A process is disclosed for producing ethanol, comprising contacting acetic acid and hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst comprising a binder, a mixed oxide, and at least two promoter metals comprising ruthenium and bismuth. The mixed oxide preferably also comprises cobalt and tin.

Ethanol for industrial use is conventionally produced from petrochemical feed stocks, such as oil, natural gas, or coal, from feed stock intermediates, such as syngas, or from starchy materials or cellulosic materials, such as corn or sugar cane. Conventional methods for producing ethanol from petrochemical feed stocks, as well as from cellulosic materials, include the acid-catalyzed hydration of ethylene, methanol homologation, direct alcohol synthesis, and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Instability in petrochemical feed stock prices contributes to fluctuations in the cost of conventionally produced ethanol, making the need for alternative sources of ethanol production all the greater when feed stock prices rise. Starchy materials, as well as cellulosic material, are converted to ethanol by fermentation. However, fermentation is typically used for consumer production of ethanol, which is suitable for fuels or human consumption. In addition, fermentation of starchy or cellulosic materials competes with food sources and places restraints on the amount of ethanol that can be produced.
As an alternative to fermentation, ethanol may be produced by hydrogenating acetic acid and esters thereof. Ethanol production via the reduction of acetic acid generally uses a hydrogenation catalyst. The reduction of various carboxylic acids over metal oxides has been proposed.
EP0175558 describes the vapor phase formation of carboxylic acid alcohols and/or esters such as ethanol and ethyl acetate from the corresponding mono and di-functional carboxylic acid, such as acetic acid, in the presence of a copper oxide-metal oxide supported catalyst, such as CuO/ZnAl2O4. A disadvantage with copper oxide catalysts in carboxylic acid hydrogenation reactions is the lack of long-term catalyst stability.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,039 describes a process for the vapor phase hydrogenation of carboxylic acids to yield their corresponding alcohols in the presence of steam and a catalyst comprising the mixed oxides of ruthenium, at least one of cobalt and nickel, and optionally one of cadmium, zinc, copper, iron, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum. The total loading of active metals is 5%. A process is further provided for the preparation of carboxylic acid esters from carboxylic acids in the absence of steam utilizing the above-identified catalysts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,391 describes preparing ethanol by hydrogenating acetic acid under superatmospheric pressure and at elevated temperatures by a process wherein a predominantly cobalt-containing catalyst is used and acetic acid and hydrogen are passed through the reactor, at from 210 to 330° C., and under 10 to 350 bar, under conditions such that a liquid phase is not formed during the process. The cobalt-containing catalyst contains, as active components, from 50 to 80% by weight of Co, from 10 to 30% by weight of Cu, from 0 to 10% by weight of Mn, from 0 to 5% by weight of Mo and from 0 to 5% by weight of phosphoric acid, the percentages being based on the metal content. However, the productivity as reported in the examples of U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,391 is 89.8 grams of ethanol per kilogram of catalyst per hour, which is too low for commercial production.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,248 describes producing an alcohol by catalytically reducing an organic carboxylic acid ester with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst obtained by reducing a catalyst precursor comprising (A) copper oxide and (B) titanium oxide and/or titanium hydroxide at a weight ratio of (A) to (B) in the range between 15/85 and 65/35. The component (A) may alternatively be a composite metal oxide comprising copper oxide and up to 20 wt. % of zinc oxide.
CN103785418 discloses a catalyst containing at least cobalt and tin and its application in the preparation of alcohol by carboxylic acid hydrogenation. The disclosed catalyst contains 10 wt. % to 50 wt. % cobalt and 0.1 wt. % to 50 wt. % tin in the total weight of catalyst, in addition to other metals such as silver, zinc, and zirconium. CN103785418 prepares the hydrogenation through the co-precipitation, deposition-precipitation, steamed ammonia precipitation, sol-gel, and being dissolved as alloy, then combined with one type or multiple types of suction filtration and ball milling methods.
CN103785415 discloses a method to prepare alcohol by selective hydrogenation of carboxylic acid. The disclosed catalyst contains 10 wt. % to 50 wt. % cobalt and 0.1 wt. % to 50 wt. % bismuth in the total weight of catalyst.
CN103787827 discloses a method to prepare alcohol by selective hydrogenation of carboxylic acid. The disclosed hydrogenation catalyst contains at least cobalt and a trace amount of precious metal additives of platinum, palladium or rhenium.
Other hydrogenation catalysts that are not metal oxides have also been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,730 describes a process for hydrogenating carboxylic acid using a catalyst comprising activated carbon to support active metal species comprising ruthenium and tin. U.S. Pat. No. 6,204,417 describes another process for preparing aliphatic alcohols by hydrogenating aliphatic carboxylic acids or anhydrides or esters thereof or lactones in the presence of a catalyst comprising platinum and rhenium. U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,680 describes catalytic hydrogenation of carboxylic acids and their anhydrides to alcohols and/or esters in the presence of a catalyst containing a Group VIII metal, such as palladium, a metal capable of alloying with the Group VIII metal, and at least one of the metals rhenium, tungsten or molybdenum. U.S. Pat. No. 4,777,303 describes the production of alcohols by the hydrogenation of carboxylic acids in the presence of a catalyst that comprises a first component which is either molybdenum or tungsten and a second component which is a noble metal of Group VIII on a high surface area graphitized carbon. U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,791 describes another production process of alcohols by the hydrogenation of carboxylic acids in the presence of a catalyst comprising a noble metal of Group VIII and rhenium.
Thus, further improvements to hydrogenation catalysts that demonstrate high stability, conversion of acetic acid, and other oxygenates, with high selectivity to ethanol are needed.

Ruthenium-bismuth mixed oxide hydrogenation catalysts and processes for producing ethanol


A sealing element seals a gap which may be formed between two components that are movable thermally relative to one another. Each component has a component groove located one opposite the other. The sealing element is directed along a center line, in a cross-section essentially perpendicular to a main line, and has a first end, a second end located opposite the first end and a toothed middle region located between the ends. The sealing element is suitable in particular for sealing off a gap between guide blades at high temperatures in a gas turbine plant for the purpose of preventing a gas flow out of a cooling-gas region into a hot-gas region. A gas turbine plant is provided with the sealing element for sealing the gap.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a sealing element for sealing a gap which may be formed between two components being movable thermally relative to one another and each having a component groove located one opposite the other, particularly in a gas turbine plant. The invention also relates to a gas turbine plant having sealing elements.
In industrial plants, particularly thermomechanical machines and chemical plants, in which different fluids are used, it may be necessary to keep those fluids separate from one another within the plants. For example, in thermal combustion power plants, flow regions of hot combustion gases have to be separated sealingly from flow regions of cooling gases of lower temperature. In gas turbine plants with high turbine inlet temperatures, for example of more than 1000.degree. C., thermal expansions of the individual components of the gas turbine plant occur, so that adjacent components are sometimes spaced from one another through the use of a gap in order to avoid high thermal stresses and the formation of cracks. Such gaps may constitute connections between flow regions of hot gases and flow regions of cold gases. It is advantageous to seal off the gap to reduce the inflow of cold gas into the flow region of hot gases so as not to thereby lower the temperature in the flow region of hot gases.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,341,172 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,991,045, each of which describe a gas turbine with an outer casing and a two-part inner casing, accordingly specify a sealing element that has a cross-section in the shape of an elongate C for sealing a gap between the two inner casings. An annular gap, through which cooling fluid is guided, is formed between the inner casing and the outer casing. The hot gas for driving the gas turbine flows within the inner casing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,024 describes a gas turbine plant, in which components of a nozzle structure are sealed through the use of axial and radial sealing elements. The sealing elements are intended to prevent hot gas which flows through the nozzle structure from infiltrating into turbine regions outside the hot-gas duct. A sealing element can have approximately the shape of a squashed eight as seen in cross-section.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,816,293 relates to a leak-proof connection of two hot-steam conduits. That steam-proof connection is made by firmly screwing two flanges together. The flanges each have an annular sealing surface which is toothed. The teeth of the sealing surfaces that are pressed onto one another are deformed in order to achieve an increased sealing effect. A sealing ring, which is toothed on both sides and through which the same sealing effect is achieved, is alternatively or additionally inserted between the flanges.

Sealing element for sealing a gap and gas turbine plant


Molybdenum complexes and use thereof in thin film deposition, such as CVD and ALD are provided herein. The molybdenum complexes correspond in structure to Formula (I) and Formula (II), wherein R1, R3, R5, R7, R8 and R10 are independently and at each occurrence alkyl; R2, R6 and R9 are independently alkyl; R4 and R11 are independently and at each occurrence selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, and alkynyl; x, z, a, c, d and f are independently zero, 1, or 2; y, b and e are independently zero or 1; and n and m are independently zero to 5.

