Abstract: A board inspection probe for inspecting pattern lines on a circuit board for defects in a non-contact manner. The probe has an electrode for radiating an electrical signal or receiving an electrical signal radiated from a first pattern line. The probe also has a shield to prevent, from reaching the electrode, unwanted radiant waves emitted from pattern lines located in a region except a board region immediately below an electrode surface of the electrode. This shield is terminates near the electrode surface of the electrode, so that radiant waves from only pattern lines located on the board region immediately below the electrode are received.

Abstract: In a quasi-hemispherical Fabri-Perot resonator for the non-destructive determination of the surface resistance Rs of electrically conductive thin material films, spherical and planar mirros are disposed opposite each other in a double shielded cooled resonator space structure supported on individual base plates and the planar mirror, on which a wafer with the thin material film is supported, is mounted on a support arm which extends through the double shield structure. Shield sections through which the support arm extends are supported on pivot arms which are pivotally mounted in the center of the base plates and the shield sections are engaged by the support arm so that they move along with the support arm when the support arm is moved sidewardly for a positioning change of the planar mirror thereby preventing radiation leakage from the resonator space.

Abstract: A programmable integrated circuit device, includes (a) at least two circuit areas (251, 252) in each of which elementary devices are arranged for defining a logic circuit, (b) a connector (261, 262, 27) which electrically connects adjacent circuit areas (251, 252) among the circuit areas to each other, and (c) an input unit (23, 24) arranged in each of the circuit areas (251, 252), the input unit (23, 24) receiving data used for electrically connecting the elementary devices to one another in each of the circuit areas (251, 252).

Abstract: A circuit arrangement, provided for driving a load by two transistors connected in series with the load, comprises a first transistor (M1) provided with a control input adapted to receive a first control signal, and with a conductive path to be controlled in dependence on the first control signal, the current flowing via the conductive path being limited to a first maximum value (Ilim(M1)). Further the circuit arrangement comprises a second transistor (M2) provided with a control input adapted to receive a second control signal, and with a conductive path to be controlled in dependence on the second control signal, the current flowing via the conductive path being limited to a second maximum value (Ilim(M2)). The first maximum value (Ilim(M1)) is larger than the second maximum value (Ilim(M2)). The load (R) is connected in series with the conductive paths of the first and second transistors (M1,M2).

Abstract: Upon generating an inversion input signal to be inputted to a level shifter section in an inverter section, a voltage VHL, which gives an output voltage of a high level in the inverter section, is generated by a resistance division from the power supply voltages VHH and VLL in a voltage-dividing section. Thus, it becomes possible to provide a level shift circuit which can realize a reduction in the number of terminals and low power consumption by using a simple circuit construction.

Abstract: A programmable circuit includes a first node and provides a programmed signal based on the state of the first node. A first anti-fuse has a programmed state and an unprogrammed state and couples the first node to a first power supply when in the programmed state and decouples the first node from the first power supply when in the unprogrammed state. A second anti-fuse has a programmed state and an unprogrammed state and couples the first node to a second power supply when in the programmed state and decouples the first node from the second power supply when in the unprogrammed state. The state of the programmed signal can be used to replace a primary circuit element of an integrated circuit with a redundant circuit element.

Abstract: A feedback circuit is connected between a drain electrode and a gate electrode of an FET. The feedback circuit is constituted by a series connection of a feedback amount adjusting resistor and an LC series resonance circuit. The LC series resonance circuit is constituted by a series connection of a capacitor and an inductor. The capacitance of the capacitor and the inductance of the inductor are set such that the LC series resonance circuit enters a short-circuited state with respect to an m-th harmonic by resonating at the frequency of the m-th harmonic, and the LC series resonance circuit enters an opened state with respect to a fundamental wave.

Abstract: A method for generating frequencies in a dual phase locked loop (PLL). The method comprises the steps of: generating radio frequency local oscillations (RFLO) sequentially increased in the bandwidth at a given interval of more than two channels; and generating a group of intermediate frequency local oscillations (IFLO) gradually increased from a reference frequency channel by channel in said given interval, wherein said group of IFLOs are sequentially repeated at said given interval.

