The invention relates to a device (10) for determining the optical parameters of a user comprising: at least two image recording devices (14, 16), which are configured and arranged to respectively generate image data of at least sub-sections of the head of the user (30); a data processing unit comprising a user data determination device, which is configured to use the generated image data to determine user data relating to at least one sub-section of the head, or at least one sub-section of a system placed on the head that supports a pair of glasses (38) of the user (30) in a normal position of wear, the user data containing the three-dimensional location information of predetermined points in the head sub-section or the system sub-section and comprising a parameter determination unit, which is configured to determine at least some of the optical parameters of the user (30); a data output device, which outputs at least some of the determined optical parameters of the user (30). The invention also relates to an additional device, a corresponding method and a computer program.

Due to the introduction of individually optimized spectacle lenses, it is possible to deal with the requirements of people having vision errors and, for example, provide spectacle lenses having individually optimized visual ranges. Custom-fitted spectacle lenses make it possible to make an optimal correction of the optical defects of the vision of a wearer of spectacle lenses. Individual calculation and adaptation of spectacle lenses is also possible for sports spectacles, which are distinguished by large deflections, bow angles, and pantoscopic angles.
To completely exhaust the optical advantages of individual spectacle lenses, in particular of individually adapted progressive power lenses, it is necessary to calculate and produce these spectacle lenses knowing the wearing position of the user and to wear them in accordance with the wearing position used for calculation and production. The wearing position is a function of multiple parameters, for example, the interpupillary distance, the bow angle, the spectacle lens pantoscopic angle, the spectacle frame, the corneal vertex distance of the system of spectacles and eye, and the grinding height of the spectacle lenses. These and further parameters, which may be used and/or are necessary for describing the wearing position, are contained in relevant standards, such as DIN EN ISO 1366, DIN 58 208, DIN EN ISO 8624, and DIN 5340 and may be taken therefrom. Furthermore, it is necessary for the spectacle lenses to be situated and/or centered in a spectacle frame in accordance with the optical parameters which were used for the production, so that the spectacle lenses are actually worn in accordance with the optical parameters in the wearing position.
Multiple measuring devices are available to the optician for determining the individual optical parameters. For example, the optician may analyze pupillary reflexes using a so-called pupillometer and/or determine the distance of the pupil centers to ascertain the interpupillary distance in this way.
Pantoscopic angle and corneal vertex distance may be determined using a measuring device in which, in the habitual head and body posture of the customer, the measuring device is held on a frame plane of a spectacle frame. The pantoscopic angle may be read off laterally via a gravity-driven pointer on the basis of a scale. An engraved ruler is used for determining the corneal vertex distance, using which the distance between the estimated groove base of the spectacle frame and the cornea is also measured from the side.
The bow angle of the spectacle frame may be determined using a measuring device on which the pair of spectacles is laid. The nasal edge of an optic disk has to be situated over a pivot point of a movable measuring arm, the other optic disk running parallel to an engraved line. The measuring arm is set in such a way that a marked axis of the measuring arm runs parallel to the frame plane of the optic disk lying above it. The bow angle may subsequently be read off a scale.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a possibility for precisely determining optical parameters of a user in a simple way.
This object is achieved by the device according to Claim 1, the device according to Claim 27, the method according to Claim 28, and the computer program according to Claim 31. Preferred embodiments and/or variations are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a device according to the present invention for determining optical parameters of a user comprises                at least two image recording units, which are designed and situated to generate image data of at least sub-sections of the head of the user;        a data processing unit having                    a user data determination unit, which is designed to determine user data of at least one sub-section of the head or at least one sub-section of a system of the head and a pair of spectacles of the user situated thereon in the wearing position on the basis of the generated image data, the user data comprising location information in the three-dimensional space of predetermined points of the sub-section of the head or of the sub-section of the system and            a parameter determination unit, which is designed to determine at least one part of the optical parameters of the user on the basis of the user data;                        a data output unit, which is designed to output at least one part of the determined optical parameters of the user.
Preferably, three-dimensional data of the sub-section of the head or the system of the head and the pair of spectacles is advantageously generated on the basis of the present device. The three-dimensional data are determined using the image data. The image data which are generated using a first image recording unit differ from the image data which are generated using a second image recording unit. The differences in the image data arise in particular because the two image recording units are preferably situated at different positions. Because of the preferably different positions of the at least two image recording units, the particular image data are generated from different perspective views of the head and/or the sub-section of the head. Coordinates in the three-dimensional space, for predetermined or predeterminable points on the head of the user or on the system of the head and the pair of spectacles, may be determined on the basis of the different perspective views and/or the different image data of the sub-section of the head thus generated, while knowing the position of the cameras in relation to one another.
Two recording units in the meaning of the present invention are two digital cameras, for example, which are positioned separately from one another. It is possible that an image recording unit preferably comprises a digital camera and at least one optical deflection element and/or mirror, the image data of the sub-section of the head being recorded and/or generated by the camera using the deflection mirror. Two image recording units therefore comprise two digital cameras in particular and at least two deflection elements or mirrors in the same way, for example, one digital camera and at least one deflection mirror representing one image recording unit in each case. Furthermore, two image recording units may preferably also comprise precisely one digital camera and two deflection elements or mirrors, image data being recorded and/or generated with a time delay using the digital camera. For example, image data are generated at a first instant, the sub-section of the head being imaged using one deflection mirror, and image data are generated at a second instant, said data imaging the sub-section of the head using the other deflection mirror. Furthermore, the camera may also be situated in such a way that image data are generated by the camera at the first or second instant, no deflection mirror being necessary and/or situated between the camera and the head.
Advantageously, a representation of at least the sub-section of the head or at least one sub-section of the system of the head and the pair of spectacles of the user situated thereon in the wearing position is determined using the device according to the present invention on the basis of two-dimensional image data. Location relations to one another in the three-dimensional space of the user data may be determined easily on the basis of this three-dimensional representation and the optical parameters of the user may be determined therefrom.
In particular, multiple optical parameters of the user necessary for describing the wearing position of a pair of spectacles and/or the spectacle lenses may advantageously be determined precisely and easily.
Furthermore, image data of sub-sections which overlap as much as possible, in particular the same sub-section of the head of the user, is generated by the two image recording units, the image recording units being designed and situated in such a way that at least one pupil of the user is completely imaged in the first image data. Furthermore, only the generated image data in which a pupil of the user is completely imaged is used for determining the user data. In particular, the same pupil of the user is completely imaged in image data which are generated by the two or more image recording units.
Furthermore, both pupils of the user may be imaged in each case in the image data of the two image recording units.
The data processing unit is preferably a computer or microprocessor. Furthermore, the user data determination unit and the parameter determination unit may operate independently of one another. Preferably, the data processing unit is designed in such a way that the user data determination unit and the parameter determination unit are operated using a microprocessor. In other words, the data processing unit is designed in such a way that a microprocessor executes both the task(s) of the user data determination unit and also those of the parameter determination unit.
Furthermore, the image recording units are preferably designed and situated in such a way that at least one pupil of the user and a pupil frame edge and/or a spectacle lens edge is imaged in the generated image data, the at least one pupil of the user being enclosed by the spectacle frame edge and/or spectacle lens edge in the generated image data.
In other words, a two-dimensional image of at least one sub-section of the head of the user is generated by each image recording unit. Each of the images contains one pupil of the user or both pupils of the user. For example, image data which have been generated by an image recording unit may only contain one pupil of the user. Image data which are generated by a further image recording unit, in contrast, contain both pupils of the user. In each case, at least one pupil is imaged and at least one spectacle frame edge and/or one spectacle lens edge is imaged in all image data used for further analysis, it being the same pupil in all of this image data. Furthermore, the spectacle frame edge or spectacle lens edge assigned to the imaged pupil is imaged. The image recording units are additionally designed and situated in such a way that the image of the pupil lies inside the image of the spectacle frame or spectacle lens edge in the two-dimensional image data. Especially preferably, the image of the pupil lies completely inside the image of the spectacle frame or spectacle lens edge.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user data comprise location information for at least one of the following points:                intersection points of a horizontal plane in the reference system of the user with the spectacle lens edges and/or the spectacle frame edges of the spectacles, the horizontal plane of the user intersecting both pupils of the user and running parallel to a predetermined zero line of sight of the user;        intersection points of a vertical plane in the reference system of the user with the spectacle lens edges and/or the spectacle frame edges of the spectacles, the vertical plane of the user running perpendicularly to the horizontal plane of the user and parallel to the predetermined zero line of sight of the user and intersecting a pupil of the user;        at least one pupil center point;        delimitations of at least one spectacle lens of the user according to dimensioning in the boxing system;        bridge center point of the spectacle frame of the pair of spectacles.