Various organometallic precursors are used to form thin metal films. A variety of techniques have been used for the deposition of thin films. These include reactive sputtering, ion-assisted deposition, sol-gel deposition, CVD (also known as metalorganic CVD or MOCVD), and ALD (also known as atomic layer epitaxy). The CVD and ALD processes are being increasingly used as they have the advantages of good compositional control, high film uniformity, good control of doping, and, significantly, they give excellent conformal step coverage on highly non-planar microelectronics device geometries.
CVD is a chemical process whereby precursors are used to form a thin film on a substrate. In a typical CVD process, the precursors are passed over a substrate (e.g., a wafer) in a low pressure or ambient pressure reaction chamber. The precursors react and/or decompose on the substrate surface creating a thin film of deposited material. Volatile by-products are removed by gas flow through the reaction chamber. The deposited film thickness can be difficult to control because it depends on coordination of many parameters such as temperature, pressure, gas flow volumes and uniformity, chemical depletion effects, and time.
ALD is also a method for the deposition of thin films. It is a self-limiting, sequential, unique film growth technique based on surface reactions that can provide precise thickness control and deposit conformal thin films of materials provided by precursors onto substrates of varying compositions. In ALD, the precursors are separated during the reaction. The first precursor is passed over the substrate producing a monolayer on the substrate. Any excess unreacted precursor is pumped out of the reaction chamber. A second precursor is then passed over the substrate and reacts with the first precursor, forming a second monolayer of film over the first-formed monolayer of film on the substrate surface. This cycle is repeated to create a film of desired thickness. ALD film growth is self-limiting and based on surface reactions, creating uniform depositions that can be controlled at the nanometer-thickness scale.
Thin films have a variety of important applications, such as nanotechnology and fabrication of semiconductor devices. Examples of such applications include, conductive films, high-refractive index optical coatings, corrosion-protection coatings, photocatalytic self-cleaning glass coatings, biocompatible coatings, dielectric capacitor layers and gate dielectric insulating films in field-effect transistors (FET), capacitor electrodes, gate electrodes, adhesive diffusion barriers and integrated circuits. Thin films are also used in microelectronics applications, such as the high-κ dielectric oxide for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) applications and the ferroelectric perovskites used in infra-red detectors and non-volatile ferroelectric random access memories (NV-FeRAMs). The continual decrease in the size of microelectronics components has increased the need for the use of such thin films.
Oxides and nitrides of molybdenum have numerous important applications. For example, molybdenum dioxide (MoO2) displays unusual metal-like conductivity and has found applications in hydrocarbon oxidation catalysts, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes, and high capacity reversible lithium ion battery (LIB) anodes. See, for example, Ellefson, C. A., et al., J. Mater. Sci. 2012, 47, 2057-2071. Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) exhibits interesting electrochromic and catalytic properties and has found applications in nano-structured gas sensors and in solid-state lithium ion batteries. See, for example, Diskus, M., et al., J. Mater. Chem. 2011, 21, 705-710. Finally, thin films of transition metal nitrides have long been known to generally possess good mechanical and chemical stability. Films of molybdenum nitride (MoN and/or Mo2N) have been studied for applications including microelectronic diffusion barriers, high-Tc superconductors, and tribological and protective coatings. See, for example, Miikkulainen, V., et al., Chem. Mater. 2007, 19, 263-269.
Theopold, K. H., et al. report the synthesis and isolation of the Mo complex CpMo(CO)2(η3-2-methylallyl). Science of Synthesis, 2003, 229-281.
Green, J., et al. report the synthesis and isolation of the Mo complex, (C6H6)Mo(η3-allyl)2. J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1973, 1403-1408 and J. Chem. Soc., Dalton Trans. 1973, 1952-1954.
Current molybdenum precursors for use in CVD and ALD do not provide the required performance to implement new processes for fabrication of next generation devices, such as semiconductors. For example, improved thermal stability, higher volatility, increased vapor pressures, and increased deposition rates are needed.

Molybdenum allyl complexes and use thereof in thin film deposition


An in-vehicle system control device, which controls an in-vehicle system mounted in a vehicle includes an electric load electrically connected to a battery for activating the in-vehicle system, and a judging means electrically connected to the electric load wherein the judging means detects activating voltage of a battery for activating the in-vehicle system by applying a voltage from the battery to the electric load connected to the battery before activating the in-vehicle system, and judges whether or not the battery is in deteriorated condition by comparing a predetermined judging condition.

Vehicle electrical components including an in-vehicle system such as a starter motor of an internal combustion engine, an opening and closing device, etc. are activated using a battery. Since the battery can not maintain an appropriate voltage while applying electricity when the battery is deteriorated, the in-vehicle system may not work before the work is completed when the deteriorated battery is used. To prevent such incommodity in operation of the in-vehicle system, appropriate control is needed with considering battery condition for the in-vehicle system.
As an example of such art, a control device of an electrically operated locking/unlocking device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication H09-125817 (see paragraphs from 0007 to 0010). In the disclosed art, the control device includes a control means to secure an energy supply for activating a starter motor of internal combustion engine of a vehicle in preference to activation of the electrically operated locking/unlocking device. This control device controls electric power supplied from the battery to secure activatable energy for the starter motor and prevents incommodity in starting of the internal combustion engine.
This control device of the electrically operated locking/unlocking device is used to control and to secure the power source of the starter motor by judging availability of the battery to prevent incommodity at starting of the internal combustion engine. There is no description of power source control effect for preventing incommodity other portion than the starter motor.


A system for processing documents with value markings thereon, having a reading element for reading the value markings, an accounting element for accounting for the value, and a marking element responsive to the accounting element for marking the document with information representing successful accounting of the value and uniquely identifying the accounting element. The marking element is positioned with respect to the document so as to cause the mark to be placed on the document. The value information, the reading element, the accounting element and the marking element are all positioned within a secure housing.

In printed-value accounting systems, it is often necessary to provide complete secure housings which incorporate both a value-imprinting device, and all input devices related thereto, as well as accounting systems which provide for incrementing or decrementing values of accumulating registers in accordance with the value to be imprinted upon a substrate. The requirement of providing secure housings around all of this mechanism is both costly, space consuming, and provides certain security difficulties insofar as access to the various mechanisms are concerned. To avoid this problem, various attempts have been made to separate various functions from the secure housing in order to minimize the amount of equipment which must be contained within the secure housing. For example, in accordance with one well known procedure for processing mail, it is necessary for a user to purchase stamps at a Post Office, and to apply such stamps to an envelope or package at a later time. There is no need in such a process for the user to account for the postage to the Post Office, since this is effectively done by the Post Office at the time of the purchase.
In order to overcome the inconvenience of prepurchasing stamps and applying them to envelopes or packages, it is well known to employ a secure Postage Meter at the user's location. This procedure, however requires the purchase or rental by the user of a secure Postage Meter that simultaneously prints postal indicia on the envelope, and also accounts for the printed postage. The printer in such a Postage meter is necessarily secure, and the indicia must be in a proper form in accordance with Postal Regulations, to ensure that it can be read for verification purposes at the Post Office. In such a system, the presence of proper indicia on the mail piece is understood by the Post Office to show that the necessary postage has been paid for.
Speed of processing is improved by eliminating necessity of changing or re-setting print wheels. Economy is achieved by virtue of a design which eliminates the need for mechanics which change or re-set the print wheels. Ink jet printing such as found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,869,986 while useful in printing devices, are subject to clogging and are not as reliable as a simple stamp imprint device.
In an attempt to overcome these problems, it has been suggested in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,846, issued Jan. 19, 1990 European Patent Application Publication No. 0376576, published Jul. 4, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,193 issued Jan. 3, 1989, German Patent 2,193,468 May 15, 1991 and assigned to the assignee of the present inventors, to provide an unsecured mechanism for printing postage values on a mail piece or tape adapted to be applied to a mail piece. The printed postage values simulate postage stamps, in a certain sense, but they do not represent postage that has been paid for or accounted. As in the case of the use of conventional stamps, the value markings must be read at the Post Office and canceled. In addition, it is necessary for the Post Office itself to account for the value, for example to the account of an entity who has prepaid for the service and whose identification appears on the mail piece. Thus, while the arrangement may simplify the task of the user, it increases the required efforts of the Post Office. In addition, such a system does not readily permit the user to provide accounting, a feature which is often a requirement in modern postage-meter technology, as well as in any value accounting system wherein the user wishes to keep track of a single account as in conventional individual postage meters, or a multiple account database system with regard to specific sets of values imprinted upon documents.
While U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,193 shows placing a mark on the document, such reference does not show that such mark represents the source of the mark. Also, this reference calls for a manifest system, unlike the simpler stand-alone concept herein. The system of the above described references are accordingly not a value accounting system for indicating an accounted value, since it does not easily identify the source nor indicate in any manner that a proper accounting has been done. Elective verification of value accounting by identification of source and certification of accounting is useful both from a user viewpoint, and from an authority's viewpoint, should the value printing be employed in a value-accounting system which requires ultimate verification by the use of a central authority, such as the United States Postal Service. The same may also be applicable with regard to express mail and package delivery as well as other forms of delivery requiring prepaid delivery charges. With this system, verification need only be done on an elective or random basis, thus reducing the burden on central authority figures.
It is therefore desirable to provide a relatively simple means for validating and certifying accounting of printed values, such as postage or the like, printed by a printhead located in a non-secure environment, and securing only the accounting device which can also provide a unique observable and verifiable validation of accounting for later verification.


