Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for remotely monitoring an individual may include providing a sensor integrated in a monitoring object at a first location where the monitoring object may be configured as a household item. The sensor may be associated with an environment of an individual at the first location. The sensor may also be associated with a network. The sensor data may be processed to obtain monitoring information for the activity of the individual in the environment. The monitoring information may be transmitted over the network from the first location to a receiving object at a second location where the receiving object may be configured as a household item.

Abstract: An individual monitoring system for efficiently monitoring when individuals stray from a designated area. The individual monitoring system generally includes a base unit and at least one sub unit to communicate with the base unit. The base unit transmits a first signal a predetermined distance, wherein the first signal does not transmit beyond the predetermined distance. The sub unit receives the first signal when the sub unit is within the predetermined distance of the base unit. The sub unit subsequently transmits a second signal to the base unit when the sub unit receives the first signal and the base unit receives the second signal transmitted by the sub unit. The sub unit transmits a third signal to the base unit when the sub unit does not receive the first signal before expiration of a timer.

Abstract: A drowsiness alarm apparatus and a program for decreasing the possibility of incorrectly issuing an alarm due to an expressed emotion is provided. A wakefulness degree calculation apparatus performs a wakeful face feature collection process to collect a wakefulness degree criterion and an average representative feature distance. A doze alarm process collects a characteristic opening degree value and a characteristic feature distance. The wakefulness degree criterion is compared with the characteristic opening degree value to estimate a wakefulness degree. The average representative feature distance is compared with the characteristic feature distance to determine whether the face of the driver expresses a specific emotion. If the face expresses the emotion, alarm output is inhibited. When the face does not express the emotion, an alarm is output in accordance with the degree of decreased wakefulness so as to provide an increased alarm degree for the driver if necessary.

Abstract: A signal detector detects biological signal associated with a driver using electrode devices and a pulse wave sensor built into a steering wheel. A pulse wave sensor is built into a spoke part of the steering wheel and electrode devices are built into a ring part joined with the left and right spoke parts. The electrode devices and the pulse wave sensor are built into the surface of the steering wheel through insertion into recesses in the steering wheel. The left and right electrode devices and the pulse wave sensor contact thumb bases of the palms of the driver.

Abstract: A warning device including a transmitting mechanism for transmitting a signal indicative of a fire, inclement weather, flooding, a tornado, a cyclone, a hurricane, a tsunami, a tidal wave, a microburst, a blizzard, an ice storm, a hail storm, an Amber alert, a terrorist attack, a riot, a landslide, a volcano eruption, a roadway emergency, and an emergency situation. A first power source is operably connected to such transmitting mechanism for supplying power to such transmitting mechanism. A receiving mechanism receives such signal from such transmitting mechanism. An alarm mechanism is operably connected to the receiving mechanism such that when the receiving mechanism receives such signal from such transmitting mechanism, such alarm mechanism will produce at least one of a predetermined sound, motion and visual display. A second power source is operably connected to such receiving mechanism and the alarm mechanism for supplying power thereto.

Abstract: A bottoming indication system indicates contact between an inner wall of a fluid conducting conduit and a tip of a differential pressure measuring probe. The system includes a piezoelectric device and an indicator. The piezoelectric device is affixed to the tip of the differential pressure measuring probe so that pressure exerted on the piezoelectric device by contact between the piezoelectric device and the inner wall of the conduit produces a voltage difference across the piezoelectric device. The indicator is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric device so that a voltage difference across the piezoelectric device activates the indicator to indicate contact between the inner wall of the conduit and the tip of the differential pressure measuring probe.

Abstract: It is known that determination of bleed valve activation in a gas turbine engine can be difficult unless the engine is maintained at a steady idle state for comparison between that state and effects of activation of the bleed valve. Furthermore, specific test activation of bleed valves increases wear and tear on those valves. By sensing a flow pressure response signal and then through appropriate averaging and processing through a non-linear filter, it is possible to identify bleed valve activation by a target signal response exceeding a threshold indicative of such bleed valve activation.

