Abstract: A personal safety device is provided. The personal safety device is comprised of a housing member, which houses a repellant spray member and a sound generating member. A means well known in the art are used for activation of the repellant spray member, wherein upon activation of the repellant spray member a repellant stored inside of the repellant spray member is released from the repellant spray member. Additionally, means well known in the art are used for activation of the sound generating member, wherein upon activation of the sound generating member a sound, such as a loud alarm, is emitted from the sound generating member. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the personal safety device has means for activating of either the repellant spray member, or the sound generating member, or both.

Abstract: The present invention is to an integrated end-to-end system and process composed of numerous application systems and subsystems (applicable in total or in subparts) which enables parties (such as businesses, buildings, prisons, governments, etc.) to acquire information (biometric and textual) regarding an applicant requesting entry, verify the acquired information—checking it against defined (e.g., government enforcement agencies) offender lists, and utilizing the acquired information at defined points in the process to track individuals. Further, the system preferably includes mandatory, scheduled check-ins to ensure compliance with the visitation requirements during the stay by the party in the sponsoring facility, country, business, etc.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an alerting system includes an activation device coupled to a first human and operable to emit a first signal, a transceiver coupled to the first human and operable to detect the first signal and emit a second signal in response thereto, a receiver coupled to a second human and operable to receive the second signal, and an indicator coupled to the receiver and operable to activate in response to receipt of the second signal.

Abstract: A computer based bird control system is provided. The bird control system utilizes an impactor that is attachable to a structure, such as an I-beam or other similarly sized and dimensioned metal object, to create an acoustic impact noise similar to a whacking of the structure. The impactor is preferably actuated at a random or a semi-random impact rate such as around once every ten seconds. The acoustic impact noise may be provided in addition to the playing of bird predator or other deterrent sounds maintained in audio files on the computer. The system also provides audio and/or physical bird presence detection within a monitored area. Detection of the presence of a bird may be used as a trigger for the actuation of the impactor and/or predator/deterrent sounds. Actuation of the impactor and/or sound files may be accomplished via a schedule through the use of timer files in addition to or in place of animal presence detection.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for containing an animal in a defined area. The apparatus comprises first and second communicating units; one operatively associated with the animal, and the other positioned to locate the area. At least one of the units is adapted to transmit a signal, and at least one of the units is adapted to receive the signal. A circuit is adapted to measure the transmission time or change in transmission time of the signal and calculate the distance between the first and second units. At least one of the first and second units is configured to emit an output to contain the animal in the area when the transmission time corresponds to the animal leaving the area.

Abstract: A spectrometer for infrared reflectance measurements of samples for identification of the sample materials is built into a steering wheel assembly. The spectrometer includes a window and optics on a bench adjacent the window, so that the optics will be aligned with the sample when the device is placed in optical alignment with or directly against the sample. The optics include a broad-band IR light source (ordinary lamp) shining onto an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF), which passes narrow-band IR light with a swept frequency; a lens focusing the IR through the window onto the sample; and a reflectance detector aligned with the window of the spectrometer to pick up reflected light. A computer, which may be mounted in the spectrometer, compares the detected reflectance spectrum with stored sample data spectra, and identifies the material or the components of the material and their proportions. When a control substance is detected an alarm signal is produced.

Abstract: The device according to the invention has a sensor (5) for generating and detecting an electromagnetic field situated in the vicinity of a moving part (1) that should not be touched. The device according to the invention also has an evaluation unit (8) that is connected to the sensor (5) in order to evaluate sensor signals that can be generated by the sensor (5), wherein the evaluation unit (8) can generate an evaluation signal. Finally, a control unit (9) connected to the evaluation unit (8) is provided, which is designed and can be operated so as to control the movement of the part (1) as a function of the evaluation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide drying procedure information through a user interface. A monitoring device transmits drying procedure data measured by sensors within a structure undergoing the drying procedure to a server. In response to requests received through a communication network from a user interface, the server transmits the drying procedure information that is presented through the user interface. A variety of information and services related to the drying procedure may be provided through the user interface.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring and controlling one or more valves. The method can include sensing a condition of a valve, transmitting the condition to a sensor server, and transmitting a data stream including the condition to an assessment application. The method can also include generating a predictive model and comparing the condition to the predictive model. The method can further include transmitting a control instruction to at least one of a valve positioner and the sensor server and varying the position of the valve based on the control instruction.

