A touch operated control system is provided that advantageously provides enhanced functionality, including a programmable timer that sets a light coupled to the dimmer to OFF after a predetermined period of time. The control system generally includes a conductive housing provided with a power receptacle, a power switch, a fuse, and a printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The printed circuit board includes switching circuitry by means of a programmed integrated circuit operationally connected to the housing, and a timer is operationally connected to the switching circuitry. By touching the housing, the switching circuitry is activated to automatically connect or remove power to or from the power receptacle. The sequence and duration of the touch activation function varies the system response to provide enhanced control, functionality and flexibility. The disclosed control systems continuously monitor the status of the connected electrical device, providing a visual indication of the device""s operative condition.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates generally to control systems and control mechanisms for electrical devices, e.g., lights, radios, appliances and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to light control/dimmer systems that may are advantageously touch operated. Preferred light control/dimmer systems according to the present disclosure include a programmable timer that may be used to control operation of an electrical device, e.g., a light, that is attached thereto, e.g., by switching the electrical device to an xe2x80x9cOFFxe2x80x9d position after a predetermined period of time.
2. Background Art
With the widespread use of electrical devices in homes and businesses, attention has been devoted to improving the operation and enhancing the convenience associated with such devices. Devices have been developed to facilitate intensity control, e.g., dimming systems, and to provide timing systems to permit preset control of the electronic device. Thus, for example, touch control lamp systems have been developed that permit lamp operation through direct contact with the lamp base. Similarly, timing systems have been developed that permit users to select operational periods for electrical devices. The patent literature describes many of the aforementioned developments in the art.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,748,532, issued on Jul. 24, 1973 to Saul Rosenbaum, describes a removable dimmer attachment for connecting an incandescent lamp to a source of alternating current. U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,561, issued on Jul. 26, 1977 to Michael Lorenz, describes controlled light and music in a child""s room during those periods when the child has retired for a night""s sleep or when it is time to awaken to a new day""s activities. U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,231, issued on Aug. 22, 1978 to Robert S. Krouse, describes a portable switch and dimmer control console for conveniently controlling a plurality of electrical devices and variably controlling the intensity of at least one fixture in a single conveniently designed self-contained portable unit.
In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,490,625, issued on Dec. 25, 1984 to David A. Dilly, describes a dimmer control switch assembly for activating an incandescent lamp bulb or similar controlled appliance or device to assume any of three different illumination intensity states and an OFF state, wherein a Rubik""s cube modified to include two magnets forms the activation member. U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,876, issued on May 26, 1987 to John S. Skarman, describes a touch control lamp system including a touch control dimmer switch adapted to be plugged into a standard electrical household outlet, and a lamp having a male electrical plug adapted to plug into the touch control switch. U.S. Pat. No. 4,668,877, issued on May 26, 1987 to Scott M. Kunen, describes an electrical power control device which operates by touch and which does not require a wired electrical connection to a lamp or appliance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,109, issued on May 8, 1990 to Harold J. Weber, describes an electrical timer which controls the ON-time of a touch operated light bulb circuit hooked up to a power source by way of an ordinary power switch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,522, issued on Jun. 11, 1991 to George A. Mansour, describes a dimmer for use as a support for a lamp. U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,672, issued on May 18, 1993 to Julius A. Loisch et al., describes a timing control apparatus for selectively actuating at least one remote device at a selected future time, by generating a plurality of clock pulses of a known time duration at a selected time, and by counting the clock pulses to gradually increase the intensity of electrical current in response to the clock pulses counted, from an initial state to full intensity over time.
Additional teachings from the patent art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,656, issued on Nov. 2, 1993 to William F. Pawlick, which describes an electronic ON/OFF timer apparatus and method having predetermined time delay intervals. U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,891, issued on Feb. 6, 1996 to Chong K. Diong et al., describes a control for electrically energizing an illumination means. Great Britain Patent document 2,128,822 A, published on May 2, 1984, describes a pre-set dimmer switch. Great Britain Patent document 2,239,742 A, published on Jul. 10, 1991, describes a plug-in sensor and switch assembly which is responsive to the presence or movement of a person in the vicinity of the device.
The disclosures of the above-identified patents/publications provide background teachings with respect to the systems of the present disclosure and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Despite the teachings to date, however, control systems and devices are needed to further enhance convenience and user control with respect to electric appliances, e.g., lights, lamps and the like. In particular, improved systems and devices for facilitating intensity control, for monitoring system functionality, and/or for facilitating timer control and functionality are needed.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a touch operated control system for electric devices/appliances, e.g., lights, lamps, audio equipment and the like. It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a touch operated control system with programmable timing functionality. It is an additional object of the present disclosure to provide a touch operated control system that monitors the operational state of an electric device/appliance attached thereto. It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a touch operated control system that is responsive to predetermined pattern(s) and/or sequence(s) of contact to function in predetermined manners. It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a touch operated control system that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture/operate, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. Additional objects and enhanced functionalities associated with the present disclosure will be apparent from the descriptions and figures that follow.
In accord with these objects, a touch operated system for use with electric devices/appliances is provided. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch operated light control system is provided. Preferred light control systems according to the present disclosure provide advantageous functionalities, e.g., dimming functionality, timing functionality, and monitoring functionality with respect to a light/lamp powered thereby. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, a touch operated light dimmer system is provided that includes an integral programmable timer that is adapted to set a light attached to the dimming device to an OFF position after a predetermined period of time.
One example of a touch operated light dimmer apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a housing. The housing has a front portion, a rear portion, and a base. The front portion of the housing includes holes defined therein for receiving/mounting visual indicating means, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The rear portion of the housing typically includes a plurality of holes defined therein for receiving/mounting elements such as a power receptacle, a power switch, a fuse, and plural fastening means, such as screws.
A power receptacle is generally provided for facilitating electric transmission to an electrical device, such as a light, a lamp, an audio device or the like. A power switch, while not required, may be used for positively providing power to the power receptacle. Fastening means are typically utilized to fasten the front portion of the housing to the rear portion of the housing. A printed circuit board is mounted inside the housing. The printed circuit board generally includes switching circuitry, such as transistor circuitry and/or a programmed integrated circuit, and a timer that is operationally connected to the housing. The switching circuitry is preferably touch activated so as to supply power in a predetermined fashion to the power receptacle when the housing (and/or other touch activated region) is touched. The housing is preferably formed of conductive material, such as metallic material or metalized plastic.
The switching circuitry is generally adapted to conduct the requisite amount of electrical voltage to the power receptacle when the housing is touched. Also typically mounted on the printed circuit board are visual indicating means, such as LEDs. The visual indicating means may include an ON/OFF LED to indicate when the touch operated light dimmer is ON or OFF. The visual indicating means may also include a STANDBY LED to indicate when the touch operated light dimmer is in STANDBY mode. The STANDBY mode is configured to sense when a light or lamp connected to the dimmer has been turned OFF using a switch located on the lamp, or if a light bulb has burned out on a light or lamp connected to the dimmer. This is achieved by always sending a slight amount of voltage to the lamp, even when the dimmer is set to full dim down. Such a voltage is not enough to make the light glow, but is enough to allow the dimmer to advantageously sense a load, or completed circuit. When the lamp is switched OFF at the lamp, the load is missing, the circuit is broken, and the dimmer goes into STANDBY mode. The visual indicating means may also include LEDs which indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is in TIMER mode and is on for thirty minutes, sixty minutes, ninety minutes, etc.
In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, operation of the disclosed touch operated control system, e.g., a touch operated light dimmer, typically involves the following operative steps. Initially, a standard AC power connector associated with the touch operated light dimmer via means of a power line is plugged into a standard household outlet, rated at 120 V, 60 Hz, alternating current, or 210 V, 50 Hz international, alternating current. The touch operated light dimmer automatically senses 50 Hz or 60 Hz power, and advantageously works appropriately for either standard current. The household outlet may always be receiving power from an external source. Alternatively, the household outlet may intermittently receive power from an external source via means of a remote switch, such as a wall mounted switch or the like. An electrical device, such as a lamp or light, is plugged into the power receptacle of the touch operated light dimmer. Typically, such a light or lamp includes an integrated light switch.
If the touch operated light dimmer is receiving power from a household outlet, and the touch operated light dimmer includes a power switch and the power switch is turned ON, power is provided to the light/lamp that is plugged into the touch operated light dimmer, the ON/OFF LED on the touch operated light dimmer turns ON to indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the touch operated light dimmer turns ON to indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is in STANDBY mode. If the power switch on the light/lamp is subsequently turned ON, the light/lamp attached to the dimmer dims up to full brightness within a predetermined short period of time, preferably 1.5 seconds, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer remains ON to indicate that the dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns OFF to indicate that the dimmer is not in STANDBY mode. If the power switch on the light/lamp is ON and is then subsequently turned OFF and the power switch on the dimmer remains ON, the light/lamp attached to the dimmer turns OFF immediately, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer remains ON to indicate that the dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the dimmer is in STANDBY mode.
If the power switch on the light is ON, the power switch on the dimmer remains ON, and a light bulb attached to the light/lamp burns out, the light/lamp attached to the dimmer turns OFF immediately, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer remains ON to indicate that the dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the dimmer is in STANDBY mode. If the power switch on the light/lamp is ON and the power switch on the dimmer is subsequently turned OFF, the light/lamp attached to the dimmer turns OFF immediately, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer turns OFF to indicate that the dimmer is OFF, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer remains OFF to indicate that the dimmer is not in STANDBY mode.
