Showing papers by "Panasonic published in 1995"

Shaping Electronic Communication: The Metastructuring of Technology in the Context of Use

Abstract: We argue that the use of electronic communication technologies in changing organizational forms can be facilitated by the explicit and ongoing adaptation of those technologies to changing contexts of use. This paper reports on an exploratory study of the use of a computer conferencing system in a Japanese R&D project group. We found that the system's use was significantly influenced by the activities of a few individuals who shaped users' interaction with the conferencing technology, modified features of the technology, and altered the context of use. These activities---which we call technology-use mediation---promoted effective electronic communication both initially at the point of adoption, as well as over time as needs, preferences, experiences, and conditions changed. Drawing on these insights, we develop a theoretical framing of the mediation process which suggests that it can be a powerful organizational mechanism for helping organizations provide the ongoing attention and resources needed to adapt electronic communication technologies to changing conditions, contexts, and organizational forms.

First-principles calculations of effective-mass parameters of AlN and GaN

Abstract: The electronic band structures of the wurtzite-type AlN and GaN are calculated by using a self-consistent full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method within the local-density-functional approximation. In order to clarify the electronic properties near the Brillouin-zone (BZ) center and to give an important guideline on the material designs for short-wavelength optical devices, we link the first-principles band calculations with the effective-mass approximation. The electronic properties are analytically studied on the basis of the effective-mass Hamiltonian, where we consider the hexagonal symmetry of the wurtzite structure. The effective-mass parameters, such as electron effective mass, hole effective masses, or, equivalently, the Luttinger-like parameters, crystal-field splitting and spin-orbit splitting, are determined by reproducing the calculated band structures near the BZ center. The obtained results show that the cubic approximation is fairly successful in the analysis for the valence-band structures of the wurtzite-type nitrides. Further, the calculated parameters for GaN are consistent with the observed ones.

Dimercaptan–polyaniline composite electrodes for lithium batteries with high energy density

Abstract: THE development of low-cost, solid-state rechargeable batteries is of considerable technological importance. A key requirement of such batteries is that the density of energy stored electrochemically in the electrodes is high. In this context, the use of organic materials has attracted interest; they combine high theoretical energy storage capability with low weight and good mechanical strength. Here we report the development of a rechargeable lithium battery with a composite organic cathode based on a mixture of a dimercaptan and polyaniline. The redox behaviour of the dimercaptan, which is normally too slow for practical applications1,2, is accelerated when coupled to that of the polyaniline3–5 (which itself functions as an active cathode material). Intimate mixing of the two materials is achieved by casting them jointly from solution. The resulting electrode can be repeatedly charged to near its theoretical limit and discharged. The gravimetric energy density of our materials exceeds that of the oxide electrodes in commercially available lithium-ion batteries6, a feature that is likely to prove advantageous in applications where weight, rather than volume, is a critical factor.

Biosensor, and a method and a device for quantifying a substrate in a sample liquid using the same

Abstract: The biosensor of this invention can quantify a substrate in a sample liquid by electrochemically measuring the amount of an electron acceptor that has been reduced by electrons generated in a reaction between the substrate and an oxidoreductase. The biosensor has an electrically insulating substrate and an electrode system formed on the substrate including a working electrode, a counter electrode and a third electrode used for detecting a liquid junction. The third electrode can be used merely for detecting a liquid junction, or can be used as both a reference electrode and a liquid junction detecting electrode.

Human occupancy detection method and system for implementing the same

Abstract: A primary object of the invention is to provide a method and system for detecting humans present in a restricted space, particularly, in a commuter train, a building, etc, by using an infrared sensor capable of detecting the presence of humans, and for judging the ratio of human occupancy in that space To accomplish this object, according to the invention, the infrared sensor is installed, for example, on a ceiling near the center of a room, and the whole room space is scanned by the infrared sensor to detect in which region of the room a human is present The proportion of human presence regions thus detected to the whole detection region is determined as the ratio of human occupancy More specifically, a designated space is detected by the infrared sensor, and only human presence regions are extracted from that space; then, the ratio of human occupancy in the room is estimated from the ratio of the area of the extracted human presence regions to the area of the whole detection area

Notification system for television receivers

Abstract: A notification system for television receivers including a visible alarm and/or an audible alarm that is activated when a certain event occurs. An information signal is extracted from a received television signal and is processed to determine the status of an event. If it is determined that the event occurred, then a control signal is sent to the appropriate alarm to activate that alarm, thereby notifying the user of the event's occurrence. The event may include the reception of a text or graphic message, the televising of a certain television program, and the televising of a television program with a specific program rating. The user may also deactivate the alarm. A personal identification number may be used to restrict access to certain features of the notification system.

