Abstract: Methods, systems and articles of manufacture are provided for administering sobriety tests to online gamblers, as well as to determining whether, when and to whom to administer a sobriety tests. Various mediation events to be initiated upon certain results of such sobriety tests are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a leak in at least one system component (2.1 through 2.n) and/or a state of a system component (2.1 through 2.n) of a system, at least one section of one or more system components (2.1 through 2.n) is monitored optically. Sound emissions occurring in or on at least one of the system components (2.1 through 2.n) are detected, analyzed and localized, wherein acoustically localized sound emission areas of the affected system component (2.1 through 2.n) are also optically detected and analyzed.

Abstract: A motion detector utilizing a low microwave frequency that penetrates dry, non-metallic barriers and detects motion by sensing a Doppler shift in the received signal that has been reflected off of aqueous or metallic objects is disclosed. It is a battery powered hand-held pocket-sized device that includes a microwave motion sensing module that preferably operates continuously at a single frequency, with a single antenna for both transmitting and receiving microwave signals. Circuitry converts the Doppler shift in the received signal into a voltage that is then modified so that it can be immediately displayed to the user on an indicator meter. It is also contemplated that the device include a data logging module for storing the modified signal, another type of data, or both. The device can also include a means for charging the batteries and an on-off switch to conserve power while the device is not in use.

Abstract: A method for providing a combined theft detection and proximity detection system is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a vehicle unit having a transmitter and a receiver to transmit and receive an RF signal such that a user of the vehicle unit can inform other vehicle units of presence of the vehicle unit, and can be informed of the presence of other such vehicle units by detecting the RF signal emitted by the other vehicle units located in the range. The receiver further provides an alarm signal to warn of this presence. The method also comprises the step of providing a portable unit adapted to receive the RF signal from the vehicle unit to inform a driver that his vehicle is no longer in range.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, program products, and computer implemented methods to measure the displacement of an object located in a hazardous or otherwise inaccessible location at a long range from an optical device with micron-level accuracy are provided the object being. The objects can be machinery, valves, containers, or any other object whose displacement is to be measured. The object can be located in radioactive, chemically reactive, high voltage, or otherwise hazardous or inaccessible locations that are not accessible for conventional displacement measurement by personnel. A system can comprise an identifier on the object to be tracked, an optical device, an computer with at least processing, storage, and memory facilities, and a communications network.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for holding articles, such as keys, which is attachable to a person's clothing, handbag or a purse, and wherein a physical or electronic tether is used to allow the user to use the articles stored thereupon without removing them from the holder or from their clothing, handbag, purse, briefcase or other hand carried item. The tension on the tether is manageable by the use of a tension management system, so that the tension of the tether will not damage the article or the mechanism that the article is used with and the article is tracked by use of the tether so that the user does not lose the article. Infrared, radio frequency, and transponder and polling versions of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is a cable theft monitoring system and method configured to protect electrical cables from theft during non-operation hours. The system includes a power circuit configured to provide power. The system also includes a motor coil configured to receive and utilize power. The system further includes a power supply line configured to facilitate power conduction through the motor coil. The system includes a sensor module configured to monitor a characteristic of the power supply line. The sensor module is configured to send an electrical current through the power supply line to the motor coil to detect electrical connection thereto. The system additionally includes an onsite control module configured to provide onsite controls to the cable theft monitoring system. The system also includes an isolation module configured to isolate the sensor module from strong power sources. Furthermore, the system includes a communication module configured to transmit information.

Abstract: A method and system of determining spatial identification of an object, such as orientation, size, location, range, and/or movement, using an RFID system is disclosed. An RFID system can comprise one or more RFID reader receiving antennas that query one or more RFID tags coupled to the object. The measurement of the phase of the tag responses at the reader antennas and phase differentials as a function of distance, frequency, and time are the basis of spatial identification. The system can work with conventional Gen 2 tags and readers without modification of the tags or protocol.

