A device and method of use for measurement of in-situ bioluminescence generally comprising an acoustical pulse generator, a detector chamber, a lens assembly and a photomultiplier tube. The generator comprises transducers which can generate acoustical energy in the object field of the device. The acoustical energy provides a stimulus of aquatic organisms within the object field (typically an aqueous volume) to produce the bioluminescence. The generator is positioned outside of the detector chamber and the photomultiplier tube and lens assembly are mounted within the chamber. The lens assembly restricts light to the photomultiplier tube of that bioluminescence light originating only from the volume. The photomultiplier tube detects the bioluminescence generated by any aquatic organisms in a captured volume or if a changing measurement occurs by water flow in the volume. The output of the photomultiplier tube is provided to a controller to be analyzed.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of detecting bioluminescent emissions and more particularly to a bioluminescence detection device in which a voltage wave train is supplied to one or more of a plurality of transducers of an acoustical pulse generation system. The transducer generates acoustical energy thereby stimulating aquatic organisms to bioluminescence in the object field of an optical system which in turn records the number of photons received for the duration of the acoustical stimulus.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Bioluminescence is a visible light produced either intermittingly or continuously by numerous aquatic organisms. Many marine dinoflagellate species are able to produce bioluminescence as part of their daily physiological processes. Similarily, some marine bacteria are also bioluminescent. Since various toxicants are known to reduce the light intensity output of bioluminescent bacterial cultures, the bacteria have been used as test organisms to detect the toxicity of atmospheric samples, herbicides and some chemicals.
In order to effectively detect bioluminescence, various optical instrumentation has been developed to provide data which can correlate with organism distribution patterns. Instrumentation which measures stimulated bioluminescence provides a substantial utility for rapid profiling of aquatic organisms.
In Copeland et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,572), a system for measuring the toxicity levels of a solution is disclosed. In the cited reference, a stress generator in a sample container generates pressure pulses which stimulate an organism to generate measurable light emissions. A light detection system generates an electric pulse in response to each detected light emission. A controller enables the stress generating system and the light detection system, and then counts the electric pulses within a predetermined period of time in order to produce measurable points for toxicity.
An improvement to the known art of acoustically stimulating bioluminescent organisms is providing a bioluminescence detection device in which the detection device may be fielded in-situ (where the sample volume is in the open ocean) by which water can flow freely through a volume thus allowing for measurement of a continuously changing sample. Using acoustic generation would stimulate bioluminescent organisms without damaging the organisms and would allow a consistent stimulus. By allowing for in-situ measurement, a more realistic observation of the behavior of bioluminescent organisms is attainable than by the use of present controlled and enclosed measurement devices.

Device for the in-situ measurement of acoustically stimulated bioluminescence

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy


A process for the formation of side metallization in ceramic sheets is provided by the present invention. The process includes the steps of forming a via within the ceramic sheet and splitting the via to expose the metallization contained therein. The process is particularly useful for forming wraparound metallization on feedthroughs utilized in hermetic packages.

Electronic packages are devices that provide connection and communication between "chips" located inside the package and devices located outside of the package. Often, these packages are hermetically sealed to protect the chips from contaminants in the surrounding environment. The outer walls of the hermetic package are typically fabricated from a metallic material, such as KOVAR.TM., (Westinghouse Electric Corp., E. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235), an iron-nickel-cobalt alloy having a thermal expansion coefficient close to that of hard glass.
Hermetic metal packages must be capable of accommodating electrical communication through the walls of the package with little or no interference. This creates a design problem because the electrical communication lines must be sufficiently insulated from the metal walls of the package to avoid any type of interference. At the same time, the hermeticity of the package must be maintained to protect the internal components.
Traditionally, glass seals have been utilized to insulate conductors from the conductive walls of hermetic packages. Matched glass seals are widely used and much effort has been directed to improving their reliability.
The electronics industry is now able to put more devices on a chip to form integrated circuits, and able to put more chips, integrated circuits, and passive components into a single hermetic package to form a "hybrid" circuit. These hybrid circuits require large packages with high lead counts, i.e. a large number of input and output leads. These leads must be well insulated from the package walls, and also must be well insulated from each other. The leads often have a very fine pitch, that is, they are spaced closely adjacent to each other, which compounds the problem.
Glass seals are often an ineffective way to insulate conductor paths in these devices. Glass seals, particularly glass bead seals, are susceptible to cracks that can ruin the hermeticity of the package. If the probability of a crack is about 1 in 2000 seals, the impact on acceptable yields for a three lead device having three glass seals is relatively minor. But if the package requires 100 or more leads, as is often the case on currently produced hybrid circuits, then this same crack probability will significantly lower the yield of acceptable packages.
One solution to this problem is the use of a multilayer, co-fired ceramic feedthrough. This type of feedthrough has a much higher survivability rate through the normal assembly, testing, handling, and product life. Further, polycrystalline ceramic is much stronger than glass. This construction can also utilize many refined manufacturing techniques for multilayer ceramics.
A hermetic package designed to receive a ceramic feedthrough is typically constructed with a thermally conductive floor, e.g., copper-tungsten or molybdenum, and a metal wall with slots into which the feedthrough is brazed or soldered to provide a hermetic seal. Alternatively, the floor and walls can be fabricated from a single piece that is obtainable using powder metallurgy sintering techniques, in which case the slot for the feedthrough is molded into the case. In all instances, the feedthrough requires a band of metallization completely wrapped around the periphery of the feedthrough to form a continuous surface suitable for a hermetic braze/solder seal.
The production of feedthroughs for hermetic packages thus requires the ability to form "wraparound" metallization. The wraparound metallization provides a continuous braze-wettable surface around the feedthrough. The feedthrough can then be inserted into the package so that the wraparound metallization is surrounded by the slot in the wall of the package, enabling the feedthrough to be brazed into place, forming a substantially hermetic seal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,156 by Demark et al., issued Nov. 22, 1983, discloses an electrical feedthrough for a high pressure housing that includes a ceramic circuit assembly having a metallized bonding area on the surface of the ceramic that enables the ceramic assembly to be brazed to an outer support housing. The bonding area is in the form of a collar for bonding the ceramic feedthrough to the pressure housing to provide a fluid tight seal therebetween. There is no disclosure as to how the bonding area collar is formed around the ceramic.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,999 by Baird et al., issued on Dec. 11, 1984, discloses an all-metal microwave chip carrier with ceramic feedthroughs, wherein the feedthroughs are configured to function as coaxial cables having predetermined impedances. The feedthroughs are formed by providing ceramic tubing metallized inside and out, in which the ends are cut away to provide half cylindrical bonding pads.
The upper and lower planar surfaces of a feedthrough, or any similar article, can be metallized by conventional screen-printing techniques while the substrate material is in the green (unfired) state. However, the vertical surfaces cannot be metallized until they are exposed by cutting, breaking or punching the ceramic card or sheet from which they are formed. The side metallization thus requires the additional manufacturing step such as screen printing the vertical sides of the part in either the fired or unfired stage.
Often, the side metallization must be applied manually, which is a labor-intensive, high-cost processing step. Since a single card can contain hundreds of small feedthroughs, each of which must be metallized on two sides, this additional step presents a major handling problem. The advantages of array processing (i.e. forming large numbers of small parts in one array) are therefore lost. Further, when the side metallization is applied by the above-identified techniques, the feedthrough edges cannot be subsequently ground or machined to reach a final dimension, since this would tend to remove the thin metallization layer.
It would be advantageous if the additional manufacturing step of applying side metallization could be eliminated. It would be particularly advantageous if the side metallization could be formed during conventional process steps and permit the use of array processing. It would also be advantageous if the part having the side metallization could be machined after applying the side metallization without completely removing the side metallization.

Process for obtaining side metallization and articles produced thereby


A method, apparatus and computer program product refine an automated coding model, such as for a medical chart. For each respective candidate code from a set of candidate codes, the method predicts a probability of the respective code being contained in a medical chart. The method also selects one of the candidate codes as being contained in the medical chart based upon the probability and removes the selected candidate code from the set of candidate codes. The method then repeatedly predicts the probability of a respective code being contained in the medical chart, selects one of the candidate codes based upon the predicted probability and removes the selected candidate code from the set of candidate codes. The method further determines a categorical crossentropy loss as to permit adjustment of one or more parameters of the automated coding model.