If the power receptacle intermittently receives power from an external source via means of a remote switch, such as a wall mounted switch or the like, the above described functional variations remain consistent in circumstances where the remote switch is in the ON position. If the remote switch is turned to the OFF position, however, no power is received from the power receptacle, no power is received by the dimmer, no power is received by the light/lamp attached to the dimmer, and the associated dimmer LEDs and the light attached to the dimmer immediately turn OFF. If the remote switch is subsequently turned to the ON position, the dimmer and the light/lamp attached to the dimmer will again receive power, and the associated dimmer LEDs and the light attached to the dimmer will illuminate accordingly. For example, if the remote switch is turned to the ON position when the power switch on the light is in the ON position and the power switch on the dimmer is in the ON position, the light attached to the dimmer will dim up to full brightness within the same predetermined short period of time, i.e., 1.5 seconds, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer remains OFF to indicate that the dimmer is not in STANDBY mode.
If the touch operated light dimmer is receiving power from a household outlet, and the touch operated light dimmer does not include a power switch, power is provided to the light/lamp that is plugged into the touch operated light dimmer, and if the light/lamp is turned xe2x80x9coffxe2x80x9d (or has a burned out bulb), the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is in STANDBY mode. If the power switch on the light is subsequently turned ON, the light attached to the dimmer dims up to full brightness within the above described predetermined short period of time, i.e., 1.5 seconds, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer remains ON to indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns OFF to indicate that the dimmer is not in STANDBY mode. If the power switch on the light/lamp is ON and is then subsequently turned OFF, the light attached to the dimmer turns OFF immediately, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer remains ON to indicate that the dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the dimmer is in STANDBY mode.
If the power switch on the light is ON and a light bulb attached to the light/lamp burns out, the light attached to the dimmer immediately turns OFF, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer remains ON to indicate that the touch operated light dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the dimmer is in STANDBY mode. If the power receptacle on the dimmer intermittently receives power from an external source via means of a remote switch, such as a wall mounted switch or the like, the above-described functional variations remain consistent if the remote switch is in the ON position. If the remote switch is turned to the OFF position, no power is received out of the power receptacle, no power is received by the dimmer, the associated dimmer LEDs and the light/lamp attached to the dimmer immediately turn OFF. If the remote switch is subsequently turned to the ON position, the dimmer and the light attached to the dimmer will again receive power, and the associated dimmer LEDs and the light/lamp attached to the dimmer will illuminate accordingly.
For example, if the remote switch is turned to the ON position when the power switch on the light/lamp is in the ON position, the light attached to the dimmer will dim up to full brightness within the same predetermined short period of time, i.e., 1.5 seconds, the ON/OFF LED on the dimmer turns ON to indicate that the dimmer is ON, and the STANDBY LED on the dimmer remains OFF to indicate that the dimmer is not in STANDBY mode.
In further preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure, touch operated control systems are provided that are advantageously responsive to predetermined pattern(s) and/or sequence(s) of touch activation, i.e., contact by the user, to function in predetermined manners. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, a housing is responsive to touch activation, and functions in one or more predetermined manners in response to xe2x80x9clongxe2x80x9d versus xe2x80x9cshortxe2x80x9d duration contacts by the user. Internal circuit logic associated with the device advantageously translates the relative contact duration into predetermined actions/inputs, thereby allowing efficient and reliable control of an associated electric device, e.g., a lamp, light or the like.
According to the present disclosure, a control system may be provided wherein, if a user touches the housing for a short period of time (hereinafter called SHORT TOUCH), preferably less than xc2xd second, the associated light dims up to full brightness within a predetermined short period of time, preferably 1.5 seconds. If the user has programmed a timer setting (as described in greater detail hereinbelow), it is immediately canceled after a SHORT TOUCH is applied to the housing. If the user subsequently applies a SHORT TOUCH to the housing, the light dims down from full brightness and shuts OFF within a predetermined short period of time, preferably 1.5 seconds. In such preferred embodiment, when a SHORT TOUCH is applied to the housing, the light will either dim full up or full down, based on the last function performed, i.e., up, then down, then up, and so on. When a SHORT TOUCH is applied to the housing, the light generally dims up or down in the predetermined short period of time, e.g., 1.5 seconds, and any timer settings are automatically canceled.
If the user touches and holds the housing for an extended period of time (hereinafter referred to as LONG TOUCH), preferably greater than xc2xd second, the light dims up to full brightness within a predetermined period of time longer than after applying a SHORT TOUCH to the housing, preferably three seconds. If the user discontinues touching the housing before the three seconds necessary to achieve full brightness of the light, the light intensity will remain at the intensity reached during the time the user touched the housing, and no timer setting will be made or cancelled.
If the user touches and holds the housing a predetermined period, e.g., 1.5 seconds, longer than the time (e.g., three seconds) necessary to achieve full brightness of the light, a timer associated with a preferred control system according to the present disclosure is automatically set, e.g., for thirty minutes, and the associated LED activates. If the user continues to hold the housing an additional predetermined period, e.g., 1.5 seconds, the timer is advantageously set for a second predetermined period, e.g., sixty minutes. In such circumstance, the initial LED, e.g., the xe2x80x9cthirty minute LED,xe2x80x9d deactivates, and a second LED (xe2x80x9cthe sixty minute LEDxe2x80x9d) activates. If the user continues to hold the housing an additional period of time, e.g., 1.5 seconds, the timer is set for a third period of time, e.g., ninety minutes. Accordingly, the sixty minute LED deactivates, and a xe2x80x9cninety minute LEDxe2x80x9d activates. If the user continues to hold the housing for a predetermined additional period of time, e.g., an additional 1.5 seconds, the timer will preferably begin to repeatedly cycle through the zero, thirty, sixty, and ninety minute time settings. Based on when the user discontinues his/her contact with the housing, the timer will be set for an appropriate period of time, e.g., ranging from 0 minutes to 90 minutes.
Once the timer of the touch operated light dimmer is set to a desired time period, e.g., thirty minutes, sixty minutes, or ninety minutes, the timer begins counting down. In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the light dimmer provides a discernible signal that the timer is counting down and advantageously provides a further discernible signal as the timer approaches preset points in its xe2x80x9ccountdownxe2x80x9d cycle. For example, if the thirty minute timer is set, the thirty minute LED continuously flashes at a predetermined frequency or rate as the countdown commences. Thereafter, as the countdown approaches zero time, e.g., after twenty-eight minutes, the thirty minute LED preferably continuously flashes at an increased rate until seven seconds remain. When seven seconds remain, the light dims down to 25 percent of the initial intensity and remains at that level for the final three seconds.
If no action is taken by the user within the allotted time period, the light automatically shuts OFF at the end of the thirty minute time setting. If the user touches the housing, however, the timer may be reset by the user according to the above described operative steps. Similarly, if the sixty minute timer is set, the sixty minute LED preferably flashes at a predetermined frequency or rate as the countdown commences. After thirty minutes, the sixty minute LED may advantageously deactivate and the thirty minute LED automatically activate in its place, flashing at a predetermined frequency/rate as the thirty minute countdown commences. Twenty-eight minutes after the thirty minute LED activates, the thirty minute LED may provide a discernible signal that the end of the countdown period is approaching, e.g., continuously flash at an increased frequency/rate, until seven seconds remain.
When seven seconds remain, the light dims down to 25 percent of its initial intensity and remains at that level for the final three seconds. If no action is taken by the user, the light shuts OFF at the end of the thirty minute time setting. If the user touches the housing, the timer may be reset according to the above described operative steps. In like measure, if the ninety minute timer is set, the ninety minute LED preferably flashes at a predetermined frequency or rate as the countdown commences. After thirty minutes, the ninety minute LED deactivates and the sixty minute LED activates in its place, flashing at a predetermined frequency/rate as the sixty minute countdown commences. Thereafter, thirty minutes after the sixty minute LED activates/begins flashing, the sixty minute LED deactivates and the thirty minute LED activates in its place, flashing at a predetermined frequency/rate. Twenty-eight minutes after the thirty minute LED activates, the thirty minute LED continuously flashes at an increased frequency/rate (i.e., provides a discernible signal) until seven seconds remain. When seven seconds remain, the light dims down to 25 percent of the initial intensity and remains at that level for the final three seconds. If no action is taken by the user the light shuts OFF at the end of the thirty minute time setting. If the user touches the housing, the timer may be reset according to the above described operative steps.
Once a timer setting is established and the user removes his/her touch from the housing, the light intensity may be adjusted by applying a LONG TOUCH to the housing and maintaining contact with the housing until the desired intensity level is reached. Assuming the most recent action taken with respect to light intensity involved increasing its intensity, the light will generally begin to dim from full intensity for the predetermined long period of time, i.e., three seconds. If the user removes his/her touch from the housing within that predetermined long period of time, the light intensity will remain at the intensity reached during the time the user touched the housing, and the timer setting will not be altered. Conversely, if the most recent action taken with respect to the light was to decrease its intensity, a LONG TOUCH will cause the intensity to be increased. Once the light reaches minimum intensity (i.e., OFF), the user""s LONG TOUCH will cause the timer (if set) to be deactivated. Of note, timer settings may generally be canceled at any time if the user applies a SHORT TOUCH to the housing.
A further exemplary touch operated control system according to the present disclosure integrally incorporates the functionalities discussed hereinabove, either in whole or in part, into an electric device, e.g., a light, lamp, audio device or the like. According to the present disclosure, embodiments wherein the above-noted functionalities are integrally incorporated into an electric device advantageously operate in like manner to the control systems above, i.e., once the electric device is plugged into a power outlet.
In a preferred embodiment, the electric device constitutes a lamp that includes a base within which is mounted a printed circuit board as described above. The base is preferably formed of conductive material, such as metallic material or metalized plastic. The base generally includes holes defined therein for receiving/mounting visual indicating means, such as LEDs. A power cord extends from the base for a predetermined distance to a plug. The base supports or defines a conventional stem or extension that may also be fabricated from a conductive material and that supports/defines a light fixture. The base/stem may also support a shade, as is well known in the lighting art. Contact with the conductive portions of the lamp allow the user to gain the functionalities described above.
Additional objects and advantages of the touch operated control systems of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.