Head up display unit, liquid crystal display panel, and method of fabricating the liquid crystal display panel

Abstract: A head up display unit equipped at least with transparent and flat image information display means, transparent and flat light irradiating means arranged in an opposed and close contact relationship with the image information display means, light supply means for supplying light to the light irradiating means, image-display control means for controlling image display, and light-supply control means for controlling light supply. The display unit is a compact head up display unit which can be used in any place in the interior of an automobile.

Biosensor and method for producing the same

Abstract: A biosensor for rapid quantification of a specific component contained in various biological samples with high accuracy has an electrically insulating base, an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on one face of the insulating base, and a reaction layer formed on the insulating base in close contact with the electrode system. The reaction layer contains at least a hydrophilic polymer, a buffer and an enzyme which is separated from the buffer.

Micro-patch antenna connected to circuits chips

Abstract: An antenna apparatus comprises: a first chip having: a substrate; a ground film on the substrate; a dielectric film on the ground film; a micro-patch antenna on the dielectric film; a microstrip line extending from the micro-patch antenna; and an in/output microstrip line on the dielectric film; a second chip having a circuit for effecting an operation with the antenna; and a connecting portion for fixing the second chip to the first chip by providing mechanical and electrical connection (flip-chip bonding) between the circuit and the microstrip line and between the circuit and the in/output microstrip line. The substrate comprises a silicon, a GaAs substrate, or a dielectric substrate. The antenna may be provided on the bottom surface of the substrate and be provided on a third substrate also connected by the flip-chip bonding wherein the second chip and the antenna is connected using a through hole. Instead of the through hole, the antenna is coupled to the circuit portion electromagnetically. The substrate may have a hollow portion and the second chip may be accommodated in the hollow portion and the antenna may be provided on a third chip covering the second chip.

Liquid crystal display panel and method and device for manufacturing the same

Abstract: A mixed material of liquid crystals and resin is dropped on at least one substrate in an amount greater than the amount needed to cover a display area for the LCD panel. The substrate is adhered to another substrate, and excess material is removed to the outside of a display area. The phase-separation of the liquid crystals and resin is carried out by irradiating light while pressure is added to at least one substrate, so that a liquid crystal display panel applied to a liquid crystal display device or a light shutter can be manufactured without applying a complex vacuum device.

Method and apparatus for pattern recognition employing the hidden Markov model

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating parameters of a new hidden Markov model (HMM) applicable to pattern recognition such as recognition of speech signals which are time series signals, and a method and apparatus for pattern recognition employing this HMM are provided. It is easily applicable to speech and other time series signals. In particular, the pattern recognition degree of a time series observation vector signaly, received from an information source, is calculated by using function values u(y,1), u(y,2), . . . , u(y,M) and occurrence probabilities of signals C 1 , C 2 , . . . , C M which are composed of set C, where u(y,m) is the image into which the pair (C m ,Y) is mapped, u(y,m).di-elect cons.U(U=[a,b], a,b.di-elect cons.R 1 and 0≦a≦b) and y.di-elect cons.R n (R n : n-dimensional Euclidean space). C is a set of signals against which the observation vector signal y is compared.

Electroless plating bath used for forming a wiring of a semiconductor device, and method of forming a wiring of a semiconductor device

Abstract: A contact hole and a wiring groove are formed in an insulating layer formed on a semiconductor substrate. A silver layer is formed inside of the contact hole and the wiring groove and on the insulating layer with the use of an electroless plating bath comprising: silver nitrate containing silver ions; tartaric acid serving as a reducing agent of the silver ions; ethylenediamine serving as a complexing agent of the silver ions; and metallic ions of tetramethylammoniumhydroxide serving as a pH control agent. Then, the silver layer on the insulating layer is removed by a chemical and mechanical polishing method such that an embedded wiring is formed in each of the contact hole and the wiring groove.

