An image processing apparatus, for processing an image signal representing pixel values of pixels so as to display an image including the pixels by an image display apparatus, includes a detection section for detecting a low frequency portion of the image signal, which corresponds to a first series of pixels having a first pixel value and a second series of pixels having a second pixel value different from the first pixel value, the second series of pixels following the first series of pixels; and a signal expansion section for expanding a prescribed portion of the low frequency portion of the image signal, the prescribed portion including at least one of the first series of pixels and the second series of pixels, such that the first pixel value is gradually changed to the second pixel value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image processing method, an image display apparatus using the same, and a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, technologies for displaying high definition images in the field of image display apparatus, for example, technologies for displaying precise CG (computer graphics) images and displaying other images more realistically have been developed. However, there are strong demands for displaying more highly gray-scaled and higher definition images by image display apparatuses than the images so far realized by the development of the image display technologies.
In image display apparatuses using digital signals as image signals, six to eight bits of an image signal are assigned to each of R (red), G (green) and B (blue) data. Due to the strong demands for displaying more highly gray-scaled and higher definition images, demands for using digital signals having a larger number of bits are expected to be increased in the future.
A main stream image display apparatus, which assigns six to eight bits of an image signal represented by 16 bits to each of R, G and B data, will be specifically described.
Image display data used in this type of image display apparatus can display 65536 colors since 216=65536. For displaying RGB color images with the 65536 color image display data, the 5-6-5 format is generally used. With this format, 5 bits are assigned to R data, 6 bits are assigned to G data, and 5 bits are assigned to B data. Thus, the image display data has 16 bits in total.
In a TFT liquid crystal display panel unit, 6 bits are assigned, as a value representing a gray scale level, to each of R, G and B data. Thus, the image display data has 18 bits in total.
An image signal corresponding to an input digital image signal is output for processing.
In order to match a 16-bit digital image signal with such a TFT liquid crystal display panel unit, gray scale compensation is performed for expanding R-pixel image display data and B-pixel image display data, which are each assigned 5 bits, to 6-bit image display data.
For such gray scale compensation, the following three systems are mainly used: (1) LSB (Least Significant Bit) fixing system, (2) MSB (most significant bit) repeating system, and (3) gray scale palette system.
According to (1) the LSB fixing system, one bit is added as the LSB to the 5-bit image display data so as to create 6-bit image display data. As the LSB, "1" or "0" is automatically set.
According to (2) the MSB repeating system, one bit is added as the LSB to the 5-bit image display data so as to create 6-bit image display data. As the LSB, the same value as the MSB is set, unlike (1) the LSB fixing system.
According to (3) the gray scale palette system, 5-bit image display data and 6-bit image display data is associated with each other by a palette referred to as a look-up table (LUT) or a conversion table. When one value represented by 5-bit image display data is input, the 6-bit image display data corresponding to that one value is output.
For improving the degree of gray scale, pseudo gray scale systems are available. Generally known pseudo gray scale systems include (4) dither system, (5) error diffusion system, and (6) FRC (Frame Rate Control) system.
According to (4) the dither system, reference pixel values are defined. In a certain area of pixels, discrete reference pixel values are used to display pixels having pixel values which are different from the reference pixel values. The ratio of the number of pixels having the non-reference pixel values with respect to the number of pixels having the reference pixel values (i.e., expression ratio) is first found. Then, in accordance with the expression ratio, the gradations between the reference pixel values (intermediate tones) are displayed.
According to (5) the error diffusion system, the pixel value of one pixel is quantized (or binarized). The difference between the quantized value and the original pixel value (i.e., quantization error) is assigned to the pixel values of surrounding pixels. Thus, the intermediate tones are displayed.
According to (6) the FRC system, reference values are defined. In a certain time period (e.g., one frame), discrete reference pixel values are used to display pixels having pixel values which are different from the reference pixel values. The ratio of a time period in which the pixels having the reference pixel values are displayed with respect to a time period in which the pixels having non-reference pixel values are displayed is found. Using this ratio, the gradations between the reference pixel values (intermediate tones) are displayed.
The systems (1), (2) and (3) have problems in terms of color reproducibility (gray scale reproducibility). This will be described hereinafter. In the following description, pixel value 00h of 5-bit image display data and 6-bit image display data is a pixel value corresponding to the darkest display. Pixel value 1Fh of 5-bit image display data and pixel value 3Fh of 6-bit image display data are each a pixel values corresponding to the brightest display.
(1) The LSB fixing system has the following problem. In the case where the gray scale expansion is performed by adding "0" to the LSB of color component image display data of the original image data, pixel value 1Fh (corresponding to the brightest display of 5-bit image display data) is converted into pixel value 3Eh. As a result, the brightest display (3Fh) which is possible with a display panel cannot be displayed. In the case where the gray scale expansion is performed by adding "1" to the LSB of color component image display data of the original image data, pixel value 00h (corresponding to the darkest display of 5-bit image display data) is converted into pixel value 01h of 6-bit image display data. As a result, the darkest display (00h) which is possible with a display panel cannot be displayed.
(2) The MSB repeating system has the following problem. Continuous pixel values of 5-bit image display data (for example, 0Fh and 10h) are converted into pixel values 1Eh and 21h of 6-bit image display data, which are not continuous. As a result,continuous brightness cannot be displayed.
(3) The gray scale palette system has the following problem. Once a palette for converting 5-bit image display data into 6-bit image display data is set, the same palette is used for all the images. The palette needs to be newly set each time different types of images (for example, graphic images, animation images and other general images) are to be displayed. This increases the workload of the user.
The problems of the systems (1), (2) and (3) are caused by the fact that the display capability (26=64 gradations) of the display panel of 6-bit image display data cannot be fully utilized. In the systems (1) and (2), either "0" or "1" is automatically added as the LSB. Therefore, the actual display is limited to 5-bit display (25=32 gradations). In the system (3), the number of types of data which can be included in a palette is 32.
When the display capability of the display panel cannot be fully utilized as above, the following problem may occur in addition to the above problems. In the systems (1), (2) and (3), the number of bits of image display signals is insufficient. Therefore, generally in an image, a portion, which should be represented by smooth graduation change, may undesirably be represented by stepwise stripes (such stripes will be referred to as "pseudo profile").
The systems (4), (5) and (6) can improve the degree of gray scale capability of the image display apparatus when the number of gray scale bits of an input image signal is larger than the number of gray scale bits of the image display apparatus, i.e., when the gray scale capability of the image display apparatus is insufficient for the input image signal. However, when the number of gray scale bits of an input image signal is smaller than the number of gray scale bits of the image display apparatus, the display corresponding to the number of gray scale bits exceeding that of the input image signal is not performed, although the gray scale capability of the image display apparatus is sufficient for performing such a display. In other words, the gray scale capability of the image display apparatus cannot be fully utilized.


When a sequence of data bits is to be transmitted, the sequence is precoded into data symbols and organized as data frames. For each data frame, a number of phase reference points at predetermined intervals within the data frame are required to allow a receiving device to sufficiently estimate channel effects on the transmitted data frame. If a data frame has a field where inclusion of pilot symbols is undesirable, and if a phase reference point is required within that field, a set of pilot symbols associated with that phase reference point is generated and inserted into the data frame prior to the beginning of the field. The values for each of the pilot symbols in the set are chosen so as to force the phase reference point to a desired phase state.

In mobile communication systems, coherent demodulation is often used for data communications between transmitting and receiving devices. Such systems, however, are susceptible to the effects of fading in the communication channel, which causes distortion of the amplitude and carrier phase of the transmitted signal. To compensate for these effects, mobile communication systems using coherent demodulation typically use pilot symbols that are embedded within the transmitted signal. Particularly, the transmitting device inserts the pilot symbols into a data stream at regular intervals to provide known amplitude and phase reference points. The intervals at which the pilot symbols are placed are related to the rate of the fading that is desired to be estimated. The receiving device uses the pilot symbols to estimate the effects of the channel on the carrier phase and/or amplitude of the transmitted signal. Based on these estimated effects, the receiving device is then synchronized to the carrier phase of the transmitted signal.
One example of a coherent demodulation scheme is continuous phase modulation (CPM). In contrast to other coherent digital phase-modulation techniques where the carrier phase at the start of every symbol is not dependent on any previously transmitted symbols, the carrier phase in CPM at the start of each symbol is determined by the cumulative total phase of all previously transmitted symbols, which is known as the phase memory.
A typical method for using pilot symbols to estimate channel effects in a CPM system is taught by Ho et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,877, and is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, Ho et al. describes a method for generating and inserting data-dependent pilot symbols in a CPM system.
However, there are often instances where the location of a phase reference point falls within a portion of the transmitted signal where insertion of a pilot symbol would be undesirable. For example, in time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, signals are generally structured as data bursts, each of which typically comprises an information field and a synchronization field within the center of the information field. In such TDMA systems, inserting data dependent pilot symbols within the synchronization field is undesirable as doing so prevents the synchronization field from being properly decoded. Simply omitting the pilot symbols is similarly undesirable since doing so reduces the ability of a receiving device to estimate channel effects.
Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for providing a phase reference point by inserting pilot symbols at a location other than at the location of the phase reference point.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve the understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are not often depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meaning have otherwise been set forth herein.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for setting phase reference points in continuous phase modulation systems by providing pilot symbols at a location other than the location of the phase reference point


Release film furnished on at least one side with a release layer (c) based on at least one cured polysiloxane, the film comprising at least one inner layer (a) based on at least one thermoplastic polymer, equipped with at least one at least oligomeric compound having a long-term antistatic effect, as antistat, and at least one layer (b) based on at least one thermoplastic polymer; method for producing the release film, and the use thereof as a detachable protective or masking film.