Dimensioning in the boxing system is understood in the meaning of the present invention as the measurement system as is described in the relevant standards, for example, in DIN EN ISO 8624 and/or DIN EN ISO 1366 and/or DIN 58 208 and/or DIN 5340. Furthermore, reference is made, in regard to the boxing system and further typical terms and parameters used, to the book "Die Optik des Auges und der Sehhilfen [The Optics of the Eye and Visual Aids]" by Dr. Roland Enders, 1995 Optische Fachveröffentlichung GmbH, Heidelberg, and the book "Optik und Technik der Brille [Optics and Technology of Spectacles]" by Heinz Diepes and Ralf Blendowksi, 2002 Verlag Optische Fachveröffentlichungen GmbH, Heidelberg. The standards and the cited books thus represent an integral part of the disclosure of the present application for the definitions of terms.
The delimitations according to dimensioning in the boxing system comprise, for example, frame points for one eye or both eyes which lie furthest to the outside or inside and/or up or down. These frame points are typically determined on the basis of tangents on the spectacle frame and/or the areas of the spectacle frame assigned to the particular eyes (compare DIN 58 208; FIG. 3).
The zero viewing direction in the meaning of the present invention is a viewing direction straight ahead with parallel visual axes. In other words, this is a viewing direction which is defined by a position of the eye in relation to the head of the user, the eyes looking at an object which is at eye height and is situated at an infinitely distant point. As a result, the zero viewing direction in the meaning of the present invention is solely determined by the position of the eyes in relation to the head of the user. If the head of the user is in a vertical upright position, the zero viewing direction essentially corresponds to the horizontal direction in the reference system of the earth. However, the zero viewing direction may be tilted in relation to the horizontal direction in the reference system of the earth, if, for example, the user inclines his head to the front or to the side without further movement of the eyes. Analogously, a plane is spanned by the zero viewing direction of both eyes which is essentially parallel to the horizontal plane in the reference system of the earth. The plane which is spanned by the two zero viewing directions of the two eyes may also be inclined to the horizontal plane in the reference system of the earth, if the user inclines his head forward or to the side, for example.
Preferably, the horizontal plane of the user corresponds to a first plane and the vertical plane of the user corresponds to a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane. For example, the horizontal plane in the reference system of the user may be situated parallel to a horizontal plane in the reference system of the earth and only run through the center point of one pupil. This is the case in particular if the two eyes of the user are situated at different heights (in the reference system of the earth), for example.
The optical parameters of the device according to the present invention preferably comprise one of the following values:                interpupillary distance;        monocular interpupillary distance;        corneal vertex distance according to reference point requirement and/or according to eye rotation point requirement;        monocular centration distance;        centration point coordinates;        lens distance or boxed lens distance;        decentration of the centration point;        lens height and width or boxed lens height and width;        lens center distance or boxed lens center distance;        spectacle lens pantoscopic angle;        bow angle;        grinding height.
Furthermore, the optical parameters also preferably comprise an eye rotation point of an eye and/or parameters, on the basis of which dynamic vision behavior of the user may be determined, such as convergence of an eye position and/or gaze deflection.
The interpupillary distance essentially corresponds to the distance of the pupil centers. The optical parameters comprise especially preferred physiological and anatomical parameters of a spectacle wearer, frame-specific properties, and features of a system of spectacles-eye of the user, which is described in DIN 58208, for example. The features of the system spectacles-eye of the user may be used for calculating spectacle lenses and for precise centration of spectacle lenses, for example, centration data being determined according to the cited norms exactly in relation to an optic disk or frame plane. The plane of the optic disk is the plane through a horizontal and vertical center line (in the reference system of the earth) in the right or left boxing system in the spectacle frame. The frame plane is the plane through center lines, which are vertical to one another, of the boxing systems establishing the right and left disk plane of the spectacle frame.
Furthermore, in the operating position, the image recording units are preferably situated within a spatial area which is enclosed by a cone having a predetermined aperture angle, the cone apex of the cone being situated in the surroundings of a predetermined reference point and the cone axis being situated parallel to a predetermined direction, the zero viewing direction of the user corresponding to the predetermined direction in operation.
In other words, the image recording units are preferably situated in a conical volume. The apex of the cone is located at a distance of less than 20 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, more preferably approximately 0 cm from the reference point.
Preferably, in operation, the location of one of the pupils of the user or the location of the root of the nose of the user approximately corresponds to the predetermined reference point. In operation of the device, the user may be positioned in such a way that the location of one of the pupils or the root of the nose of the user is approximately at the predetermined reference point, i.e., essentially the cone apex. The distance between the cone apex of the cone and one of the pupils and/or the root of the nose of the user is preferably less than approximately 20 cm, more preferably less than approximately 10 cm, especially preferably approximately 0 cm.
According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aperture angle of the cone is less than 90°, more preferably between approximately 60° and approximately 10°, especially preferably between approximately 45° and approximately 20°, particularly approximately 30°. The aperture angle corresponds to the angle between the axis of symmetry of the cone and the lateral surface of the cone, the cone being rotationally symmetric. In other words, the cone volume may be described by rotation of a right triangle, the triangle rotating around a cathetus and the lateral surface of the cone being described on the basis of the rotation of the hypotenuse of the right triangle. The aperture angle of the cone corresponds to the angle between the hypotenuse and the axis of rotation, i.e., the cited cathetus of the right triangle.
User data may advantageously be determined very effectively by the configuration of the image recording units on a cone having an aperture angle preferably of approximately 30°, because image data may be generated without the pupils of the user being concealed by the spectacle frame or a nose of the user, for example.
Furthermore, effective optical axes of the image recording units preferably at least approximately intersect, an intersection angle being between approximately 60° and approximately 10°, preferably between approximately 45° and approximately 20°, especially preferably approximately 30°.
Effective optical axes of the image recording units in the meaning of the present invention are those areas of lines which extend from the center point of the particular apertures of the image recording units perpendicular to these apertures and intersect the imaged sub-section of the head of the user. In other words, the effective optical axes are particularly the optical axes of the image recording units, these optical axes typically being situated perpendicular to a lens system of the image recording units and extending from the center of the lens system. If no further optical elements, such as deflection mirrors or prisms, are situated in the beam path of the image recording units, the effective optical axis essentially corresponds to the optical axis of the image recording unit. However, if further optical elements, such as one or more deflection mirrors, are situated in the beam path of the image recording unit, the effective optical axis no longer corresponds to the optical axis of the image recording unit as it extends from the image recording unit.
In other words, the effective optical axis in the meaning of the present invention is the section of an optical axis of an image recording unit, (said axis possibly optically deflected multiple times), which intersects the direction of the head of the user without change. The optical axis of the image recording unit corresponds to a line which extends from a center point of an aperture of the image recording unit at a right angle to a plane which comprises the aperture of the image recording unit, the direction of the optical axis of the image recording unit being changeable by optical elements, such as mirrors and/or prisms.
Approximately intersect in the meaning of the present invention means that the effective optical axes have a smallest distance of less than approximately 10 cm, preferably less than approximately 5 cm, especially preferably less than approximately 1 cm. At least approximately intersect therefore means that the effective axes intersect or approximately intersect.
In a further preferred embodiment, in operation, the zero viewing direction of the user is situated essentially parallel to the effective optical axis of at least one of the image recording units. In other words, in the operating state, at least one of the image recording units is situated in such a way that the zero viewing direction of the user may be situated essentially parallel to the effective optical axis of this image recording unit, or the user may position himself in such a way that his zero viewing direction is situated essentially parallel to the effective optical axis of this image recording unit.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the effective optical axis of at least one of the image recording units is situated essentially parallel to a horizontal direction in the reference system of the earth.
Furthermore, in operation, the horizontal plane of the user is preferably situated in such a way that the effective optical axis of at least one of the image recording units lies therein. I.e., in the operating state of the device of the present invention, at least one of the image recording units is preferably situated in such a way that the user may position himself and/or the user may be positioned in such a way that the horizontal plane of the user comprises the effective optical axis. In the operating state, the user may therefore orient his head in such a way that the horizontal plane preferably comprises the effective optical axis of the image recording unit. The horizontal plane may preferably also be the horizontal plane in the reference system of the earth.
In an especially preferred embodiment, in the operating position, one of the image recording units is situated in such a way that its effective optical axis at least approximately intersects the root of the nose of the user. In other words, in the operating state of the device of the present invention, the user may preferably be positioned and/or position himself in such a way that the effective optical axis of at least one of the image recording units approximately intersects the root of the nose of the user. Approximately intersects means in this case that the minimum distance between the effective optical axis and the root of the nose of the user is less than approximately 10 cm, preferably less than approximately 5 cm, especially preferably less than approximately 1 cm.
