Abstract: A signal transmission system has a master node and plural slave nodes performing data transmission with the master node. The master node has a serial-to-parallel converter for converting a serial data signal from each slave node into a parallel data signal. Each slave node has a transmission aligner for performing word alignment processing upon a parallel data signals, and a parallel-to-serial converter for converting the parallel data signal subjected to the word alignment processing by the transmission aligner into a serial data signal, and outputting the serial data signal to the master node.

Abstract: Master node #0 and a plurality of slave nodes #1 to #4 are connected to one another via a plurality of optical couplers 20. Each of the nodes is controlled so that signal transmission between the nodes by a bus connection and a link connection is conducted via the optical couplers. In the link connection, the master node transmits bit signals corresponding to the number of the slave nodes. Each of the slave nodes transmits a bit signal with allocating the signal to a predetermined bit.

Abstract: A document identification registration system is provided for identification and registration of (constituent elements of) documents such as slips and notes of books. For example, the document identification registration system inputs digital picture data representing a picture of a slip, which is picked up by an image pickup device. From the digital picture data, the system extracts unregistered constituent elements such as characters and/or lines of rectangular frames, which are printed on the slip. From the constituent elements, the system selects a first constituent element to meet a prescribed condition. Then, the first constituent element is compared with the registered constituent elements, which are stored in advance. Next, the system further selects a second constituent element, which is clearly identified from the registered constituent elements, from the first constituent element on the basis of comparison result. So, the system registers the second constituent element therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiprocessor system having plural processors and an optical bus shared by the plural processors, and intends to simplify the cache control, reduce the volume of hardware, and shorten the memory access processing time. For this purpose, the multiprocessor system of the invention includes a shared memory, a cache memory connected to the shared memory, an optical bus connected to the cache memory, and plural processors connected to the optical bus, which access to the cache memory through the optical bus.

Abstract: A signal transmission system has a transmission apparatus, a reception apparatus, and a transmission path. In the transmission apparatus, after signal sequences are coded by 8B10B encoders so as to attain DC balance, an error correction code is added to the coded signal sequences by an ECC adder, and the signal sequences are then transmitted. In the reception apparatus, error correction is conducted on the received signal sequences by error correction sections, and the coded signal sequences are then decoded by the 10B8B decoders so as to attain DC balance.

Abstract: An optical bus 30 optically connects each board of a signal processing section 22 and each board of a transmission/reception section 40 for transmitting an optical signal output to the optical bus 30 by each board of the signal processing section 22 to each board of the transmission/reception section 40 in a non-block state. In contrast, the optical bus 30 transmits an optical signal output to the optical bus 30 by each board of the transmission/reception section 40 to each board of the signal processing section 22 in a non-block state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple bus control device and others which can also be applied to access control by a signal having a directional propagation property for implementing various communication between/among modules. Each of plural modules makes a request for communication to a multiple bus control device by sending communication request information for specifying one or more communication partner modules to the multiple bus control device. The multiple bus control device checks an idle state of a module to be communicated and an idle channel in a multiple bus based upon received communication request information and permits communication between a module which sends communication request information using the idle channel and a communication partner module specified in the communication request information.

Abstract: A first optical wave guide 36 and a second optical wave guide 40 are connected to both sides of a planer optical waveguide 32, respectively. The other ends 36b, 40b of the first and second optical wave guides 36, 40 are extended over an upper surface 20 of an optical wiring circuit board 18. An electric wiring circuit 14 is connected to the other ends 36b, 40b of the first and second optical wave guides 36, 40, thereby constituting an optical wiring circuit 16. A plurality of optical wiring circuits 16 are superimposed on one another to thereby form an optical wiring circuits layered body 12. The electric wiring circuit 14 can be connected from one surface of the optical wiring circuit board 18, which makes it possible to facilitate the connection thereof.

Abstract: A multifunction system has advanced functions and high speed capability and is excellent in expandability. The multifunction system includes a controller, an IIT, an IOT, and a light distributing device. For a print job, print data outputted from the controller is converted into optical signals, which enter a light distributing device and are transmitted to the IOT of the emission side. The IOT prints the received data onto a printer. For a copy job, copy data outputted from IIT is converted into optical signals, which enter the light distributing device, and are transmitted to the IOT of the emission side. For a scan job, scan data outputted from the scanner is converted into optical signals, which enter the light distributing device, and are transmitted to the controller of the emission side. The controller processes the received data.

Abstract: The present invention suppresses a data writing speed in mirroring and increases expandability. For a write request from a host, a disk controller stores write data in cache memory, and then transforms it into optical signals by a light emitting apparatus and sends them to an optical bus. The signal light inputted to the optical bus is broadcast-transmitted by the optical bus and read into disk drives simultaneously through a light receiving apparatus. This suppresses reduction in a data writing speed in mirroring and increases expandability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a windscreen washer pump, which is suitable for use with a vehicle, of a type wherein washer fluid is forcibly pressurized by means of an impeller, to be supplied to a vehicle windscreen or the like. A plurality of supplemental vanes are provided between the impeller and an inlet for entry of the washer fluid. The plurality of supplemental vanes serve to introduce the washer fluid from the inlet into the impeller and forcibly pressurize the fluid from the impeller even in a case where air is mixed.

Abstract: A pump used to selectively force-feed under pressure washer fluid to the front and rear windscreens of a vehicle according to the rotation of an impeller in either one or other direction. A bypass flow passage for taking out part of the washer fluid, which is forcibly fed under pressure by means of the impeller, is formed upon supply of the washer fluid to the rear windscreen. Thus, the washer fluid delivered to the front windscreen and that delivered to the rear windscreen are different in the delivery rate.

Abstract: A washer pump for an automobile includes a substantially circular pump chamber receiving concentrically therein an impeller and having an inlet aligned with the center of the impeller and first and second outlets defined in a sidewall of the pump chamber and extending tangentially to the sidewall, and a directional control valve including a valve chamber connected in fluid communication with the pump chamber through the first outlet and also through the second outlet, and a valve element movably disposed in the valve chamber for selectively connecting the first and second outlets, respectively, to first and second washer nozzles of the automobile. The washer pump further includes a projection disposed between the first and second outlets and projecting inwardly from the sidewall of the pump chamber toward the impeller for substantially blocking the flow of a cleaning fluid between the first and second outlets, thereby increasing the pressure difference between the first and second outlets.