Abstract: A flash-bang projectile that generates one or more noise pulses and one or more flashes of light. In generating a noise pulse, the flash-bang projectile provides a housing that includes a gas chamber that entraps air. The gas chamber includes a compression device that, when the flash-bang projectile is shot or otherwise ejected by a gun or other form of ejection device, compresses the air that is entrapped in the gas chamber. A burst disk forms one wall of the gas chamber and is configured to rupture a selected time delay after the air has been compressed. Rupturing of the burst disk releases the compressed air entrapped in the gas chamber, allowing the air to be released through a horn nozzle, thereby generating a noise pulse. The flash-bang projectile may have more than one gas chambers, with associated compression devices, whose burst disks are configured to rupture with diverse time delays, in which case the flash-bang projectile can generate multiple noise pulses with corresponding delays.

Abstract: A remote controller, a remote controlled electronic device, a remote control system for an electronic device and a remote control method for an electronic device are provided. The remote controller outputs a control code corresponding to a device ID, a device ID setting/change command and an operation command with respect to one or more electronic devices input from a user. The electronic device receives the device ID and/or control code from the remote controller and stores the received device ID. A control unit of the electronic device determines whether to operate in response to a control code received from the remote controller by checking whether the received device ID matches with the stored device ID. An output unit of the electronic device displays the device ID and/or a function in operation.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A measuring transducer with a sensor for converting a detected measured value into a sensor signal. The sensor signal is processed in a signal processing device to form a measuring signal that is transmitted to a central location via a data interface. The data interface is also used as a conduit for signals to parameterize the measuring transducer. The measuring transducer includes a device that provides a simulated measuring signal that can be transmitted to the central location on request via the data interface instead of the detected measured value. Further, a function can be performed on the simulated measuring signal before it is transmitted or a sequence of simulated measuring values can be transmitted corresponding to particular operating conditions.

Abstract: Most of on-vehicle DSRC apparatus are mounted on a dashboard of a vehicle and downsized not to hinder vision. Therefore the number of switches disposed on a panel is limited, while increase in number of functions is expected. Moreover, since an on-vehicle DSRC apparatus is operated while driving, a function key method adapted to operate keys visually is not applicable. Accordingly, an apparatus capable of performing multiple functions, in which can be assigned to one switch and operation can be performed without viewing, is demanded. A press button is operated to punch Morse code. Different functions are preliminarily allotted to respective punching patterns. A switch determination section stores the allotted functions, analyzes a press pattern and determines a function to be allotted. One switch serves multiple functions including sound volume setting, history confirmation, and on-vehicle apparatus identification number, achieving a small size on-vehicle DSRC apparatus at reasonable price.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft navigation aid method. It comprises the following steps of defining an area to be sensed to the right and to the left of a first hypothetical path of the aircraft, sensing, for each of the two areas to be sensed to the right and to the left, a corresponding predefined underlying relief, in order to identify dangerous sub-zones to the right and/or to the left, computing, for each of the dangerous sub-zones to the right and/or to the left, a time ?T remaining to begin an avoidance maneuver before a point of no return, and determining for the dangerous sub-zones to the right a minimum ?T denoted ?T right and/or for the dangerous sub-zones to the left a minimum ?T denoted ?T left, establishing a navigation aid from ?T right and/or ?T left.

Abstract: When a control circuit extracts data of an entity corresponding to a phone number, the control circuit retrieves phone numbers that accord, with respect to lower seven digits of a phone number, with the inputted phone number from among phone numbers included in retrieval data. After the entity having the phone number corresponding to the inputted phone number is extracted, a map including the entity extracted is displayed based on the position information of the entity extracted. Accordingly, even when the area code of the phone number is changed, the map including the corresponding entity can be displayed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compensating offsets in a read signal generated by a sensor associated with a probe of a local-probe data storage device during read-scanning by the probe of bit-positions on a storage surface. An apparatus comprises a generator for generating an offset compensation signal, and a subtraction stage for producing an output signal dependent on the difference between the offset compensation signal and the sensor read signal at each bit-position. In some embodiments, an offset signal generator generates an offset compensation signal dependent upon a predetermined measurement of the sensor read signal. In another aspect the offset signal generator low-pass filters the sensor read signal during read scanning to generate the offset compensation signal. Particular embodiments also include a secondary offset compensation stage for applying additional offset compensation techniques to the output signal from the subtraction stage.