Abstract: Human presence techniques are described. For instance, an apparatus may comprise one or more physical sensors operative to monitor one or more physical characteristics of an electronic device, and a security controller communicatively coupled to the one or more physical sensors. The security controller may be operative to control security for the electronic device, the security controller comprising a human presence module operative to receive a request to verify a presence of a human operator, determine whether the human operator is present at the electronic device based on sensor data received from the one or more physical sensors for the electronic device, the sensor data representing one or more physical characteristics of the electronic device, and generate a human presence response indicating whether the human operator is present or not present at the electronic device based on the sensor data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An apnea detector is disclosed. In some embodiments, a detector unit in communication with a capacitive type sensor is adapted to receive an electrical signal which is indicative of variable capacitance resulting from movement of a subject and to emit an alert signal when the received electrical signal is indicative of symptoms of apnea. In one embodiment, a detector unit is in communication with a curvature sensor adapted to detect a variable curvature of a subject body surface resulting from breathing patterns of a subject. The detector unit is attached to an article of clothing of the subject. A monitoring system comprises a detector unit for detecting one or more subject related parameters of interest and for emitting acoustical information after determining that a subject related parameter of interest has a predetermined status, and a stationary unit disposed within an audible range of the detector unit for receiving the emitted acoustical information.

Abstract: A method and mobile electronic device for monitoring hand hygiene policy compliance is provided. The device comprises a radio transceiver and is configured to detect proximity to base stations by measuring radio signal strength from the base stations and to communicate the proximity information to a central computer via the radio transceiver and to receive notification of compliance or non-compliance with the hand hygiene policy from the central computer. The central computer determines compliance by tracking the location of device in relation to the base stations and monitoring hand hygiene events reported by hand hygiene base stations.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock 202 and a sensing module 200. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensors (303), electronic circuitry (307), and communication circuitry (320). The electronic circuitry (307) operatively couples to the one or more sensors (303) to measure the parameter. A transmitter (309) transmits parameter measurements. An induction coil (1404) is coupled electromagnetically to a wireless energy source (1402). The induction coil converts electromagnetic energy waves to a signal that powers the sensing module (200). The signal includes information or data.

Abstract: A portable matching device and method is provided. The portable matching device includes a memory that is configured to store first identification information. A communication device in the portable matching device is configured to transmit the first identification information from the memory to a presence detector and to receive a matching attribute from a server, which is configured to determine whether a first profile associated with the first identification information and a second profile match according to matching criteria. The portable matching device further includes a match indicator that is configured to present the matching attribute, which is unique to the second profile and is presented by the match indicator so as to be at least one of outwardly visible or audible so as to be information to a person other than a user of the matching device of the match.

Abstract: A protecting system is to protect a camera. When the protecting system detects heat which reaches a predetermined value, the protecting system outputs a first signal. The protecting system further magnifies the first signal to output a second signal. A controlling circuit starts a buzzer when the controlling circuit receives the second signal.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for temperature warnings, the system comprising: a computer (100); a temperature measuring device (110) disposed on or adjacent the computer; and logic (120) configured in the computer for causing a warning indication to a user when the temperature measuring device measures a temperature outside an operating range.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method adapted for temperature monitoring and warning is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: providing (510) a multi-mode communication device including an unrestricted mode having an unrestricted operation temperature range, a restricted mode having a restricted operation temperature range and a warning mode having a warning operation temperature range; determining (520) if a temperature in proximity to the energy storage device is in at least one of the restricted operation temperature range, the unrestricted operation temperature range and a warning operation temperature range; and entering (540) the warning mode when in the warning operation temperature range. The warning mode can include a notification, banner or the like, to a user, to suggest that at least one active application be shut down.

Abstract: A smoke detector has a housing, a smoke sensor in the housing capable of detecting smoke therein, and an alarm connected to the sensor signaling when the smoke sensor detects smoke. A partition subdivides the housing into separate first and second chambers, and the housing is formed with first and second smoke holes allowing air from the exterior into the first and second chambers. The partition has a sensor port provided with a sensor for detecting air flow through the sensor port and a fan port having a fan for drawing air from one of the chambers and forcing it into the other chamber. A controller connected to the fan and to the air-flow sensor operates the fan means to move air from the one chamber through the fan port into the other chamber and generates an output when air flow through the sensor port exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring ultraviolet radiation levels within the cure chamber of an ultraviolet curing station. An ultraviolet sensor is located within a cure chamber for sensing the strength of ultraviolet radiation reaching the sensor. The sensor is repositionable within the cure chamber for taking readings at a plurality of locations. Sensor readings at a plurality of predetermined positions within the cure chamber are communicated to a controller and stored in electronic memory, along with an identification of the sensor position when the reading was obtained. A report is generated setting forth correlated sensor readings and reading locations, and providing any appropriate warnings of existing or impending equipment failure impacting the level of ultraviolet radiation in the cure chamber (e.g., a bulb failure).