Touch operated control system for electrical devices


A physical quantity data correcting device accurately and rapidly makes corrections of physical quantity data by appropriately controlling an approximate ellipsoid computing unit and/or a correction coefficient computing unit on the basis of a control parameter group. A physical quantity data acquiring unit acquires physical quantity data output from a physical quantity detecting unit that detects physical quantities. A data selecting unit selects the acquired physical quantity data. An approximate ellipsoid computing unit computes an approximate expression of an n-dimensional ellipsoid indicating a distribution shape obtained by distributing the selected physical quantity data in an n-axis coordinate space. A correction coefficient computing unit computes correction coefficients for correcting the computed n-dimensional ellipsoid to an n-dimensional sphere. A computation control unit controls the approximate ellipsoid computing unit and/or the correction coefficient computing unit on the basis of a control parameter group. A correction data output unit corrects the physical quantity data.

With the recent spread of portable devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, and tablet terminals, need for a pedestrian navigation system has increased and demand for an azimuth measuring device that measures a current position and a travel direction of a pedestrian and that can be mounted on portable devices has increased.
Devices such as a game controller, a television remote controller, or a digital camera have been progressively equipped with sensor components for measuring a physical quantity, such as a geomagnetic sensor or an acceleration sensor for the purpose of providing a function corresponding to a user's taste or state.
In general, plural components are arranged in the electronic devices and components giving an influence to the sensor components are often used.
For example, in a geomagnetic sensor, ideally-measured geomagnetic values are generally distributed in a spherical shape centered on an origin (geomagnetic measurement sphere). However, due to influences of magnetic components present around the measuring device, the measured geomagnetic values are not actually distributed in a spherical shape centered on an origin.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hard magnetic material effect (Hard-Iron Effect). In FIG. 1, a two-dimensional shape is illustrated for the purpose of simplification. (hereinafter, a two-dimensional shape is illustrated in the drawings for the purpose of simplification but the same is true of three or more dimensions.) When the magnetic component giving an influence to a measuring device is a component exhibiting hard magnetism such as a magnet, measured geomagnetic values have offsets and are distributed in a spherical shape centered on a vector corresponding to an offset magnetic field.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a soft magnetic material effect (Soft-Iron Effect). When the magnetic component giving an influence to a measuring device is a component exhibiting soft magnetism, such as iron, the measured geomagnetic values are deformed and distributed in an ellipsoidal shape.
Since the influence of the offset magnetic field or the deformation of the distribution shape causes an azimuth error, it is necessary to correct the influences thereof so as to obtain a correct azimuth.
As a method of correcting an influence of a hard magnetic material, for example, PTL 1 discloses an azimuth measuring device and an azimuth measuring method using geomagnetism detecting means and more particularly an azimuth measuring device and an azimuth measuring method that are suitable for correcting an offset of a magnetic sensor, in which an offset obtained when physical quantity data is distributed on a spherical surface is calculated.
As a method of correcting an influence of a soft magnetic material, for example, PTL 2 discloses a fundamental computation technique for correcting obtained ellipsoidal data so as to be distributed in a spherical shape when physical quantity data to be originally distributed in a spherical shape is distributed in an ellipsoidal shape.

Physical quantity data correcting device and physical quantity data correcting method


An image generation system generates an image of an object space viewed from a given viewpoint. When a contact event in which a first model object comes in contact with a second model object in the object space has occurred, height information of grid points corresponding to a contact plane of the first model object is fetched by referring to height map data in which height information of a surface of the first model object with respect to a given reference plane set for the first model object is set in a grid pattern, and vertices of a contact plane of the second model object arm moved based on the fetched height information of the grid points.

The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, an image generation system, and an image generation method.
An image generation system (game system) has been known which generates an image viewed from a virtual camera (given viewpoint) in an object space (virtual three-dimensional space) in which an object such as a character is disposed. Such an image generation system is very popular as a system which allows the experience of so-called virtual reality.
In such an image generation system, it is desirable to realistically represent a mark formed on the ground by an object having a complicated unevenness, such as a tire or a shoe sole, in order to increase the virtual reality of the player.
In related-art technology, when representing tire tread marks on the ground, the tire tread marks are represented by texture mapping a mark image or representing shade (shading) based on a normal vector, for example. However, such related-art technology cannot provide a three-dimensional impression due to insufficient representation of tire tread unevenness.

Program, information storage medium, image generation system, and image generation method


In one embodiment, a receiver may receive a signal from a transmitter. The receiver may include a first sampler that may sample the signal when the value of the signal is zero. The receiver may further include a second sampler that may sample the signal halfway between a time when the first sampler samples the signal and the next time when the first sampler samples the signal to produce a set of sampled values. The receiver may be further operable to determine that a sampled value in the set of sampled values is a logic 1 if the sampled value is greater than the value of a reference voltage and that the sampled value is a logic 0 if the sampled value is less than the value of the reference voltage.

Optical signaling is an alternative to electrical signaling for high-speed short-reach communication links. A vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is typically the light source in short-reach high-speed optical links. The light produced by the VCSEL is coupled to an optical medium (e.g., fiber or waveguide) and sensed at the receiver by, for example, a photodiode (PD).

Method and apparatus for implementing slice-level adjustment


This invention uses hydraulic or pneumatic passageways to create a wearable, portable, washable, and relatively unobtrusive device for efficiently converting movement of a relatively large portion of the human body into electricity. This device comprises: a flowable substance; passageways through which the flowable substance flows that are worn over the exterior of the human body; and energy-converting members that convert the energy of the flow of the flowable substance into electricity.

