Abstract: A method for determining a parking spot including at least the following steps: measuring a parking spot and outputting a measured length of the parking spot; comparing the determined length to at least one limiting value and determining an indicator signal; outputting the indicator signal to the driver; recording vehicle dynamics signals, during a parking operation; evaluating the parking operation on the basis of the recorded vehicle dynamics signals and outputting an evaluation signal, and changing the at least one limiting value as a function of the evaluation signal and the indicator signal. An adaptive parking spot measurement is created in which an evaluation of the parking spot length is automatically adapted to the driving behavior and the driving skills of the respective driver, resulting in a particularly high degree of acceptance of the PSM system by the driver.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and tracking vehicles in parking locations, public roadways and highway entrances and exits and other public vehicle access areas is provided, such as to monitor and track vehicles in parking spaces, public roadways and highways without the need for parking or traffic personnel. The system includes a meter system that generates image data of a vehicle in a parking space, public roadway and highway entrances and exits such as by creating an array of pixel data in a predetermined field of view that includes a vehicle identification tag and facial imaging.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation emission unit includes a housing and an aperture located on the housing. A radiation source includes a light emitting diode configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within a range of about 240 nm and about 280 nm. A radiation reflector is disposed proximate to the radiation source and configured to direct the radiation emitted from the radiation source through the aperture in the housing.

Abstract: A method for guiding an aircraft toward a stopping position within an aircraft stand of an airport comprises using a visual docking guidance system (VDGS) associated with the aircraft stand for displaying first instructions for guiding the aircraft toward the stopping position. The first instructions are based on an initial determination of the aircraft-type and on first sensed positional information of the aircraft. Aircraft-type data that is stored in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag carried by the aircraft is then read. Using the VDGS, second instructions are displayed for guiding the aircraft toward the stopping position based on the aircraft-type data and based on second sensed positional information of the aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft display system is provided that is configured to render a perspective display having a field of view. The aircraft display system includes a monitor and a processor coupled to the monitor. The processor is configured to generate a map display on the monitor. The map display indicates the value of at least one parameter of the field of view of the perspective display.

Abstract: A airport runway warning system disposes a number of warning lanterns parallel to the runway by the two sides of the runway. Also, every warning lantern is at least connected to one empty sensor, to sense the nearby runway zone. All the warning lanterns and sensors are connected to a central controlling unit, disposed on the airport control tower. The central controlling unit, furthermore, connects to the main displaying light in the entrance of every communication path. By the operation in coordination via every warning lantern, sensor, central controlling unit and main displaying light, additional runway real-time information can be provided to the pilot and the people in the control tower. Particularly, the obstacles appearing on the runway abruptly can also be warned immediately.

Abstract: The invention is system and method for displaying real-time speed limit information on the display of a mobile direction device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A riser, ridge based touch keypad for a portable electronic device (e.g., mobile phone or flex pointer) is disclosed such that either in a dark environment a person with good eyesight or a person with decreased visual acuity may feel the riser(s) and the ridges representing a unique pattern with the finger in order to find the desired hidden key associated with the unique pattern prior to pressing. A couple of embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inputting data using a mobile terminal having a scroll key as a user interface. The method includes entering a mode configured to receive a data code created using at least the scroll key, detecting the data code that comprises at least one movement of the scroll key in a first or second direction in a predetermined sequence pattern, and activating one of a plurality of functions of the mobile terminal in response to detecting the data code.

Abstract: This tactile interface includes a layer (5) of pins (4) that the user can touch with the fleshy part of one of his fingers. The pins (4) are free to rotate and their spacing can be adjusted using an appropriate system. They can be provided with edges to assist in simulating other textures.

Abstract: A method for encoding data is disclosed. The method can include receiving a first bit segment (K?1 bits) from a bit stream, storing the first bit segment, initializing an encoder with the first bit segment, start encoding and transmitting from the Kth bit to the end of the appended data stream, and appending the first bit segment (K?1 bits) to the end of the data stream. The disclose arrangements can be similar to tail-biting methods different in that the initial bits are utilized to initialize the encoded as opposed to the tail or last bit as provided by tailbiting methods.

