The time delay determination uses characteristics of the target processor. According to a particular implementation, combining the linear block timing information with the user program produces an analyzed user program that includes instructions for accumulating the timing delay, and the executing step executes the analyzed user program on the host processor.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, described herein is a method for creating a model for simulating the operation of a target processor on a host computer system. The model comprises a processor model shell for operation on a hardware simulator that simulates activity of one or more entities of the target processor accessible to digital circuitry external to the processor. The model also comprises a software shell to provide a user program programming access to the signals accessible to digital circuitry external to the processor. Also in the model is target processor specific information for use in analyzing a user program to determine user program timing information such that when the user program is run on a processor simulator operating on a host computer system, the processor simulator accurately simulates execution as if the user program was executing on the target processor, including providing timing that takes into account instruction timing and pipeline effects. The user program analyzing process includes decomposing the user program into linear blocks, determining linear block timing information including the time delays that would be incurred executing each linear block of the user program on the target processor. The determining of block timing information uses the target processor specific information, and the determined block timing information takes into account instruction timing and pipeline effects.
In a particular implementation, the processor model shell includes an interface to hardware description language instructions such as VHDL or Verilog instructions, and the software shell comprises an interface code written in a higher-level computer language, such as xe2x80x98Cxe2x80x99 or xe2x80x98C++xe2x80x99. In another version in which the hardware simulator provides for simulating digital hardware in a higher-level language, the processor model shell includes an interface to code in such a higher-level computer language.
The determination of the time delay for each linear block includes cross compiling the user program to produce target code, parsing the cross compiled target code to determine the time delay for each line in each section of the target code corresponding to each linear block, and determining the time delay for each linear block of the user program from the time delays determined in the target code parsing step. According to this particular implementation, the target processor specific information includes information on how to parse and calculate the timing information of the cross-compiled target code.
Other features and aspects of the invention will become clear from the detailed description that follows.

Hardware and software co-simulation including executing an analyzed user program


In an imaging method for spectroscopy of nuclear quadrupole resonances (NQR) with solid samples to which an RF field having a pulse duration t.sub.p with a base amplitude B.sub.10 constant over the sample length for magnetic excitation of NQR with resonance frequencies .omega. and with magnetic moments coupled to the nuclear quadrupole moments is applied and the NQR signal emitting from the sample is time-depentently detected, the RF field is superimposed by a position-dependent field contribution corresponding to a constant gradient B.sub.1.sup.x which yields together with the constant RF field a position-dependent RF field B.sub.1 (x), for each resonance frequency contained in the detected NQR signal the amplitude including its sign is determined, the measurements are carried out at different flip angles.sqroot.3.multidot..gamma..multidot.B.sub.1 (x).multidot.t.sub.p of the excited magnetic moment, the amplitudes including their signs which depend on the flip angle are subjected to a Fourier transformation and finally therefrom the x dependent density distribution of the observed nuclei is reconstructed. The method does without applying of an external B.sub.0 field, so that it can be carried out with a compacter measuring apparatus, in which the sample can also be situated partly outside. Effects of the Zeeman splitting do not have to be taken into consideration.

The invention relates to an imaging method for spectroscopy of nuclear quadrupole resonances (NQR), especially with polycristalline, powdery solid samples whereby an RF field having a pulse duration t.sub.p with a base amplitude B.sub.10 constant over the sample length for magnetic excitation of nuclear quadrupole resonances with resonance frequencies .omega. and of the magnetic moments coupled to the nuclear quadrupole moments is applied to the sample and whereby the NQR signal emitting from the sample is time-dependently detected.
Such a method is known from an article by Matsui et al. in Journal of Magnetic Resonance 88, 186-191 (1990).
Imaging methods for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have nowadays become a standard technique for the investigation of samples producing liquidlike signals. There is also progress in the development of methods for imaging of solid materials. The principles common to all these techniques is magnetic resonance expressed by the equation EQU .omega.=.gamma.(B.sub.0 +r.multidot.G) [1]
for the resonance or Larmor frequency .omega..multidot..gamma. is the gyromagnetic ratio, B.sub.0 the external field of the magnet, and r.multidot.G the additional encoding field produced by the gradient coils.
The present invention relates to a method which is based on the second type of nuclear spin resonance, namely nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR). The attempt to produce images with NQR signals using the normal magnetic field-gradient encoding procedure can lead to severe problems. One then has to consider Zeeman splittings in the weak-field limit. For nuclei with half-integer spins I.gtoreq.3/2, for instance, the zero-field NQR line in the axially symmetric case splits into at least four lines. The splitting depends on the magnetic flux density and the angle between the magnetic field and the electric field gradient. For non-vanishing asymmetry parameters the situation is even more complicated.
Although a linear relationship between .omega. and the magnetic field applied via the encoding gradients is still valid, the usual imaging procedures using phase-encoding fail, like eg. 2DFT-imaging procedures or projection/reconstruction procedures. The Zeeman splitting depends on the orientation of the electric field gradient against the magnetic field. The consequence is an inhomogeneous broadening depending on the magnetic field i.e. on the position. The lines of the quadrupole spectrum tend to overlap or their intensities become too weak to be detectable.
Conventional imaging techniques may only be useful with single crystals with a definite orientation. One applies a weak external magnetic field B.sub.0 to the crystal and chooses the crystal orientation so that the lines are well separated from each other. A suitable line can then be used for encoding with gradients of B.sub.0. Corresponding test experiments have been carried out successfully, but the circumstances under which this procedure is applicable are rather special and limited.
In the above cited publication by Matsui et al. a NQR imaging method is described in which by applying a homogenous magnetic field gradient a further broadening of the quadrupole lines proportionally to the local Zeeman field is produced. At zero field position the line width is at the minimum. The known position-dependence of the line width is then used for imaging in NQR measuring. A disadvantage of this method is that for producing a position-dependent Zeeman field an adequate magnet, normally a high-power radio-frequency (RF) magnetic coil, is necessary. Thereby the whole apparatus is doomed to be relatively big and bulky. Moreover, the sample to be examined has to be smaller than the device, since the sample has to be totally inside the Zeeman field. Another disadvantage of the method is that the position-dependence of the line widths in the magnetic field has to be determined by additional measurements. The recording duration of these additional measuring sequences can be compared with the recording duration of the signals for the actual image reconstruction.