Multilayer films made from thermoplastics and having a release layer based, for example, on a silicone polymer are widely used as release films for adhesive tapes or self-adhesive labels, in order to prevent these single-sidedly or double-sidedly adhesive products from sticking to one another in the course of storage. A disadvantage of such release films, however, is that in the course of production, storage, and processing they undergo static charging and as a result suffer blocking, thereby hindering their processing. Since such unwanted static charging occurs in particular via the release layer, especially based on a silicone layer, discharging may be accompanied by at least partial destruction of the release layer and by blocking of the layer of adhesive by the damaged silicone layer.
Typically, therefore, antistatically equipped release films are used in order to avoid instances of static charging in the course of production, processing and/or storage.
Antistats are substances which are incorporated for instance into a plastics material or are applied to the surface of a plastics article in order to reduce electrostatic charging, thereby making it possible to reduce not only dust attraction but also spark discharge. The electrostatic charging of a plastic can be reduced by raising the surface conductivity or the volume conductivity.
The prior art already discloses release films which are antistatically equipped.
Thus EP 0 445 744 A2 describes a multilayer polyester film with antistatic effect which in addition to the release layer has a further layer comprising a cationic quaternary nitrogen compound as antistat.
US 2006/0222867 A1 describes a multilayer film which as well as the release layer has a further layer which comprises an alkoxylated amine as antistat.
A disadvantage affecting release films equipped in these ways is that their antistatic effect is not long-term, but instead is merely temporary. Moreover, as a result of their tendency to migrate into other layers of the release film, the antistats used may have negative consequences for the release properties and/or for the tensile strength and/or for the adhesion of the layer assembly of the release film. This may occur especially in the case of multilayer release films in which the antistats have been incorporated into an inside layer and are therefore able to migrate outwardly through a number of layers. These negative consequences usually increase in proportion to the amount of antistats that are employed, and so for that reason as well their proportion, relative to the release film as a whole, is to be minimized.
There is therefore a need for release films which do not have the disadvantages identified above.
It was an object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a release film which in spite of a sufficient long-term antistatic effect has no more than a negligible influence on the release properties and mechanical properties as a result of the antistat.

Release film with long-term antistatic effect


A tool that can properly align, level, and true up light switches and outlets is described. More particularly, the tool can properly align and true up single or ganged light switches and ganged duplex outlets at installation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to properly aligning and truing electrical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to properly aligning and truing singly or ganged light switches and ganged duplex outlets at installation.
2. Background and Related Art
Since the introduction of standardized wiring boxes and wiring devices, electricians have been dependent on "eyeball truing", trial-and-error alignment, and tools not designed for the purpose (generally torpedo levels) to get aesthetically correct installations of such devices. Eyeballing is a problem because at the end of almost every job, an architect comes around and does a substantial completion inspection. Even though a light switch or duplex outlet that is two or three degrees out of plumb usually works properly, no architect will accept one that is installed out of plumb. Electricians are frequently required to return to substantially completed projects to correct such minor deviations. Money and time are routinely lost to these types of problems.
Alignment by trial and error is a problem because as people and companies demand more and more of their electrical systems, ganged outlets, and, to an even greater extent, ganged switches are becoming more and more commonplace. The trend is clearly apparent that outlets and switches are being ganged in even larger groups. It is not at all uncommon in modern houses for switches to be ganged together in threes and fours. In commercial applications, it is not uncommon for switches ganged together in groups of five and occasionally even eight. Aligning ganged wiring devices so that cover plates, which require very precise alignment, always fit the first time without removing the cover places to adjust the wiring devices is very difficult. Currently, no specialized tool exists to aid in this process. It typically takes an electrician two or three attempts to achieve proper alignment for the cover plates on multiple wiring devices, wasting much time and effort.


A capacitor is disposed between a gate of driving transistor of which conduction state correspond to a driving current supplied to a driven element. The gate voltage of the gate of the driving transistor is set by supplying a data current to the driving transistor or a compensating transistor for the driving transistor.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to electronic devices, particularly electro-optical devices, and to electronic apparatuses. More particularly, the invention relates to a pixel circuit of a voltage-follower-type current program system.
2. Description of Related Art
Displays using organic EL (Electronic Luminescence) elements are attracting people's attention. An organic EL element is one of current-driven elements of which the luminance is determined by the driving current flowing through the elements. One of the methods for writing data into pixels using organic EL elements is a current program system in which data is supplied to data lines based on a current. FIG. 10 is a known pixel circuit diagram of a voltage-follower-type (sometimes referred to as a "source-follower-type") current program system. This pixel circuit is formed of an organic EL element OEL, a capacitor C, and four n-channel transistors. During the writing period in which data is written into the capacitor C by turning ON the switching transistors T1 and T2, the control transistor T4 is turned OFF to electrically separate the driving transistor T3 from a power supply voltage Vdd. The control transistor T4, which supplies the power supply voltage Vdd to one end (drain) of the driving transistor T3, is provided for each pixel circuit, and controls each pixel line extending along a scanning line.

Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus


When a first loading of a first access node is determined to meet a loading criteria, a handover criteria is decreased for a second access node comprising a coverage area at least a portion of which is within a coverage area of the first access node. A handover is performed of at least one of a plurality of wireless devices from the first access node to the second access node when a signal level of the second access node received at the at least one of the plurality of wireless devices meets the decreased handover criteria. Changes are determined in the first loading and in a throughput provided to the at least one of the wireless devices, and the handover criteria for the second access node is adjusted based on the changes in the first loading and the throughput provided to the at least one wireless device.

Wireless communication networks increasingly comprise a variety of access nodes having different capabilities, including signal transmission power, coverage area, supported frequency bands, number of channels supported, and total number of wireless connections supported, among other things. A coverage area of a larger access node (such as a macro access node) can include second coverage areas of one or more smaller access nodes (such as a micro access node, pico access node, femto access node, and the like). The coverage area of the larger access node can partially or completely overlap with the one or more smaller access node coverage areas.

Controlling wireless device communication with access nodes


A braking control device drives an electric motor based on a command pressing force corresponding to the required wheel braking force, and presses a friction member against a rotation member fixed to the wheel to generate a wheel braking force. The braking control device includes: a sensor for detecting wheel speed; a sensor for detecting the actual pressing force applied by the friction member; and a controller for calculating the target pressing force based on the command pressing force, and controlling the motor so that the target and actual pressing forces match. The controller calculates wheel slip state quantity based on the wheel speed, and executes, based on the slip state quantity, slip suppression control for reducing the degree of wheel slippage. Based on the actual pressing force at the start of the slip suppression control, the controller reduces the command pressing force and calculates the target pressing force.