Abstract: A method for delivering media content over a network includes transcoding the media content to generate multiple copies of the media content, each of the multiple copies having a different destination type or a different source type or both, storing the multiple copies in a cache, receiving requests for the media content, and selecting and delivering a copy of one of the multiple copies in response to each of the requests. A further method for providing media content transcoding services includes fetching media content, selecting one of multiple transcoders for transcoding from multiple source types to multiple destination types, wherein the one transcoder is selected based at least on the destination type, sending the media content to the selected transcoder, transcoding the media content to the destination type, thereby generating transcoded media content, and transmitting the transcoded media content.

Abstract: A method for improving variable length decoding performance is provided. A variable length decoding module decodes a coded data to obtain a decoded data and a subsequent module receives the decoded data to perform further processing. A buffering module is coupled between the variable length decoding module and the subsequent module, and buffers the decoded data decoded by the variable length decoding module. A read part of the buffering module is cleared so that a content of an unused area of the buffering module is a predetermined value when the subsequent module reads the decoded data from the buffering module, wherein the unused area is a part of the buffering module except for the unread decoded data. The variable length decoding module does not write zero values of the decoded data into the buffering module when the variable length decoding module reads a zero output instruction among the coded data.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing variable length coded data includes a coefficient buffer unit and several lookup tables. The coefficient buffer unit includes a coefficient memory and an index register for storing an indication of a non-zero nature of coefficients stored in the coefficient memory. Advantageously, the lookup tables may be altered to adapt the apparatus for processing variable length coded data to handle encoding or decoding video adhering to a specific standard. Furthermore, the lookup tables may be adapted to accelerate the determination of the presence of escape codes and the subsequent handling of the escape codes.

Abstract: A binary coding and decoding method and apparatus for MVD (Motion Vector Difference) absolute values, includes: dividing symbols for MVD absolute values to be coded into a plurality of subsets according to probability distribution properties; assigning a binary codeword for each subset; assigning a binary codeword for each symbol in each subset; concatenating and outputting the binary codeword for each subset and the binary codeword for each symbol in the subset, as the binary coding result. At the decoding side, decoding operations are performed by using a principle corresponding to that at the coding side. In this manner, the invention makes full use of the source properties on one hand, and effectively prevents the codeword length from being too long on the other hand. It has been experimentally testified that a better compression effect may be achieved during arithmetic coding process and thus the image coding performance may be improved effectively.

Abstract: An improvement in sampling a high frequency input analog signal and converting it to a digital output signal is disclosed. This is accomplished by using a multitude of analog-to-digital converters in conjunction with a distributed sampling system. This combination of multiple converters and a distributed sampling system allows use of conventional device processing, such as that of 0.18 micron silicon, and also provides accurate sampling of very high frequency input signals. The distributed sampling system provides multiple samplings of the input signal by using multiple ADCs for multiple samplings, wherein each sampling is sequentially offset a fixed amount of time from the most recent preceding sampling. Each ADC has a designated central processing unit (CPU) to obtain sufficient data transfer capabilities. The samplings from the multitude of ADCs are a series of sequential digital output values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving efficiency of a data converter. An example method generates a noise signal, alters the spectrum of the noise signal based on operation of an associated data converter, and supplies the altered spectrum noise signal to the associated data converter. The data converter is a digital-to-analog converter or an analog-to-digital converter. The altered spectrum noise signal is notched at frequencies of interest. The spectrum is altered by sending a signal generated by a random number generator to a delay device and adding the output of the delay device from the output of the random number generator. Also, the spectrum is altered by seeding first and second identical random number generators, delaying the operation of the first random number generator, and adding the output of the delayed first random number generator from the second random number generator.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for increasing resolution and accuracy of an analog to digital converter receiving an input voltage includes dithering a number of digital output values from the analog to digital converter to generate a number of dithered values. The analog to digital converter can be an 8-bit analog to digital converter, for example. The dithered values are then averaged to generate an average dithered value. For example, the dithered values can be averaged using a moving average technique. The average dithered value is then scaled down to generate a scaled value. Thereafter, the scaled value is mapped to a, for example, 10-bit digital output having higher resolution and higher accuracy than the raw 8-bit output of the analog to digital converter. In this example, the resolution of the analog to digital converter is increased by a factor of four.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog convertor, and a methods of digital-to-analog conversion employ first and second PWM generators providing first and second PWM signals, said first PWM generator being controlled by a most significant word of the digital signal, and said second PWM generator being controlled by a least significant word of the digital signal. First and second switches are controlled by the first and the second PWM signals and first and second current sources have first and second currents, switched by the first and the second switches, thereby providing first and second switched currents, whereby an analog signal is obtained by the combination of the first and second switched currents.