Abstract: Method and related apparatus for digital/analog converter are disclosed. The invention is based on M switch elements with each capable of selectively providing a positive or a negative electricity. While generating an analog signal output corresponding to a digital input of value D, the invention calculates two values Pa and Na according to these two equations: Pa?Na=D; Pa+Na=M, (M?1) or (M+1), and then Pa switch elements are made to respectively provide positive electricity with Na switch elements respectively providing negative electricity, such that the analog signal output is synthesized. Because the invention can perform error shaping for imbalance positive/negative electricity within each switch element, and for mismatch between the switch elements, the invention works well for over-sampling A/D converter system.

Abstract: An output voltage of a VDC circuit is subjected to A/D conversion with an on-chip A/D converter. Accordingly, an output voltage VDCout of the VDC circuit can be observed as a digital value, which facilitates measurement. Reduction in the number of terminals leads to reduction in chip size. In addition, the terminal that has been used for providing voltage VDCout can be used for other purposes. Therefore, a semiconductor integrated circuit allowing for easy mass production test and reduced number of man-hours in the mass production test can be provided.

Abstract: A method of amplitude control in a 1-bit digital system includes the step of scaling the stream of 1-bit data by a scaling factor corresponding to a selected output amplitude. The scaled data is modulated and the resulting modulated, scaled data is converted from digital to analog form.

Abstract: Data throughput rates are increased in an optical fiber communication system without requiring replacement of the existing optical fiber in a link. Channel throughput is increased by upgrading the components and circuitry in the head and terminal of an optical fiber communication system link. Aggregate throughput in a fiber optic link is increased beyond the range of conventional Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) upgrades, while precluding the necessity of replacing existing fiber plants. The increase in system throughput is achieved by using advanced modulation techniques to encode greater amounts of data into the transmitted spectrum of a channel, thereby increasing the spectral efficiency of each channel. This novel method of increasing transmission capacity by upgrading the head and terminal of the system to achieve greater spectral efficiency and hence throughput, alleviates the need to replace existing fiber plants.

Abstract: A N-bit segmented digital to analog converter (DAC) adapted to provide an analog signal output on the basis of a digital input code, the DAC being formed from a plurality of individual segments, the segments being selectively combined to effect the output from the DAC determined by the input and wherein the number of segments is given by 2N?1+x where x is greater or equal to one, and at least one of the segments has a weighting less than that of the least significant bit (LSB) of the overall DAC.

Abstract: A current summing type D/A converter having a configuration of two or more steps is provided. In a D/A converter block of the first step, by adding current segments, upper bits are D/A converted, and one of the current segments in the first step is further supplied to a D/A converter block in a second step to be shunt by the D/A converter block in the second step, so that lower bits are D/A converted. The output current in the first step and the output current in the second step are then added each other. According to the foregoing method, the D/A conversion may be performed without causing a differential linearity error.

Abstract: A digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) (1) comprises a digital processing circuit (2) having an input register (10) to which data samples of a digital input signal are written at a data sampling rate (fs). A delay register (14) holds each data sample for one clock cycle of the data sampling rate (fs), and a subtracting circuit (15) sequentially produces difference values between consecutive ones of the data samples by subtracting the data sample in the delay register (14) from the input register (12) on each clock cycle of the data sampling rate (fs).

Abstract: A method of nonlinear and affine signal processing includes the steps of introducing an input signal into a system which exhibits nonlinear behavior, the input signal including a target signal and a secondary signal. By virtue of its nonlinear design, the system generates nonlinear artifacts of the target signal and the secondary signal. These nonlinear artifacts are in turn used as a novel form of signal diversity. In one embodiment, the identification of the nonlinear artifacts is used to resolve defects that have been created as a result of sub-Nyquist sampling. In another embodiment, the identification of the nonlinear artifacts is used to locate and strengthen the power of a target signal that falls beneath the noise threshold for the system.

Abstract: One or more input capacitors are connected to an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier. Connected to the respective input capacitors are switches for on-off control of the input of an input signal, switches for on-off control of the input of another input signal, switches for on-off control of the input of a higher reference voltage and switches for on-off control of the input of a lower reference voltage. The switches for on-off control of the input of an input signal and the switches for on-off control of the input of another input signal are controlled by independent control signals.