Patent Document 1 discloses a brake device to improve responsiveness to the generation of a braking force without increasing the size of an electric motor for driving an electric braking-force generator. The brake device includes a target brake-fluid pressure calculator M1 that calculates target brake-fluid pressure to be generated in a slave cylinder, a differential unit M2 that calculates the change rate of the target brake-fluid pressure by differentiating the target brake-fluid pressure with respect to time, a field current calculator M3 that calculates the field current-command value of an electric motor driving a slave cylinder on the basis of the change rate of the target brake-fluid pressure, and an electric motor controller M4 that performs field weakening control of the electric motor on the basis of the field current-command value. A case where the change rate of the target brake-fluid pressure is large is an emergency where a braking force needs to be sharply increased; and the brake device increases the amount of a weak field of the electric motor by increasing the field current-command value at this time, increases the rotational speed of the electric motor to operate the slave cylinder at a high speed, and improves responsiveness to the generation of a braking force.
Patent Document 2 discloses a brake system to further improve responsiveness to a brake force generated by an electric actuator with a simple structure. The brake system controls the driving of a motor-driven cylinder 13, which applies brake fluid pressure to a wheel cylinder, by performing field weakening control in a case where a deviation Δθ between a target motor angle θt obtained according to the amount of a brake operation and an actual motor angle θm is large. In a case where, for example, a motor angle (rotation angle) is used as the amount of operation of the electric actuator, the motor angle can be detected with high accuracy by a publicly known simple and inexpensive rotation sensor or the like. Accordingly, the variation range of the motor angle is widened, so that braking responsiveness can be easily improved. Further, a deviation of the motor angle is generated in a transient state immediately after the start of field weakening control without being affected by a change in load stiffness, and field weakening control can continue to be executed. Accordingly, since a variation in the response characteristics of the motor is reduced, stable response characteristics is obtained.
An applicant is developing a braking control device for a vehicle that generates braking torque by an electric motor and suppresses an increase in wheel slip at the time of start of execution of slip-suppression control for a wheel. Specifically, the slip-suppression control for a wheel, which controls an electric motor on the basis of the slip state quantity of a wheel to reduce the braking torque of the wheel, is executed as disclosed in Patent Document 3. Further, suddenly stop control for suddenly stopping the rotational drive of the electric motor is executed on the basis of the slip state quantity of a wheel. Suddenly stop control is started under a condition where the slip-suppression control for a wheel is not executed. "Control for stepwise changing the amount of current, which flows in an electric motor, to a preset limit current amount corresponding to a direction where the electric motor is decelerated" can be executed as the suddenly stop control.
Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose devices that improve responsiveness to a braking force by field weakening control (also referred to as control for weakening magnetic fluxes) performed by allowing a negative current to flow along a d axis of the electric motor. However, a time delay for a braking force is still present. For this reason, there may be a case where excessive wheel slip occurs due to the time delay at the time of execution of control for suppressing wheel slip.
This will be described with reference to a time series diagram of FIG. 9. Actual values Fpa of a pressing force are plotted in FIG. 9 so as to correspond to command values Fps of the pressing force. First, a case where antilock brake control (one of wheel slip-suppression control) is not executed is supposed. Sudden braking is started at a time u0. The command pressing force Fps is calculated on the basis of the operation amount Bpa of a braking operation member BP, and is suddenly increased to a value fp0 from "0" as illustrated by one-dot chain line. An actual pressing force (actual pressing force) Fpa is increased on the basis of a deviation eFp between a command pressing force Fps and an actual pressing force Fpa by pressing force-feedback control so that a deviation eFp approaches "0". At this time, a time delay is present in an increase in the actual pressing force Fpa with respect to an increase in the command pressing force Fps. For this reason, the actual pressing force Fpa is increased as illustrated by a solid line.
Next, a case where the actual pressing force Fpa reaches a value fp1 at a time u1, wheel slip is excessive, and antilock brake control is stated is supposed as a condition where a sudden operation is performed. The command pressing force Fps at the time u1 has a command value fp0 and is larger than an actual value fp1. The command pressing force Fps is reduced sharply on the basis of the execution of antilock brake control, but the command pressing force Fps is larger than the actual pressing force Fpa until a time u2. For this reason, the actual pressing force Fpa is controlled by pressing force-feedback control so as match the command pressing force Fps. As a result, the actual pressing force Fpa is increased up to a value fp2 without being reduced. Since the command pressing force Fps becomes smaller than the actual pressing force Fpa after the time u2, the actual pressing force Fpa is reduced from the value fp2 but a timing when the actual pressing force Fpa starts is delayed. Wheel slip may be excessively increased due to this time delay. Accordingly, it is desired that excessive wheel slip caused by the time delay of an increase in a pressing force is suppressed.


This invention provide a fuel heating apparatus for engines using a heavy oil as a fuel, wherein the heavy oil is heated by utilizing the exhaust gas energy so as to promote an increase in the fluidity thereof. This fuel heating apparatus can be applied to a diesel engine in which a heavy oil is injected from fuel injection nozzles into combustion chambers by an operation of a fuel injection pump to which the heavy oil is supplied from a fuel tank through a fuel passage. An exhaust gas passage to which the exhaust gas from the combustion chambers is discharged is connected to a heat exchanger provided in the fuel tank and a heat exchanger provided around the fuel passage, and the heavy oil in an outlet region of the fuel tank and that flowing in the fuel passage are heated with the energy of the exhaust gas. Thus, the heavy oil is fluidized, and the injection of the heavy oil from the injection nozzle into the combustion chamber is done smoothly.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a fuel heating apparatus used in an engine adapted to ignite and burn a fuel (which will hereinafter be referred to by a generic name "heavy oil") of a high viscosity, such as a heavy oil injected into a combustion chamber by an operation of a fuel injection pump, and lower the viscosity of such a fuel by heating the same.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In general, light oil is burnt as a fuel in a fuel chamber in a diesel engine. The light oil has a high cetane value and not so high a viscosity, and is suitable to be uniformly distributed as an atomized fuel into a combustion chamber. In order to reduce the amounts of particulates and NOx component in an exhaust gas from a recent diesel engine to a very low level, the atomization of a fuel in a combustion chamber is attained by compressing the air under a high pressure in the combustion chamber, and injecting the fuel thereinto under a superhigh pressure. The fuels generally used for an engine include gasoline, light oil and heavy oil. The viscosity of gasoline is 0.1 cSt, light oil 1.8-2.7 cSt, A-heavy oil 20 cSt, B-heavy oil 50 cSt, and C-heavy oil 50-400 cSt. The cetane value of light oil is not lower than 40, while the cetane value of heavy oil is as low as around 25. The fuel cost of light oil is about 70, and that of heavy oil about 15 with respect to a base fuel cost 100 of, for example, gasoline.
Many of the conventional generating apparatuses comprising cogeneration systems are systems formed by mounting a generator on an engine. In the generation of electric power by a diesel engine, the fuel cost becomes high because a diesel engine uses light oil as a fuel, so that the advantageousness cannot be secured due to the high cost.
In a low-speed marine engine, the revolution speed of which is not more than 200 rpm, the time for mixing a fuel and air with each other is long, enabling a gaseous mixture to be made with use of a heavy oil. However, in a high-speed diesel engine, the revolution speed of which is not less than 1000 rpm, the time for forming a gaseous mixture becomes short, so that using a heavy oil as a fuel is very difficult. In a generating apparatus using a diesel engine, a high-speed diesel engine is used. If a heavy oil of a low fluidity can be ignited and burnt as a fuel in a high-speed diesel engine, the fuel cost can be reduced, and the power cost can also be lowered greatly, this oil being thereby proved useful. However, when the viscosity of a fuel is high like that of heavy oil, the atomization and injection thereof using a fuel injection pump, which is adapted to compress a fuel under a high pressure in a high-speed diesel engine, becomes difficult. Especially, when the temperature of the atmospheric air is low, the fluidity of the heavy oil is low under these circumstances a fuel injection pump cannot be used or can a heavy oil as a fuel be injected into a combustion chamber of the high-speed diesel engine. Especially, in a generating apparatus provided with a large-scale fuel tank, the problem concerning the viscosity of the heavy oil becomes serious when the atmospheric temperature is low.
In view of the above, if a heavy oil can be utilized as a fuel in a load dispatching device using a diesel engine, the fuel cost can be greatly reduced. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the heavy oil be heated to give a fluidity thereto for the purpose of injecting the heavy oil under a high pressure into a combustion chamber.
The applicant of the present invention developed diesel engines using a heavy oil as a fuel, and filed, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 217624/1997 and Japanese Patent Application Nos. 151910/1996 and 151911/1996. In such diesel engines, a heavy oil as a fuel can be atomized excellently and injected into a combustion chamber by giving a fluidity thereto. Therefore, it is desired that a fluidity be given to a heavy oil. An issue of finding out a method of heating a heavy oil, which is supplied from a fuel tank, at a low cost and with a high effectiveness with the possibility of improving the fluidity of the heavy oil by heating the same taken into consideration then arise.
However, in an engine using a heavy oil as a fuel, the viscosity of the oil becomes so high that the oil becomes like thick malt syrup in a season of a low temperature, such as winter. In a marine engine, the fluidity of a fuel is improved in the existing circumstances by heating the same by a burner. Utilizing a burner to heat a heavy oil causes a fuel to be consumed, and the operating cost to increase in consequence. When a cooled diesel engine is used as a cogeneration system, hydrocarbons account for a greater part of the components of an exhaust gas from the engine, and, moreover, the exhaust gas maintains a temperature of around 500.degree. C. Consequently, the temperature of the atmospheric air in city and urban areas increases due to the that of exhaust gas as the cogeneration system spreads.
If a heavy oil can be heated by using a heat exchanger utilizing an exhaust gas from a diesel engine, so as to reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil, increase the injection pressure of a fuel injection pump and attain the atomization of a gaseous mixture, the fuel cost can be greatly reduced, and the thermal energy of the exhaust gas can be absorbed by the heat exchanger. Therefore, the temperature of the exhaust gas decreases, and a temperature rise problem posed by the exhaust gas can be solved. Since the thermal energy of the exhaust gas is absorbed by the heat exchanger, it becomes necessary to solve the problem of developing an efficient exhaust gas recovering method and a method of preventing the heat exchanger from being oxidized and corroded due to the exhaust gas.

Fuel heating apparatus for engines using heavy oil as fuel

Isuzu Cermamics Research Institute Co., Ltd.