Abstract: An acquisition apparatus for a test and measurement instrument including a splitter configured to split an input signal into a plurality of split signals, a plurality of oscillators, each oscillator configured to generate a periodic signal, a plurality of combiners, each combiner configured to combine an associated plurality of the periodic signals into an associated signal combination where at least one of the signal combinations is substantially non-periodic. The apparatus also includes a plurality of mixers, each mixer configured to mix an associated split signal and an associated signal combination into an associated mixed signal, a first digitizer configured to digitize an associated split signal, and a plurality of second digitizers, each second digitizer configured to digitize an associated mixed signal.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in sampling a high frequency input analog signal and converting it to a digital output signal. This is accomplished by using a multitude of analog-to-digital converters in conjunction with a distributed sampling system. This combination of multiple converters and a distributed sampling system allows use of conventional device processing, such as that of 0.18 micron silicon, and also provides accurate sampling of very high frequency input signals. The distributed sampling system provides multiple samplings of the input signal by using a different ADC for each sampling, wherein each sampling is sequentially offset a certain amount of time from the most recent preceding sampling. The samplings from the multitude of ADCs are combined to form a single contiguous digital output signal. Types of distributed sampling systems include a multitude of elongated trace patterns interconnected in series, a specified permittivity material device, and a sequencer or multiplier.

Abstract: An A/D converter performs successive A/D conversion operations that are synchronized with respective periods of an externally supplied clock signal. A set of output digital data produced from the A/D converter, following each A/D conversion, is acquired a plurality of times in succession within an interval that extends to the start of the next A/D conversion operation. If identical sets of data are not obtained in the successive acquisitions, then it is determined that there is failure of the A/D converter due to loss of the external clock signal.

Abstract: In an analog-to-digital conversion method for converting a difference signal component representing a difference between a reference component and a signal component in an analog signal to be processed into digital data, in a first process, a signal corresponding to one of the reference component and the signal component is compared with a reference signal for conversion into the digital data. Concurrently with the comparison, counting is performed in one of a down-count mode and an up-count mode, and a count value at a time of completion of the comparison is held. In a second process, a signal corresponding to the other one of the reference component and the signal component is compared with the reference signal. Concurrently with the comparison, counting is performed in the other one of the down-count mode and the up-count mode, and a count value at a time of completion of the comparison is held.

Abstract: A remote control device includes one or more mode buttons which, when manipulated, cause plural controlled devices to assume preset configurations.

Abstract: The invention applies to secondary radars. It makes it possible to carry out filtering when seeking to detect SSR responses, these SSR responses being overlapped by a mode S response. According to the invention, the pulses of the mode S response are filtered without filtering the pulses of the SSR responses which are of a higher level than the mode S response.

Abstract: A system able to locate and identify aircraft and vehicles based on the reception and processing, with novel means and methods, of signals emitted by the transponder of the secondary surveillance radar, shortly SSR. The system has a number of fixed stations distributed in the area of interest, e.g. in the airport area; any signal (the well known SSR reply/squitter) transmitted by the on-board transponder is received by four or more stations and the measurement of three or more differences of times of arrival (TOA) permits the reconstruction of the position of the transponder in spite of the fact that the transmission time is unknown. Suitable algorithms based on optimal estimation enhance both the accuracy of TOA measurements and the accuracy of the reconstructed position. The effects of possible overlapping of signal in time are avoided or mitigated by multiple source separation techniques based on least squares algebraic processing.