A digital signal processing apparatus and information processing system provide sufficient arithmetic operation performance to process high rate signals in real time and high programming performance to deal with various applications. A group of processor elements is constituted by individual processor elements each formed by disposing an arithmetic and logic unit on the bit lines of a multiport memory wherein their number is equal to or larger than the number of the data bits in a series of serial data, and the plurality of processor elements constituting the group of processor elements are uniformly controlled by controllers mounted on the same silicon chip. Consequently, the multiport memory functioning as a buffer for input data and the arithmetic and logic unit are closely joined together, so data can be communicated smoothly between them. Since the plurality of processor elements are controlled by a single controller so as to operate as a parallel computer, a digital signal processor with a high processing speed can be implemented.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital signal processing apparatus, and more particularly, is applicable to an array processor for concurrently and digitally process image signals in real time.
2. Description of the Related Art
Serial video processors (SVP) have been known as array processors of the above kind (see "SVP: Serial Video Processor", IEEE 1990 CUSTOM INTEGRATED CIRCUITS CONFERENCE, p17.3.1). References on such processors include "Serial Video Processor Seminar Handbook" from Texas instruments Co. Ltd.
This processor comprises a one-dimensional array of 1,024 one-bit processor elements which constitute a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) architecture. The SIMD method allows a plurality of arithmetic and logic units and data to execute the same operation according to an instruction in the same flow.
In recent years, due to demand for the processing of high-speed and high-rate signals such as images in real time, these processors are required to have functions that provide both sufficiently high arithmetic performance and programmability that enables various applications to be processed. The reduction of power consumption and costs is also required.
Recent processors are also required to process high definition HD signals in addition to standard image signals such as NTSC signals.
Conventional methods that match the architecture with each image signal method, however, cannot avoid the provision of useless processors that do not operate when different image signals are provided on a image line. Thus, it is necessary to provide processors that can process different image signals based on different methods and also provide sufficient processing performance.
In addition, as multimedia applications gain more and more popularity, signal processing for images becomes more and more complicated, resulting in demand for high signal processing performance. Processors for such applications, however, are likely to be large and complicated, so it is necessary to provide a configuration that constitutes a simple control circuit with a small area but which provides sufficient programmability to implement not only various calculations but also high-level applications such as rate converters.

Digital signal processing apparatus and information processing system


An implementation allows a user to select an area of interest in a content source and to clip content from the area of interest. A variety of content types may be clipped and presented to a user, and the clipped content may be refreshed from the selected area of interest. Various configuration parameters, as well as the clipped content, may be stored for future retrieval by a clipping application that presents the clipped content. Methods, computer program products, systems, and data structures are provided. One method includes identifying one or more content sources, identifying a portion of a content source to be included in each of a first and second view, storing information associated with the identified content source for each view including a name and identifying information for designating a respective portion of a content source, and displaying both the first and second view in an aggregate view.

Existing computer systems allow a user to clip an item of interest, such as a block of text, from a first document into a clipboard. The user may then paste the contents of the clipboard into a second document. If the user becomes aware that the item of interest has been modified in the first document, the user may again clip the now-modified item of interest from the first document, and re-paste the now-modified clipboard portion into the second document.
Common browsers allow a user to select a web page, and to further select an area of interest in the web page for display by scrolling until the area of interest displays in the browser's display window. If the user desires to have the browser display the most current content in the selected area of interest in the web page, the user may manually request a refresh of the web page. After closing the browser, if the user again desires to view the area of interest, the user may launch the browser and repeat the process of selecting the area of interest.


Technologies for performing dynamic configurations to a transmit scheduler of a network device with minimal downtime are disclosed. The transmit scheduler includes a topology of scheduling nodes. The transmit scheduler identifies, from a number of configuration operations to be executed on one or more of the scheduling nodes, one or more first configuration operations to be executed while the scheduling nodes are active, one or more second configuration operations to be executed while the scheduling nodes are inactive, and one or more third configuration operations to be executed via a cache. The first operations are executed as part of a background process. The second operations are executed while the scheduling nodes are inactive. The third operations are executed via the cache.

A network device may include a transmit scheduler (also referred to herein as a traffic manager) that implements packet transmission scheduling and queuing flows. The transmit scheduler may control a scheduling node hierarchy that allows service providers to manage quality of service (QoS) requirements on hierarchical levels. The transmit scheduler may be implemented as trees in the hardware, in which the tree provides a number of scheduling nodes and queues.
The transmit scheduler may undergo various configuration changes during runtime. For example, additional scheduling nodes may be provided to the topology or a given group of scheduling nodes may be moved to a different parent tree. Other configuration changes may include changes to bandwidth allocation or changes in a rate limiter for flows. To ensure that QoS requirements are met, the configuration changes should be performed with minimal impact on active scheduling nodes and queues. A current approach to performing configurations involves suspending operation of the transmit scheduler until all configuration changes are complete. However, doing so may result in a relatively long period in which the transmit scheduler is not in operation, as an amount of configuration operations to be performed can be high. Such an approach also results in inefficiency, particularly with scheduling nodes and queues that are not modified by the configuration operations yet also undergo downtime as a result of the configuration operations being performed.

Technologies for transmit scheduler dynamic configurations


A navigation apparatus is disclosed comprising update functions to update nationwide updated version map data using route-specific update data, and to update the nationwide updated version map data to the next nationwide updated version map data using nationwide update data. A map update processing portion of this navigation apparatus performs updates of map data in the background of navigation control, gives priority to update processing using the route-specific update data over update processing using the nationwide update data, and, if map files to be updated using route-specific update files included in the route-specific update data have not been updated using the nationwide update data, performs updates using the nationwide update data, and then performs updates using route-specific update files.

