Abstract: A method and system for monitoring performance of a multifunction printer (MFP) throughout the lifetime of the MFP. The MFP may include a task run-time controller to collect performance information from the MFP and to transmit the performance information to a receiver such as a host, an MFP front panel, or a website. The task run-time controller may include a high resolution timer to collect task execution times or idle time for tasks running on the MFP. The task run-time controller may also receive internal task scheduling policy alterations based on an analysis of the performance information.

Abstract: Related is an image forming apparatus by electrophotography having a function of performing adjustment of image quality when performing image formation. The image forming apparatus includes a detection portion for detecting a fixing temperature of a fixing apparatus; a storage portion for storing an application history of a development bias; a count portion for counting a reposed time from a point when an operation of image formation is ended; a determination portion for determining a change range of the development bias immediately before the end of the operation of image formation; and an execution portion for executing adjustment of image quality by setting the development bias based on a determination result from the determination portion when the reposed time or the fixing temperature exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst layer including an ion conductive substance, an electron conductive substance, and a catalytic activity substance. The catalytic activity substance includes Pt and at least one metal other than Pt. The catalyst layer includes at least two regions differing in the content ratio of Pt. A membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell include the fuel cell electrode.

Abstract: An operating device for controlling an apparatus as an object of control, in accordance with an instruction by a user includes a panel having a main surface, a hardware key provided on the main surface, and a display unit formed of electronic paper, provided in relation to the hardware key on the main surface of the panel or on the hardware key, allowing rewriting of displayed contents.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing custom scheduling policies including making alterations to internal task scheduling policies or firmware operating within the MFP throughout the lifetime of the MFP. Internal task scheduling policy alterations can be made either remotely or on-site at a customer location. Custom scheduling policies can be implemented for different periods of time. The MFP includes a task run-time controller to receive and process the internal task scheduling policy alterations. The task run-time controller includes a task tuner, which may implement the internal task scheduling policy alterations responsive to usage characteristics of the MFP.

Abstract: A solid-state image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged; a driving circuit for driving each pixel of the pixel array; and a power supply circuit for stepping down an external source voltage supplied from an external power source to generate a pixel source voltage to be supplied to each pixel of the pixel array, where the power supply circuit includes a driver transistor for generating a pixel source voltage from the external source voltage and the driver transistor is operative in a saturated state.

Abstract: An active matrix substrate includes: a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern and each forming a pixel; a plurality of gate lines each provided between the corresponding pixel electrodes and extending in parallel with each other; a plurality of first source lines each provided between the corresponding pixel electrodes and extending in a direction crossing an extending direction of the gate lines; a plurality of TFTs provided corresponding to the respective pixel electrodes and connected to the respective pixel electrodes, the respective gate lines, and the respective first source lines; a plurality of capacitor lines each provided between the corresponding gate lines and extending in parallel with each other; and a plurality of second source lines each provided between the corresponding pixel electrodes and extending in parallel with the first source lines.

Abstract: In a backlight device, an upper-side region and a lower-side region serving as placement regions in which light-emitting diodes are respectively placed are provided on an upper side and a lower side of a light guide plate. Further, in the upper-side region and the lower-side region, a plurality of light-emitting diodes are distributed such that their light amounts fall within predetermined ranges.

Abstract: An ink containing an electroluminescent light emitting material is discharged onto a buffer layer. The discharge amount of the ink is larger than a maximum volume where the ink is retained by the surface tension thereof on the top surface of the buffer layer.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of applying an adequate amount of fixing fluid to an unfixed toner image and producing high-quality images having high resolution and high image density with stability for a longer period of time while protecting the interior thereof against fixing fluid leakage and achieving reduction in fixing fluid consumption is provided. In an image forming apparatus, a fixing fluid is applied to a toner image on an intermediary transfer belt by a coating roller, and the toner image in a swollen/softened state is fixed onto a recording medium. By a second seal member composed of a film-shaped member and a supporting member, a gap between the coating roller and a fixing fluid chamber which has the opening and places the coating roller therein is closed to avoid leakage of the fixing fluid.