Active matrix type liquid crystal display apparatus

Abstract: An active matrix type liquid crystal display apparatus has a pair of substrates, at least one of the substrates being transparent; a liquid crystal layer arranged between the pair of substrates; and electrode structure for generating an electric field having a dominant component parallel to a surface of the substrate and passing through the liquid crystal layer, the electrode structure being formed on one of the pair of substrates; a pair of alignment layers formed on respective surfaces in contact with the liquid crystal layer of the pair of substrates; and a pair of polarizing plates arranged so as to sandwich the pair of substrates, wherein the glass transition temperature Tg of a boundary surface between said liquid crystal layer and the alignment layer is higher than the nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature T(N-I) of a liquid crystal composite forming the liquid crystal layer.

Field-effect transistor having a semiconductor layer made of an organic compound

Abstract: A field-effect transistor using a conjugated oligomer having an ionization potential of 4.8 eV or above in the semiconductor layer thereof works stably and has a long life-time and can be used in a liquid crystal display device as a switching element to give excellent contrast and good performances.

Document data filing apparatus for generating visual attribute values of document data to be filed

Abstract: A document data filing apparatus automatically selects attribute values indicating visual features of a desired document from the code data of document data inputted. The attribute value generation unit generates attribute values indicating visual features of the document data inputted as coded data from the document data input unit. At this point, the presence or absence of dot data and specific words and characters are judged. The document data storage unit stores the document data in association with its attribute for retrieval. The attribute value designation unit makes an operator designate the attribute value as retrieval key to the document data to be retrieved The readout unit reads the document data corresponding to the designated attribute value from the document data storage unit. The display unit displays the document data. The retrieving technique is applied to a word processor.

MPEG video decoder having a high bandwidth memory

Abstract: A decoder for a video signal encoded according to the MPEG-2 standard includes a single high-bandwidth memory and a digital phase-locked loop. This memory has a single memory port. The memory is used to hold 1) the input bit-stream, 2) first and second reference frames used for motion compensated processing, and 3) image data representing a field that is currently being decoded. The decoder includes circuitry which stores and fetches the bit-stream data, fetches the reference frame data, stores the image data for the field that is currently being decoded in block format and fetches this image data for conversion to raster-scan format. All of these memory access operations are time division multiplexed and use the single memory port. The digital phase locked loop (DPLL) counts pulses of a 27 MHz system clock signal, defined in the MPEG-2 standard, to generate a count value. The count value is compared to a succession of externally supplied system clock reference (SCR) values to generate a phase difference signal that is used to adjust the frequency of the signal produced by the DPLL. In addition, the DPLL is aligned in phase by substituting respective portions of the SCR value for the count value developed by the DPLL and for the accumulated phase value used by the DPLL. In one embodiment of the invention, flexible partitions are defined in the high-bandwidth memory. These partitions allow for a larger VBV buffer size when progressive scan signals are being received and displayed and allow for a larger display buffer when interlaced scan signals are being received and displayed.

Diffractive optical modulator and method for producing the same, infrared sensor including such a diffractive optical modulator and method for producing the same, and display device including such a diffractive optical modulator

Abstract: The diffractive optical modulator of the invention includes: a plate having a portion functioning as a first electrode; a spacer layer formed on the plate; and a grating consisting of a plurality of beams having a portion functioning as a second electrode, both ends of the beams being supported on the spacer layer. In the diffractive optical modulator, by adjusting a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, a distance between the beams and the plate is varied, thereby controlling the diffraction efficiency. An insulating layer is further provided between the plate and the plurality of beams.