In a further preferred embodiment, in the operating position, at least one of the image recording units is situated in such a way that its effective optical axis is situated essentially symmetrically in relation to the pupils of the user. Situated symmetrically in relation to the pupils means in the meaning of the present invention that every point on the effective optical axis has the same distance to both pupils of the user. In other words, the effective optical axis lies in a plane which is situated perpendicularly to a connecting line of the center points of the two pupils and halves this connecting line.
The effective optical axes of the at least two image recording units preferably approximately intersect. In particular the effective optical axes of the at least two image recording units are situated in such a way that a location of minimal distance of the two effective optical axes is at the same distance from both pupils of the user. In particular, a location of minimal distance of the effective optical axes corresponds to the location of the root of the nose of the user. In other words, the effective optical axes at least approximately intersect, the intersection of the effective optical axes and/or the point having minimum distance from the effective optical axes being situated symmetrically in relation to the pupils of the user, preferably corresponding to the location of the root of the nose of the user.
Furthermore, projections of the effective optical axes of the at least two image recording units preferably on a horizontal plane in the reference system of the earth intersect at an intersection angle which is between approximately 10° and approximately 60°, preferably between approximately 15° and approximately 40°, especially preferably approximately 23.5°, by which simplified selection of the user data is achieved.
It is advantageously possible on the basis of the preferred device of the present invention to determine user data of the user even for spectacle frames having very wide bows or for sport spectacle frames, which essentially conceal the eye laterally.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, projections of the effective optical axis of the at least two image recording units on a vertical plane in the reference system of the earth intersect at an intersection angle which is between approximately 10° and approximately 60°, preferably between approximately 15° and approximately 40°, especially preferably approximately 23.5°.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the operating position, the zero viewing direction of the user is situated parallel to the horizontal plane in the reference system of the earth.
Furthermore, the user data determination unit preferably comprises a user data positioning unit, which is designed to assign predetermined user data positions in the two-dimensional space of the image data. In other words, user data, i.e., location information in the three-dimensional space, are imaged on location information in the two-dimensional space. For example, the pupil center point is imaged in the generated two-dimensional image data.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the user data positioning unit is designed in such a way that the positions in the image data which are assigned to at least one part of the predetermined user data are assignable by a person. For example, delimitations of at least one spectacle lens of the user may be assigned according to a dimensioning in the boxing system by a person.
In a further especially preferred embodiment, the user data positioning unit is designed to predetermine positions of the image data which are assigned to the predetermined user data taking location information of at least one of the image recording units in the three-dimensional space into consideration. According to a preferred embodiment, the assignment of the positions in the image data may be performed by a person. The assignment of the positions is preferably not possible for all existing positions, however, but rather solely for a predetermined selection of positions. For example, the intersection point of a horizontal plane in the reference system of the user with the spectacle lens edges may preferably not be assigned completely along the spectacle lens edges, but rather solely along one or more straight lines in the image data.
In a further preferred embodiment, the user data positioning unit is designed to automatically assign at least one part of the user data to positions in the two-dimensional space of the image data. For example, the positions of the pupils center point may be automatically assigned and/or determined in the two-dimensional space of the image data.
Preferably, the at least two image recording units are designed to generate image data synchronously, the image data recording units especially preferably synchronously generating image data of both eyes of the user.
Furthermore, the image recording units are preferably designed to generate image data of the user sequentially for multiple different viewing directions of the user. For this purpose, for example, image data may be generated for different discrete viewing directions, i.e., discrete deflections of the eyes. However, it is also possible that image data are generated for different discrete head orientations.
In particular, vision behavior of the user may be determined using the data processing device on the basis of the multiple image data. Especially preferably, the image data may be generated in a very rapid chronological sequence using the image recording units, so that the data processing device may determine essentially continuous vision behavior of the user.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a device for determining optical parameters of a user comprises                at least one image recording unit, which is designed and situated to generate image data of at least sub-sections of the head of the user;        at least one pattern projection unit, which is designed and situated to project predetermined pattern data on at least sub-sections of the head of the user;        a data processing unit having                    a user data determination unit, which is designed to determine user data of at least one sub-section of the head or at least one sub-section of a system of the head and a pair of spectacles of the user situated thereon in the wearing position on the basis of the generated image data, taking the projected pattern data into consideration, the user data comprising location information in the three-dimensional space of predetermined points of the sub-section of the head or the sub-section of the system, and            a parameter determination unit, which is designed to determine at least one part of the optical parameters of the user on the basis of the user data;                        a data output unit, which is designed to output at least one part of the determined optical parameters of the user.
The device preferably comprises precisely one image recording unit and precisely one pattern projection unit, three-dimensional user data of the sub-section of the head or the sub-section of the system also advantageously being able to be generated according to this aspect of the present invention, analogously to the preceding aspect of the present invention. The three-dimensional user data may advantageously be generated on the basis of image data of only one image recording unit. Preferably, the three-dimensional data are generated using the principle of phase-measuring triangulation. For this purpose, pattern data are superimposed on the head or the sub-section of the head and/or projected thereon using the pattern projection unit. The image recording unit generates image data of the at least sub-section of the head in the two-dimensional space. A surface structure of the sub-section of the head, i.e., the coordinates in the third dimension, is generated by phase information of the projected pattern data indirectly via intensity patterns.
As a result, according to this aspect of the present invention, three-dimensional user data may be generated. The optical parameters of the user may be determined on the basis of the three-dimensional user data analogously to the preceding aspect of the present invention, only one image recording unit being used.
The pattern projection unit is, for example, a typical projector such as a commercially available video projector. The projected pattern data are, for example, a striped pattern or a binary sinusoidal pattern. The pattern data are projected on at least one sub-section of the head of the user and image data are generated therefrom using the image recording unit. Image data are generated at a triangulation angle by the image recording unit from the sub-section of the head of the user thus illuminated. The triangulation angle corresponds to the angle between an effective optical axis of the image recording unit and a projection angle of the pattern projection unit. Height differences of the sub-section of the head correspond to lateral displacements of the stripes of the striped pattern as the preferred pattern data, for example. Preferably, the so-called phase shift method is used in the phase-measuring triangulation, a periodic wave pattern which is approximately sinusoidal in the intensity distribution being projected on the sub-section of the head and the wave pattern being moved step-by-step in the projector. During the movement of the wave pattern, image data are preferably generated at least three times by the intensity distribution (and the sub-section of the head) during one period. The intensity distribution may be concluded from the generated image data and a phase position of the image points to one another may be determined, points on the surface of the sub-section of the head being assigned to a specific phase position in accordance with their distance from the image recording unit. Furthermore, reference is made to the academic thesis having the title "Phasenmessende Deflektometrie (PDM)—ein hochgenaues Verfahren zur Vermessung von Oberflächen [Phase-Measuring Deflectometry (PDM)—a High Precision Method for Measuring Surfaces]" by Rainer Seβner, March 2000, which represents an integral part of the disclosure of the present application for further definitions of terms.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for determining optical parameters of the user having the following steps:                generating image data of at least sub-sections of the head of the user from at least two different recording directions;        determining user data of at least one sub-section of the head or at least one sub-section of a system of the head and a pair of spectacles of the user situated thereon in the wearing position on the basis of the generated image data, the user data comprising location information in the three-dimensional space of predetermined points of the sub-section of the head or the sub-section of the system;        determining at least one part of the optical parameters of the user on the basis of the user data, and        outputting at least one part of the determined optical parameters of the user.
Two different recording directions is understood in the meaning of the present invention to mean that different image data are generated of overlapping sub-sections of the head, preferably of the same sub-section of the head, in particular that image data of identical sub-sections of the head of the user is generated from different perspective views. As a result, the same sub-section of the head is imaged, but the image data differ. Different recording directions may also be achieved, for example, in that the image data are generated by at least two image recording units, effective optical axes of the at least two image recording units not being parallel.
In a preferred embodiment variation of the method of the present invention, at least one pupil is completely imaged in the generated image data.
Furthermore, at least one pupil of the user and a spectacle frame edge and/or a spectacle lens edge is preferably imaged in the generated image data, the at least one pupil of the user being enclosed by the spectacle frame edge and/or the spectacle lens edge in the generated image data.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computer program product having program parts is provided which, when loaded in a computer, is designed for executing the method according to the present invention.
The present invention is described for exemplary purposes in the following on the basis of the attached drawings of preferred embodiments.

