Showing papers by "Panasonic published in 2008"

Virtual keypad systems and methods

Abstract: Accordingly, a virtual keypad system for inputting text is provided. A virtual keypad system includes a remote controller having at least one touchpad incorporated therein and divided into a plurality of touch zones. A display device is in data communication with the remote controller and is operable to display a user interface including a keypad, where each key of the keypad is mapped to a touch zone of the touchpad. A prediction module, in response to an operator pressing a given touch zone to select a particular character, performs one or more key prediction methods to predict one or more next plausible keys. A key mapping module remaps the touch zones of the touchpad to the keys of the keypad based on the one or more next plausible keys.

Highly reliable TaOx ReRAM and direct evidence of redox reaction mechanism

Abstract: Highly reliable TaOx ReRAM has been successfully demonstrated. The memory cell shows stable pulse switching with endurance over 109 cycles, sufficient retention exceeding 10 years at 85degC. TaOx exhibits stable high and low resistance states based on the redox reaction mechanism, confirmed by HX-PES directly for the first time. An 8 kbit 1T1R memory array with a good operating window has been fabricated using the standard 0.18 mum CMOS process.

Phosphor composition and method for producing the same, and light-emitting device using the same

Abstract: A light-emitting device is produced using a phosphor composition containing a phosphor host having as a main component a composition represented by a composition formula: aM 3 N 2 .bAlN.cSi 3 N 4 , where “M” is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn, and “a”, “b”, and “c” are numerical values satisfying 0.2≦a/(a+b)≦0.95, 0.05≦b/(b+c)≦0.8, and 0.4≦c/(c+a)≦0.95. This enables a light-emitting device emitting white light and satisfying both a high color rendering property and a high luminous flux to be provided.

Semiconductor device and method for producing the same

Abstract: A semiconductor region having an upper surface and a side surface is formed on a substrate. A first impurity region is formed in an upper portion of the semiconductor region. A second impurity region is formed in a side portion of the semiconductor region. The resistivity of the second impurity region is substantially equal to or smaller than that of the first impurity region.

Recent Developments in the Standardization of Power Line Communications within the IEEE

Abstract: Broadband connectivity to and within the home has been available to consumers for some time through various technologies. Among those technologies, power line communications is an excellent candidate for providing broadband connectivity as it exploits an already existing infrastructure. This infrastructure is much more pervasive than any other wired alternative (both to and within the home), and it allows virtually every line-powered device to become the target of value- added services. Therefore, PLC may be considered as the technological enabler of a multitude of future applications that probably would not be available otherwise. The most fundamental barrier to the widespread adoption of broadband PLC is the current lack of an international technical standard issued by a credible and globally recognized standards-setting body. Hopefully, this barrier will be eliminated soon through the work of the IEEE P1901 Corporate Standards Working Group. This group, which was created in June 2005, is entering a crucial phase. This article stresses the importance of standardization in the PLC context, gives an overview of the current activities of the IEEE P1901 working group, and also describes some of the technical challenges that the future 1901 standard must address to ensure the success of PLC in the marketplace.

High-efficiency envelope tracking systems and methods for radio frequency power amplifiers

Abstract: Envelope tracking (ET) methods and systems for controlling the delivery of power to radio frequency power amplifiers (RFPAs). An exemplary ET system includes an RFPA and a wide bandwidth capable and power efficient envelope modulator that includes a first power supplying apparatus and a second power supplying apparatus. The first power supplying apparatus includes a switch-mode converter and a regulator. The first mode converter is operable to dynamically step down a fixed power supply voltage according to amplitude variations in an envelope signal received by the regulator, and use the resulting dynamic power supply signal to power the regulator. The second power supplying apparatus is connected in parallel with the first power supplying apparatus. Depending on a power of an output signal to be generated at an output of the power amplifier, power is supplied to the power amplifier from either or both of the first and second power supplying apparatuses.

Amyloid protofilament formation of hen egg lysozyme in highly concentrated ethanol solution.

Abstract: Mutant human lysozymes (Ile56Thr & Asp67His) have been reported to form amyloid deposits in the viscera. From the standpoint of understanding the mechanism of amyloid formation, we searched for conditions of amyloid formation in vitro using hen egg lysozyme, which has been extensively studied from a physicochemical standpoint. It was found that the circular dichroism spectra in the far-ultraviolet region of the hen egg lysozyme changed to those characteristic of a beta-structure from the native alpha-helix rich spectrum in 90% ethanol solution. When the concentration of protein was increased to 10 mg/mL, the protein solution formed a gel in the presence of 90% ethanol, and precipitated on further addition of 10 mM NaCl. The precipitates were examined by electron microscopy, their ability to bind Congo red, and X-ray diffraction to determine whether amyloid fibrils were formed in the precipitates. Electron micrographs displayed unbranched protofilament with a diameter of approximately 70 A. The peak point of the difference spectrum for the Congo red binding assay was 541 nm, which is characteristic of amyloid fibrils. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed a sharp and intense diffraction ring at 4.7 A, a reflection that arises from the interstrand spacing in beta-sheets. These results indicate that the precipitates of hen egg lysozyme are amyloid protofilament, and that the amyloid protofilament formation of hen egg lysozyme closely follows upon the destruction of the helical and tertiary structures.