Deep learning models can be utilized to generate various predictions across a dataset, with the predictions then utilized for a wide variety of purposes. Predictive modeling including that provided by deep learning models is a critical part of automation and, as such, the use of predictive modeling is correspondingly increasing.
By way of example of use of a predictive model, medical charts are analyzed in order to identify a primary diagnosis and zero or more secondary diagnoses contained within the medical chart. The identification of the diagnoses is utilized for various purposes, such as in conjunction with healthcare transactions including, for example, requests for payment or reimbursement by an insurer or other third party.
While the use of a predictive model to predict the diagnoses contained in a medical chart increases the efficiency with which the medical charts may be coded, the large number of candidate secondary diagnoses, such as tens of thousands of candidate secondary diagnoses, can make it difficult to use existing techniques to extract the particular secondary diagnoses that should be applied to the chart. As such, predictive models may sometimes be less accurate than is desired, potentially leading to reduced confidence in the resulting predictions and corresponding reduction in the rate of adoption or utilization of the predictive models.
Deep learning models are traditionally trained via gradient descent optimization utilizing backpropagation. This process uses a neural network to generate a prediction, and then evaluates that prediction using a cost or loss function to generate an error signal. This error signal is then propagated through the network to produce an update direction and scale for each parameter in the network so that the next time that the network is executed, the network generates a prediction that produces a lower value for the loss function. However, designing an appropriate loss function is not only critical in training a deep learning model, but can be challenging, thereby leading to some of the inaccuracy with respect to the use of predictive models.

Method and apparatus for refining an automated coding model


An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.

1. Technical Field
The present application relates to a window mounted raft system for an aircraft.
2. Description of Related Art
Aircraft that frequently fly over large bodies of water may be outfitted with flotation systems to be used in an emergency landing in the body of water. Referring to FIG. 1, a rotorcraft 101 is outfitted with a plurality of inflatable flotation bags located under the rotorcraft. These flotation bags are configured to keep the rotorcraft afloat upon an emergency ditch of the aircraft into the body of water. Furthermore, an inflatable life raft may be packaged with one of the flotation bags, such as raft/flotation package 103. The inflatable life raft is configured to provide flotation for the occupants of the rotorcraft. Packaging the life raft with one of the flotation bags causes the size of package 103 to cause an undesirable aerodynamic drag upon the rotorcraft. Furthermore, the size and location of the life raft/flotation package 103 encumbers the ingress/egress of passengers to/from the rotorcraft. As such, raft/flotation package 103 is susceptible to damage from being in a high traffic area of aircraft occupants. Furthermore, it is sometimes desirable for a rotorcraft operator to selectively remove the life raft from the rotorcraft. As such, packaging the life raft with the flotation bag prevents the removal of the life raft without also removing the flotation bag. Furthermore, packaging the life raft with the flotation bag typically requires a supplemental external compressed air bottle, as well as supplemental plumbing between the life raft and the supplemental bottle. Furthermore, packaging the life raft with the flotation bag keeps the rotorcraft pilot or crew from being able to control deployment and operation of the life raft.
Hence, there is a need for an improved life raft system for an aircraft.


A system for screening data packets transmitted between a network to be protected, such as a private network, and another network, such as a public network. The system includes a dedicated computer with multiple (specifically, three) types of network ports: one connected to each of the private and public networks, and one connected to a proxy network that contains a predetermined number of the hosts and services, some of which may mirror a subset of those found on the private network. The proxy network is isolated from the private network, so it cannot be used as a jumping off point for intruders. Packets received at the screen (either into or out of a host in the private network) are filtered based upon their contents, state information and other criteria, including their source and destination, and actions are taken by the screen depending upon the determination of the filtering phase. The packets may be allowed through, with or without alteration of their data, IP (internet protocol) address, etc., or they may be dropped, with or without an error message generated to the sender of the packet. Packets may be sent with or without alteration to a host on the proxy network that performs some or all of the functions of the intended destination host as specified by a given packet. The passing through of packets without the addition of any network address pertaining to the screening system allows the screening system to function without being identifiable by such an address, and therefore it is more difficult to target as an IP entity, e.g. by intruders.

The present invention relates to screening of data packets sent from one computer network to another. There are numerous ways for a user on a public network to interact with a host machine on a private network, such as in a telnet session, an ftp (file transfer protocol) session, by email (electronic mail), and so on. In addition, computers on a given target network may be requested to carry out certain operations by users outside the network, besides directly connecting the requester's machine.
A conventional internetwork 10 is shown in FIG. 1, including a private network 20, a public network 30, and another private network 40. If the private networks 20 and 40 are not provided with firewalls, they are quite vulnerable to intruders.
FIG. 3 shows an internetwork 110 where a private network 120 can communicate with another private network 140 via a router or bridge 120, which is controlled by logic (such as a circuit, or typically a processor with associated memory) 150 which controls network interfaces 160 and 170. When a data packet arrives from network 140 addressed to a host and specifying a port on network 120, it is mapped to that host and port by unit 180, and transmitted via interface 160 to the appropriate destination on the network 120. FIG. 3 is also not provided with any security, and hence is available for targeting.
Computer firewalls have therefore been developed, as in the system 50 shown in FIG. 2, where private networks 60 and 100 can communicate with one another via public network 80, but are provided with firewalls 70 and 90, respectively. A problem with conventional computer firewalls (and routers or bridges such as bridge 130 in FIG. 3) in use today is that they participate in IP (Internet Protocol) transactions, and in doing so generate information identifying them as IP machines, which makes them visible for targeting by intruders. For a detailed discussion of this and other types of problems with firewalls, see, e.g. the reference Firewalls and Internet Security by Cheswick & Bellovin (Addison Wesley 1994), and Internet Firewalls and Network Security by Siyan & Hare (New Riders Publishing 1995), which are incorporated herein by reference.
A firewall and packet filtering system should ideally be invisible to intruders so as to help minimize the number of ways in which it can be targeted, while nonetheless filling functions that are appropriate.
Current network security solutions often involve modifications to the networks in addition to the provision of firewalls, which can be complicated and expensive. A system is needed that can be connected to a network substantially without altering it, but providing security against breaches from outside the protected network.
Packet filtering systems are used today to provide security for networks, but conventionally acts as routers, having one port or network interface coupled to the protected network and another port to another network or the Internet. As routers, such systems are responsive to IP commands, and in particular may respond to data packets by using their IP address. This allows intruders to target them for characterization and attack.
The same type of targeting may be accomplished when addresses within a protected network are known to users outside the network. It would therefore by advantageous to provide a system that can respond to data packets from outside a network without revealing IP address information about either the filtering system or about hosts within the network.

System for packet filtering of data packet at a computer network interface


A modular switching system includes a transistor operative in a switching mode for applying current to a load. Adaptation of the system to accommodate different values of load is attained by coupling an input drive ,signal to a base terminal of the transistor via a variable gain amplifier wherein the gain is established by a load-adaption signal to meet the requisite base current drive signal for the load. Plural emitter terminals of the transistor connected to separate branches of a monitoring circuit, each branch having its own threshold detector, for monitoring of minimum and maximum values of load current.

The present invention relates to an electric circuit, developed as a module, and having at least one semiconductor switch for switching a load, in particular for switching a setting member in automotive engine control or automatic control devices.
Control or automatic control devices are frequently formed of individual modules which are generally developed as integrated circuits. For this purpose, so-called driver modules are known which contain one or more output stages for the switching of loads. In electronic systems for motor vehicles such driver modules are used, for instance, for switching injection valves, for tank regeneration and for exhaust-gas recycling.
The specific loads to be switched, however, have different properties, particularly with regard to their resistance, and therefore their power requirement, and their inductance. For optimal cooperation between a specific driver module and the different loads, it has been necessary, therefore, to use driver modules of different design. This increases the expense of the control and automatic control devices since the individual types of driver modules are manufactured in smaller quantities and the logistics of supply become more difficult in the presence of a greater diversity of types.

Modulator switching system having at least one semiconductor switch for adaptation to different load ranges and protection thresholds


A semiconductor package that includes a lead frame riveted to pillars electrically connect to an electrode of a semiconductor die.

Power semiconductor die such as diodes, MOSFETs and the like usually comprise a silicon, GaN, or other die having electrodes such as source, drain, emitter, collector, anode or cathode electrodes on at least one surface for connecting the device to pads on a circuit board. These electrodes, which conventionally are aluminum or the like, are usually coupled to pads of a circuit board by a solder or the like. However, there is a limit to the current which a solder joint or wire bond can safely conduct due to the limited cross-sectional area and thermal capacity of the connection and the consequent limited current density in the connection structure.