Device and method for determining optical parameters


One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that samples instructions on a processor that supports speculative-execution. The system starts by selecting an instruction, wherein selecting an instruction involves selecting an instruction that is received from an instruction fetch unit or a deferred queue, wherein the deferred queue holds deferred instructions which are deferred because of an unresolved data dependency. The system then records information about the selected instruction during execution of the selected instruction, whereby the recorded information can be used to determine the performance of the processor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to techniques for improving the performance of computer systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that facilitates sampling instructions for performance analysis purposes on a processor that supports speculative execution.
2. Related Art
Advances in semiconductor fabrication technology have given rise to dramatic increases in microprocessor clock speeds. This increase in microprocessor clock speeds has not been matched by a corresponding increase in memory access speeds. Hence, the disparity between microprocessor clock speeds and memory access speeds continues to grow, and is beginning to create significant performance problems. Execution profiles for fast microprocessor systems show that a large fraction of execution time is spent not within the microprocessor core, but within memory structures outside of the microprocessor core. This means that the microprocessor systems spend a large fraction of time waiting for memory references to complete instead of performing computational operations.
Efficient caching schemes can help reduce the number of memory accesses that are performed. However, when a memory reference, such as a load generates a cache miss, the subsequent access to level-two (L2) cache or memory can require dozens or hundreds of clock cycles to complete, during which time the processor is typically stalled (and therefore idle), performing no useful work.
A number of forms of "speculative execution" have been proposed or are presently used to prevent the processor from stalling when a cache miss occurs. Some processors support "out-of-order execution," in which instructions are issued "out-of-order" when operands become available. Unfortunately, existing out-of-order designs have a hardware complexity that grows quadratically with the size of the issue queue. Practically speaking, this constraint limits the number of entries in the issue queue to one or two hundred, which is not sufficient to hide memory latencies as processors continue to get faster. Moreover, constraints on the number of physical registers that are available for register renaming purposes during out-of-order execution also limits the effective size of the issue queue.
Some processor designers have proposed generating a checkpoint and entering a "scout mode" during processor stall conditions. In scout mode, instructions are speculatively executed to prefetch future loads, but results are not committed to the architectural state of the processor. For example, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/741,944, filed 19 Dec. 2003, entitled, "Generating Prefetches by Speculatively Executing Code through Hardware Scout Threading," by inventors Shailender Chaudhry and Marc Tremblay. By avoiding the need to re-order instructions that were issued out-of-order, the scout mode technique avoids the need for complex instruction control structures. However, the scout mode technique suffers from the disadvantage of having to re-compute results of computational operations that were performed during scout mode.
To avoid performing some of these re-computations, processor designers have proposed entering an "execute-ahead" mode when the processor encounters a data-dependent stall condition. In execute-ahead mode, the processor defers instructions that cannot be executed because of unresolved data dependencies and executes other non-deferred instructions in program order.
When a data dependency is ultimately resolved, the processor transitions to a "deferred mode" to execute the deferred instructions. In deferred mode, the processor executes deferred instructions that are able to be executed while re-deferring deferred instructions that still cannot be executed because of unresolved data dependencies. For example, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/686,061, filed 14 Oct. 2003, entitled, "Selectively Deferring the Execution of Instructions with Unresolved Data Dependencies as They Are Issued in Program Order," by inventors Shailender Chaudhry and Marc Tremblay.
To achieve good performance, it is desirable to be able to evaluate the performance of processor designs that support the above-described speculative-execution techniques while executing real program code. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to accurately evaluate the performance of such a processor in execute-ahead mode. In a typical performance evaluation system, the processor monitors the behavior of selected instructions in the program code as they execute on the processor. After observing the selected instructions, a designer or a programmer can extrapolate these observations to determine a statistical execution profile for the processor while executing the program code. For example, the observations can be used to determine the average number of cycles required to execute a section of the program code or the average memory latency of the program code by monitoring the execution of a small percentage of the instructions in the program code. This performance evaluation technique has proven to be reasonably accurate because most instructions proceed through the pipeline in a regular way.
However, during execute-ahead mode some of the instructions may spend an unknown number of cycles in the deferred queue, awaiting the resolution of the data dependency before they are able to complete. Consequently, monitoring a small percentage of selected instructions during execute-ahead mode can produce highly variable performance results that are likely to be inaccurate.
When such performance results are inaccurate, the users of the performance results, such as processor designers, programmers, operating systems, or compilers, can use these inaccurate performance results to make design decisions which can lead to sub-optimal system performance.
Hence, what is needed is a technique for evaluating the performance of a processor that supports speculative execution without the above-described problems.

Method and apparatus for sampling instructions on a processor that supports speculative execution


Disclosed is detection apparatus for flow deformation of foundation layer in horizontal direction including: housing, rotation assembly rotatably disposed within accommodation cavity of the housing, and measurement assembly including first optical fiber lead wire, first optical fiber sensor disposed on first optical fiber lead wire, second optical fiber lead wire, and second optical fiber sensor disposed on second optical fiber lead wire, and disposed within the accommodation cavity. First optical fiber sensor is configured to measure tensile strain of first optical fiber lead wire and first optical fiber sensor before and after the rotation assembly rotates; second optical fiber sensor is configured to measure tensile strain of second optical fiber lead wire and second optical fiber sensor before and after the rotation assembly rotates, to obtain strain amount and displacement change amount, and further to obtain flow deformation degree and flow deformation direction of soil mass of the foundation layer.

One of the causes of damage to buildings lies in the settlement of foundation, which is caused by many reasons such as underground dewatering, drainage consolidation, and compaction and creep deformation under load effects. According to different directions, deformation of a soil mass is divided into a settlement deformation component in the vertical direction and a flow deformation component in the horizontal direction. The settlement deformation in the vertical direction commonly exists in various soil mass, while the flow deformation in the horizontal direction commonly exists in a foundation layer with high water content, low strength and rich clay particles.
A conventional method for determining the deformation of foundation in the vertical direction is to adopt a level gauge to measure the surface elevation so as to determine the settlement amount of foundation. However, this method has a high labor cost and cannot be implemented in continuous testing. In order to make up for the defects of manual leveling, the technology of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) has been adopted in recent years, which can be used for testing of deformation for an earth surface of a whole site or area in the vertical direction. However, through the above manner, only the settlement amount of the earth surface can be obtained, and the deformation distribution for the profile of the foundation layer cannot be obtained. The foundation layer which mainly deforms as well as the deformation form cannot be determined.
In order to accurately obtain the deformation profile of the foundation layer, a tester implants distributed optical fiber sensors through drilling a hole, for measurement. However, through this manner, only the settlement deformation of the foundation layer in the vertical direction can be measured, but the flow deformation in the horizontal direction cannot be tested, and thus the flow deformation direction in the horizontal direction cannot be determined.

Detection apparatus and method for flow deformation of foundation layer in horizontal direction


A communication device for a remote switch has a control device designed to supply a preparatory signal for preparing a transmission process and a transmission signal for starting the transmission process. A memory device is designed to save one structural information and a parameter for different transmission protocols. A processing device is designed to supply data to be sent, read the structural information and the parameters from the memory device in response to the preparatory signal and, based on the data to be sent and the structural information, create a send packet, and output the send packet and the parameter in response to the transmission signal. A transmission device is designed to wirelessly emit a transmission signal representing the send packet with a transmission characteristic defined by the parameter.

Data can be captured and sent via radio communication with a remote switch. A given data transmission protocol is used for sending this data.
German Patent Application DE 101 25 058 A1 of Albsmeier et al. describes a thermally-fed sender with a heat transformer element equipped with a downstream voltage transformer and logic structural group, as well as a data transmission unit.

Communication devices, radio switch and method for communication


An in-line roller skate has a wheel frame that includes replaceable sidewalls. The in-line roller skate includes a boot having a sole surface with toe and heel portions, a wheel frame, and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted within the wheel frame. The wheel frame includes a toe plate which is affixed to the toe portion of the sole surface, a heel plate which is affixed to the heel portion of the sole surface, and first and second spaced-apart, downwardly extending sidewalls that are devoid of transverse projections. The frame is formed by releasably attaching the first and second sidewalls to the respective lateral faces of the toe and heel plates.

