Abstract: A scanning probe microscope capable of preventing contact between the probe and a sample and a method of operating this microscope. The scanning probe microscope measures the topography of a surface of the sample by scanning the probe relative to the surface of the sample. A scanning reference position in the heightwise direction is updated in response to a maximum value of the height of the surface of the sample on the scan lines scanned so far. A limit value is set for motion of the probe in the heightwise direction relative to the scanning reference position. After the update, the next scan line is scanned. In this way, scanning is carried out along the successive scan lines.

Abstract: A pulse voltage having a frequency of 15 kHz is applied from a discharging power supply unit (48) to between a crankshaft (12) and an electrode plate (45) at a current density of 2.5 mA/cm2 to generate a glow discharge and an electric heater (34) is driven at a 40% output (64 kW/kg) to heat the crankshaft (12) to up to 400° C., and then heating is continued with the current density of a glow discharge set at 0.5 mA/cm2 and the output of the electric heater (34) set at 90% (144 kW/kg), thereby effecting nitriding at a desired nitriding temperature.

Abstract: A video game apparatus produces a image of a player character whose motion is operated by a player and a scene image which changes according to the motion of the player character, and displays the produced player character image and scene image on a display unit. The video game apparatus further produces sound effects according to the motion of the player character. The video game apparatus produces a first scene image subjectively viewed by the player character when the player character is stopped in a movable state, and a second scene image objectively viewing the motion of the player character when the player character is moved, and displays the produced one of the first and second scene images on the display unit. The video game apparatus produces different sound effects depending on which of the first and second scene images is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a returnable case comprising a bottom member 1, left and right side members 2L, 2R and front and back side members 3F, 3B, wherein the front and back side members 3F, 3B are formed foldable inward in a two fold state to the bottom member 1 and, in addition, formed to be detachable. A pair of claw insertion openings 1f are provided on the bottom member 1, and the width (breadth) thereof is formed wide, and at the same time, the lower part of the member forming the claw insertion opening 1f is opened. Thereby, it can be loaded not only by the fork lift but also by the hand lift. The left and right side members 2L, 2R and front and back side members 3F, 3B are joined by a lock member 4.

Abstract: Game program has a procedure for renewing, for reducing a value of a life power parameter according to volume of damage received and for renewing it, a procedure for setting parameter value, for setting the value of the life power parameter reduced and renewed as a standard parameter value and for storing it in a memory, a procedure for recovering, for increasing the value of the life power parameter by a value of recovery parameter which is set on a recovery item which is instructed to be used by a player and for renewing it, a procedure for reducing, for reducing the value of the life power parameter in the memory which was increased and renewed at a predetermined reduction velocity with the passage of time and for renewing it.

Abstract: Game program is comprised of a procedure for detecting an environmental parameter through detecting means 29 and for converting the detected parameter into a consumable parameter CEV, a procedure for storing volume of the converted consumable parameter in a memory 13 and displaying on a display (such as, energy storage gauge EAG of FIG. 5), a procedure for getting a character 31 in a game world to take an action on the display through which the consumable parameter is consumed (supply of charge energy CE to arms 33) according to a signal from an input device, and a procedure for renewing a value of the consumable parameter in the memory, corresponding to the volume of the consumable parameter consumed by the character.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a returnable case comprising a bottom member 1, left and right side members 2L, 2R and front and back side members 3F, 3B, wherein the front and back side members 3F, 3B are formed foldable inward in a two fold state to the bottom member 1 and, in addition, formed to be detachable. A pair of claw insertion openings 1f are provided on the bottom member 1, and the width (breadth) thereof is formed wide, and at the same time, the lower part of the member forming the claw insertion opening 1f is opened. Thereby, it can be loaded not only by the fork lift but also by the hand lift. The left and right side members 2L, 2R and front and back side members 3F, 3B are joined by a lock member 4.

Abstract: A plurality of presentation expressing data produced by different directors according to one game scenario are stored so as to correspond to progress data of the game scenario and identification data of the directors. When one of the directors is selected by a game player, the corresponding presentation expressing data is read out using the identification data of the selected director. CG images are produced based on the read-out presentation expressing data and displayed. If the game player selects another director during the progress of the game scenario, the corresponding presentation expressing data is read out so that CG images are produced based on the presentation expressing data of the different director and displayed.