Abstract: An A/D converter for converting an analog input into a binary-encoded word includes a bit-weight memory storing bit weights that include maximum, mimimum, and medium weights. During a conversion step, first and second registers store lower and upper weights, and a D/A converter converts one of the upper and lower weights into an analog bit-weighting signal. A comparison device provides a comparison result indicative of a comparison between the analog input and the analog bit-weighting signal and stores the result in a third register. A multiplexer selects the upper weight when the analog input exceeds the analog bit-weighting signal and the lower weight otherwise. A subtractor subtracts, from the bit weight of a preceding conversion step, a smaller weight that is smaller than, but closest, to the previous bit weight. An adder adds the new lower weight to the smaller weight to get a new upper bit weight.

Abstract: A Direct Current (DC) charge comparator that provides low input offset by feeding complimentary plus and minus charge inputs to a single amplification path via an alternate input path switch. Multiple sample and hold circuits at the output of the amplification path permit comparison of the result when each of the charge inputs travels down each of the paths, to determine a correction.

Abstract: A remote controller includes: a switch for selecting one of a plurality of options in one dimension out of control items laid out in a plurality of dimensions, an item selector for selecting one of a plurality of options in another dimension out of the control items laid out in the plurality of dimensions. The remote controller transmits a remote control code in accordance with an output of the switch and an output of the item selector. The device to be controlled by the remote controller is provided with a display for showing the control items in accordance with a signal from the remote controller. Every time the first remote control code is transmitted, the display displays control items selectable by the item selecting means for a certain period of time.

Abstract: A forwarding looking ground penetrating mine detection apparatus includes a radiation source for irradiating a sample of ground suspected of containing at least one mine with a plurality of frequency swept ground penetrating radar signals. A detector receives target signals backscattered from the ground responsive to the radar signal. The detector includes a time-frequency analyzer which transforms the target signals into a time-frequency image representation (TFR). In a preferred embodiment, the detector can include a wavelet packet transformer (WPT) for extracting time-frequency localized information from the TFR in the form of feature set constructed from a wavelet table. The apparatus can also include a data dimensionality reducer for selecting features to form a feature subset from the feature set, preferably based on reference to a training data set. A multilayer neural network classifier can be based on the feature subset, and be adaptable to the surrounding environment through learning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar device for forming multi-beams in multiple channels from reflected waves of a transmitted wave by using a minimum number of antennas. The device has: antennas used for both transmission and reception A1–A4; transmission/reception switching means 5 of each antenna; a transmitter 2; and a receiver 4 for receiving the reflected waves of the transmitted wave. The ratio of the distance between adjacent antennas A1 and A2 to the distance between adjacent antennas A2 and A3 or A3 and A4 is 1:2. The transmitted signal is transmitted from each of the antennas selected sequentially and the received signal is processed by DBF in a signal processing controller 1, wherein eleven channels can be implemented by using four antennas and a space for six antennas.

Abstract: Described herein are frequency-domain back-projection processes for forming spotlight synthetic aperture radar (“SAR”) images that are not corrupted by the effects of multiple-bounce ghosting artifacts. These processes give an approximately exact reconstruction of the multiple bounce reflectivity function (MBRF) ƒ(x,y,?). Specifically, the evaluation of ƒ(x,y,?) in they ?=0 plane gives an approximately exact reconstruction of the true object scattering centers which is uncorrupted by multiple-bounce contributions to the phase history data G(?, ?). In addition, the non-zero dependence of ƒ(x,y,?) upon the MB coordinate ? can be used to facilitate the identification of features-interest within the imaged region.

Abstract: A method for calibrating parameters of sensor elements in a sensor array. The method comprises receiving an output signal of at least two sensor elements signal in reaction to an input signal from a signal source; estimating a cross-correlation between the output signals of at least two of said sensor elements; and optimising a difference between the estimated cross-correlation and a cross-correlation model; and thereby estimating said parameters from the optimised difference. A cross-corelation model is used as represented by the mathematical equation: R=G B GH+D.

Abstract: An antenna for ultra-wide band communication is disclosed. The antenna includes a substrate, a patch formed on one side of the substrate so as to be smaller than the substrate, and being excited when an electric current is supplied through a feeder line, so as so radiate energy, and a ground area formed by removing a portion of another side of the substrate so as to obtain a wide band characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for operating a frequency selective surface are disclosed. The apparatus can be tuned to an on/off state or transmit/reflect electromagnetic energy in any frequency. The methods disclosed teach how to tune the frequency selective surface to an on/off state or transmit/reflect electromagnetic energy in any frequency.