Progressive scanning conversion apparatus

Abstract: A progressive scanning conversion apparatus for converting an interlaced scan video signal into a progressive scan video signal by performing interpolation based on original pixels which are obtained in a matrix by sampling the interlaced scan video signal in a current field, original pixels which are obtained in a matrix by sampling the interlaced scan video signal in a previous field which is immediately prior to the current field, and original pixels which are obtained in a matrix by sampling the interlaced scan video signal in a next field which is immediately following the current field The apparatus includes a motion vector detector for detecting a motion vector between two of the current field, the previous field, and the next field; a motion estimation circuit for estimating a pixel value in the current field, from one of a pixel in the previous field and a pixel in the next field using the motion vector detected by the vector detection means; and an interpolated pixel generator for generating an interpolated pixel used for conversion by multiplying the pixel value obtained by the motion estimation means and the corresponding pixel value in the current field by a weighting factor and summating the multiplication results

Real-time image recording/producing method and apparatus and video library system

Abstract: The real-time image recording/reproducing apparatus of this invention includes: image input means (2) for receiving an image signal; compression means (4) for compressing the image signal so as to produce compressed data; storing means (3) for storing the compressed data; control means (1) for judging whether or not a sufficient empty space required for storing the compressed data exists in the storing means (3), and storing the compressed data in the storing means (3) if a sufficient empty space exists, or allocating a required empty space by releasing oldest data among the compressed data stored in the storing means (3) and storing the compressed data in the allocated empty space if a sufficient empty space does not exist; instruction input means (5) for receiving replay instruction; expansion means (4) for expanding the compressed data stored in the storing means (3) in response to the replay instruction input from the instruction input means (5) so as to produce image data; and output means (6-8) for outputting the image data.

Method and apparatus for designing an LSI layout utilizing cells having a predetermined wiring height in order to reduce wiring zones

Abstract: To reduce a circuit block in area, the present invention provides an LSI layout design method having a cell changing processing for reducing a pure wiring zone in area. By an input processing, circuit design information and cell library are entered. Then, a layout of cells arranged in a plurality of cell rows is designed by a cell placing processing. Then, the height of a wiring zone required between cell rows is estimated by a wiring zone height estimating processing. To reduce the area of a pure wiring zone other than the over-the-cell wiring zones, each of placed cells is changed, by a cell changing processing, to a cell having the same specifications and a different shape or a different terminal position. A layout of cell interconnection is designed by a wiring processing. Based on the layout thus obtained by the processings above-mentioned, a mask pattern is prepared and supplied by a mask pattern preparing processing.

Signal processing circuit for spread spectrum communications

Abstract: In a transmitting unit, an input signal is converted into an I data sequence of an in-phase (I) symbol and a Q data sequence of a quadrature (Q) symbol, a differential encoding is performed for the I and Q data sequences according to a differential binary phase shift keying (DBPSK) modulation to produce an I code sequence and a Q code sequence, a spectrum of the I code sequence is spread by a first spreading code signal to produce an I spread spectrum signal, a spectrum of the Q code sequence is spread by a second spreading code signal to produce a Q spread spectrum signal, the I and Q spread spectrum signals are quadrature-modulated to a synthesized signal, and the synthesized signal is transmitted to a receiving unit. In the receiving unit, the synthesized signal is quadrature-demodulated to a first baseband signal and a second baseband signal, the first and second baseband signals are respectively correlated with each of the first and second spreading code signals to obtain first and second I correlated signals and first and second Q correlated signals, and a BPSK delay detection is performed for a group of the first and second I correlated signals and a group of the first and second Q correlated signals to reproduce the I and Q data sequences.

Method for forming polycrystalline thin film and method for fabricating thin-film transistor

Abstract: A method for forming a polycrystalline semiconductor thin film according to the present invention includes the steps of: forming a semiconductor thin film partially containing microcrystals serving as crystal nuclei for polycrystallization on an insulating substrate; and polycrystallizing the semiconductor thin film by laser annealing.