A mechanism for collecting grass clippings cut by a cutting unit, including a laterally extending member or rail coupled with the cutting unit, a clippings container or basket positioned for receiving clippings cut by the cutting unit, first and second laterally spaced hook members operatively coupled with the container for engaging the laterally extending member to operatively couple the container with the cutting unit, said mechanism allowing an operator standing at one side of the vehicle to disengage the nearest hook member from the rail to slide the container toward himself while the other hook member slides along in engagement with the rail, thereby facilitating removal.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to removable grass collection baskets which are attached to reel mower cutting units for receiving grass clippings, and the mechanisms which couple such baskets to the cutting unit.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known to provide reel mower cutting units with baskets or containers which are positioned adjacent the cutting unit to receive grass clippings. When the basket becomes full of grass clippings the operator will remove or detach the basket from the cutting unit to empty it at a desired location.
Various mechanisms have been provided for attaching or coupling the basket to the cutting unit so that it can be removed for emptying. One such mechanism provides a pair of laterally spaced and upwardly projecting rods or stingers which are fixed to respective left and right sides of the cutting unit. The basket includes mating openings or slots into which the stingers are received to hold the basket in position. The operator removes a full basket by lifting each side of the basket until the stingers are no longer within the slots. Some such baskets are coupled to cutting units which are pushed in front of the vehicle, and allow clearance for the operator to easily access the basket such that he can grasp each side of the heavy basket to lift and remove it from the stingers. However, some cutting units are positioned beneath the vehicle such that the operator's access to the basket is limited. When the operator stands beside the vehicle to remove the full basket from beneath the vehicle he can relatively easily remove the side of the basket from the stinger which is on the same side of the cutting unit that he is standing. But the other side of the basket is difficult to lift off of its stinger without walking around the vehicle to the other side, since the operator would have to reach beneath the vehicle from a relatively low angle to lift the basket from the stinger. The full basket is relatively heavy, and removal of the basket from the stingers can be relatively difficult due to the awkward way in which the operator must reach under the vehicle. Other conventional attaching mechanisms include hooks or brackets located at the sides of the basket, and therefore they too make it difficult for an operator to remove a full basket from cutting units positioned beneath a vehicle.
Furthermore, the position of these cutting units beneath the vehicle can make it relatively difficult for an operator to re-attach the basket to the cutting unit once he has emptied the clippings. As the operator stands at one side of the vehicle to install the basket beneath the vehicle he can easily position the side of the basket closest to him onto the appropriate stinger. However, he may encounter difficulty in aligning the opening in the other side of the basket with the stinger on the opposite side of the cutting unit.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a clippings basket and attachment mechanism that allows an operator to more easily remove a full clippings basket from a reel mower cutting unit, particularly a cutting unit positioned beneath a vehicle. It would also be desirable for such a mechanism to be easily re-attached to the cutting unit beneath the vehicle once the basket has been emptied.


An organic electro-luminescent display and a making method of the same. The organic electro-luminescent display according to the present invention includes a luminance control unit including a data sum-up unit to generate a frame data; a look-up table for storing an information corresponding to the light emission control signal to correspond to the frame data; an operator unit to generate a look-up table by using a value at the beginning step of luminance reduction, a value at the final step of luminance reduction, a pulse width of the light emission control signal at the beginning step of luminance reduction, and a pulse width of the light emission control signal at the final step of luminance reduction; and a luminance control signal driver for outputting a luminance control signal using the information corresponding to the light emission control signal stored in the look-up table.

1. Field of the Invention
Aspects of the present invention relate to an organic electro-luminescent display and a method of making the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, a variety of flat panel displays have been developed, which have lower weight and volume than cathode ray tubes. In particular, organic light emitting diode display devices have attracted public attention for having excellent luminous efficiency, luminance, and viewing angle, as well as a rapid response time.
The organic electro-luminescent display displays an image using plurality of organic light emitting diodes (OLED). An organic light emitting diode includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an organic light emission layer arranged between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. An organic light emitting diode emits light by coupling electrons with holes.
If an electric current flowing in the organic light emitting diodes is high, the organic light emitting diodes display a high luminance. If an electric current flowing in the organic light emitting diodes is low, the organic light emitting diodes display a low luminance. Therefore, grey levels are displayed by controlling the electric current flowing in the organic light emitting diodes.
For this purpose, a larger electric current is applied, if the total brightness of one image displayed in the organic electro-luminescent display is high, as opposed to if the total brightness of one image is low. The contrast of the organic electro-luminescent display is reduced, due to a smaller apparent difference in the brightness between a high grey level and a low grey level, if one image is displayed with a higher total grey level.
Accordingly, in order to solve the above problems, some display devices use of a power supply unit that produces a large flow of high voltage electric current, which increases production costs. Also, a sudden increase in the electric current may cause a driving interruption.

Organic electro-luminescent display and method of making the same


A contact connector is disclosed, which comprises an insulation body defining a contact chamber, a first pin hole, and a second pin hole, the contact chamber being defined inside the insulation body, the first pin hole and the second pin hole being defined on the front surface of the insulation body, the first pin hole being spaced apart from the second pin hole, the second pin hole extending along a first line which passes the first pin hole, the second pin hole having a width at least twice the height thereof, the first pin hole and the second pin hole being connected to the contact chamber, a first contact, disposed in the contact chamber, having at least one elastic contact piece traversing the first pin hole along the first line, and a second contact, disposed in the contact chamber, having at least one elastic contact piece traversing the second pin hole along the first line.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a contact connector (corresponding to a conventional socket or a jack) for electrically and mechanically detachably connecting a pin connector (corresponding to a conventional pin plug) which is for example a signal output terminal of, for example, an electret condenser microphone device.
2. Description of the Related Art
When a lead wire which carries a signal is directly soldered to an output terminal of an electret condenser microphone device, the heat produced by soldering is conducted to the microphone device. Thus, the characteristics of the microphone device may be deteriorated. To prevent such a problem, conventionally, a contact connector having two or more contacts therein is used. The contact connector is electrically and mechanically connected to a pin connector of the microphone device. The contact connector is soldered to a printed circuit board.
If several types of pin connectors, each having a different pitch between the contact pins thereof should be used, corresponding contact connectors each having a corresponding pitch between the contacts thereof should be also used. Thus, so far, several types of corresponding contact connectors have been produced. However, since the molds for contact connectors are expensive, the entire production cost of the connectors becomes very high.


A split deck rail system including a front railing section and a rear railing section. The front railing section may include at least two vertical posts and at least two horizontal rail segments that extend to termination ends having attachment tabs. The rear railing section includes at least one vertical post, an angled rail segment, and at least two horizontal rail segments that also extend to termination end having attachment tabs. The attachment tabs may be attached to a boom rest. For instance, the boom rest may also include tabs that the various attachments tabs can be attached to. The split deck rail system can also include corresponding deck sections that an operator can stand on. Additionally, the split deck rail may include a ladder that an operator can walk up to get to the deck sections.