High current lead electrode for semiconductor device


In a private wireless high-speed data system and data service method, a private pDLR for handling authentication of a terminal entering a private network and call processing is arranged in a private (premises) EV-DO wireless network and session information of the corresponding terminal is received from a data location register (DLR) of the public EV-DO network and is stored in a database of the private pDLR only when the terminal entering the private EV-DO wireless network requests the call connection for the first time, and the call authentication is performed. The call processing is performed using the session information for the corresponding terminal stored in the private pDLR in when the call connection is requested from the terminal entering the private network at least two or more times.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to a private wireless high-speed data system and a data service method and, more specifically, to a private wireless high-speed data system and a data service method, wherein a public EV-DO wireless network and a private (premises) EV-DO wireless network are simultaneously serviced using a wireless terminal of a wireless high-speed data system (CDMA 1×EV-DO).
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a CDMA 1×EV-DO (hereinafter, referred to as EV-DO) wireless network uses a new packet wireless data transmission technology developed using CDMA technology by Qualcomm, which allows mega class high-speed data transmission. The EV-DO wireless network has a maximum transmission speed of 2.4 Mbps in a forward direction and 307.2 Kbps in a backward direction, which is the same transmission speed as that of an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) scheme used in a wired network.
EV-DO is being developed because the 1×RTT system of an IMT-2000 MC (Multi-Carrier; synchronous) system, which support both voice and data and has been tested for commercial use, has a high-speed data transmission bandwidth limit of 1.25 MHz and does not support a data transmission speed of 144 Kbps or more in an IS-95 scheme. That is, EV-DO is a supplementary solution for high-speed data transmission.
EV-DO provides a connection to the data dedicated Internet over a data core network (DCN) in an existing IS-95 network. It can support the same data transmission speed as an existing network, even a third generation (3G) network.
EV-DO has an average forward transmission speed allowing a high-speed data communication of several hundred kbps. The radio frequency bandwidth is 1.25 MHz, which is the same as a mobile phone used in a current CDMA One.
Considering that a bandwidth of 5 MHz is required to provide 384 bps service in IMT-2000, EV-DO has an improved high frequency usage efficiency.
That is, EV-DO has been designed in a manner suitable for data communication that is not affected by delay when transfer data is burst data as in the Internet, realizing a high-speed transmission with a frequency bandwidth narrower than that of the IMT-2000.
Further, EV-DO performs a function of automatically adjusting the backward transmission speed at a base station side according to the communication quality between a terminal and a base station. This function is realized by monitoring a signal from the terminal received at the base station every 1.67 milliseconds to determine the communication quality and by adjusting data transmission priority and speed with the terminal.
EV-DO improves data communication quality by preferentially increasing transmission speed for a terminal in the vicinity of the base station where electrical interference is less while by reducing communication speed for a terminal located far from the base station.
A typical wireless network is classified into a wireless public network and a wireless private network, which is used at groups, companies, or the like having a particular purpose. The wireless private network is configured to interface with a particular wireless public network. On the other hand, in the above-described EV-DO wireless network, only a public EV-DO wireless network service provided by a mobile communication service provider exists while there is no private EV-DO wireless network service, unlike the typical wireless network.
Thus, methods are being developed which use a part of a public EV-DO wireless network as a private EV-DO wireless network. These methods allow one mobile terminal to be served by the private EV-DO wireless network in a particular region (private region) while being served by the public EV-DO wireless network in other regions.
One of these methods was proposed in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2002-0054625 filed on Sep. 10, 2002 by the present Applicant and entitled "Method and System for Using in Common a Public Network and a Private Network in a Wireless High-speed Data System".
The proposed "Method and System for Using in Common a Public Network and a Private Network in a Wireless High-speed Data System" will be simply discussed. Among methods for implementing a private EV-DO wireless network (private network) in an EV-DO network, the following methods have been suggested therein in configuring a data location register (DLR) and AN_AAA essential to the EV-DO configuration.
First, there is a scheme of handling a private network connection by allowing a direct connection to a public network DLR in order to configure the private network or by disposing a private dedicated DLR in the private network. Further, private authentication is handled by allowing a direct connection to a public network AN_AAA in order to handle private network connection authentication or by disposing a private dedicated AN_AAA in a private network, as in the DLR.
However, although such methods have their own merits, they have the following problems.
First, the method where a public network is shared without a separate private network DLR results in increasing the load on the public network DLR since the mobile communication service provider has to provide private network service. That is, since the terminal used in the private network uses the public network DLR in a private network connection and other steps using the private EV-DO wireless network even though it is registered in the public network, there is a problem in that a public network DLR usage time is increased because of the new service provision.
Since the public network DLR was designed without consideration of the private network service, a problem occurs in that the operation of the public network DLR is greatly affected when the number of private EV-DO wireless networks is significantly increased.
In the second method of installing the private dedicated DLR which has the same function as the public network DLR in the private network, problems occur in that the private terminal cannot respond to a paging request of the public network, the private EV-DO wireless network cannot be connected to the public network, and loads of the public network and the private network DLR are increased due to frequent subnet changes.
Also, in the third method of sharing the public network AN_AAA by arranging the AN_AAA in the private network for the private network authentication and connecting to the public network AN_AAA through the private network AN_AAA, there is a problem in that a dedicated line is needed for connecting the public network AN_AAA to the private network AN_AAA and it is not easy to permit a selective private network connection.
Also, there is a method for managing a private network dedicated AN_AAA to effect private network authentication. However, a problem occurs in that the server installation costs increase since a high performance dedicated AN_AAA server is needed, and the operating cost for managing the server increases.
The following patents each discloses features in common with the present invention but do not teach or suggest the inventive features specifically recited in the present application: U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0048601 to Lee, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING EITHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE NETWORKS IN lxev-DO SYSTEM, published on Mar. 11, 2004; U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0078047 to Lee et al., entitled APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MATCHING SUBSCRIBER STATES IN NETWORK IN WHICH PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK AND WIRED/WIRELESS PRIVATE NETWORK ARE INTERWORKED, published on Apr. 24, 2003; U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0069013 to Lee et al., entitled APPARATUS, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MATCHING SUBSCRIBER STATES IN NETWORK IN WHICH PUBLIC LAND MOBILE NETWORK AND WIRED/WIRELESS PRIVATE NETWORK ARE INTERWORKED, published on Apr. 10, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,704,569 to Larson, entitled CENTRALIZED USER DATABASE AND ADMINISTRATIVE NODE CONNECTING PRIVATE AND PUBLIC WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS, issued on Mar. 9, 2004; U.S. Pat. No. 6,697,621 to Taha et al., entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SERVICES IN A PRIVATE WIRELESS NETWORK, issued on Feb. 24, 2004; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,213 to Sayers et al., entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATED WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC NETWORK ENVIRONMENTS, issued on Feb. 3, 2004.

Private wireless high-speed data system and data service method


Provided are a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same. The method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises, providing an active fin and a field insulating film including a first trench disposed on the active fin; forming a second trench through performing first etching of the field insulating film that is disposed on side walls and a lower portion of the first trench; forming a first region and a second region in the field insulating film through performing second etching of the field insulating film that is disposed on side walls and a lower portion of the second trench, the first region is disposed adjacent to the active fin and has a first thickness, and the second region is disposed spaced apart from the active fin as compared with the first region and has a second thickness that is thicker than the first thickness; and forming a gate structure on the active fin and the field insulating film.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same.
Recently, semiconductor devices such as field effect transistors have been developed that can perform high-speed operations at low voltage, and processes of fabricating semiconductor devices have been developed that exhibit improved integrity. The improved integrity of the semiconductor devices may cause the occurrence of a short channel effect in a field effect transistor. In order to overcome this effect, fin field effect transistors (FinFET) have been developed which have channels that are formed in a 3D spatial structure.

Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same


Routines and methods disclosed herein can increase a power efficiency of a prosthetic hand without drastically reducing the speed at which it operates. A prosthesis can implement an acceleration profile, which can reduce an energy consumption of a motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from an idle state to a non-idle state. A prosthesis can implement a deceleration profile, which can reduce the energy consumption of the motor, or an amount of electrical and/or mechanical noise produced by a motor, as the motor transitions from a non-idle state to an idle state.

Over the years, many kinds of prostheses have been devised in effort to replace the limbs that amputees have lost. In particular, efforts have been made to develop prostheses that will replace the loss of major limbs such as legs and arms in view of the immense impact that such a loss has on the amputee. The loss of upper limbs creates particular challenges due to the intricacy and dexterity of the human hand.
To that end, electric motors have been incorporated into some prostheses to facilitate movements of one or more of the digits, such as prosthetic thumbs or fingers. However, an electric motor can introduce undesirable electrical noise into an associated prosthesis. Furthermore, an electric motor can consume a significant amount of energy. Improvements in this area are therefore desirable.

Energy conservation of a motor-driven digit


An electric vehicle receives an amount of power sufficient to travel a particular distance. The distance is received. The amount of power required by the electric vehicle to travel the distance is calculated. Power is allowed to be transferred to the electric vehicle. When an amount of power transferred is sufficient for the distance, the transfer of power is terminated.

