When electronic mail with firmware attached is received at a data communication apparatus, determination is made whether it corresponds to firmware data of a write process allowable state. In the case of write process allowable data, the message is downloaded from a mail server to a printer controller. Then, derived firmware is transmitted to an image formation apparatus. A firmware rewrite permission is obtained. When the firmware attached to the message does not attain a write process allowable state, waiting is conducted for reception of write process allowable firmware with the data left in the mail server. As a result, a data communication apparatus is provided that can rewrite firmware appropriately independent of a transmitted and received order of divided firmware.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a program product for data communication, a computer-readable recording medium in which a data communication program is recorded, a data communication apparatus, and a data communication method. Particularly, the present invention relates to a data communication program providing communication of firmware data via the Internet, a computer-readable recording medium in which the data communication program is recorded, a data communication apparatus, and a data communication method.
2. Description of the Related Art
The firmware controlling the operation of, for example, an image formation apparatus is conventionally written into a mask ROM (Read Only Memory). When the firmware has to be exchanged, the method is taken of replacing the mask ROM on the control board in the image formation apparatus with a mask ROM written with new firmware.
The exchange of a mask ROM is time-consuming and complicated. Therefore, a rewritable flash ROM is used instead of a mask ROM to improve the workability.
Methods set forth below have been taken to exchange the firmware written in a flash ROM.
As the first method, the method of using an external storage device such as a memory card is known. An I/F (interface) with an external storage device such as a memory card is provided in the image formation apparatus. A memory card with the new firmware is connected to that I/F. Then, the new firmware is written from the memory card to the flash ROM. In rewriting the firmware, remote operation is not possible in this method. There was the problem that the rewrite operation must be carried out actually at the site where the image formation apparatus is installed.
A method of utilizing a public switched network is known as the second method. This method is adapted to practical usage mainly in the field of facsimile apparatuses. Specifically, firmware is transmitted to an image formation apparatus from a remote apparatus connected to the public switched network. By downloading the transmission, the firmware is rewritten. Although there is no need to be actually present at the site as in the first method, the communication cost is high. Also, downloading the firmware is relatively time-consuming.
Reflecting the spread of the Internet, downloading the firmware through the Internet instead of through the public switched network is taken as the third method. The usage of the Internet allows reduction in the cost of transmission and the time required to download the firmware.
There are various protocols for communication through the Internet such as an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) to view a home page, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to transfer a file, an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) used in the communication of electronic mail, and the like. However, the protocol to download the firmware from a remote station to an image formation apparatus through the Internet is limited from the standpoint of security on the communication through the Internet. The protocol that can be used is rather limited.
Specifically, a firewall generally functioning as a "barrier" is provided at the connection of the Internet and each user to cope with illegal access and the like from the Internet into the user's internal system. The firewall has the capability to control the communication protocol that can be passed between the Internet and the internal system of the user. Accordingly, the passable protocol is limited. In general, the protocol of electronic mail is often set as passable. Therefore, the method of using an electronic mail system is conventionally employed in transmitting firmware via the Internet.
The size of the firmware in an image formation apparatus has now become as large as approximately 10 Mbytes in accordance with the high function and multi-feature thereof. It is expected that the size of the firmware will further increase in the future.
The mail server that collects electronic mail and provides distribution service generally has the size of the electronic mail that can be received restricted. The size of the electronic mail is often restricted to approximately 1 Mbytes.
In the case where firmware of the aforementioned size is to be transmitted through electronic mail, it is expected that rejection of receiving such large electronic mail will frequently occur since it exceeds the restricted size.
To avoid this, there is an approach of appropriately dividing firmware data and transmitting the same instead of transmitting the firmware data at one time. Specifically, the firmware that is to be transmitted is divided into a plurality of parts. The plurality of firmware is attached to separate electronic mail to be sequentially transmitted.
In the sequential transmission of the plurality of firmware for rewriting, there are cases where the rewriting order is determined. Therefore, the firmware is generally transmitted according to the desired order to be rewritten (written in).
However, even if the firmware is appropriately attached to electronic mail and transmitted in a divisional manner by the above-described method, there is a possibility that, during the firmware rewriting operation, the eventual order of the electronic mail received at the image formation apparatus side may differ from the transmitted order due to an error at the mail server side or by other causes.
If the firmware rewriting process is conducted in the received order at the image formation apparatus side in such a case, there is a possibility that the image formation apparatus having the firmware rewritten in an order differing from the proper order of the rewrite process corresponding to the transmitted order will not operate properly.
Furthermore, even if the transmitted order and received order are identical, partially rewriting the target firmware every time a divided firmware is received is not efficient. This is not an appropriate process even from the image formation apparatus side.

Data communication apparatus capable of rewriting firmware


An information processing apparatus (100) includes a main unit (110) including a keyboard and having a generally rectangular major surface, and includes a display device (130) including a display screen and having a generally rectangular major surface. A bottom of the major surface of the display device can be selectively placed in a first position in which the bottom extends substantially along a first side of the major surface of the main unit, and a second position in which the bottom extends substantially along a second side of the major surface of the main unit that is substantially perpendicular to the first side. The information processing apparatus (100) further comprises power supply and information communications connectors in the main unit on a third side of the major surface of the main unit that is opposite and substantially parallel to the second side. The connector is connectable through another connector on a car docking station.

A conventional car navigation system apparatus is fixedly mounted on a car and cannot be taken out of the car. The car navigation system detects the current position of a car based on data from a GPS receiver, azimuth data from a gyro sensor, VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) information, and car speed information. Removable car navigation system apparatuses have been developed, which make it possible for a family to make plans for drive. Such a removable car navigation system detects the position based on data from a GPS receiver and azimuth data from a gyro sensor, without using VICS information or car speed information, and hence the position detecting precision is low.
Currently available car navigation systems have functions, such as electronic mail transmission and reception and schedule management. Their functions are almost like those of notebook personal computers (PCs). Accordingly, if a car on which such a car navigation system is fixedly installed is stolen, there is a risk that private information stored in the car navigation system may be leaked out. Accordingly, there is a need for a mobile PC which can be installed on a car and removed from the car, and has functions as a car navigation system and an ordinary notebook PC.
In Japanese Patent Application Publication JP 2000-311029 A published on Nov. 7, 2000, Ishii discloses a handheld PC having a display rotatable by 270 degrees or more relative to a main unit, and having a docking connector on a surface of the PC which, in the normal use, is a front surface, and having terminals for various uses on the rear surface. The handheld PC has a navigation software installed therein and is used as a navigation apparatus by itself outside the car. When used in the car, it is inserted into a handheld PC inserting slot of an on-board apparatus docking station with the front side of the main unit facing ahead to thereby connect the docking connector to the docking terminal within the slot. The PC takes in vehicle-speed-representative pulses from the docking station to navigate with precision.
In the handheld PC disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2000-311029 A above, however, the keyboard of this PC faces downward in the docking station, and hence heat generated in the PC may not be dissipated efficiently.
In Japanese Patent Application Publication JP H 06-250156 A published on Sep. 9, 1994, Shimada discloses a LCD horizontally rotatable relative to a PC main unit. Hence a rotation axis is located at the rear center of the PC main unit.
Also, in Japanese Patent Application Publication JP 2001-169166 A published on Jun. 22, 2001, Shibata et al. disclose a monitor which can be laterally rotated relative to a main unit of a portable terminal. Hence a rotation axis is located at the rear center of the main unit.
Usually, car audio apparatuses and car navigation apparatuses have an approximate size of one DIN (i.e. width of 178 mm and height of 50 mm), or two DINS (i.e. width of 178 mm and height of 100 mm). A handheld PC with a full-keyboard comparable to such sizes has a very small key pitch, and hence is difficult to operate. The width of a keyboard easy to operate is typically about 230 mm at the minimum.
Display devices having a size equal to or less than one DIN is a 7-inch or smaller display (having a display area of 154.1×87.0 mm2 and external dimensions of 170.0 mm×104.0 mm×18.0 mm). Ordinary mobile notebook PCs have a screen size of 9 inches or 10.4 inches. Accordingly, notebook PCs having a 7-inch display device may be too small for practical use.
The inventors of this application has recognized the need for a PC having a limited predetermined width and still having a size for enabling an operator to operate it easily.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile information processing apparatus having a predetermined, limited width and a size sufficient for enabling an operator to operate it easily.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus having a display device that can assume different positions relative to a main unit of the information processing apparatus.

Information processing apparatus installable in docking station of car


A cutting wheel, especially suitable for dicing silicon wafers and the like, which has a high degree of stiffness as a result of the wheel being a monolith with a thick inner section and thin outer or cutting section.