This invention relates to a map data update method and to a navigation apparatus, and more particularly relates to a map data update method and navigation apparatus for performing compound updates of nationwide updated versions of map data using route-specific update data and nationwide update data.
A navigation apparatus reads map data from a CD-ROM, DVD, HDD, or other storage media according to the current position of a vehicle, generates map images, and draws maps on a display screen, as well as displaying a vehicle symbol at a fixed position on the display screen, and scrolling the displayed map according to the vehicle travel. Map data comprises (1) road layer information, comprising node data, road link data, intersection data, and similar; (2) background layer information, to display objects on the map; and, (3) character layer information, to display the names of cities, towns and villages, and other characters. Map images displayed on the display screen are generated based on the background layer information and character layer information; route search processing from a departure point to a destination, processing to display the route on a map and provide guidance, map-matching processing, and similar are performed based on the road layer information. In addition to the above, a navigation apparatus comprises POI (Point of Interest) display functions for displaying prescribed POI symbols on maps, map enlargement/reduction functions, map three-dimensional display functions, and various other functions.
Map data stored on recording media becomes out-of-date with the passage of time, due to new road construction and other modifications to topographic data, openings and closings of facilities, preparation of sites for housing, and for other reasons. Hence a method has been proposed in which map data is recorded onto a hard disk HDD or other map storage portion, and when there are modifications to map data, the map data on the hard disk HDD is overwritten with the latest map data. In this technology of the prior art, the user obtains the difference between the new map data and the old map data from a center by means of communication, or purchases an update DVD on which is recorded the difference between the new map data and the old map data, and updates the old map data on the hard disk HDD with the new map data. By this means, the new map data recorded on the hard disk HDD can be used in navigation control, and moreover a DVD player device for use in enjoying music or videos can also be used as a DVD player device for maps; in addition, music and videos can be enjoyed during navigation control.
FIG. 9 is a summary explanatory drawing of update DVD creation processing by an update data creation device.
Map data comprises numerous files, and so in the update data creation device (not shown), processing is performed to extract the differences, for each file, between the new map file NFL for the new version (Ver. 2) and the old map file OFL for the old version (Ver. 1), to create difference data files (update files) RNF1 to RNFN; thereafter, all the update files RNF1 to RNFN are combined to create the update data, and this update data is written to a DVD to create an update DVD.
(A) of FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining a method of creation, for each file, of difference data files (update files); the new map file NFL and old map file OFL are compared in byte units, a search is performed for data areas 1 to 3 in the old map file OFL which coincides with data areas 1′ to 3′ in the new map file NFL, and the leading addresses AD1 to AD3 and sizes S1 to S3 of the data areas 1 to 3 are determined as coincidence area identification data. Then, new map data A to D not coincides with the old map data, and the coincidence area identification data, are arranged in order to create the difference data file shown in (B) of FIG. 10. In (A) of FIG. 10, locations at which arrows indicate both are areas at which the data in the old file is the same as that in the new map file; unmatched data DLTM in the old map file OFL is discarded, and the unmatched data A to D in the new map file NFL is used as difference data.
In the example of (A) of FIG. 10, the difference data file is as shown in (B) of FIG. 10. That is, the difference data file comprises the following data.                New map file: New map data A        Old map file: Data identifying coincidence area 1 (leading address AD1, size S1)        New map file: New map data B        Old map file: Data identifying coincidence area 3 (leading address AD3, size S3)        New map file: New map data C        Old map file: Data identifying coincidence area 2 (leading address AD2, size S2)        New map file: New map data D
If the difference data file sizes become too large, then there is the problem that time is required by the processing to create new map files from the old map files and the difference data files. Hence the applicants have proposed a method for reducing the sizes of difference data files. In the proposed method, (1) a new map is drawn by the new map data, (2) a replacement range is specified in the new map which has been drawn, (3) the map data portion of the replacement range is created as an additional file, (4) the map data portion of the replacement range is deleted from the old map data, (5) pseudo-new map data is created for use in incorporating the additional file into the old map data after deletion to create a difference data file (update file), and (6) the old map data and the pseudo-new map data are used to create difference data. By this means, only the locations necessary for navigation control, such as for example the map data portions for a newly opened route, can be provided as an additional file, and the size of the difference data file (update file) for the route can be made small.
(A) Principle of Update File Creation
FIG. 11 explains the principle of update file creation; the pseudo-new map data PNMP is created, and using the pseudo-new map data PNMP and the old map data OMP, update data is created.
The additional file creation portion 1 extracts from the new map data NMP the required locations (newly opened routes) and creates an additional file ADF. The additional file incorporation portion 2 creates pseudo-new map data PNMP for use in deleting the portion of map data for additional file incorporation from the old map data OMP, and incorporating the additional file ADF into the old map data after the map data deletion to create update data. The pseudo-new map data PNMP does not completely match the new map data NMP, but includes the necessary modifications (route modification portions). The update data creation portion 3 uses the old map data OMP and the pseudo-new map data PNMP to create an update DVD on which the update data RNM is recorded, by the method explained using FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are figures explaining map data. As shown in (A) of FIG. 12, for each of various functions (DATA, FREEWAY, MAP, POI, RC, RG, STREET, TOLL, VICS), the map data is divided finely by level or area and created with a directory structure, and is recorded on recording media. Among the various functions, DATA is landmark data, junction map data and similar; FREEWAY is freeway data; MAP is map data; POI is POI (Point of Interest) information search data; RC is guidance route search data; and RG is route guidance data and similar.
The map data MAP is in a directory structure, and has seven levels extending from detailed maps (Level 00) to broad-area maps (Level 06); when the maps on each level are divided by a mesh, the map data MAP comprises the data file MP XXXX.mba for map display (data file for road shape display) for each mesh element, and the data files RF XXX.mba for background, character, and symbol display. In (A) of FIG. 12, a Level 06 map (a map of all of Japan) is divided into four mesh elements, and the data files for map display for the mesh elements are MP 000.mba to MP 0003.mba and RF 0000.mba to RF 0003.mba.
(B) in FIG. 12 shows that Level 01 is divided into five 1st mesh elements, and that one 1st mesh element is further divided into seven secondary mesh elements, with the data files for display of a prescribed secondary mesh element (2nd 0005) being MP 0000.mba and RF 0000.mba. From the above, the necessary map display data files MP 0000.mba and RF 0000.mba can be acquired by traversing in order the directory structure, from the Level 01 directory to the 1st3927 directory, and then to the 2nd0005 directory.
(A) of FIG. 13 is an example of the configuration of information search data POI, arranged by search item in a directory structure such that address hierarchical searches, address alphabetic-order searches, building searches, freeway route searches, facility searches, telephone number searches, and similar are possible. (B) of FIG. 13 is an example of the structure of freeway route search data FREEWAY; in the freeway route search directory FREEWAY are two child directories LIST and P_tree00 mba. P_Tree00 mba is a file which represents the search tree. In the directory LIST are directories List 000 to List 008 corresponding to nine regions (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Kyushu, and similar); in the Hokkaido list directory List 000 are ten files P_list000.mba to P_list009.mba describing freeway routes.
FIG. 14 explains a method of creating and incorporating an additional file ADF which identifies road addition locations to be added to the old map data. The additional file creation portion 1 (FIG. 11) uses a prescribed new map file NFL, comprising addition locations, to draw a new map 5, and in addition uses the corresponding old map file OFL to draw the old map 6. Then, the additional file creation portion 1 specifies a replacement range 7, encompassing modified roads in the new map 5 thus drawn, and creates a map data portion within the replacement range as an additional file ADF. The additional file incorporation portion 2 deletes the map data portion (deletion portion) DLF within the replacement range 7 from the old map file OFL, and incorporates the additional file ADF into the old map file OFL′ after deletion to create a pseudo-new map file PNMF.
(B) Update Data Creation Device
FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the update data creation device 10, and is an example of creating update data and writing the data to a DVD. The map file input portion 11 inputs old map files OFL and new map files NFL (for example, the pseudo-new map files PNMF of FIG. 11) to the difference extraction processing portion 12. The difference extraction processing portion 12 determines, for each map file, the difference data between the old map file OFL and the new map file NFL, and based on the difference data creates a difference data file (update file), which is stored in the update data storage portion 13. At this time, the difference extraction processing portion 12 uses the procedure described below to update a serial number management file SNF held in memory 14 and stores the file in memory 14, as well as inputting this file to the update data storage portion 13.
The update data storage portion 13 stores each update file and the serial number management file SNF as update data, and inputs the update data to a DVD recorder 15 upon a request from the DVD recorder; the DVD recorder 15 writes the update data RNM and serial number management file SNF to a DVD 16 to create an update DVD.
(C) Navigation Apparatus
FIG. 16 shows the configuration of a navigation apparatus 20; the map storage portion (for example, a hard disk HDD) 21 stores map data for use in navigation in a file format, and the hard disk drive 22 reads map data from the hard disk 21 according to instructions from a navigation control device 23, and can write new map data to the hard disk. The DVD playback portion 24 reads update data RNM from an update DVD 16 and inputs the data to the navigation control device 23. The vehicle position detection portion 25 detects the vehicle position and inputs the position to the navigation control device 23. By this means, the navigation control device can control navigation using map data. The data input portion 26 is a touchscreen, remote control device or similar; various commands and data are input, and an external communication interface 27 communicates with external equipment via a portable telephone, the Internet, or other means. It is also possible to communicate with an external update data creation portion and acquire update data RNM, without reading update data RNM from an update DVD 16. The monitor device 28 displays maps for navigation, and displays operation menu screens as appropriate. The navigation voice guidance portion 29 notifies the user by voice of guidance details for approaching intersections (such as whether to turn left or right, the distance remaining to the intersection, and similar).
The navigation control device 23 executes navigation processing NAVI and map update processing MRNW in parallel under multitasking control; but because navigation processing is given higher priority than map update processing, the map update control is performed during free time when navigation control is not being performed, as shown in FIG. 17.
In map update processing, the navigation control device 23 uses update data (update files, serial number management file) read from an update DVD 16 to update map data (old map data) stored on the hard disk 21. Map update processing is performed using update data, in order from for example the north of Japan toward the south, that is, from Hokkaido toward Kyushu (nationwide update processing); when, during navigation processing, a map file for a region which has not been updated is requested, the nationwide update processing is temporarily interrupted, the map data for the region is updated (on-demand update processing), and after completion of on-demand update processing, the nationwide update processing is resumed, and navigation control is performed based on the new map files resulting from on-demand updating.
In update processing, the navigation control device 23 uses update files read from the update DVD 16 and old map files read from the hard disk 21 to create new map files, and the new map files are used to update old map files stored on the hard disk 21. The navigation control device 23 updates the serial numbers of updated map files to new serial numbers comprised by update files, explained below, without modifying the serial numbers of map files which have not been updated.
(E) Serial Numbers
Initially, consecutive serial numbers are assigned, in ascending order from 0, to each map file stored on the hard disk HDD 21 of the navigation apparatus 20. When performing map updates, the navigation apparatus 20 assigns to updated map files consecutive serial numbers in ascending order, starting from the next number after the largest serial number previously assigned, without modifying the serial numbers of map files which have not been updated.
FIG. 18 explains the serial numbers of map files; to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the number of map files is 100, but in actuality approximately 100,000 files exist.
Initially, as shown in (A) of FIG. 18, serial numbers 0, 1, 2, . . . , 99 are assigned in order to the 100 map files MF00 to MF99. In this state, if update files RNF01 and RNF99 are used to update the map files MF01 and MF99 with serial numbers 1 and 99, as in (B) of FIG. 18, then after updating the serial numbers of the new map files are as shown in (C) of FIG. 18. That is, the serial numbers of map files which have not been updated are not modified, and the serial numbers of the updated map files MF01 and MF99 are modified, assigning the consecutive ascending serial numbers 100 and 101, which are next after the largest serial number (=99) assigned up to that time.
(F) Serial Number Management File
FIG. 19 explains a serial number management file SNF created by the update data creation device. The difference extraction processing portion 12 (see FIG. 15) of the update data creation device 10 writes a "valid" bit ("1") at bit positions corresponding to the serial numbers 100 and 101 of the new map files, as shown in FIG. 19, and writes an "invalid" bit ("0") at bit positions corresponding to the serial number positions 1 and 99 of the pre-update map files, to create the serial number management file SNF.
The serial number management file SNF is a file of size N bytes. The bit positions of each byte from the leading byte to the Nth byte are positions of serial numbers, and a "1" is recorded in bit positions corresponding to the serial numbers of map files. FIG. 15 shows a 256 kilobyte serial number management file SNF. Because eight serial numbers can be represented by one byte, the last bit of the 256 kilobyte file is a position corresponding to serial number 2,097,152 (=256×1024×8).
As explained below, the serial numbers and serial number management file SNF can be used to determine whether or not map files stored on the hard disk are map files which need be overwritten or whether or not the map files stored on the hard disk are map files which have been updated.