Abstract: A lightning detection system is presented. The lightning detection system includes a plurality of sensing devices configured to generate sensor signals representative of one or more working state parameters of an object. The lightning detection system further includes a lightning signal processing subsystem configured to combine the sensor signals representative of the one or more working state parameters received from the plurality of sensing devices to generate a composite signal, extract noise signals from the composite signal, and compare the extracted noise signals with one or more lightning signal profiles to determine existence of lightning noise signals in the extracted noise signals, wherein the lightning noise signals are induced in the sensor signals in response to a lightning strike on the object.

Abstract: A photo-electric smoke detector includes a source of radiant energy and a closed loop control circuit which responds to a radiant energy feedback signal to adjust an output characteristic of the emitted radiant energy and which evaluates a quality characteristic of the emitted radiant energy. The feedback circuit and the source can be intermittently activated. Emitted radiant energy is directed toward a lens. The feedback signal is proportional to radiant energy reflected or scattered off of the lens.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a switching circuit, a hardware (HD) indication unit, a LED module, a software (SF) indication unit, a first control switch electrically connected between a power port, an anode of the LED module, and the HD indication unit, and a second control switch connected between a cathode of the LED module, the SF indication unit and ground. When the electronic device is charged in a powered state, the cathode of the LED module is grounded, the HD indication unit directs the first control switch to turn on and off alternatingly, and the LED module flashes accordingly. When the electronic device is charged in a powered off state, the anode of the LED module is at a high voltage level, and the SF indication unit directs the second control switch to turn on and off alternatingly, and the LED module flashes accordingly.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a communication connector, a communication section, a connection section, a state detector, a controller and a warning section. The communication section controls communication performed through the communication connector, to which a communication plug is connected. The connection section connects the communication connector and the communication section. The state detector generates a state detection signal corresponding to a connection state of the communication plug relative to the communication connector. The controller determines which of a normal connection state, an improper connection state and a non-connection state the communication plug is in based on the state detection signal. The controller also controls an ON-OFF operation of the connection section. The warning section notifies a user of results determined by the controller.

Abstract: A mood-interacting shoe device includes a shoe body and an interactive sensing mechanism. The interactive sensing mechanism further includes a heart rate sensor, a speed sensor, a pressure sensor, a microprocessor and a radio frequency emitter. The heart rate sensor senses the heart rate value, the speed sensor senses the marching rate, and the pressure sensor senses the pressure distribution value when the thenar exerts pressure. The sensed values will be transmitted to the microprocessor, where the sensed values are analyzed and thereby the mood of the user is determined accordingly. The analysis result is transmitted to the video and music player through the radio frequency emitter, such that the video and music player can play music corresponding to the mood; and a LED display unit is further provided such that the user can understand whether each sensor operates normally or not.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock reminder system includes a dead bolt lock mechanism including a dead bolt for mounting in a door to be secured in a closed door state and a transmitter subsystem constructed for positioning proximate the deadbolt lock mechanism and which further includes a transmitter and a detector. The detector is configured for detecting when the dead bolt is moved from a locked state position to an unlocked state position and from an unlocked state position to a locked state position and where the transmitter is configured for transmitting a dead lock reminder signal identifying that a state of the dead bolt has changed to one of locked and unlocked upon detection of same by the detector. A hand held receiver subsystem is configured to receive the dead lock reminder signal at a time of transmission, and maintain a status of a last change to a locked or an unlocked state for displaying to a user of the hand held receiver subsystem.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes a hollow probe provided at its longitudinal tip with a temperature measuring unit having a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, electrodes neighboring to the temperature sensor and arranged in the hollow of the probe, and a determining unit for determining whether temperature measuring unit is in appropriate contact with a measurement target portion of a user or not, based on a change in electrostatic capacity sensed using the electrodes.