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to the generation of electricity from human movement.
2. Background and Related Art
With the proliferation of mobile electrical devices, there is increasing need for better methods of providing electrical power to these devices. This need has prompted a stream of research that focuses on alternative methods of mobile power generation, including methods of generating electricity from movement of the human body.
General approaches to generating electricity from movement of the human body include: (1) interaction of a human with an external piece of equipment; (2) footwear that converts energy from walking into electricity; (3) wearable fabric with electrochemical structures or reactions to convert energy from human movement into electricity; (4) gravity-based kinetic energy harvesting devices; and (5) other kinetic energy harvesting devices. Some of these approaches, such as shoe-based approaches, are well developed in the related art. Others are not yet well developed. All of the current methods based on these approaches have disadvantages.
(1) Interaction of a Human with an External Piece of Equipment
Interaction of humans with external equipment can involve humans using exercise and playground equipment, pulling levers and turning cranks, carrying backpacks, and using other methods. Such methods for generating electricity from human movement are disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,461 (Bailey), U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,771 (Haney), U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,497 (Rome), U.S. Pat. No. 7,005,757 (Pandian), U.S. Pat. No. 7,129,592 (Yetter), U.S. Pat. No. 7,361,999 (Yeh), U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,123 (Rome), and applications 20040183306 (Rome) and 20060192386 (Rome). Disadvantages of this general approach include: methods with significant size equipment are not portable; those that require specific actions by body members (such as hand pulling) do not leave those members free for other activities; and it is difficult to harvest energy from a large portion of body movement without a large, cumbersome piece of equipment.
(2) Footwear that Converts Energy from Walking into Electricity
There are many examples of shoes in the related art that convert contact energy from walking or running into electricity. These examples include U.S. Pat. No. 1,506,282 (Barbieri), U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,082 (Chen), U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,682 (Chen), U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,378 (Sendaula), U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,314 (Landry), U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,501 (Komarechka), U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,799 (Le), U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,594 (Sarich), U.S. Pat. No. 6,744,145 (Chang), U.S. Pat. No. 7,327,046 (Biamonte), and application 20070145746 (Biamonte). Disadvantages of shoes that convert energy from walking into electricity include: such shoes do not capture energy from upper legs or the entire rest of the body; shoes that harvest energy from contact with a support surface do not work in zero-gravity environments or low-contact environments such as water; and shoes with moving elements on the sole may interfere with balance and traction.
(3) Wearable Fabric with Electrochemical Structures or Reactions
Some approaches to generating electricity from human body movement use electrochemical structures or reactions, such as piezoelectric or hydrogen-based generators. Examples of such approaches in the related art include U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,465 (McKnight), U.S. Pat. No. 6,709,778 (Johnson), U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,789 (Radziemski), U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,699 (Keolian), U.S. Pat. No. 7,304,416 (Mullen), U.S. Pat. No. 7,249,805 (Cap), and application 20050255349 (Fisher). Disadvantages of using electrochemical methods such as these include: to date they create very small amounts of electricity; and many of the electrochemical structures are not washable.
(4) Gravity-Based Kinetic Energy Harvesting Devices
Some approaches to generating electricity from human body movement harvest kinetic energy through the force of gravity on a moving object. For example, a cell phone carried by a human often moves around and a free-moving member within that phone will move relative to the phone due to the pull of gravity. This relative motion can be harvested into electricity to power the phone. U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,906 (Lozada) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,266,396 (Terzian) disclose such approaches. Disadvantages of this approach include: they harvest relatively small amounts of energy; and it is difficult to use such approaches to capture energy from large portions of the human body.
(5) Other Kinetic Energy Harvesting Devices
The related art also includes non-gravity-based approaches to converting kinetic energy from human movement into electricity. For example, methods that convert the pulsing action of a blood vessel into electricity are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,694 (Snaper), U.S. Pat. No. 7,081,683 (Ariav), and application 20070167988 (Cernasov). Converting energy from blood vessel pulsation is limited in terms of the amount of electricity and is limited in external applications by the proximity of blood vessels to the body surface. Another interesting invention involving harvesting energy is U.S. Pat. No. 7,233,829 (Vlad) which discloses a shark-repelling wet suit with an electric field.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,822,343 (Estevez) and application 20030168861 (Estevez) disclose a device for obtaining electricity from fluid flow between an inner passage closer to the body and outer passage farther from the body. A major disadvantage of this approach is that body movement, such as the knee bending, will bend and pressurize both the inner and outer passages, so the pressure differential between inner and outer passages is much less than the pressure differential between two sequential passages along the body surface, one in the area being bent and the other in a non-bending area. With overlapping inner and outer passages, much of the energy from bending is not captured. Another disadvantage of overlapping inner and outer passages is the resulting double thickness. Double thickness can be cumbersome when one is striving to make an electricity-generating garment as unobtrusive as possible. As another disadvantage, when a generator is sandwiched between an inner and outer layer, it is not easy to remove and replace the generator so that the garment can be washed.
(6) Summary of the Background and Related Art
Although there has been a good deal of creative work toward generating electricity from human movement, the current methods all have disadvantages. There remains a need for a wearable, portable, washable, and relatively unobtrusive device that can efficiently convert movement of a relatively large portion of the human body into electricity. That is what this present invention does.

Wearable device to generate electricity from human movement


An apparatus is disclosed for use with a video fluoroscope generating a video output signal in NTSC video format and a video endoscope generating a video output signal in RGB video format. The two video output signals are input into a photo archiving computer video component for archiving and storing still video images on a suitable storage medium. The photo archiving computer is capable of operating in either RGB mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in RGB video format, or in NTSC video mode, in which it is capable of processing video signals in NTSC video format. The photo archiving computer has a keyboard associated with it and is responsive to a predetermined keyboard sequence for selecting from between RGB and NTSC video modes for operation. However, to eliminate the requirement that the physician press keys on a keyboard when switching between the fluoroscope and the endoscope, the present invention includes a means responsive to operation of the footswitch which actuates the X-ray generator of the fluoroscope to send a signal to the photo archiving computer corresponding to the predetermined keyboard sequence to select NTSC video mode for operation when the fluoroscope footswitch is actuated. When the fluoroscope footswitch is released, the means sends a second signal to the photo archiving computer corresponding to the predetermined keyboard sequence to reselect RGB video mode for operation.

Endoscopes have long been widely used in medical procedures for directly visualizing the interior of a canal or body cavity. A recent improvement on the endoscope is the video endoscope, wherein fiber optics permit the endoscopic view to be displayed on a video monitor. Video endoscopy provides a number of advantages over traditional endoscopy, including permitting more than one person at a time to observe the endoscopic view, permitting the physician to assume a more comfortable viewing angle, and permitting a still photograph and/or videotape record to be made of the endoscopic procedure.
Similarly, modern fluoroscopic technology presents advances over conventional radiography. In conventional radiography, X-rays are projected through a patient onto a photographic film which, when processed, will provide a fixed image of the patient's internal structure In fluoroscopy, the X-ray sensitive photographic film is replaced by a fluorescent screen which, when subjected to X-radiation, produces a direct image of the object under investigation. Because the image on the fluorescent screen is usually so hint that it is difficult to visualize with the unaided eye, the screen image is usually photographed with a sensitive video camera. The video signal is then processed to increase the brightness of the image, and the image is displayed on a video monitor for viewing by the physician. Fluoroscopy affords two primary advantages over conventional radiography: first, the image produced is direct, so there is no need for photographic processing; and second, the image is viewed in "real time", rather than as a still photograph or series of still photographs, and can thus show movement.
Surgical modalities are well known wherein video endoscopy is used in conjunction with dye-injection studies under fluoroscopy at various times during the procedure. Examples of such procedures include endoscopic management of biliary tract obstruction and endoscopic sphincterotomy. In these procedures, the physician uses an endoscope to maneuver a catheter down the esophagus, through the stomach, and into position within either the bile duct or pancreatic duct. The endoscopic view is projected on a first video monitor. A quantity of radiographically opaque dye is then injected through the catheter retrograde into the selected duct. Subsequently, the duct is viewed fluoroscopically on a second video monitor, and the X-rays illuminate the dye to reveal obstructions in the biliary system. If the dye does not properly fill the duct, the catheter may have to be repositioned under endoscopic supervision to permit further infusion of dye. When further dye has been infused, the physician again views the duct fluoroscopically. After the procedure has been completed within the first duct, the physician uses the endoscope to reposition the catheter within the other of the bile or pancreatic duct, and the dye injection procedure is repeated. The physician then looks back to the fluoroscope monitor to visualize the second duct. Depending upon the success of the initial dye injection into the second duct, the physician may again have to redirect his attention to the endoscope monitor to reposition the catheter within the second duct, and then look back to the fluoroscope monitor to view the duct.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,993,404 and 5,127,394 disclose apparatus which simplifies this procedure somewhat by providing a control unit which displays both the endoscopic view and the fluoroscopic view on a single monitor. By depressing the foot pedal the physician can toggle back and forth between the endoscopic view and the fluoroscopic view. In addition, the control unit interfaces with the foot pedal which actuates the X-ray generator of the fluoroscope to ensure that the X-ray generator is enabled only when the fluoroscope view is being displayed on the monitor and is disabled when the endoscope view is selected for viewing on the monitor. This feature ensures that the X-ray generator will not be left on accidentally and thus prevents the possibility of the patient and medical personnel being exposed to unnecessary levels of X-rays.
Apparatus for performing medical procedures involving endoscopy and video fluoroscopy are further complicated by the need to record the procedure for future reference. Such recording can typically take any or all of three forms: videotape, still photographs, or magnetic recording and storage of still images for later display. A typical arrangement for endoscopy and video fluoroscopy incorporating recording and storage of images for later display is shown in FIG. 1. A video fluoroscope includes an X-ray generator actuated by a foot pedal. Video outputs from the video fluoroscope and an endoscope are fed into a photo archiving computer, that is, a component which stores and archives still video images on magnetic disk. An example of a photo archiving computer is the Image Manager, marketed by Olympus Corp. A keyboard is associated with the photo archiving computer for entering data, such as the name of the patient, etc. The photo archiving computer can output the endoscope video signal to a video tape recorder (not shown) and also to a still photograph unit (also not shown), which provides a "hard copy" of the endoscope video image at a particular instant. The endoscope video signal is then passed through the still photograph unit to a video monitor, which displays the endoscope video signal for viewing by the physician.
This arrangement is complicated by the fact that the fluoroscope video signal is in NTSC format, while the video endoscope, which can output a video signal in either NTSC or RGB video format, provides best resolution when operating in RGB mode. When the photo archiving computer is operating in RGB mode to receive the signal from the video endoscope, it cannot properly process the NTSC video signal from the video fluoroscope. Conversely when the photo archiving computer is operating in NTSC mode, it cannot properly process the RGB video signal from the endoscope. Consequently whenever the physician wishes to switch from the endoscope view to the fluoroscope view for archiving an image on magnetic disk, the physician must instruct the photo archiving computer to change its video mode of operation from RGB to NTSC, and when he wishes to switch back to the endoscope video signal he must instruct the photo archiving computer to change its video mode of operation from NTSC back to RGB. This selection of the video mode in which the photo archiving computer is to operate is conventionally accomplished by entering a predefined keyboard sequence. For example, in the aforementioned Olympus Image Manager, which is presently in widespread use, the physician toggles back and forth between RGB and NTSC video modes by entering a [control]-V-keystroke sequence on the photo archiving computer's keyboard. Thus whenever the physician wishes to switch from the endoscope view to the fluoroscope view for archiving an image on magnetic disk, the physician must enter a keystroke sequence to instruct the (photo archiving computer to select the appropriate video mode for operation while either he or an assistant activates the fluoroscope X-ray generator, captures the desired image(s), then deactivates the X-ray generator.
Thus there is a need for a video component for storing and archiving video images on magnetic disk which will select the appropriate video mode for operation without intervention by the physician.
There is a further need for a video component for storing and archiving video images on magnetic disk which will select the appropriate video mode for operation without intervention by the physician while minimizing exposure of the patient and attending medical personnel to X-rays from the fluoroscope.