Abstract: A real time alarm classification system and method of use and, more particularly, to a residual gas analyzer configured to identify specific root causes of an abnormal condition such as, for example, contamination, undesirable process variability and equipment malfunction in wafer processing. The real-time alarm classification system comprises a computer infrastructure operable to: generate top contributors associated with an alarm triggered by sensed abnormal conditions; compare the top contributors to contributors of historic RGA (residual gas analyzer) alarms of known root causes that were generated by a validated model; and provide a probable root cause of the sensed abnormal conditions when a match is found between the top contributors and the contributors associated with the historic RGA alarms of known root causes. A method and computer readable medium is also contemplated to provide the processes.

Abstract: An air monitoring apparatus includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a housing having at least one fluid passage to permit a fluid to enter the housing, and a constituent detection device positioned in the housing. The detection device includes at least one electrode, a power supply electrically coupled to the at least on electrode, and a logic circuit electrically coupled to the power supply. The logic circuit is configured to detect a change in at least one of impedance magnitude and a phase shift angle magnitude over a range of frequencies when the detection device contacts at least one fluid constituent contained in the fluid flowing into the cartridge through the at least one fluid passage, or when the detection device contacts at least one constituent in a solid whose chemical and/or material properties change as a function of fluid flowing into the housing through the at least one fluid passage.

Abstract: A power monitoring device in a power utility system having an interactive display that allows an end user of the power monitoring device to communicate voice and optionally video data over the Internet protocol with a support operator at a remote system. The interactive display includes an input panel for accepting user inputs, and a video display for displaying power-related data monitored by the power monitoring device. The power-related data is communicated over a communications medium, such as Ethernet, to the remote system for diagnostics, troubleshooting, setup and configuration, and the like. The input panel features one-touch voice and optionally video communication with a support operator by an end user standing in front of the interactive display. The remote system can also download firmware or software upgrades to the power monitoring device via the communications medium according to the Internet protocol.

Abstract: An exemplary electrostatic discharge protection device includes: an electrostatic discharge part configured for discharging electrostatic when the electrostatic is larger than a threshold value; and a light emitting part configured for emitting light when electrostatic discharge happens.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the IC. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and that generates inbound data from an inbound RF signal. A processing module processes the motion parameter, generates the outbound data, and receives the inbound data.

Abstract: Embodiments of an ink tank are provided, which comprise an ink tank housing, at least one air vent disposed on the housing, and at least one RFID tag disposed on the housing, wherein the at lest one RFID tag is operable to communicate with an RFID reader. The ink tank further comprises a sealing component operable to close the air vent. The sealing component has conductivity operable to interfere with the communication of the RFID tag and the RFID reader such that the RFID tag is incapable of communicating with the RFID reader when the vent is closed.

Abstract: A fan detecting apparatus for detecting at least two fans includes a processing unit, at least two airflow switches, and at least two indicating units. The processing unit includes a first terminal configured to output a driving signal, a second terminal configured to receive the driving signal, and a third terminal, the processing unit alarming when the second terminal does not receive the driving signal from the first terminal. The at least two airflow switches are serially coupled between the first and second terminals, monitor airflow from at least two fans in a computer room, and turn on or off according to strength of airflow from the at least two fans. The indicating units are respectively coupled between corresponding airflow switches and the third terminal of the processing unit, and indicate status of corresponding fans according to on or off status of the airflow switches.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for causing a printed display (poster, placard or promotional flier) to become interactive when a person points to part of the display. Behind the display a customised layout of capacitative proximity sensors printed with conductive inks on to a low-cost disposable, replaceable substrate (paper, plastic, cardboard) in alignment with visually significant features of the display is connected to proximity-sensing circuitry. Audio-visual or multimedia responses using pre-recorded or synthesised information are reproduced in event of a selection.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing or otherwise determining defective operation of an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be a vehicle or non-vehicle ECU having any number of modules configured to provide and/or support any number of operations. The defective ECU operations may be determined as a function of a voltage drop across a shunt included on the ECU.