(G) Update Data Creation Processing
FIG. 20 explains update data creation processing by the update data creation device 10.
As shown in (A) of FIG. 20, the number of map files is assumed to be 100, and initial serial numbers for the 100 map files are 0 to 99. As shown in (B), "valid" bits ("1") are written at bit positions equivalent to the serial numbers 0 to 99 of the serial number management file SNF.
The difference extraction processing portion 12 of the update data creation device 10 compares the old map files MP00 to MP99 with the new map files MP00′ to MP99′. Because there are differences between the old map file MP01 and the new map file MP01′ and between the old map file MP99 and the new map file MP99′, the difference extraction processing portion 12 first determines difference data between the old map file MP01 and the new map file MP01′, and based on the difference data and new serial numbers, creates an update file RNF01. However, the difference extraction processing portion 12 writes an "invalid" bit ("0") at the bit position equivalent to the serial number 1 in the serial number management file SNF, as shown in (C), writes a "valid" bit ("1") at the bit position equivalent to the next serial number 100 after the largest serial number (=99) assigned up to that time, and makes 100 a new serial number.
Next, the difference extraction processing portion 12 determines difference data between the old map file MP99 and the new map file MP99′, and based on the difference data and new serial numbers, creates the update file RNF99. Here, as indicated in (D), the difference extraction processing portion 12 writes an "invalid" bit ("0") at the bit position equivalent to the serial number 99 in the serial number management file SNF, writes a "valid" bit ("1") at the bit position equivalent to the new serial number 101 which is next after the largest serial number (=100) assigned up till that time, and makes 101 a new serial number. Through the above processing, creation of update files and updating of the serial number management file SNF are completed.
Thereafter, the update data creation device 10 inputs the above-described serial number management file SNF and map update files RNF01 and RNF99 into the navigation apparatus 20, as update data. When updating old map files using update files, the navigation apparatus 20 assigns the new serial numbers held in the update files RNF01 and RNF99 as the serial numbers of the updated map files. Hence the navigation apparatus 20 can refer to the serial number management file SNF stored in the storage portion 23a (see FIG. 16), and by determining whether the serial number position of a map file of interest is set to valid or invalid, can judge whether the map file has been updated.
(H) Background Updates
When navigation processing and map update processing are performed in parallel by means of multitasking processing, there are cases in which map files necessary for navigation control have not yet been updated. In such cases, it is convenient to be able to give priority to updating of these map files, and to use the updated new map files in navigation control. FIG. 21 shows the flow of such update processing (background update processing).
The navigation control device 23 (FIG. 16) reads a map file necessary for navigation control (step 101), and extracts the serial number of the map file (step 102). Then, the navigation control device 23 refers to the serial number management file SNF to check whether "valid" bits ("1") is entered in the position of the serial number of the map file (step 103). If a "1" is entered, the file has been updated; if a "0" is entered, the file has not been updated.
If the file has been updated, the map file which has been read is used to execute navigation control (step 104). If on the other hand the file has not been updated, the update processing being performed in parallel through multitasking control (nationwide update processing) is interrupted (step 105), and on-demand update processing is executed (step 106).
In on-demand update processing, an update file needed to update the map file read in step 101 is read from the update DVD 16, the update file is used to create a new map file (step 106a), and a new serial number is assigned to the new map file (step 106b). Then, the old map file on the hard disk 21 is overwritten with the new map file, to complete the on-demand update processing (step 106c), and the nationwide update processing which had been interrupted is resumed (step 107).
The navigation control device 23 then uses the new map files updated in step 106 to execute navigation control (step 108).
By means of background update processing, even when map files necessary for navigation control have not yet been updated, the navigation control device 23 gives priority to updating of these map files, and the updated new map files can be used in navigation control, so that new map files can always be used in navigation control.
Further, the navigation control device 23 assigns serial numbers to map files, and by referring to the serial number management file based on these serial numbers can easily determine whether a map file stored in the map storage portion has been updated or not, so that background update processing can easily be accomplished.
(I) Update Data
FIG. 22 to FIG. 25 are diagrams explaining update data. As shown in (A) of FIG. 22, the update data which is difference between the old map and new map is indicated by "DIFFERENCE" to which function directories (DATA, FREEWAY, MAP, POI, RC, RG, STREET, TOLL, VICS) and an Index.dif file are connected and files for updating are connected to each function direction. The Index.dif file identifies (1) the version numbers before and after updating, (2) the total number of update files necessary for updating, and (3) the number of function directories to be updated.
Update files are specified for each function by a directory structure. (B) of FIG. 22 explains the directory structure of the function RG (route guidance data); the directories UP000 and Info0000.dif are present in the function directory RG. UP0000 is a directory used for update data entity files (UP000.dif to UP002.dif), and Info0000.dif is a directory with a plurality of lower-level difference update correspondence records #0 to #N.
As shown in (A) of FIG. 23, a difference update correspondence record has the following information:
(1) processing state (indicating whether directories below the directory of interest have been processed),
(2) directory name of the directory of interest,
(3) number of subdirectories (lower-level directories),
(4) number of update files existing in the directory of interest,
(5) difference update correspondence record numbers corresponding to subdirectories; and,
(6) difference update information record numbers corresponding to update files in the directory of interest.
Using the directory structure in (B) of FIG. 23 as an example, the directory of interest is MBA¥RG¥Level 01, and so the directory name is "Level 01". The number of subdirectories is 3, and the number of update files is 0. Because there are three subdirectories, the difference update correspondence record numbers #X (1st 3622), #X+1 (1st 3623), and #X+2 (1st 3624) of the three subdirectories are identified. However, because the number of update files is 0, no difference update information record numbers are identified.
(A) and (B) in FIG. 24 are another example of a difference update correspondence record, in which the number of subdirectories is 0 and the number of update files is 2; the directory name is "Level 01". Because the number of subdirectories is zero, no difference update correspondence record numbers are identified. However, because the number of update files is two, two difference update information record numbers (identifying update files), 1st 3622 and 1st 3623, are entered.
FIG. 25 is an example of a difference update information record number identifying an update file, and having the following information:
(1) processing state (whether the update file of interest has been processed or not),
(2) file name of the update file of interest (RG0000.mba),
(3) raw data flag (whether the update file is a file based on a new map file, or is a file based on difference data),
(4) file number for the update data entity file,
(5) offset from the beginning of the update data entity file, and
(6) update data size.
If the update entity file indicated by the update data entity file number has the raw data flag set to on, then the file is a new map file; if the raw data flag is off, then the file is a difference data file (update file).
By means of the above proposed method, various update data for newly opened routes is prepared in advance in an update data creation device, and update data requested by a navigation apparatus is provided; in the navigation apparatus, operation is possible such that old map data stored on a hard disk HDD is updated using the update data. FIG. 26 explains in summary this operation.
The update data is classified into update data common to all users for a nationwide updated version (referred to as nationwide update data) 31, and update data for each route-specific update version, in update performed individually by users (referred to as route-specific update data) 32a, 32b, . . . , and these nationwide update data and route-specific update data are created. The update data 31, 32a, 32b, . . . are always created based on the nationwide updated version map data (VER1) 30, and, when performing route-specific updates, is created route-specific update data comprising all routes newly opened from the time of release of the nationwide updated version (VER1) until the time of the route-specific update. For example, when, after release of nationwide updated version map data (VER1) 30, routes A and B are newly opened in the order route A→route B, route-specific update data is prepared in the following manner. That is, the following data is created and prepared in a center server (update data creation device):
When route A is newly opened: Route-specific update data 32a for route A to update the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30
When route B is newly opened: Route-specific update data 32b for routes (A+B) to update the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30
. . .
At time of release of a new nationwide updated version (VER2) 35: Nationwide update data 31 for a nationwide updated version (VER2) 35 to update the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30
In this state, if the vehicle navigation apparatus CNV acquires the update data 32a for route A from the server via a wireless terminal MS and updates the map data stored on the hard disk HDD, the map data is updated to a new map (VER1+route A) 33 with the map data of route A added. Similarly, if the navigation apparatus CNV acquires the update data 32b for routes (A+B) from the server via the wireless terminal MS and updates the map data stored on the hard disk HDD, the map data is updated to a new map (VER1+route A+route B) 34 with the map data for route A and route B added. Further, if all update data 31 is acquired, either by communication or through a purchased DVD, and the map data stored on the hard disk HDD is updated, then the map data is updated to the nationwide updated version of the map data (VER2) 35.
However, as explained above, update data is always created based on the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30. Hence prior to updating map data stored on the hard disk using update data, it is necessary to store data which is needed to restore this nationwide updated version (VER1) 30. The data needed to restore this nationwide updated version (VER1) 30 is pre-update map files.
FIG. 27 explains map update processing by the navigation apparatus; prior to using route-specific update data 32a (FIG. 26) to update map data of the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30 (comprising numerous map files) stored on the hard disk HDD of the navigation apparatus, the pre-update map files needed to restore the nationwide updated version (VER1) are stored in a free area of the hard disk HDD. For example, a "-" is appended to the file names of the map files of the nationwide updated version (VER1) to create and store the pre-update map files as shown in (A) of FIG. 27 (S101), and then the map files are updated using route-specific the update data 32a (S102).
Then, when the above-described updated map data is to again be updated using the route-specific update data 32b, the previously updated map files are deleted from the map data updated by the route-specific update data 32a as shown in (B) of FIG. 27 (S103). The previously updated map files have the same file names as the pre-update map files stored with a "-" appended. Then, the "-" appended to the file names of the pre-update map files which have been stored is deleted, and the map data for the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30 is restored (S104). After restoration, the procedure explained in (A) of FIG. 27 is used to perform update processing. When map data which has once been updated is to be updated using nationwide update data 31, a similar procedure is used, so that after restoring the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30, the map data is updated to the new nationwide updated version map data (VER2) 35.
FIG. 28 explains the interface between a center server (update data creation device) and navigation apparatus, when differentially updating map data using route-specific update data for all routes newly opened between the time of release of the nationwide updated version map data (VER1) and a prescribed date. Upon a request for update data from the navigation apparatus, the center server displays on a display device of the navigation apparatus a "latest map confirmation screen", shown in (A) of FIG. 28, to specify the date until which update data is required. When the user selects a prescribed date at this screen, the center server displays the screen shown in (B) of FIG. 28, and upon selection of "YES" downloads the route-specific update data for the routes. If "NO" is selected, the "latest map confirmation screen" of (A) is again displayed.
However, when the latest nationwide updated version (VER2) is released, and thereafter prescribed route-specific update data is created, often the navigation apparatus must perform a nationwide update to the latest nationwide updated version (VER2) in the background while performing navigation control. In order for the user to acquire the prescribed route-specific update data and update the map data in the navigation apparatus in such background updating, after updating a nationwide updated version (VER1) to the latest nationwide updated version (VER2) as shown in (A) of FIG. 29, the route-specific update data 36 is used to update the nationwide updated version (VER2) to new maps (VER2+route A) 37, as shown in (B) of FIG. 29. However, before completing the nationwide update in this method, even if route-specific update data is acquired, if the nationwide update is not entirely completed, then the updated map data cannot be used with the route-specific update data. The nationwide update is performed through background updating (updating during free time when navigation control is not performed), but because this processing requires a number of hours of processing time, navigation control using map data which reflects the desired route-specific updates is delayed.
Further, there are cases in which map data which has once been updated using route-specific update data is to be updated to the latest nationwide updated version (VER2), or is to be updated using other route-specific update data. In such cases, as shown in (A) of FIG. 30, after returning the updated map data (VER1+route A) 33 to the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30, the nationwide update data 31 must be used to perform an update to the latest nationwide updated version (VER2) 35 ((B) in FIG. 30).
Or, as shown in (A) of FIG. 30, after returning the updated map data (VER1+route A) 33 to the nationwide updated version (VER1) 30, route-specific update data 32b must be used to update to updated map data (VER1+route A+route B) 34, as shown in (C) of FIG. 30. That is, when performing the next update after having performed a route-specific update, if the data is not first completely returned to the state of the nationwide updated version, the desired navigation control based on map data is not possible.
In one method of the prior art, when map information for navigation is updated, update data is downloaded immediately from an information provision center to a navigation apparatus or is installed (Japanese Patent Publication JP2004-12319A). In this method of the prior art, update data is provided to the navigation apparatus via communication, but route-specific update data is not used to update maps. In particular, navigation control cannot be performed while performing an update using desired route-specific data even when nationwide updating is not completed.