High-clearance sprayers are getting larger and more complex to allow for increasing coverage in a single pass, which improves application efficiency. These high-clearance sprayers have complex product delivery and rinse systems along with other engine driven accessories and systems that need inspection and servicing. Decks are provided on the sprayer that provide walkways from rear-mounted ladders to the cab and also to provide platforms for operators to stand on while inspecting and servicing the various systems of the sprayers. Additionally, railings are arranged as outer barriers for the decks. Previously, deck railings were used that included a front railing that extends from a boom rest forward along the length of a side deck and a back railing arranged behind the boom rest at the side deck. Traditionally, the back railing had a hoop-like configuration with an end of a forward post connected to the platform and an end of a rearward post connected to a ladder bracket. A rearward end of the front railing was also attached to a movable boom rest that can be moved closer to a product tank as a transport position that provides a narrower width of the sprayer. The forward end of the front railing was also movably attached to the deck by way of a complicated railing slid mechanism with a sliding bracket that received an end of a tube of the front railing. Additionally, a pair of plastic slide washers fit on a pair of posts that were slidable within a slot in the deck. This allowed the forward end of the front railing to move inwardly toward the product tank as a transport position. Such a slidable version required fabrication of the sliding bracket and additional assembly time.


A system for a movable structured light projector may include (1) a light projector assembly that receives a light control signal and projects structured light into a local area based on the light control signal, (2) an imaging device that receives a capture control signal and captures a reflection of the structured light from the local area based on the capture control signal, and (3) an actuator, coupled to the light projector assembly, that receives an actuator control signal and moves the light projector assembly relative to the imaging device based on the actuator control signal. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Some imaging systems (e.g., camera systems employed in conjunction with virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) devices) project structured light (e.g., predetermined patterns, such as lines, spots, and so on), whether in the visible spectrum, infrared (IR) spectrum, near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, or another wavelength band, into a local area or environment. An imaging subsystem or device may then capture images of the reflections of the projected structured light from the local area. A control system may then process the images to "map" the local area, such as by determining the distance from the imaging subsystem to each lighted portion of the local area based on the geometry of the reflected light patterns perceived via the imaging subsystem. In some systems, this process is referred to as "active triangulation."
For effective triangulation, the distance between the projector and the imaging subsystem, their relative orientation, and possibly other characteristics associating the projector to the imaging subsystem are inputs for calculations that are typically performed as part of the mapping operation. Generally, small errors in the values of those characteristics may result in significant errors in the generated map of the local area. For example, since many devices that employ mapping position the projector and the imaging subsystem close to each other (e.g., to save space in the device), an error of even a few microns may serve to negatively impact the accuracy of the map. While the device may be closely calibrated, such as by a manufacturer prior to normal operation, subsequent use of the device, including possibly unintended physical shocks or impacts to the device, may change the calibrated or measured characteristics, thus lessening map accuracy.

Systems and methods for a movable structured light projector


Methods, systems, and devices for webpage domain handling are described. Some systems may include functionality for a user device to persist embedded application sessions between different webpages. For example, the user device may load a first webpage for a first domain, instantiate an inline frame (iframe) within the webpage, and run an embedded application in the webpage. Using an iframe-embedded document for a host server, the user device may store session data associated with running the application in session storage for the host server. If the user device switches to a second webpage (e.g., of a different domain) while continuing to run the application, the user device may reload the iframe and enclosed document, and may retrieve the active session data from the session storage for the host server. The user device may continue running the embedded application without interruption in the second webpage based on this session data.

A cloud platform (i.e., a computing platform for cloud computing) may be employed by many users to store, manage, and process data using a shared network of remote servers. Users may develop applications on the cloud platform to handle the storage, management, and processing of data. In some cases, the cloud platform may utilize a multi-tenant database system. Users may access the cloud platform using various user devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, or other computing systems, etc.).
In one example, the cloud platform may support customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. This may include support for sales, service, marketing, community, analytics, applications, and the Internet of Things. A user may utilize the cloud platform to help manage contacts of the user. For example, managing contacts of the user may include analyzing data, storing and preparing communications, and tracking opportunities and sales.
In some systems, a user device may run an application in a webpage (e.g., as an embedded component). The application may include session information related to the current running of the application in the webpage. In some cases, the user device may switch to a different webpage while continuing to run the application. However, if the different webpage is from a different domain, the different webpage may not have access to the session information for the application, resulting in an interruption of the application service.


A polymer composition having a reduced tendency to create a static electric charge during a molding operation is provided. More particularly, the composition contains an ionic liquid that is distributed within a polymer matrix that contains an aromatic polymer. In addition to being electrically conductive, the ionic liquid can exist in liquid form during melt processing, which allows it to be more uniformly blended within the aromatic polymer matrix. This improves electrical connectivity and thereby enhances the ability of the composition to rapidly dissipate static electric charges from its surface.

Camera modules (or components) are often employed in mobile phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, etc. Examples include, for instance, compact camera modules that include a lens barrel mounted to a base, digital camera shutter modules, components of digital cameras, cameras in games, medical cameras, surveillance cameras, etc. Various attempts have been made to use aromatic polymers for the molded parts of a camera module. Unfortunately, various problems are often experienced when attempting to form such molded parts from aromatic polymers. For example, friction between molded parts, as well as between a molded part and a collecting tray, can induce electrostatic charge, which can lead to the formation of dust particles (e.g., during transportation) if not handled properly. In certain products, such as compact camera modules, these dust particles are detrimental and can lead to significant product defects. As such, a need exists for a polymer composition that has a reduced tendency to create a static electric charge during a molding operation.


The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a heap. The heap is partitioned into at least one sub heap based on a relationship to at least one memory class of a plurality of memory classes. A memory allocation request comprising a memory class is received from a requester. A unique heap handle based on the memory class and associated with a specific sub heap is generated. The unique heap handle is then returned to the requester.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to memory management in a data processing system and specifically to a memory management scheme that is adapted to address the problem of debugging heap.
2. Description of the Related Art
Programs often wish to dynamically allocate memory from a shared dynamic memory pool. This allows programs to scale their memory usage to runtime environments. The memory pool is a dynamic pool because the amount of memory a program needs does not need to be known until runtime. Thus, memory is allocated during runtime, or "dynamically." This shared dynamic pool of memory is often referred to as "heap" or sometimes as "shared heap."
The opposite of dynamic memory is static memory. For static memory, a program may say it always uses a fixed amount of memory. That is simpler, but it does not allow the program to use additional memory.
Heap is commonly used in single threaded applications. In single threaded applications, heap memory is shared among components of the application. An application can be very large and have unrelated components that are allocating memory from a single pool. The management of the heap is done by either the applications themselves, allocating and de-allocating memory as required, or by the operating system or other data processing system programs.
The malloc( ) application program interface (API) is an example of a memory allocator. APIs are a set of routines that an application uses to request and carry out lower-level services performed by a computer's operating system. Also, APIs may be a set of calling conventions in programming that define how a service is invoked through the application.
The memory returned from malloc( ) is often shared among multiple software components. Malloc( ) is primarily a C library routine that returns number bytes and the address for those bytes to the calling routine. The malloc( ) API takes a number-of-bytes as an input parameter. This allows programs to wait until they know input parameters to request the memory they need.
The free( ) API is used to free the memory allocated by a malloc( ) call. Other languages use memory allocators that work in the same manner. For example, in the Advanced Interactive Executive (AIX) operating system, the kernel API xmalloc( ) is used to allocate memory and xmfree( ) is used to free the memory.
Bugs occur when the programs still use the memory stored in a location even though a free( ) API has occurred. Other types of bugs include using more memory than was allocated and failing to initialize memory. These bugs can cause the previous data to corrupt or overwrite the data that is supposed to be placed into the memory currently.
When heap corruption occurs in dynamically allocated memory, the results can be unpredictable and difficult to diagnose.

