Abstract: To solve the problem that when a space with a set width is inserted after each character to regularize the spaces between characters the overall character spacing is widened, making text less easy to read, there are provided a character control code storage unit (5) for storing, for each character display position, a character control code (CTD) including a character code (CC) and character width data (CW), and a positional control unit (4) for reading the character control code (CTD) for the present character display position from the character control code storage unit (5), and controlling the occurrence interval of the present character display position according to the character width data (CW) in the character control code (5) that was read and the previous character display position.

Abstract: The compound operation input device of the invention includes a case; a flexible substrate mounted on a bottom plate section of the case a first operation body moving operable in a direction orthogonal to the flexible substrate a second operation body tilting operable and rotating operable, the second operation body being an annular member arranged at the periphery of the first operation body; a first switching means operated by the movement of the first operation body; a plurality of second switching means operated by the tilt of the second operation body; and a rotary switch that detects the rotating direction and the rotating amount of the second operation body. The first and second switching means and the slid contacting point pattern of the rotary switch are arranged on the same surface of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus receives n-bit image data, carries out an ?-bit bit extension, and outputs (n+?)-bit image data, where n and ? are positive integers. The apparatus also performs an epsilon filtering operation that uses the additional gray levels provided by the bit extension to smooth out false edges caused by the bit extension without smoothing out real edges. The output image preserves both the smoothness of regions of gradual change and the sharpness of abrupt changes in the input image.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer assembly includes a disk-shaped semiconductor wafer including on a face side thereof a flat area having a plurality of semiconductor devices formed thereon and a beveled surface disposed around the flat surface, and a circular adhesive film bonded to a reverse side of the semiconductor wafer. The adhesive film is bonded only to an area of the reverse side which is coextensive with the flat area.

Abstract: An input device of the invention includes a body formed with an accommodating part; an operation member having a basal end accommodated in the accommodating part and a distal end projected in a swinging operable manner to either side in a width direction and in a pushing operable manner from an neutral position; and an earth terminal for dissipating static electricity charged in the operation member. The input device is attachable to a circuit board. The earth terminal, being a metal plate insert molded in a wall, includes a contacting portion and first and second projections arranged near the operation member, and connecting parts exposed from the other end face of the body and solder connectable to respective earth patterns of the circuit board.

Abstract: The compound operation input device of the invention includes a case; a flexible substrate mounted on a bottom plate section of the case a first operation body moving operable in a direction orthogonal to the flexible substrate a second operation body tilting operable and rotating operable, the second operation body being an annular member arranged at the periphery of the first operation body; a first switching means operated by the movement of the first operation body; a plurality of second switching means operated by the tilt of the second operation body; and a rotary switch that detects the rotating direction and the rotating amount of the second operation body. The first and second switching means and the slid contacting point pattern of the rotary switch are arranged on the same surface of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Interpolation data for a missing pixel are obtained (4) after a correction (3) for variations in the characteristics of the imaging devices (8(1), 8(2)). The correction for variations in characteristics includes, for example, a black level correction (9) and a sensitivity correction (10). The interpolation includes, for example, interpolation calculations (14(1), 14(2)) such that a mean value of a plurality of pixels including the missing pixel and a mean value of a plurality of pixels not including the missing pixel become equal and an interpolation calculation (14(0)) that takes the mean of the pixels to the right and left of the missing pixel, the calculation with the least error being selected (13, 15). Thus missing pixels in highly periodic images can be properly interpolated, and interpolation can be performed with high precision even when there are variations in the sensitivity characteristics of the individual imaging devices constituting the contact image sensor.

Abstract: An image processing method extends n-bit input image data by ? bits to generate (n+?)-bit source data, where n and ? are positive integers, and smoothes the source data. The maximum difference between gray levels of the unsmoothed source data in an area localized around each pixel is calculated, and a mixing ratio is determined from the maximum difference. The smoothed and unsmoothed source data are mixed according to the mixing ratio to generate output image data. In areas with gradually changing gray levels, the output image data are weighted toward the smoothed source data, mitigating image degradation due to quantization and gamma correction. In areas with sharp edges, the output image data are weighted toward the unsmoothed source data, preventing a loss of edge sharpness.

Abstract: Missing-pixel interpolation data are obtained such that the mean value of a plurality of pixels constituting a group of pixels including a missing pixel is equal to the mean value of a plurality of pixels constituting a group of pixels not including the missing pixel. For example, missing-pixel interpolation data are obtained by (1) obtaining a sum (SL) of the values of pixels other than the missing pixel (L) in the k pixels constituting the group (LC) of pixels including the missing pixel, (2) obtaining a sum (SA) of the values of k pixels constituting a group (NA) of pixels not including the missing pixel, and (3) taking the difference between these sums. This makes it possible to reduce interpolation error when a highly periodic image with missing pixels is interpolated.

