Abstract: A speech coding apparatus having a speech input unit for receiving input speech, a speech coding rate selector for selecting an appropriate speech coding rate according to the power of the input speech, a speech analyzer for processing the input speech to estimate a transfer function of the speaker's oral cavity, and a speech coding unit forming a synthesis filter based on the transfer function of the oral cavity. The speech coding unit also codes an excitation signal of the synthesis filter on the basis of an estimation result supplied by the speech analyzer. A gain suppressor interposed between the speech input unit and the speech coding unit suppresses the gain of a signal supplied from the speech input unit to the speech coding unit during an unvoiced period according to information from the speech coding rate selector.

Abstract: A wavelength converter implements high speed, high efficiency, low noise wavelength conversion without performing high voltage poling of a crystal, and enables switching and modulation of converted light in response to an electric field. A KLTN crystal, includes a deposited-gold electrode within its incidence plane, and is connected to a DC power supply via a copper wire. The crystal material is composed of KTa1-xNbxO3 and/or K1-yLiyTa1-xNbxO3. A polarizer controls the polarization of the fundamental wave in the direction parallel to the electric field, and launches it into the electrode of the KLTN crystal. The KLTN crystal, rotating on an axis in the direction of the electric field, launches only part of the generated SHG light with the same polarization direction as that of the incident light into a photo multiplier tube through a polarizer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the invention of the present application comprises a first semiconductor layer, a first insulating layer formed over the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer formed over the insulating layer, a protective element formed over the second semiconductor layer, an electrode pad, and a plurality of series-connected through holes for connecting the electrode pad and the protective element. Thus, a surge voltage applied across a diffused resistor can be lightened and hence an oxide film placed below the diffused resistor can be prevented from destruction.

Abstract: A picture coder divides a frame of coded picture data into a critical segment including information needed for decoding other segments in the frame, and at least one non-critical segment including only information needed for its own decoding. The critical segment is made smaller than the non-critical segments, by controlling the segment size directly, for example, or by controlling a quantization step size or a forced intra-coding rate. The small size reduces the probability of the loss of critical information during packet transmission of the coded data, when each segment is transmitted as a separate packet. Alternatively, the size of all segments is reduced when conditions on the communication path indicate a high probability of transmission errors.

Abstract: In a system in which a plurality of programs each enter an execution wait state at a given time point and they are sequentially executed in the order of their cutoff times, the execution completion time point of a program undergoing estimation of execution completion thereof is estimated based upon the average value of intervals representing the lengths of time to elapse before an execution request for a program present in the system arrives, the average value of the execution times of the individual programs in the system, the lengths of time to elapse between the execution request arrival time points and the cutoff times, the execution time of the program undergoing estimation of execution completion thereof and the execution request arrival time point of the program undergoing estimation of the execution completion thereof, thus achieving a structure that enables estimation of the response time of a program without necessitating a lengthy process such as an actual or simulated execution of the program.

Abstract: A positioning mark of a soft magnetic film is provided at the center of a master disk, and a beam from a light source irradiates the position of the mark. When a optical reception sensor using a CCD recognizes the mark, the recognizability of the positioning mark can be improved by using a wavelength selective filter or a laser as the light source. Additionally, the recognizability of the positioning mark can be improved by forming the positioning mark using a material other than a soft magnetic material.

Abstract: An insertion and encoder system monitors broadcasts from a first broadcasting system to determine the presence of segments that can be substituted in a second broadcast. In one embodiment, the system and method determines whether the first segment from the first broadcast had been sold for the second broadcasting system. In this example embodiment, if the first segment had not been sold for the second broadcasting system, it is substituted for a second segment. The system and method accesses an inventory of sold substitution segments and substitutes a sold segment for the unsold segment in real time. In one embodiment, sold advertisement segments are substituted for unsold advertisement segments that are broadcast to a wide audience over the Internet. Segments are selected in accordance with predefined criteria that can include user demographics and/or personal preferences.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the presence. of steps and pallets of an escalator or moving walkway, such that missing steps or pallets are immediately detected, so that the drive will be stopped before the missing or defective part reaches the visible area of the escalator or moving walkway.