Laser processing method

Abstract: A laser processing method is to be executed by a pair of turning mirrors of which axes of rotation are arranged in mutually twisted positions, a flat field lens for converging a laser beam reflected on the pair of turning mirrors on a specified plane, and an X-Y stage which carries and moves thereon an object to be processed to which the laser beam is applied, the object having a plurality of rectangular planar areas of the same shape as each other in a matrix form and adjoining the rectangular planar areas while not overlapping the rectangular planer area nor leaving any space therebetween The method includes a first step of executing application of the laser beam of which a laser applying position is determined by the pair of turning mirrors and the flat field lens to one of the rectangular planar areas of the object, a second step of moving an X-axis stage or a Y-axis stage of the X-Y stage after the first step is completed, a third step of executing application of the laser beam to one of the rectangular planar areas which is adjacent to the rectangular planar area to which the latest application of the laser beam is performed, and a fourth step of executing the second and third steps alternately to process the plurality of rectangular planar areas of the object

Post-filter for removing ringing artifacts of DCT coding

Abstract: A video signal encoding/decoding system reduces ringing noise by using a post-filter which performs anisotropic diffusion on decoded data. The exemplary system uses an encoding/decoding technique such as that developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). The post-filter processes individual blocks of pixels, assigning an individual edge significance threshold to each block. Noise removal occurs if the edge strength is below the threshold and is inhibited if the edge strength is above the threshold.

Remote controller, remote control interface, and remote control system including a remote controller and a remote control interface

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling an electronic device includes a remote controller and a remote control interface. The remote controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of control data respectively indicating the relationship between a plurality of control signals and functions of the electronic device corresponding to the plurality of control signals; a trigger signal transmitter for transmitting a trigger signal for causing the electronic device to transmit a response signal which is specific to the type of the electronic device; a receiver for receiving the response signal; and a control signal transmitter for selecting control data specific to the type of the electronic device from the plurality of control data based on the response signal, generating one of the control signals, and transmitting the generated control signal. The remote control interface includes a receiver for receiving a signal transmitted from the remote controller; a signal generator for generating the response signal specific to the type of the electronic device; and a transmitter for, when the signal is a control signal, transmitting the control signal to the electronic device, and for, when the signal is a trigger signal demanding the response signal, transmitting the response signal to the remote controller.

Method for quantifying specific compound

Abstract: A biosensor for quantifying a specific compound has a reaction layer containing at least an enzyme, and an electrode system having a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on an insulating base plate; the biosensor detects the specific compound contained in a sample on the basis of an electrochemical response. In quantifying, the working electrode and the counter electrode are short-circuited before the voltage is applied therebetween. The short-circuiting eliminates measuring errors that may occur due to nonuniform dissolution of the reaction layer in a sample, and achieves highly reliable quantification of a specific compound.

Cell potential measurement apparatus having a plurality of microelectrodes

Abstract: A cell potential measurement apparatus, which uses a planar electrode enabling a multi-point simultaneous measurement of potential change arising from cell activities, is provided which can conduct measurements accurately and efficiently as well as can improve convenience of arranging measurement results. According to the configuration of the cell potential measurement apparatus of this invention, it includes an integrated cell holding instrument, which includes a planar electrode provided with a plurality of microelectrodes arranged in a matrix form on the surface of a substrate, a cell holding part for placing cells thereon, drawer patterns from the microelectrodes, and electric contact points for outside connections; an optical observation means for optical observations of cells; a stimulation signal supply means to be connected to the cell holding instrument for providing electric stimulation to the cells; and a signal processing means to be connected to the cell holding instrument for processing an output signal arising from electric physiological activities of the cells. It is preferable that a cell culturing means is also provided for maintaining a culture atmosphere of the cells placed on the integrated cell holding instrument.

Server apparatus, subscriber apparatus and information on demand system

Abstract: An information on demand system provides a user of a terminal (subscriber) information through a network such as CATV such that the user pays an adequate charge to a server (information provider). According to the information on demand system, the received information can be recorded in a recording medium under control of the terminal equipment. Cases in which 1) the subscriber merely watches a program on a television receiver and; 2) the subscriber records the program and watches it by reproducing the recorded information at another time are distinguished and the subscriber is charged a different amount by the server accordingly.

CDMA/TDD Radio Communication System

Abstract: In addition to a structure of a conventional CDMA/TDD radio communication system, a base station includes a pilot signal generating circuit for generating a pilot signal that has a constant transmission power level and is known in mobile units and a pilot channel spreading circuit for transmitting the pilot signal to the mobile units through a transmission line. Each of the mobile units includes a pilot signal reception level measuring circuit for measuring reception power of the received pilot signal and a transmission power control circuit for controlling transmission power of a power amplification circuit based on the measured reception power of the received pilot signal.