Abstract: Novel sulphones of Formula I are disclosed: wherein A completes a 4-7 membered ring optionally comprising up to two heteroatoms. The compounds modulate the action of ?-secretase and are therefore useful in the treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A thermal expansion interface between silicon (Si) and gallium nitride (GaN) films using multiple buffer layers of aluminum compounds has been provided, along with an associated fabrication method. The method provides a (111) Si substrate and deposits a first layer of AlN overlying the substrate by heating the substrate to a relatively high temperature of 1000 to 1200° C. A second layer of AlN is deposited overlying the first layer of AlN at a lower temperature of 500 to 800° C. A third layer of AlN is deposited overlying the second layer of AlN by heating the substrate to the higher temperature range. Then, a grading Al1-XGaXN layer is formed overlying the third layer of AlN, where 0<X<1, followed by a fixed composition Al1-XGaXN layer overlying the first grading Al1-XGaXN layer. An epitaxial GaN layer can then be grown overlying the fixed composition Al1-XGaXN layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a silicon (Si)-on-insulator (SOI) double-diffused metal oxide semiconductor transistor (DMOST) with a stepped channel thickness. The method provides a SOI substrate with a Si top layer having a surface. A thinned area of the Si top layer is formed, and a source region is formed in the thinned Si top layer area. The drain region is formed in an un-thinned area of the Si top layer. The channel has a first thickness adjacent the source region with first-type dopant, and a second thickness, greater than the first thickness, adjacent the drain region. The channel also has a sloped thickness between the first and second thicknesses. The second and sloped thicknesses have a second-type dopant, opposite of the first-type dopant. A stepped gate overlies the channel.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes, from its back surface side towards its front surface side: a polarization selective reflection plate (12) which reflects x-directional linearly polarized light and transmits y-directional linearly polarized light; a first polarizing plate (4) which transmits the x-directional linearly polarized light; a liquid crystal display panel (13); and a second polarizing plate (8) which transmits the y-directional linearly polarized light. The polarization selective reflection plate (12) is arranged only on a back surface side of the liquid crystal display panel (13). The y-directional linearly polarized light incident on the back surface side is reflected from the polarization selective reflection plate (12), there by protecting privacy. The x-directional linearly polarized light transmitted reaches the front surface side, via the first polarizing plate (4), the liquid crystal display panel (13), and the second polarizing plate (8).

Abstract: A semiconductor storage device has a semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type region and two second conductivity type regions separated from each other by the first conductivity type region, a memory function body formed on a surface of the semiconductor layer, and a gate electrode. The memory function body has a charge storage insulator and a charge retention insulator positioned between the charge storage insulator and the semiconductor layer, and doubles as a gate insulating film. The charge retention insulator contains such impurity atoms (phosphorus) as would cause an intrinsic semiconductor to be of the second conductivity type.

Abstract: An image shooting and display apparatus includes: a plurality of image pickup portions. An image pickup controller switches image pickup portions to be used in accordance with the image shooting mode. It also switches the image shooting mode in accordance with the image pickup portions to be actuated in accordance with the usage condition of the apparatus. A mode switching controller switches shooting mode and display mode, and controls image pickup portions suitable for each mode by way of the image pickup controller and also controls an image display portion.

Abstract: A radio wave receiving converter is provided with a circular waveguide unit to which a vertically-polarized wave and a horizontally-polarized wave are input, first and second board holding units provided on the upside and the downside of the circular waveguide unit and holding first and second circuit boards, respectively, and first and second feed probes having tip portions provided to protrude into a waveguide element in parallel with the vertically-polarized wave and the horizontally-polarized wave, respectively, and having proximal end portions connected to the first and second circuit boards, respectively. Accordingly, the first and second board holding units are provided on the upside and the downside of the circular waveguide unit, and thus there is no need to use a sliding insert in the design of a die, so that the die can easily be fabricated at low cost.

Abstract: A color filter layer includes a first region and a second region, wherein the number of times that light used for display is transmitted through the color filter layer is different between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: Provided are a method capable of imparting antistaticity to a fabric structure in a simple manner without causing any color change in the fabric structure, a fabric structure imparted with antistaticity by the method, and a washing machine that imparts antistaticity to a fabric structure according to the method. The method for imparting antistaticity to a fabric structure allows a metal or metal compound to adhere on a surface of the fabric structure by drying the fabric structure in a state where a liquid containing the metal or the metal compound exists on the surface of the fabric structure.

Abstract: A portable device includes: a first housing having a base, a protrusion protruded from the base, and a speaker hole provided at the protrusion; a hinge section provided to the protrusion so as to be freely moved about a rotation axis; and a second housing provided to the hinge section so as to be freely rotated about a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis. The hinge section has a U shape and the central part is connected to the second housing. Both-ends are branched from the central part and connected to a pair of side surfaces of the protrusion, respectively. The second housing has a first display section on at least one surface being substantially square to a connecting surface where the hinge section is connected. The portable device is capable of providing sounds associated with displays on the display section.