In many cutting operations which utilize abrasive wheels, both thinness and rigidity or stiffness are essential. Examples of such cutting operations are the dicing, slicing, scribing, slotting, and squaring, which are involved in the processing of silicon wafers and so-call pucks made of an alumina-titanium carbide composite, for the electronics industry in general and the computer industry in particular. As is well known, silicon wafers are processed for integrated circuits while alumina-titanium carbide pucks are utilized to fabricate flying thin film heads for writing (recording) and reading (playing back) information magnetically stored in computers.
The alumina-titanium carbide used to form the pucks is highly pure. The pucks are preferably formed by hot-pressing into discs 2 or 3 inches in diameter and typically about 3/16 of an inch thick. The resulting bodies are extremely hard and therefore very difficult to shape, which necessitates the use of diamond grinding and cutting wheels to further process discs. Because these hot-pressed pucks or discs typically contain unacceptable pits and scratches, a 2 to 3 mil coating of alumina is deposited on the puck and polished to the desired finish.
The circuitry for thin film heads is built on the aforedescribed substrate, by first polishing the surfaces of the so-called puck followed by chemical or metal vapor deposition and photolithography treatments. The materials deposited are e.g. alumina and copper. The pucks or wafers are then overcoated with alumina to protect the newly formed circuits followed by lapping of the alumina coating to precise shape and thickness. Enough of the alumina coating is removed, in predetermined locations on the puck, to expose copper to be used as electrical connectors in the final product.
Most of the remaining steps involve the shaping and separating of the thin film heads which are done preferably with diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasive wheels. Usually the ceramic substrate, or puck in the case of thin film heads, is usually round, thus the first step is "squaring off" which involves cutting off of the round edges of the puck so that the ceramic substrate will fit into the process equipment. The squared off puck is slotted along one axis to define scribe lines between each row of heads. The scribe lines penetrate the hard alumina coating and the underlying circuits built into the surface of the puck. To avoid thermal and mechanical stress or damage to the circuit lay, scribing is done at a slow rate with fine grit diamond cutting blades. This operation requires very parallel and accurate cuts in order to prevent chipping which can ultimately cause damage to the thin film heads. For this reason the industry carries out this operation with a gang of thin diamond abrasive contain cut-off wheels or blades i.e. several diamond cut-off blades mechanically joined together with spacers of accurately predetermined thickness located between each cutting blade or wheel.
Once the thin film head circuits have been delineated by scribing, the remainder of the thickness of the substrate is cut through again using a gang saw arrangement of diamond blades or wheels and spacers. The result is several accurately cut bars, each of which contains 5, 6, or more, thin film head circuits depending on the size of the original puck. These bars are then lapped to remove the excess substrate material which remains after the scribing and slicing steps set out above. The bars may or may not be lapped depending on whether or not excess substrate material is remaining.
Once the bar is lapped it is mounted in a cartridge so that the air bearing surfaces, called rails and bleed slots, can be cut into the tops of individual heads. First the rails are cut over the alumina covered head circuits, again using a gang set-up of diamond cutting blades and spacers. Then a wider and shallower plateau is cut between the rail channels. The rails and bleeding slots are cut to form the aerodynamic surfaces that allow the thin film heads to fly, thus they must be cut with extreme precision with respect to the correct depth and width.
The next to the last step in preparing the actual head for a flying thin film head is separating the several heads contained in a bar or row. Again in this step of the process the cutting to separate each individual circuit (head) must be done with unfailing accuracy in order to avoid destroying or damaging the heads. As in some of the preceding steps, this operation is generally carried out using a gang of diamond saw blades or wheels. This next to last operation also requires extreme precision of cut.
The final step is the lapping of each individual head to achieve precise throat height and to bevel or ramp the ends of the rails, the throat being the trough between the rail and bleed slot discussed above
For the several aforedescribed steps involving slicing, parting, etc. of pucks with gang saws it is apparent that these cuts must be very accurate in order to avoid damage to the heads being produced. The basic material i.e. alumina-titanium carbide is itself expensive, with the value added as a result of the many steps greatly increasing the cost of a given puck or disc of alumina-titanium carbide. The cuts made by gang saws in processing substrates like alumina-titanium carbide and silicon substrates for thin film heads and integrated circuits respectively, must be made accurately to avoid excess waste of materials and damaged to thin film heads and integrated circuit substrate pieces. In an effort to minimize these costly losses the industry uses gang saw arrangements made up of saw blades that are as stiff as possible and as thin as practical. These two characteristics of the saw blades are obviously contradictory; the thinner the blade the less stiff the blade will be. However, the industry has compromised by using conventionally shaped blades that are a little thicker than desired and not quite as stiff as would be optimum, ganged with precisely sized spacers between the blades. The spacers are smaller in diameter than the blades and are composed of hard rigid materials like steel or bonded tungsten carbide. The wheels are conventionally shaped straight wheels i.e. wheels that are of uniform thickness from the wheel's arbor hole to its periphery.
It is a principal objective of the present invention to overcome the chipping and inaccurate cuts which occur with the presently used straight wheels gauged with spacers.

Highly rigid composite shaped abrasive cutting wheel


A water-proof electric connector module comprises a cable with two ends each provided with a connector head. Each of the connector heads of the cable further includes a front flange encircling a plurality of receiving holes. The outer wall of the connector head is provided with an outer thread, which can be coupled with the inner thread of a complementary connector head at another cable; the complementary connector with an annular groove encircling a plurality of terminal pins. There is further a rotary lock shell encircling the complementary connector head, whereby a pair of connector heads will be stably connected. The connector head with an outer thread can be sealed by a guide head cap, which has a rotary lock shell and an inner thread, capable of being engaged with the outer thread, similar to the complementary connector head.

An electric connector module capable of being assembled quickly of the prior art utilizes a pair of male and female connector heads to connect two cables. Since there is not a latch mechanism upon the coupling between the connector heads, the cable connection is easily detachable. Further, the water-proof mechanism at the cable connection is applied externally, such as water-proof tapes and silicon glue. These external measures are not reliable. Further, when the electric connector module is required to penetrate a wall through a hole, guide string connected to the front connector head is needed. However, the connector is easy to get blocked by an obstacle in the hole or get stuffed by dust and dirt in the hole, leading to malfunction of the connector.
To summarize, there are at least two disadvantages of the electric connector modules of the prior art.
1. The latch mechanism for a pair of connector heads to couple is too simple to avoid accidental separation.
2. The pulling of the connector along a hole in a wall will usually blocked by an obstacle and will result in dust accumulation in the front connector head, causing malfunction of the connector.


A hardware management apparatus of this invention has at least one semiconductor integrated circuit component which includes a plurality of semiconductor components, and a first memory for storing first management information used to manage the mount states of the plurality of semiconductor components, at least one circuit board which includes the at least one semiconductor integrated circuit component, and a second memory for storing second management information used to manage the mount state of the at least one semiconductor integrated circuit component, and a third memory for storing third management information used to manage the mount state of the at least one circuit board, and rewrites the corresponding first management information to third management information when the mount state of hardware is changed, thus managing the hardware.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hardware management apparatus and method for managing hardware.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional system management technique manages the software configuration installed in an apparatus, and the versions of software and firmware. In a personal computer, the performance of which is frequently improved by such system management, the user can recognize the currently installed software via an operating system (OS).
By managing software by the operating system, the user can recognize the version of software installed for the purpose of function expansion or existing software, and can determine whether it is fit to communicate with another system or needs a version-up to do so.
When a new external device is connected to a personal computer, firmware must be changed to that which supports I/O of such device. In such case as well, the user checks the version of firmware to determine whether it is fit to connect an external device or needs a version-up to do so.
Such system management information indicating the installed software and firmware is stored in a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), read-only memory (ROM), or the like when the software and firmware are installed. Therefore, the system management information is not erased even after power OFF, thus allowing system management.
In this manner, in the prior art, system management is made on the basis of software and firmware. However, the recent great advance in high-integration circuit technique of hardware has made high-function, multi-function, and high-performance hardware possible.
For this reason, system management of hardware is also required for the following reason.
Conventionally, components and functions correspond to each other like microprocessor components, memory components, parallel I/O components, serial I/O components, timepiece components, direct memory access control components, signal process components, and so forth, and the hardware management side can manage by marking mount states in components.
However, with the advance of the high-integration circuit technique of hardware, a plurality of such components are often combined to form a single component. As a result of high integration, the number of functions included per single component increases, but an apparatus that uses the component does not always use all the functions of the component.
Furthermore, such high-function components are mounted on a printed circuit board, and a plurality of circuit boards construct a system. Upon installing new software or connecting I/O devices, the use state of internal functions of components and use of a circuit board formed by mounting a plurality of such components differ.
For this reason, the component names and functions or board names and functions do not always match unlike the prior art, since the hardware configuration itself changes in correspondence with a change in system.
A system is comprised of software and hardware, and the conventional software-based system management is insufficient to manage the system when the system itself changes upon function expansion by installing new software or connecting new I/O devices.
As related techniques, history information is stored in a storage unit such as an IC card or the like inserted in a product, as disclosed in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication Nos. 2000-35991 and 2000-48066. Since this history information is that of a communication route of the product, it is different from a hardware management apparatus of the present invention, which stores management information indicating the hardware state.