Encoding device, decoding device, and method thereof

Abstract: The speech encoding apparatus (220) has a first layer encoding section (2201), a first layer decoding section (2202), a delay section (2203), a subtracting section (104), a frequency domain transforming section (101), a second layer encoding section (105) and a multiplexing section (106).

Semiconductor integrated circuit device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a semiconductor integrated circuit device which can achieve an increase of an operating speed and a low power consumption even when a measurement element for a monitor provided in the semiconductor integrated circuit device has a local variation. SOLUTION: A MOSFET 101A for the monitor is selected from a MOSFET group 102A by a measurement element select part 103A for the monitor in a monitor circuit 105A. Here, a value of a drain current at an arbitrary gate voltage value in a sub-threshold region or saturated region of each MOSFET of the MOSFET group 102A is measured as a measurement parameter, and the MOSFET in which a value of the drain current is a central value is selected as the MOSFET 101A for the monitor. Thereafter, a board voltage 108 of a board is adjusted by an operating parameter adjusting circuit 107 based on a drain current value 104A of the MOSFET 101A for the monitor selected by the monitor circuit 105A, and the board voltage 108 is supplied to an integrated circuit body 106A. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Beam scanning-type display device, method, program and integrated circuit

Abstract: A beam scanning-type display device used as a head-mounted display (HMD) or a head-up display (HUD) includes a light source which emits a beam, a scanning unit which performs scanning using the beam emitted from the light source, a deflecting unit which deflects the beam used for the scanning by the scanning unit in the direction toward an eye of a user, and a wavefront shape changing unit which changes the wavefront shape of the beam from the light source so that the beam spot size falls within the predetermined allowable range, and emits the beam to the wavefront shape changing unit.

Information search support method and information search support device

Abstract: An information search support device for narrowing down information by means of recursive clustering and reducing an unexpected defeat of information that the user is interested with a simple operation is provided. The information search support device comprises a cluster selection information storage section (107) for storing information on the content of each cluster and cluster selection history information indicating which cluster the user has selected, a definition degree calculating section (111) for calculating the definition degree indicating the degree to which the search target of the user has become from an ambiguous state to a definition state from the information stored in the cluster selection information storage section (107), a search target estimating section (108) for acquiring a condition for estimating the search target from the information on the content of the selected cluster, an unexpected search defeat information extracting section (109) for extracting information on unexpected search defeats which is included in the clusters not selected and is estimated from the acquired condition from the clusters not selected, and an unexpected search defeat information addition judging section (112) for adding the extracted unexpected search defeat information to the cluster selected by the user.

Portable user control device and method for vehicle information systems

Abstract: A personal user control device suitable for use in cooperation with information systems, such as vehicle information systems, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The personal user control device provides a user-friendly interface system for interacting with the information system. Unlike conventional control devices, the user interface system includes no dedicated buttons and provides a customizable environment for interacting with the information system. When in communication with the information system, the personal user control device can automatically detect system status information, such as available system functionality, available viewing content, and/or a current system operation mode, of the information system and provides a user interface system that instinctively adapts for use with the information system in light of the detected system status information. The personal user control device thereby provides a versatile and intuitive manner for interacting with the information system.

Differential transmission line connector

Abstract: A differential transmission line connector with little unwanted radiation noise is provided. A connector connects a differential transmission pattern for multiple transmission of a group of three differential signals and a differential transmission cable. The differential transmission pattern is provided with three signal lines, and the differential transmission cable also is provided with three signal lines. In a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the differential transmission pattern and the differential transmission cable, the signal lines are positioned at the apexes of an equilateral triangle. The connector is provided with three signal lines that connect, at identical lengths, the signal lines of the differential transmission pattern and the signal lines of the differential transmission cable, between a predetermined first plane of the planes that perpendicularly intersect the longitudinal direction of the differential transmission pattern and a predetermined second plane of the planes that perpendicularly intersect the longitudinal direction of the differential transmission cable.

Multi-mode transmitter having adaptive operating mode control

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting communications signals that are both power efficient and effective at avoiding or reducing transmitter-generated receive band noise. An exemplary transceiver apparatus includes a multi-mode transmitter that is configurable to operate in a plurality of operating modes (e.g., a polar mode, a quadrature mode and a hybrid mode), a receiver, and an operating mode controller. The operating mode controller is configured to control which operating mode the transmitter is to operate, depending on one or more of a transmit (Tx) power, receive (Rx) power, the Tx power relative to the Rx power, a level of frequency separation between a Tx frequency band and a Rx frequency band (Tx/Rx band separation), and modulation type employed by the transmitter.