Map data update method and navigation apparatus


An RF impedance matching network includes a transformation circuit coupled to an RF input and configured to provide a transformed impedance that is less than a fixed source impedance; a first shunt circuit in parallel to the RF input, the first shunt circuit including a first shunt variable component providing a first variable capacitance or inductance; and a first virtual ground coupled to the first shunt variable component and a ground; and a second shunt circuit in parallel to the RF input and, the second shunt circuit including a second shunt variable component providing a second variable capacitance or inductance; and a second virtual ground coupled to the second shunt variable component and the ground.

Semiconductor devices can include microprocessors, memory chips, and other types of integrated circuits and devices. The semiconductor device fabrication process uses plasma processing at different stages of the process. Plasma processing involves energizing a gas mixture by imparting energy to the gas molecules by introducing RF (radio frequency) energy into the gas mixture. This gas mixture is typically contained in a vacuum chamber, referred to as a plasma chamber, and the RF energy is typically introduced into the plasma chamber through electrodes.
In a typical plasma process, the RF generator generates power at a radio frequency—which is broadly understood as being within the range of 3 kHz and 300 GHz—and this power is transmitted through RF cables and networks to the plasma chamber, in order to provide efficient transfer of power from the RF generator to the plasma chamber, an intermediary circuit is used to match the fixed impedance of the RF generator with the variable impedance of the plasma chamber. Such an intermediary circuit is commonly referred to as an RF impedance matching network or more simply as an RF matching network.
The purpose of the RF matching network is to enable the variable plasma impedance to a value that more closely matches the fixed impedance of the RF generator. In many cases, particularly in semiconductor fabrication processes, the system impedance of the RF generator is fixed at 50 Ohms, and RF power is transmitted through coaxial cables which also have a fixed impedance of 50 Ohms. Unlike the impedance of the RF generator and the coaxial cables, the impedance of the plasma, which is driven by the RF power, varies. In order to effectively transmit RF power from the RF generator and the coaxial cables to the plasma chamber, the impedance of the plasma chamber must be transformed to non-reactive 50 Ohms (i.e., 50+j0). Doing so will help maximize the amount of RF power transmitted into the plasma chamber.
The typical RF matching network includes variable capacitors and a control unit with a microprocessor and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to control the capacitance values of the variable capacitors. The value and size of the variable capacitors within the RF matching network are determined by the power handling capability, frequency of operation, and impedance range of the plasma chamber. The predominant type of variable capacitor used in RF matching network applications is a Vacuum Variable Capacitor (VVC). The VVC is an electromechanical device prone to mechanical failures.
As semiconductor devices shrink in size and become more complex, the feature geometries become very small. As a result, the processing time for each individual step needed to fabricate these small features has likewise been reduced—typically in the range of 5˜6 s. RF matching networks which use VVCs generally take in the range of 1˜2 s to match the plasma chamber impedance to the RF generator impedance. During a significant amount of the matching process, which includes the microprocessor and FPGA determining the capacitances for the VVCs needed to create the match, controlling the VVCs to the achieve the determined capacitances, and then finally time for the RF matching network circuits to stabilize with the new capacitances, the fabrication process parameters are unstable, and these unstable process parameters must be accounted for as pan of the overall fabrication process. Because the matching process time is becoming a more and more significant part of the time for each fabrication process step, the period in which process parameters are unstable becomes more of a factor in the overall fabrication process.
While Electronically Variable Capacitor (EVC) technology is known (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,251,121, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), it has yet to be developed into an industry-accepted replacement for VVCs. Because an EVC is purely an electronic device, an EVC is not a one-for-one replacement for a VVC in an RF matching network. Further, matching networks employing EVCs often have drawbacks, including difficulty handling the voltage stresses that occur in high-power applications. Thus, advancements are therefore needed to more fully take advantage of using EVCs and other variable electronic devices as part of an RF matching network.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


The present creation is a video wall mount having an adjusting structure, which includes a wall fixing rack, a mounting hook, a first adjusting bolt, and a second adjusting bolt. After the mounting hook is locked to the back of a television, and is assembled to the video wall mount, when front-surface evenness needs adjustment, only the first adjusting bolt needs to be rotated. The second adjusting bolt is rotated to adjust a vertical gap. Because only the mounting hook and two adjusting bolts need to be used to adjust front-surface evenness and a vertical gap, a small number of elements are used, and the structure is very simple. In fabrication, the cost can be significantly decreased. Moreover, such an adjusting manner is intuitive and simple in operations, and adjustment operations can be performed immediately without additional reading of instructions or experiments.