A Reed-Solomon coding decoder for use in error correction has a plurality of processing elements (PEs) each including a selector having a plurality of inputs and at least one output, a multiplier which receives as at least one of the inputs thereof the output from the selector, an adder for adding the outputs of the multiplier, and m-stages of registers for storing the outputs of the adder and the selector. The PEs are connected in a predetermined pattern to realize a compact construction of a Reed-Solomon code decoder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of error correction, as well as to the art of conducting parallel arithmetic operation for processing signals having symmetrical communication lines.
The present invention also is concerned with the art for executing various operations in coded recording of Reed-Solomon code, such as generation of syndrome, generation of GCD (greatest common divisor), error correction and erasure error correction.
More particularly, the invention is concerned with a method for executing the following computations: EQU y=r.sub.n-1 .multidot.x.sup.n-1 +r.sub.n-2 .multidot.x.sup.n-2 +. . . +r.sub.z .multidot.x+r.sub.0 ( 1) EQU y=GCD(A, B) (2)
where, GCD (A, B) represents the greatest common polynomial of polynomials A and B. EQU y=A.multidot.B (3)
where
A=a.sub.a .multidot.x.sup.n a.sub.n-1 .times.x.sup.n-1 +. . . +a.sub.1 .multidot.x+a.sub.0 B=b.sub.b .multidot.x.sup.n +b.sub.n-1 .multidot.x.sup.n'1 +. . . +b.sub.z .multidot.x+b.sub.0 EQU y=AmodB (4)
2. Related Background Art
In recent years, it is becoming popular to make use of error detect/ion/error correction codes (referred to simply as "error correction code" hereinafter) for the purpose of improving the reliability of various digital systems including memory systems.
Various error correction codes have been proposed for various systems, among which most popular is a class of linear codes generally referred to as "cyclic code". The cyclic code generally includes various codes such as BCH code suitable for random error correction, Fire code suitable for burst error correction, and Reed-Solomon code (referred to as "RS code" hereinafter) which is a kind of byte error correction and which is a kind of BCH code. Among these types of cyclic code, RS code is a significant one, because it can minimize the redundancy as compared with other linear codes having the same code length and error correction capacity. The RS code, therefore, has an increasing use in various fields of technology including satellite communication, magnetic disk and compact disk (referred to as "CD" hereinunder).
Various decoding methods for decoding RS code have been proposed. It is not too difficult to construct a decoder when the required correction capacity is as small as 2 to 3. For attaining a high reliability of the system, however, it is essential that the correction capacity is increased. The design for attaining a greater error correction capacity, however, is inevitably accompanied by problems such as an increase in the sale of correction apparatus, complication in the control of the apparatus, and longer computing time for decoding. To avoid such problems, in the field of CD, it has become a common measure to use a coding method known as CIRC which is a kind of dual coding method. This decoding method, however, is still unsatisfactory when used in systems which are required to have high operation speed and high reliability. In the field of opto-magnetic disk devices, it has been proposed to use a multiple error correction coding known as LDC (Long Distance Code), in order to obtain a high reliability. This code, however, does not make a contribution to the increase in the operation speed. Thus, it has been difficult to simultaneously handle the demands for high reliability and high speed which are essential in systems such as satellite communication systems.
On the other hand, current progress in semiconductor technology has made it possible to construct an RS code decoding apparatus in a VLSI scale. In the design of such apparatus, it is significant to adopt a coding method which makes efficient use of architectural features of VLSI, i.e., regular internal structure which affords a large scale of integration. The decoding process for RS code is composed of the following steps.
Step 1: Generation of syndrome.
Step 2: Generation of error position polynomial and error value polynomial.
Step 3: Generation of error position and error value.
Step 4: Execution of error correction.
Among these steps of RS code decoding process, Step 2 is the most complicated one. This step is conducted by using various algorithms such as Peterson's method, Berlekamp-Massey method, and Euclid mutual division (Euclidean algorithm). The formation of an error position polynomial and error value polynomial in accordance with the Euclidean algorithm can be regarded as a matter of expanded GCD (greatest common divisor) of the polynomials.
In general, questions concerning the expanded GCD can be solved by a systolic algorithm which is an algorithm developed by Kung et al and suitable for use in design of VLSI. The architecture of this algorithm is constituted by networks of simple processing elements (PE) and has the following features.
I) Arithmetic operations of networks of the same processor are conducted during transfer of data.
II) Networks between processors are formed by connecting adjacent processors in accordance with a predetermined rule.
III) A time delay of at least one unit is required for the transfer of data from a node (processor) to another node of the network.
This architecture is a system generally referred to as a pipeline system, and is capable of regularly circulating data so as to execute parallel arithmetic operation. In Addition, the error correcting capacity can be increased by increasing the number of PEs which operate in parallel.
A basic systolic algorithm for solving the expanded GCD of polynomials has been already proposed by Kung et al. This algorithm, however, has been derived on an assumption that it is executed by software by means of programmable systolic chip.

Apparatus for encoding and decoding reed-solomon code


Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for deploying intent-driving cloud branches. An example method can include obtaining, by one or more controllers in a software-defined network (SDN), a branch network design template for deploying a remote branch in the SDN, wherein the branch network design template defines networking settings for a plurality of services to be provisioned at the remote branch; obtaining, by the one or more controllers, a plurality of software packages for the plurality of services to be provisioned at the remote branch; and based on the branch network design template and the plurality of software packages, provisioning, by the one or more controllers, the plurality of services at the remote branch and a network connectivity of the plurality of services.

The enterprise network landscape is continuously evolving. There is a greater demand for mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) device traffic, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, and cloud adoption. In addition, network security needs and complexities are increasing and certain network applications and resources often rely on prioritization and optimization techniques for proper operation. As this complexity grows, there is a push to reduce costs and operating expenses while providing for high availability and scale.
Network architectures and technologies are facing major challenges under this evolving landscape. For example, networks generally experience a variety of complex issues such as, for example, insufficient bandwidth, high bandwidth costs, application downtime, poor service and application performance, complex operations, complex workflows for cloud connectivity, long deployment times and policy changes, limited application and resource visibility, and difficulty in securing the network.


A method for detecting a cancer(s) based on an expression of prescribed polypeptides is disclosed. These polypeptides were isolated, by the SEREX method using a cDNA library derived from canine testis and serum from a cancer-bearing dog, as a polypeptide which binds to an antibody existing in serum derived from cancer-bearing living body. Because these polypeptides react with antibodies specifically existing in serum of a cancer patient, cancers in a living body can be detected by measuring the antibody in a sample. Cancers in a living body can also be detected by measuring the antigen protein of the antibody per se or mRNA encoding it.

