Abstract: A feature-pattern extraction apparatus uses a logarithmic transformation processing to extract a feature pattern from a myoelectric pattern that is a muscle action potential. The extracted feature patterns are classified, and an output control signal is generated. By using the logarithmic transformation processing to extract feature patterns, distribution bias is reduced, improving classification accuracy.

Abstract: The fitting parameters of a physics model are represented in the form of real-number vectors as the information on chromosomes of a genetic algorithm, a plurality of individuals having the chromosomes is prepared and a genetic algorithm is used to fit and optimize the parameters to the measured data points of physical quantities. Child individuals from the crossover process of the genetic algorithm are generated from three parent individuals at a determined normal distribution probability, and the replacement process takes individuals that are superior with respect to all criteria from among the selected parent individuals and plurality of child individuals and makes them the individuals of the next generation population. Moreover, optimal fitting parameters are found for each set of measurement data points under a plurality of experimental conditions, and collective fitting is performed so that the fitting parameters vary smoothly even among experimental conditions.

Abstract: An optical apparatus has an adjustment apparatus 5 and an optical unit 1 including a plurality of optical elements. The adjustment apparatus sequentially provides control signals that, according to a probabilistic search technique, change the parameters of a stipulated plurality of optical elements among the optical elements to become parameters that cause the functions of the optical apparatus to satisfy stipulated specifications. A method of adjusting the optical apparatus includes sequentially providing control signals that, according to a probabilistic search technique, change the parameters of the stipulated plurality of optical elements among the optical elements, and searching for optical values at which the functions of the optical apparatus the stipulated specification.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting the optical axis of a light transmission path that includes a plurality of optical components. The method uses an apparatus to sequentially adjust the optical axis of one or more of the optical components, using a probabilistic search technique to obtain optimum evaluation value with respect to light transmitted through the light transmission path.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fluoropolymer by polymerizing one or more radically polymerizable monomers comprising at least one fluoroolefin monomer in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator and as case demands, an inactive fluorocarbon and chain transfer agent in a reaction field where at least one of components forming the reaction field is in a supercritical state. According to the preparation process, generation of unstable end groups of the polymer, a decrease in a purity and complicated post-treatment can be eliminated.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a simultaneous printing unit configured to transfer a mono-color developer image for two pages onto an intermediate transfer body successively to form a multi-color developer image for two pages onto two sheets of recording media, thereby to form two multi-color images including first and second multi-color images. The simultaneous printing unit generates image data of each color for simultaneous printing so that a variety of colors of image data for forming the first multi-color image coincide with a variety of colors of image data for forming the second multi-color image, when a variety of colors of developers required for forming the first multi-color image are different from a variety of colors of developers required for forming the second multi-color image.

Abstract: A digital system that performs a specified function by performing digital processing according to one or more clock signals is provided with a plurality of delay elements which are respectively inserted in a plurality of clock circuits that supply the clock signals in the digital system and each of which is composed of a circuit element that changes a delay time according to a value indicated by a control signal, and a plurality of holding circuits that hold a plurality of control signals to be given to the plurality of delay elements. In the plurality of holding circuits, a value of the control signals held by these holding circuits is changed by external devices according to a probabilistic search technique so that the digital system operates correctly in relation to operation timing.

Abstract: An image coding apparatus including a context generator configured to select a reference pixel that has been coded in image data to generate a context formed of the selected reference pixel, an entropy encoder configured to code the image data based on the context to generate coded data, an evaluation value calculator configured to calculating a compression ratio based on the image data and the coded data to output the compression ratio, and an adaptive evolution processor configured to perform adaptive evolution based on the compression ratio to find optimal reference pixels for the image data, the optimal reference pixels being supplied to the context generator for optimizing the context.

Abstract: An artificial hand is constructed to sufficiently rotate the fingers as a unit using a smaller small-sized motor by decreasing the magnitude of the radius of rotation of its rotating motion. The artificial hand has a support part for rotatably supporting the fingers; a conversion device for converting a rotating output of a driving device to a linear motion; and a finger opening-and-closing operation part for converting a linear motion of the conversion device to an opening-and-closing operation of the fingers. A holding part rotatably holds the support part above or at an upper part of the driving device; and another driving device is arranged in a terminal device held by a wrist part. A rotating output of another driving device is converted to a rotational motion of the support part; and a rotating mechanism rotates the fingers and driving device as a unit around the holding part.