Abstract: A control system with a simplified control device (10) for direct selection of electronic media operations, and for programmed navigation through the content without using dedicated navigation functions of a media player. The simplified control device (10) includes a limited number of keys, comprising direct-select keys (20-26) and navigation keys (30-36), which transmit programmable number key signals rather than dedicated key signals. Direct-select keys (20-26) are visually associated with icons displayed by the medial player by shape, color, and/or the like. The icons are dynamically associated with portions of content and/or software instructions stored on a medium, such as a DVD. Activating a direct-select key (20-26) cause the media player to access the associated content and/or instructions.

Abstract: A remote control device is coupled with a computing device such as a set top computing device using wired or wireless connectivity for the purpose of invoking services provided by the computing device. The remote control device uses biometric methods such as fingerprint scanning to identify the user of the remote control device who is also a previously authorized user of the computing device. The remote control device possesses a unique identifying serial number. Identity of the user of the remote control device is communicated to the computing device and used by the computing device to authenticate the remote control device user as a previously authorized user of both devices. Once a remote control user is authenticated, all signals from the remote control device to the set top computing device are encrypted in such a way as to prevent impersonation using a similar remote control device or man-in-the-middle attacks.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for monitoring utilization of a resource across an entire distribution area. The system dynamically and intelligently limits the aggregated utilization of the resource across an entire distribution area or targeted sub areas. Targeted usage thresholds at the device (individual utilization) level, as well as utility-specified business and technical rules and overrides, can be applied. Using these rules, the system continuously looks for and manages individual utilization of the resource that is available for curtailment, thus producing a larger and more efficient utilization level that is available for reduction without service impact to customers within that service area or targeted sub areas.

Abstract: An automated meter reader module can be operably connected to an existing utility meter to provide an endpoint for use in an automated meter reader system. The automated meter reader module can utilize an index attachment drive mechanism to electronically and mechanically monitor consumption of a utility such as water, gas, or electricity. The index attachment of the existing utility meter is attached so that it does not physically impede reception or transmission of radio frequency communications by a patch antenna integrated into a printed circuit board located inside the automated meter reader module. A gasket around the edge of the housing sealingly interfaces with the existing utility meter and a multi-faced cover that allows the registered dials located on the index attached to be viewed from a plurality of vantage points.

Abstract: A multi-master serial bus that connects multiple utility monitoring devices with multiple remote electronic display units. The display units include an I2C microprocessor with an integrated LCD controller for controlling an LCD display and a set of buttons for changing what is displayed on the LCD display. They also include an I/O to I2C driver for sending button key presses to the remote monitoring device, which communicates the requested data to be displayed back to the display unit via the multi-master serial bus. Each remote electronic display unit has a unique address assigned to it, and when a user input is detected on the I2C bus by the utility monitoring device, the controller in the utility monitoring device sends monitored data to the detected address for display on the remote electronic display unit.

Abstract: A digital electrical power and energy meter integrates a primary processing module and a user interface module onto a single printed circuit board to reduce overall meter size, assembly time, and cost.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.

Abstract: A remote parking meter monitoring system is provided. The system has a plurality of radio transceivers. Each transceiver communicates with at least one other transceiver within a transceiver communication region. The transceivers are integrated to parking meters. A separate aggregate point has a transceiver and a communication network that is connected to a computer. The aggregate point communicates with at least one proximal transceiver and communicates to the computer through the network. The system has a mesh communication arrangement, and a signal routing architecture, where the information is communicated along any path of adjacent communication regions. The computer is able to communicate information through the network to the aggregate point, and the aggregate point transceiver sends the information to the proximal transceiver.

Abstract: An electronic electric meter for use in a networked automatic meter reading environment. The meter includes a meter microcontroller, a measurement microcontroller, a communication microcontroller and spread spectrum processor, and a plurality of other communication interface modules for communicating commodity utilization and power quality data to a utility. The meter measures electricity usage and monitors power quality parameters for transmission to the utility over a spread spectrum local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter also provides direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter's backplane or bus system, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node.