Cancers are the commonest cause for death among all of the causes for death, and the main therapies therefor are palliative treatment in which surgical treatment is combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. By virtue of the advance in medical technology, cancers have become such diseases that can be highly possibly cured if they can be found in the early stage. Therefore, a detection method of cancer which can be easily carried out by testing serum, urine or the like without physical and economical burden to patients is demanded.
Recently, methods wherein tumor products such as tumor markers are measured have been widely used as diagnostic methods using blood or urine. Examples of the tumor product include tumor-related antigens, enzymes, specific proteins, metabolites, tumor genes, products of tumor genes, and tumor-suppressor genes. In some cancers, a carcinoembryonic antigen CEA, glycoproteins CA19-9 and CA125, a prostate-specific antigen PSA, calcitonin which is a peptide hormone produced in thyroid and the like are utilized as tumor markers in cancer diagnosis. However, in most types of cancers, there are no tumor markers useful for cancer diagnosis. Further, since most of the tumor markers currently known exist only in very small amounts (e.g., in the order of pg/mL) in body fluid, their detection requires a highly sensitive measurement method or a special technique. Under such circumstances, if a novel cancer test method by which various cancers can be detected by simple operations is provided, its use for diagnosis of various cancers are expected to be developed.
The method would be very useful if it further enables diagnosis of cancers developed in invisible parts, assessment of the stage of cancer progression, assessment of the grade of cancer malignancy, follow-up of postoperative patients, diagnosis of recurrence, diagnosis of metastasis, monitoring of therapy and the like, in addition to detection of cancers.
More particularly, if a method which enables diagnosis of cancers developed in invisible parts is provided, it would be useful for early detection of cancers in parts where cancers are hardly realized, for example, the inside of the abdominal cavity. Further, even in cases where the tumor is too small to be found visually, detection of such cancers that cannot be found by ultrasonography, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is also made possible.
The stage of cancer progression is classified based on the extent of expansion of the tumor at the primary site and whether or not metastasis has occurred to a regional lymph node or a distant organ. In general, the disease stage is classified into 5 stages, wherein a larger number indicates a more advanced state. Although, strictly speaking, the definition varies depending on organs, the disease stage 0 indicates a cancer staying within epithelium and the stage 1V indicates a cancer with distant metastasis. If the stage of cancer progression as described above can be determined, determination of an appropriate therapeutic strategy and, in addition, assessment of therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs are made possible. In regard to the determination of the therapeutic strategy, for example, some of prostate cancers are low malignant and hardly progress, hence do not require treatment; and others are progressive and metastasize to bones and/or the like, causing pain and death of patients. Since hormonotherapy and extirpative surgery are accompanied by side effects, it is necessary to appropriately judge and determine the therapeutic approach. Further, if whether the selected anticancer drug is appropriate or not, when to end the administration of the anticancer drug and the like can be appropriately judged, the physical and economical burden on the patient can also be reduced. Therefore, it is important that the stage of progression can be assessed.
One of the characteristics of cancer cells is blastogenesis, that is, dedifferentiation. Except for a part of cancers, lower-differentiated cancer cells such as those poorly differentiated or undifferentiated grow more rapidly after the metastasis, and the prognosis is poor. Such cancers are said to be highly malignant. Conversely, highly-differentiated cancer cells, that is, those showing a high degree of cell differentiation maintain the structural and functional traits of the organ from which they were originated, and can be said to be less malignant. If such cancer malignancy can be determined, it is made possible to secure a larger margin of excision of the tumor in cases where its malignancy is high even if the size of the tumor is small, as well as to follow up the patient, paying attention to larger areas in the surrounding tissues.
In cases where diagnosis of the postoperative course including recurrence and metastasis is possible, diagnosis of whether the tumor has been completely excised by the operation is made possible. Since recurrence is likely to occur in cases where the excision was incomplete, this can be used as a basis for judging whether a more careful follow up of the patient at short intervals is necessary and, in some cases, for deciding whether an early reoperation should be carried out. Furthermore, recurrent cancer can be found at its early stage with a high possibility. In the case of distant metastasis, its detection is likely to be late, but if a method which enables diagnosis of metastasis is provided, a basis for deciding whether the region to be checked should be extended in addition to the site where the tumor was excised and the vicinity thereof can be obtained.
If monitoring of therapy is possible, an appropriate therapeutic method or combination of therapeutic methods can be selected among various therapeutic methods to optimize the therapy. If one can see the therapeutic effects of anticancer agents, selection of the dosing periods and the types and doses of anticancer agents may be made easier. Further, after excision of the tumor, one can know presence/absence of remaining tumor, and during follow up of the patient, one can have a clue to find metastasis or recurrence as early as possible, so that initiation of early treatment is possible. If monitoring of a therapeutic effect is possible, whether the therapeutic approach was appropriate and whether the therapeutic approach should be changed to another can be judged.
It is known that dogs age 7 times faster than human. Recently, a companion animal is kept as a member of a family and often has a lifestyle similar to that of its owner. Therefore, if the companion animal is suffering from cancer, it is possible to predict that the owner has a high risk of development of cancer in the future. If accurate diagnosis of cancer in companion animals is possible, it is expected to be useful as a clue for prophylaxis of cancer in the owners.
It is said that about 6,390,000 and about 17,640,000 dogs are currently kept in Japan and the U.S., respectively. Since, in addition to rabies vaccination, combination vaccines such as pentavalent, heptavalent and octavalent vaccines have become popular, occurrence of highly lethal infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus infection, canine distemper virus infection, canine parainfluenza (kennel cough), canine adenovirus type II infection (kennel cough), canine infectious hepatitis, canine coronavirus infection and leptospirosis decreased. Therefore, the average life expectancy of dogs increased, and aged dogs of 7 years old or older occupy 35.5% of the total number of the kept dogs. As the causes of death, cancer, hypertension, cardiac diseases and the like are consistently increasing like in human. In the U.S., about 4,000,000 dogs/year are diagnosed as cancer, and it is also said that about 1,600,000 dogs in Japan potentially have a certain tumor.
However, there exist no simple diagnostic agents for animal cancers so far, and in the field of animal healthcare, test methods such as photography by X-ray, CT and MRI are not commonly used. Their diagnosis is carried out by palpation, simple blood test and a test by radiography, which largely depend on experience of a veterinarian. Although some veterinarians have begun to employ a test method using serum, human tumor markers are used in the method since canine tumor markers have not been found yet.
Accurate diagnosis of cancer requires an abdominal operation, and there are large problems of the physical burden to a dog and the economical burden to its owner. If diagnosis of cancers can be conveniently carried out in companion animals such as dogs and cats, early detection and accurate diagnosis of the cancers are made possible, which is useful for treatment of the cancers in the companion animals. Further, if a method which enables such simple diagnosis of cancers using serum is provided, it is expected that the method not only makes it possible to diagnose cancers but also contributes a great deal to periodic health examination, preoperative diagnosis and determination of the therapeutic strategy.
Unlike in human, medical examination is not popular in companion animals. Therefore, in many cases, tumor in a companion animal is found at its late stage, and the owner realizes the tumor and takes his animal only after the tumor has grown bigger. In cases where the grown tumor is malignant, surgical therapy such as operation and administration of an anticancer agent or the like are very often too late. Therefore, in cases where the cancer was judged as malignant by a veterinarian, anticancer drug therapy is generally carried out without operation. Even in cases where an operation is carried out, the operation must be strictly controlled to secure the margin and prevent dispersion of blood and cells during the operation. It is desirable to start anticancer drug therapy immediately after the operation and to follow up the patient at short intervals. It is expected that early detection of cancers is made easier if the above-described diagnosis is adopted into the medical examination of dogs, so-called "dog dock", which is recently being popularized.
On the other hand, in the case of a benign tumor, an operation can be decided to be carried out even if the tumor is large. All that is required is to care the excised area, and there is no need for treatment with neither expensive anticancer drugs nor being nervous about the follow up.
In view of the above-described circumstances, if a simple means for detecting cancers with a high sensitivity which can be applied to cancer diagnosis in animals is provided, accurate and efficient therapy is made possible, which is highly advantageous to both owners and veterinarians.    Non-patent Literature 1: Investigation by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2004    Non-patent Literature 2: Nikkei Science, 2007, March, pp. 80-88    Non-patent Literature 3: Clinical Tests, 2003, December, vol. 47, No. 13, p. 1641-1654    Non-patent Literature 4: Statistics of Diseases of Dogs and Cats, 2005, January    Non-patent Literature 5: Companion Animal Health Products: 2006 Edition By Tim Wesley, ANIMAL PHARM REPORTS    Non-patent Literature 6: Expansion of Cancer and Stage of Progression. Hideaki Tsukuma, Department of Cancer Control and Statistics, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases    Non-patent Literature 7: Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Enzymes, vol. 50, No. 11, p. 1405-1412    Non-patent Literature 8: J Cell Sci. 115: 1825-35    Non-patent Literature 9: Blood. 95: 1788-96    Non-patent Literature 10: Mol Endocrinol. 9: 243-54 (1995)    Non-patent Literature 11: J Cell Biol. 145: 83-98 (1999)


A road barrier, which may be the portable type having a hollow body. The road barrier is adapted to be connected to one or more other barriers having the same or similar construction to form a continuous barrier wall of a desired length.

The use of road barriers on highways have proven to be effective at reducing the number of series injuries and fatalities caused by automobile accidents. Road barriers have also proven to be effective at reducing damage which would otherwise occur to vehicles that become displaced from their proper path along a roadway.
While road barriers are typically used on highways or the like, such barriers have also been used to prevent vehicular penetration into other areas such as work zones, pedestrian walkways, etc.
Notwithstanding the proven usefulness and effectiveness of highway barriers, safety concerns have prompted manufacturers of highway barriers to continue to exert great efforts to develop improved barriers to isolate desired areas and to reduce the risk of injury to occupants and vehicles and damage to the vehicles.
Portable barriers which include a hollow body and may later be filled with a fluid or solid material to increase the mass of the barriers have been particularly desirable due to advantages associated with transporting and setting up such barriers. Portable highway barriers typically include an elongated container made of semi-rigid plastic material which is self-supporting and which has a predetermined shape. These containers may be filled with water and other fluids substances such as sand, chipped rubber and the like in order to substantially increase the mass of such barriers and to maintain the shape thereof. It is also known in the prior art for both portable and permanent highway barriers to include various sections which can be interconnected in an end-to-end configuration in order to form a continuous barrier wall of a desired length.
Although the aforementioned prior art hollow barriers have been useful, a need continues to exist for a barrier system which can easily and quickly be assembled and which provides enhanced stability when in an assembled position.


A web transport apparatus that will not cause the web to break by exerting external forces in different ways on two lateral sides. The transport apparatus includes a group of pins that are studded on flat plates connected together to form a chain on either side of a web so that it is transported in multiple stages as it is retained on two lateral sides. An annular member supports the web from the inside by pins in each of the reversing sections that rotate to reverse the direction of web transport, with the piercing end of each pin facing either inward or outward. The annular member has a central shaft located at the center of the locus of rotation of the flat plates and has an outside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the locus of rotation of the web. Preferably, the annular members rotate at the same speed as the web. There further may be provided a separating section at which the web is disengaged from the pins, which section is provided in the last reversing section which rotate with the piercing ends of pins facing outward. The annular member in the last reversing section preferably has an outside diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the locus of rotation of the piercing ends of the pins.