The present invention relates to the field of electric vehicles, and more specifically, to charging electric vehicles.
As countries seek to address future energy requirements in a rapidly growing and changing world, achieving sustainable transportation has emerged as a vital mission. Electric vehicles (EVs) represent one of the most promising pathways to increased energy security and reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. EVs reduce dependence on petroleum and tap into a source of electricity that is often domestic and relatively inexpensive.
The infrastructure needed to support wide-spread adoption of EVs is steadily growing. EV's continue to evolve and improve. Today's EV's are more efficient, dependable, and affordable than those introduced just a few years ago. There is a continued need for new and improved systems and techniques for EV charging which will generally help to spread the adoption of EV.

Distance-based charging for electric vehicles


An area light source device, which is disposed between a liquid crystal display panel and a display medium and illuminates the liquid crystal display panel from a back side thereof, includes a light source, a light guide, and a first optical sheet and a second optical sheet which are stacked between the liquid crystal display panel and the light guide and impart predetermined optical characteristics to emission light emerging from the light guide. The first optical sheet is disposed on the liquid crystal display panel side, and the second optical sheet is disposed on the light guide side. The first optical sheet and the second optical sheet have opening parts opposed to the display medium, and the first optical sheet is disposed to cover edges that define the opening part of the second optical sheet.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a liquid crystal display device, and more particularly to a liquid crystal display device including a transmissive liquid crystal display panel and an area light source device that illuminates the transmissive liquid crystal display panel.
2. Description of the Related Art
Liquid crystal display devices have been applied to various fields as display devices for OA equipment and information terminal devices such as personal computers, taking advantage of their features of light weight, small thickness and low power consumption. In recent years, the liquid crystal display devices have also been applied to game machines such as slot machines. A liquid crystal display panel, which is mounted on a game machine, is, for example, fitted on the front surface of the casing of the game machine.
The liquid crystal display panel includes a display section that is capable of displaying an image, and includes, at a central part thereof, a transmissive section that makes it possible to view from outside a lottery result that is based on pictures on a display medium, that is, a rotary reel, which is contained in the casing of the game machine. This liquid crystal display panel has basically the same structure as a liquid crystal display panel for ordinary uses. A light-emitting unit, which is disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the rotary reel, has a substantially rectangular opening part which corresponds in position to the transmissive section of the liquid crystal display panel (see, for instance, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-8705).
Specifically, the light-emitting unit includes a backlight which illuminates the liquid crystal display panel, and a diffusion plate which diffuses illumination light from the backlight. The backlight and the diffusion plate have substantially rectangular opening parts which correspond in position to the rotary reel. Thereby, the visibility of the rotary reel is improved without interference between the rotary reel and the light-emitting unit.

Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.


A marker present in a real space is detected from each of a real image for a left eye and a real image for a right eye. The position and the orientation of each of imaging sections relative to the marker are calculated. A left virtual camera and a right virtual camera are set in accordance with the positions and the orientations of the imaging sections. A virtual model having a planar shape is placed in a marker coordinate system, and areas in the real image for a left eye and the real image for a right eye that correspond to the virtual model are set as a left texture area and a right texture area, respectively. Each of images included in a left texture area and a right texture area is applied, as a texture, to a deformation object into which the virtual model is deformed.

In recent years, there have been known techniques of making expressions in which a real space and a virtual space are fused, by using a stereoscopic technique. One example of such techniques superimposes CG images of a model for CG shot by left and right virtual cameras, on real images shot by left and right imaging sections, thereby displaying a stereoscopic image in which a real space and a virtual space are fused.
However, in the above example of the techniques, the CG images are generated by using an image different from an image obtained by shooting a real space. Therefore, this technique is insufficient for making various expressions by fusing the CG images and the image of a real space. That is, the CG images, which are superimposed on an image obtained by shooting a real space, are images obtained by shooting a model prepared in advance with a virtual camera. Therefore, a manner of displaying the model has no diversity, and the range of expression is limited.
Therefore, a feature of the illustrative embodiments is to provide an information processing technique capable of making various expressions by using an image shot by a real camera, and a virtual model.
The illustrative embodiments employ the following configurations to solve the above problems.
One aspect of the illustrative embodiments is a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein an information processing program executed by a computer included in an information processing apparatus connected to a left real camera and a right real camera for shooting a real space, and to display means capable of displaying a stereoscopic visible image, the information processing program causing a computer to function as: real image obtaining means; virtual camera setting means; left texture area setting means; right texture area setting means; left virtual camera image obtaining means; right virtual camera image obtaining means; and display control means. The real image obtaining means obtains a real image for a left eye shot by the left real camera, and a real image for a right eye shot by the right real camera. The virtual camera setting means sets a left virtual camera and a right virtual camera in a virtual space such that the left virtual camera and the right virtual camera are placed in accordance with a position and an orientation of the left real camera in the real space, and a position and an orientation of the right real camera in the real space. The left texture area setting means sets, as a left texture area, an area in the real image for a left eye that corresponds to a predetermined virtual model in the virtual space when the area is looked at from the left virtual camera set by the virtual camera setting means. The right texture area setting means sets, as a right texture area, an area in the real image for a right eye that corresponds to a predetermined virtual model in the virtual space when the area is looked at from the right virtual camera set by the virtual camera setting means. The left virtual camera image obtaining means applies an image included in the left texture area set by the left texture area setting means, to a drawing model that is the same as the virtual model or has a predetermined relationship with the virtual camera, and obtains a left virtual camera image of the drawing model shot by the left virtual camera. The right virtual camera image obtaining means applies an image included in the right texture area set by the right texture area setting means, to the drawing model, and obtains a right virtual camera image of the drawing model shot by the right virtual camera. The display control means displays the left virtual camera image and the right virtual camera image on the display means such that the left virtual camera image is viewed by the left eye of a user and the right virtual camera image is viewed by the right eye of the user.
The virtual camera setting means may set the left virtual camera, based on relative positions and relative orientations of a predetermined subject present in the real space and the real camera for a left eye with respect to each other. That is, the virtual camera setting means may set the left virtual camera, based on the position and orientation of the real camera for a left eye relative to a predetermined subject present in the real space, or based on the position and orientation of a predetermined subject present in the real space relative to the real camera for a left eye. Alternatively, the virtual camera setting means may set the left virtual camera, based on the absolute position and the absolute orientation of the left real camera detected by means for detecting an absolute position (for example, a GPS), and orientation detection means (for example, an angular velocity sensor, an acceleration sensor, or means for detecting a geomagnetism). In the same manner, the virtual camera setting means may set the right virtual camera, based on relative positions and relative orientations of a predetermined subject present in the real space and the real camera for a right eye with respect to each other, or based on the absolute position and the absolute orientation of the right real camera.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to apply each of the real image for a left eye and the real image for a right eye as textures to the virtual model, and to stereoscopically display the virtual model. Also, it is possible to vary a display manner of the virtual model depending on the obtained real images. In addition, since each of the real image for a left eye and the real image for a right eye is used as textures, it is possible to generate the left virtual camera image and the right virtual camera image without reducing the resolution in comparison with the case where one of the real images is used.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the left texture area setting means may set, as a left texture area, an area corresponding to the position and the contour of the virtual model in a rendered image obtained by shooting the virtual model by the left virtual camera. The right texture area setting means may set, as a right texture area, an area corresponding to the position and the contour of the virtual model in a rendered image obtained by shooting the virtual model by the right virtual camera.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to set, as a texture area, an area corresponding to the position and the contour of the virtual model in an image obtained by shooting the virtual model by each virtual camera.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the information processing program may further cause the computer to function as superimposed image generation means for generating a superimposed image for a left eye obtained by superimposing the left virtual camera image onto the real image for a left eye, and a superimposed image for a right eye obtained by superimposing the right virtual camera image onto the real image for a right eye. Then, the display control means displays the superimposed image for a left eye and the superimposed image for a right eye on the display means.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to display a superimposed image including the real image for a left eye, and the left virtual camera image obtained by shooting the virtual model, and a superimposed image including the real image for a right eye, and the right virtual camera image obtained by shooting the virtual model.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the information processing program may further cause the computer to function as deformation object setting means for generating a deformation object into which the virtual model is deformed, and setting the deformation object in the virtual space. The left virtual camera image obtaining means applies an image included in the left texture area set by the left texture area setting means, to the deformation object, and obtains the left virtual camera image of the deformation object shot by the left virtual camera. The right virtual camera image obtaining means applies an image included in the right texture area set by the right texture area setting means, to the deformation object, and obtains the right virtual camera image of the deformation object shot by the right virtual camera.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to 3-dimensionally vary a shot image of the real space. For example, by deforming a virtual model on a plane, an image including a plane, in the real world, that has been deformed can be displayed.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the virtual model may have a planar shape or a curved-surface shape, and may be set in the virtual space so as to follow the shape of a plane or a curved surface in the real space. The deformation object setting means generates the deformation object into which the virtual model having a planar shape or a curved-surface shape, and sets the deformation object in the virtual space.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to display a scene in which a plane or a curved surface in the real space varies 3-dimensionally.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the deformation object setting means may generate the deformation object into which the virtual model is deformed without its end portion being deformed.
According to the above configuration, when the virtual camera image is superimposed onto the real image, the resultant image does not provide a feeling of strangeness at the boundary of the deformation object.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the information processing program may further cause the computer to function as second object setting means for setting a second object different from the deformation object in the virtual space such that the second object has a predetermined position relationship with the deformation object. The left virtual camera image obtaining means obtains a left virtual camera image including the deformation object and the second object shot by the left virtual camera. The right virtual camera image obtaining means obtains a right virtual camera image of the deformation object and the second object shot by the right virtual camera.
According to the above configuration, the second object is set in the virtual space so as to have a predetermined position relationship with the deformation object, and an image obtained by superimposing an image of the second object in the virtual space onto an image of the real space that has been deformed, is displayed. Therefore, the second object appears to actually exist having the predetermined position relationship with the deformed portion in the real space. For example, it is possible to display a water surface that is heaving as a result of deformation of a plane in the real space, and a fish present in water.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the second object may be placed so as to be away from the deformation object in the shooting direction of each of the left virtual camera and the right virtual camera. The information processing program may further cause the computer to function as mask object setting means for setting a predetermined mask object for masking the second object, at an end portion of the deformation object.
According to the above configuration, when the virtual camera is set at a position where the second object is not visible via the deformation object (when the second object is shot from an oblique direction), the second object is masked.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the left real camera and the right real camera may shoot a marker, having a predetermined planar shape, that is placed in the real space. The virtual camera setting means may set the left virtual camera and the right virtual camera in the virtual space such that the left virtual camera and the right virtual camera are placed in accordance with the position and the orientation of the left real camera in the real space relative to the position and the orientation of the marker, and the position and the orientation of the right real camera in the real space relative to the position and the orientation of the marker. The virtual model may be a model, having a planar shape, that is placed on a plane on which the marker is placed, in the marker coordinate system set based on the marker. In addition, the information processing program may further cause the computer to function as deformation object setting means for generating the deformation object into which the virtual model is deformed, and setting the deformation object in the virtual space. The left virtual camera image obtaining means applies, as a texture, an image included in the left texture area set by the left texture area setting means, to the deformation object, and obtains a left virtual camera image of the deformation object shot by the left virtual camera. The right virtual camera image obtaining means applies, as a texture, an image included in the right texture area set by the right texture area setting means, to the deformation object, and obtains a right virtual camera image of the deformation object shot by the right virtual camera.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to stereoscopically display a scene in which a plane in the real space on which the marker is placed varies. As a result, for example, it is possible to display a scene in which the plane in the real world is heaving as a water surface.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the virtual camera setting means may detect a specific subject included in the real image for a left eye, obtain relative positions and relative orientations of the left real camera and the specific subject present in the real space with respect to each other, based on a result of the detection, and set the left virtual camera, based on the relative positions and the relative orientations. In addition, the virtual camera setting means may detect the specific subject included in the real image for a right eye, obtain relative positions and relative orientations of the right real camera and the specific subject present in the real space with respect to each other, based on a result of the detection, and set the right virtual camera, based on the relative positions and the relative orientations.
According to the above configuration, by shooting the specific subject, it is possible to place the left virtual camera and the right virtual camera such that the positions and the orientations of the left virtual camera and the right virtual camera correspond to the positions and the orientations of the left real camera and the right real camera in the real space, without using another component in addition to the left real camera and the right real camera.
In another aspect of the illustrative embodiments, the virtual model may be placed based on a position, in the virtual space, that corresponds to the position of the specific subject in the real space.
According to the above configuration, since the virtual model is placed at the position of the specific object, if the specific subject is shot, the virtual model can always be shot by the virtual camera.
The illustrative embodiments may be an information processing apparatus that realizes the above means. Alternatively, the illustrative embodiments may be an information processing system including a plurality of components that realize the above means and operate in a coordinated manner. The information processing system may include one apparatus, or may include a plurality of apparatuses.
According to the illustrative embodiments, it is possible to realize various expressions by using an image shot by a real camera, and a virtual model.
These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the illustrative embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Computer-readable storage medium, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method