International Business Machines Corporation


An asset management system (100) is disclosed, and is adapted for use to rate the condition of a physical asset component, such as a roof (102), estimate the service life of the asset, and provide a basis for decisions regarding the selection of repair alternatives and/or replacement options associated with the asset. Rating and evaluation of the asset is initiated by an operator (104) performing a xe2x80x9csurveyxe2x80x9d of the asset to determine problem defects. Data representative of such defects is entered into the memory of an instrument (106) and transmitted to a central processing system (108). The central processing system (108) is adapted to allow the user to selectively review and evaluate the impact and financial feasibility of alternative repair and replacement options relating to the problems or defects associated with the asset.

The invention relates to apparatus and methods for efficiently maintaining, evaluating and managing the physical state or condition of assets and, more particularly, apparatus and methods for xe2x80x9cratingxe2x80x9d asset conditions, estimating asset service life and providing data for facilitating alternative repair/replacement decisions.
Commercial, industrial and other types of organizations must continuously be concerned about the business xe2x80x9cconditionxe2x80x9d of their organizations. Such concerns typically involve business decisions regarding sales, marketing, advertising and numerous other issues. Also, these concerns may involve relatively xe2x80x9ctangiblexe2x80x9d issues such as existing and future space requirements, future employee growth (or reduction), necessary equipment purchases and similar concerns. For purposes of forecasting space requirements, requisite employee hiring requirements and new equipment purchases, along with similar issues involving current and future growth and expenditures, various activities of differing xe2x80x9csophisticationxe2x80x9d can be undertaken.
For example, it is common for industrial and commercial establishments to undertake xe2x80x9cforecastingxe2x80x9d activities directed to prediction of future expectations as to the general economy and the economic expectations of the specific business in-which the individual organization is involved. In fact, a number of management consultant firms specialize in such undertakings. Also, various types of business forecasting xe2x80x9cmodelsxe2x80x9d have been developed in an attempt to more accurately predict the future state of the general economy and the future state of specific types of businesses. These forecasting models are often in the form of computer software packages and the like, whereby various types of algorithms are utilized to predict future economic status, based on input data comprising various financial and demographic variables. The software packages can be in the form of computer programs licensed or sold directly to business organizations or alternatively, may comprise software packages maintained proprietary and internally by financial and other business management consultants.
Such forecasting models typically utilize a number of variables in attempting to more accurately predict future business conditions. For example, a business forecasting model for a specific organization may take into account the geographic location of the business, expected population growth around the location, xe2x80x9cagexe2x80x9d of the specific business or technology in which the organization is involved, parameters indicative of future product or service demands, and many other variables. Through the use of these models, it is possible for a commercial or industrial organization to predict, within finite confidence limits, the expected growth of the demand for the organization""s products or services and, therefore, the expected potential growth (or reduction) of the organization""s business.
More specifically, financial and other business management consultants can use the business forecast to estimate future sales of the organization""s products or services, given that certain purchases of physical plant, other equipment and similar assets required for such sales are undertaken. Correspondingly, assuming certain levels of product sales or services are attained, an organization can estimate its expected revenues. Similarly, assuming certain employee growth and equipment and plant purchases, an organization can estimate future expenses relating to such items. With all this information, income, cash flow and other financial matters can be reviewed and analyzed to determine suitable activities to be undertaken by a business organization with respect to its growth.
The foregoing description of an organization""s future business concerns, and the proceedings undertaken to predict the economic future and potential business growth, are relatively well known. However, in addition to concerns about space requirements, equipment purchases, employee hiring and the like commercial and industrial organizations have other xe2x80x9cinherentxe2x80x9d items which may have a significant impact on future expenses. Among these items is the actual physical condition of existing physical plant components.
That is, the expenses associated with repair and/or replacement of currently existing physical plant components can have a significant impact on the financial status of an organization. For example, it can be assumed that a small or medium sized business organization is involved in the assembly and manufacture of a product requiring a relatively large number of machined parts which are produced at the organization""s own facilities. The facilities may thus comprise a factory or a single building of relatively large floor space. If such facilities are relatively old, significant repairs or replacement may be required of plant items such as a main heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Correspondingly, the costs associated with such repairs or replacement may significantly affect the organization""s financial status, notwith-standing that repair or replacement expenses may be amortized over the remaining useful life of the repaired or new system. That is, notwithstanding amortization, a business organization may be required to have a relatively large amount of cash available immediately for such repairs or replacement. It is not uncommon for typical business forecasting models to substantially xe2x80x9cignorexe2x80x9d required expenditures for repair or replacement of existing plant structures.
Furthermore, with respect to repairs or replacement of plant facility components, it is not uncommon for a business organization to have a number of alternative activities available which may be undertaken. Returning to the example of the HVAC system described above, an alternative to replacement of the entirety of the system may be replacement of only a selected number of individual components of the system, with less expenditures associated with such selective replacement. Still further, the entirety of the system may be repaired, as a substitute for replacement of any substantive components. Adding another layer of complexity to the repair or replacement decision process is the further alternative of selective repair of components, with deferral of other repair options. As an example, a business organization may choose only to effect xe2x80x9cemergencyxe2x80x9d repairs of system defects, i.e., repairs of defects which must be made immediately to avoid potential production downtime, or a similar deleterious events.
Each of the foregoing decisions may have significantly different impacts on the financial status of the business organization, relative to other potential decisions. In addition, some of the repair or replacement decisions may be financially unfeasible, given current budget restraints or lack of expected cash flow. Further, it is relatively easy for a financial planner to make a decision for repair of plant facility components, rather than replacement, in view of the fact that such repairs may xe2x80x9cappearxe2x80x9d to be significantly less expensive in the near future. However, if such repairs do not sufficiently increase the xe2x80x9cuseful lifexe2x80x9d of the system components, or the entirety of the plant system, the actual cost to the business organization in the long term may be substantially greater than the long-term cost of a replacement option.