The present invention relates to an apparatus in which supports in long strip form, such as textiles and plastic sheets (which are hereinafter referred to as "a web" or "webs"), are transported for stretching on a tenter with their trailing edges properly retained. More particularly, the present invention relates to a web transport apparatus in a pin tenter that is used to dry and transport webs with care being taken to prevent them from shrinking in the direction of width.
The web transport apparatus used in conventional tenters is composed of a group of clips or pins that are installed on flat plates connected together to form a chain on either side of a web so that the latter will run along a straight line as it is retained on two lateral sides. This apparatus, which employs a linear transport method, is limited in length and, hence, in the speed at which it can dry and transport webs. However, the drying and transport speed has to be increased in order to reduce the cost of products.
With a view to solving those problems, it has been previously proposed to employ a multi-stage web transport apparatus having reversing sections (I, II) as shown in FIG. 1 (and as disclosed in commonly assigned Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 333110/1988, 650/1989 and 651/1989). Referring to FIG. 1 (although FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention, the same figure will be used for convenience in describing the disclosure of the above applications), a web 1 supported on both sides at point A by means of a pin tenter 2 is transported to a reversing section (I) 3a where it is reversed to change directions, and further travels to the next reversing section (II) 3b where it is reversed again to make another change in direction. Further, the web 1 passes to a separating section 4 where it leaves the pin tenter as it is pulled upward.
The above-described method of drying and transporting webs with an apparatus having multiple reversing sections has suffered from various disadvantages. First, the web is subjected to a very strong tension even if a slight lateral offset occurs on account of shrinkage. Thus, in the reversing sections, particularly in the reversing section (II) 3b where the web rotates with the piercing end of each pin facing inward, the web has a tendency to disengage from the pins so that the degree of the pins' piercing through the web is decreased. Secondly, the shrinking force developed in the web at the reversing sections tends to cause a difference in the transport path between the sides of the web and its central part, whereby the web will deflect toward the center of reversal during transport. This results in web deformation in a pin cushion shape. As a result, external forces act on both sides of the web where they are retained by pins in a different way than when the web is transported only linearly, which can potentially lead to web rupture. Thirdly, when the web is allowed to disengage from the pins at the separating section 4 by pulling it upward as in the earlier case, a strong force is exerted in the areas where the web is retained by pins when it is transported at increasing speeds, which also increases the chance of the web of rupturing at the separating section 4.


An operation control device for a washing machine incorporating electrical equipment such as a motor and electromagnetic valves includes a sub microcomputer for controlling the electrical equipment incorporated in the washing machine and a host microcomputer supplying control commands to the sub microcomputer to control the same. The host microcomputer determines whether or not a control sequence of the washing machine has reached a stage where the incorporated electrical equipment are to be controlled by the sub microcomputer and then, supplies a reset signal to the sub microcomputer to reset the same when a result of the determination signifies a negative.

This invention relates generally to a washing machine controlled by a microcomputer, and more particularly to an operation control device for the washing machine including a host microcomputer and a sub microcomputer operated in response to a control command from the host microcomputer so that equipment such as a motor is controlled by these microcomputers in association.
Conventional washing machines are provided with a microcomputer-based operation control circuit. Control and operation equipment such as electromagnetic valves and a motor incorporated in the washing machine are controlled based on operation of the microcomputer. These equipment incorporated in the washing machine will be referred to as electrical equipment hereafter. A single microcomputer is usually provided in the conventional washing machine.
The cost of a one-chip microcomputer employed in the conventional washing machines has recently been increased progressively as the increases in the number of terminals and the memory capacity of the microcomputer. A plurality of, for example two, microcomputers have recently been employed in the washing machine for the purpose of cost reduction. In such a case a sub microcomputer controls the electrical equipment based on control commands from a host microcomputer.
However, the following defects can be found in the conventional washing machine employing a plurality of microcomputers. First, influences of noise or the like cause data error in the control commands transferred from the host microcomputer to the sub microcomputer as the increase in the number of microcomputers. Furthermore, the probability of occurrence of runaway of the microcomputers is increased. Consequently, the electrical equipment is abnormally operated and in the extreme, the washing machine runs into danger.
Second, if the runaway of the sub microcomputer should occur, a washing machine motor would keep running even when the operation command for running it is not supplied from the host microcomputer. In this case the washing machine motor could not be interrupted by the host microcomputer.
Third, where noise invades a transmission line during transmission of serial data between the computers or an error occurs in the output of the host microcomputer, the serial data lacks a plurality of bits thereof or error data invades the data on the transmission line. As the result of occurrence of such a situation, the subsequent serial data transfer timing is deviated by the lacked bits of data or increased data, resulting in change in the contents of the transferred data.

Operation control device for washing machines


A digital video switch system comprising a smart control terminal is coupled to a digital access controller and to a multipoint control unit. The smart control terminal is provided with a plurality of function keys, each of which is designed to provide automatic interconnection of input and output ports of the digital access controller and the multipoint control unit so that a predetermined interconnection of video and audio signals from remote conferencing sites are interconnected via input/output ports of the digital access controller with each other in a desired format to provide central teleconferencing control of a plurality of sites from a central control site.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to business television and video conferencing systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a programmable digital switch for use in controlling video teleconferencing systems as well as business television systems independently or simultaneously with a single room or studio coordinator/controller.
2. Description of the Prior Art
AT&T as well as MCI and U.S. Sprint now provide services referred to as video teleconferencing. The equipment, systems and cost may differ between vendors to achieve a desired result function wherein two or more groups of conferees at different locations are able to view each other while conducting a real time conference and wherein different types of information are exchanged. Video TeleConferencing (VTC) differs from Business TeleVision (BTV) in that business TV is best described as Receive Only Viewing (ROV) by large audiences at remote locations of a single TV program usually originating at a single source. When business TV is combined with call in telephone questions, etc. from the live audience the results are similar to TV talk shows that take questions via telephone from the viewing audience.
Teleconferencing and business TV do not require as broad an information band as commercial TV. Commercial satellite TV in the United States employs an analog FM format requiring 36 megahertz bandwidth. Using digital data compression techniques it is presently possible to transmit sufficient data for video teleconferencing at a bandwidth of 768 kilobits per second with 384 kilobits per second transmission predicted for the future. The lower transmission rates are accompanied by lower network transmission cost without information degradation.
There are presently four or five major competing transmission network services whose cost are constantly being reduced so that no one dedicated VTC/BTV system is capable of taking advantage of all of the desirable features of any one system over a period of time.
Thus, it would be highly desirable to provide a teleconferencing system which may be used for business television and is flexible enough to accept input from and output to the various competitive networks so that the most efficient and most economical available network can be programmed for use with the present invention system.

Digital video switch for video teleconferencing


A method for generating a stereoscopic panorama image may include acquiring panorama images respectively captured by three or more panorama cameras located in a real space. A left-eye image and a right-eye image for stereoscopic display may be generated by synthesizing parts of the acquired panorama images. The generated left-eye image and the generated right-eye image may be displayed stereoscopically on a display.