Abstract: An equaliser circuit comprises at least one tuneable transconductance element (12, 14, 16, 18, 22) having its operating parameters determined by its supply voltage (Vdd). An automatic tuning means can be used to vary the supply voltage of the or each transconductance element.

Abstract: The present invention prevents a receiving signal from leaking to an LNB supply line to thereby deteriorate input VSWR characteristic. A capacitor of about 1000 pF for removing noise and a capacitor of about 1 pF for flowing a high frequency component which leaks to an LNB voltage supply line to the ground, are provided between the LNB voltage supply line and the ground. By the capacitor of about 1000 pF, a noise component included in the LNB voltage supply line is removed. Further, by the capacitor of about 1 pF, the high frequency signal component which leaks via a choke coil is bypassed to thereby reduce impedance of a node NA over a broad band and prevent a reflecting wave from being produced at the node NA and input VSWR from being deteriorated.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate made of LiTao3 and at least one interdigital transducer provided on the substrate and having a plurality of electrode fingers. The polarization direction in at least one gap portion between electrode fingers of the at least one interdigital transducer is different from the polarization direction in other gap portions between electrode fingers on the same propagation path.

Abstract: A dielectric filter having a notch pattern includes a dielectric block, in which a ground face plated with conductive metal for all the rest portions excepting an upper face thereof and both side given portions of one side wall face connected to the upper face is formed and numerous patterns plated with the conductive metal are formed on the upper face as a non-conductive part, input electrode provided on one portion out of non-conductive portions and formed so that a signal from the outside may be inputted thereto, at least two resonators formed piercing through upper and lower faces of the dielectric block, a lower end part of which is short-circuited on a lower face as the ground face of the dielectric block, wherein two resonators are connected with each other through a pattern formed on the upper face of the dielectric block in order to resonate and wave-transfer a signal inputted through the input electrode, and output electrode provided in the rest one portion out of the non-conductive portions on one

Abstract: The invention concerns a force sensor (10) comprising a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) made of conductive material, which are arranged spaced from each other on a first insulating support (12). The invention is characterised in that a contact element (26) is conductive material is placed opposite the two electrodes and some distance therefrom, said contact element t(26) being pressed against said electrodes (22, 24) when a force is exerted on the pressure sensor (10) and at least one of the electrodes (22, 24) is coated with a pressure sensitive material layer (28, 30).

Abstract: A user interface for a radio frequency identification interrogation system is disclosed, which interface may include graphics, sounds, lights, or combinations of the foregoing that provide information to a user in regard to the materials being interrogated.

Abstract: In a power line transmission/reception system, when a receiving device receives data via a power line transmission network which transmits the same data with the same timing in parallel via a plurality of communication channels by means of superposition on AC power, the reception of the data is performed using a communication channel selected on the basis of the mean channel usage periods measured for the respective communication channels, thereby assuring high-quality communication. Transmission data is generated by converting Input data into packets and outputting each same packet repeatedly a plurality of times. The transmission data is transmitted via the plurality of communication channels at the same time by means of superposition on AC power thereby assuring high-quality data communication.

Abstract: Resistance welding machines may include one or more temperature sensors that measure the temperatures of one or more heat generating elements within the welding machine, such as the welding transformer, the welding cable, the welding gun and/or the welding current switching element. These heat generating elements generate heat due to the passage of the welding current and can be damaged if not properly cooled. A processor is provided to receive temperature signals from the temperature sensors(s) and actuate a warning output circuit when the temperature of one or more of the heat generating elements rises to a high temperature warning temperature. This high temperature warning temperature is preferably lower than an upper limit temperature at or above which the heat generating element may be damaged due to overheating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning a receiver (MS) in positioning means (S, MS). In the method, a code modulated signal transmitted by satellites (SV1-SV4) and formed by an individual code for each satellite (SV1-SV4) is received. In the method, at least one reference point (BS) is selected, whose position is substantially known, In the method, information is transmitted to the positioning means (S, MS) about the position of said at least one reference point, and about Ephemeris data on the satellites (SV1-SV4). Thus, at least the Ephemeris data on each of the satellites (SV1-SV4) to be used in the positioning and the location of said at least one reference point are used in the positioning of the receiver.