A surface treating apparatus (10) includes a tank (100) containing a cleaning solution (102) supplied to a supply point (SP) via a fluid flow line (106) under control of a flow control module (108). A chemical pump (144) controls flow of a chemical supplied to the fluid flow line (106). A controller (130) controls the flow control module (108) to operate at an operating flow rate based on a level of the cleaning solution (102) sensed by a solution sensor (120). The controller (130) controls the chemical pump (144) to operate at a flow rate based on the operating flow rate so that the chemical is supplied to the supply point (SP) at a selected chemical dilution ratio. An agitating element (105) agitates the surface with scrubbing pressure which is adjusted by the controller (130). A spike button (168) is coupled to controller (130) and operable to momentarily increase the flow rate, chemical dilution ratio, and/or scrubbing pressure to remove unusually dirty spots.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling operating parameters of a surface treating apparatus and specifically providing accurate adjustment of flow rates, chemical dilution ratios and/or scrubbing pressure.
Surface cleaning or treating apparatuses have been widely used and generally include a solution tank for storing and dispensing a cleaning solution, a scrub deck having one or more agitating elements such as in the form of brushes or pads for scrubbing a surface such as a floor with the cleaning solution, a tool such as a squeegee for collecting dirty solution, and a recovery tank for recovering the dirty solution from the floor through a hose. Most often, the cleaning solution is a mixture of a cleaning chemical and clean tap water. Traditionally, the chemical was simply added into the solution tank, and the entire tank became a mixture of clean water and chemical. The dilution ratio of the water/chemical mixture could not be exactly controlled, for it depended on the person pouring the chemical into the solution tank.
In recent years, chemical injection has become a common feature for surface treating apparatuses. Typical chemical injection systems include a separate cleaning chemical storage container mounted on the surface treating apparatus. A mechanism is utilized to dispense a controlled amount of chemical into the clean water, at or near the point of use. These chemical injection systems are more accurate in chemical metering. In order to be able to control the chemical dilution ratio, both the clean water and chemical flow rates must be controllable. The flow rate of the cleaning solution can be controlled by different ways including: gravity feed without adjustment, which is least accurate; gravity feed with a manually adjusted ball valve; gravity feed in conjunction with an electronically pulsed solenoid valve; and feed with a pump.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,105,192 and 6,301,738 disclose a solenoid valve and timing module kit for use with a floor treating apparatus using gravity feed in conjunction with the solenoid valve pulsed electronically. The timing module continuously opens and closes the solenoid valve in response to operator control. The introduction of surface treating apparatuses represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,105,192 and 6,301,738 obtained significant advantages in the marketplace in eliminating conventional ball or needle valves that are always open when the cleaning solution is supplied, in creating anything from a trickle to a full flow of the cleaning solution, in allowing an operator to generally maintain flow of the cleaning solution, and in minimizing any lag time in starting or stopping the supply of the cleaning solution to a floor treating device by locating the solenoid valve immediately above the supply points. However, even such an innovative and commercially successful apparatus has need for further improvement. In particular, in gravity feed systems including the type represented by U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,105,192 and 6,301,738 as well as other types, the level of the cleaning solution or water in the solution tank drops due to dispensation of the cleaning solution or water and, thus, affects the maximum flow rate of the solenoid valve, leading to a decrease in the flow rate of the cleaning solution and to an increase in the chemical dilution ratio, both of which are undesired. The operator control for maintaining the constant flow of the cleaning solution is not always accurate. Furthermore, currently available surface treating apparatuses do not allow accurate adjustment of the scrubbing pressure during operation.
Thus, a need exists for methods and apparatus providing accurate adjustment of a flow rate of cleaning solution, a chemical dilution ratio and/or scrubbing pressure in surface treating apparatuses.

Flow and scrubbing pressure control system and methods for surface treating apparatus


A shelf system for the storage and filing of objects is provided. The system includes at least one shelf unit having a quadrilateral cross-sectional configuration. Vertical longitudinal posts are disposed at corners of the shelf unit. Horizontal crosspieces are disposable between two front ones of the posts. The crosspieces are provided with vertically and horizontally spaced apart, downwardly directed pairs of hooks. The posts are provided with recesses for receiving the hooks. Supporting boards are provided and each have a downwardly directed front flap that is adapted to be firmly wedged between a crosspiece and the posts that receive them to prevent lifting of the supporting boards.

The invention relates to a shelf system for storage and filing of objects, essentially comprising at least one shelf with rectangular cross-section, at whose corner points vertical longitudinal poles are arranged, and between two front side longitudinal poles, horizontal girders or crosspieces for attaching supporting boards, provided with descending front side flaps, may be attached and the longitudinal poles have gaps for inserting vertically and horizontally distanced and descending pairs of hooks on said girders.
A large number of shelves, i.e. shelf systems, are known, whose individual components, such as longitudinal posts, lateral conductors, i.e. girders and supporting boards, are interconnected by different means of attachment. Such shelves normally feature several longitudinal posts at the shelf corner points, where, at certain vertical distances, one or more horizontal supporting boards are fixed, on which objects and/or bulk material is being stored. Additionally, it is often required to glue, weld or screw supporting boards with the longitudinal poles, and the type of fixation usually depends on the material from which the shelf has been manufactured.
It is disadvantageous with these shelves or shelf systems that contingent upon the type of connection, for example welding or gluing, these units no longer may be disassembled or adjusted to fit user requirements. As a consequence, these shelves, or shelf systems, evidence a high degree of stability, however a variation in size and number of supporting boards on the shelf, i.e. shelf system, is strongly restricted. Additionally, these shelves, or shelf systems, can only be transported with great difficulties, due to the volume required as a result of the fixed connection.
In addition, a number of connecting systems for shelves are known, where shelf components, such as supporting boards, longitudinal poles, girders, etc., may, for example, be interconnected by tongue and groove connections. In many systems, the supporting boards are simply applied on legs or pins at the girders. This procedure, however, results in a high degree of instability of the shelf system. Shelves or shelf systems, united by screws or special connecting elements, may be assembled or disassembled only with great effort, so that personnel specifically designed for this procedure face problems in assembling or disassembling. In addition, there is often a requirement for joining elements of complex format for connecting the supporting board, which are difficult to be produced from a viewpoint of technical production.
In the case of shelves or shelf systems, assembled merely based on an insertion process, these are usually screwed only with intercrossing struts, between diagonally opposed corner points on the rear side of the shelf. A longitudinal stability of the shelf is thus obtained. A certain lateral, i.e. depth stability is attained by girders which may be inserted into the longitudinal poles, and said girders compose lateral conductors with the longitudinal poles. The connection is usually made by means of screwjoints and gusset boards.
PCT/EP00/10857 describes a shelf system of the initially mentioned type, where each girder features pre-stressed insertion pockets, with an open upper section and, at the end section, a descending appendix is formed, which presents at least two vertically distanced hook-like structures. Supporting boards or insertion components of different configuration may be introduced into the storage pockets or insertion components, which are only being retained by the storage pockets in a self-clipping manner. For this purpose, the supporting boards feature high vertical front side flaps, in order to be able to insert them into the storage pockets, and the height of the front side flaps is contingent upon the depth of said storage pockets. The girder with the appendixes and storage pockets involve complex production features, resulting in high production cost figures. The high, vertical front side flaps of the supporting boards require a large amount of material, also as a result of additional folding flaps, in order to reinforce the front side flaps against buckling.
It is an object of the present invention to create a shelf system of the initially mentioned type for storage and filing of objects, which insures a high degree of stability and capacitance of the supporting boards with the girders.

Shelf system for storage and filing of objects


An object of the present invention is to prevent lowering of introduction efficiency of ions and to reduce labor for a cleaning operation. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a mass spectrometer where ion introduction hole of an electrode is divided into a first region, a second region, and a third region, a central axis direction of the ion introduction hole in both or either one of the first region and the third region is different from a flow direction axis of the ion inside the ion introduction hole in the second region, and axes of the ion introduction hole in the first region and the third region are in an eccentric position relationship.