Abstract: A tone step detector detects whether the tone of n-bit input image data varies gradually, and generates a tone processing control signal indicating that a tone step is contained. A bit shifter bit-shifts the n-bit input image data to the left by ? bits, to generate (n+?)-bit image data. A tone processor smoothes the image data of the (n+?)-bit image data generated by the bit shifter, in the region where the tone processing control signal indicates that a tone step is contained, to generate (n+?)-bit image data having been smoothed in the above-mentioned region. Because of the selective smoothing, degradation in the image quality due to quantization is reduced even when an analog image signal whose tone varies gradually is input.

Abstract: A pixel interpolation circuit according to this invention includes a plurality of interpolation circuits each calculating interpolation candidate data of a interpolation pixel and test interpolation data of a plurality of pixels neighboring the interpolation pixel using different interpolation methods, a determining circuit for selecting one of the interpolation circuits based on a difference between the test interpolation data and actual pixel data, and an output circuit for outputting the interpolation candidate data calculated by the selected interpolation circuit as the interpolation pixel data.

Abstract: The invention provides a noxious organism-controlling agent effective to control pests that have acquired a resistance to conventional Bt agents, and which has activity on Coleoptera pests. Also, the invention provides a microbe, Bacillus thuringiensis serovar galleriae SDS502 strain, that produces a toxic protein. This toxic protein can serve as the active ingredient in a noxious organism-controlling composition. The invention provides a protein having pesticidal activity that is produced by the Bacillus thuringiensis serovar galleriae SDS502 strain, and a protein having an addition, deletion or substitution of a plurality of amino acids and having similar pesticidal activity. The invention also provides a DNA encoding protein having pesticidal activity, a microbe transformed with the DNA, and a plant transformed with the DNA and its seed.

Abstract: A machining strain removal apparatus for removing machining strain present on a treated surface of a workpiece, for example, a ground back of a semiconductor wafer by polishing the treated surface or ground back with a polishing tool with a high efficiency in a high quality. The apparatus includes a chuck for holding the workpiece while exposing the treated surface, and a polishing component for polishing the treated surface of the workpiece held on the chuck. The polishing component includes a polishing tool, and presses the polishing tool being rotated against the treated surface of the workpiece, thereby polishing the treated surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sealing device by preparing a mold for molding both a rubber-like elastic material and a resin material, the resin material having a flat washer shape, inserting an outer diameter portion of the resin material into a mold cavity of the mold, and adhesively baking the rubber-like elastic material to the outer diameter portion of the resin material together with the molding of the rubber-like elastic material. An inner diameter portion of the flat washer shape resin material is pressed by a mold part adjacent to the mold cavity in utilization of a mold clamping pressure, the pressed inner diameter portion of the resin material is bent at an elevated temperature by a mold part to form a resin lip, arranged so as to not interfere with the rubber seal lip, and the sealing device produced is separated from the mold.

Abstract: A method for exterminating termites comprising using an entomopathogenic nematode together with an inset-growth regulator or a slow-acting insecticide, wherein insecticidal effects are reinforced compared with the cases using singly the entomopathogenic nematode and the insect-growth regulator or the slow-acting insecticide, respectively, and a bait station for exterminating termites that contains an entomopathogenic nematode with an insect-growth regulator or a slow-acting insecticide. According to the invention, emission of harmful chemicals to environment can be suppressed. The invention is nonpoisonous for human being and livestock, and is useful for indoor or outdoor extermination of termites.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes, a plurality of band pass filters, each having a different center frequency, to which an oscillation signal of the PLL circuit is supplied. Further, a counter corresponding to each band pass filter counts the signal output from the band pass filter. The result of the counting by the counters is supplied to a test circuit. The test circuit detects defectiveness of the PLL circuit based on received results of the counting.

Abstract: A machining strain removal apparatus for removing machining strain present on a treated surface of a workpiece, for example, a ground back of a semiconductor wafer by polishing the treated surface or ground back with a polishing tool with a high efficiency in a high quality. The apparatus comprises chuck means for holding the workpiece while exposing the treated surface, and polishing means for polishing the treated surface of the workpiece held on the chuck means. The polishing means includes a polishing tool, and presses the polishing tool being rotated against the treated surface of the workpiece, thereby polishing the treated surface.

Abstract: Noxious organism-controlling agent of the present invention is effective to pests that have acquired a resistance to conventional Bt agents and has activity on Coleoptera pests of which only several kinds have been reported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lip-type seal of the outer periphery rubber type having a stationary sealing portion made of rubber on the outer periphery of a reinforcing ring. In view of the fact that there is produced a gap corresponding to the rubber thickness of the stationary sealing portion between the outer periphery of the reinforcing ring and inner periphery of the seal attachment hole, the invention has an object to permit certain supporting of the reinforcing ring by means of a stop functional member by expanding the engagement area engaging with the stop functional member.