Abstract: A light source of a liquid crystal panel employed in a head up display for a vehicle has an embedded filament for emitting a light with high luminance and another embedded filament for emitting a light with low luminance. The embedded filament for emitting a light with low luminance is used for a first luminance range. On the other hand, the embedded filament for emitting a light with high luminance is used for a second luminance range. In addition, both the elements may be used at the same time for emitting a light with maximum luminance of the first range and the second range.

Abstract: In an image display device, how R, G, and B light is emitted to display an image on a display panel is measured with a sensor, and, according to the measurement value obtained from the sensor, the power with which to drive a light source that supplies light needed for the display operation of the display panel is varied so that the brightness or chromaticity of the display panel is corrected.

Abstract: A recording medium, computer and method of selecting computer display items are provided for making the selection and entry of items by pushing of a simple ON/OFF switch by a user into an easier-to-use interface for users. The recording medium has a processing program that moves items displayed on a screen depending on the output from a controller which senses a pushing pressure of a user on a control element of the controller. A computer includes that controller which has a pressure-sensitive unit for sensing the pushing pressure. The computer also has a unit for determining a movement distance in accordance with the sensed pressure sensed by the pressure-sensitive unit, and a unit for changing the display of the monitor based on the movement distance thus determined.

Abstract: A computer and a recording medium are provided to make the selection and entry of items by the pushing of a simple ON/OFF switch by a user an easier-to-use interface for the user. The recording medium has a processing program that displays display items sequentially on a screen depending on the pressure-sensing output from a controller of the computer. When the drop in the controller output is above a stipulated amount, the displayed item is entered. The computer includes a unit for unit generating a pressure-sensing output corresponding to a pushing pressure by the user, sensed by the pressure-sensitive unit, a unit for sequentially displaying display items on the screen according to the pressure-sensing output, and a unit which when the drop in the output of the controller is above a stipulated amount, enters the item displayed at that time, so that the display items on the screen are entered.

Abstract: A recording medium, a computer and a method for executing fighting games in an entertaining system make the exchange of combat moves by pushing simple ON/OFF switches an easier-to-use interface for users. The recording medium has a program that has a processing program that varies the destructive power and defensive power inflicted by characters within a screen of the computer, depending on the output of a controller of the computer. The method of executing a fighting game senses a pushing pressure of a user on the controller by a pressure-sensitive unit of the controller, converts same to a pressure-sensed output, and determines the destructive power and defensive power of the moves dispatched by the characters within the screen according to the pressure-sensing output of the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for presenting information units. The device comprises history means for storing references to presented information units into a history list. The history means comprise user operable navigation means for changing a current position in the history list and presenting an information unit referenced by the reference at the current position. The device further comprises compilation means for user operably compiling a set of references to desired information units, and storing the references of said set into the history list so as to present an information unit referenced by the compiled set in response to a user operating said navigation means.

Abstract: In a rendering processing system having a rendering memory for storing rendering pixel data generated by a rendering operation circuit and a display memory for storing the image data of a current frame read out from the rendering memory, the display memory stores only the pixel data read out from the rendering memory with prescribed information excluded therefrom. Thus, it is possible to decrease the storage capacity of the display memory and also reduce the time required for writing data into the display memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying multiple communication network monitors having multiple monitoring intervals on a single graphical display. A user, through an input device, selects an object relating to a network monitor to be displayed on a graph and a processor retrieves network data from a communication network pertaining to the selected object. The display values for a line on the graphical display represented by the monitor are calculated by the processor such that, the line and any previously existing lines, are coherent in that the displayed parameters are consistent across the lines. Once the display values are calculated, the line is displayed on an output device. The user may additionally modify parameters associated with the monitor or add or delete a monitor. If the user modifies a parameter, the processor modifies the parameter and updates the display.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus including a display screen and receiver apparatus for the reception of broadcast data from a remote location. The receiver is typically provided with a range of user selectable options which are selectable with reference to a display generated on screen. The invention allows for the generation of a number of displays of options and, furthermore for the generation of at least one display icon to indicate that further displays of options are available to be viewed thereby ensuring that the viewer can be aware of and view all of the available options. In a further embodiment a second set of icons are generated for those options in the first display which can be selected and the icons in the second set are each positioned with respect to an available icon in the display and indicate the action required by the user to select the said option.