Abstract: A low-sidelobe dual-band and broadband flat endfire antenna includes a substrate, a first radiator, a second radiator, two refraction portions, and a conductive element. The substrate has a side surface, a first surface, and a second surface. The first radiator is disposed on the first surface and has a first oblique portion, a first concave portion, and a first electrically connecting portion disposed opposite to the first concave portion. The second radiator is disposed on the second surface and has a second oblique portion, a second concave portion, and a second electrically connecting portion disposed opposite to the second concave portion. The second oblique portion is disposed opposite to the first oblique portion to form an included angle. The refraction portions are disposed on the side surface and are opposite to one another. The conductive element has a conductive body and a grounded conductor electrically connected to the first conductivity portion and the second conductivity portion, respectively.

Abstract: The antenna of the present invention comprises flat-plate conductive ground plane 1, first antenna element 13 with one end 13a connected to feeding point 2 and intermediate portion 13b folded by a plurality of times, which is extended upward from the ground plane 1, and second antenna element 23 with one end 23a connected to the other end 13c of the first antenna element 13, with intermediate portion 23b formed in symmetrical relation to the first antenna element 13, and also, with the other end 23c connected to the ground plane 1. Thus, it is possible to obtain a small size antenna with the antenna element lowered in height.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna device disposed in a case and prevents antenna characteristics from being degraded by a human body. The antenna device is configured such that it comprises an antenna that is disposed in a first case unit, a passive element that is disposed in a second case unit coupled to the first case unit and that can obtain an antenna function due to capacitive coupling with the antenna, and a conductor (printed board) that is disposed in the second case unit to suppress radiations from the passive element to one side of the second case unit.

Abstract: A speedometer and communication device for boats includes a hand-held GPS unit, mounting member and antenna ring. The mounting member has a flange that extends and secures the mounting member to a cavity located in the dashboard of the boat. The mounting member may further have a power plug to supply power and mounting posts to secure the hand-held GPS unit. The antenna ring contains a receiver for receiving GPS signals and a transmitter for re-sending GPS signals. The hand-held GPS unit receives, calculates, and displays data relating to speed, location, time and includes user-selectable buttons for contacting emergency services.

Abstract: A cell phone antenna system having simple mechanical tilt and heading adjustments. The antennas are mounted to towers or other structures, and include sensors for measuring antenna tilt and/or heading. A single sensor signal is selected and provided to an interface unit. The interface unit processes the sensor signal and provides sensor information to one or more local or remote processors used to control or monitor the antennas. Antenna control signals generated by the local or remote processors may be provided to the interface unit, and resulting power signals directed to individual actuators on the antennas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the portable antenna positioner described provide a lightweight, collapsible and rugged antenna positioner for use in receiving low earth orbit, geostationary and geosynchronous satellite transmissions. By collapsing the antenna positioner, it may be readily carried by one person or shipped in a compact container. The antenna positioner may be used in remote locations with simple or automated setup and orientation. In order to operate the apparatus, azimuth is adjusted by rotating an antenna in relation to a positioner base and elevation is adjusted by rotating an elevation motor coupled with the antenna. The apparatus may update ephemeris data via satellite, may comprise a built-in receiver and may couple with a second positioner base comprising cryptographic, router or power functionality. The apparatus may comprise storage devices such as a hard drive or flash disk for storing data to and from at least one satellite.

Abstract: A dual band, dual pole, variable downtilt, 90 degree azimuth beamwidth antenna (10). The antenna includes dipole elements (12, 14) forming both a PCS band and a cellular band antenna. The PCS band antenna has two sections disposed each side of the cellular band antenna, the elements of each being positioned 90° with respect to the other. A microstrip feed network formed upon a common PC board (18) feeds the respective dipole elements, and has serpentine portions with a corresponding dielectric member slideable thereover to establish the phase of the associated dipole antennas and achieve a linear downtilt of the respective antenna array. A slide rod adjustment assembly (100) provides unitary movement of the dielectric members between two different slide rods. These dielectric members are secured with adhesive to the respective slide rods to achieve good dielectric control and no use of hardware.