Conventionally, there is an image processing device for displaying a part of a panorama image or an omnidirectional image on a display device.
However, the above-described image processing device cannot acquire a stereoscopic panorama image.
Accordingly, an object of the example embodiment is to provide an image generation method, an image display method, a storage medium storing an image generation program, an image generation system and an image display device capable of generating and/or displaying a stereoscopic panorama image.
In order to achieve the above object, the example embodiment may adopt, for example, the following structures. It is understood that for interpreting the recitations of the claims, the range thereof is to be interpreted only based on the recitations of the claims, and that in the case where the recitations of the claims are contradictory to the description of the specification, the recitations of the claims are given priority.
The present disclosure provides one structural embodiment of an image generation method for generating a stereoscopic panorama image. The image generation method comprises acquiring panorama images respectively captured by three or more panorama cameras located in a real space; and generating a left-eye image and a right-eye image by synthesizing parts of the acquired panorama images.
The "panorama moving image" described above may have an angle of field which is equal to or greater larger than 180° in one of an up-down direction and a left-right direction. Further, the "panorama moving image" may have an angle of field of 360° in one of the directions. In the other direction, the "panorama moving image" may have an angle of field which is equal to or greater than that of the moving image to be displayed on the first display device. Further, the "panorama moving image" may have an angle of field which is equal to or greater than twice the angle of field of the moving image, equal to or greater than 120°, equal to or greater than 150°, or 180°.
According to the above, parts of the three or more panorama images captured at different points of view are synthesized to generate a left-eye image and a right-eye image, and thus the captured panorama image can be displayed stereoscopically.
The panorama images respectively captured by the panorama cameras which are respectively located in the real space at positions which are apexes of a polygon may be acquired. In this case, generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image may comprise dividing each of the acquired panorama images into divided images in accordance with image-capturing directions; and selecting an image to be used for a left-eye image and an image to be used for a right-eye image for each of the image-capturing directions from the divided images, and synthesizing the selected divided images in accordance with each of the image-capturing direction, thereby generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image.
According to the above, three or more panorama images are divided and synthesized in accordance with each of the image-capturing directions. Thus, a left-eye image and a right-eye image can be generated efficiently.
In generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image, one divided image to be used for the left-eye image and one divided image to be used for the right-eye image may be selected from the panorama image captured by each of the three or more panorama cameras.
According to the above, one divided image to be used for the left-eye image and one divided image to be used for the right-eye image are selected from the panorama image captured by one panorama camera. Owing to this, such one panorama camera can act as a left-eye camera or a right-eye camera in accordance with the image-capturing direction.
In generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image, a pair of panorama cameras to be used for the left-eye image and the right-eye image may be set for each of the image-capturing directions, and the divided images may be selected in accordance with the setting.
According to the above, a combination of the panorama images which provides an appropriate stereoscopic display can be set in accordance with the image-capturing direction.
In dividing each of the acquired panorama images, a plurality of image-capturing directions may be set such that borders therebetween extend in directions from the inside of the polygon toward the panorama cameras, and parts of each panorama image of the image-capturing directions may be provided as the divided images.
According to the above, divided images appropriate to generate a stereoscopic panorama image can be obtained.
In generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image, for selecting the divided images for the image-capturing directions, a pair of panorama cameras closest to each of the image-capturing directions may be selected among the three or more panorama cameras. The divided image of the image-capturing direction captured by the panorama camera located on the left as facing the image-capturing direction among the pair of panorama cameras may be used for the left-eye image, and the divided image of the image-capturing direction captured by the panorama camera located on the right as facing the image-capturing direction among the pair of panorama cameras may be used for the right-eye image.
According to the above, the divided images which provides an optimum stereoscopic display can be synthesized in accordance with the image-capturing direction to generate a panorama image. Thus, the panorama image can be displayed stereoscopically in all the directions.
In generating the left-eye image and the right-eye image, the images to be used for the left-eye image and the images to be used for the right-eye image may be selected in a state where from the panorama image captured by each panorama camera, the divided image including images of the other panorama cameras different from the each camera is excluded.
According to the above, a panorama image which does not include an image-capturing area where the field of view is blocked by the other panorama cameras is generated. Therefore, the dead angle area in the panorama image can be removed.
One structural example of an image display method according to the example embodiment may comprise displaying, on a display device, the left-eye image and the right-eye image generated by any one of the above-described image generation methods.
According to the above, a stereoscopic panorama image can be displayed.
The image display method may further comprise setting a display range of each of the left-eye image and the right-eye image to be displayed on the display device in accordance with an attitude of the display device. In this case, in displaying, on the display device, the left-eye image and the right-eye image, the set display range of each of the left-eye image and the right-eye image may be displayed on the display device.
According to the above, the range of the panorama image to be displayed is changed in accordance with the attitude of the display device. Therefore, the user can view the panorama image by making an operation intuitively.
The example embodiment may be implemented in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing an image generation program for allowing a computer to execute each of the above-described operations, an image generation system including a unit for performing each of the above-described operations, or an image display device for displaying an image generated by the above-described operations.
According to the example embodiment, parts of three or more panorama images captured at different points of view are synthesized to generate a left-eye image and a right-eye image, and thus the captured panorama image can be displayed stereoscopically.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the example embodiment will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Image generation method, image display method, storage medium storing image generation program, image generation system, and image display device


Substantially random ethylene copolymers containing at least 3.0 mole percent of geminally disubstituted olefin monomers are described. The geminally disubstituted olefin monomers can be represented by the generic formula R.sub.1 =R.sub.2 (R.sub.3)(R.sub.4), where R.sub.1 is CH.sub.2, R.sub.2 is C, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are, independently, essentially linear hydrocarbyl groups having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or more, and containing one carbon atom bound directly to R.sub.2. The copolymers can be prepared by coordination polymerization by means of contacting at least one geminally disubstituted olefin monomer and ethylene, optionally with one or more other coordination polymerizable monomers, with a catalyst system comprising a monocyclopentadienyl, heteroatom-containing Group 4 transition metal catalyst component.

Insertion, or coordination, polymerization is a well-known chemical reaction sequence for preparing polymers and copolymers of ethylene, .alpha.-olefins, non-conjugated diolefins and strained ring cyclic olefins. And, in particular, coordination polymerization with monocyclopentadienyl metallocene catalyst systems is now well-known. Traditional Ziegler monomers, e.g., ethylene and .alpha.-olefins, such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene, are readily polymerized in the presence of Group 4 transition metals having as ligands one .eta.-5 bound cydopentadienyl ligand and three .sigma.-bound monoanionic ligands, preferably where one of the monoanionic ligands comprises a heteroatom that is covalently bound both to the Group 4 metal center and, through a bridging group, to a ring carbon atom of the cydopentadienyl ligand group.
Geminally disubstituted olefin monomers, such as isobutylene, are known not to be readily polymerizable by insertion, or coordination, mechanisms. In the chapter on "Insertion Polymerization", Encycl. of Polm. Sci. and Eng., vol. 8, p. 175 (Wiley Interscience, 1988), the statement is made that ". . . 1,1-disubstituted .alpha.-olefins are neither homo- nor copolymerized with other monoolefins." Instead such disubstituted .alpha.olefins are typically polymerized and copolymerized by cationic or carbocationic polymerization with Lewis acid catalyst systems known to initiate the formation of carbocations. However, since ethylene is not readily polymerized by cationic techniques, see Kennedy, J. P., Carbocationic Polymerization of Olefins: A Critical Inventory, p. 53 et seq. (John Wiley & Sons, 1975), ethylene copolymers with disubstituted .alpha.-olefns are largely unknown.
In Kennedy and Johnston, Isomerization Polymerization of 3-Methyl-1-butene and 4-Methyl-1-pentene, Advances in Polymer Science, p. 58-95 (1975), it was stated to be of interest to examine the cationic isomerization polymerization of 4-methyl-1-pentene because the completely isomerized structure can be viewed as a perfectly alternating copolymer ethylene and isobutylene. A structure which, in the reporters' words, "cannot be synthesized by conventional techniques", page 61. Due to multiple isomerization reactions occurring under the cationic isomerization polymerization reactions the sought alternating ethylene-isobutylene was observed, in amounts only up to 55 mol. % --(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --C(CH.sub.3).sub.2)-- with the remainder consisting of the 1,2 addition product --(CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2))-- and the 1,3 addition product --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH(CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2)--. The 1,3-addition product is only possible using the cationic chemistries disclosed in the reference and is incompatible with insertion polymerization.
The use of both biscyclopentadienyl and monocyclopentadienyl metallocene catalyst systems for combined carbocationic and coordination polymerization of mixed feeds of ethylene and isobutylene at temperatures below 20.degree. C. is described in WO 95/29940. Copolymerization of ethylene and isobutylene is said to be enabled by use of the described catalyst systems, in particular, sequential feeding of each monomer is said to enable blocky copolymers of polyisobutylene-co-polyethylene. Example E describes ethylene/isobutylene copolymerization concurrent with the homopolymerization of both the isobutylene and the ethylene at -20.degree. C. with bis-(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl and bis-(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)-zirconium dimethyl, both activated by triphenylmethyl-tetrakis(perfluorophenyl)boron. The amount produced of ethylene-isobutylene copolymer was less than 1.3 weight % of the total polymer products. Copolymerization of 2-methylpropene (isobutylene) and ethylene at 30.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. with ethylene-bis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride when activated with methylalumoxane was reported in "Isotactic Polymerization of Olefins with Homogeneous Zirconium Catalysts", W. Kaminsky, et al, Transition Metals and Organometallics as Catalysts for Olefin Polymerization, page 291, 296 (Springer-Verlag, 1988). Incorporation of isobutylene was reported to be less than 2.8 mol. %, the only example illustrates 1.35 mol. %.
In view of the above, additional means of manufacturing polyolefins, particularly a means of incorporating geminally disubstituted .alpha.-olefins in such polyolefins is highly desirable. Copolymer compositions comprising ethylene and geminally disubstituted olefins, optionally with other polymerizable olefinically-unsaturated monomers, would provide new compositions useful in many applications and would serve the function of economically utilizing the inherent feedstock make-up in petroleum refining processes.

Copolymers of ethylene and germinally disubstituted olefins


A casket assembly includes side panels, head and foot end panels, a bottom panel and at least a first corner element fixedly coupled to a foot end panel. The side panels are arranged opposite and parallel to each other. The head end panel is coupled between the first side panel and the second side panel. The bottom panel is coupled to the side panels and head end panel. The foot end panel is hingedly coupled to the bottom panel opposite the head end panel such that the foot end panel has open and closed positions. The first corner element defines first and second inner surfaces. The first inner surface extends along the foot end panel. The second inner surface abuts an outer surface of the side panel when the foot end panel is closed, and is spaced apart from the side panel when the foot end panel is open.