A further problem exists with respect to the impact of repair or replacement decisions on the xe2x80x9capparentxe2x80x9d financial status of a business organization. For example, a business-organization may have a plant facility system, such as the aforedescribed HVAC system, currently being amortized over its useful life. Immediately following the end of its useful life, and depletion of the system as an asset on the financial records of the business organization, significant repairs or replacement may be required. However, by deferring repairs or other maintenance, the business organization may be able to show an apparent xe2x80x9cpositivexe2x80x9d effect on its financial records. That is, the xe2x80x9cexpensesxe2x80x9d represented by asset depreciation in prior fiscal years will no longer be present after asset depletion. The effect of the deferred maintenance can thus result in an apparent (and actually erroneous) reduction of organization expenses for the current fiscal year.
It should be noted that tax and other accounting governing organizations have recognized the foregoing problems, and efforts are currently being made to develop new and more realistic procedures for evaluation and depletion of capital assets. For example, accounting procedures are being considered which would require business organizations to report xe2x80x9ccostsxe2x80x9d of deferred maintenance. With the current accounting procedures, and with deferred maintenance following asset depletion, the xe2x80x9cvaluexe2x80x9d of a business organization can be potentially xe2x80x9coverstated.xe2x80x9d That is, a xe2x80x9cquick profitxe2x80x9d can be shown by a business organization merely by deferring maintenance of significant depleted capital assets.
Keeping the foregoing in mind, it is apparent that a xe2x80x9cmodelxe2x80x9d of the current xe2x80x9cstatusxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cconditionxe2x80x9d of physical plant assets would be useful in selecting among various repair or replacement options which may be undertaken. However, a first requirement for, in some manner, quantifying the xe2x80x9cconditionxe2x80x9d of a plant facility component is to develop a procedure for xe2x80x9cratingxe2x80x9d the component condition. That is, it is first necessary to determine parameters representative of the physical condition of the component. Further, such parameters must be capable of, or be based upon, physically realizable measurements.
These parameters could potentially take the form of parameters representative of specific xe2x80x9cdefectsxe2x80x9d apparent from the physical appearance of the component, or the mechanical (or, even possibly, electrical) operation of a component, if the component is a machine or like device. In any event, parameters representative of component xe2x80x9cproblemsxe2x80x9d would necessarily be required to be representative of the overall component condition.
Secondly, such xe2x80x9cproblem-representativexe2x80x9d parameters could potentially be of varying degrees. That is, assuming that a parameter relevant to and representative of the condition of a component is determined, the degree of severity of the problem parameter may have an impact on the component condition.
In addition to the requirement of quantifying the xe2x80x9cratingxe2x80x9d of the component condition, it would be necessary to further quantify the impact of the rating parameters on the future useful life of the component. That is, the effect of the rating parameters on future xe2x80x9cintegrityxe2x80x9d of the component would be of necessity. Clearly, for a model to provide a basis for decision making related to alternative repair or replacement options, the effect of the parameters on xe2x80x9cservice lifexe2x80x9d must be determined.
However, one problem associated with rating the condition of a component and estimating service life based on parameter measurements is that each parameter measurement will likely affect the impact of another parameter measurement. That is, parameters or variables representative of asset condition are typically not xe2x80x9cindependent.xe2x80x9d For example, if two different types of severe defects were discovered during the measurement process, the impact on service life may have a synergistic effect, relative to the service life impact of solely one or the other defects. More specifically, impact on service life of two different types of defects could not likely be quantified merely as an additive process. Accordingly, a significant level of complexity may exist in the condition rating process with respect to multiple parameters.
Further, the impact of a xe2x80x9ccondition-indicatingxe2x80x9d parameter may be somewhat dependent on differences of xe2x80x9csub-elementsxe2x80x9d of similar assets. For example, when attempting to rate the condition of an HVAC system, the severity of impact on the service life of the system as indicated by the condition of electrical wiring in the system may be dependent on the operating voltage of system motors. Again, this dependency among condition-indicating parameters and the specific types of components comprising the asset adds still further complexity to the condition rating process.
To ideally rate the condition of a component, estimate service life and provide a basis to select repair or replacement options would be a relatively enormous undertaking. Such a procedure would require the capability of determining the specific and exact impact of parameters measured by ideal instrumentation on the condition and service life estimation of the component. Such measurements would necessarily include combinations of problem defects and severity levels. It is apparent that such an approach, even if feasible and physically realizable, would require very extensive and expensive research and field testing.
In accordance with the invention, an asset management system is adapted to provide an empirical quantitative analysis of the condition of a physical and structural asset, and allow a user to evaluate the effect of potential repair/replacement activities on the condition of the asset. The system includes data entry means responsive to manual or automated entry of data representative of problems or defects associated with the asset. First storage means are adapted to receive and store the data representative of the problems or defects, and also to store data representative of generic information associated with the asset.
First processing means are utilized to process the data representative of the problems or defects, and generate condition factor signals representative of a figure of merit of the condition of the asset. Second processing means are utilized to process data representative of the generic information, and generate serviceability estimate signals representative of the anticipated useful life of the asset, based upon the condition factor signals and the generic information.
Second storage means comprise financial data representative of the costs of repairs of defects of the asset, and the costs of replacements of the asset. Third processing means are responsive to input data from the user, and data stored in the first and second storage means, to generate modified condition factor and serviceability estimate signals representative of a modified figure of merit of the condition of the asset, and a modified anticipated useful life of the asset, based upon user input data representing an assumption of repairs of one or more defects, or replacement of the asset or individual components thereof. Further, the third processing means is also adapted to generate financial data representative of the financial impact of assumed repairs or replacements on the value of the asset, so as to allow the user to compare repair and replacement alternatives with respect to financial impact.