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the invention a variable rate analog-to-digital converter can be used in conjunction with an anti-aliasing filter to allow the use of lower sampling rates, and accordingly, generally lower power consumption. For example, a lower sampling rate can be used when it is determined that no undesirable signals are present and a higher sampling period can be used when an undesirable signal is present. Determining the presence of an undesired signal can be based on signal-to-noise ratio, over-sampling, bit error rate, using a detector, etc. An undesirable signal can be any signal that is close in frequency to a signal of interest or signals farther away in frequency that has a relatively high amplitude. Sampling rate can be varied in a binary fashion, stepwise, continuously, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing lane departure for use in a vehicle. The method determines whether the vehicle is moving out of its lane by extracting lane markings from an image inputted by using rear side cameras mounted on both side mirrors, calculating a lane departure distance from the directional angle and side distance calculated by three-dimensional mapping of the extracted lane markings, and estimating a lane departure time through the calculated lane departure distance and a vehicle speed sensed by a vehicle speed sensor, thereby preventing vehicle accidents caused by the driver's lane departure.

Abstract: A vehicle violation enforcement and noticing system that includes a first server and a second server. The first server contains a vehicle information database that is in communication with the second server. The second server is a mobile data terminal that allows for the identification of vehicles and retrieves the vehicle information pertaining to the identified vehicles from the first server via a communications link. Once the vehicle information has been received, appropriate enforcement tactics are prepared based upon the received vehicle information. The appropriate enforcement tactics may include printing a notice informing a vehicle user of the current and outstanding debt associated with the vehicle for placement directly on the vehicle, writing a notice as per instructions displayed by the second server, for placement directly on the vehicle, booting the vehicle, towing the vehicle and/or informing a second agency of the vehicle location so that the second agency may take appropriate action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for intelligent traffic control using wireless sensor and actuator networks. The system comprises a control center, M regional gateways, and N sensor and actuator nodes. The N sensor and actuator nodes and L cluster heads form L clusters. Each cluster includes a cluster head and at least a sensor and actuator node. The control center, the M regional gateways, and the N sensor and actuator nodes form a multi-layer structure. Each N sensor and actuator node may real-time detect traffic states, and exchange information with other nodes via a wireless communication having a self-recovery function. The system and method applies a distributed computing strategy to automatically adjust the traffic control on each traffic flow, thereby achieving an efficient traffic control.

Abstract: A system and method for moving vehicular traffic in a single lane through a control zone requires creation of a control protocol. The protocol establishes a spacing distance “s” and a speed “v” for each vehicle in the control zone. A computer then controls movement of a visible signal through the control zone in accordance with the established protocol. Electronic regulators monitor the distance “s” between the signal and the vehicle, and the system alarms when “s” becomes greater than a predetermined distance “d”.

Abstract: A parking aid (10) comprises at least one sensor (12) emitting and/or receiving signals, and an evaluation unit (18) processing the emitted and/or received signals. The parking aid is characterized in that a deflection device (22) swivels the sensor (12) and/or the emission direction (16) of the sensor depending on the emitted and/or received signals. A corresponding parking aid method is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for recommending locations keyed to a map database system and providing navigation instructions to the recommended locations to a driver of a vehicle by gathering actual statistics about the preferences of the user and/or by comparing the user to population data to create recommendations in accord with the preferences of the population.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes a map data storage for storing a map data, a picture frame image storage for storing one or more images, a mode-based setting storage for storing mode-based settings required in operating the navigation apparatus in a drive guide mode, a picture frame mode or a combination mode, and a control unit for, based on the mode-based settings, providing a drive guide information using the map data in the drive guide mode, providing drive guide information by use of the map data in the drive guide mode, providing a picture frame image by using the images in the picture frame mode and providing the picture frame image and the drive guide information in the combination mode, the drive guide information being displayed over the picture frame image.