A general atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer introduces ions generated under atmospheric pressure into vacuum and analyzes mass of the ion.
An ion source generating ions under atmospheric pressure includes various methods, such as electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). However, materials, which becomes noise components other than desirable ions, are generated in any of the methods. For example, in the ESI ion source, while a sample solution is flowed in a metal capillary with a small diameter, a high voltage is applied thereto to ionize the sample. Accordingly, noise components other than the ion, such as charged droplets or neutral droplets, are simultaneously generated.
The general mass spectrometer is divided into several spaces respectively divided by apertures, and each space is exhausted by a vacuum pump. As it goes to a rear stage, degree of vacuum is higher (pressure is lower). A first space divided from atmospheric pressure by a first aperture electrode (AP1) is exhausted by a rotary pump or the like and often held at degree of vacuum of about several hundred Pa. A second space divided from the first space by a second aperture electrode (AP2) has an ion transport unit (a quadrupole electrode, an electrostatic lens electrode, and the like), which transports ions while focusing it, and is often exhausted at about several Pa by a turbomolecular pump or the like. A third space divided from the second space by a third aperture electrode (AP3) includes an ion analysis unit (an ion trap, a quadrupole mass filter, a collision cell, time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOF), and the like), which performs separation or dissociation of ions, and a detection unit detecting ions. The third space is often exhausted at 0.1 Pa or less by the turbomolecular pump or the like. There is also a mass spectrometer divided into more than three spaces, but a device consisting of about three spaces is generally used.
The generated ions (including a noise component) pass through the AP1 and are introduced into a vacuum chamber. After that, ions pass through the AP2 and are focused on a central axis in the ion transport unit. After that, ions pass through the AP3, and are separated at every mass or dissociated in the ion analysis unit. Accordingly, a structure of the ion can be analyzed in more detail. Eventually, ions are detected by the detection unit.
In the most general mass spectrometer, the AP1, AP2, and AP3 are often disposed coaxially. Since the aforementioned droplet other than the ion is hardly affected by an electric field of the aperture electrode, the transport unit, or the analysis unit, it basically tends to go straight. Because of that, there is a case where a surface or the like of each aperture electrode having a very small diameter is contaminated.
Therefore, in the general mass spectrometer, it becomes necessary to remove and clean the AP1 or the AP2 periodically. However, a vacuum system, such as a vacuum exhaust pump, needs to be stopped for the cleaning, and it generally takes one day or more to stably operate the vacuum system after restarting it. Further, excessive introduction of the droplets, which goes straight, may reach the detector and also leads to shorten a life of the detector.
In order to solve this problem, in PTL 1, a member having a plurality of holes is disposed between an ion source and an AP1. Since no hole is opened in this member at a position coaxial with the AP1, introduction of noise components from the AP1 can be reduced. However, since this member having a plurality of holes is disposed outside the AP1, both front and rear sides of this member are in a state of atmospheric pressure.
On the other hand, in PTL 2 or PTL 3, droplets, which goes straight, are removed by orthogonally disposing an axis of an AP1 outlet and an axis of an AP2. However, a space between the AP1 and the AP2 bent at a right angle is exhausted by a vacuum exhaust pump, such as a rotary pump, in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the AP2.


An article transport device comprises an endless revolving body that is configured to move along a cyclic path in a substantially horizontal direction; a plurality of article supports each of which supports an article, wherein the article supports move together with the endless revolving body with the supports spaced apart from each other in a traveling direction; a support mechanism for supporting the article supports to the endless revolving body such that the article supports can move between a transport position adjacent the endless revolving body and an away position spaced apart from the transport position; and a guide mechanism for causing at least some of the article supports to move from the transport position to the away position and to move from the away position to the transport position, at an article delivering location or an article receiving location along the cyclic path of the endless revolving body.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to article transport devices.
2. Description of Related Art
Article transport devices have an endless revolving body that is configured to move along a cyclic path in a substantially horizontal direction and a plurality of article supports each of which supports an article. The plurality of article supports move together with the endless revolving body with the supports spaced apart from each other in a traveling direction.
Such article transport devices are used for transporting articles such as transport containers that contain semiconductor substrates to and from various article handling facilities such as article storage facilities that store the articles.
A revolving path in the endless revolving body is provided with an article delivering location for delivering articles to an article handling facility and an article receiving location for receiving articles from an article handling facility.
For example, in such conventional article transport devices, article placing members are installed in a fixed manner on an endless revolving body, article transferring means is provided at an article delivering location and an article receiving location on the outer side of the endless revolving body, and when the article transferring means operates a placing portion on which an article is placed and supported, the article is transported between the article placing member and an article handling facility (see International Publication No. WO 03/000472, for example).
In these conventional article transport devices, when the article transferring means takes an article out of the article placing member at the article delivering location, first, the placing portion is moved in synchronization with the movement of the article placing member in a revolving direction of the endless revolving body. Next, in a state where the placing portion is moved in synchronization with the movement of the article placing member, the placing portion is projected below the article that is supported by the article placing member, and is then raised, so that the article is supported by the placing portion, and then the placing portion is withdrawn.
Furthermore, when the article transferring means loads an article onto the article placing member at the article receiving location, in a state where the placing portion is moved in synchronization with the movement of the article placing member, the placing portion is projected such that the article that is supported by the placing portion is positioned above the article placing member, then the placing portion is lowered, so that the article is loaded onto the article placing member, and then the placing portion is withdrawn.
After the article transferring means takes an article out of the article placing member at the article delivering location, the placing portion is moved, for example, the placing portion that supports the article is moved toward the article handling facility in order to transport the taken out article to the article handling facility, then the placing portion is moved to a start position for receiving a next article.
Furthermore, after the article transferring means loads an article onto the article placing member at the article receiving location, the placing portion is moved, for example, the placing portion is moved toward the article handling facility in order to receive an article from the article handling facility, then the placing portion is moved to a start position for moving the placing portion in synchronization with the movement of the article placing member when loading the article onto the article placing member at the article receiving location.
In this manner, in a state where the placing portion is moved in synchronization with the movement of the article placing member, when the placing portion is projected, vertically moved, and withdrawn by the article transferring means, articles are transported between the article placing member and the article handling facility without stopping the endless revolving body revolving in a circular manner while articles are transferred to and from the article placing member.
In these conventional article transport devices, at the article delivering location and the article receiving location, when the article transferring means takes an article out of the article placing member for transfer or loads an article onto the article placing member for transfer, the placing portion of the article transferring means is put on standby at a movement start position. When the article placing member for transfer reaches a position corresponding to the movement start position, the placing portion is projected toward the article placing member while the placing portion is moved in synchronization with the movement of the article placing member for transfer. Next, the placing portion is vertically moved, and an article is taken out of the article placing member or loaded onto the article placing member, and then the placing portion is withdrawn. At that time, the placing portion moves over a long distance in which the article placing member moves during the total time of a time necessary to project the placing portion, a time necessary to vertically move the placing portion, and a time necessary to withdraw the placing portion. Since it is necessary to move the placing portion over a long distance, the article transferring means has a large and complex configuration.


In order to rapidly load from a server (1) an application to be deployed (AP) in a terminal (2) and a chip card (3), a message (MAP) containing both a first application part and second application part formatted so as to be compatible with a protocol for communication between the terminal and the card is transmitted by the server to the terminal, which stores the two parts. The first part (APT) extracted from the application message (MAP) is installed in the terminal. A specific loader (CAPC) loads the second part (APC) extracted from the message according to the communication protocol. The installations of the two application parts are thus synchronous under the control of the terminal.

The present invention concerns the loading of an application to be deployed, also referred to as an application to be distributed, in a terminal and a chip card, also referred to as a microcontroller card or integrated-circuit card.
The terminal accepts the chip card and can, according to a preferred example, be a mobile radiotelephone terminal for which the chip card is a removable user identity module SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), to which reference will be made later in the description. In other examples, the terminal can be a bank terminal accepting a debit or credit card, or a personal computer (PC) provided with a chip card reader, or small communicating equipment such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) able to read a chip card introduced into it.
The invention thus concerns in general terms an open terminal in which there is implemented an open operating system which allows dynamic downloading of additional applications "on top of" the operating system partially in a chip card accepted in the terminal.
Referring to FIG. 1, this depicts the main entities for downloading an application composed of a first part PA1 and a second part PA2 from an OTA (Over The Air) platform such as an application server SAP to a mobile radiotelephone TE containing a removable chip card CP of the SIM card type. The terminal TE and the chip card CP each contain an interpreter of the Java or Microsoft (registered trade marks) virtual machine type. In particular, the terminal includes a card manager G for managing the data exchanges between the world external to the terminal TE and the chip card CP.
The application server SAP is managed for example by an application provider for mobile terminals and operates in the following manner in order to download an application composed of the parts PA1 and PA2.
The first part PA1, intended to be loaded into the terminal TE, is downloaded through a network of packets of the Internet type RP, a switched telephone network RTC and the radiotelephone network RR to which the terminal TE belongs. The downloading of the first application part PA1 is carried out at a higher rate, typically 9600 bits/second, in particular through a traffic channel of the radiotelephone network RR. The part PA 1 is installed and managed by an application manager G implemented in the terminal.
The second application part PA2, intended for the chip card CP, can be downloaded only be means of short messages MC whose transmission rate is low, a few hundred of bits per second, and therefore very much less than the rate for downloading the first application part PA1. Thus the second application part PA2 passes through the packet network RP, a short message server SMC generally generating several short messages MC segmenting the application part PA2 transmitted directly or through an intermediate network RI of the ISDN or X.25 type to the radiotelephone network RR, and then through the terminal TE, which is transparent to the application part PA2.
The separation of the application into two parts PA1 and PA2 through the different transmission parts RP-RTC-RR and RP-SMC-RI-RR naturally gives rise to a desynchronisation of the application parts actually downloaded separately into the terminal TE and the chip card CP. Since the downloadings are performed separately, the terminal TE and the chip card CP acknowledge reception of the downloading of the parts PA1 and PA2 to the server SAP separately rather than simultaneously before commencing any execution of the application [PA1, PA2] in the terminal TE and chip card CP assembly. In particular, the application manager G must wait until the second application part PA2 is completely downloaded into the card CP at the said low rate in order to decide on execution of the application.