Abstract: An instrumental device is provided which includes a variable display portion and a pointer moving around the variable display portion and achieves excellent response and resistance to vibration without complicating the shape of a member. The instrumental device has a display plate 21 having a variable display portion 21b, a pointer 23 moving around the variable display portion 21b, and pointer drive means 25, 26 provided on the back-face side of the display plate 21 for moving the pointer 23.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication device, communication method, and program that realizes a collaboration wherein multiple facilities nearby having similar objectives work together, enabling prosperity of an entire community. Two facilities i1 and i2 and a control center exist in the community, wherein a communication device 11 is installed in the facility i1, a communication device 12 in the facility i2, and a control device 13 in the control center, respectively. The communication devices 11 and 12 have sensor means to sense and output a physical amount such as light. For example, the communication device 11 senses the physical amount by the sensor means thereof, and outputs for sending to another communication device 12.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for providing a layered map illustrating information associated with an emergency event location during an emergency event. The information can include pre-planning data, map data, and current data. The layered map can be accessed by emergency responders using user devices and administrators or other command center personnel. The information can be used to better respond and manage a response to an emergency event.

Abstract: A rotatable remote control is provided. The remote control includes a main body, a circuit board attached to the main body, and a rotatable body received in the main body. A plurality of first elastic conductive elements is mounted on the circuit board. The rotatable body includes a pressing projection. The remote control further includes a chip mounted on the circuit board. The chip includes a plurality of input pins and each of the input pins corresponds to a first conductive element. When one of the first conductive element is pressed by the pressing projection, the input of the input pin corresponding to the first conductive element is changed. The chip determines whether to generate a remote control signal to control an electronic device to execute a preset function according to the detected change of the input pins.

Abstract: Aspects of the inventions generally provide a method and apparatus for coupling a communication sub to a wired drill pipe. In one aspect, a surface of a coupler head is non threaded and configured to provide a retaining force. In another aspect, a coupler head is coupled to a body, and a support mechanism is coupled to the body and configured to secure the coupler head within a receiving end of the wired drill pipe. In another aspect, a method of placing a communication sub involves inserting the communication sub into the receiving end of the wired drill pipe, adjusting the position of the communication sub until an indication of signal communication between the communication sub and the wired drill pipe is observed, and after the indication of signal communication is observed, retaining the communication sub within the receiving end until removal of the communication sub is desired.

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: A method for reading a utility meter utilizing broadband infrastructure is provided. The method may include transmitting utility usage data from a plurality of customer premises to a remote enclosure, coupled with a utility pole, using a power line communications infrastructure. The utility usage data may be received at the remote enclosure. The remote enclosure may include a digital subscriber line (“DSL”) modem for modulating the utility usage data. The modulated utility usage data may be transmitted over a public broadband network infrastructure to a utility provider.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. Used intra-operatively, the sensing insert device (100) comprises an insert dock (202) and a sensing module (200). The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The at least one circuit board (1612 and 1616) includes the antenna (2302). The antenna (2302) is formed as one or more loops around a periphery of the circuit board. The antenna (2302) allows short-range transmission of the measured parameter data to a receiver placed in proximity to the muscular-skeletal system. Alternatively, the antenna can be formed in the insert dock (202).

Abstract: A device operable in a medication compliance system, wherein a patient has a patient-specific and medication-specific compliance schedule. The device includes a processor and memory; at least one long-range telemetry module, operatively connected to the processor, and providing connectivity between the device and remote networks, the at least one long-range telemetry module including at least one cellular radio; at least one short-range telemetry module, operatively connected to the processor, and providing connectivity between the device and local devices; and a display controlled by the processor, the display providing feedback from the medication compliance system, in accordance with a patient-specific and medication-specific compliance schedule.

