Abstract: Feature decision means (303) decides a set of features appropriate for pattern identification from a plenty of feature candidates generated by feature candidate generation means (302) by using learning patterns stored in learning, pattern storage means (301). The feature decision means (303) successively decides features according to a reference of information maximization under the condition that the decided feature is known while adding an effective noise to the learning pattern and performs information amount calculation approximately and at a high speed while merging the learning patterns into a set of N elements when required. As a result, it is possible to automatically create a feature set appropriate for pattern identification of a high performance without requiring enormous learning. Moreover, by using a transition table (305) containing transitions between sets, it is possible to perform pattern judgment with a high efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining surface properties, comprising at least a first radiation device which emits radiation onto a surface to be analysed, at least a first radiation detector device which receives at least part of the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation device and then scattered or reflected by the surface and outputs at least a first measurement signal which is characteristic of the reflected or scattered radiation, and at least a second radiation detector device which receives at least part of the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation device and then scattered or reflected by a surface and outputs at least a second measurement signal which is characteristic of the reflected or scattered radiation.

Abstract: A method for depositing controlled quantity of particles on a substrate comprises providing aerosolized particles in a deposition zone having first and second electrodes, and creating an electrostatic field between the first electrode and the second electrode to create a pool of ions at the first electrode, charging particles within the deposition zone with the ions, and moving the particles towards and depositing the particles onto the substrate. In order to prevent excessive charge build up on the substrate, the electrostatic field is periodically reversed.

Abstract: A class D audio amplifier includes an error amplifier, a comparator, a bridge circuit, a feedback circuit and a silent start circuit. The error amplifier generates an error signal by amplifying a difference between a feedback signal and an audio input signal. The comparator generates a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal by comparing a first triangular-wave signal and the error signal. The bridge circuit has switches alternately conducting a current flowing into and from a load. The feedback circuit generates the feedback signal indicating a condition of the load. The silent start circuit performs AND operation of the first PWM signal and a second PWM signal having a gradually increased duty ratio to generate a third PWM signal for control of the switches of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A preamplifier includes cascade-connected amplifying circuits, and at least one of the cascade-connected amplifying circuits includes a differential switch pair circuit, a comparator and current sources. The differential switch pair circuit has a pair of differential inputs and a pair of differential outputs. The comparator outputs a comparison signal by comparing the differential outputs. The current sources are respectively and selectively coupled to one of the differential outputs based on the comparison signal to adjust voltages of the differential outputs. A method for calibrating offset voltages in a preamplifier is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A driving circuit to drive an output stage comprising a high side NMOS and a low side NMOS is provided. The driving circuit comprises: a diode comprising an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode is electrically connected to a first voltage source and the sources of a first and a second PMOS; a third and a fourth PMOS both comprising a drain, a source and a gate, wherein the sources are respectively connected to the gates of the second and first PMOS, the drains are respectively connected to the drains of the first and second PMOS. A first and a second NMOS both comprise a drain, a source and a gate, wherein the drains are respectively connected to the drain of the fourth and third PMOS, the sources are coupled to a second voltage source, the gates are respectively connected to a first input and a second input.

Abstract: An external module and a mobile communication terminal that facilitate collection of the internal state of a mobile communication terminal are provided. The external module is installed in the mobile communication terminal when the mobile communication terminal is in use and comprises: an internal information collection unit that communicates with the mobile communication terminal for collecting information relating to the internal states of the mobile communication terminal; and a memory for storing information that has been collected by the internal information collection unit. The mobile communication terminal has an internal state information acquisition unit for acquiring internal state information of the mobile communication terminal and supplying this internal state information to the external module.

Abstract: An amplifier biasing stage includes a transistor that provides a biasing signal for a complementary pair of field-effect transistors included in an output stage of an amplifier. The amplifier biasing stage also includes one resistive element connected to an emitter of the transistor, another resistive element connected to a base of the transistor, and still another resistive element connected to a collector of the transistor. The respective resistances of the resistive elements are selected to substantially match a voltage provided by the amplifier biasing stage to a gate-to-source voltage of the complementary pair of field-effect transistors. The resistances of the resistive elements are also selected to substantially match a temperature coefficient of the amplifier biasing stage to a temperature coefficient of the complimentary pair of field-effect transistors.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin-film transistor on an insulating substrate includes the steps of: forming a non-single-crystal semiconductor thin film on the insulating substrate; forming a gate insulating film on the non-single-crystal semiconductor thin film; forming a gate electrode including a lower gate electrode and an upper gate electrode on the gate insulating film, the lower gate electrode having a portion that is not covered by the upper gate electrode; forming a source-drain region and an LDD (lightly doped drain) region in the non-single-crystal thin film semiconductor film concurrently by introducing an impurity into the non-single-crystal semiconductor thin film through the gate electrode and the gate insulating film; and etching away an exposed portion of the lower gate electrode by using the upper gate electrode as a mask.

