claimsbot – Page 19061 – All The Claims

1460738184-70e482a2-6672-4f42-9f4a-5f44cdafce25

1. A method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a plurality of images captured with at least two optical sensors, wherein the plurality of images comprises a first image of an environment as perceived from a first viewpoint of a first optical sensor and a second image of the environment as perceived from a second viewpoint of a second optical sensor;
determining, by the computing device, a first depth estimate for at least one surface in the environment based on corresponding features between the first image and the second image;
causing, by the computing device, a texture projector to project a known texture pattern onto the environment;
determining, by the computing device and based on the first depth estimate, at least one region of at least one image of the plurality of images within which to search for a particular portion of the known texture pattern;
determining, by the computing device, points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image; and
determining, by the computing device, a second depth estimate for the at least one surface in the environment based on the determined points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining, based on the first depth estimate, the at least one region of the at least one image within which to search for the particular portion of the known texture pattern comprises determining the at least one region using triangulation based on the first depth estimate and based on a position of the texture projector with respect to a position of an optical sensor used to capture the at least one image.
3. The method of claim 1:
wherein the known texture pattern is projected before the first image and the second image are captured; and
wherein the at least one image comprises the first image, the second image, or both.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing the texture projector to project a random texture pattern onto the environment, wherein the first image and the second image are indicative of the environment and the random texture pattern.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one image comprises a third image of the plurality of images that is indicative of the environment and the known texture pattern.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one image is captured with a third optical sensor.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a size of the known texture pattern based on a size of the at least one region of the at least one image.
8. The method of claim 1:
wherein the at least one image comprises the first image and the second image;
wherein the at least one region of the at least one image comprises a first region of the first image and a second region of the second image; and
wherein determining points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image comprises: (1) determining a first set of points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the first region of the first image, and (2) determining a second set of points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the second region of the second image.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the second depth estimate for the at least one surface in the environment comprises: (1) determining a first structured-light depth estimate based on the first set of points, (2) determining a second structured-light depth estimate based on the second set of points, and (3) determining a second depth estimate that combines the first structured-light depth estimate and the second structured-light depth estimate.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first optical sensor, the second optical sensor, and the texture projector are coupled to a robotic manipulator.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a third depth estimate by combining the first depth estimate and the second depth estimate.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored therein instructions, that when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform functions comprising:
receiving a plurality of images captured with at least two optical sensors, wherein the plurality of images comprises a first image of an environment as perceived from a first viewpoint of a first optical sensor and a second image of the environment as perceived from a second viewpoint of a second optical sensor;
determining a first depth estimate for at least one surface in the environment based on corresponding features between the first image and the second image;
causing a texture projector to project a known texture pattern onto the environment;
determining, based on the first depth estimate, at least one region of at least one image of the plurality of images within which to search for a particular portion of the known texture pattern;
determining points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image; and
determining a second depth estimate for the at least one surface in the environment based on the determined points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein determining, based on the first depth estimate, the at least one region of the at least one image within which to search for the particular portion of the known texture pattern comprises determining the at least one region using triangulation based on the first depth estimate and based on a position of the texture projector with respect to a position of an optical sensor used to capture the at least one image.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12:
wherein the known texture pattern is projected before the first image and the second image are captured; and
wherein the at least one image comprises the first image, the second image, or both.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the functions further comprise determining a size of the known texture pattern based on a size of the at least one region of the at least one image.
16. A system comprising:
at least two optical sensors;
a texture projector configured to project a known texture pattern onto an environment; and
a computing device configured to:
receive a plurality of images captured with the at least two optical sensors, wherein the plurality of images comprises a first image of an environment as perceived from a first viewpoint of a first optical sensor and a second image of the environment as perceived from a second viewpoint of a second optical sensor,
determine a first depth estimate for at least one surface in the environment based on corresponding features between the first image and the second image,
cause the texture projector to project a known texture pattern onto the environment,
determine, based on the first depth estimate, at least one region of at least one image of the plurality of images within which to search for a particular portion of the known texture pattern,
determine points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image, and
determine a second depth estimate for the at least one surface in the environment based on the determined points corresponding to the particular portion of the known texture pattern within the at least one region of the at least one image.
17. The system of claim 16:
wherein the known texture pattern is projected before the first image and the second image are captured; and
wherein the at least one image comprises the first image, the second image, or both.
18. The system of claim 16, further comprising a robotic manipulator, wherein the texture projector is coupled to the robotic manipulator.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least two optical sensors are coupled to the robotic manipulator.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein the computing device is further configured to determine a size of the known texture pattern based on a size of the at least one region of the at least one image.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A dynamometer tool for manually applying torque to a fastener element, the dynamometer tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising:
a drive portion at a distal end of the dynamometer tool;
a handle portion at a proximal end of the dynamometer tool;
an intermediate portion connecting said drive portion to said handle portion, said intermediate portion including a tubular element, said tubular element containing a mechanical calibration device;
a support module totally within the dynamometer tool, said support module including
(i) a body substantially cylindrical in shape and extending along the longitudinal axis, said body being delimited by two end faces, having a passageway extending along the longitudinal axis and being open at each of said two end faces for allowing an operator to insert an adjusting tool from the proximal end of the dynamometer tool and through said passageway in order to access said mechanical calibration device, and having at least one recess arranged around the longitudinal axis, and
(ii) at least one electrical power supply member in said at least one recess; and