Burial or cremation containers, referred to herein collectively as caskets, are one of the most expensive elements of a traditional funeral. Costs associated with traditional caskets are attributable in significant part to the material and labor cost of forming a casket of wood or metal material. Accordingly, one way to reduce casket (and hence funeral) costs includes the use of caskets made from alternative materials, such as paperboard. Such caskets are particularly suitable for cremation. However, caskets constructed of alternative materials of paperboard often do not provide as pleasing a presentation of the deceased during the wake or viewing. While advances in the construction of paperboard caskets have resulted in aesthetic improvements, such caskets still lack the aesthetic appeal of traditional wood caskets.
One solution to the countervailing tensions of reducing cost and retaining aesthetic appeal of wood (or metal) caskets involves the use of a reusable rental casket. Specifically, if a casket is desired for a traditional ceremony or viewing but not needed for burial because cremation has been elected, a paperboard casket or body tray may be inserted into a more ornate rental casket to provide an aesthetic viewing experience. In many cases, the paperboard casket is inserted into or removed from the rental casket via a removable or fold-down end panel.
One of the issues of known rental systems arises from the joints or seams where the moveable end panel meets the adjacent side panels. In many cases, all or some of the joint or seam between the moveable end panel and the side panel is visible. A visible gap formed at the seam between the panels reduces the aesthetic qualities of the rental casket as well as makes it easily identifiable as a rental casket to those present at the wake or viewing. One method for reducing the visibility of the gap is to cut the ends of the end panel and the side panels at a 45 degree angle to form mitered joints. However, this method requires additional machining precision and also does not completely eliminate visibility of the gap.
There is a need, therefore, for a rental casket system that provides the full aesthetic value of a traditional casket by concealing the seams between the moveable end panel and the adjacent side panels.


A ring binder (10) stores hole (H) punched sheets of paper (P). A mechanism (16) is a bolt action mechanism which positively locks binder rings (18) which hold paper in its stored position. Each binder ring includes a fixed section (20) and a movable section (22). All of the movable binder ring sections are commonly mounted on a bolt (36) and move in unison with the bolt. A manually operable lever (38) is secured to one end of the bolt. When the lever is moved in one direction, the bolt is rotated so to move the movable sections of the binder rings away from the fixed sections and open the binder. Operation of the lever in the opposite direction brings the movable sections back into contact with the fixed sections to close the binder.

This invention relates to ring binders, and more particularly, to a ring binder incorporating a bolt action apparatus for opening and closing the binder to store and access hole punched materials with which the binder is used.
As is well-known in the art, a ring binder has two or more binder rings each of which comprises two sections which are movable into and out of contact with each other to open and close the metal. Most ring binders employ some type of lever mechanism which is manually operable by the user of the binder to move pull the ring sections apart. While the lever mechanism is also operable to push the sections together, most people simply close the rings by exerting finger pressure on the two sections. Many people also open the binder rings by pulling them apart with their fingers.
It sometimes happens that the amount of hole punched paper stored in the binder is so great that the volume of paper cause the rings to become partially spread apart when it is intended that the binder be fully closed. In such circumstances, it is not uncommon that even a slight additional pressure will cause the rings to open and paper to spill out. Various attempts have been made to design a fabricate a ring metal which prevents this from happening. Such constructions have met with different degrees of success. The apparatus of the present invention provides a novel solution to this problem which effectively maintains a binder closed and is not susceptible to the occurrence of spills. Unlike prior art release mechanisms which use levers, and the like, the ring binder of the present invention employs a simple, easy to use, fail safe mechanism.


A Passive Intermodulation (PIM) measurement circuit enables making forward and reverse PIM measurements on any 1 port (reflection) or 2 port (transmission) device with the ability to determine in distance where individual PIM impairments are located as well as their magnitude. The PIM measurement circuit includes two frequency sources that are provided through a combiner for a CW characterization of the PIM circuit. To enable distance determination, an FM measurement is created by using a saw tooth offset sweep generator attached to one of the two frequency sources. With down conversion and processing of signals from the PIM impairments, the FM signal provides a frequency variation that is converted using a Fourier transform or spectrum analysis for separation of frequencies, enabling determination of the distance of the PIM sources as well as their magnitudes.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a single (reflected) or a two port (transmission) distance to fault analyzer configured to measure passive intermodulation (PIM) created by two separate signal sources as well as to measure distance to a fault creating PIM.
2. Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of components of a prior art test system setup for measuring PIM. The test system utilizes two signal sources 2 and 4, with a first signal source 2 producing a signal at frequency F1 and the second signal source 4 producing a signal at frequency F2. When these multiple signals are allowed to share the same signal path in a nonlinear transmission medium, unwanted additional signals occur. The 3rd order response is particularly troublesome as it produces signals at 2F1−F2 as well as 2F2−F1. The term widely uses for this phenomenon is Passive Intermodulation or PIM. The PIM test system of FIG. 1 measures this phenomenon.
In the system of FIG. 1, the signal sources 2 and 4 are provided through high power amplifiers (HPAs) 6 and 8 and isolators 10 and 12 to a hybrid combiner 14 to create a combined signal with frequencies F1 and F2 at the hybrid combiner 14 output. The duplexer 16 sends the signals F1 and F2 to the test port P1. A reverse or reflected signal from port P1 is then produced at frequency 2F1−F2, and forwarded through duplexer 16 to switch 18. The switch 18 in the receive (R) position provides the signal 2F1−F2 through an amplifier 20 to a digital receiver or spectrum analyzer 22 for measurement. The port P1 can be connected by cable to port P2 and switch 18 switched over to make a transmission (T) measurement. With the transmission measurement, signals are provided at F1 and F2 with mixing products at 2F1−F2 to port P2. The duplexer 26 provides the signals F1 and F2 to termination 24, while the signal 2F1−F2 is provided from duplexer 26 through switch 18 and amplifier 20 to the digital receiver or spectrum analyzer 22 for measurement.
FIG. 2 shows an example of actual frequencies used when measuring a load with the test system setup of FIG. 1. Components carried over from FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 are similarly labeled, as will be components carried over in subsequent figures. The two signals F1 and F2 and how they create a third interfering signal can be explained using an example measurement setup with two distinct transmitters, a Personal Communication Service or PCS Band transmitter 2 transmitting at F1=1930 MHz and an Advanced Wireless Service or AWS Band transmitter 4 transmitting at F2=2127.5 MHz. The PIM produced signal, which can be the result of reflection from a corroded connector or antenna in the transmission path, is simulated by PIM source 30 attached to port P1. It is unknown where an actual PIM or multiple PIM sources may be located. This can be especially troubling when multiple connectors are involved as can be present in a PCS/AWS site tower. But, the PIM source 30 in combination with its connecting cable and load can be designed to simulate reflection from at least one connector.
The PIM source 30 generates a signal at 2×1930−2127.5=1732.5 MHz that is in the receive Band of the AWS system 4. A signal is produced at 2F2−F1=2325 MHz, as also shown in FIG. 2, but since that signal is outside the transmit or receive band of either transmitter 2 and 4, it is not relevant to the present measurement. The two signals transmitted from sources 2 and 4 produce about 40 watts of power for each carrier or +46 dBm each. The resulting PIM signal is on the order of −100 dBm.
The receive channel of the AWS source 4 in an actual operating environment can be desensitized by this interfering signal due to the broadband noncorrelated characteristic of the modulation present on both transmit carriers spreading the power over the entire receive channel. DIN 7-16 coax cable connectors typically have PIM values on the order of −140 to −168 dBc. The PIM measurement, thus, must detect signals that are <−146 dBc. Since the desired PIM signal to be measured is the 1732.5 MHz signal, the bandpass filter 32 with center frequency of 1732.5 is used to filter out other signal components and provide the PIM signal for measurement to the digital receiver or spectrum analyzer 22. An exemplary digital receiver or spectrum analyzer 22 used to perform the test can be a Summitek Instruments Model S12000D Passive Intermodulation Analyzer in the D configuration or a Telstra PIMT2V2 low power PIM Tester.

Method for determining the distance to and magnitude of one or more passive intermodulation (PIM) source


The present invention comprises capacitors, and methods of manufacturing the same, having a plurality of vertical plates formed on a substrate in a manner so as to have a high capacitance in a small space and to have good time and temperature stability. Vertical plates are initially formed as sidewall electrode depositions to pedestals formed on a substrate, and through a series of processing steps, additional vertical plates are formed so that multiple capacitor plate--dielectric--capacitor plate combinations are formed around each of the initial vertical plates. Exemplary embodiments and methods of fabrication are disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of capacitor design and fabrication.
2. Prior Art
A number of problems exist in state-of-the-art capacitors. Capacitors are generally inexpensive, causing manufacturers to eliminate leading edge technology as too costly for these products. Instead, manufacturers tend to move toward finding dielectrics with higher dielectric constants to enhance the capacitance per unit area. This leads to compromises in other parameters, such as dielectric strength, uniformity of layers, reliability, stability, degradation of materials and ultimately to increased capacitor volume, thereby compromising the capacitance per unit volume.
Capacitors have been made by sandwiching a layer of dielectric 20 between two conductive layers 22 on a substrate 24, as shown in FIG. 1. This allows only one plate, and therefore provides a relatively low capacitance. Attempts have been made in the prior art to achieve higher capacitances by stacking multiple layers (FIG. 2), but this still does not reach the capacitance per unit area of the present invention.
The prior art devices tend to use a dielectric material that is on the order of several thousandths of an inch thick, in comparison to the present invention which has dielectric thicknesses which are significantly less than 1 micron (1 thousandth of an inch=25 microns). Also the prior art devices generally use a high dielectric constant material such as Barium Titanate. However these materials have low dielectric strengths and substantial variations of properties with temperature and age. They thus give lower voltage results and poor reliability.