Abstract: A plurality of resistors is connected to a plurality of output terminals of a semiconductor integrated circuit, respectively, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the plurality of resistors. Also, a predetermined operation pattern signal used to test functions of the semiconductor integrated circuit is input to a plurality of input terminals of the semiconductor integrated circuit. Thus, a total sum of amounts of currents caused to flow through the plurality of resistors, respectively, is measured. The total sum of amounts of currents thus measured is compared with a normal value of a total sum of amounts of currents which are measured in a non-defective sample which is used instead of the semiconductor integrated circuit and is verified in advance to normally operate. It is judged based on the comparison results whether or not the semiconductor integrated circuit is normal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which can always accurately extract, from a photographed image, an optimum feature quantity to be used for image processing is provided. In the apparatus, a limitation unit limits a predetermined area to extract the feature quantity in a lung area of an image (lung image obtained by radiographing). For example, as the predetermined area, the limitation unit limits an area obtained by dividing the lung area in a predetermined ratio, an area extending from 1/4 to 1/2 from a head side of a maximum-length vertical axis of the lung area, or an area within a predetermined-length range from the upside of the lung area. An extraction unit extracts a feature quantity (maximum pixel value) from the predetermined area.

Abstract: A plurality of resistors is connected to a plurality of output terminals of a semiconductor integrated circuit, respectively, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the plurality of resistors. Also, a predetermined operation pattern signal used to test functions of the semiconductor integrated circuit is input to a plurality of input terminals of the semiconductor integrated circuit. Thus, a total sum of amounts of currents caused to flow through the plurality of resistors, respectively, is measured. The total sum of amounts of currents thus measured is compared with a normal value of a total sum of amounts of currents which are measured in a non-defective sample which is used instead of the semiconductor integrated circuit and is verified in advance to normally operate. It is judged based on the comparison results whether or not the semiconductor integrated circuit is normal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus which can always accurately extract, from a photographed image, an optimum feature quantity to be used for image processing is provided. In the apparatus, a limitation unit limits a predetermined area to extract the feature quantity in a lung area of an image (lung image obtained by radiographing). For example, as the predetermined area, the limitation unit limits an area obtained by dividing the lung area in a predetermined ratio, an area extending from ¼ to ½ from a head side of a maximum-length vertical axis of the lung area, or an area within a predetermined-length range from the upside of the lung area. An extraction unit extracts a feature quantity (maximum pixel value) from the predetermined area.

Abstract: A method for changing the direction of a cutting edge of a cutting plotter in order to align the cutting edge in the direction in which the initial portion of the desired cut will be made, prior to beginning a cut in the effective plotting area of a sheet mounted on a recording surface. By preliminarily aligning the cutting edge along the cutting direction, the cut can be made accurately along, for example, a straight line from the starting point of the cut. The method is performed with a cutting blade with a main edge directed diagonally upwardly from a cutting point, the cutting blade being rotatably supported in a holder for rotation around its axial center. The edge of the cutter can be aligned in a certain direction by first pressing the blade against a non-used portion of the sheet and moving the cutter therealong in a predetermined direction to cause rotation of the main edge of the cutter in the holder to align it in a first predetermined direction.

Abstract: A control system for controlling spark timing of the engine is to control the retarding of the spark timing at the time of accelerating in anticipation. The amount of retarding the spark timing at the time of accelerating is set larger when the torque converter is provided in a driving system of the engine than when no torque converter is provided. A preferred feature is such that the amount of retarding the spark timing at the time of accelerating is set so as to be decreased gradually from its given initial value and that the retarding of the spark timing is suspended when the retarding amount reaches a value smaller than a given reset value. Both the initial value and the reset value are set to be greater when the torque converter is equipped than those when no torque converter is equipped.

Abstract: An air-to-fuel ratio control system executes a feedback control of air-to-fuel ratio based on an output of an oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is judged to be active when a change of the output therefrom occurs to make a fuel mixture rich. For detecting the failure or breakdown of the oxygen sensor when the feedback air-to-fuel control is suspended, the air-to-fuel ratio control system comprises an activity sensor for detecting whether the oxygen sensor is active or inactive, an air-to-fuel ratio altering device for enforcing an alteration of air-to-fuel ratio to make a fuel mixture rich, and a judging device for judging the oxygen sensor to be broken down when no activity detection is made while the alteration of air-to-fuel ratio has been effected.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the air-fuel mixing ratio of a combustible mixture to be supplied to the engine on a feedback control scheme in dependence on the concentration of a constituent of exhaust gases which is a function of the air-fuel mixing ratio of the combustible mixture having been combusted. The feedback control scheme of the air-fuel ratio control system for adjusting the ratio to the stoichiometric value is temporarily disconnected to permit the mixture to be enriched so that the engine can produce a relatively high power output during the high load engine operating condition.