A multifunctional ergonomic tape measure provides a stopping mechanism within its housing body containing a retractable measuring tape which is engaged by squeezing together the housing body and a hinged arm, thereby clamping the measuring tape firmly between two friction surfaces provided by corresponding friction pads mounted in opposed facing relation on the housing body and the arm. The housing includes a duck-bill extending from the front of the body. The duck-bill has a flat, large surfaced face on the front thereof for reading measurements and for sliding along the edges of building material when making parallel lines. The tape end of the tape provides a thumb hold on its upper portion to aid the user in firmly holding both a pencil or utility knife and the tape end. The tape measure is useful for drawing a radius, to obtain inside measurements, and as a square to mark short length right angle lines.

Of the many processes used in construction for measuring, scoring and marking parallel lines the number of means applied will depend on materials and circumstances. These tasks and other building methods can be made easier, simpler and quicker by modifying the tape measure to improve its ability to be used in other manners for different applications.
Carpenters needing to cut a piece of plywood to a consistent parallel width will often use a measuring tape with a chalk line to make a visual reference for guiding a saw. This process involves making measurements using a pencil to mark an indicator at either end of the sheet of plywood. The tape is set aside and a chalk line is then secured to the indicator mark on one end, unwound, aligned with the indicator mark at the other end and then snapped to produce a visible line after which the chalk line is rewound.
When professional wall boarders are scoring drywall to parallel widths or lengths they will often grasp the measuring tape along its length between their thumb and index finger at a desired measurement. The worker will then employ a utility knife that is pressed against the small metal end of the tape measure. By running the index finger along the straight edge of the drywall while holding the utility knife against the end of the tape measure a parallel scored line is produced. This is a task that takes a great deal of skill as one needs to pull the utility knife and finger holding the tape measure with their varying frictions in unison to produce a straight score line. They also have to be able to hold the utility knife and tape firmly using a small tape end not designed specifically to aid the purpose.
A negative aspect for professional wall boarders using the above method for cutting drywall is that the constant running of their index fingers along an abrasive paper or fibreglass surface often results in cuts or abrasions to the skin. In some cases permanent scaring or injury to the index finger can result after years of using this technique.
In comparison to drywall, for carpenters, the surface of the more abrasive edge on plywood makes using the measuring tape, index finger and pencil in combination for parallel marking more difficult and possibly dangerous. The resulting practice would likely lead to numerous cuts, abrasions and slivers during the course of a working day.
Tape measures are also used as a trammel for laying out circles. A small slot provided on the tape end is used to hook onto the top of a nail or screw at an established center point. With this tape measure design a pencil or other marking instrument can be held against the protruding face of the tape measure housing and the underside of the measuring tape when secured at an indicated measurement. The tape measure housing along with the marking devise can then be pulled towards the worker or pushed away from them to mark the partial or complete circumference of a circle.
There have been many previous attempts to devise a guide for enabling a tape measuring instrument to slide along a straight edge for marking or scoring. Some of these inventions such as Stevens et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,308 and Harris U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,007 have been bulky additions to a tape measure that would inconvenience the user by being obtrusive or a feature constantly needing to be attached and then removed. Others such as Garity U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,338 and Lee et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,425 do not provide a secure locking mechanism to work in a quick responsive ergonomic manner needed for the demands of professionals. Though Garity provides a smooth face it is not noted as being planar and perpendicular to the sides of tape measure housing and the extended tape. A planar smooth face with rounded edges allows the tape measure housing to slide smoothly while also securing the extended tape perpendicular to a straight edged working surface such as plywood, lumber or drywall. If the surface is smooth with any curvature it would make drawing or scoring parallel lines more difficult producing wavy score marks or lines unless the user has accumulated a great deal of skill Both Garity's and Lee et al.'s faces on their tape housing are not designed to ease the reading of measurements while simultaneously providing a functional grasping surface that works in conjunction with a finger controlled pressure locking mechanism.
The many locking mechanisms used for tape measures are not specifically designed to produce the firm, high friction holding capabilities combined with a quick release and ergonomics needed by drywall professionals to work in conjunction with the forces endured with constant, repetitious measuring and parallel marking. Both Hsu U.S. Pat. No. 6,405,451 B1 and Doriguzzi Bozzo, Mario European patent EP 0 932 016 A2 do not provide the significant forces that need to be applied. When the friction surfaces for grasping the tape measure are positioned as a fulcrum it will allow the mechanical advantage of leverage which is greatly increased when pressure is applied to the end of the trigger locks pressure pad distal to the stationary pivot point. A tape measure that combines an improved quick secure locking feature and easy to grasp tape end while also providing a guide that slides and offers a secure ergonomic means to hold the tape's body housing firmly against a materials edge surface will add significant advantages for making quick parallel linear measurements.
The tape ends used for hooking onto building material or stopping a tape that is pushed against material can also be better designed to facilitate the practice of holding onto the end with a scoring or marking instrument while at the same time helping to fulfill other functions. Garity's tape end, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,338, is off set and angled from the lower portion of the tape end preventing use of the upper portion for pulling accurate measurements. The tape end for Lee et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,425 B1 is also not capable of allowing the upper portion to be used for pulling measurements.