Loading an application to be deployed in a terminal and a chip card


A printed circuit balanced to unbalanced (balun) transformer. The balun includes strip circuitry having first, second and third conductors. The first conductor provides a primary inductor of the transformer. The primary inductor has a first electrode adapted for coupling to an unbalanced transmission line and a second electrode electrically connected to the ground plane conductor. The second conductor provides a first secondary inductor of the transformer. The first secondary inductor is inductively coupled to a first portion of the primary inductor. A first electrode of the first secondary inductor is electrically connected to the ground plane conductor and a second electrode of the first primary inductor coupled to a first of a pair of output ports. The conductor provides a second secondary inductor of the transformer. The second secondary inductor is inductively coupled to a second portion of the primary inductor. A first electrode of the second secondary inductor is electrically connected to the ground plane conductor and a second electrode of the second secondary inductor is coupled to a second of the pair of output ports.

This invention relates generally to balanced to unbalanced transformers (baluns) and more particularly to baluns adapted for printed circuit fabrication.
As is known in the art, baluns are used for coupling between a balanced transmission line and an unbalanced transmission line. For example, in unbalanced transmission lines current following a line, or trace, is delivered from a source to a load and then returns from the load to the source through a ground plane. The ground plane is a relatively wide conductor having relatively low resistance and inductance and thus can be shared between many circuits or applications.
A balanced transmission line, on the other hand, has two identical lines, or traces. The signals on the lines are 180 degrees out-of-phase with each other. The ground plane is used as a potential reference for the two out-of-phase signals. The ground plane has not disappeared, however, because it is used for shielding and for attachment to a chassis, for example. However, with a balanced transmission line the current flows out-of-phase through the two identical lines, or conductors, and not through any adjacent ground plane. In essence, the two out-of-phase signals are balanced over the ground plane because they draw the same amount of current in the exact opposite direction. This two-phase (i.e., balanced system) is used to introduce certain signal cancellations. Proper balance will cancel unwanted signals (e.g., harmonics or intermodulation products) and add desired ones. For example, in communication systems, a major contributor to system non-linearity is the front end mixer. To improve linearity, double balanced mixers are often used. These double balanced mixers cancel most non-linear products produced by the mixer. Because the transmission lines which precede and follow the double balanced mixer are typically unbalanced, baluns are typically required.
As is also known in the art, there are two general categories of baluns: active and passive. With an active balun a differential pair of transistors with sufficient common mode rejection may be used. If one input is AC grounded, the input voltage is split exactly in half and the two output currents are produced in opposite phase (i.e., 180 degrees out-of-phase with each other). A common base-common emitter configuration can also be used to provide proper phase split and, under the right conditions, good amplitude balance. However, in many applications, the noise and distortion levels associated with these active baluns limit dynamic range.
Passive baluns typically use magnetic coupling. They can be purchased and used with integrated circuit mixers as an external component. However, the cost of such a component is relatively high. While a passive balun has been integrated on a semiconductor chip using spiral inductors, losses tend to be relatively high because thin metal traces are used to form the inductors. Further, the area required on the chip to form such inductors is relatively large. One type of passive balun uses a printed circuit board as a substrate. This type of balun uses half wavelength delay lines that can provide the 180 degree phase shift. However, the resulting baluns are extremely large, even when operating at frequencies of 2 GHz.
Another type of printed circuit balun 9 is shown in FIG. 1A.