Asset management system for analyzing the condition of assets and evaluating repair/replacement options


A speaker bracket, speaker baffle, and a speaker cover are provided for standardizing speaker box assemblies for television sets having different sized speakers. A speaker box assembly includes a speaker cover having a stepped inverted surface. A speaker bracket is then installed onto the speaker cover using a securing member. A surface of the speaker bracket is then mated with a speaker bore. The speaker bracket can have a stepped inclined surface sized to closely fit inside the stepped inverted surface of the speaker cover. The step of installing the speaker bracket onto the speaker cover then includes fitting the stepped inclined surface of the bracket with the stepped inverted mating surface of the speaker cover. The speaker cover has an elliptical frustum surface having steps that create an increasing circumference at fixed intervals along a length of the speaker box, and includes grooves that run along the length of the speaker box, perpendicular to the steps. The speaker baffle has corrugations formed along a length of the surface.

The present invention relates to the field of television speakers. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of television speaker boxes and methods for enclosing speakers inside television units.
As television sets have become more readily available for consumers of all classes, a variety of options have become available for consumers to choose from when buying a television set. For example, consumers can choose what size of screen they would like to view, and the quality of sound that is associated with the television set. Consumers who prefer a television set that produces an image using a cathode ray tube, and prefer larger screens as well, often choose from 27-inch screens, 32-inch screens, and 36-inch screens. However, the weight of the television increases with the screen size. This is partly due to the size of, and materials used to make the components such as the speaker box assembly for the larger television sets. A current 36-inch television speaker box assembly is very heavy when compared to the speaker box assembly for a 32-inch or 27-inch television. This is partly because the speaker box assembly for each of the television sets is a different size, with larger and heavier assembly parts being used for larger television sets. The lack of standardization of the speaker box assemblies also produces inefficiency in television set production, resulting in greater costs for the manufacturer.
In order to make television sets price competitive, it is important to reduce the amount of material used. However, it is important when considering redesigning speaker box assemblies to ensure that reduction in material does not result in loss of speaker box strength. Any new speaker box assembly design must take into consideration the need to have sufficient mechanical strength or stiffness to resist sound vibration, and at the same time create good quality sound for the whole speaker box assembly.
Speaker box assemblies conventionally include two components: a speaker baffle and a speaker cover. Conventional television set speaker baffles utilize the concept of flat surfaces with reinforcing rib structures. While this design provides the necessary stiffness to withstand sound vibration, the speaker baffles are relatively heavy, since more plastic material is used to form webs of reinforcing ribs. Conventional television set speaker covers are also produces using the concept of flat surfaces with reinforcing rib structures, and also have the shape of a one-side opened rectangular box. While this design provides the necessary stiffness to the part and provides sufficient enclosure volume for sound reproduction, the speaker covers are relatively heavy, again because a great amount of plastic material is used to form webs of reinforcing ribs.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to meet the above-described needs by standardizing a speaker box assembly for television sets of different sizes, or having different sized screens. Other objects of the invention are apparent from the following description of the invention and the drawings included herewith.
The present invention includes a television set speaker bracket that has a stepped inclined surface that is sized to closely fit inside a stepped inverted semi-frustum surface of a television set speaker cover, at least one attachment member for attaching the speaker bracket with said speaker cover, and a stepped inverted surface that mates with a television set speaker boss. In one embodiment, the television set using the bracket can be the type having a 32-inch viewing screen or a 36-inch viewing screen. In such case, the speaker cover can be the same size as that used in a television set having a 27-inch viewing screen.
The television set speaker boss is disposed on an interior surface of a rear cover of said television set. The stepped inverted surface of the bracket has a stepped portion and an inverted surface. The inverted, semi-frustum shaped surface acts as a guide for the easy engagement of the speaker bracket and the speaker boss. In order to provide a best fit and easy installation, the stepped inverted surface that mates with the television set speaker boss is a semi-frustum shaped surface.
The present invention also includes a television set that has in combination a speaker cover having a stepped inverted surface as described above, a speaker boss that is attached to an interior surface of a rear cover of the television set, and the speaker bracket described above, having a stepped inclined surface that is sized to closely fit inside the stepped inverted surface of the speaker cover, at least one attachment member for attaching the speaker bracket to the speaker cover, and a stepped inverted surface that acts as a guide for the easy engagement of the speaker bracket and the speaker boss as described above. The stepped inverted surface of the bracket is a semi-frustum shaped surface. The speaker cover is of a size that is used in a television set having a 27-inch viewing screen.
The stepped inverted surface of the bracket has a stepped portion and an inverted surface, the inverted surface acting as a guide for the easy engagement of the speaker bracket and the speaker boss. The attachment member can be one or more screws. In such a case, the speaker cover includes a first bore, and the bracket includes a second bore. The screw then extends through the first and second bores.
The television set further includes a speaker baffle that has a corrugated surface. The corrugated surface is formed with a curvature that fits the speaker baffle around a cathode ray tube in the television set. The corrugated surface has a plurality of crests and valleys, that can extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a valley formed by the curvature. The uppermost portions of the crests can share a common plane. The valleys of the corrugations can each have a bottom-most surface, where the bottom-most surfaces also share a common plane.
The present invention also includes a method for standardizing speaker box assemblies for television sets having different sized speakers. A speaker box assembly is provided that includes a speaker cover having a stepped inverted surface. A speaker bracket is also provided. The speaker bracket is then installed onto the speaker cover using a securing member. Then, a surface of the speaker bracket is mated with a speaker boss disposed on a cover of the television set.
The speaker bracket used in the method can have a stepped inclined surface that is sized to closely fit inside the stepped inverted surface of the speaker cover. If so, the step of installing the speaker bracket onto the speaker cover includes fitting the stepped inclined surface of the bracket with the stepped inverted surface of the speaker cover. To make a close fit, the stepped inclined surface of the bracket is a semi-frustum shaped surface, and the stepped inverted surface of the speaker cover is also a semi-frustum shaped surface.
The speaker bracket used in the method can also have a stepped inverted surface. If so, the step of mating a surface of the speaker bracket with a speaker boss includes mating the stepped inverted surface of the speaker bracket with the speaker boss.
The at least one securing member can include a screw. If so, the speaker cover includes a first bore, and the bracket includes a second bore. The screw extends through both the first and second bores.
The speakers can be components of a television set having a 32-inch viewing screen, or components of a television set having a 36-inch viewing screen. In either case, the speaker cover is of a size that is used in a television set having a 27-inch viewing screen.
The method can also include forming the speaker box with an elliptical frustum surface having steps that create an increasing circumference at fixed intervals along a length of the speaker box. The speaker box can also be formed to have grooves that run along the length of the speaker box, perpendicular to the steps.
The method also can include the step of attaching a speaker baffle to the speaker box. The speaker baffle can have a corrugated surface where corrugations are formed along a length of the surface. The speaker baffle supports a plurality of speakers. The speaker baffle is further described above.
Also, the present invention includes a television set speaker cover that includes an elliptical frustum surface having steps that create an increasing circumference at fixed intervals along a length of the speaker box. The speaker cover further includes grooves that run along the length of the speaker box, perpendicular to the steps. The speaker cover has a stepped inverted semi-frustum surface as described above.
The present invention further includes a television set speaker baffle that has a corrugated surface, where corrugations are formed along a length of the surface. The speaker baffle supports a plurality of speakers. The corrugated surface is curved to allow the baffle to fit around a cathode ray tube in the television set. The corrugated surface is formed with a curvature that fits the speaker baffle around a cathode ray tube in the television set. The corrugated surface has a plurality of crests and valleys that can extend in a direction that is perpendicular to a valley formed by the curvature. The uppermost portions of the crests can share a common plane. The valleys of the corrugations can each have a bottom-most surface, where the bottom-most surfaces also share a common plane.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows or may be learned by those skilled in the art through reading these materials or practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be achieved through the means recited in the attached claims. To achieve these stated and other objects, the present invention may be embodied and described as follows.

Waved/corrugated and stepped surface design for speaker box, and method of standardization of speaker box assemblies for television of different screen sizes


A system and method for database migration is provided. In an example embodiment, the database migration technique may include a first connection to a relational database, a second connection to an in-memory database, and a migration framework to analyze the data structures of the relational database so as to identify first and second subsets of data structures. The first subset of data structures is migrated to the in-memory database during an uptime period of the relational database, and the second subset of data structures is migrated to the in-memory database during a downtime period of the relational database.