Abstract: Disclosed in a wearable electronic device including an optical keypad supported by a keypad housing. The optical keypad may include a plurality of keys disposed along the keypad housing, and a plurality of illumination sources and optical receivers with a corresponding illumination source and optical receiver for each of the plurality of keys. The keypad signal interface may be limited to three connections, to provide a connection for power, a connection for ground, and a connection for data between the keypad housing and the main housing. The electronic device may also include at least one optical receiver configured to be optically coupled to at least one of the plurality of illumination sources, and configured to convert a received optical signal representing data into an electrical signal representing data. The illumination sources may provide optical signals during key presses, and may in addition provide key illumination for unpressed keys.

Abstract: A keyboard of reduced size is provided in which multiple characters are assigned to each of the primary keys. The selection of the characters to be assigned to each specific primary key is based on the touch typing rules associated with a specific standardized keyboard, preferably allowing at least three rows of keys to be reduced to a single row of keys. A disambiguating system is used to interpret which of the characters and/or symbols assigned to a particular key is intended, typically by applying a set of disambiguating rules to generated input sequences.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a key operation unit including a first region in which a first key group is arranged and a second region in which a second key group is arranged, a switch, and a key operation control unit which outputs, when a given key of the first key group is pressed together with an operation of the switch, a key code assigned to a key located at a position in the second region which corresponds to a position of the given key in the first region, and outputs, when an arbitrary key of the second key group is pressed, a key code assigned to a key located at a position in the first region which corresponds to a position of the arbitrary key in the second region.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a plurality of keys, a monitoring unit which repeatedly monitors states of the plurality of keys at a predetermined period, a setting unit which sets, as a reference value for determining presence/absence of pressing of each of the plurality of keys, the number of pressed states continuously detected by the monitoring unit, and a determination unit which determines that a key is pressed when the number of pressed states continuously detected by the monitoring unit reaches the number of pressed states set by the setting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key operation device for detecting an open/close state of key switches using row and column signal lines. The key switches include: 1st to 4th key switches each corresponding to a key for inputting a direction; and ten-key switches correspond one-to-one to keys of a ten-key pad. The 1st and 2nd key switches are both coupled to one of the row signal lines and each to a different one of two of the column signal lines. The 3rd and 4th key switches are both coupled to another one of the row signal lines and each coupled to a different one of the two column signal lines to which the t and 2nd key switches are respectively coupled. None of the ten-key switches is coupled to either of the two row signal lines to which the 1st and 2nd or 3rd and 4th key switches are coupled.

Abstract: An approach is provided for encoding information bits to output a coded signal using turbo code encoding with a low code rate.

Abstract: A debinarizer and a hardware-based method for debinarizing a binary bit stream into symbols comprising predefined binary sequences are disclosed in which predefined binary sequences and their corresponding symbols are represented as tree structures. A binary sequence is debinarized by traversing one of the tree structures to determine a corresponding symbol. Similar tree structures may be combined to form a single tree structure. The tree structures may be implemented as a finite state machine.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is the efficient analyzation of the structure of an array. By performing the prev(S) calculation for a character string S, if in the character string S a like variable is present upstream of a second variable, the second variable is changed to a numerical value that indicates the distance to the upstream like variable. But if in the character string S a like variable is not present upstream of a variable, that variable is changed to “0” to obtain a character string S1. Further, by performing the compl(S) calculation for the a character string S, if in the character string S a complementary variable is present upstream of a second variable, the second variable is changed to a numerical value that indicates the distance to the complementary variable. But if in the character string S a complementary variable is not present upstream of a variable, that variable is changed to “0” to obtain a character string S2 (102).

