Abstract: By combining a plurality of encoding methods actively, an encoding efficiency is enhanced. The first encoder encodes a result of determination whether a prediction error is zero or not. The second encoder encodes the prediction error unless the prediction error is zero. The third encoder encodes the prediction error regardless of whether the prediction error is zero or not. The mode determinator determines the encoding mode, and the encoding controller selectively operates the first encoder, the second encoder, and the third encoder according to the encoding mode determined.

Abstract: Encoding efficiency is enhanced by actively combining a plurality of encoding methods. A picture element memory receives and stores picture elements within a predetermined range. A mode determinator selects an encoding mode based upon a reference picture element. A first encoding section and a second encoding section predicts the value of the encoded picture element, determines whether the prediction is correct, and then encodes the value of the encoding picture element based on the determination result and outputs a codeword for the encoding picture element. An encoding controller selectively operates the first encoding section and the second encoding section based upon one of the specific encoding modes and the other encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode determinator.

Abstract: Encoding efficiency is enhanced by actively combining a plurality of encoding methods. A picture element memory receives and stores picture elements within a predetermined range. A mode determinator selects an encoding mode based upon a reference picture element. A first encoding section and a second encoding section predicts the value of the encoded picture element, determines whether the prediction is correct, and then encodes the value of the encoding picture element based on the determination result and outputs a codeword for the encoding picture element. An encoding controller selectively operates the first encoding section and the second encoding section based upon one of the specific encoding modes and the other encoding mode other than the specific encoding mode selected by the mode determinator.

Abstract: An image data transmission system includes mobile transceivers having memories storing image data that is organized in sequential blocks. The mobile transceivers sequentially pass by a stationary transceiver and pause proximate the stationary transceiver. While pausing, a mobile transceiver transmits a block of the image data to the stationary transceiver, which receives and stores the transmitted data. Data transmission is interrupted by movement of the formerly pausing mobile transceiver. The stationary transceiver transmits a pointer signal to a paused mobile transceiver indicating which blocks of image data have been stored in the stationary transceiver so that the mobile transceivers transmit the blocks sequentially until all blocks have been received and stored by the stationary transceiver. The apparatus may be employed in a mass transit system, such as a subway or commuter train, in which the mobile transceivers are mounted in train cars and the stationary transceiver is located at a station.

Abstract: By combining a plurality of encoding methods actively, an encoding efficiency is enhanced. The first encoder encodes a result of determination whether a prediction error is zero or not. The second encoder encodes the prediction error unless the prediction error is zero. The third encoder encodes the prediction error regardless of whether the prediction error is zero or not. The mode determinator determines the encoding mode, and the encoding controller selectively operates the first encoder, the second encoder, and the third encoder according to the encoding mode determined.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for continuously and efficiently producing high protein foodstuff such as cheese curd, by continuously sprinkling and pouring a protein solution such as cow's milk or soybean milk from above onto the water surface of a warm water bath through a nozzle having multiple holes. A constant amount of warm water kept at a fixed temperature is supplied to the water bath. This process converts the protein solution into curd useful in producing various types of cheese.

Abstract: An election terminal apparatus includes an integral-type display/input unit constituted by a liquid crystal display unit and a tablet unit for input data. The display unit displays a first screen including icons corresponding to candidates. A voter operates the tablet unit to designate a candidate for whom he/she wants to vote. The election terminal apparatus discriminates the candidate designated by the voter, and causes the liquid crystal display unit to display an image for allowing the voter to input the candidate name or the like with handwriting. When the voter handwrites the candidate name or the like on the table unit, the election terminal apparatus performs character recognition with respect to the handwritten pattern. When a candidate specified by the recognized characters coincides with the candidate designated first, the election terminal apparatus increments the vote count of the candidate by one.

Abstract: An election terminal apparatus includes an integral-type display/input unit constituted by a liquid crystal display unit and a tablet unit for input data. The display unit displays a first screen including icons corresponding to candidates. A voter operates the tablet unit to designate a candidate for whom he/she wants to vote. The election terminal apparatus discriminates the candidate designated by the voter, and causes the liquid crystal display unit to display an image for allowing the voter to input the candidate name or the like with handwriting. When the voter handwrites the candidate name or the like on the table unit, the election terminal apparatus performs character recognition with respect to the handwritten pattern. When a candidate specified by the recognized characters coincides with the candidate designated first, the election terminal apparatus increments the vote count of the candidate by one.

Abstract: Efficient utilization of a whey protein for the production of cheese, which results from the cheese production as a by-product. The whey is concentrated by an ultrafiltration and added to the concentrated milk. A milk coagulating enzyme and a lactic acid bacteria starter were added to the resultant mixture together with warm or hot water with stirring to instantaneously elevate the temperature of the reaction mixture to coagulate and give the cheese curd.

Abstract: A high-density installation type robot able to be installed side by side with another such robot, to work on an object at the same time is provided. A robot wrist assembly (30) is equipped with three rotary axes (.alpha. axis, .beta. axis, .gamma. axis), and a robot arm (26) having the robot wrist assembly (30) mounted on an end thereof is given a rotary axis (.theta. axis). Further, a bracket-shaped holder (24) holding the robot arm (26) is provided in such a manner that it can move vertically (V) and linearly (FR), whereby a large rectangular parallelepiped, three-dimensional operating area can be secured and a wasted operating area eliminated.

Abstract: A variable pitch spot welding gun assembly for a welding robot has a fixed base (16) directly attached to the robot wrist (12) of an industrial welding robot, welding transformers (24, 26) fixed to the fixed base (16), a fixed spot welding gun (22) provided apart from the welding transformers (24, 26), a movable spot welding gun (20) provided apart from the welding transfomers (24, 26) and capable of being moved relative to the fixed spot welding gun (22), to adjust a pitch between the fixed spot welding gun (22) and the movable spot welding gun (20), and secondary conductors (44a to 44e) connecting the fixed and movable spot welding guns (22, 90) respectively to the welding transformers (24, 26).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for the continuous and quick production of cheese curds from milk, which comprises cooling a concentrated milk which has been obtained by ultrafiltration, adjusting its pH to 4.8-5.8 without coagulation, adding a milk-coagulating enzyme and/or a lactic acid bacterium starter, and the quickly heating the resultant mixture to 25.degree.-84.degree. C., whereby cheese curds are continuously formed, the heating of the mixture preferably being effected by heating a permeate separated out by the ultrafiltration and then mixing the heated permeate with the mixture. The thus-obtained cheese curds affording cheese having smooth texture.