Apparatus for use with endoscopy and fluoroscopy for automatic switching between video modes


Systems and methods for eye tracking for motion corrected ophthalmic optical coherence tomography (OCT) are disclosed. According to an aspect, an imaging system includes an eye tracking device configured to determine movement of an eye. The imaging system also includes an OCT apparatus configured to generate OCT images of a retina of the eye. The OCT apparatus includes a scanner operable to be moved for relocating an OCT scan pivot at a pupil plane for image capture and during capture of the OCT images. The imaging system also includes a controller configured to control the scanner to relocate the OCT scan pivot at the pupil plane based on the determined movement of the eye.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become the standard of care for diagnosis and following treatment of many pathological ophthalmic conditions in the posterior and anterior human eye. However, conventional OCT systems do not capture volumes instantaneously and are therefore subject to artifacts due to patient motion. While a subject's voluntary motion may be mitigated with a fixation target, involuntary motion such as micro-saccades, drifts, or tremors may still corrupt OCT volumetric data and associated en face summed volume projections (SVPs). In previous work, real-time tracking for motion compensated OCT has focused on retinal imaging. However, as the clinical prominence of volumetric anterior segment OCT increases, the need for real-time motion-correction solutions designed for anterior segment imaging has become apparent.
Conventional OCT retinal imaging systems employ a telescope to image the beam scanning pivot onto the pupil plane of the patient. To maximize collection efficiency of back-scattered light and to minimize aberrations and vignetting, the scanning beam should optimally rotate through the central cornea, and the scan pivot should be imaged at the center of the ocular pupil. Moreover, specific retinal features, such as the cone photoreceptors and Henle's Fiber Layer (HFL), exhibit back-reflected intensity dependence on pupil entry position. Commercial OCT systems employ an infrared (IR) pupil camera to allow alignment of the OCT beam onto the patient's eye and to vary pupil entry position. However, such systems are still vulnerable to lateral patient motion and depend upon active involvement of the photographer to obtain and maintain alignment.
In view of the foregoing, there is a desire to provide improved OCT systems and methods for retinal imaging.


In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method to establish a secure pre-boot environment in a computer system; and perform at least one secure operation in the secure environment. In one embodiment, the secure operation may be storage of a secret in the secure pre-boot environment.

The present invention relates to operation of a computer system, and more particularly to operation of such a system in a pre-boot environment.
When a computer system is turned on, it cannot perform functions desired by a user until it is initialized and is able to communicate with the user. This initialization process generally includes a booting procedure, typically performed by boot-up firmware. The boot-up firmware may be an operating system ("OS"), a portion of the OS, the Basic Input/Output System ("BIOS"), or other software.
The boot-up firmware is typically stored in some form of non-volatile memory and allows a central processing unit ("CPU") to perform tasks such as initialization, diagnostics, loading the operating system kernel from mass storage, and routine input/output ("I/O") functions. The boot-up firmware may be stored in erasable programmable read only memory ("EPROM") or flash semiconductor memory.
In this pre-boot environment, typically few or no security measures are available (all code runs in primitive, ring0 physical mode), nor is there an ability to store a secret in the pre-boot environment. Further, when the OS environment is entered from the pre-boot environment, there is no ability to establish a so-called root of trust from the pre-boot environment to the OS environment. Such a root of trust may be desirable for a Trusted Computing Platform (TCP) in accordance with the Trusted Computing Platform Alliance (TCPA) Main Specification Version 1.16, published Feb. 22, 2002, to provide reliable information about itself and its current software processes, and provide attestation to operation of its software processes.

Providing a secure execution mode in a pre-boot environment


A reception unit receives from a wireless relay device, a handover response indicating possibility of degradation in communication quality during wireless communication with the wireless relay device. A search unit searches whether or not a wireless relay device to which handover can be performed is present other than the wireless relay device. When the wireless relay device to which handover can be performed other than the wireless relay device is present as a result of search by the search unit, a transmission unit transmits a handover request to the wireless relay device found by the search unit.

Conventionally, a moving wireless communication device connects with a wireless relay device (a base station, an access point, or the like) with the best communication quality at initiation of connection, and starts communication with the connected wireless relay device. When the condition of communication with the wireless relay device with which the wireless communication device communicates gets worse, the wireless communication device performs handover to another neighboring wireless relay device, and starts communication with the new wireless relay device. When wireless communication between a wireless communication device and a wireless relay device is affected by an obstacle, the communication quality is degraded and handover needs to be performed again.
Patent Literature 1 discloses a method in which a moving object monitors whether or not an obstacle is present between the moving object and a base station in the moving direction of the moving object by using a monitoring camera or a sensor. In addition, when an obstacle is detected, the moving object of Patent Literature 1 recognizes the position at which communication with the base station will be disconnected, and maintains the communication by changing the communication method such as changing a communication speed or a modulation method.
In addition, Patent Literature 2 discloses a manhole type base station. Patent Literature 2 also discloses a method of mounting a pressure sensor or an electric wave sensor on a manhole to allow the base station to detect whether or not an obstacle is present on the manhole, and when an obstacle is detected, causing a child device performing communication to perform handover to another base station to maintain the communication.

Wireless relay device, wireless relay method, and computer readable medium


A semiconductor integrated circuit and a method operating the same are provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first clock network configured to divide a clock signal into first output clock signals with a high frequency, a second clock network configured to divide the clock signal into second output clock signals with a non-high frequency, a plurality of selection circuits configured to be connected between the first clock network and the second clock network, and configured to output one of the first output clock signals and the second output clock signals, according to a power mode, and a plurality of clock sinks configured to sink output clock signals respectively output from the selection circuits.

Exemplary embodiments relate to a semiconductor integrated circuit. More particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to a semiconductor integrated circuit which reduces power consumption by having a new clock path for transmission of a clock signal, and a method of operating the same.
With the spread of portable devices, such as smart phones and tablet personal computers (PCs), and the increase of applications available in the portable devices, approaches for reducing power consumption of the portable devices is needed. The portable devices of the related art may include many synchronization circuits which operate in synchronization with a clock signal. As an example of the related art, dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is a method for reducing power consumed by synchronization circuits. DVFS is a power-saving technique used in various types of synchronization circuits.
DVFS is a related art technique that increases the voltage and frequency of a portable device when the portable device shows the maximum performance. Further, DVFS in the related art decreases the frequency according to necessary performance for an application of the portable device, and decreases the voltage to a level that can be driven at the decreased frequency, when the maximum performance is not needed. Thus, the power consumption of the portable device in the related art is reduced. According to DVFS in the related art, decreasing the voltage exerts more influence on the reduction of power consumption than decreasing the frequency. However, semiconductor integrated circuits are designed to satisfy maximum performance. As a result, when the portable device of the related art does not require the maximum performance, a clock network for high-end products designed for the maximum performance will require greater power consumption than the performance needs.

Semiconductor integrated circuit and method of operating the same


The present invention provides a deflectable needle system for use in performing diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures. The needle assembly of the invention provides access to physiological sites which may be inaccessible by prior art needle systems due to an obstruction. The deflectable needle assembly includes a telescoping cannula, catheter and stylet. The catheter component of the assembly is curved at its distal end and axially rotatable within the lumen of the cannula providing simple maneuverability for accurate placement of the catheter at a chosen physiological site.