An in-line roller skate typically comprises a boot, a frame attached to the boot, and a plurality of wheels in serial longitudinal alignment attached to the frame via transversely-disposed axles. The frame typically includes a toe plate, a heel plate, and a pair of laterally spaced-apart, downwardly-extending sidewalls. The skate wheels reside in the cavity formed between the sidewalls and below the toe plate and heel plate. Most commonly, the frame is formed by casting or machining as a single integral component.
In-line skates are used in a variety of activities, including roller hockey, racing, and recreational skating. As the number and variety of activities for in-line skates has grown, the materials and designs for skate components have become quite specialized. For instance, on many skates the optimum wheel size varies as a function of the activity for which the skate is used. As another example, many recently developed frames are formed out of a single, thin piece of lightweight metal or synthetic material that minimizes overall skate weight, thereby reducing the fatigue experienced by the skater.
Many in-line roller skating activities subject the wheel frames to significant, and potentially damaging, stress levels. For example, when in-line roller skates are used by roller hockey players, conventional lightweight frames can be bent or fractured when struck by a hockey stick, the hockey puck, or another skate. The sidewall components of the frame that form the wheel cavity and receive the wheel axles are particularly susceptible to such damage.
If a sidewall on a conventional in-line roller skate having a one-piece wheel frame is damaged, the sidewall alone cannot be replaced; instead, the entire frame must be replaced. This is a significant drawback, because presently available frames are typically quite expensive due to both the costs associated with casting or machining the single-piece frame and the high price of the lightweight materials used to construct these frames. In addition, skaters who use their skates for several different activities also face frame replacement difficulties, as a separate frame is often required to accommodate the different sized wheels that provide optimum performance for each different activity.
In-line roller skates including multiple-piece frames have been suggested in the prior art, as evidenced, for example, by the skate designs disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,277,437 to Moats, U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,169 to Hamill et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,929 to Gray. As such, these designs permit the replacement of damaged sidewalls without replacement of the entire frame. However, these prior art frames use sidewalls that include cross-members or other lateral projections to provide rigidity and strength to the frame. Increased strength improves the durability of the frame, while increased rigidity can improve skate responsiveness. The inclusion of such lateral projections necessitates either machining or separately casting each sidewall in the manufacturing process, and thus the cost of manufacturing an individual sidewall can be quite high. An additional disadvantage of these multi-piece frame configurations is that their sidewalls are configured for a specific side of the skate; thus it is necessary to have both a left and right spare sidewall available.
Several additional difficulties with presently available in-line roller skate frames relate to the impact that performance-enhancing design modifications have had on the skate's durability and manufacturing cost. For example, frame configurations such as the skate disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,614 to Malewicz allege to have improved skate performance by decreasing the weight of the frame. However, modifying the frame to decrease weight generally decreases the strength and durability of the frame, increases the cost of producing it, or both. Similarly, almost all conventional frames include lateral cross members that increase the skates rigidity to provide increased speed and responsiveness. However, forming sidewalls that include such cross members requires machining or casting in the manufacturing process, which can significantly increase the cost of manufacturing the sidewall.


An automated wire testing system includes adapter modules that couple a wire harness under test with an interface test adapter. The interface test adapter (ITA) is coupled to or integrated with an automated wire testing machine. The ITA has a panel into which a standardized connector can be plugged in any of a number of positions. Stimulus/response paths originating at test points on the wire testing machine are distributed over a larger number of contacts on the panel connectors to provide flexibility. Adapter modules for any wire harness can readily be built using the standardized connector.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to automated test equipment and, more specifically, to wire testing systems and methods.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automated test equipment (ATE) is computer-controlled equipment that tests electronic devices for functionality or performance. One category of ATE includes automated wire testing machines for testing cables, wire harnesses and other complex wired assemblies. Wire testing machines are also variously referred to in the art to which the invention relates as wire testers and wire analyzers.
The term "wire harness" or "wiring harness" is commonly used to refer to an assembly comprising a bundle of electrical cables with electrical connectors at their ends. Some wire harnesses, such as those used in aircraft, ships, mass transit vehicles and other large vehicles, can be quite large and complex, comprising many individual cables of various lengths, with various types of connectors. Each cable may have many individual wires bundled together that terminate in a connector having a corresponding number of contact pins or receptacles (sockets). The connectors themselves can be quite complex, such as the cylindrical connectors commonly used in military and aerospace vehicles, which typically have from a dozen to well over 100 contacts housed in cylindrical shell with a male or female bayonet or threaded coupling mechanism. Wire harnesses can have myriad network-like topologies, as may be needed to route signals throughout a vehicle or other large system, with branches and sub-branches of various lengths terminating in connectors at various locations.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, testing a typical wire harness 100 presents several challenges. The front panel of a wire testing machine 102 typically has a number of tester interface connectors 104, which may be all of the same type or of several different types. Nevertheless, the connectors of the wire harness to be tested (i.e., the "unit-under-test" or "UUT" 100) may be of still another type that cannot be mated with those of the wire testing machine 102. Also, a wire harness having a combination of some very long cables 106, perhaps extending on the order of ten meters or more, and some much shorter cables 108, is generally unwieldy, making it inconvenient to have all of the connectors 110 of all of the cables plugged into the wire testing machine 102 simultaneously. For these reasons, personnel charged with testing a wire harness typically construct one or more adapter cables 112. An adapter cable 112 will have a connector 114 at one end that mates with a connector 110 on the UUT 100 and a connector 116 at the other end that mates with a tester interface connector 104 on the wire testing machine 102. Each adapter cable 112 can be made as long or as short as may be convenient to extend between the wire testing machine 102 and the point along the length of the UUT 100 at which the corresponding connector 110 is found. The set of one or more adapter cables 112 is specifically designed for the testing of a corresponding wire harness 100 and generally cannot be used to test other wire harnesses having other structures or topologies. Thus, a manufacturer that produces, for example, 25 different wire harnesses, may have 25 corresponding sets of adapter cables 112 for testing them on the manufacturer's wire testing machine 102.
It would be desirable to test complex wire harnesses on a wire testing machine without having to construct, store and use equally complex, cumbersome an d specialized adapter cables. The present invention addresses these problems and deficiencies and others in the manner described below.

Electrical interconnect interface and wire harness test and test development system and method


The espresso tip cleaning brush has a permanent handle and a removable and replaceable brush body. The brush body can be of different brush stiffness and different sizes for different brushing needs. The brush body is a throw-away part while the brush handle is retained for use with other brush bodies. Each brush body is a hollow tube with the bristles pointed inwardly.

Tubular nozzles, especially food and beverage dispensing nozzles need to be regularly cleaned. It is difficult to quickly and easily clean the exterior of such nozzles because of their configuration. Manual cleaning is usual because of the periodic needs of such cleaning. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a brush wherein the bristles are fresh, to avoid lack of cleanliness which might be caused by brushes with worn bristles.