Abstract: A multipurpose peripheral device is operated with a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device includes a bus connection port. The multipurpose peripheral device includes a circuit carrier, at least two types of wireless signal-receiving/processing modules and a bus bridge module. The wireless signal-receiving/processing modules are disposed on the circuit carrier for receiving and processing corresponding wireless signals, thereby generating first signals and second signals. The bus bridge module is disposed on the circuit carrier and electrically connected to the wireless signal-receiving/processing modules and can be coupled to the bus connection port. The first signals and the second signals are transmitted from the wireless signal-receiving/processing modules to the portable electronic device through the bus bridge module and the bus connection port.

Abstract: A method for a radar for detecting a noise floor level of an electric signal corresponding to an incident radio wave received by the radar, the incident radio wave including a return of a radar wave that is transmitted from the radar toward a measuring range of the radar to detect target object characteristic including presence of a target object within the measuring range of the radar, a distance between the target object and the radar, and a relative speed of the target object to the radar is provided. The method includes steps of: calculating a histogram of intensities of frequency components, the frequency components exceeding a predetermined value relating to the measuring range, and extracting an intensity having the maximum height in the histogram as the noise floor level of the electric signal.

Abstract: A method for detecting an occurrence of interference between a return of a radar wave which has been transmitted by a radar and has an oscillating amplitude in time and a radio wave transmitted by some other radar, Includes steps of: detecting extremal points of an incident radio wave in which the radio wave transmitted by the other radar is superposed on the return of the radar wave, extracting, sequentially in time, an emerging pattern of the extremal points of the incident radio wave within each of periods of time to obtain a series of emerging patterns of the extremal points, detecting a period during which the emerging pattern of the extremal points is irregular among the series of the emerging patterns of the extremal points, and determining that the interference occurs during the detected period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a symmetrical multi-path method for determining the spatial distance between two transmitter-receivers. Both transmitter-receivers set off at least one signal round in each case. A signal round comprises the steps: a) transmitting at least one request data frame of a first transmitter-receiver to a second transmitter-receiver at a request transmitting time (TTA1, TTB2), b) receiving the request data frame at the second transmitter-receiver at a request receiving time (TRB1, TRA2), c) transmitting a reply data frame from the second transmitter-receiver to the first transmitter-receiver at a reply transmitting time (TTB1, TTA2), which has a respective reply time interval (TreplyB1, TreplyA2) from the request receiving time (TRB1, TRA2) and detecting the reply time interval, d) receiving the reply data frame at the first transmitter-receiver setting off the signal round and detecting an allocated reply receiving time (TRA1, TRB2).

Abstract: A system, method, service and mobile device are disclosed for providing a location of the mobile device. The invention utilizes a mobile phone with a global positioning system (GPS) module which is located in a wireless network. A third party device is able to submit a location query to a mobile telephone service operator (MTSO). This location query includes the mobile phone's telephone number. Using the telephone number, the MTSO determines the base station with which the mobile phone is associated. The location query is then forwarded to the mobile phone via the base station. The mobile phone collects the GPS data from the GPS module and forwards the GPS data to the base station. The base station converts the GPS data to location information and forwards the location information to the third party device via the MTSO.

Abstract: There is provided a receiver comprising: an estimator configured to estimate an initial noise-plus-interference covariance matrix on the basis of a received signal; a calculator configured to calculate a parameter using the received signal; and a calculator configured to decrease magnitude of off-diagonal values of the estimated initial covariance matrix relative to diagonal values of the same matrix based on the calculated parameter in order to estimate a final noise-plus-interference covariance matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DBF radar apparatus comprising: an antenna for radiating a transmit signal; a plurality of antennas for receiving the transmit signal reflected from an object; a first selector switch section for sequentially selecting output terminals of the plurality of antennas one at a time for connection to an input terminal by performing switching with a first period; a first downconverting section for downconverting, by using a portion of the transmit signal, a received signal input from each antenna; a low-frequency cut-off filter connected to an output of the first downconverting section; a second selector switch section for connecting an output of the low-frequency cut-off filter to a sequentially selected one of a plurality of A/D converters; and a digital signal processing section for receiving outputs of the plurality of A/D converters, and for applying prescribed processing to the outputs to detect the distance to the object or the relative velocity with respect to the object, wherein, when each a

Abstract: A computer system for processing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images includes a database for storing SAR images to be processed, and a processor for processing a SAR image from the database. The processing includes determining noise in a SAR image to be processed, selecting a noise threshold for the SAR image based on the determined noise, and mathematically adjusting an anisotropic diffusion algorithm based on the selected noise threshold. The adjusted anisotropic diffusion algorithm is applied to the SAR image.