The field of the present invention is a device for facilitating medical or surgical treatment in humans and animals. Specifically, the present invention provides a deflectable needle system for guiding a fluid or medical instrument to or from a location within the body and a method of use.
The use of needles in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures is well known in the art. Needles come in various diameters and lengths to provide for parenteral administration of pharmaceutical or physiological therapeutic agents. Needles also provide access to anatomical regions of humans and animals for removal of blood, lymph, synovial fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, pericardial effusions, pleural effusions, vitreous fluid, and similar physiological fluids. Access to most anatomical regions provides a means for specific and enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy.
However, access to some anatomical regions using present needles is often difficult for the practitioner, or even dangerous to the patient, due to the obscure location of the region. Aside from the possibility of inaccessibility due to anatomic obstructions, along with access to some anatomical regions, using present needle systems, there is the possibility for iatrogenic trauma to the patient due to patient positioning, or due to puncture of a nearby organ during placement of the needle.
Accordingly, there is a need for a needle system which provides access to anatomical sites which are difficult to reach using present needle systems. There is also a need for the system to provide simple and accurate maneuverability during placement of the needle.
The present invention is a needle system which provides access to anatomical sites which may be difficult to access due to obstruction by a penetrable or non-penetrable barrier. The invention can be used to simply and accurately guide a needle to a desired physiological site.
The needle of the present invention is a deflectable needle assembly. The deflectable needle assembly provides for delivering or removing a material at a physiological site, in a human or animal body, when access to the site is obstructed by a an obstruction. According to the invention, a non-penetrable obstruction includes a parenchymal organ or other physiological tissue which could be pathologically damaged if penetrated by a needle. The deflectable needle assembly of the invention is a telescoping assembly including a stylet which inserts within the lumen of a catheter which inserts within the lumen of a cannula. All components are preferably rotatable around their axes.
The deflectable needle assembly as well as the individual component cannula, catheter, and stylet each have a proximal and distal end. The key aspect of the invention is that the distal end of the catheter is curved. The catheter is manufactured from a material which holds a curved shape and when forcibly straightened can return to its curved shape. Such materials for manufacture include elastic and superelastic compounds, for example, nickel titanium (NiTi). In addition, the components of the deflectable needle system may be manufactured from a material which may or may not cause artifact on images created by MRI, x-ray, and ultrasonic images.
The proximal end of the needle assembly as well as each of the components may also include a handle. A handle of the invention provides for holding or manipulation of the deflectable needle system during use. A handle on the catheter or cannula may include an egress or ingress channel for dispensing or removing fluid through the needle assembly.
The proximal handle of the deflectable needle assembly may also include a mechanism to prevent the catheter from sliding proximally or distally within the lumen of the cannula. The proximal handle assembly may also include a mechanism to inhibit fluid leakage at the proximal end of the deflectable needle assembly. In a preferred embodiment, a single unit performs both functions.


The invention relates to a system for and a method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables. Such a method can include the steps of receiving a plurality of physiological variable data where the physiological variable data is representative of physiological wellness variables, correlating alarm states of the physiological wellness variables with alarm states of physiological measurable variables, and providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.

The present invention relates generally to monitoring systems and methods. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for and method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables.
In general, alarm systems of physiologic monitors support two attributes of clinicians: vigilance and decision making. Of these two attributes, a monitor""s alarms are especially needed for vigilance since clinicians, as humans, are relatively poor at this task. An alarm should vigilantly wait for an ominous change in the patient""s condition, correctly notifying the clinician of that change. A secondary function of an alarm is to point to the origin of the problem that caused the alarm. Ample research shows that current alarm systems fail in both measures. See, for example, Keenan, R. L. xe2x80x9cAnesthetic disasters: incidence, causes, preventability.xe2x80x9d American Society of Anesthesiologists. ASA annual refresher course lectures, 221 (1987): 1-6; Lunn, J. N. and H. B. Devlin. xe2x80x9cLessons from the confidential inquiry into peri-operative deaths in three NHS regions.xe2x80x9d Lancet 2 (1987): 1384; Koski, E. M., A. Mxc3xa4kivirta, T. Sukuvaara and A. Kari. xe2x80x9cClinicians"" opinions on alarm limits and urgency of therapeutic responses.xe2x80x9d International Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing 12 (1995): 85-88; and Meredith C. and J. Edworthy. xe2x80x9cAre there too many alarms in the intensive care unit? An overview of the problems.xe2x80x9d Journal of Advanced Nursing 21.1 (1995): 15-20.
While simple threshold alarm systems currently employed in physiologic monitors are vigilant, these alarms are often spurious. For example, conventional alarms will sound the moment a physiologic variable exceeds the threshold set for it. Although the alarm is reliably triggered when it was instructed to, often there is no justification for the alarm. In one study, researchers surveyed the problems with alarms in intensive care units, citing excessive false alarms among other problems. Meredith C. and J. Edworthy. xe2x80x9cAre there too many alarms in the intensive care unit? An overview of the problems.xe2x80x9d Journal of Advanced Nursing 21.1 (1995): 15-20.
In a survey of alarms at a children""s hospital intensive care unit (ICU), researchers found after 298 monitored hrs, 86% of a total 2,942 alarms were found to be false-positive alarms, while an additional 6% were classified as clinically irrelevant true alarms. See, Tsien, C. L. and J. C. Fackler. xe2x80x9cPoor prognosis for existing monitors in the intensive care unit.xe2x80x9d Critical Care Medicine 25 (1997): 614-619. Only 8% of all alarms tracked during the study period were determined to be true alarms with clinical significance.
A study of alarms in the anesthesia environment showed 40-75% of alarms in the anesthesia environment are false. See, Mylrea, R. A., J. A. Orr and D. R. Westenskow. xe2x80x9cIntegration of monitoring for intelligent alarm in anesthesia: neural networksxe2x80x94can they help.xe2x80x9d Journal of Clinical Monitoring 9 (1993): 31-37. From another perspective, other researchers found that only 7% of anesthesia-based alarms turned out to be useful. Meijler, A. P. xe2x80x9cAutomation in anesthesiaxe2x80x94a relief?xe2x80x9d Berlin: Sprinter-Verlag, 1987. In a survey of 852 anesthesiologists, researchers determined that 58% of respondents had disabled all alarms at the beginning of a case and that 25% did so routinely. See, McIntyre, J. W. xe2x80x9cErgonomics: Anaesthetists"" use of auditory alarms in the operating room.xe2x80x9d International Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing 2 (1985): 47-55.
Conventional alarm systems of physiologic monitors are weak because they exhibit a high false positive rate and when alarms are true positives they are often clinically irrelevant. Alarm limits used in such conventional alarm systems are based generally on only clinical experience and/or approximations. Such alarm limit approximations are often overly inclusive, resulting in high incidents of false positive or clinically irrelevant alarms. Whatever improvements to an alarm system are made, clinicians must be able to use them on patients on a day-to-day basis in a way that improves patient care.
Thus, there is a need for an alarm system for physiologic monitors which provide more accurate alerts. Further, there is a need for an accurate alarm system for physiologic monitors which is commercially viable. Even further, there is a need for determining more appropriate alarm limits for a physiologic monitor, resulting in more meaningful alarms.
The teachings hereinbelow extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned needs.
The present invention relates to a method and system for establishing monitoring alarm conditions based on system variables. This system or method can include receiving a plurality of system variable data where the system variable data is representative of system acceptability variables, correlating alarm states of the system acceptability variables with alarm states of the system measurable variables, and providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.
One exemplary embodiment of the invention is related to a method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables. This method can include the steps of receiving a plurality of physiological variable data where the physiological variable data is representative of physiological wellness variables, correlating alarm states of the physiological wellness variables with alarm states of the physiological measurable variables, and providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is related to a computer implemented method of establishing alarm limits for a physiological monitor. The physiological monitor is configured to monitor measurable variables of a patient. This method can include associating alarm states of wellness physiological variables with measurable physiological variables, providing a range of acceptable alarm limits based on the associated alarm states, and selecting monitor alarm limits for a physiological monitor based on the provided range of acceptable alarm limits.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is related to a system for establishing monitoring physiological alarm limits based on calculated physiological variables. This system can include means for receiving a plurality of physiological variable data where the physiological variable data is representative of physiological wellness variables, means for correlating alarm states of the wellness physiological wellness variables with physiological measurable variables, and means for providing a best clinical selection for the alarm limits.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on system variables. This method can include the steps of receiving a plurality of system variable data where the system variable data is representative of system acceptability variables, correlating alarm states of the system acceptability variables with alarm states of system measurable variables; and providing a manufacture determined selection for the alarm limits.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer implemented method of establishing alarm limits for a monitor where the monitor is configured to monitor measurable variables of a system. This method can include associating alarm states of system acceptability variables with alarm states of system measurable variables, providing a range of acceptable alarm limits based on the associated alarm states, and selecting monitor alarm limits for a monitor based on the provided range of acceptable alarm limits.
Other principle features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

System for and method of establishing monitoring alarm limits based on physiological variables

GE Medical Systems Information Technologies, Inc.


One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for predicting a personality trait. During operation, the system initially obtains personality data associated with users. The system collects sample data associated with the users. Next, the system trains a predictor with the collected sample data and the personality data. Then, the system collects data associated with a particular user, and generates a personality trait score for the particular user by using the predictor to analyze the particular user's collected data.