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an image decoding apparatus having: a table selection controller configured to output a syntax selection signal which selects one of a prefix level_prefix, a suffix level_suffix, and a TrailingOnes syntax; a variable-length code decoding device configured to receive a bit stream, the syntax selection signal, and a suffix length suffixLength, and, by using data contained in the bit stream and the suffix length suffixLength, simultaneously decode the prefix level_prefix and the suffix level_suffix and output the result if the syntax selection signal selects the prefix level_prefix and the suffix level_suffix, and decode the TrailingOnes syntax and output the result if the syntax selection signal selects the TrailingOnes syntax; a level formation device configured to receive the decoded prefix level_prefix, the decoded suffix level_suffix, and the decoded TrailingOnes syntax, and form and output a level; and a suffix length updating device configured to recei

Abstract: An embodiment of the present inventions is a method for encoding/decoding data of variable length format and is used to omit unnecessary pieces of data for the purpose of improving processing performance, reducing the size of data on communication paths and efficiently using limited physical memory. As examples of such variable length encoding, BER compression and UTF-8 encoding of UNICODE text, etc., are cited. While the amount of data can be reduced through encoding, before the data is actually used, it is necessary to restore (decode) it to the original data, which requires a great deal of processing time. One aspect of the present invention is improving decoding by reducing the processing time required to decode the encoded data.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present inventions is a method for encoding/decoding data of variable length format and is used to omit unnecessary pieces of data for the purpose of improving processing performance, reducing the size of data on communication paths and efficiently using limited physical memory. As examples of such variable length encoding, BER compression and UTF-8 encoding of UNICODE text, etc., are cited. While the amount of data can be reduced through encoding, before the data is actually used, it is necessary to restore (decode) it to the original data, which requires a great deal of processing time. One aspect of the present invention is improving decoding by reducing the processing time required to decode the encoded data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of circuitry and methods to convert from a binary value to a BCD value.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of digital intermediate signals in response to an analog input signal, a first set of threshold and reference voltages and a second set of threshold and reference voltages, where the threshold and reference voltages of the first set are shifted with respect to corresponding threshold and reference voltages of the second set. The second circuit may be configured to generate a digital output signal in response to the plurality of digital intermediate signals.

Abstract: An output data correction device is provided for an A/D conversion circuit that achieves high precision over input voltage domains. An estimated maximum input ranging from 0 V to 5 V is divided into domains. A comparison circuit decides to which of the domains a voltage Vin input to a pulse phase-difference encoding circuit belongs. Control logic and a digital analog controller (DAC) select and transmit reference voltages associated with each of the domains. When each of the reference voltages is selected, a quadratic functional equation is computed and determined. A graph of the function passes coordinate points representing the reference voltages in a coordinate system with reference voltages and A/D-converted data values as dimensions. When each input voltage is selected, the A/D-converted digital data is corrected using the quadratic functional equation associated with the domain to which the input voltage Vin is decided to belong.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is disclosed, the method comprises providing a plurality of spare bits to each of a group of DAC bits that are designated for calibration, calibrating a first DAC bit of the group of DAC bits using its corresponding plurality of spare bits, and keeping a second DAC bit of the group of DAC bits unchanged while calibrating the first DAC bit.

Abstract: A pipelined analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of stages, each stage comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). A method for increasing the accuracy of the pipelined ADC includes calibrating the ADC in each stage of the analog-to-digital converter by adjusting trip points of that ADC. Another method for increasing the accuracy of a pipelined ADC includes measuring error in an output of each the DAC; and correcting an output of the pipelined analog-to-digital converter for the measured error. These methods can be used together to further increase the accuracy of the pipelined ADC. Consequently, a pipelined analog-to-digital converter may include a look-up table containing data for correcting errors in output of each of the DACs, where trip points of the ADCs the ADCs in the stages of the pipelined converter have been calibrated to expected values.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a test signal generating section which generates a test signal at the time of a test, a digital-analog converter which converts the test signal into an analog signal, an analog-digital converter which fetches a signal output from the digital-analog converter and converts the fetched signal into a digital signal, and an operating section which performs an auto-correlation arithmetic operation of a signal output from the analog-digital converter. The semiconductor integrated circuit further includes an evaluating section which evaluates presence/absence of distortion of the digital-analog converter and the analog-digital converter based on consistency of an auto-correlation arithmetic operation result in the operating section and a predetermined reference signal.