Balanced to unbalanced transmission line transformers


An image filling method for reducing filling process in producing animation. The image filling method includes the steps of separating a reference line drawing and a line drawing into first and second closed regions; extracting at least one feature amount of the first and second closed regions; calculating variations of feature amounts between every combination of the first and second closed regions, sorting the first closed regions in ascending order by the variation of the feature amount for each of the second closed regions; generating color candidate lists for each of the second closed regions, wherein duplication of the color information is eliminated; filling each of the second closed regions with a color which is on the top of the color candidate list.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an image processing technique. More particularly, the present invention relates to an image filling method, an apparatus and a computer readable medium storing the program.
2. Description of the Related Art
First, the related art which corresponds to the after-mentioned first object will be described. Conventionally, a line drawing on a sheet of paper is transferred to a cell which is colored manually with a paintbrush when producing animation. Recently, this work is being replaced by digital painting in which the line drawing is digitized by a scanner and is filled by using a computer. Therefore, it becomes easy to fill the line drawing which was very difficult conventionally. However, it is necessary to fill the digitized line drawing data manually one by one even after the digital painting is introduced.
As conventional techniques, Japanese patent No. 2835752 and Japanese laid open patent application No.9-134422 disclose a technique for filling a plurality of line drawings at a time by specifying coordinates (a seed point) from which the filling is started, wherein the coordinates are common for regions where a plurality of line drawings are superimposed and filled with the same color.
In the technique of the Japanese patent No. 2835752, the barycenter position of each closed region, and lateral and vertical lengths of a circumscribed rectangle of each closed region are extracted from an unfilled image and the filled image as features. Then, the unfilled image is filled by referring to the corresponding region of the filled image by using the features. According to the above invention, a region which has relatively small movement can be filled with the same color of the corresponding region of the filled image.
In the Japanese laid open patent application No.9-134422, when filling closed regions of a line drawing, a point determined in the closed region and a color selected according to the point are correlated and stored. When the point is located in the same closed region of next images that follows, the color corresponding to the point is called and added to the closed region. Accordingly, filling images which moves successively can be performed speedily and effectively.
However, in the invention of the Japanese patent No.2835752, since only the barycenter position of each closed region and lateral and vertical lengths of a circumscribed rectangle of each closed region are extracted, and used as feature data, there is a problem that the calculation amount for obtaining the barycenter position is large.
In the invention of the Japanese laid open patent application No.9-134422, when overlapping closed regions of a plurality of unfilled line images should be filled with the same color, the closed regions can be filled in a stroke with a seed point which has the same coordinates in the plurality of line drawings. Thus, the invention is built on a premise that there are overlapping closed regions which have the same meaning and should be filled with the same color in a plurality of line drawings. Therefore, this method can-be applied to only regions with relatively small movement, thereby there is a problem that many judgments by the operator are necessary.
Next, the related art which corresponds to the second object will be described. Conventionally, a boundary line of red, blue or the like (a colored line) is used as well as a black boundary line when producing animation. There is a following rule.
When a line drawing on a sheet of paper is transferred to a cell, only the black boundary lines are transferred. Then, if a red boundary line is specified when the transferred cell is put on the line drawing, the red boundary line is traced by the brighter color which is one of colors of sides which are divided by the boundary line. If a blue boundary line is specified when the transferred cell is put on the line drawing, the blue boundary line is traced by the darker color which is one of colors of each side which is divided by the boundary line.
In recent years, the line drawings are digitized and digital painting becomes widespread, in which the line drawing is transferred to the cell and is filled on a computer. Thus, the color of the colored line (boundary line) of red or blue should be changed sooner or later on a computer. FIG. 1A shows the line drawing drawn by the colored line and FIG. 1B shows the filled image of the line drawing. The colored line in the filled image needs to be filled with a proper color as shown in FIG. 1C. For this purpose, there are conventional technologies such as a paint bucket tool, a filling process method with function of filling the colored line and the Japanese patent No.2762753.
The paint bucket tool is a common name of a filling tool widely used for a general painting system and the like. When a pixel is specified by a pointing device such as a mouse, pixels which are connected to the pointed pixel and have the same color as the color of the pointed pixel are filled with a predetermined color by the paint bucket tool. FIGS. 2A–2D show a general example for filling a colored line by using the paint bucket tool. When filling a closed region enclosed by a colored line and the colored line shown in FIG. 2A by using the paint bucket tool, the closed region is filled by the paint bucket tool first (FIG. 2B), then the colored line is filled with the same color (FIG. 2C). As a result, the image shown in FIG. 2D is obtained. The order in which the processing shown in FIG. 2B and the FIG. 2C can be reverse.
On the other hand, the filling process method with function of filling the colored line is adopted by software specialized for animation filling. According to the method, the colored line is filled with the color used for filling the region enclosed by the colored line at the same time when the region is filled. FIGS. 3A, 3B shows the example. As shown FIGS. 3A, 3B, the closed region enclosed by the colored line and the colored line are filled at the same time when the inside of the closed region is filled. As a consequence, the colored line is filled with the color which is used first for filling each region enclosed by the colored line.
In the method of the Japanese patent No.2762753, every closed region is labeled and a filter of a size is defined, in which the filter is centered by a target pixel on a boundary line when the boundary line is the colored line. Then, the maximum label number within the filter is provided to the target pixel. The processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A–Ac. As shown in FIG. 4A, a label number 5 is assigned to the upper closed region of the colored line and a label number 23 is assigned to the lower closed region. As shown in FIG. 4B, by applying the filter which is wider than the thickness of the colored line, the maximum label number within the filter is assigned to the label number of the colored line. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the label number of the colored line becomes 23.
However, in the case when a colored line should be filled with a plurality of colors, there is a following problem. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, by using the paint bucket tool, the same color pixels which are connected successively to a pixel on which the paint bucket tool is applied are filled with a color. Therefor, for filling such a colored line by using the paint bucket tool, the region on which the paint bucket tool is applied should be specified in advance as shown in FIG. 6A such that the paint bucket tool is applied in the specified region as shown in FIG. 6B. Such a case occurs very frequently in which a colored line should be divided and filled with a plurality of colors. However, there is a problem in that it takes much time to specify the regions to which the paint bucket tool is applied in a shape of the colored line.
FIG. 7 shows the problem of the filling tool with filling function to the colored line. The filling tool has a rule in which the colored line is filled with a color of the closed region which is filled first. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the colored line is filled differently depending on the side which is filled first. That is, when the inside is filled first, the colored line is filled with red. When the outside is filled first, the colored line is filled with blue. Thus, the operator should be aware of the color of the colored line and the colors of the closed regions which are divided by the colored line. That is, when the colored line is red, the closed region which is brighter side of the closed regions which are divided by the colored line should be filled first. When the colored line is blue, the closed region which is darker side of the closed regions which are divided by the colored line should be filled first. There is a problem that the operator should always pay particular attention to the color of the colored line and the order of filling. In addition, the same problem which is explained in FIG. 5 exists in the filling tool with function of filling the colored line as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. For avoiding the problem, it is necessary to perform the same tasks shown in FIG. 6 by the filling tool with function of filling the colored line as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Therefore, it takes much time to set regions for applying.
According to the method shown in the Japanese patent No.2762753, the label number of the colored line is determined as one of label numbers of closed regions. Thus, the color of the colored line is not determined until the filling process is performed as shown in FIG. 10A. Therefore, there is a problem that the above-mentioned rule which has been historically established in producing animation can not be considered. In addition, when the size of the filter is too small (FIGS. 10B and 10C) or too large (FIG. 10D), the processing is not performed properly. Thus, it is necessary to adjust the size of the filter according to the thickness or the complexity of the colored lines. However, the Japanese patent No.2762753 does not disclose the method for solving the problem.
Next, the related art corresponding to the third object will be described.
For filling a closed region in a line drawing to be filled, at least coordinates in the closed region and the color to be pained are required. The coordinates can be specified by a pointing device such as a mouse when a computer is used for filling. As for the color, an operator inputs (R, G, B) values or (tint, chroma, lightness) values and the like by using an interface shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.
There is another method in which a color is obtained by specifying a point by the pointing device on a display such that the color is used for painting. FIGS. 12A and 12B show two representative examples. In the method shown in FIG. 12A, a color specifying table is displayed in which predetermined colors and the corresponding names are shown. The operator specifies a desired color in the table with the pointing device. In the case shown in FIG. 12B, an example image which is already filled is displayed. In this case, the operator finds a closed region in the example image which has a color the operator wants to use and specifies the color with the pointing device.
However, since the color value used for painting each closed region is strictly defined in producing animation, the operator needs to check the color value and input it via a keyboard every time the color is changed by the method shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Thus, this operation is burdensome to the operator.
As for the method shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, there is a problem that the operator needs to move the pointing device extensively every time the color to be painted is changed.
Next, the related art corresponding to the fourth object will be described.
Conventionally, for filling a region enclosed by a line, the operator specifies the color and coordinates (which will be called a seed point) which is a start point for filling. Then, the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm, the eight connected pixel seed fill algorithm or the scan line seed fill algorithm is generally used for painting the region. These methods are explained, for example, in "Hands-on Computer Graphics", Fujio Yamaguchi, Nikkan Kogyo shinbun-sha, pp104-, 1987. Each methods will be described in the following.
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm. First, the color of the specified seed point is checked. When the color can be changed (that is, when the color is not the color of the outline, for example), the color value of the pixel is saved and the color of the seed point is changed to a specified color. Next, pixels which are connected to each of four sides of the seed point are searched. If the color of the searched pixel can be changed (that is, when the color is the same as the saved color and is not the color of the outline), the color of the pixel is changed to the specified color. Next, the same processing is performed for four pixels which are connected to the pixel in which the color is changed. After that, the same processing is performed recursively until a pixel which has a color different from the saved color or a pixel which has the color same as the outline color is searched. FIG. 13 shows pixels 1–4 which are filled in the first filling process and pixels adjacent to the pixel 1 which are further searched and filled.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the eight connected pixel seed fill algorithm. In the algorithm, as shown in FIG. 14, this method is different from the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm in that eight connected pixels are searched in this method. FIG. 14 shows pixels 1–8 which are filled in the first filling process and pixels around the pixel 3 which are further searched and painted.
According to the above-mentioned algorithm, the recursive processing tends to become deep and large stack region is necessary. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the scan line seed fill algorithm which is developed for the sake of decreasing the depth of the recursive processing.
First, the color of the seed point which is specified in the first place is checked. When the color can be changed (for example, when the color is not the color of the outline), the color value of the pixel is saved and the color is changed to a specified color. Next, pixels are searched from the seed point in the lateral direction until a pixel in which the color can not be changed is searched (for example, the color of the pixel is different from the saved color or the color of the pixel is that of the outline). When a pixel in which the color can be changed is searched (for example, the color of the pixel is the same as the saved color or the color of the pixel is not that of the outline), the color is changed. In addition, the color of a pixel which is connected to the upper side or the lower side of the searched pixel is checked while searching the pixels. Then, the coordinates of the rightmost (or leftmost) pixel in which the color can be changed are stored. The same processing is repeated recursively by using the pixel of the coordinates as a seed point. As a result, the color of the closed region which includes the seed point which is specified in the first place is changed to a specified color.
In the above-mentioned conventional methods, the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm is easily programmable and the processing is fast. In addition, the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm does not have the after-mentioned problem of the eight connected pixel seed fill algorithm. Therefore, this algorithm is widely used.
However, when a region is painted once by specifying a seed point as shown in FIG. 16A, unfilled regions remain as shown in FIG. 16B due to the basic characteristics of this algorithm. Such a case often occurs when producing animation such as shown in FIG. 17. In many cases, the remaining region is a small region such as one pixel or two pixels. Thus, the remaining region is often undetected by the naked eye. Therefore, the operator must concentrate on checking the minute remaining region, which takes much time.
As for the eight connected pixel seed fill algorithm, the problem of unpainted region remaining does not occur. However, in the case such as one shown in FIG. 18, the color used for painting the inside leaks at the point specified the arrow in FIG. 18 such that the outside is painted by the same color. The case shown in FIG. 18 also often occurs. Therefore, this method is not generally used.
The scan line seed fill algorithm has the same merits and demerits as the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm in terms of painting. As mentioned above, this method require smaller stack region that the other two methods. However, the relatively large stack region used for the other two methods is much smaller that the program region or the data region. Thus, there is no reason to use the scan line seed fill algorithm instead of the four connected pixel seed fill algorithm which is easily implemented at the present time when the price of a computer memory is very low.
Since the remaining region to be checked is minute in any of the above-mentioned algorithms, it is difficult to detect the remaining region. Thus, the operator should intensively concentrate on checking whether the unfilled region is remained, however, it takes much time.