1. Field
This disclosure is generally related to psychological analysis. More specifically, this disclosure is related to a method and system for predicting personality by combining predictions from predictors generated from multiple data sources.
2. Related Art
The ability to reliably predict a person's personality affects many commercial and personal activities. For example, if social gaming service providers know a player's personality well, they can provide better targeted advertisements for virtual goods. If an online dating service provider knows a candidate's personality well, they can match the candidate with a higher chance of success. In a high-stakes work environment, if an employer finds a significant mismatch between an employee's personality profile and the nature of the job, the employer can take measures to mitigate or avoid risks.
In one approach, to profile a personality, an analyst can request a person fill out a detailed survey. The analyst can determine the person's personality profile using the answers. For example, the International Personality Item Pool (http://ipip.ori.org/ipip/) provides a collection of such survey items. The analyst can then predict the person's personality according to the Five Factor Model's personality traits. These traits are extraversion (outgoing, gregarious, energetic vs. reserved, shy, quiet), agreeableness (friendly, caring, cooperative vs. suspicious, antagonistic, competitive), conscientiousness (organized, self-disciplined, dutiful vs. careless, spontaneous, easy-going), neuroticism (calm, secure, confident vs. nervous, sensitive, vulnerable), and openness (abstract thinkers, imaginative, intellectually curious vs. down-to-earth, conventional, traditional). The person's personality is measured with a real number along each of the personality traits.
In another approach, a script can guide a person to select attributes from a group consisting of saturated, whitened, grayed, and blackened. This approach then analyzes the elements to identify personality characteristics. Like the survey method, this approach also requires explicitly requesting information from the subject.
In yet another approach, an analyst collects user information, and creates behavioral profiles for users based on the collected information. This approach suggests utilizing pre-existing customer data, interviews, or questionnaires, to create customer behavioral profiles. Unfortunately, this approach also explicitly requests information from users to build personality profiles, which is burdensome and in many cases is not practical.

Method and system for psychological analysis by fusing multiple-view predictions


A tennis net strap designed for professional tour-level applications that both measures and securely holds center of tennis net at regulation height above court is described. Strap is of minimally stretching material and employs “hidden” buckle system and hook and loop swatches. A sewn measuring mark indicates when strap is fastened at correct height. On measurement end of strap, a tab keeps strap end clean and from fraying. A single-end snap clip anchors strap to court. Both sides of the installed strap are fastened together through net to integrate strap with net and avoid false “let” calls made by electronic vibration or optical monitors. All fasteners are internal to the installed strap; no distracting buckles are visible, so the appearance of the strap is that of a clean, white line.

The present invention is a part of tennis net sporting equipment generally, and specifically relates to permanent and portable devices and straps for adjusting and maintaining the regulation height of a tennis net.
Current U.S. Class:473/495; 24/625Intern'l Class:A63B 061/00Field of Search273/29 BA 24/627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632,634, 635, 636References cited:U.S. Patent Documents:1239924September 1917Lord273/29.1351066August 1920Robinson273/29.140997March 1920Vaile273/29.1534447April 1925Hardy273/29.3549146December 1970Davis273/29.4247099January 1981Pandak273/29.4671509June 1987Newmann273/29.4831694May 1989Kong 24/635.4973055November 1990Muir273/29.Foreign Patent Documents:190006December 1922GB273/29.344615March 1931GB273/29.516402January 1940GB273/29.2138879October 1984GB 24/634.
A vertical net suspended by a metal cable bisects a tennis court into two equal playing areas. The net and cable are connected to posts (approx. 40 inches) that are taller than the regulation height stipulated for the center of the net (currently 36 inches) during actual play. In preparing the court for play, the cable and net are pulled taut between the two posts and then a net strap anchored to the court surface adjusts the center of the net downward to regulation height and attempts to hold it there. The maintenance of the net at the prescribed height is crucial for fair play, with the slightest variance potentially having a profound impact on the scoring and outcome of a given tennis match. Serious players often carry tape measures to matches with them and spend a great amount of time-both prior to and during play-trying to adjust extant net straps to bring the net to the correct height. In professional matches, the net height is checked periodically by the umpire during a match.
Many forms of net strap exist and a number of different devices have been proposed to correctly measure and maintain tennis nets at the correct height. Muir U.S. Pat. NO. 4,973,055) describes a net strap with an integral measuring system in which two pieces of strapping material are fastened to the court anchor by a double-ended snap hook. One of the straps has a serrated-edge buckle, through which the other strap is fed before it is folded down upon itself and attached to itself by means of hook and loop material. A sliding, interwoven measuring tape device is integral to the net strap and is adequate for measuring the net to the correct height; however, the strap itself does not maintain the net at the correct height over moderate to long periods of time. The buckle system does not sufficiently hold and the serrated edge in the buckle actively degrades the strap material. The sliding, interwoven measuring tape has a "different looks to it that can be distracting, making it unsuitable for professional "tour-level" applications. And importantly, the use of a potentially distracting, visible buckle on a strap made for the center of a court is less than desirable for professional applications. Finally, when the strap is installed, the two parallel bands of the strap (one running on each side of the net) do not interlock through the net; thus the net and net strap are not fully integrated with one another. An important problem facing the professional circuit today is that due to the strap and the net remaining thus distinct, the electronic "let" monitoring devices employed sometimes gives false "let" calls (due, for example, to even a mild wind vibrating the net strap) thus interrupting play, potentially changing the outcome of a point, and in the worst-case scenario altering the outcome of a match. (A "let" is when a served ball touches the net before landing in the opposite court, resulting in the suspension of match play and the serve having to be repeated. The accuracy of a "let call" is of vital important to the professional game, so much so, that electronic vibration monitors, optical devices, and microphones are used alongside human monitors to detect a ball brushing the top of a net.)
Pandak (U.S. Pat. No. 4,247,099) offers another net strap with an integral measuring device comprising a single strap passed through a snap hook with a set of interlocking rings or a Velcro fastener close to each end. The strap is passed over the net and the ends attached to one another. The net is at the correct height when one end of the strap touches the ground and an indicator mark is visible on the top of the net. This simple device correctly measures the net height while the strap is new, but the device has a few major problems. The free (measuring) end of the strap can abrade with time and become frayed during match play (thus negating its usefulness in measuring the correct height of the net); and more importantly, neither the rings not the Velcro sufficiently holds the strap in place. Tennis balls hitting the net cable loosen the Velcro and cause the described simple ring devices to slip, even under recreational play. The fastening systems of Pandak's design are simply inadequate to secure the net at the correct height under the extreme net cable tensions employed by the professional tennis circuit today. Pandak's straps also do not interlock through the net: thus the net and net strap are not integrated with one another, and the problem with potential false "let" calls made by electronic monitoring devices remains.
Newman (U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,509) describes a net strap very similar in design to Muir (U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,055), although without the measuring device. Newman's strap is a single piece of material that is joined with a serrated buckle on one end. The other end is fed through the buckle and folded back onto itself where it is attached with a hook and loop material. The buckle plus the hook and loop work well, together as a fastener for recreational play, but in professional applications, the straps continue to slip. Like the Muir design, as well, though, the buckle is clearly visible from one side of the net. The ideal appearance sought by professional circuits worldwide has historically always been one of uniformity (both sides of the court area should be identical in appearance), with the best possible option for the net strap being a clean, white line (without visible and potentially distracting buckles). The abrasion problem with Muir's serrated buckle occurs with Newman's, as well. This device mandates an exterior measuring device, such as a tape measure or a yardstick be employed, and the height of the net must be measured with such a device each time it is checked. Newman's straps do not interlock through the net: thus the net and net strap are not integrated with one another, and the problem with potential false "let" calls made by electronic monitoring devices remains.
Robinson (U.S. Pat. No. 1,351,066) describes a net strap that is limited in use to court surfaces other than hard courts (the majority of courts in the U.S. are hard courts, such as asphalt or uhard-true," etc.), because it demands an anchoring peg and chain be driven into the court surface. Although once installed (this takes measuring with an exterior measuring device) it remains at the correct height, the strap forces the destruction of existing regulation court anchors (the standard of which are designed to accept a snap clip), and the chain is a potential distraction. The straps do not interlock through the net: thus the net and net strap are not integrated with one another, and the problem with potential false "let" calls made by electronic monitoring devices remains.
Hardy (U.S. Pat. No. 1,534,447) describes a strap and buckle for holding a tennis net to a prescribed height, but it has no integral measuring system or security systems that prevent slippage under the demands of today's professional circuit. The buckle is, again, a potential distraction. The straps do not interlock through the net: thus the net and net strap are not integrated with one another, and the problem with potential false "let" calls made by electronic monitoring devices remains.
Vaile (U.S. Pat. No. 140,997) describes a center stay for a tennis net which holds the net at 36 inches above the court provided that the court anchor depth never changes from that to which his stay was measured; his device does not allow for what are common deviations in court anchor depths. The straps do not interlock through the net: thus the net and net strap are not integrated with one another, and the problem with potential false "let" calls made by electronic monitoring devices remains.
Davis (U.S. Pat. No. 3,549,146) shows a measuring device attached to a tennis net strap anchor, but like Robinson, this device must be driven into the court surface (thus it can't be used on hard courts) and cannot be adapted to use the anchors already available on most hard and soft courts.
This self-measuring tennis net strap is unique in many ways and overcomes the problems associated with prior net strap inventions. It is adaptable to different court surfaces and anchor configurations and depths. It is easy to install and adjustable, so variances in court anchor depths and net post and cable heights are allowed for. The tab on the free end of the strap keeps the measuring end from fraying and the measuring device from deteriorating.
This self-measuring tennis net strap conforms to the ideal net strap appearance historically sought after by professional tour officials. From both sides of the net, the strap appears only as a clean, white line. The buckle and multiple hook and loop swatches, along with the strap-to-strap connectors are "hidden" inside the installed strap and offer no distraction to players. This strap is extremely durable, of negligibly or non-stretching material with a non-slipping, non-abrading buckle, preferably reinforced by two other fastening systems, in order to effect a heavy-duty strap that can withstand the demands of professional tour applications. The two sides of the installed strap are secured to one another through the net, thus integrating the strap with the net, itself. In addition to making the strap even more secure, this solves the electronic monitoring device false "let" call problem in which vibrations due to external influences other than a tennis ball are recorded, thus interrupting play or potentially influencing the outcome of a match.