Power line communication apparatus, registration status confirmation method, and power line communication system

Abstract: A power line communication apparatus capable of performing power line communications with an other power line communication apparatus, the power line communication apparatus, including an authentication processing part which performs an authentication process using at least either an authentication request signal or an authentication response signal with the other power line communication apparatus via a power line, and a signal transmitting part which transmits a predetermined signal to the other power line communication apparatus so that the other power line communication apparatus indicates that the other power line communication apparatus and the power line communication apparatus are made communicatable to each other by the authentication process.

Battery charger cradle

Abstract: In a battery charger cradle, a battery incorporated in a battery built-in device is charged by electric power induced to an induction coil. The cradle includes a primary coil for inducing electromotive force to the induction coil, a casing having a top plate atop of which the battery built-in device is placed, a movement mechanism for moving the primary coil along an inner surface of the top plate, and a position detection controller for detecting a position of the battery built-in device placed on the top plate and controlling the movement mechanism to bring the primary coil closer to the induction coil in the battery built-in device. When the battery built-in device is placed on the top plate, the position detection controller detects the position of the battery built-in device, and the movement mechanism moves the primary coil closer to the induction coil in the battery built-in device.

Touchpad-enabled remote controller and user interaction methods

Abstract: The hand held case of the remote control unit includes at least one touchpad, and other sensors, such as acceleration sensors, case perimeter sensors, pressure sensors, RF signal sensors. These sensors provide a rich array of sensory inputs that are classified by a pattern recognizer to generate control commands for both the consumer electronic equipment and the remote control unit itself. A power management system to conserve unit battery power is also responsive to the pattern recognizer to allow intelligent power management control. The control system uses the display of the consumer electronic equipment to provide instructions to the user, and the behavior of the remote control system uses what is displayed on the display as context information for pattern recognition.

Semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes: a transistor formed in a substrate; a capacitor formed above one of source/drain regions of the transistor; a bit line formed above the substrate and extending in the gate length direction of the transistor; a first conductive plug connecting one of the source/drain regions and the capacitor; a second conductive plug connected to the other source/drain region that is not connected to the first conductive plug; and a third conductive plug formed on the second conductive plug and connected to the bit line. The central axis of the third conductive plug is displaced from the central axis of the second conductive plug in the gate width direction of the transistor.

Nonvolatile memory element, manufacturing method thereof, and nonvolatile semiconductor apparatus using the nonvolatile memory element

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory element comprises a first electrode layer ( 103 ), a second electrode ( 107 ), and a resistance variable layer ( 106 ) which is disposed between the first electrode layer ( 103 ) and the second electrode layer ( 107 ), a resistance value of the resistance variable layer varying reversibly according to electric signals having different polarities which are applied between the electrodes ( 103 ), ( 107 ), wherein the resistance variable layer ( 106 ) has a first region comprising a first oxygen-deficient tantalum oxide having a composition represented by TaOx (0

Semiconductor light-emitting device and manufacturing method of the same

Abstract: Light from a semiconductor light-emitting element travels in all directions. Thus, light that travels in the directions other than a lighting direction cannot be used effectively. Means for forming a semiconductor light-emitting element having tilted side surfaces, and forming a reflective layer on the tilted side surfaces has been proposed. However, since the tilted surfaces are formed by an etching method or the like, it takes a long time to form the tilted surfaces, and it is difficult to control the tilted surfaces. As a solution to these problems, semiconductor light-emitting elements are placed on a submount substrate and sealed with a sealant, and then a groove is formed in a portion between adjoining ones of the semiconductor light-emitting elements. The grooves formed are filled with a reflective material, and a light-emitting surface is polished. Then, the submount substrate is divided into individual semiconductor light-emitting devices. Thus, a semiconductor light-emitting device having a reflective layer on its side surfaces can be obtained.

Wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication system, and wireless communication method

Abstract: In a MIMO system using a cross-polarized antenna structure, even if no ideal XPD can be obtained, the interference between different polarized waves can be reduced to allow an effective precoding to be executed. When a MIMO communication is performed between a transmitter and a receiver each using a cross-polarized antenna structure, a channel estimating and precoding selection section of the receiver performs a channel estimation of MIMO channels from the transmitter to the receiver, decides a precoding matrix of a projection matrix for mutually orthogonalizing or substantially orthogonalizing the channel response matrixes for respective different polarized waves, and feeds the determined precoding matrix back to the transmitter. In the transmitter, a precoding processing section applies the precoding matrix to the spatial stream corresponding to one of the polarized waves to perform a precoding, thereby allowing the transmitter to transmit the polarized waves with the orthogonality therebetween maintained.