Abstract: The system includes a current injection device in electrical communication with the switch mode power supply. The current injection device is positioned to alter the initial, non-zero load current when activated. A prognostic control is in communication with the current injection device, controlling activation of the current injection device. A frequency detector is positioned to receive an output signal from the switch mode power supply and is able to count cycles in a sinusoidal wave within the output signal. An output device is in communication with the frequency detector. The output device outputs a result of the counted cycles, which are indicative of damage to an a remaining useful life of the switch mode power supply.

Abstract: An in-plane switching mode active matrix type liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate located opposing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode each associated to a pixel to be driven, a common electrode to which a reference voltage is applied, data lines, a scanning line, and common electrode lines. Molecular axes of liquid crystal are rotated in a plane parallel with the first substrate by an electric field substantially parallel with a plane of the first substrate to thereby display certain images. The common electrode is composed of transparent material and are formed on a layer located closer to the liquid crystal layer than the data lines. The common electrode entirely overlaps the data lines except an area where the data lines are located in the vicinity of the scanning line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a biological sample with a liquid reagent, comprising first and second substrates having facing surfaces defining a space therebetween in which the biological sample may be treated with the liquid reagent, wherein the first substrate comprises a relatively rigid fluid impermeable element while the second substrate comprises a relatively flexible liquid impermeable element.

Abstract: A retainer assembly for locating a medical device in a container having a wall with a vent hole. The retainer assembly includes a retainer with an undersurface that is larger than the vent hole and an axial passage having a selected length and cross section extending into the retainer from the surface. The assembly also includes a keeper having a head that is larger than the vent hole and a sleeve extending from the head to an end. The sleeve has substantially the same cross-section as the passage and is shorter axially than the passage so that when the retainer surface is engaged to one face of the container wall so that the passage is aligned with the vent hole and the keeper is engaged to the retainer by frictionally engaging its sleeve in the passage until its head contacts the opposite face of the container wall, the retainer becomes securely, but releasably, anchored to the container wall.

Abstract: The ATE system includes a system computer. A plurality of platform computers is in communication with the system computer. A plurality of test instrument boards is provided. Each of the platform computers is in communication with at least one of the test instrument boards. At least one device interface board is provided. Each of the plurality of test instrument boards is in communication with at least one of the device interface boards. At least one device mover is proximate to at least one of the device interface boards for moving devices under testing to at least one of the device interface boards.

Abstract: A device for insertion in a high-heeled shoe has a first crescent shaped raised area in a region underlying the forward edge of a wearer's heel bone and a second raised area underlying the metatarsals of the wearer is described. Also described is a method for constructing a shoe using the device and the resulting shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light collimating system for mounting at the primary focus of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope (SCT) in place of the secondary mirror. The system comprises a housing containing a plurality of lens elements optimized to reduce optical aberrations. The resulting system has a focal ratio of approximately f/2, a short exposure time for optical imaging, and a wide field of view with very little distortion. The housing is attached to the corrector plate of the SCT by a pair of rings held together by a plurality of screws that further facilitate the alignment and rotation of the light collimating system.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and materials for utilizing enzymes to act on metal ions in solution so that the ions are reduced to metal. Additionally disclosed is how to use enzymes to accumulate metal particles. The alteration of metal particles by enzymes interacting with the organic shell of the particles is also described. These methods enable a wide range of applications including sensitive detection of genes and proteins, use as probes for microscopy, nanofabrication, biosensors, and remediation.

Abstract: A driving circuit includes a DC-to-DC voltage converter, a current source, a detector and a feedback control circuit. The DC-to-DC voltage converter has a switch and generates a driving voltage on first ends of the series of light emitting diodes, in which a magnitude of the driving voltage is correlated with conduction of the switch. The current source is coupled to second ends of the series of the light emitting diodes and provides driving currents flowing through the light emitting diodes. The detector generates a feedback voltage corresponding to a sum of voltages on the second ends of the series of the light emitting diodes. The feedback control circuit generates a first control signal which controls the conduction of the switch in response to the feedback voltage.