Tennis net center strap for measuring and holding net at certain height


A crane comprises a base, a driving body for driving and controlling the crane disposed on the base rotatable in a horizontal plane, an articulated arm attached to the driving body pivotable in a vertical plane, and a clutching means for clutching the construction elements. The arm is folded and extended in a vertical plane. The clutching means is tiltably and detachably connected to a forward end of the arm. The crane further comprises a fixing means tiltably and detachably connected to the forward end of the arm as a substitute for the clutching means. The fixing means is capable of being fixed to the construction, so that the driving body can be moved while the fixing means is fixed to the construction.

The present invention relates to a crane which is suitable for example, for constructing a steel framework structure and a method for using the crane. More specifically, the present invention relates to a crane which has an arm having a plurality of pivotably jointed portions.
Conventionally, cranes are utilized in order to construct steel framework structures for reinforced concrete construction. If the construction is multistoried or semi-multistoried, tower-cranes are used having a revolving turntable which can be lifted according to the height of the construction by a climbing mechanism.
However, during construction of a steel framework structure using a tower-crane, steel bars etc. lifted by the crane swing to-and-fro, which makes it difficult to place the bars at proper positions and which necessitates the operator must be highly skilled. Furthermore, it is necessary to carry the construction elements such as bolts and nuts to and from another lift apparatus. These result in additional costs and a longer construction time.
Therefore, there has been a recent demand for multi-operative cranes which can be utilized not only for lifting object such as steel bars but also for assisting in the construction operation by enabling control of the position and direction of the objects being lifted. FIG. 16 shows one of these multi-operative cranes comprising a mast 1 erected on the ground, a revolving turntable 2 installed on the upper end of the mast 1 rotatable about a vertical axis, an arm 3 disposed on the revolving turntable 2 for upward and downward movement, and a clutching mechanism 4 attached to an end of the arm 3 for clutching construction elements such as steel bars F.
The arm 3 comprises four arm members 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d, that are connected to each other to pivot about horizontal axes. These arm members 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are pivoted by hydraulic cylinders 5.
With such a multi-operative crane, not only can the mere lifting of steel bars or the like, be accomplished but also objects can be raised with control of their position and direction.
However, the multi-operative crane has the following problems of which it is an object of the present invention to solve:
Usually, for constructing steel framework structures, it is necessary to lift or move the crane depending on the situation of the construction site and the crane has to carry the raising object to the construction site. However, the conventional crane cannot be moved easily and consequently the range of reach of its arm 3 is limited. Therefore, the conventional crane is not always useful depending on the construction situation. Also, considerable cost and time for construction is needed since the components in the construction must be conveyed by lifting stages with a small lift.
Furthermore, another crane must be utilized for moving and assembling the crane. Especially, if another tower-crane is utilized for this, a climbing mechanism only used for the tower crane is needed, so that additional cost is involved.


A transceiver group includes a plurality of transceivers; wherein the transceiver group performs transmission and receiving through a wire, and each of the transceivers includes a transmitter and a receiver, and the transmitter includes: a carrier generator arranged to generate a plurality of carriers having different frequencies for a plurality of data streams to be transmitted; a modulator, coupled to the data streams to be transmitted and the carrier generator, to generate a plurality of modulated data streams carried on the plurality of carriers; and a summer arranged to merge the plurality of modulated data streams to an output signal to the wire; and the receiver includes: a carrier generator arranged to generate a plurality of carriers having different frequencies for an input signal received from the wire; and a demodulator, coupled to the input signal and the carrier generator, to generate a plurality of demodulated data streams.

As microprocessors computer memory, communications interfaces and other devices increase in speed, the connections between these discrete devices, via a high-speed communication bus also must increase in speed and throughput. As with most components, for high speed parallel bus transmission, power consumption and transition time are the major concerns. With wide parallel bus transmission, the power summation of each signal unit is large and the transmission speed is limited by transition time. A faster transition time results in higher transmission speeds.

TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.


Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to electrocardiogram systems and systems of using electrocardiogram systems. The electrocardiogram systems are configured to detect at least two electrical potentials (e.g., a first electrical potential and a second electrical potential) at two or more surfaces of a subject (e.g., a first surface and a second surface). In an embodiment, the electrocardiogram system includes at least one position sensor configured to detect the position of the at least one electrode relative to a surface of the subject.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) systems are typically utilized to detect and record electrical activity of a heart of a subject over a period of time. For example, an EKG system detects a voltage between electrical potentials detected at two or more surfaces of a subject. The voltage can measure a certain angle of the electrical axis of the heart or an anatomical area of the heart.
Typically, EKG systems are used with a 12 lead EKG. The 12 lead EKG measures voltage at twelve different angles of the electrical axis of the heart. In a conventional 12 lead EKG, ten separate and distinct electrodes are placed on ten different and specific surfaces of the subject simultaneously. Each of the ten separate and distinct electrodes are connected to a computing device. Each of the ten separate and distinct electrodes detect electrical potentials at a corresponding surface of the subject.
The computing device uses the detected electrical potentials to determine twelve different voltages. For example, the computing device can determine the three limb leads (e.g., limb I, limb II, and limb III), the three augmented limb leads (e.g., aVR, aVL, and aVF), and the six precordial leads (e.g., the voltage between the six chest electrode placements and Wilson's central terminal). The term "lead" in electrocardiography in the context of what the computing device determines refers to the 12 different vectors along which the heart's depolarization is measured and recorded.
The computing device then generates a report including a graphical representation of the voltage of each lead as a function of time. Typically, each lead has a specific location on the generated report.

Electrocardiogram systems and related methods


A method includes receiving, via a processor, a query comprising pathway variables and at least one evaluation time and determining an anchor set based on at least one of the pathway variables. The method also includes translating the pathway variables into a pathway algebraic expression based on the anchor set and the at least one evaluation time, and executing the pathway algebraic expression on a graph database to return a pathway set.

Communication networks have migrated from using specialized networking equipment executing on dedicated hardware, like routers, firewalls, and gateways, to software defined networks (SDNs) executing as virtualized network functions (VNF) in a cloud infrastructure. Network control is directly programmable and the underlying infrastructure is virtualized and abstracted from network services and functions. The ensemble of entities that may comprise a service—VNFs, VNF components (VFCs), virtual machines (VMs), and physical hardware—may dynamically change as the system continues to operate. The complex and dynamic nature of virtualized SDNs makes inventory management a challenging task. An inventory database may facilitate the creation of SDN applications using a modeling language to achieve model-driven networking.
Traditional graph query languages may not be designed to query a layered network inventory for discovering connectivity between nodes.
Further, the output of preexisting query languages are such that an additional query cannot be posed on the results of an original query. For example, some common query languages output a graph, while others may output a tuple of values, upon which an additional query cannot be applied. That is, preexisting query languages do not treat pathways as first-class citizens.
To facilitate network management, it may be advantageous to query a network inventory to discover specific nodes, connectivity between nodes in some layer, hosting relationships between nodes on different layers, or induced pathways. Current query languages may not allow clear expression of such queries because such queries do not treat pathways as first-class citizens of the language. That is, such query languages are not closed under composition.
Further, conventional graph databases store a single "current time" inventory. If a change is made to the nodes and edges (e.g., inserted, deleted, or changed), the relevant nodes and edges are inserted, deleted, or updated, respectively, and no record is kept of the previous state.
There is a need for a technology that facilitates temporal modeling of communication networks, including the types of network elements and the connections therebetween, in such a way that enables querying of that model to enable troubleshooting and creating of SDN applications, including queries for discovering pathways in the network, manipulating pathways, and time-travel queries.
This disclosure is directed to solving one or more of the problems in the existing technology.