Resistance variable memory apparatus

Abstract: A resistance variable memory apparatus (100) of the present invention includes a current suppressing element (116) which is connected in series with each resistance variable layer (114) and whose threshold voltage is VF, and is configured to apply a first voltage V1 to a first wire (WL) associated with a selected nonvolatile memory element, apply a second voltage V2 to a second wire (BL) associated with the selected nonvolatile memory element, apply a third voltage V3 to a first wire (WL) which is not associated with the selected nonvolatile memory element and apply a fourth voltage V4 to a second wire (BL) which is not associated with the selected memory element when writing data or reading data, wherein V2≦V3

Toilet seat device

Abstract: A linear heater is formed of an enamel wire composed of a heating wire and an enamel layer. The heating wire is made of a copper alloy containing silver, for example. The enamel layer is made of polyester imide (PEI), polyimide (PI) or polyamide imide (PAI), for example. The enamel layer is coated with an insulating coating layer. The insulating coating layer is made of fluororesin such as perfluoroalkoxy mixture (PFA), polyimide (PI), or polyamide imide (PAI). The linear heater is bonded to the lower surface of an upper toilet seat casing such that it is sandwiched between a metal foil and a metal foil made of aluminum, for example.

Semiconductor device and layout design method therefor

Abstract: A layout design method for a semiconductor device includes a step of arranging transistors, a dummy gate forming step of forming dummy gates, which has a shape identical with a shape including gate electrodes or the gate electrodes and projected parts from active regions of the gate electrodes, in positions in parallel with and a fixed distance apart from the gate electrodes arranged at both ends in a gate length direction on active regions of the transistors and, when the transistors have plural gate electrodes with different gate widths, extending the projected parts to the outside of the active regions by a necessary length, a gate connecting step of, when gate patterns and contact regions are connected to the gate electrodes of the transistors, connecting the gate electrodes and the dummy gates according to a positional relation between the gate electrodes and the dummy gates, and a wiring step of wiring a metal layer. It is possible to design a semiconductor device having a smaller area than that in the past and with a less design man-hour.

Noise reduction device

Abstract: A noise reduction device, including a microphone for detecting noise, a noise controller for reversing the phase of noise detected by the microphone based on information outputted from the microphone, and a speaker for outputting sound based on information outputted from the noise controller, is arranged at a seat surrounded by a shell portion having a cavity, wherein a speaker is disposed in the cavity of the shell portion.

Advanced signal processing for PLCs: Wavelet-OFDM

Abstract: There are today broadband power line modems available in retail stores that are based on either conventional OFDM or on Wavelet-OFDM. However, the comparison of these two multicarrier modulation techniques in the specific context of power line communications has been seldom addressed in the literature. In this paper, OFDM and Wavelet OFDM are compared by focusing on two important aspects: transmission efficiency and spectral leakage. It will be shown that, for the case of the power line channel, Wavelet OFDM offers substantial advantages over conventional or windowed OFDM.

Planar coil and contactless electric power transmission device using the same

Abstract: This invention has an object to a planar coil, a contactless electric power transmission device using the same. This planar coil is configured to suppress an eddy current developed between adjacent turns of wire for minimizing adverse effects on ambient electrical appliances resulting from heat generation. The planar coil 1 in the present invention is formed of spiral shaped wire 7 coated with thinned insulative film, in which adjacent turns of the wire 7 are spaced in radial direction at such a predetermined interval to suppress an eddy current. This planar coil 1 is preferably employed as a power transmission coil or power receiving coil.

Nonvolatile storage element, its manufacturing method, and nonvolatile semiconductor device using the nonvolatile storage element

Abstract: A nonvolatile storage element is provided with a first electrode layer (103), a second electrode layer (107), and a resistance change layer (106) that is interposed between the first electrode layer (103) and the second electrode layer (107) and has a resistance value which reversibly changes on the basis of electrical signals given between both electrodes (103) and (107). This resistance change layer (106) has a laminated structure in which a first tantalum-containing layer having a composition represented by TaOx (wherein, 0≤x<2.5) and a second tantalum-containing layer having a composition represented by TaOy (wherein, x

Management of session control signaling for multicast/broadcast services

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distributing control signaling for session control of a multicast or broadcast service within a mobile communication network. Furthermore the invention also provides a base station, mobile terminal and communication system to perform the proposed method. In order to reduce the number of signaling connections for the service, the invention proposes to avoid the initial distribution of session control signaling in the entire mobile communications network or service area. Rather than providing service related control signaling connections upon session start, the control signaling connections are set up in response to service requests of the mobile terminals requesting the service. According to one further aspect, the mobile terminals send the service requests based on service announcements available at the mobile terminals, i.e. in contrast to conventional implementations, the mobile terminals do not await a notification of the access network on the availability of the service within the cell.