Abstract: In a method using a computer and a recording medium to make message display quantity in game software into an easy-to-use interface quantity of messages displayed on a screen of the computer by a controller which has a pressure sensing unit. An operation pressure of a user on the controller is detected by the pressure sensing unit and a pressure sensing output value that corresponds to the operation pressure is generated. The number of message display frames that corresponds to the pressure sensing output value is determined, and that number of message display frames are displayed on the screen or monitor all at once.

Abstract: An information presenting device obtains information from a variety of information sources and adjusts the amount of information to be presented to a user to a unit period acquisition information amount. The information presenting device also adjusts presenting timing based on a user's behavior and presents the adjusted amount of information to a user at the adjusted timing.

Abstract: In an ink-jet printing method and ink-jet printer for printing an image on a printing medium by driving print elements of a printhead and ejecting ink in accordance with an image signal, the timing of driving the plurality of print elements of the printhead is divided into a plurality of timings, and print elements, of the plurality of print elements, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance are selected as one group at each of the plurality of timings. The print elements belonging to the selected group are energized and driven. The dispersed print elements are changed a predetermined period of time after the driving, and the changed print elements are driven. This driving operation is repeatedly executed for all the print elements of the printhead to print an image corresponding to the image signal.

Abstract: An ink jet printer uses a planar thermoelastic bend actuator to eject ink from a nozzle chamber. The thermal actuator includes a lower planar surface constructed from a highly conductive material such as a semiconductor metal layer interconnected to an upper planar surface constructed from an electrically resistive material such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), such that, upon passing a current between the planar surfaces, the thermal actuator is caused to bend towards an ink ejection port so as to thereby cause ejection of ink from the ink ejection port. The actuator is attached to a substrate and further includes a stiff paddle portion which increases the degree of bending of the actuator near the point where it is attached to the substrate. The surfaces are further coated with a passivation material as required.

Abstract: An ink jet nozzle assembly for an ink jet printer includes a nozzle chamber having an ink inlet communicating with an ink reservoir and a nozzle through which ink from the chamber can be ejected onto a page. The chamber includes a fixed portion and a movable portion configured for relative movement in an ejection phase and alternate relative movement in a refill phase. The movable portion includes a number of thermal actuator petal devices arranged around a central stem. The petal devices undergo bending upon heating to effect periodically the relative movement. The inlet is positioned and dimensioned relative to the nozzle such that ink is ejected preferentially from the chamber through the nozzle in droplet form during the ejection phase, and ink is alternately drawn preferentially into the chamber from the reservoir through the inlet during the refill phase.

Abstract: An ink jet print head includes a nozzle chamber for storage of ink to be ejected from an ink ejection nozzle formed in one wall of the nozzle chamber; and a movable paddle actuator mechanism formed in a first wall of the nozzle chamber, one end of the paddle actuator traversing along a second wall of the nozzle chamber, the second wall being substantially perpendicular to the first wall; the one end further including a flange having a surface abutting the second wall, the movable paddle actuator mechanism being operable to cause the ejection of ink from the ink ejection nozzle with the flange moving substantially tangentially to the second wall.