Abstract: A statistic DB creation processing section creates a statistic traffic DB, based on past actual traffic data (probe DB or VICS DB), and stores it in a statistic DB storage section. A reference-link-candidate extraction processing section extracts a complement target link (temporal missing link) from the statistic traffic DB, and further extracts complementary-reference-link-candidates for the complement target link, according to plural extraction rules to extract complementary-reference-link-candidates.

Abstract: A traffic control system allows traffic in a road network, particularly in a heavily populated area, to be influenced. In the road network, a road user traveling by a private transport vehicle can choose, at a stop for a public means of transport which has an associated parking facility for the private transport vehicle, whether to continue to travel by the private transport vehicle or by the public means of transport. Influencing elements output traffic information to the road user traveling by the private transport vehicle which is suitable for influencing the choice of means of transport by the road user. Ascertainment devices are provided for the purpose of ascertaining the traffic information which is to be output. A control center actuates the influencing elements dynamically on the basis of the ascertained traffic information. In line with the invention, the ascertainment devices are designed to ascertain costs which are incurred for the road user when choosing one of the means of transport.

Abstract: The present invention generally concerns the technical field of road engineering and road safety and relates to an interactive control system (1) for controlling an urban and extra-urban road network (R) subjected to standards and/or restrictions, comprising: road signage means (2) distributed throughout the network (R) for indicating such standards and restrictions; a plurality of remote devices (3) designed to be installed on motor vehicles (A); first detection means (4) for collecting first data about traffic conditions; a main control unit (5) connected to the first detection means (4) and to the road signage means (2) for processing the first data and providing pieces of information to users; transceiver means (6) associated with the road signage means (2) for reception/transmission of the first data from the road signage means (2) to the remote devices (3); the road signage means (2) and the remote devices (3) include first and second interactive means (8, 9) respectively for displaying images and/or wo

Abstract: An image-enhanced parking enforcement system utilizes cameras or other imaging modality to capture, record and/or report instances of parking infractions corresponding to a controlled parking space. In one embodiment, a metering device monitors allotted times for lawful utilization of the parking space and identifies instances of meter expiration; at least one detector monitors utilization status of the parking space; and the cameras or other imaging modality captures images corresponding to the parking space when the meter has expired and the space is occupied.

Abstract: The system described is an integrated parking management system which makes use of patented vehicle detectors to collect and transmit data, essentially in near real time, as to all events happening as to single or multiple parking spaces (e.g. current and historic use, length of time of occupancy of current occupant) to a central clearing device for which patent application has been made which serves as a logic core and repository, making use of proprietary software, analyzing, displaying and distributing the data so developed as to a parking plant and all of its components to allow all parties (including prospective users) who are concerned with the various aspects of a parking plant and its components (e.g.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting an automobile. The device includes a body, an energy harvesting portion, a sensing portion, a processing portion and a communication portion. The energy harvesting portion can harvest energy from a source external to the body. The sensing portion can output a signal and has a low-energy detector and a high-energy detector. The low-energy detector can detect a first parameter using a first level of energy. The high-energy detector can detect a second parameter using a second level of energy, wherein the first level of energy is lower than the second level of energy, and wherein the signal is based on the second parameter. The processing portion can output a signature based on the signal. The communication portion can wirelessly transmit an output signal based on the signature. The energy harvesting portion can supply energy to each of the sensing portion, the processing portion and the communication portion.

Abstract: A warning system is provided, which is particularly useful as a person overboard warning system. The system comprises a trigger part, worn by a crew member, which emits a signal on immersion in water. This is received by a receiver part on the vessel and automatically causes a transmitter part, also on the vessel, to send a further warning signal to one or more other locations remote from the vessel. These remote locations may be other vessels or land based sites, for instance operated by the coastguard or other rescue agencies. The automatic nature of the onward transmission of the signal received by the vessel makes the system particularly suited to single handed sailors.

Abstract: The invention provides an input device of an electric apparatus and a method of manufacturing an input device, wherein the input device comprises: a key member for receiving an input from a user, the key member comprising a plurality of circumferentially arranged touch-sensitive sensor segments and having at least one degree of freedom with respect to the body of the electric apparatus; and a feedback unit coupled to the key member and configured to generate feedback to the key member in the direction of the at least one degree of freedom as a response to the input.