An exercise device comprised of two independent, adjustable crank assemblies, a horizontal base and a centrally displaced pedestal. The first crank assembly is operated by the user's legs and includes two pivotally mounted pedals integrally attached to a crank system. The second crank assembly is operated by the user's arms and includes two pivotally mounted gripping means connected to a second, independent crank system. The resistance of the first and second crank assemblies are individually adjustable, enabling the user to employ varying levels of resistance to both his arms and legs. The centrally displaced pedestal functions as a means of support for the user's torso when the device is in use. The first crank assembly is attached to a generally vertical member, which vertical member is rigidly attached to the base. The second crank assembly is attached to a generally horizontal member, which horizontal member is adjustably mounted to the pedestal. The horizontal member is adjustable to a variety positions, enabling the user to operate the device in a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise device specifically adapted to be utilized in conjunction with the major muscle groups of the human body.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous innovations for an ergodynamically designed exercise device have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the present invention as hereinafter contrasted.
In U.S. Pat. No. 326,247, dated Sep. 15, 1885, Titled Exercising Machine, invented by Root, comprises a device arranged to support the body of the person exercising in a horizontal position, leaving his arms and legs free, and in levers for the hands and feet to operate, which levers are connected to a flywheel in such a manner as to operate or be operated by the same. By working said levers singly, in pairs, or otherwise, the flywheel is put in motion, and its motion reacts upon the person using the machine, thereby causing his muscles to be exercised while he is in a comparatively passive condition.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,213,852, dated Oct. 26, 1965, Titled, Exercising Apparatus, invented by Zent, comprises an exercising apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus which is adapted to manipulate concurrently both the arms and legs and to cause them to move through various motions of a generally circulatory nature while varying the relative positions of the arms and legs. Because the attitudes of the arms and legs are constantly changing between constricted and stretched positions, all of the limbs are given a vigorous exercising action.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,235, dated Jan. 31, 1978, Titled, Adjustable Resistance Exercising Apparatus, invented by Zent, comprises a frame having a base and two horizontally spaced substantially upright elongate poste, a first of which carries a saddle seat. Mounted for rotation on the second post is a foot pedal spindle carrying first and second sprocket wheels. Also mounted for rotation of the second post is a disc spindle carrying a disc and a sprocket wheel. Mounted for rotation near the top of the second post is a hand crank spindle carrying a sprocket wheel. A drive chain is entrained over the disc sprocket wheel and the first foot pedal sprocket wheel. A second chain is entrained over the handle bar sprocket wheel and the second foot pedal sprocket wheel, which sprocket wheels are designed to provide predetermined different angular speeds to their respective spindles. A manually operable pointer is rotatable mounted on the second post to vary the spacing between two brake pads mounted on either side of the disc to provide a variable braking force to the disc to provide a variable braking force to the disc corresponding to such spacing.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,572,699 dated Mar. 30, 1971, Titled, Bicycle Exerciser with Interconnected Hand and Foot Pedals, invented by Nies, comprises a stationary exercise device is modified to record cyclic positional information of the hand and foot operated pedals against a variable load which load level is also recorded to indicate brain damage in terms of pedal lag for either set of pedals. The apparatus may be motor driven under a specified load for a partially or totally incapacitated person for therapy for the motor brain center. Alternatively, the apparatus may be a modified conventional bicycle with a foot pedal assembly and hand operated petal assembly carried in place of the handlebars. A drive chain couples the foot pedal assembly and hand pedal assembly through separate drive sprockets. The drive sprockets consist of a series of different diameter sprockets which are selectively shiftable into engagement with the drive chain. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,141 dated Oct. 21, 1986, Titled, Therapeutic Exercise Device, invented by Ashworth, Jr., comprises a therapeutic exercise device mounted on a floor base having a bicycle type seat, hand cranks and foot pedals. The foot pedals turn a lower rotatable shaft equipped with a pair of identical sprockets. Each hand crank turns a rotatably interconnected portion of a split upper shaft, each of said split shaft portions equipped with a sprocket. The sprocket on one split shaft portion is slightly larger than a lower shaft sprocket, and the sprocket on the other split shaft portion is slightly smaller than a lower shaft sprocket. A pair of drive chains interconnect the upper and lower sprockets.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,376 dated Sep. 16, 1980, Titled, Exercise Machine, invented by Praprotnik, comprises an exercise machine for restoring lost movement to joints and muscles includes a base to attach a chair upon which the user is seated may be mounted, to prevent the machine from tipping, and includes a vertical standard mounting a rotatable handlebar assembly and a crank assembly. The handlebar assembly includes a sloping stem rotatable on the vertical standard and handlebars rotatable on the upper sloping end of the stem, whereby propelling the handlebars about for a circular path of the stem upper end provides a wide range of movement to the arms and upper torso. The crank assembly is made up of upper and lower bicycle type crank mechanisms, for the arms and legs, coupled by a V-belt so that strong, readily moved legs may be utilized to restore movement to arms whose range of movement is impaired, or vice versa.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,182 dated Jun. 7, 1988, Titled, Variable Resistance Aerobic Exercise machine, invented by Duggan, comprises an exercise apparatus for the upper extremities and upper torso. The apparatus includes a pair of handles joined to a crank interconnected by a sprocket chain to a flywheel against which a cam actuated brake is adjustably engaged. The cam actuated brake is controlled by either foot thereby eliminating the necessity of interrupting the exercise regimen to vary exercise load. The apparatus is also adjustable to accommodate different sized users.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,402, dated Jul. 19, 1994, Titled, Exercising Device, invented by Johnson, comprises an exercising device wherein a rotary crank handle mechanism is mounted on the upper end portion of a frame assembly for exercising the upper body portion of a person, and an exercising mechanism is mounted on the lower portion of the frame assembly for exercising the lower body portion of the person. The upper and lower exercising mechanisms are independently operable from each other, and the upper crank handle mechanism is provided with a plurality of adjustment features so that the mechanism can be pivoted to a desired position relative to the frame assembly and the crank arms can be oriented relative to each other to recreate the effects of swimming or rowing.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,147, dated Aug. 9, 1994, Titled, Exercise Machine, invented by Sweeney, III, comprises an exercise machine with a seat and two adjustable cranking mechanisms is disclosed. The first cranking mechanism has rotatable hand grips for grasping by the user's hands while the second cranking mechanism has rotatable pedals for engagement by the user's feet. This second cranking mechanism is located at a position vertically above the location of the seat. Therefore, the exerciser may not use his or her body weight when exerting pressure on the pedals. This machine exercises virtually all of a user's muscle groups, however, the configuration of the seat vertically below the second crank mechanism results in a particularly strenuous activity for a user's hamstrings. Additionally, each cranking mechanism is selectively adjustable to a plurality of exercise positions. This makes the machine adaptable to all exercisers regardless of their size and shape and permits the user to selectively vary the exertion required during the exercise.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,147, dated Aug. 16, 1994, Titled, Exercise Machine, invented by Sweeney, III, comprises an exercise machine with a seat and two adjustable cranking mechanisms is disclosed. The first cranking mechanism has rotatable hand grips for grasping by the users hands while the second cranking mechanism has rotatable pedals for engagement by the user's feet. This second cranking mechanism is located at a position vertically below the location of the seat, allowing the exerciser to use his or her body weight when pushing downwardly on the pedals. Additionally, each cranking mechanism is selectively adjustable to a plurality of exercise positions. This makes the machine adaptable to all exercisers regardless of their size and shape and permits the user to selectively vary the exertion required during the exercise. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,593, dated Jan. 12, 1993, Titled, Combination Stationary Recumbent Exercise Apparatus and Upper Body Exerciser, invented by Roberts, comprises an exercise apparatus that is a combination stationary recumbent cycle-type exerciser and an upper body exerciser, and a method of exercising. In the upper body exerciser mode, the operator is in a normal pushup position with the hands on the pedals of the pedal mechanism. Exercising is accomplished by hand pedaling the pedal mechanism while supporting the body weight on the feet and hands. The machine has an adjustment to help support the operator's chest with a chest pad.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,736, dated Dec. 14, 1993, Titled, Combination Stationary Recumbent Exercise Apparatus and Upper Body Exerciser, invented by Roberts, comprises an exercise apparatus that is a combination stationary recumbent cycle-type exerciser and an upper body exerciser, and a method of exercising. In the upper body exerciser mode, the operator is in a normal pushup position with the hands on the pedals of the pedal mechanism. Exercising is accomplished by hand pedaling the pedal mechanism while supporting the body weight on the feet and hands. The machine has an adjustment to help support the operator's chest with a chest pad.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,209, dated Jan. 3, 1995, Titled, Apparatus for Exercising Arms and Legs Vertically, invented by Kendrew, comprises an apparatus designed to exercise the arms and legs in which the user stands upright on foot levers which are supported by a downward pull or a push exerted on hand levers to which the foot levers are independently connected so that the arms and legs move in opposition to each other in substantially upward and downward directions enabling a variety of pull up, pushup, and stepping or climbing exercises to be performed without the need for either weights, friction, or damping devices, and which apparatus can be constructed simply and inexpensively using off the shelf hardware components.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,262, dated Aug. 30, 1994, Titled, Vertically Disposed Exercise Machine, invented by Kendrew, comprises a vertically disposed exercise machine that is designed to accommodate a user who is in a standing position. The machine includes a lower crank set having pedals adapted to receive a user's feet. The machine has a height adjustable upper crank set that is independent from the lower crank set and includes outwardly extending handles that are designed to be grasped by the user. Each crank set is operatively connected to its own flywheel by a chain or belt. Each flywheel has its own manually adjustable resistance mechanism that allows the user to independently adjust the resistance to rotation of each crank set. When operating the machine, a suer can selectively cause the rotation of the upper and/or lower crank sets by appropriate movement of his hands and/or feet.
Numerous innovations for an ergodynamic exercise device have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

Ergodynamically designed exercise device


An invention is provided for using a comparand provided to a CAM for multiple CAM operations without requiring the comparand to be reloaded from a host processor for each CAM operation. The invention includes a comparand data register that is capable of storing a comparand. Associated with the comparand data register, is a plurality of result registers. In operation, the comparand is provided as input data to the CAM for a plurality of search operations. For each search operation, the result is stored in one of the plurality of result registers. In this manner, the comparand stored in the data register can be reused for multiple search operations, with each result stored in a separate result register.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to content addressable memory searching, and more particularly to a dispatch device capable of reusing comparand data for multiple searches without requiring a host processor to reload the comparand for each search operation.
2. Description of the Related Art
In today's computer networks, data generally is divided into smaller quantities, known as packets, for transmission. Associated with each packet is a header, which includes information such as the origin of the packet and the packet's intended destination. The header is examined to classify and forward each packet through a network to its final destination, generally utilizing a content addressable memory (CAM) semiconductor device.
CAMs provide performance advantages over conventional memory devices having conventional memory search algorithms, such as binary or tree-based searches, by comparing the desired search term, or comparand, against the entire list of entries simultaneously, giving an order-of-magnitude reduction in the search time. For example, a binary search through a non-CAM based database of 1000 entries may take ten separate search operations whereas a CAM device with 1000 entries may be searched in a single operation, resulting in significant time and processing savings. Internet routers often include a CAM for searching the address of specified data, allowing the routers to perform fast address searches to facilitate more efficient communication between computer systems over computer networks.
Conventional CAMs typically include a two-dimensional row and column content addressable memory core array of cells. In such an array, each row typically contains an address, pointer, or bit pattern entry. In this configuration, a CAM may perform "read" and "write" operations at specific addresses as is done in conventional random access memories (RAMs). However, unlike RAMs, data "search" operations that simultaneously compare a bit pattern of data against an entire list (i.e., column) of pre-stored entries (i.e., rows) can be performed.
Hence, a CAM allows the entire contents of the memory to be searched and matched instead of having to specify one or more particular memory locations in order to retrieve data from the memory. Thus, a CAM may be used to accelerate any application requiring fast searches of a database, list, or pattern, such as in database machines, image or voice recognition, or computer and communication networks.
Various algorithms are conventionally used to examine the information contained in the header of a packet. For example, table-based algorithms can be implemented using CAMs. In this case, the entries of a CAM are preloaded with routing and other information, and the CAM is used as an associative array.
In operation, a CAM is presented with information, hereafter referred to as a comparand, that it compares with information previously loaded into its entries. The action of comparing a comparand with information previously loaded into the CAM entries is referred to as a look-up or search operation. If the look-up or search operation is successful, a suitable result is returned. Otherwise the CAM indicates the look-up or search operation failed or "missed."
In a typical CAM and host processor configuration, the host processor writes header information into the Dispatch Device, which then supplies the header information to the CAM. The CAM then performs the look-up or search operation and returns the results to the dispatch device, which collects the results and provides the results to the host processor.
Data is transmitted between the host processor and the dispatch device using a bus. However, the bus width, which is the number of wires that connect the host processor to the dispatch device, is usually much less than the number of bits in the header data to be applied to the CAM as a comparand. As a result, when using a CAM that performs look-up or search operations very quickly, the time to transfer comparand information from the host processor to the dispatch device may be a significant performance bottleneck.
A header for a packet is a sequence of bits, wherein different groups of bits are utilized for different purposes. Hence, to properly classify and forward a packet, several look-up operations may be required on portions of the header. If the entire header must be re-written by the host processor into the Dispatch Device for each look-up or search operation required on a packet, the time required to classify and forward each packet can significantly affect the speed of the routing equipment.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods for that reduce the number of times a comparand must be written to a dispatch device. The methods should allow a comparand to be reused for multiple search operations when appropriate. In addition, when a new comparand varies from a previous comparand by very little, the method should allow the stored comparand to be slightly altered and reused to avoid requiring another comparand write to the dispatch device.