Abstract: An insertion-port loop antenna has a wide communication region for a non-contact type IC card inserted into an insertion port of a card reader, etc. An insertion-port loop antenna is mounted in the vicinity of an insertion port, through which a non-contact type communication medium is inserted. The insertion-port loop antenna comprises two loops. An upper loop is arranged above a long side of the insertion port. A lower loop is arranged below the long side of the insertion port. The two loops are opposite to each other in a direction of winding. Thereby, magnetic flux is generated between the upper loop and the lower loop. The magnetic flux is generated in front of the insertion port. Therefore, it is possible to begin communication before the non-contact type IC card is inserted into the insertion port.

Abstract: In an integrated antenna, an antenna characteristic of a first antenna element is obtained when the first antenna element and a second antenna element are mounted on first and second positions of a base by first and second mount portions, respectively. A conductive dummy member has a shape detachably mountable on the second position by the second mount portion. The dummy member allows the first antenna element to substantially maintain the antenna characteristic when the first antenna element and the dummy member are mounted on the first and second positions of the base by the first and second mount portions, respectively.

Abstract: A support structure apparatus for a reflector antenna having a main reflector. The support structure includes a plurality of sub-brackets and a main bracket. The sub-brackets each having a plurality of main reflector connection points and a main bracket connection point. A plurality of fasteners used to join the main reflector to the sub-brackets and the sub-brackets to the main reflector swivel when loose and become rigid when fastened. Fasteners between the sub-bracket and the main bracket may be replaced with captive screws or motors with threaded shafts to provide azimuth/elevation adjustment functionality to the support structure.

Abstract: A quadrifilar helical antenna comprising two pairs of filars having unequal lengths and phase quadrature signals propagating thereon. A disk-like impedance matching element disposed at a lower end of the antenna matches a source impedance to an antenna impedance. In certain embodiments a first crossbar connector on a substrate disposed at an upper end of the antenna electrically connects two helical filars to form a first filar pair and a second crossbar connector disposed on the substrate connects two filars to form a second filar pair.

Abstract: A phased array antenna (100) having a frequency selective surface comprises a substrate (125) and an array of antenna elements (140) thereon. Each antenna element comprises a medial feed portion (42) and a pair of legs (49) extending outwardly therefrom. Adjacent legs of adjacent antenna elements include respective spaced apart end portions (51). The antenna further comprises at least one fluidic dielectric residing within at least one cavity (170) within the substrate and arranged between a plane where the array of dipole antenna elements reside and a ground plane (150), at least one composition processor (104) adapted for dynamically changing a composition of said fluidic dielectric, and a controller (102) for controlling the composition processor to selectively vary at least one of a permittivity and a permeability of the fluidic dielectric in at least one cavity in response to a control signal (105).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving a plasma display panel in which a reset discharge is selectively performed with regard to the distribution of wall charges in discharge cells are provided. The method includes applying a reset signal for preventing a reset discharge from occurring in cells having conditions under which an address discharge can occur during the address period and allowing a reset discharge occur in cells which do not have the above conditions. Accordingly, an unnecessary discharge can be suppressed, thereby making a dark portion darker. Therefore, contrast can be greatly improved, and a time for a reset period can be reduced.

Abstract: The Y-driver of a 3-electrode plasma display panel driving apparatus includes a switching output circuit and a capacitor. In the switching output circuit, upper and lower transistors are disposed in such a way that the common output line of an upper transistor and a lower transistor is connected to a corresponding Y electrode line. The capacitor is connected between the common power line of all of the upper transistors in the switching output circuit and the common power line of all of the lower transistors in the switching output circuit. A voltage due to charging of the capacitor is applied to the common power line of all of the upper transistors in the switching output circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing brightness in a display device having a plurality of luminous elements corresponding to the pixels of a picture, wherein the time duration of a video frame or video field is divided into a plurality of sub fields during which the luminous elements can be activated for light emission with sustain pulses corresponding to a sub field code word which is used for brightness control, the total number of sustain pulses being determined in view of a selected power mode function of picture load the method including the following steps: setting a threshold value in relation to the picture load, comparing, for a frame, the number of the current sustain pulse to said threshold value, if the number of the current sustain pulses is below the threshold value, the sustain pulses are generated at a fixed frequency, if the number of the current sustain pulses is above the threshold value, the sustain pulses are generated at an evolving frequency.