Abstract: A digital system that performs a specified function by performing digital processing according to one or more clock signals is provided with a plurality of delay elements which are respectively inserted in a plurality of clock circuits that supply the clock signals in the digital system and each of which is composed of a circuit element that changes a delay time according to a value indicated by a control signal, and a plurality of holding circuits that hold a plurality of control signals to be given to the plurality of delay elements. In the plurality of holding circuits, a value of the control signals held by these holding circuits is changed by external devices according to a probabilistic search technique so that the digital system operates correctly in relation to operation timing.

Abstract: A self-contained photosensitive material comprising: a support; an imaging layer on the support, the imaging layer comprising a developer material and a plurality of photosensitive microcapsules encapsulating a photosensitive composition and a color precursor; and a protective coating on the imaging layer, the protective coating comprising a cured film of a water-soluble or water-dispersible resin, wherein upon image-wise exposing the imaging layer to actinic radiation and rupturing the microcapsules, the color precursor is released from the microcapsules and reacts with the developer material to form a color image is disclosed.

Abstract: In an electronic circuit being provided with a plurality of circuit elements and performing a specified function, a plurality of specific circuit elements related to a circuit performing the specified function out of the plurality of circuit elements are composed of circuit elements changing their element parameters according to values indicated by control signals. The electronic circuit is provided with a plurality of holding circuits for holding a plurality of control signals to be given to the plurality of specific circuit elements. The values of the plurality of control signals which these holding circuits hold are changed by external or internal apparatuses according to a probabilistic searching technique (for example genetic algorithms or simulated annealing algorithms) so that the function of the electronic circuit satisfies designated specifications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an artificial hand which can sufficiently rotate the whole fingers using a smaller small-sized motor by decreasing the magnitude of the radius of rotation of its rotating motion.

Abstract: A capacitance position sensor comprises a pair of opposed tabular electrodes, an LC oscillator circuit having a toroidal core winding and whose oscillating frequency varies with change in capacitance between the pair of electrodes, and an arithmetic processing unit for calculating an absolute value of a distance between the electrodes from the oscillating frequency of the oscillator circuit. A position controller comprises a stationary member formed with one electrode of the pair of electrodes of the position sensor, a movable member on which the other electrode of the pair of electrodes is formed, and moving means for moving the movable member relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: A myoelectric pattern that is an action potential generated by a coordinated action of a plurality of muscles is measured by a group of surface electrodes on a skin surface, and a feature pattern is extracted from the measured myoelectric pattern. Redundant coding is used to encode the extracted feature pattern into a bit pattern, the coded bit pattern is subjected to pattern classification, and output control signal is generated.

Abstract: A feature-pattern extraction apparatus uses a logarithmic transformation processing to extract a feature pattern from a myoelectric pattern that is a muscle action potential. The extracted feature patterns are classified, and an output control signal is generated. By using the logarithmic transformation processing to extract feature patterns, distribution bias is reduced, improving classification accuracy.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting the optical axis of a light transmission path that includes a plurality of optical components. The method uses an apparatus to sequentially adjust the optical axis of one or more of the optical components, using a probabilistic search technique to obtain an optimum evaluation value with respect to light transmitted through the light transmission path.

Abstract: A self-contained photosensitive material comprising: a support; an imaging layer on the support, the imaging layer comprising a developer material and a plurality of photosensitive microcapsules encapsulating a photosensitive composition and a color precursor; and a protective coating on the imaging layer, the protective coating comprising a cured film of a water-soluble or water-dispersible resin, wherein upon image-wise exposing the imaging layer to actinic radiation and rupturing the microcapsules, the color precursor is released from the microcapsules and reacts with the developer material to form a color image is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of storing and a kit containing a full color dry image-forming material which does not form a muddy color, even after being stored over a long period of time, is provided by;1) A method of storing and a kit containing a dry image-forming material comprising a support and a layer provided thereon containing microcapsules containing at least a photo-curable compound, a photo initiator and a color precursor in the internal phase. The material contains a color-developer in the layer containing the microcapsule or a layer adjacent thereto and the dry image-forming material is packed together with a humidity-controlling material; or,2) The method of storing and kit as above, wherein the dry image-forming material and a humidity-controlling material are stored with a low moisture-permeable film.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing a wet powder of PTFE, comprising the step of continuously slurrying a PTFE aqueous dispersion with a high shear machine having a rotating element, and the step of continuously granulating the slurry by using vertical agitator. The process can be carried out for a long time without trouble, and can continuously provide a dry powder having good powder properties. The powder properties can be controlled by regulating operation conditions.