Abstract: A computer system for compressing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images includes a database for storing SAR images to be compressed, and a processor for compressing a SAR image from the database. The compressing includes applying an anisotropic diffusion algorithm to the SAR image, and compressing the SAR image after applying the anisotropic diffusion algorithm thereto. Applying the anisotropic diffusion algorithm includes determining noise in the SAR, selecting a noise threshold for the SAR image based on the determined noise, and mathematically adjusting the anisotropic diffusion algorithm based on the selected noise threshold.

Abstract: A computer system for processing interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SAP) images includes a database for storing SAR images to be processed, and a processor for processing interferometric SAR images from the database. The processing includes receiving first and second complex SAR data sets of a same scene, with the second complex SAR data set being offset in phase with respect to the first complex SAR data set. Each complex SAR data set includes a plurality of pixels. An interferogram is formed based on the first and second complex SAR data sets for providing a phase difference therebetween. A complex anisotropic diffusion algorithm is applied to the interferogram. The interferogram includes a real and an imaginary part for each pixel. A shock filter is applied to the interferogram. The processing further includes performing a two-dimensional variational phase unwrapping on the interferogram after application of the shock filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of source number estimation based on eigenspace in DOA estimation, including: (1) obtaining signals received by uniform linear array; (2) calculating a covariance matrix according to the received signals; (3) calculating a complex-valued covariance matrix or a covariance matrix after real-valued computations; (4) conducting eigendecomposition to the covariance matrix to obtain its eigenvector matrix; (5) calculating a source number decision based on the eigenvector; (6) calculating a ratio; and (7) source number estimation. The present invention can accurately estimate source number and save huge amounts of computation during signal processing in DOA estimation, and lower the cost of hardware.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying the track assignment of a locomotive traveling along a track. The system includes at least one onboard receiver on the locomotive for wirelessly communicating with a plurality of satellites to provide a respective initial location of at least one onboard antenna on the locomotive. Additionally, the system includes at least one wayside receiver wirelessly coupled to the at least one onboard receiver. The at least one wayside receiver is positioned adjacent to the track to wirelessly communicate with the plurality of satellites to provide a respective corrected location of the respective initial location of the at least one onboard antenna to the at least one onboard receiver. A method and computer readable media are also provided for identifying the track assignment of a locomotive traveling along a track.

Abstract: A method of navigating to a common point of interest (POI) based on the locations of multiple global positioning system (GPS) receivers. In a first GPS receiver, an identifier of a second GPS receiver is selected from a list of pre-defined GPS receiver identifiers stored within the first GPS receiver. The first GPS receiver exchanges coordinates with the second GPS receiver. If the location of the second GPS receiver is the POI, the first GPS receiver calculates and displays navigational directions to the location of the second GPS receiver. If a location other than the second GPS receiver is the POI, the first GPS receiver calculates and displays multiple convenient meeting points based on pre-defined preferences. When one of the meeting points is selected, the first GPS receiver sends the coordinates to the other GPS receivers, and the first GPS receiver calculates and displays navigational directions to the meeting point.

Abstract: An improved time-to-first-fix (TTFF) for GPS systems is provided through a comparison of the time-of-week (TOW) to the sub-frame identification (ID). In one embodiment, this comparison comprises dividing the TOW to form a ratio and performing a modulus operation on the ratio to form a remainder, which is then incremented. If the incremented remainder equals the sub-frame ID, the TOW is assumed to be valid, thereby providing a time of transmission. The time of transmission may then be used to calculate pseudoranges and determine a receiver's location.