Numerous business process applications are presently used to conduct business operations. Applications may be programs that an end-user executes to perform certain tasks. Such applications may be executed in conjunction with one or more backend systems, which may store large amounts of data in a variety of formats. Example backend systems may include database systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and business warehouse (BW) systems, etc.
By manipulating the data stored within backend systems, users may generate various business process objects, such as sales orders, invoices, etc. A business object may be created using known computing systems and languages (e.g., advanced business application programming (ABAP) which is available from SAP AG, Walldorf, Germany). Such objects may be stored within backend systems. In addition, objects are typically stored using tabular format(s).
Relational databases are popular tools for storing such objects and for organizing relational data for subsequent analysis. Relational databases may involve large amounts of data and data structures, and require complex coding to query the database or otherwise communicate with user applications. Due to the complexity of the data and the required coding, a large investment of time and labor resources is necessary to create a functional relational database.
In addition, the size and complexity of relational databases may cause difficulties in moving relational databases between platforms. Often database users may combine a system update with a number of different activities such as database migration or Unicode conversion. For example, a number of challenges may arise during migration of an existing BW or ERP system to an in-memory database system, such as SAP® high-performance analytic appliance (HANA). Migration to other database platforms, such as Sybase adaptive server enterprise (ASE), is also feasible. As HANA may utilize Unicode and have a certain release level, an existing database system may require a system update and other intermediate steps prior to migration. In addition, database migration may cause long downtimes for implementation.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for faster and more efficient systems and methods for migrating existing relational databases between platforms. The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for in-place migration with downtime minimization.

Systems and methods for in-place migration with downtime minimization


A device management system includes: a performance request transmitting unit that transmits a performance request to perform data processing, including identification information identifying a static destination server with a fixed destination and identification information identifying a dynamic destination server with a dynamically changing destination; a dynamic destination data obtaining unit that transmits an obtaining request requesting to obtain data for performing the data processing, to the dynamic destination server using identification information of the dynamic destination server included in the performance request; a static destination data obtaining unit that determines that the data cannot be obtained, when there is no response to the obtaining request from the dynamic destination server, and then, transmits an obtaining request requesting to obtain data for performing the data processing, to the static destination server using identification information of the static destination server included in the performance request.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a device management system and an information processing apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, there is a remote device management system that performs a remote management service by connecting an apparatus to be managed, such as an image processing apparatus, a multifunction peripheral, a printer apparatus, or a projector apparatus, to a management apparatus provided in, for example, a service center of a manufacturer of the apparatus to be managed, via a communication network such as a network or a phone line. In the remote device management system, for example, a remote device management apparatus transmits a processing request, and a device management apparatus downloads data, e.g., large-scale setting information or firmware, from the remote device management apparatus or a server specified by the remote device management apparatus, and the device management apparatus performs a process using the downloaded data, by which a remote management service is provided to the apparatus to be managed.
When the data to be downloaded is, for example, firmware of the apparatus to be managed, the remote device management apparatus transmits a firmware update request to the device management apparatus, and the device management apparatus downloads the firmware from the remote device management apparatus or a server specified by the remote device management apparatus, and transmits the downloaded firmware to the apparatus to be managed, to allow the apparatus to be managed to perform a firmware update process.
For example, JP 4408033 B1 discloses a method of updating firmware of an apparatus to be managed in a remote management system including a management apparatus and the apparatus to be managed or an intermediary apparatus that intermediates between the management apparatus and the apparatus to be managed, the method being able to reduce the processing load and communication cost incurred by the transmission of firmware by the management apparatus. In the method of updating firmware described in JP 4408033 B1, the management apparatus sets required items (conditions required for a firmware update) including the model/model number, transmission date and time, and update date and time of an image forming apparatus which is a firmware update target. When the transmission date and time specified in a target device list file have come based on the required items, the management apparatus allows the intermediary apparatus to perform a firmware update, by which the firmware of the apparatus to be managed which is installed in, for example, an office of each customer can be automatically updated.
Meanwhile, when a server that holds data such as moving image files, large-scale setting information, image files, firmware, mapping information, and navigation information is simultaneously accessed by multiple devices, the load on the server increases. Hence, to distribute the load on the server, original data on content held by a static destination server with a uniquely fixed destination (hereinafter, also called a static destination download server with a uniquely fixed destination) is temporarily saved in dynamic destination servers with dynamically changing destinations (hereinafter, also called dynamic destination download servers with dynamically changing destinations) which are disposed in a distributed manner. A load distribution system is known in which a destination of a dynamic destination server to which the fastest access can be made is dynamically determined, and dynamically determined dynamic destination servers are assigned to users, by which an increase in data download speed and server load distribution are achieved.
However, in the conventional remote device management system, the communication destinations of the device management apparatus are only the remote device management apparatus and the static destination server which have static destinations. Hence, when dynamic destination servers are introduced in the remote management system to distribute the load on the remote device management apparatus or the static destination server, there is a problem that a remote device management service cannot be provided to customers with communication restrictions with a firewall.
In addition, in the method of updating firmware of an apparatus to be managed which is described in JP 4408033 B1, in the case of customers with communication restrictions with a firewall, since communication with dynamic destination servers is restricted, there is a problem that, for example, data such as firmware cannot be downloaded.
Hence, although conventionally the device management apparatus downloads data, e.g., large-scale setting information or firmware, from the remote device management apparatus or a static destination server specified by the remote device management apparatus, in order to distribute the load on the remote device management apparatus or the static destination server, there is a demand for a remote device management system using dynamic destination servers.
In view of the above, there is a need to provide a device management system and an information processing apparatus that can download data such as firmware even when customers have communication restrictions with a firewall.

Device management system and information processing apparatus, configured to obtain data from static server when data cannot be obtained from dynamic server


With relation to a first test piece with an adhesive applied thereto, a second test piece is swiftly moved close to the contact bonding position by a movable actuator, and then the second test piece is pressed by a pressing actuator on the first test piece for contact bonding. When the both test pieces joined together are peeled from one another, a peel load is detected by a load cell via a table which is supported by the load cell and on which the test pieces are fixed. If a corrugated board is used as a test piece, it is held by a holding member consisting of a plurality of parallel needles which have been inserted from the side into the intermediate portion between one surface and another of the test piece and common frame members for securing the ends of the needles.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing the adhesion strength of a hot-melt adhesive for use in adhesion between corrugated boards.
With a conventional apparatus for testing hot-melt adhesion strength, a testing process comprises steps of applying a predetermined amount of adhesives to one test piece, pressing said one test piece on other test piece with an actuator such as air cylinders into close contact therewith after a determined period of time, and peeling the one test piece from the other test piece after the passage of a period of time so that the adhesion strength of the hold-melt adhesive may be determined in view of the resultant tensile force. During said process, the test piece is held by gripping one end of the test piece by means of a clamp.
For sticking a first test piece with an adhesive applied thereto on a second test piece, said conventional apparatus for test of adhesion strength is designed to perform both operations of bringing the test pieces toward each other and putting them into close contact with each other in one procedure step using one and the same air cylinder. This makes it difficult to accurately control the bonding pressure during such a bonding operation.
Furthermore, with the conventional testing apparatus, the detection of a load applied to the test piece is effected by a load cell attached to the actuator which is used to lift the test piece, thereby to render difficult precise measurement of any pressure applied between the test pieces during the bonding operation while during the peeling operation, a load can be detected only when it reaches its peak value.
As described above, the test piece is fixedly secured at its one end by the clamp, and so the test pieces are easily subjected to deformation at the time of pressure contact as well as peeling. In order to avoid such inconveniences, use is made of a boxboard, plastic plate, metallic plate, etc., having a high flexural strength as a test piece. For this reason, the above mentioned test is considered to be less practical in case the hot-melt adhesive is used in adhesion of corrugated boards, and thus, any test result obtained is deemed less reliable.