Abstract: A light guide includes a main body and a curved refracting face formed in the main body. As light enters the main body, a bright zone and a secondary bright zone less brighter than the bright zone are formed in the main body. The curved refracting face can be an inner wall face of a curved groove or a cavity disposed in the main body. Through the formation of the curved refracting face, the light in the secondary bright zone can be directed such that, when the light guide is disposed in a thin film keyboard, the brightness of a portion of the keyboard that corresponds to the secondary bright zone has improved brightness.

Abstract: Two input modes can be switched by a change of input to one input part. A portable telephone set 100 has an analog input part 152 provided with four capacitance-type analog sensors 20a to 20d arranged above, below, right and left on a substrate 10, five switches 30a to e arranged above, below, right and left and a center on the substrate 10 and a key top part 40 arranged above them. A processing mode of analog input from the analog sensor is switched by presence or absence of switch input.

Abstract: A method of providing a password to a handheld electronic device having a reduced keyboard and a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, wherein the reduced keyboard is of a particular keyboard type and the non-predictive keystroke interpretation system is of a particular system type. The method includes receiving a first character string in an electronic device, such as, without limitation, a PC, that is separate from the handheld electronic device, generating one or more second character strings in the electronic device based on the particular keyboard type, the first character string, and, possibly, the particular system type, and transmitting the one or more second character strings from the electronic device to the handheld electronic device as the password.

Abstract: A method of detecting and recovering from stuck keys on an electronic device keyboard comprises receiving one or more messages by a processor based upon a predetermined periodic scan rate and each message corresponding to a pressed key, determining one of the pressed keys is a stuck key based upon the received one or more messages corresponding to a pressed key, sending a mock key-up message from the processor to a keyboard controller in response to the determined stuck key, operating the keyboard controller at a changed scan rate in response to the mock key-up message, detecting the electronic device keyboard is in a released key state by the processor; and operating the keyboard controller at the predetermined periodic scan rate in response to the detected released key state. The processor can include two components, such as a keyboard processor and a keyboard controller.

Abstract: A method of dynamically adjusting a long-press delay time, an electronic device using the method, and a computer-readable medium are provided, wherein the electronic device has a plurality of keys. When a pressed time corresponding to a key of the electronic device exceeds a long-press delay time of the key, the electronic device executes a long-press function corresponding to the key. In the present method, a plurality of key inputs is first received. Then, the long-press delay time of the key is set according to the input rate related to the received key inputs. Thereby, the electronic device can respond appropriately according to the typing speed of a user, so as to offer the user a smooth operating experience.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a security sensor is present in a POS terminal between the keypad and a processor. The security sensor is configured to detect an unauthorized probe through the keypad and implement a security protocol. In an exemplary embodiment, the security sensor is a serpentine conductive circuit screen printed on the polyester film. The serpentine conductive circuit may cover almost all of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may cover 90% to 100% of the film. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the serpentine conductive circuit limited to a section of the polyester film. For example, the serpentine conductive circuit may be on only ¼ of the film. This embodiment has the advantage of printing the serpentine conductive circuit on the critical security areas and leaving the non-critical areas with blank polyester film.

Abstract: A data conversion device is provided with a data converting means that sequentially converts first data into second data of the number of second bits, wherein an analog signal is quantized into the first data by the number of first bits, and the first and second data can be first and second maximum values, respectively. The data converting means is comprised of a first conversion means (steps 21 and 23) that, when a value of the fast data is not the first maximum value, converts the first data to the second data by adding 0 to a lower bit side of the first data and a second conversion means (steps 21 and 24-26) that converts the first data to the second data so that, when a value of the first data is the fast maximum value, a value can be made larger, in accordance with a value be-fore or after the first data, than the data of the number of second bits obtained by adding 0 to the lower bit side of the first data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that involve usage of dictionaries for compressing a large set of variable-length string values with fixed-length integer keys in column stores. The dictionary supports updates (e.g., inserts of new string values) without changing codes for existing values. Furthermore, a shared-leaves approach is described for indexing such a dictionary that compresses the dictionary itself while offering access paths for encoding and decoding.