Abstract: In the present invention, a conditional probability distribution function of received signal which is conditioned with a received signal amplitude (a), a pseudo range (p) and a navigation bit (bm) which are unknown parameters is acquired from a GPS signal sample S2 on the basis of a condition defined by a working hypothesis set in a working hypothesis setting part WH(i) and then the conditional probability distribution function (P(Rm|a, p, bm)) is marginalized with respect to the pseudo range (p) to acquire a marginal posterior probability distribution function (P(p|Rm, a)) in a step ST11. Finally acquired is a pseudo range dependent function in proportion to the marginal posterior probability distribution function (P(p|Rm, a)). Then, in a step ST12, a value of pseudo range (p) which gives the maximum value of pseudo range dependent function is determined as an estimated pseudo range.

Abstract: A method of determining a GPS position fix comprising the steps of: (i) sampling received GPS signals and storing those samples; (ii) conducting preliminary processing of those GPS signal samples to determine the likelihood of being able to obtain a position fix during later, final processing of those GPS signal samples; and (iii) after step (ii), conducting final processing of those GPS signal samples to obtain a position fix.

Abstract: A novel beacon-based position location technique for efficient location discovery of untethered clients in packet networks is disclosed. The position location technique utilizes the time-difference-of-arrival (“TDOA”) of a first signal transmitted by a beacon of known location and a second signal transmitted by an untethered client. The TDOA of these two signals is measured locally by at least three non-collinear signal receivers. For each of the receivers, the TDOA is used to calculate a perceived distance to the client. A circle is then calculated for each receiver, centered on the receiver and having a radius equal to the perceived distance. At least two lines defined by points of intersection of the calculated circles are then calculated. The point of intersection of the lines represents the location of the client. To facilitate operation, the signal receivers may be arranged on vertices which define a convex polygon as viewed from above.

Abstract: An apparatus for location determination includes a location determination receiver configured to receive location determination signals, a location determination signal quality assessment component configured to assess a quality of received location determination signals, and a location determination processor responsive to an output of the location determination signal quality component. The apparatus determining a location of the location determination receiver based on the location determination signals that are received during time periods when the location determination signal meets or exceeds a location determination signal quality threshold. A method for location determination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for transmitting time-synchronized signals for positioning is provided. The system for transmitting positioning signals includes a transmitting apparatus mounted on artificial satellite, a repeater mounted on an artificial satellite, and a repeater mounted on an artificial satellite. Positional relation among artificial satellites is specified beforehand. Transmitting apparatus transmits a signal generated by encoding using a code identifying itself. Repeater receives a signal from the transmitting apparatus and transmits the signal. Repeater receives a signal from the transmitting apparatus and transmits the signal. The signals transmitted from the transmitting apparatus and repeaters and are received by receiving apparatuses and having the function of receiving the signals.

Abstract: An object detector moves projected search wave in a selected direction and detects position of an object in front by receiving reflected wave from it. An adjustment member having a flat surface is placed in front and its surface is scanned in the selected direction by the search wave and a change in intensity of the reflected wave is obtained. The apparent irradiation direction of the search wave in the selected direction is adjusted to the real irradiation direction based on this change in intensity.

Abstract: An antenna having a low specific absorption rate has it power feed connected to radio frequency power such that a connector is arranged between a head of the user and a portion of the power feed.

Abstract: A multi-frequency antenna is disclosed. The multi-frequency antenna is positioned on an electric device for transmitting Wi-Fi and Wimax wireless signals. The multi-frequency antenna comprises a radiating element, a grounding element and a connecting element. The radiating element comprises a first radiating area and a second radiating area, which are perpendicular to each other. The connecting element is connected to the second radiating area of the radiating element and the grounding element.

Abstract: An antenna having a plurality of resonant frequencies and comprising a feed point, a ground point and a conductive track that extends from the feed point and returns to the ground point and means for locally increasing the reactance of the antenna track at a first position coincident with a maximum electromagnetic field associated with at least one of the plurality of resonant frequencies.

Abstract: First and second wires are formed so that the further away from a semiconductor chip, the greater the distance between the first and second wires. This prevents currents flowing through the first and second wires from cancelling out each other, and further enables a metallic plate to be disposed as far away from the semiconductor chip as possible. In addition, configuring the metallic plate to have a constant width that is wider than the diameters of the first and second wires results in a wide connection range, thereby ensuring connection even when mounting misalignments occur between the wires and the metallic plate.