Abstract: An ink jet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having an inlet receiving ink from a reservoir and a nozzle through which ink from the chamber can be ejected. The chamber includes a fixed portion and a movable portion configured such that relative movement in an ejection phase reduces an effective volume of the chamber and alternate relative movement in a refill phase enlarges the effective volume of the chamber. A pair of spaced apart actuating arms is connected with the movable portion and undergo selective differential thermal expansion upon heating so as to effect the relative movement. The inlet is positioned and dimensioned relative to the nozzle such that ink is ejected preferentially from the chamber through the nozzle in droplet form in the ejection phase, and ink is alternately drawn preferentially into the chamber from the reservoir through the inlet in the refill phase.

Abstract: An ink jet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with an ink reservoir and a nozzle through which ink from the chamber can be ejected. The chamber includes a fixed portion and a movable portion. Relative movement between the fixed portion and the movable portion in an ejection phase reduces an effective volume of the chamber. Alternate movement in a refill phase enlarges the effective volume of the chamber. The inlet is positioned directly behind the nozzle and is dimensioned relative to the nozzle such that ink is ejected preferentially from the chamber through the nozzle in the ejection phase and ink is drawn preferentially into the chamber through the inlet in the refill phase.

Abstract: An inkjet printing device employs an inkjet printhead with a plurality of drop generators to eject drops of ink. Each drop generator includes a planar heater resistor, a protection layer having a first heating surface on the heater resistor and a second heating surface entirely surrounding the first heater surface on the heater resistor, and an ink ejection nozzle. The drop generator vaporizes ink at the first heating surface and ejects a drop of ink of a first mass from the nozzle when a first range of energies is applied to the heater resistor. The drop generator vaporizes ink at the first heating surface and the second heating surface and ejects a drop of ink of a second mass from the nozzle when a second range of energies is applied to the heater resistor.

Abstract: A visual telephone unit is disclosed, that comprises a first inputting portion for inputting a picture frame, a second inputting portion for inputting a compensation amount of a rotation angle of the picture frame around a perpendicular line that passes through the picture frame, and a rotating portion for rotating the picture frame by the compensation amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video conference control apparatus and a method thereof based on a MPEG4 which is capable of performing a video conference by using a MPEG4 system on an IP (Internet Protocol) network. Particularly, the present invention is capable of implementing a MPEG4 video conference system on the IP network, developing products such as a MPEG4-H.323 Gate Way etc. and communicating freely in one space with terminals having different standards by providing an apparatus and a method for performing protocol conversion and connection management in order to perform mutual interlocking with H.323 terminals by using the MPEG4 system.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope system, a scope has a solid-state image sensor provided at a distal end thereof to generate image-pixel signals. An image-signal processing unit produces a video signal based on the image-pixel signals. An alteration system alters a peak-to-peak level of a synchronizing-signal component of the video signal. An manual setting system operates the alteration system to perform the alteration of the level of the synchronizing-signal component. An indicator system indicates the degree of alteration to the level of the synchronizing-signal component during the operation of the manual setting system.

Abstract: There is provided a wireless video monitoring system which includes a wireless camera which transmits video data of a monitored object in the form of an RF signal. A wireless telephone receives the RF signal from the wireless camera via a base station, and demodulates the RF signal and displays the monitored object on a display through a portable terminal.

Abstract: An image reproducing device that displays frames or index images of still images and moving images so that a user can distinguish the still images from the moving images when looking at them in one-frame reproducing or index reproducing. The display style of the still images is different from that of frames of the moving images. For example, each still image has a white frame like a picture, and a frame of each moving image has perforations like a movie film. Therefore, the user can distinguish the still images from the moving images when looking at them.

Abstract: The image processing method and apparatus receive at least one of photographed image data, temporary camera control information, additional information and indication information of a desired processing content from the camera and reason out or create at least one information of information relating to photographing control, information relating to image processing and information relating to a photographed image, in accordance with the at least one which have been received and preferably supply the at least one information reasoned out or created to the camera. The camera includes an image sensor, an input unit and an information sending/receiving unit. The photographing system includes the camera and the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A digital camera acquires information about an optical system such as the arrangement of lenses in image capture, an aperture value, and the like to obtain a degradation function indicating a degradation characteristic of an image relative to the optical system. An image obtained is restored by using the degradation function. An area to be restored may be a whole or part of the image. Alternatively, the area to be restored may be reset and restored again on the basis of a restored image. The degradation function can also be obtained on the basis of subject movements in a plurality of continuously captured images. This enables proper image restoration without the use of a sensor for detecting a shake of an image capturing device.