1. Technical Field
The present creation relates to a video wall mount, and more particularly to a video wall mount on which a left-right or front-rear position of a television can be adjusted.
2. Related Art
Televisions have increasingly large sizes and become increasingly thinner nowadays. To save mounting space and take overall appearance into consideration, televisions are often mounted onto a wall by using a wall mount. Moreover, because televisions have increasingly lower prices, many sellers also dispose a video wall to present commodities or play advertisements. As shown in FIG. 1, for a video wall assembled by multiple televisions, whether all televisions are tightly connected is very important. If televisions are not located at a same horizontal plane (for example, a television 91), or are different in terms of front-rear positions (for example, a television 92), a problem of a segmental difference or an uneven picture may occur in a played video.
For a product of a video wall, problems in aspects of tolerance, gaps, and evenness is practically inevitable regardless of how precise construction is carried out. Therefore, fine adjustment of up-down and left-right gaps and front-surface evenness is an essential function. Existing adjusting manners include a manner of adding a pad that is used to adjust a gap or evenness, an automatic adjusting structure using a hydraulic apparatus and the like, and also a manual adjusting structure using a complex frame structure or a multiple linkage manner; however, all these adjusting structures need multiple elements, so that the structure is very complex. Moreover, in the use of an automatic adjusting structure, a frame structure or a multi-linkage structure, because a large number of elements are used, the manufacturing procedure is complex and the cost is also very high. During actual mounting, adjustment is usually needed only in the first time of mounting, and subsequently adjustment is performed only when necessary, so that the cost to spend on an adjusting structure does not need to be very high. Moreover, for both an automatic adjusting structure and a multi-linkage adjusting structure, the adjusting manners need to be learned first to perform needed adjustment accurately, which is relatively inconvenient for a user.

Video wall mount having adjusting structure


A cordierite body is produced by providing cordierite-forming raw materials as talc, calcined talc, MgO-forming component, magnesium aluminate spinel, SiO.sub.2 -forming component, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -forming component, kaolin, calcined kaolin, and/or mullite, such that the quantity R is less than about 1.207. R is. 0.253 (wt. % mullite powder) PA1 +0.278(wt. % SiO.sub.2 powder) PA1 +0.00590(wt. % SiO.sub.2 powder)(wt. % spinel powder) PA1 -0.0193(wt. % SiO.sub.2 powder)(heating time at maximum temperature) PA1 -0.348(heating time at maximum temperature) PA1 -0.00237(mean heating rate from 25.degree. C. to 1275.degree. C.) PA1 +0.0736(wt. % alpha Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder)(mean particle size of alpha Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powder) PA1 +0.0892(wt. % Al(OH).sub.3 powder)(mean particle size of Al(OH).sub.3 powder) PA1 -0.215(wt. % dispersible high surface area Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -forming component) PA1 +2.392(log.sub.10 (1+(wt. % MgO-forming component)(wt. % calcined kaolin))).. The raw materials are intimately blended with effective amount of vehicle and forming aids to form a plastic mixture. A green body is formed, which is dried and heated from room temperature up to a maximum temperature of about 1360.degree. C. to 1435.degree. C. at an average heating rate of at least about 70.degree. C. per hour and held at maximum temperature for about 0.05 to 18 hours. The total heating time from room temperature to the end of the hold at the maximum temperature is about 4.5 to 20 hours. The resulting body is predominately cordierite, having a mean coefficient of thermal expansion from about 25.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. of less than about 9.times.10.sup.-7 .degree. C..sup.-1 in at least one direction.

Cordierite bodies having honeycomb structures are especially suited for but not limited to use as substrates for catalysts for converting automotive exhaust, for example, or as diesel particulate filters or as regenerator cores. Use of cordierite is favorable in these applications because of its good thermal shock resistance. The thermal shock resistance is inversely proportional to the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). That is, honeycombs with low thermal expansion have good thermal shock resistance and can survive the wide temperature fluctuations that are encountered in the application.
Although the mineral cordierite has an intrinsically low CTE (about 17.times.10.sup.-7 .degree. C..sup.-1 (25-800.degree. C.)), cordierite ceramics formed by the reaction of certain simple or complex natural or synthetic raw materials (e.g. kaolin+talc+alumina; magnesia+alumina+silica; spinel+silica) can exhibit CTE's that are much lower. The attainment of these low expansions is dependent on three microstructural features related to the nucleation and growth of the cordierite: microcracking, crystal orientation, and residual phases. Microcracking is dependent on the anisotropy in the thermal expansion of cordierite along its crystallographic axes. Thermal stresses generated during cooling after firing result in microcrack formation. During reheating, some of the thermal expansion of the ceramic body is accommodated by the re-closing of the microcracks, yielding a reduction in the bulk CTE of the ceramic. The presence of microcracking in a ceramic body is manifested by hysteresis in the thermal expansion curve for that body.
The development of a non-random orientation of the cordierite crystals during sintering also influences thermal expansion. The extrusion of cellular bodies of cordierite-forming batches imparts an alignment or foliation of the tabular and plate-like raw materials, which in turn results in the growth of cordierite crystals in which the negative-expansion c-axes of the cordierite crystals tend to lie within the plane of the honeycomb walls. This microstructural feature further contributes to a reduced CTE in both the axial and radial dimensions of the honeycomb. The extent to which the cordierite crystals are oriented with their c axes in the plane of the cell walls of the honeycomb is measured by x-ray diffractometry (XRD) of the as-fired surfaces of the walls. Specifically, the XRD intensities of the (110) and (002) reflections from the cordierite crystals (based upon hexagonal indexing) are determined for the as-fired surface of the cell wall. The intensity of the (110) reflection, I(110), is proportional to the fraction of crystals lying with their c axes in the plane of the wall, while the intensity of the (002) reflection, I(002), is proportional to the fraction of crystals growing orthogonal to the cell wall. An "I-ratio" is defined by the following relation: ##EQU1##
The I ratio ranges from 0.0 for a body in which all of the cordierite crystals are oriented with their c axes perpendicular to the cell wall, to 1.00 for a body in which all of the crystals lie with their c axes within the plane of the wall. It has been found experimentally that a body in which the cordierite crystals are randomly oriented exhibits an I-ratio equal to approximately 0.655.
Finally, to achieve a low-CTE cordierite body, it is necessary that the reaction of the cordierite-forming raw materials proceed essentially to completion so that there exists a minimum of residual, high-expansion phases such as glass, cristobalite, mullite, alumina, spinel, and sapphirine in the body after sintering.
The formation of low thermal expansion cordierite bodies is dependent therefore on the nucleation of the cordierite raw materials and on its subsequent growth. An interplay exists between firing schedule and the nature of the raw materials such that a batch that yields a low-CTE ceramic when fired on a long schedule may result in a high expansion on a shorter schedule and vice versa. Specifically, shortening of the schedule may result in incomplete reaction of some batches, resulting in a CTE increase due to the presence of residual, high expansion phases. Alternately, faster firing rates and shorter schedules could decrease the expansion of other batches (provided that the reaction to form cordierite is nearly complete) by increasing the amount of microcracking.
At present, cordierite-forming cellular ceramics are fired at heating rates of about 10 to 200.degree. C./hr. through specific segments, with average heating rates of approximately 30 to 70.degree./hr. from 25.degree. C. to maximum temperature. Soak times at maximum temperature range from about 6 to 12 hours, and total firing cycles are greater than about 25 hours in duration.
A method for producing low thermal expansion cordierite bodies in which the total firing time is less than 20 hours, and preferably less than 10 hours would have several advantages. Among the advantages would be more efficient use of equipment, less energy consumption, and greater productivity.

Method of producing fast-fired cordierite bodies


There is mentioned a process and an arrangement for cleaning of pipelines, and especially ventilation pipes and ventilation ducts in buildings, by means of a largely spherical cleaning means (1) which is connected via a supply conduit (2) with a source of pressure medium, and which exhibits a nozzle opening in the form of a largely continuous annular gap (6) which extends along the periphery of the cleaning means (1) and which is connected to the supply conduit (2) and the source of pressure medium. The medium is made to discharge through the annular gap (6) in order partly to clean inner walls of the line, and partly, as a result of the forces of reaction from the discharging medium, to make the cleaning means (1) move into the pipeline. The cleaning means (1) is brought into contact with an inner wall of the line in that a reduced pressure is established between the cleaning means (1) and the inner wall and it is made to move around about the cross-section of the line by twisting of the supply conduit.

The present invention relates to a process for cleaning of pipe lines, especially ventilation pipes and ventilation ducts of large cross-sectional area, in buildings, by means of a cleaning means, which is connected via a supply conduit to a source of pressure medium, for example a compressed air compressor, and which cleaning means exhibits one or more nozzle openings which are directed backwards towards the supply conduit at an acute angle relative to a centre line which extends through the fastening of the supply conduit in the cleaning means. The present invention is also relates to a nozzle opening in the form of a mainly continuous annular gap, which extends along the periphery of the cleaning means and which is connected to the supply conduit and the source of pressure medium, the medium being made to discharge through the annular gap and partly clean inner walls of the line, and partly, by way of forces of reaction from the discharging medium, make the cleaning means move into the pipe line.
The invention also relates to a cleaning arrangement for carrying out the process, comprising a cleaning means in the form of a rear piece, and a front piece detachably mounted on the rear piece, for providing a nozzle opening in the form of a mainly continous annular gap which is directed backwards towards the supply conduit at an acute angle towards a centre line which extends through the fastening of a supply conduit in the cleaning means, and the cleaning means is connected to a source of pressure medium via the supply conduit.
Norwegian Patent No. 41.358. discloses a nozzle head for cleaning pipes and passageways. The nozzle head which comprises an annular continous gap near the periphery of the head, is connected to a hose supplying pressure fluid, and the fluid is directed backwards through the gap to clean the pipe and move the nozzle head further along the pipe. However, the nozzle head of this prior art is intended and designed also to rotate and to float about the middle of the pipe in effecting the cleaning operation. Thus it is not intended to be in close contact with the pipe inner wall as is the case with the present invention. Another example of this kind of cleaning nozzle head is known from U.S. Pat. No. 1,587,194.