A germ-removing filter includes a filter substrate, and an antimicrobial material dispersedly mixed into the filter substrate. The antimicrobial material is antimicrobial fiber bonded with silver ion. The total amount of the silver ions present in the filter substrate material when mixed with the antimicrobial fiber is equivalent to an amount of silver ions contained in an antimicrobial fiber which is mixed at more than 10 wt % in the filter substrate and which has entire exchange groups or bonding groups thereof exchanged or bonded with silver ions. An apparatus using the filter for maintaining a sterile room under sterile condition is also disclosed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a germ-removing filter for sterilizing air to be supplied into a sterile room (bioclean room) used in e.g. manufacture of food products, medical products, breeding and/or germ-free experiments of laboratory animals, in particular a sterile room in a hospital and relates also to an apparatus using the germ-removing filter for maintaining the sterile room under the sterile condition.
2. Description of the Related Art
The convention has proposed following means for maintaining a sterile room under a sterile condition;
According to the first method, living germs as a kind of fine particles are removed together with dust by a HEPA filter (high performance filter) and also a chemical sterilizing treatment such as a fumigation is effected on the sterile room periodically or non-periodically. In short, the HEPA filter is utilized as a germ-removing filter.
According to the second method, as a HEPA filter to be incorporated within an air supply passage extending to a sterile room, there is used a HEPA filter provided with antimicrobial property by mixing silver zeolite particles as antimicrobial material to a filter substrate at more than 5 g per 1 m.sup.2 of filtering area. This filter is rendered antimicrobial by uniformly mixing silver zeolite particles and binder in the filter substrate in the paper making process of the filter substrate.
According to the third method, as a HEPA filter to be incorporated within an air supply passage extending to a sterile room, there are used threads woven with uniformly mixing silver zeolite particles in synthetic resin fiber. More particularly, this filter uses, as the filter substrate thereof, a non-woven fabric which is formed by causing silver zeolite particles to be uniformly dispersed in a fiber-forming bath of synthetic fiber.
The above-described conventional methods suffer problems to be described next.
The first method inevitably invites formation of pores in the HEPA filter. Thus, the filter is unreliable in its germ-removing effect. Accordingly, for reliably maintaining the sterile room under sterile condition, this method additionally requires the chemical sterilizing treatment using a chemical sterilizing agent. Further, as the sterilizing effect depends mainly on this chemical treatment, it is impossible for this method to achieve complete sterile condition.
In addition, although the living germs may be entrapped within the HEPA filter, these entrapped living germs are stuck within the filter and may proliferate rapidly here due to e.g. variation in humidity. And, these proliferated germs are quite likely to invade the exit or transmission side of the filter through the pores.
In summary, in the case of the first method, although a HEPA filter is employed as a germ-removing filter, this filter is poor in its germ removing performance, so that the sterile room cannot be maintained under sterile condition.
In the case of the second method, since the silver zeolite particles mixed in the filter substrate are very fine particles ranging in diameter about 2 .mu.m on the average, the very presence of such super fine particles within the filter substrate may be detrimental to the original, fine-particle entrapping function of the HEPA filter.
Moreover, the silver zeolite fine particles dispersed and stuck to the surface of the filter substrate via the binder will inevitably fall out therefrom. Hence, there is very high possibility of dust generation due to such fallout of silver zeolite particles. For this reason, the chances are high for the significant deterioration in the original function of the HEPA filter and the deterioration is also inevitable in the antimicrobial effect with passage of time.
On the other hand, if a greater amount of binder were used in order to restrict fallout of the silver zeolite particles, the possibility would increase that the binder would cover the silver zeolite particles entirely. As a result, the method will not be able to provide the filter with the intended antimicrobial effect in spite of the addition thereto of the silver zeolite particles.
In short, with the second method, although this method intends to improve the germ-removing effect through prevention of proliferation of germs within the HEPA filter by providing this filter with the antimicrobial property, this filter cannot provide the antimicrobial effect in a reliable manner. So that, the germs inevitably leak to the transmission side of the filter, and therefore, this method too cannot provide satisfactory germ-removing effect.
In the case of the third method, the silver zeolite particles employed comprise fine particles ranging in diameter about 2 .mu.m on the average as described hereinbefore. On the other hand, the synthetic fiber filament, into which the silver zeolite particles are mixed, have the diameter of 8-15 .mu.m. Accordingly, the possibility is rather low for the entire silver zeolite particles to come out on the surface of the synthetic fiber filament. As a result, this filter can only provide rather limited antimicrobial effect, considering the amount of the silver zeolite particles mixed into the filter substrate. Moreover, there is significant irregularity in the amount of the silver zeolite particles coming out to the surface of the synthetic fiber filament. Accordingly, with this filter, it is difficult to obtain stable antimicrobial effect.
In conclusion, with this third method too, although the method intends to improve the germ-removing effect through prevention of proliferation of germs within the HEPA filter by providing this filter with the antimicrobial property, this filter cannot provide the antimicrobial effect in a reliable manner. So that, the germs inevitably leak to the transmission side of the filter, and therefore, this method too cannot provide satisfactory germ-removing effect.
In view of the above-described state of the art, a first object of the present invention is to provide a germ-removing filter which can remove germs reliably.
A second object of the invention is to provide a germ-removing filter which can provide improved germ-entrapping rate, in addition to the improved reliability.
A third object of the invention is to effectively utilize the above-described, germ-removing filter to prevent invasion of living germs into a sterile room through an air supply passage or an air exhaust passage extending to the sterile room.
A fourth object of the invention is to effectively utilize the above-described, germ-removing filter to prevent invasion of living germs into a sterile room through an air supply passage extending thereto in a system where the air supply passage incorporates therein a HEPA filter for filtering the air to be supplied to the sterile room.