Image filling method, apparatus and computer readable medium for reducing filling process in processing animation

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation


A warm-up and weight training device for use on a sports racket is provided which can be readily secured to and removed from the racket's strings. The device includes two housing portions and a plurality of weights positionable in the housing portions. A securing device is used to clamp the housing portions together from opposing sides of the strings while securing the housing and weights to the strings. Protective gaskets are provided as a barrier preventing injury to the strings. The combination of the variable weights and the change in the moment arm based on the position of the invention from the handle, provide a wide range of resistance.

1. Field of Invention
This invention is one of the class of athletic training devices designed to be connected to and thereby add weight to a hand held device for striking a ball, and especially for use in association with a tennis racket for the purpose of developing the strength and dexterity of a tennis player.
2. Description of Prior Art
The present invention generally relates to sports and, more particularly, to a device for warming-up and training for racket sports such as tennis, squash, racketball, and badminton. Warming-up and weight training safely and effectively enhance racket sport performance. Typically, tennis players warm-up by practicing their strokes--forehand, backhand, service, and overhead-before participation in competition. Practice strokes tend to increase blood flow to the necessary muscles in the shoulder and arm therefore increasing freedom of movement and flexibility, while decreasing susceptibility to muscle strain or similar injuries. With respect to weight training, development of hand, wrist, forearm, and shoulder strength prepares a player to withstand the stresses required of his body during racket sport competition. The invention described herein, heightens the beneficial effects just described.
In connection with warming-up and training for athletic events, prior art devices are known which attach weights to a racket or bat. These devices increase the load or resistance on the active muscle ultimately increasing the strength and flexibility of that muscle. For instance, a player can practice with the weighted device whereby he trains the muscles to endure a heavier load. Upon removing the added weight the player will experience an increase in speed and power. Such devices can also be used for muscle conditioning and development. It is known that repeating a prescribed motion develops muscle coordination and efficiency. Increasing the load on the muscle during such activity further enhances the effects of conditioning the muscle.
In such sports as baseball and golf it has been desirable in the past to use weighted attachments which directly connect to the baseball bat or golf club.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,559 relates to a circular weight attachment known as a "batting doughnut." It is intended to be placed around the circumference of a baseball bat such that when a player repeatedly swings the bat, muscles in his arms and shoulders are stretched while developing strength.
A similar device has been devised for golf clubs as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,716,239. This patent discloses a weighted device which attaches to the base of a golf club immediately adjacent to the club head. By repeatedly swinging a golf club having this weighted attachment, the player stretches and strengthens the particular muscles associated with controlling the golf swing.
In connection with warming-up and weight training for racket sports, several devices have also been developed.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,330,560 to Higdon discloses a tennis racket weight attachment. It is a flexible sheet of material capable of holding, on its inside surface, and added weight. This device is attached to the top of the head of a tennis racket by tying it on with a lace or string.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,893 to Evans discloses a tennis racket weight holder. This device is made of a flexible material, having two inner pockets for added weights. The device can be attached to the throat of the racket by overlapping the ends of the material which have Velcro, or some other method of attachment at those ends.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,061 to Stewart discloses a racket weighting means. This device wraps around the throat of a tennis racket and secures itself by Velcro or other similar attachment means.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,142,721 to Faleck et al. discloses a weight and belt assembly. This weighted device secures to the throat of a tennis racket by passing a flexible belt through the parallel slots of a weighted plate and which is then secured with the use of Velcro or the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,285 to Petitti, Jr. discloses a racket weight system where tubular shaped members are constructed such that they can be attached to a tennis racket along the side-portions of the head or hitting surface area.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,812 to Mugford discloses a weight device for athletic rackets. This device is made of two sheets separated by an elastic member. Each sheet contains a number of weights, which are housed in chambers. This device can be attached to the throat of a tennis racket and secured with Velcro.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,728 to Bratt discloses a tennis racket exercise weight assembly. The assembly consists of opposing weights arranged on opposite sides of the interwoven strings and secured in a clamping engagement by a quick release attachment. The weights are not variable requiring a second weight assembly to change the amount of weight. The device does not have a means of protecting the strings by using a threaded stud and thus the weights spin and rub against the strings as they are threaded on thereby undesirably inflicting damage.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,510 to Schoenwetter discloses a weighted racket cover. The devise consists of a cover with a means for holding weights. The weights are suspended above the racket strings causing them to bang against racket strings while in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,083,777 to Held discloses a conditioning aid for racket sports. The device is an elongate elastomeric weighted rib that engages on the periphery of a racket frame containing integral elongate locking elements which are releasably interlocked immediately below the frame and between the strings. Alternatively, the weighted ribs may be mounted to the opposed sides of the racket in alignment with the "sweet spot". This devise is difficult to adhere to the racket as the locking elements are interlocked between the closely strung strings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,021 to Shaw discloses a racket sport warm-up and weight training device. The device is comprised of a housing which fits around the lower end of the head of the racket, elongated members within the housing which are resiliently biased against the frame thereby securing the device, supplemental weights, and weight retaining clips for securing the weights within the said housing. This device provides varying resistances only by the same increments as those of the weights.
Some of the above mentioned devices are connected to the throat area of the racket without means for preventing them from slipping down the throat onto the handle of the racket or onto the hand of the person holding the racket. This creates a potentially injurious circumstance to the party swinging the racket whose hand would encounter the fall of the weighted device.
A further problem with some of the above-mentioned devices is that tennis rackets come in a variety of different sizes, shapes, and widths. Some of the devices described above cannot adapt to fit a wide range of racket sizes and shapes.
For the above reasons, it would be particularly advantageous to develop a racket warm-up and weight training device that is securely fastened to the racket regardless of size or shape. The device should be fully adjustable for use by players of all capabilities and strengths. The device should not damage the racket to which it is attached. The device should provide a quick means for attaching and removing from racket.


Systems and methods to automatically edit a video to generate a video summary are described. In one aspect, sub-shots are extracted from the video. Importance measures are calculated for at least a portion of the extracted sub-shots. Respective relative distributions for sub-shots having relatively higher importance measures as compared to importance measures of other sub-shots are determined. Based on the determined relative distributions, sub-shots that do not exhibit a uniform distribution with respect to other sub-shots in the particular ones are dropped. The remaining sub-shots are connected with respective transitions to generate the video summary.

Camcorders are increasingly being used by professionals and amateurs alike to generate videos. However, once a video is made, individuals seldom have the opportunity to re-watch the videos or share them with friends. This is due, in part, to the amount of time that is typically required to view large amounts of unedited video data files. This leads to an urgent need for efficient and effective processing tools for summarizing videos.
Existing video summarization or skimming schemes might fit some users' needs to reduce the size and summarize video data. However, even when a computer is used to implement such traditional techniques, these techniques are typically substantially time consuming, labor intensive, and often require more video processing knowledge than is conveniently available to a non-professional camcorder user.
The following systems and methods address these and other limitations of existing video editing tools.

Systems and methods for automatically editing a video


An arrangement including a scannable matrix for predicting the occurrence of a future collision of frequency hops of the channel hopping patterns on the respective activated first paths of a Bluetooth packet transmission system is described. A first coordinate of the matrix defines columns representative of a selectable window of N successive future time slots of the channel hopping patterns, and a second coordinate of the matrix defines rows each exhibiting the successive frequency hops of the patterns segments transmitted on a separate one of the activated channels during such window. The first coordinate is scanned to detect the occurrence, if any, of identical frequency hops appearing at an intersection of the then-scanned column and at least a pair of the rows. If a particular scan does not detect an occurrence of such identical frequency hops in any of the time slots of the scanned window, the first coordinate may be incremented by a selected number of time slots at the end of the scan, and the scan is then successively repeated for each new window that results. If and when identical frequency hops are detected in a particular future time slot during a scan, the channel hopping pattern(s) on a subset of the affected channels may be suitably altered to avoid the predicted collision.

This invention relates to packet transmission systems operating with Bluetooth transmission protocols and more particularly to Bluetooth-enabled devices employed in carrying out multi-channel transmission in such systems.
Bluetooth-enabled devices utilize spread-spectrum frequency hopping techniques to exchange packet data with other Bluetooth-enabled devices in a piconet after activation of radio connections (or channels) between radio modules associated with the respective devices. Pursuant to Bluetooth protocols, each "master" device that initiates such connection thereafter communicates with the associated "slave" devices through the transmission of packets of a unique channel hopping pattern in successive time slots. The frequency hops of each pattern in the successive time slots are distributed in a quasi-random manner within the Industrial-Scientific-Medical (ISM) band typically used for Bluetooth transmission.
Plural channels may be activated for simultaneous transmission to separate piconets by separate masters. The masters utilize radio modules operating with different channel hopping patterns within the Bluetooth band. One concern with such arrangements is that the quasi-random distribution of frequency hops of each channel hopping pattern on the activated channels can result in certain time slots wherein the separate channels exhibit identical frequency hops. If such coincidence occurs in channels that are within Bluetooth range of each other (typically 10–100 meters), such frequency "collisions" can lead to loss of transmitted information in the affected time slots.
In order to effectively control such problem it is first necessary to predict where and when such collisions will take place. Up to now, no reliable means for predicting the occurrence of such collisions have been available.