A film excellent in flatness, and not degraded in flatness by curling, etc. even at high temperature during processing and use as a product.. The film of the present invention is made of an aromatic polyamide and/or aromatic polyimide, and satisfies the following: EQU (Pmax-Pmin)/Pavr.ltoreq.1.0. where Pmax is the maximum value of the orientation degree obtained from the Raman spectrum in the section direction of the film; Pmin is the minimum value and Pavr is the average value.

It is conventionally proposed to use films made of an aromatic polyamide and/or aromatic polyimide as base films for magnetic recording media, flexible printed boards, heat sensitive transfer films, etc. since they are excellent in mechanical properties and heat resistance. The base films used in these applications are required to have a flat surface free from curling and wrinkles since the yield in processing and the functions as products are adversely affected.
It is proposed to use them as base films for magnetic recording media such as video tapes and data memory tapes which are densified especially in recent years. In these applications, the films are exposed to high temperatures when the magnetic layer is dried after coating or vapor-deposited, and they are curled or wrinkled to be poor in flatness. So, the tapes produced from them are wound in awkward styles or touch the head imperfectly, not allowing sufficient electromagnetic conversion characteristics to be obtained disadvantageously.

Film made of an aromatic polyamide and/or aromatic polyimide and a magnetic recording medium using it


A loop back connector and methods for testing lines in a fiber optic network are disclosed. The loop back connector includes a ferrule having an interface side constructed for optical connection to a multifiber optical cable. The loop back connector also includes first and second optical loop back paths, each having first and second terminal ends positioned at the interface side. The terminal ends of each loop back path are adapted to be aligned to fibers in the multifiber optical cable. The method includes injecting a signal on a first optical path at a first location, looping back the signal at a second location onto a second optical path, and receiving the signal on the second optical path at the first location.

Passive optical networks are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities to customers. Passive optical networks are a desirable choice for delivering high speed communication data because they may not employ active electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between a central office and a subscriber termination. The absence of active electronic devices may decrease network complexity and cost and may increase network reliability.
Passive optical networks may employ optical splitters to take a signal from a single incoming fiber and make it available to a number of output fibers. For example, a distribution cable may include 24 optical fibers and may run from a central office to a distribution location, such as an equipment enclosure. At the equipment enclosure, each fiber in the distribution cable may be split into a number of outgoing fibers which are made available to subscribers. For example, passive optical networks may employ 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16 and 1:32 splitting ratios for making optical data available to subscriber locations. Outgoing fibers from the equipment enclosure, i.e. at the output of the optical splitters, need to be attached to subscriber locations. Since the outgoing fibers may be housed in a cable for protection, a subset of the fibers needs to be accessed and made available to a like number of subscribers.
Current techniques employ splices for breaking a subset of fibers out of a distribution cable. These splices are normally performed in the field using trained personnel after the distribution cable is installed. This form of splicing is referred to as manual splicing, or field splicing. Manual splicing may be time consuming and may be expensive in terms of labor because personnel must be specially trained and performing splicing operations may be time intensive. In addition, material costs associated with splicing cables may be expensive since splice enclosures need to be environmentally secure within a wide range of variables. Manual splicing may also require specialized tools.
Passive optical networks may be extended via connectors located along the distribution cable, creating branched optical paths. Branch cables may be connected to these connectors after the distribution cable is installed, for example because no subscribers were located near the distribution cable when it was originally installed. A technician or other personnel installing a branch cable from the connector location to a subscriber location generally tests the link between a central office and the connector to ensure optical continuity at the time the branch cable is installed. Testing typically involves travel between the central office location and the connector location to inject a signal at one location and detect that signal at the second location. The distance between the central office and the connector location may be substantial, and require time-consuming travel by the technician.


In some embodiments, a method of optimizing operating parameters of an analytical instrument (e.g. lens voltages of a mass spectrometer) includes steps taken to minimize the method duration in the presence of substantial instrument noise and/or drift. Some methods include selecting a best point between a default instrument parameter set (vector) and a most-recent optimum parameter set; building a starting simplex at the selected best point location in parameter-space; and advancing the simplex to find an optimal parameter vector. The best simplex points are periodically re-measured, and the resulting readings are used to replace and/or average previous readings. The algorithm convergence speed may be adjusted by reducing simplex contractions gradually. The method may operate using all-integer parameter values, recognize parameter values that are out of an instrument range, and operate under the control of the instrument itself rather than an associated control computer.

The invention relates to methods of optimizing operating parameters of analytical instruments, and in particular to systems and methods using simplex algorithms for optimizing operating parameters of mass spectrometers.
Mass spectrometers typically include multiple ion lenses and guides disposed between an ion source and an analyzer. In a common design, charged liquid droplets are generated in an ionization chamber using an atmospheric pressure ionization method such as electrospray ionization (ESI) or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). The droplets are desolvated, and pass into a vacuum chamber through an orifice that limits the gas flow into the chamber. The ions are guided through one or more electrodynamic ion guiding structures and apertures into a mass analyzer. The signal quality of a mass spectrometer generally depends on multiple spectrometer operating parameters, such as a set of voltages applied to lensing elements positioned between the ion source and analyzer.
Several approaches have been proposed for optimizing instrument parameters such as lens voltages. In a common approach, each parameter is optimized sequentially. For example, measurements are performed for a range of first lens voltages while all other voltages are kept fixed, until a local maximum of the first voltage is found. The process is then repeated for the other lenses, and again for the whole set of lenses. Such an approach may require a relatively high number of measurements to locate an optimal parameter set.
Another optimization approach is based on the simplex family of algorithms (for simplicity, referred to hereinafter as the simplex algorithm). For a two-dimensional parameter space, the simplex algorithm has been described as a triangle flipping its way up a mountainside to find the top of the mountain. In this example, the x- and y-coordinates denote instrument parameters, while the mountain height represents the instrument figure-of-merit to be optimized. The algorithm discards the worst (lowest) point of the triangle, chooses a new point, for example by reflecting the old point with respect to the remaining two, and repeats the process until the top is found. The triangle or its equivalent in multi-dimensional space is commonly called a simplex.
References describing parameter optimization methods for mass spectrometers include Elling et al, "Computer-Controlled Simplex Optimization on a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer," Anal. Chem. 61:330-334 (1989), Mas et al., "99Tc Atom Counting by Quadrupole ICP-MS. Optimisation of the instrumental response," Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research, A484:660-667 (2002), Evans et al., "Optimization Strategies for the Reduction of Non-Spectroscopic Interferences in Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry," Spectrochimica Acta, 47B(8): 1001-1012 (1992), Vertes et al., "Non-Linear Optimization of Cylindrical Electrostatic Lenses," International Journal of Mass Spectrometry and Ion Processes, 84:255-269 (1988), and Ford et al., "Simplex Optimization of the Plasma Parameters and Ion Optics of an Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometer with Pure Argon and Doped Argon Plasmas, using a Multi-Element Figure of Merit," Analytica Chimica Acta, 285:23-31 (1994).
Optimizing mass spectrometer parameters may be particularly difficult in the presence of noise and instrument drift, which may significantly affect instrument performance.

Simplex optimization methods for instrumentation tuning


The present invention relates to a container bag (1) for containing semen for artificial insemination of animals, of the types which are formed by at least two sheets (2.1, 2.2) of sealed thermoplastic material, forming a tubular body (3) with an inner hollow (4) divided by means of a central constriction (5) into first and second contiguous enclosures (7.1, 7.2) communicated by means of a cannula (6) secured in said constriction (5), which bag comprises a closure plug (10) for closing said cannula (6) secured to the bottom (13) of the second enclosure (7.2) of the inner hollow (4), means for securing the cannula (6) to the central constriction (5), and means for securing the closure plug (10) to the bottom (13) of the second enclosure (7.2).