Germ-removing filter and apparatus for maintaining sterile room under sterile condition

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A velocity control device controls a velocity of an object via a servo motor so that a damping phenomenon during acceleration or deceleration and a swelling phenomenon of a specified frequency arising at a specified velocity are relieved, while disturbance suppression ability is improved under a wide range of low accelerations. The device comprises an integral gain variable calculation section including an acceleration variable section for calculating an acceleration variable integral gain from an acceleration factor according to an acceleration command value and a reference integral gain and a weighting calculation section for calculating an integral gain from a weighting factor according to a velocity command value, a reference integral gain, and an acceleration variable integral gain. The device may therefore variably set an integral gain according to an acceleration command value and a velocity command value.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a velocity control device applied to a velocity control system, for example, a numeral control machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a conventional velocity control device which controls a velocity of an object mechanically connected to a motor, by controlling a velocity of a servo motor. To a velocity control device 1, a velocity command value V is supplied by a precedent command device (not shown in the figure). A subtracter 100 subtracts a motor velocity vm from the velocity command value V and calculates a velocity deviation V-vm. Here, the velocity deviation is amplified by an operation of PI (proportional integration) amplification described below, and becomes a torque command value .tau.c. The velocity deviation V-vm is amplified by a factor of a proportional gain Kp in an amplifier 101 and produces a proportional component .tau.p. Furthermore, the velocity deviation is amplified by a factor of an integral gain Ki in an amplifier 102 and becomes d .tau.i/dt, is integrated in an integrator 103, and produces an integral component .tau.i. The .tau.p and the .tau.i are added together in an adder 104 to become a torque command value .tau.C.
A power amplifying section 105 is comprises an electric power amplifier (not shown in the figure) and a servo motor (also not shown), and is a section to amplify a torque command value .tau.c to a motor output torque .tau., and the amplification factor thereof is expressed by a torque conversion constant Ct. An object system 107 comprises a motor and a controlled object (not shown in the figure) mechanically connected to the motor. A disturbance torque .tau.d is a disturbance torque acting on the object system from outside, and is added to the motor output torque .tau. in an adder 106 shown equivalently, and finally, a torque acted on the object system becomes .tau.+.tau.d. A position detector (not shown in the figure) or a velocity detector (not shown in the figure) is connected to the motor and, on the basis of the detected information thereof, a motor velocity vm showing a velocity of a controlled object can be obtained.
Here, provided that the controlled object is a rigid body and the motor and the controlled object are rigidly connected, by using a total inertia moment J of the motor and the controlled object, a velocity response of a conventional velocity control device 1 shown in FIG. 6 can be expressed by the following expression.
Expression 1 EQU {(V-vm)Kp+.intg.Ki(V-vm)dt+.tau.i(0)}Ct+.tau.d=J(dvm/dt)
when .tau.i(0)=vm(0)=0 are initial conditions, when Laplace transformation is carried out, the following expression can be obtained from Expression 1 (wherein S shows an operator of Laplace transformation indicating a derivative action, and 2 shows square).
Expression 2 ##EQU1## Here, a damping factor .zeta. of a generally used normal quadratic form and a natural frequency .omega.n of the system are defined as follows (wherein { } (1/2) shows the one-half power of { }).
Expression 3 EQU .zeta.=(Kp/2){Ct/(Ki.multidot.J)} (1/2) EQU .omega.n={KiCt/J} (1/2)
If Expression 2 is expressed, being divided into a command response characteristic when letting .tau.d=0, and a disturbance suppression characteristic when letting V=0, it becomes the following expressions.
Expression 4 EQU vm(S)=[{2.zeta..omega.nS+.omega.n 2}/{S 2+2.zeta..omega.nS+.omega.n 2}]V(S)
Expression 5 EQU vm(S)=[(S/J) {S 2+2.zeta..omega.nS+.omega.n 2}].tau.d(S)
That is, as for a conventional velocity control device shown in FIG. 6, Expression 4 expresses the command response characteristic and Expression 5 expresses the disturbance suppression characteristic.
From the above description, it is clear that in a velocity control device, a command response characteristic and a disturbance suppression characteristic can be variable by operating a proportional gain Kp and an integral gain Ki, and it is further clear from Expression 5 that setting a large integral gain Ki is effective for improving disturbance suppression ability. However, if an integral gain Ki is simply set large, a damping factor .zeta. is simultaneously lowered and, therefore, damping characteristics of the command response characteristic shown by Expression 4 are worsened. Moreover, since a reduced damping factor arises under certain frequencies, swelling phenomena of a specified frequency at a specified velocity have an arisen under the influence of rotational errors or the like of a position detector having a frequency proportional to the velocity.

Velocity control device using servo motor


A lubricant which is non-polluting and substitutable for conventional lubricants and which is excellent in lubrication characteristics, particularly having low frictional characteristics comprises an aqueous solution containing a saccharide in an amount of 0.5–30% by mass based on the total amount of the aqueous solution the saccharide comprising mainly a sucrose and a disaccharide caramel in an amount of 0.2–20% by mass based on the amount of the sucrose. As the sucrose, granulated sugar or crystal sugar is preferred, and coffee sugar containing previously a disaccharide caramel can also be used. More preferably, the lubricant contains sodium laurate and/or potassium laurate in an amount of 0.001–1% by mass. Furthermore, it is desired that the lubricant contains potassium sorbate in an amount of 0.1–3% by mass as a preservative and benzotriazole or an alkali metal salt thereof in an amount of 0.1–3% by mass as a rust inhibitor.

The present invention relates to a lubricant used for lubrication between solid frictional surfaces.
Petroleum liquid lubricants are generally used for lubrication of, for example, bearings, gears, pistons, and cylinders in various machines such as engines, electric motors and generators. However, if these petroleum lubricants are imprudently leaked or abandoned, they sometimes cause pollution of natural environment. On the other hand, as liquid lubricants which do not Cause pollution of natural environment and are substitutable for the conventional petroleum lubricants, there are proposed lubricants comprising an aqueous solution containing not less than 0.1% by mass of a saccharide such as purified sugar, crude sugar, molasses-containing sugar or the like (e.g., JP-A-2001-172664).
However, in the case of the above so-called aqueous lubricants containing saccharides, all of the saccharides not necessarily provide good lubrication characteristics (low frictional characteristics, high wear resistance, anti-seizure characteristics), and some of the saccharides are inferior particularly in anti-seizure characteristics. As a result of the subsequent research conducted by the inventors, it has been found that sucrose is a saccharide to be used for non-pollution lubricants and can give excellent lubrication characteristics, particularly, anti-seizure characteristics, and the inventors developed aqueous lubricants using sucrose as the saccharide and filed a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-86260).
Thus, the invention of aqueous lubricants which use sucrose as a saccharide could produce excellent results in improvement of lubrication characteristics of aqueous lubricants. However, the inventors have conducted further research in an attempt to attain further improvement of lubrication characteristics, particularly, further reduction of friction coefficient.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide lubricants which cause no environmental pollution and are substitutable for conventional lubricants and which are excellent in lubrication characteristics, particularly, low frictional characteristics.


In a display drive IC chip of an LCD or the like, an alignment mark is arranged in an alignment mark arrangement region on the main surface thereof, a dummy pattern is arranged on a lower layer, and an actual pattern is further arranged on the lower layer.

The application relates to a semiconductor integrated device (or semiconductor device), and can be applied to, for example, a semiconductor integrated device for display drive.
JP-A-2009-194119 or U.S. Pat. No. 8,421,250 corresponding thereto relates to a semiconductor chip for an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) driver. The above documents disclose a technique in which an alignment mark is formed in an alignment mark forming region by a metal wiring layer flush with a pad layer, and dummy patterns are respectively arranged in a wiring layer, a device layer, and an element isolation layer which are located below the region.

Semiconductor integrated device for display drive


Windowed backward key rotation. A user is provided information that allows determining a limited number of previous keys in a series of keys from a later key in the series. A key in the series is generated, based at least in part on the information provided to the user. The key in the series is provided to the user. The user determines at least one key in the limited number of previous keys in the series by applying the information to the key in the series.

In a conventional cryptographic file system, the data (or files) are stored encrypted. This is a convenient feature especially if an owner of the files cannot trust the administrator of the server to provide adequate security measures to ensure data privacy. To make the conventional cryptographic file system more user-friendly, users typically try to minimize the number of cryptographic keys used to encrypt the files. Otherwise, the number of cryptographic keys may be equal to the number of files that the owner/user may have on the cryptographic keys, which may make managing the cryptographic keys burdensome, and thereby making the cryptographic file system less user-friendly.
In some cases, users share files in a cryptographic file system by having a copy of the encrypted file and an associated decryption key. In this manner, a user may utilize the associated decryption key to decrypt the received encrypted file for access to the file. However, in some instances, an owner of a file may attempt to prevent a previously authorized user from future access to the file, i.e., revoke a user.
One method for revoking a user is to re-encrypt all the files of the owner with a new cryptographic key. However, re-encrypting all the files is a time-consuming and burdensome task, especially if the owner has encrypted a number of files with the same cryptographic key.
In general, other conventional secure file systems that provide revocation rely on the server checking for user's group membership before granting access. This particular trait requires the servers to store (or cache) information regarding users, which places a high trust requirement on the servers and requires all the servers to maintain this authentication information in a secure and consistent manner.
Other conventional techniques securely send every key update to the user, such that the user is able to decrypt files encrypted with various versions of the key. Unfortunately, the user may fail to receive one or more of the keys. This may be due to the owner being unable to achieve a secure connection to the user when the key updates are provided or simply due to a failure in transferring the new key. In this case, the user is unable to decrypt files for which he lacks the proper key.
Thus, one problem with some conventional methods and systems for providing cryptographic key management is that all of the files need to be re-encrypted with the new key, whenever a new key is needed. Another problem with some conventional methods and systems for providing cryptographic key management is that the user is unable to decrypt files because a new key was not received.

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.