Abstract: A game system capable of message exchange taking profit of functions proper to the game machine is achieved by a game system, comprising a first game apparatus 1 including a message creation device 4, 10 and a device 10 for transmitting the created message, and a second game apparatus 1 including a reception device 10 of said message and a display control device 10 for displaying the received message on the screen of a predetermined display apparatus 3, wherein said second game apparatus 1 includes a game execution device 10 for making a user to play a predetermined game, and a display permission control device 10 for prohibiting to display at least a part of said message until a predetermined condition is met in said game, and allowing to display the display prohibited part of said message when said condition is met.

Abstract: A video game apparatus produces a image of a player character whose motion is operated by a player and a scene image which changes according to the motion of the player character, and displays the produced player character image and scene image on a display unit. The video game apparatus further produces sound effects according to the motion of the player character. The video game apparatus produces a first scene image subjectively viewed by the player character when the player character is stopped in a movable state, and a second scene image objectively viewing the motion of the player character when the player character is moved, and displays the produced one of the first and second scene images on the display unit. The video game apparatus produces different sound effects depending on which of the first and second scene images is displayed.

Abstract: A game system capable of message exchange taking profit of functions proper to the game machine is achieved by a game system, comprising a first game apparatus 1 including a message creation device 4, 10 and a device 10 for transmitting the created message, and a second game apparatus 1 including a reception device 10 of said message and a display control device 10 for displaying the received message on the screen of a predetermined display apparatus 3, wherein said second game apparatus 1 includes a game execution device 10 for making a user to play a predetermined game, and a display permission control device 10 for prohibiting to display at least a part of said message until a predetermined condition is met in said game, and allowing to display the display prohibited part of said message when said condition is met.

Abstract: A video game machine presents an attractive game that even those people who do not have enough time can enjoy. A CPU of the video game machine specifies one of a plurality of events related to the ending of a story in a game world. The CPU then determines whether the specified event is allowed to be skipped on the basis of a skip flag stored in a state management table. In the case where the CPU determines that the event is allowed to be skipped, if an event skip signal is input via a controller, then the CPU skips the presentation of that event and presents a bridge pattern instead of the skipped event. The skipping of the event results in the number of events related to the ending of the story and thus the time spent by the game player to reach the ending of the story.

Abstract: A multi-story parking facility comprises a double helical descending ramp structure in the shape of a rectangle, a pair of ascending ramps located on each side and sandwiching the double helical descending ramp structure therebetween, and a pair of connecting passages provided on each floor for connecting the double helical descending ramp structure and the ascending ramps. The ascending ramps are provided with parking spaces on one or both sides thereof. The pair of connecting passages provided on each floor are positioned symmetrically about the center of the descending ramp structure. The above configuration permits speedy entry and exit of cars to realize a high turnover and accommodation efficiency.

Abstract: A control device for a heat pump system having a hot-water supply facility is disclosed which comprises an input device for inputting the cost of electricity for operating a heat pump and for inputting the cost of fuel for operating a boiler. A first sensor detects the temperature of the ambient air. A second sensor detects the moisture of the ambient air. A third sensor detects the temperature of the hot-water supply. An operation circuit selects an operation mode on the basis of the output signals received from the sensors. A comparison circuit selects the cheaper energy form based on cost data inputted from the input device in the heating air mode and in the hot-water supply mode. A control circuit selectively operates the heat pump or the boiler based on the result of the comparison performed by the comparison circuit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hollow tape guide for guiding magnetic recording tape. In this method, a round rod-like metal wire is sheared by shearing cutters into a blank a predetermined length, having a first end and a second end. Then, the blank is shaped and made into a blank having a shallow recess in the second end. The blank is then extruded and made into a cup-shaped blank closed at the first end by a bottom and having a predetermined length and a predetermined wall thickness. Finally, the bottom of the cup-shaped blank is punched out, thereby providing a hollow tape guide. The bottom is thick when the rod-like blank is too long, and is thin when the rod-like blank is too short, so that the cup-shaped blank may have the desired length and desired wall thickness.

Abstract: A composition for administration through a body cavity, which comprises 2',4'-difluoro-4-hydroxy-3-biphenyl carboxylic acid dispersed in a mixture of hydrogenated phospholipids and a fatty base.

Abstract: Lenses are successively and continuously fed to first precision grinding and cutting device wherein they are ground. Thereafter, the lenses are automatically conveyed to a second grinding and polishing device wherein they are further polished, and finally the lenses are automatically removed, washed and discharged from said apparatus.