Apparatus for testing hot-melt adhesion strength

National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation


A computer-implemented method for editing an interactive dynamic illustration includes receiving a first input associated with a functional relationship between a first visual entity in the dynamic illustration and a second visual entity in the dynamic illustration, receiving a second input that associates a visual parameter of the first visual entity with the functional relationship, and receiving a third input that associates a visual parameter of the second visual entity with the functional relationship. The method further includes causing a graphical representation of the functional relationship to be displayed that visually links the first visual entity and the second visual entity. At least one advantage of the disclosed method is that a user can graphically define and/or modify interactive behavior of the visual elements of an interactive dynamic illustration without textually editing the software that generates the illustration.

Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to dynamic illustrations and, more specifically, to a graphical interface for editing an interactive dynamic illustration.
Description of the Related Art
Due to the recent advances in mobile device design and web technologies, there is a growing demand for interactive illustrations to enrich the content found on media such as websites, e-books, and teaching materials. In contrast to static pictures and videos that are consumed by a passive observer, interactive illustrations respond to user inputs, providing a more playful or informative experience for the user. For example, an interactive illustration of a mechanical system invites exploration through interaction as users investigate hypotheses, which may help develop insights about significant relationships and causal patterns associated with the mechanical system.
Typically, crafting interactive illustrations is achieved through programming or scripting, using software platforms such as Java or Flash. Consequently, the artist crafting an illustration is required to work with abstract textual representations of the various visual elements included in the illustration and of any interactive behavior between those visual elements. To obviate the need for such programming skills, researchers and practitioners have developed graphics tools for authoring interactive illustrations that rely on techniques such as drag-and-drop interaction, sketching, and visual programming. While powerful, these tools are tailored for special-purpose applications, for example, fluid flow visualization, and usually do not allow an author to edit interactive behavior between visual objects in an illustration.
As the foregoing illustrates, there is a need in the art for more effective techniques for creating and editing interactive dynamic illustrations.

Graphical interface for editing an interactive dynamic illustration


A high temperature fuel cell system having a cooling apparatus, including: a fuel cell stack including a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) each having an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on opposing surfaces of an electrolyte membrane containing acid and a plurality of conductive plates contacting each electrode; an anode inlet line, which is connected to the fuel cell stack, and which supplies a hydrogen containing gas to the anode electrode; an anode outlet line, which is connected to the fuel cell stack, and which discharges byproducts produced at the anode electrode along with un-reacted hydrogen containing gas; a cathode inlet line, which is connected to the fuel cell stack, and which supplies oxygen to the cathode electrode; a cathode outlet line, which is connected to the fuel cell stack, and which discharges byproducts produced at the cathode electrode along with un-reacted oxygen; a cooling apparatus, which is installed at the anode inlet line, and which reduces a temperature of the hydrogen containing gas; and a moisture removing device that removes moisture from the hydrogen containing gas.

1. Field of the Invention
An aspect of the present invention relates to a high temperature fuel cell system having a cooling apparatus, and a method of operating the same, and, more particularly, to a high temperature fuel cell system that increases a moisture removal efficiency of the fuel cell system by reducing the temperature of a hydrogen containing gas entering the fuel cell system using a moisture removing apparatus installed at a bypass line of the hydrogen containing gas, and a method of operating the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
A fuel cell is an electrical generation system that transforms chemical energy directly into electrical energy through a chemical reaction between oxygen and hydrogen contained in a hydrocarbon group material, such as methanol, ethanol, or natural gas. Types of fuel cells include phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and polymer electrolyte membrane or alkaline fuel cells, each of which is classified according to the type of electrolyte used therein. These fuel cells all operate on similar basic principles, but have their own operating characteristics according to their types of fuel, operating temperatures, catalysts, and electrolytes.
The polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) has the advantages of superior output, a low operating temperature, rapid starting, and speedy response time compared to other fuel cells, and is, therefore, a common fuel cell in the automotive and portable device industries and in residential and small commercial applications.
The polymer electrolyte membranes of the PEMFC have generally been formed of a polymer electrolyte such as perfluorosulfonic acid polymer, such as NAFION™. The polymer electrolyte membrane functions as a high ionic conductor by containing an adequate amount of water.
Conventional PEMFCs are generally operated at a temperature below 100° C., e.g., about 80° C., due to a drying problem of the polymer electrolyte membrane. Conventional PEMFCs have the following problems due to the low operating temperature. A hydrogen-rich gas, which is a representative fuel for the PEMFC, is obtained by reforming an organic fuel such as natural gas or methanol. In the reforming process, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may be present as byproducts in the hydrogen-rich gas, and carbon monoxide may poison catalysts contained in a cathode and an anode. The electrochemical activity of the poisoned catalysts is greatly reduced, and, accordingly, the operational efficiency and lifetime of the PEMFC are seriously reduced. The lower the operating temperature of the PEMFC, the worse the catalyst poisoning by carbon monoxide tends to be.
When the operating temperature of the PEMFC is higher than 150° C., catalyst poisoning by carbon monoxide may be avoided, and the water management of the PEMFC may be more easily controlled. Therefore, the fuel reformer may be miniaturized and the cooling apparatus can be simplified, thereby miniaturizing the overall PEMFC system.
The electrolyte membrane used for a high temperature fuel cell uses acid instead of water as a hydrogen ion conductor. Accordingly, the maintenance of the acid content in the electrolyte membrane is very important. Since acid is water soluble, it is easily leached through an electrode on contact with water. Accordingly, direct contact between the acid and the water should be avoided. Under typical operating conditions, however, water may be present as a vapor since the operating temperature of the fuel cell is approximately 150° C.
In this case, when the operation of the fuel cell is stopped, water is generated at the electrode as the fuel cell stack cools. Therefore, the acid contained in the electrolyte membrane will be leached away. Accordingly, the prevention of water generation at the electrode layer even if the fuel cell is cooled is important.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,044 has disclosed a method of including a desiccant in the fuel cell to prevent the generation of water at the electrode when the fuel cell cools down. However, this method may not sufficiently remove water vapor from pores of the electrode. In addition, more desiccant must be used as the number of unit fuel cells increases.

High temperature fuel cell system having cooling apparatus and method of operating the same