Frequency hop collision prediction in a multi-channel, bluetooth-enabled packet transmission system


Location access units (LAUs) in a wireless communications system (WCS) for transmitting information to a wireless client device in a WCS for determining location of wireless client device. The LAUs each include a transmitter(s) configured to transmit local wireless communications signal that includes identification information of the LAU, to a wireless client device in the WCS. This identification information can be used to associate the location of the LAU to the client device, because the client device is known to be in communication range of the LAU. In one example, the carrier of a communication session with a client device in the WCS can instruct the client device to scan for local wireless communications signals transmitted by an LAU. The client device returns received identification information from received wireless communications signals transmitted by an LAU to the carrier to associate this location of the LAU to the client device.

The technology of the present disclosure relates generally to locating client devices in a wireless communications system (WCS), such as a distributed antenna system, and more particularly to providing dedicated location access units (LAUs) associated with remote units deployed in the WCS, wherein the LAUs are configured to provide location information based on receiving local wireless communications signals from devices having known locations and/or pressure information associated with the environment of the remote unit, to then associate such location information with client devices communicating with a remote unit.
Wireless communication is rapidly growing, with ever-increasing demands for high-speed mobile data communication. As an example, local area wireless services (e.g., so-called "wireless fidelity" or "WiFi" systems) and wide area wireless services are being deployed in many different types of areas (e.g., coffee shops, airports, libraries, etc.). Wireless communications systems (WCS) communicate with wireless devices called "clients," "client devices," or "wireless client devices," which reside within the wireless range or "cell coverage area" in order to communicate with an access point device. One example of a WCS is a distributed antenna system (DAS). DASs are particularly useful to be deployed inside buildings or other indoor environments where client devices may not otherwise be able to effectively receive radio-frequency (RF) signals from a source, such as a base station for example. Example applications where DASs can be used to provide or enhance coverage for wireless services include public safety, cellular telephony, wireless local access networks (LANs), location tracking, and medical telemetry inside buildings and over campuses.
One approach to deploying a DAS involves the use of RF antenna coverage areas, also referred to as "antenna coverage areas." Antenna coverage areas can be formed by remotely distributed antenna units, also referred to as remote units (RUs). The remote units each contain or are configured to couple to one or more antennas configured to support the desired frequency(ies) or polarization to provide the antenna coverage areas. Antenna coverage areas can have a radius in the range from a few meters up to twenty meters as an example. Combining a number of remote units creates an array of antenna coverage areas. Because the antenna coverage areas each cover small areas, there typically may be only a few users (clients) per antenna coverage area. This arrangement generates a uniform high quality signal enabling high throughput supporting the required capacity for the wireless system users.
As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates an example of distribution of communications services in a WCS. FIG. 1 illustrates a WCS that is configured to distribute wireless communications services to coverage areas 100(1)-100(N) in the form of a DAS 102, wherein 'N' is the number of coverage areas. These communications services can include cellular services, wireless services such as RFID tracking, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), local area network (LAN), WLAN, and combinations thereof, as examples. The coverage areas 100(1)-100(N) may be remotely located. In this regard, the remote coverage areas 100(1)-100(N) are created by and centered on remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N) connected to a central unit 106 (e.g., a head-end controller or head-end unit). The central unit 106 may be communicatively coupled to a base station 108. In this regard, the central unit 106 receives downlink communications signals 110D from the base station 108 to be distributed to the remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N). The remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N) are configured to receive downlink communications signals 110D from the central unit 106 over a communications medium 112 to be distributed to the respective coverage areas 100(1)-100(N) of the remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N). Each remote antenna unit 104(1)-104(N) may include an RF transmitter/receiver (not shown) and a respective antenna 114(1)-114(N) operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver to wirelessly distribute the communications services to client devices 116 within their respective coverage areas 100(1)-100(N). The remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N) are also configured to receive uplink communications signals 110U from the client devices 116 in their respective coverage areas 100(1)-100(N) to be distributed to the base station 108. The size of a given coverage area 100(1)-100(N) is determined by the amount of RF power transmitted by the respective remote antenna unit 104(1)-104(N), the receiver sensitivity, antenna gain and the RF environment, as well as by the RF transmitter/receiver sensitivity of the client device 116. Client devices 116 usually have a fixed RF receiver sensitivity, so that the above-mentioned properties of the remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N) mainly determine the size of their respective remote coverage areas 100(1)-100(N).
As noted above, it may be desired to provide the DAS 102 indoors, such as inside a building or other facility, to provide indoor wireless communication for clients. Otherwise, wireless reception may be poor or not possible for the client devices 116 located inside the building. While extending the remote antenna units 104(1)-104(N) to locations in the building can provide seamless wireless coverage to the client devices 116, other services may be negatively affected or not possible due to the indoor environment. For example, it may be desired or required to provide localization services for the client devices 116, such as emergency 911 (E911) services as an example. If the client devices 116 are located indoors, techniques such as global positioning services (GPS) may not be effective at providing or determining the location of the client devices 116. Further, triangulation and/or trilateration techniques from the outside network may not be able to determine the location of the client devices 116.
No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of any cited documents.

Location access units (LAUs) in a wireless communications system (WCS) for transmitting information to a wireless client device in the WCS for determining location of the client device, and related systems and methods


A thermal printing apparatus includes an intermediate medium. A color developing layer transfer member includes a first base member and a color developing layer on a surface of the first base member. A dye layer transfer member includes a second base member and a dye layer on a surface of the second base member. The dye layer contains dye. At least a part of the color developing layer is transferred from the color developing layer transfer member onto the intermediate medium in response to at least one of heat and pressure. The dye is transferred from the dye layer of the dye layer transfer member onto the color developing layer on the intermediate medium to form a recorded picture on the color developing layer in response to both heat and pressure while the dye layer on the dye layer transfer member and the color developing layer on the intermediate medium are in contact with each other. The color developing layer with the recorded picture is transferred from the intermediate medium onto an image receptor. A releasing device is operative for implementing separation between the intermediate medium and one of the color developing layer transfer member and the dye layer transfer member. The releasing device includes a releasing blade and a belt support member associated with the releasing blade. The releasing blade engages one of the color developing layer transfer member and the dye layer transfer member. The belt support member supports the intermediate medium along one of a flat plane or an outwardly-projecting plane.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a thermal transfer printing apparatus using an intermediate medium. This invention particularly relates to a thermal transfer printing apparatus of the sublimation type which uses the sublimation or the diffusion of dyes in response to heat.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Some of color thermal transfer printing apparatuses are of the sublimation type which use the sublimation or the diffusion of dyes in response to heat. Generally, such a color sublimation-type printing apparatus requires an exclusive recording paper previously provided with a color developing layer.
There have been demands for the printing of a color image on a plain paper other than an exclusive recording paper.
Japanese published unexamined patent application 4-141486 discloses the thermal transfer recording of a color picture on a plain paper. According to the disclosure by Japanese application 4-141486, a dyeing-layer transfer body is held between a recording intermediate and a thermal head, and a dyeing layer is thermal-transfer-recorded onto a mold release layer of the recording intermediate. In addition, the sublimating dye of a coloring material layer on a dye transfer body is thermal-diffusion-transferred into the dyeing layer recorded on the recording intermediate by using the dye transfer body and another thermal head. Lastly, a picture recorded in the dyeing layer on the recording intermediate is thermally transferred onto an image-receiving body together with the dyeing layer by using a thermal roller. Thus, a high-quality picture is acquired by dye thermal transfer recording without depending upon the substrate of the image-receiving body. Excellent recording is often conducted when the speeds of travel of the dye transfer body and the recording intermediate are separately controlled. The speed of travel of the dyeing-layer transfer body is often controlled also apart from the speed of travel of the recording intermediate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,814 also discloses the thermal transfer recording of a color picture on a plain paper. According to the disclosure by U.S. Pat. No. 5,284,814, a dyeing layer transfer member has a dyeing layer on a base material, and an ink transfer member has an ink layer containing a subliming dye on a base material. The dyeing layer of the dyeing layer transfer member is thermally transferred onto a recording intermediate member. Ink of the ink transfer member is thermally transferred and recorded onto the transferred dyeing layer in accordance with image signals. The recorded dyeing layer is thermally transferred onto an image receptor.

Thermal printing apparatus using intermediate medium

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.