Process and arrangement for cleaning of pipe lines


An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member which bears an electrostatic latent image; a developing device including a developing container which contains a developer, a developer carrying member which carries the developer to develop the electrostatic latent image, and an electrode member provided in the developing container; a voltage applying device which applies an alternate-current voltage to the developer carrying member; and a detecting device which detects information on a capacitance between the developer carrying member and the electrode member when the voltage applying device applies the alternate-current voltage to the developer carrying member in forming an image. The voltage applying device has, as the alternate-current voltage, a first alternate-current voltage having a first peak-to-peak voltage and a first frequency, and a second alternate-current voltage having a second peak-to-peak voltage higher than the first peak-to-peak voltage and a second frequency lower than the first frequency.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, such as a copier and a printer, which has a function of forming an image on a recording medium such as a sheet.
2. Description of the Related Art
In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copier and a laser beam printer, for example, an image formation is performed in the following manner. An electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive member) is irradiated with light corresponding to image data to form an electrostatic image (latent image) on the photosensitive drum. A toner as a developer which is a recording material is supplied from a developing device to the electrostatic image to develop the electrostatic image into a toner image. The toner image is then transferred from the photosensitive member onto a recording medium such as a recording sheet by a transfer device. The toner image is fixed to the recording medium by a fixing device to form a recording image finally.
A developer containing portion is connected to the developing device, and the developer contained in the developer containing portion is conveyed into the developing device by a developer conveying and agitating member, and then the developer is consumed by forming the toner image.
(Detection of Remaining Amount of Developer)
In the image forming apparatus described above, when the apparatus has run out of developer, a user replaces a cartridge with a new one or replenishes the toner to enable the image formation. Therefore, such an image forming apparatus may include a unit which detects the consumption of the developer to inform the user of the consumption, i.e., a developer amount detecting device.
As the developer amount detecting device, there is known a capacitance measuring system that includes at least a pair of input side and output side electrodes and detects the developer amount by measuring a capacitance between the electrodes. As one type of the system, a plate antenna system has been known.
In the plate antenna system, for example, if a developing method of applying an alternate-current bias to a developer carrying member of a developing device is employed, a metal plate serving as an electrode is disposed at a position opposite to the developer carrying member.
The developer amount is then detected by using a capacitance between the metal plate and the developer carrying member based on a current flowing through the metal plate serving as an electrode, which is changed depending on the amount of the developer such as an insulating toner (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-255688).
Specifically, when a space between the metal plate and the developer carrying member or between two metal plates is filled with the developer, the capacitance is increased, and as the amount of developer decreases, a ratio of the air occupying the space between the metal plate and the developer carrying member or between the two metal plates is increased, and thus the capacitance decreases. Therefore, if a relationship between the developer amount and the capacitance between the metal plate and the developer carrying member or between the two metal plates is obtained in advance, a level of the developer amount can be detected by measuring the capacitance.
However, the conventional technology described above possibly has the following problem.
In the image forming apparatus, a peak-to-peak voltage or a frequency of the developing bias may be changed to obtain a stable image. The remaining amount of the toner is calculated based on a capacitance which is obtained from a value of current flowing through a toner remaining amount detecting member at the time of applying a developing alternate-current voltage. Therefore, the change of the peak-to-peak voltage or the frequency which are parameters of the current value changes the value of current so that there is a possibility that an output value of the detection of the level of the toner remaining amount is changed.
Up to now, there are a technique in which only in a process other than an image forming process, a constant developing bias is applied to detect the toner remaining amount and a technique in which the output value is corrected by control. However, in order to detect the toner remaining amount with more accuracy, it has been demanded to achieve an improvement of accuracy.

Electrophotographic image forming apparatus with detection of remaining developer amount


The present disclosure relates to an armrest (9) for a seat arrangement (1) of a vehicle or a vessel. The armrest is foldable between a use position and a fold-away position and comprises a pad portion (11, 11′), an arm portion (13), a first hinge (15) having a first hinge axis and a second hinge (17, 17′) having a second hinge axis. The pad portion is elongate along a longitudinal axis. The first hinge rotatably connects the pad portion and a first end portion (19) of the arm portion. The second hinge rotatably connects a second end portion (21) of the arm portion to the seat arrangement. The first hinge axis and the second hinge axis have extension directions being parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pad portion.

In order to provide comfort for a user of a seat arrangement of a vehicle, the seat arrangement may be provided with an armrest offering a comfortable support for an elbow and/or a forearm of the user of the seat arrangement when in a use position. Moreover, often the armrest may be folded or rotated away to a fold-away position, in order to allow easy access into the seat arrangement for the user.
Patent document JP 2001321243 A1 discloses a seat arrangement for a vehicle. The armrest is pivotable by about 90 degrees around an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, the armrest is also rotatable another 90 degrees around an axis extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle within the backrest, such that it can be folded out of the way.
Patent document FR 2 923 762 A1 discloses an armrest, having a bearing arm carried by a support arm that includes a joint pivoting around a fixed horizontal axis for permitting the bearing arm to pass from a deployed position to a retracted position. The bearing arm is horizontal and parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the deployed position. The axis is placed laterally under the base of a seat, such that the bearing arm and the support arm are placed under the seat in the retracted position. The horizontal axis is placed proximate to the rear of the base.
However, by mounting the armrest to or within the backrest, it follows that the armrest will accompany the backrest in any displacement thereof, e.g. when folding it forwards, which sometimes is undesirable. There is therefore a desire to provide an armrest for use in vehicles, which armrest is easy to fold away and yet is independent of the backrest, i.e. the armrest will not follow the backrest in a displacement thereof.

Armrest and seat arrangement for a vehicle


Diamond-like carbon based thermoelectric conversion devices and methods of making and using the same which have improved conversion efficiencies and increased reliability. The device can include a cathode having a base member with a layer of diamond-like carbon material such as amorphous diamond coated over the cathode. A dielectric intermediate member can be electrically coupled between the diamond-like carbon material and an anode. Various additional layers and configurations can allow for improved performance such as multiple cathode layers and/or multiple intermediate layers. The thermoelectric conversion devices can be configured as an electrical generator and/or a cooling device and can be conveniently formed. In addition, the devices of the present invention do not require formation of a vacuum space and are typically completely solid throughout. As a result, the devices of the present invention are susceptible of mass production at reduced costs and have improved conversion efficiencies and reliability.

Thermionic and field emission devices are well known and used in a variety of applications. Field emission devices such as cathode ray tubes and field emission displays are common examples of such devices. Generally, thermionic electron emission devices operate by ejecting hot electrons over a potential barrier, while field emission devices operate by causing electrons to tunnel through a barrier. Examples of specific devices include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,229,083; 6,204,595; 6,103,298; 6,064,137; 6,055,815; 6,039,471; 5,994,638; 5,984,752; 5,981,071; 5,874,039; 5,777,427; 5,722,242; 5,713,775; 5,712,488; 5,675,972; and 5,562,781, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The electron emission properties of thermionic devices are more highly temperature dependent than in field emission devices. An increase in temperature can dramatically affect the number of electrons which are emitted from thermionic device surfaces.
Although basically successful in many applications, thermionic devices have been less successful than field emission devices, as field emission devices generally achieve a higher current output. Despite this key advantage, most field emission devices suffer from a variety of other shortcomings that limit their potential uses, including materials limitations, versatility limitations, cost effectiveness, lifespan limitations, and efficiency limitations, among others.
A variety of different materials have been used in field emitters in an effort to remedy the above-recited shortcomings, and to achieve higher current outputs using lower energy inputs. One material that has recently become of significant interest for its physical properties is diamond. Specifically, pure diamond has a low positive electron affinity which is close to vacuum. Similarly, diamond doped with a low ionization potential element, such as cesium, has a negative electron affinity (NEA) that allows electrons held in its orbitals to be shaken therefrom with minimal energy input. However, diamond also has a high band gap that makes it an insulator and prevents electrons from moving through, or out of it. A number of attempts have been made to modify or lower the band gap, such as doping the diamond with a variety of dopants, and forming it into certain geometric configurations. While such attempts have achieved moderate success, a number of limitations on performance, efficiency, and cost, still exist. Therefore, the possible applications for field emitters remain limited to small scale, low current output applications.
As such, materials capable of achieving high current outputs by absorbing relatively low amounts of energy from an energy source, and which are suitable for use in practical applications continue to be sought through ongoing research and development efforts.

Diamond-like carbon thermoelectric conversion devices and methods for the use and manufacture thereof