Abstract: A period for a long-term exposure signal is discriminated from a period for a short-term exposure signal. Based on a discrimination signal, an AGC gain selector switches a set value for the gain and a knee point selector switches a set value for the knee point, thereby independently controlling the gain and the knee point for each of the long-term exposure signal and the short-term exposure signal.

Abstract: For use in a low-power digital imaging devices, for example a low-power single CCD-based digital camera, particularly in a battery-operated camera, a method for implementing video signal processing is provided wherein a single amplifier is employed in switched but parallel and uncorrelated signal paths in a manner which avoids fixed pattern noise that would be introduced by mismatches in gain and offset in various paths. The desired effect is achieved through use of a controller that switches appropriate sets of capacitors in parallel paths to establish different gains for each pixel component. The invention achieves power savings and flexibility to independently control gain of each color component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording data including image data, which includes: a recording unit 220 for recording image data; a play unit 250 for playing data including audio data; a release switch 114 for giving instructions to record image data; and a record and playback control unit 200 for giving instructions to start recording image data after giving instructions to stop playing data including audio data when a recording of image data is instructed from the release switch 114 while data including audio data is being played.

Abstract: A current signal corresponding to the amount of incident light detected by a photoelectric conversion device 13 is inputted to and integrated by an integrator circuit 30, whereby a voltage signal is outputted from the integrator circuit 30. When a switch 40 is closed, the voltage signal outputted from the integrator circuit 30 is inputted to a capacitor 51 of a variable capacity integrator circuit 50, a change of the voltage signal is inputted to an amplifier 52, and an electric charge corresponding to the change of voltage signal and the capacity value of a variable capacity part 53 flows into the variable capacity part 53. The capacity value of the variable capacity part 53 is controlled by a comparator 60 and a capacity control section 70 such that the value of integrated signal outputted from the variable capacity integrator circuit 50 coincide with a reference value. The capacity control section 70 outputs a first digital signal corresponding to the capacity value of the variable capacity part 53.

Abstract: In the distance measuring device, even if there are unmeasurable distance measuring regions, suitable estimate is set as the distance data of the unmeasurable region in accordance with distance data of the measurable distance measuring regions and the space on the object of the unmeasurable distance measuring region. In this way accurate recognition is possible, for example, when an object is divided by an unmeasurable region, or objects are continuous.

Abstract: An electronic equipment having the function of displaying the battery residual quantity for displaying the usable residual time of a battery pack used as a power source of the electronic equipment. The equipment is designed to cope with different types or future version of the battery cell. The residual usable time of the battery can be known with improved display accuracy. The video camera 60 carries a battery pack 1 outputting at least the information on the residual battery capacity, charging/discharging current detection information and the battery cell voltage detection information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interpolation technology, in particular to a deinterlacing apparatus and a method thereof which is capable of improving definition of a picture by detecting an edge direction comprised in perimeter pixel values with inputs of a pixel value of field data in a field region to be interpolated and intra-field perimeter pixel values, detecting a direction indicating a minimum region matching error in accordance with the detected direction, yielding an intra-field interpolation value in accordance with the detected edge direction and performing an interpolation, and reducing manufacture cost of a circuit by simplifying the circuit.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus for processing received digital data into audio and/or video formats for listening via speakers and/or viewing via a display screen connected to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a memory means in which said received data can be stored for subsequent selective access by the user of the apparatus. The apparatus is provided with a display panel (2) and the panel and/or the display screen includes a plurality of light sources (6) and the illumination or non-illumination of the light source is controlled to indicate the selected mode of operation of the memory so as to provide a visual indication of the same to the user, and, if active, the illumination or non illumination of the light sources (6) is determined by the particular active mode of the memory.