The technique for artificial insemination of animals by means of vaginally introducing a dose of semen into a female in heat is widely used today. A catheter and sometimes, depending on the specific insemination point, a cannula fixed thereto must be used to reach the vagina of the animal.
The catheter usually has a handle at the end which remains outside the animal facilitating handling as well as the connection of said catheter to the container bag for containing semen. This bag usually has a cannula in the semen outlet hole to favor said connection between the catheter and the container bag.
A large variety of container bags for containing semen for artificial insemination of animals can be found in the state of the art. Some of them have one and the same semen inlet and outlet hole. These cases have the drawback that the hole through which the semen is first introduced undergoes certain deformations due to the introduction of the filling nozzle therein, such that the connection of the catheter in said semen outlet hole then becomes defective, a proper securing thereof not being achieved.
Container bags for containing semen with a semen inlet hole and another semen outlet hole solving this problem are also found in the state of the art. This case has the drawback that after insemination, some stagnant semen remains in the conduit of the cannula existing in the outlet hole for the connection of the catheter therein, where the spermatozoids eventually die. These dead spermatozoids form a barrier in subsequent inseminations, reducing process effectiveness.
Reference documents US2003163110, FR2820029 and ES2247888-A1 can be mentioned as examples of the state of the art.
The first reference document US2003163110 relates to a bag for packaging semen formed by two plastic walls joined in such a manner as to delimit a pouch for receiving the semen. It has an evacuation conduit the end part of which is closed by said joined walls when the bag is closed. Said conduit comprises a cannula having two open ends force-fitted therein, its first end being suitable for communicating with said pouch, whereas its second end located close to the end part of the conduit has a frustoconical- or almost frustoconical-shaped constriction. Said conduit further communicates, over a fraction of its length, with at least one area located not far from the end part in which the two walls are not joined.
In the second reference document FR2820029, the container bag for containing semen is formed by two plastic walls joined so as to define a pouch for receiving said substance. Said pouch has communicated therewith an evacuation conduit the end part of which has a cannula with two open ends when the bag has not been opened. This cannula is inserted into conduit, such that its first end is capable of communicating with said pouch, whereas the second end is located close to the end part of the conduit.
The cannula in turn comprises at its second end a blind end finish which is physically separated or separable when the bag is closed. The joined walls surround the cannula and its blind end in a leak-tight manner, so when a force is applied on the blind end in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bag, one of the plastic walls tears at the level of the second end of the cannula, said cannula being directly accessible.
The applicant is the proprietor of the mentioned third reference document ES2247888-A1. In this case, it relates to a device for artificial insemination of animals having a bag made up of at least two sheets of thermoplastic material sealed through a perimetral structure, such that a receptacle containing the semen is defined communicating with the outside through an inlet hole and an outlet hole.
A cannula having a certain thickness is tightly fitted in the outlet hole, part of the cannula being outside the bag and the cannula having a plug for closing the outer part thereof. Said plug comprises a stem integral with the head of the plug, such that when the plug is placed in the outer part of the cannula, the stem is tightly fitted at least along the entire length of the cannula.
In the case of the first two mentioned documents of the state of the art, it can be observed how the cannula existing in the outlet hole of the container bag has no plug, whereby the main drawback is that performing more than one dose of insemination is difficult.
Specifically, the cannula in the first reference document US2003163110 has no plug at all, rather its second end is close to the end part of the outlet conduit and the section thereof has a constriction at said frustoconical-shaped end. This makes the application of successive doses with the same bag difficult and in the event of doing so, there would be a high risk of unwanted semen spillage as well as the entry of hazardous elements or contaminants into the bag.
The cannula in the second reference document FR2820029 also has no closure plug, but rather a blind end finish which seals the bag when the bag is closed and which must be removed or broken to be able to open the cannula. This facilitates tearing open the bag, but it also has the drawback of complicating the application of new doses of semen with such bag without the risk of unwanted spillage and of possible contaminations due to the entry of hazardous elements into the bag.
If the blind end finish is not broken but rather removed, said end finish could be returned to that position for closing the cannula, but in that case the drawback is that semen accumulates inside the conduit of the cannula which remains leak-tight, whereby the spermatozoids die and are a barrier in subsequent inseminations for the advancing spermatozoids remaining in the bag, significantly reducing process effectiveness.
It is observed in the third reference document ES2247888-A1 that a solution to these problems is provided by means of a closure plug closing the outer part of the cannula, having a stem tightly fitted therein along the entire length of the cannula. This enables applying several doses of insemination without spillage or possible contamination problems, while at the same time preventing stagnant semen from remaining inside the cannula since the plug is located therein.
Nevertheless, this solution continues to pose certain drawbacks such as the fact that when opening the bag, the closure plug for closing the cannula falls to the ground where the liquid manure of the animals is located, whereby said plug is not reusable since it would contaminate the bag with hazardous agents.
Although this can be solved by using a new plug, in addition to the continuous need for providing new plugs, there is a problem where the disposed plugs are collected together with the liquid manure subsequently used as soil fertilizer. The problem is that the plugs are also disposed of along with the liquid manure and the soil is ultimately contaminated.
Another drawback present in all the solutions of the state of the art is that the current manufacture of such container bags uses two sheets of plastic material welded to one another, in which the outlet cannula has been previously introduced between them. The outlet cannula is thicker than the sheet of plastic material and it must be made in a plastic material that does not deform under welding heat, so the cannula is secured to the sheets more by pressure than by heat fusion. This means that the weld with the bag is not a high quality weld, such that most of the times the outlet cannula sinks into the bag in response to the pressure exerted on said outlet cannula when the insemination catheter is placed therein.

Container bag for containing semen for artificial insemination of animals


A semantic attractor memory uses an evolving neural network architecture and learning rules derived from the study of human language acquisition and change to store, process and retrieve information. The architecture is based on multiple layer channels, with random connections from one layer to the next. One or more layers are devoted to processing input information. At least one processing layer is provided. One or more layers are devoted to processing outputs and feedback is provided from the outputs back to the processing layer or layers. Inputs from parallel channels are also provided to the one or more processing layers. With the exception of the feedback loop and central processing layers, the network is feedforward unless it is employed in a hybrid back-propagation configuration. The learning rules are based on non-stationary statistical processes, such as the Polya process or the processes leading to Bose-Einstein statistics, again derived from considerations of human language acquisition. The invention provides rapid, unsupervised processing of complex data sets, such as imagery or continuous human speech, and a means to capture successful processing or pattern classification constellations for implementation in other networks.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates in general to field of neural networks, and in particular to a neural network architecture and method which utilizes Bose-Einstein statistics or Polya modeling to capture a process.
2. Related Art
Neural networks have been known and used in the prior art in computer applications which require complex and/or extensive processing. Such applications include, e.g., pattern recognition and image and voice processing. In these applications, neural networks have been known to provide greatly increased processing power and speed over conventional computer architectures. Several approaches to neural networking exist and can be distinguished from one another by their different architectures. Specifically, the approaches of the prior art can be distinguished by the numbers of layers and the interconnections within and between them, the learning rules applied to each node in the network, and whether or not the architecture is capable of supervised or unsupervised learning.
A neural network is said to be xe2x80x9csupervisedxe2x80x9d if it requires a formal training phase where output values are xe2x80x9cclampedxe2x80x9d to a training set. In other words, such networks require a xe2x80x9cteacher,xe2x80x9d something not necessarily found in nature. Unsupervised networks are desireable precisely for this reason. They are capable of processing data without requiring a preset training set or discrete training phase. Biological neural networks are unsupervised, and any attempt to emulate them should aspire to this capability. Of the following approaches, the Boltzmann/Cauchy and Hidden Markov models are supervised networks and the remainder are unsupervised networks.
At least eight principal types of feedback systems, also called backpropagation models, have been identified in the prior art. The Additive Grossberg model uses one layer with lateral inhibitions. The learning rule is based on a sigmoid curve and updates using a steepest ascent calculation. The Shunting Grossberg is similar, with an added gain control feature to control learning rates. Adaptive Resonance Theory models use two layers, with on-center/off-surround lateral feedback and sigmoid learning curves. The Discrete Autocorrelator model uses a single layer, recurrent lateral feedback, and a step function learning curve. The Continuous Hopfield model uses a single layer, recurrent lateral feedback, and a sigmoid learning curve. Bi-Directional Associative Memory uses two layers, with each element in the first connected to each layer in the second, and a ramp learning curve. Adaptive Bi-Directional Associative Memory uses two layers, each element in the first connected to each in the second, and the Cohen-Grossberg memory function. This also exists in a competitive version. Finally, the Temporal Associative Memory uses two layers, with each element in the first connected to each element in the second, and an exponential step learning function.
At least eight principal types of feedforward systems have been identified. The Learning Matrix uses two layers, with each element in the first connected to each element in the second, and a modified step learning function. Drive-Reinforcement uses two layers, with each element in the first connected to each in the second, and a ramp learning function. The Sparse Distributed Memory model uses three layers, with random connections from the first to the second layer, and a step learning function. Linear Associative Memory models use two layers, with each element in the first layer connected to each element in the second, and a matrix outer product to calculate learning updates. The Optimal Linear Associative Memory model uses a single layer, with each element connected to each of the others, and a matrix pseudo-inverse learning function. Fuzzy Associative Memory uses two layers, with each element in the first connected to each element in the second, and a step learning function. This particular model can only store one pair of correlates at a time. The Learning Vector Quantizer uses two layers, with each element in the first connected to each in the second, negative lateral connections from each element in the second layer with all the others in the second layer, and positive feedback from each second layer element to itself. This model uses a modified step learning curve, which varies as the inverse of time. The Counterpropagation model uses three layers, with each element in the first connected to each in the second, each element in the second connected to each in the third, and negative lateral connections from each element in the second layer to each of the rest, with positive feedback from each element in the second layer to itself. This also uses a learning curve varying inversely with time.
Boltzmann/Cauchy models use random distributions for the learning curve. The use of random distributions to affect learning is advantageous because use of the distributions permits emulation of complex statistical ensembles. Thus, imposing the distributions imposes behavioral characteristics which arise from complex systems the model networks are intended to emulate. However, the Botzmann/Cauchy networks are capable only of supervised learning. And, these models have proven to be undesirably slow in many applications.
Hidden Markov models rely on a hybrid architecture, generally of feedforward elements and a recurrent network sub-component, all in parallel. These typically have three layers, but certain embodiments have had as many as five. A fairly typical example employs three layers, a softmax learning rule (i.e., the Boltzmann distribution) and a gradient descent algorithm. Other examples use a three-layer hybrid architecture and a gamma memory function, rather than the usual mixed Gaussian. The gamma distribution is convenient in Bayesian analysis, also common to neural network research, and is the continuous version of the negative-binomial distribution. However, the underlying process for this model is a stationary one. That is, the probability distribution is the same at time t and time t+xcex94t for all xcex94t.
Studies of language change and studies of visual and acoustic processing in mammals have been used in the prior art to identify the mechanisms of neural processing for purposes of creating neural network architectures. For example, it has been noted that mammalian visual processing seems to be accomplished by feed-forward mechanisms which amplify successes. Such processing has been modeled by calculating Gaussian expectations and by using measures of mutual information in noisy networks. It has further been noted that such models provide self-organizing feature-detectors.
Similarly, it has been noted in the prior art that acoustic processing in mammals, particularly bats, proceeds in parallel columns of neurons, where feed-forward mechanisms and the separation and convergence of the signal produce sophisticated, topically organized feature detectors.
The semantic attractor memory of the invention according to a preferred embodiment uses a neural network architecture and learning rules derived from the study of human language acquisition and change to store, process and retrieve information. The invention provides rapid, unsupervised processing of complex data sets, such as imagery or continuous human speech.
The semantic attractor memory according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is motivated by considerations from human language acquisition and change, as well as the general constraints posed by the structure of the human perceptive apparatus and systems for muscle control. It is based on multiple layer channels, with random connections from one layer to the next; several layers devoted to processing input information; at least one processing layer; several layers devoted to processing outputs; feedback from the outputs back to the processing layer; and inputs from parallel channels, also to the processing layer. With the exception of the feedback loop and central processing layers, the network is feedforward. The learning rules are preferably based on Bose-Einstein statistics, again derived from considerations of human language acquisition.

Method and apparatus for neural networking using semantic attractor architecture


The invention provides a woodworking duplicator which is adapted to be attached to a standard radial arm saw. The device allows a rotating cutting tool and a stylus to be movably supported allowing the user to trace a pattern with the stylus while cutting the pattern into a work piece with the cutter. The invention provides a duplicator that may be mounted to a radial arm saw wherein the duplicator includes elements that may be moved in five different directions. The invention also provides a duplicator having a stylus and a cutter that may be easily locked into different parallel positions so that the user of the duplicator may more easily trace the item being duplicated. The invention also provides a duplicator that supports the weight of the stylus and cutter tool.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates generally to a duplicator for use in woodworking, and more particularly to a duplicator for attachment to a standard radial arm saw. Specifically, the present invention relates to a duplicator that may be attached to a standard radial arm saw while being movable and adjustable in at least five directions.
2. Background Information
Woodworkers often desire to duplicate a three dimensional object. Such objects may includes faces, patterns, sculptured items, etc. These parts could be carved individually, but it is very difficult to make them similar, let alone identical to each other. The time and skill to individually carve them also makes this option undesirable. It is therefore desirable to have a tool which can be used to make duplicate copies of an article. Such a tool would allow the woodworker to hand carve an original work and then quickly and easily duplicate the work so that the duplicates may be sold.
The device of the present invention is a woodworking duplicator which is adapted to be attached to a standard radial arm saw. The device allows a rotating cutting tool and a stylus to be movably supported allowing the user to trace a pattern with the stylus while cutting the pattern into a work piece with the cutter.
The invention provides a duplicator that may be mounted to a radial arm saw wherein the duplicator includes elements that may be moved in five different directions. The invention also provides a duplicator having a stylus and a cutter that may be easily locked into different parallel positions so that the user of the duplicator may more easily trace the item being duplicated. The invention also provides a duplicator that supports the weight of the stylus and cutter tool.


An engine cooling structure includes a cylinder block including a block inner peripheral wall and a block outer peripheral wall that define a water jacket, and a spacer housed in the water jacket. The block outer peripheral wall includes a coolant inlet for introducing a coolant into the water jacket at one end in a cylinder row direction. The spacer includes a peripheral wall surrounding the block inner peripheral wall, and a dividing wall and a distribution wall provided on the peripheral wall. The dividing wall is provided along a circumferential direction of the peripheral wall and protrudes outward from the peripheral wall between a lower end and an upper end of the coolant inlet. The distribution wall includes an upper distribution wall extending upward from the dividing wall and a lower distribution wall extending downward from the dividing wall.

As an engine cooling structure, a structure that cools an engine body by circulating a coolant through a water jacket formed to surround a cylinder wall is known. Another structure is also known in which a spacer surrounding a cylinder wall is housed in a water jacket and a circulation channel for a coolant in the water jacket is separated by the spacer.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-190403 discloses a structure in which a spacer is housed in a water jacket and the spacer causes a coolant to circulate only in an upper region of the water jacket. Specifically, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-190403 discloses an engine in which the spacer is housed in the water jacket, and a coolant-introducing part that introduces the coolant into the water jacket is formed on a cylinder block outer peripheral wall. The spacer includes a spacer upper part close to the cylinder block outer peripheral wall and a spacer lower part close to a cylinder liner. In the spacer upper part, an opening for introducing the coolant introduced from the coolant-introducing part into the inside of the spacer is formed.
With the structure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-190403, almost all of the coolant introduced from the coolant-introducing part into the water jacket is introduced into a space between the spacer upper part and the cylinder liner, and almost all of the coolant circulates through the space. Therefore, the upper part of the cylinder liner can be efficiently cooled.
In other words, with the structure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-190403, although the coolant flows in the upper region of the water jacket, the coolant hardly flows in the lower region of the water jacket. That is, the lower region of the water jacket is a dead space. Thus, there is a problem that the water jacket is not effectively used.


In a module base unit (1) for a module (30) for a data carrier, two connection plates (2, 3) are provided, which comprise electrically conductive material and which each have a direction of extent (4, 5) and which are separated from each other by a gap (16) transverse to the two directions of extent (4, 5), and at least one strain relief member (34) is connected to the two connection plates (2, 3), which strain relief member (34) is constructed to absorb tensile forces occurring parallel to the directions of extent (4, 5) and acting on the connection plates (2, 3).

A module base unit conforming to the construction mentioned initially in the first paragraph and a module conforming to the construction mentioned initially in the second paragraph and a data carrier conforming to the kind mentioned initially in the third paragraph are known, for example, from the patent document WO 2002/095 673 A1. In the case of the known solutions, the circumstances are such that in the case of a completed module and in the case of a completed data carrier having a completed module, the two connection plates of the module, which have an elongate strip form, are mechanically joined to each other and held together only by means of a chip connected to the two connection plates and by means of a plastic covering enveloping the chip and part of the connection plates. The problem affecting this particular case is that on the appearance of tensile forces, which occur parallel to the longitudinal extent of the connection plates and act on the connection plates, the connection plates may be displaced parallel to their longitudinal extents and away from each other, giving rise to the risk that the electrically conductive connections between the chip and the two connection plates will be damaged or destroyed, including even the risk that the chip will fracture.

Module base unit with strain relief means