an equilibrium-breaking mechanism for delivering a predetermined torsion torque to said drive portion,
wherein said mechanical calibration device extends along the longitudinal axis and is for calibrating a biasing structure that cooperates with said equilibrium-breaking mechanism for setting the predetermined torsion torque.
2. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one recess faces outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.
3. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one recess extends parallel to the longitudinal axis.
4. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said at least one recess comprises three recesses extending along the longitudinal axis, and
said at least one electrical power supply member in said at least one recess comprises an electrical power supply member in each of said three recesses.
5. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said support module further includes a tubular guide sleeve extending from at least one of said two end faces, said tubular guide sleeve being coaxial with said passageway so as to define with said passageway a duct.
6. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
at least one of said two end faces has thereon positioning structure for positioning an electronic element perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis andor fastening structure for fastening an electronic element perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.
7. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises a one-piece plastic part.
8. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said support module further includes an electronic circuit board positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.
9. The dynamometer tool according to claim 8, wherein
said electronic circuit board positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis has a contact tab for establishing contact with a terminal of said at least one electrical power supply member.
10. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said support module is within said handle portion.
11. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said handle portion comprises a handle support and a separate sleeve mounted on said handle support.
12. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, further comprising:
access structure for allowing the adjusting tool to be inserted from outside the proximal end of the dynamometer tool and through said passageway in order to access said mechanical calibration device.
13. The dynamometer tool according to claim 12, wherein
said access structure comprises a passageway through a stopper at the proximal end of the dynamometer tool, with said passageway through said stopper extending along the longitudinal axis.
14. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said support module further includes data transmission structure for transmitting data by radio.
15. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
the dynamometer tool is a torque wrench or a torque screwdriver.
16. The dynamometer tool according to claim 1, wherein
said biasing structure comprises
a compression spring, for biasing said equilibrium-breaking mechanism, such that
said mechanical calibration device is for calibrating said compression spring, and
said mechanical calibration device includes a second drive portion for cooperating with the adjusting tool when the adjusting tool is passed through said passageway.
17. The dynamometer tool according to claim 16, wherein
the adjusting tool includes a bit constituting a screwdriver blade or a wrench.
18. A dynamometer tool for manually applying torque to a fastener element, the dynamometer tool having a longitudinal axis and comprising:
a drive portion at a distal end of the dynamometer tool;
a handle portion at a proximal end of the dynamometer tool;
an intermediate portion connecting said drive portion to said handle portion, said intermediate portion including a tubular element, said tubular element containing a mechanical calibration device;
a support module totally within the dynamometer tool, said support module including
(i) a body substantially cylindrical in shape and extending along the longitudinal axis, said body being delimited by two end faces, having a passageway extending along the longitudinal axis and being open at each of said two end faces for allowing an operator to insert an adjusting tool from the proximal end of the dynamometer tool and through said passageway in order to access said mechanical calibration device, and having at least one seat arranged around the longitudinal axis, and
(ii) at least one electronic circuit board on said at least one seat; and

1460738176-e67fd8dd-6f15-46c4-8051-bb55c11277e5

We claim:

1. A computer system for qualifying a vendor for a qualifier, comprising:
a web server configured to receive vendor qualification information associated with the vendor via a data network;
a database configured to store said vendor qualification information and vendor criteria information associated with the qualifier; and
a qualification tool configured to compare said vendor qualification information to said vendor criteria information to qualify the vendor for the qualifier.
2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein said database is further capable of storing additional vendor qualification information associated with an additional vendor and additional vendor criteria information associated with an additional qualifier.
3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein said qualifier is a buyer and said web server is associated with the buyer, said vendor criteria information being buyer-defined vendor criteria information established by the buyer.
4. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising:
a vendor browser associated with the vendor, said vendor browser having a data connection with said web server to enable the vendor to enter said vendor qualification information into said database.
5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein said web server is further capable of selectively providing an e-mail notification message to said vendor browser indicating whether the vendor is qualified for the qualifier.
6. The computer system of claim 4, wherein said web server is further capable of pushing one or more web pages at a time to said vendor browser, said one or more web pages including vendor selection data for use by the vendor in entering said vendor qualification information.
7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein said web server uses said vendor qualification information entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to said vendor browser.
8. The computer system of claim 7, wherein said database is further configured to store vendor fields containing said vendor selection data.
9. The computer system of claim 8, further comprising:
a vendor module configured to populate said one or more web pages with said vendor selection data from said vendor fields and store said vendor qualification information entered by the vendor within said database.
10. The computer system of claim 9, wherein said database is further configured to store said vendor qualification information entered by the vendor in a vendor record.
11. The computer system of claim 9, wherein said vendor fields are arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure and said vendor qualification information stored in said database is arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said vendor fields.
12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein said vendor fields are in a table-driven format that is configurable and scalable based upon the vendor and the computer system.
13. The computer system of claim 11, wherein said vendor qualification information includes vendor profiling information to categorize the types of goods and services the vendor provides, said vendor fields including vendor profiling fields to solicit said vendor profiling information from the vendor.
14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein said vendor profiling fields are organized into hierarchical tables, each of said hierarchical tables including vendor selection data having one or more vendor profiling selections, said one or more web pages pushed to said vendor browser including said one or more vendor profiling selections of a first one of said hierarchical tables and said one or more additional web pages pushed to said vendor browser including said one or more vendor profiling selections of a second one of said hierarchical tables.
15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein said vendor profiling information entered by the vendor in response to said one or more web pages includes a select one of said vendor profiling selections, said second hierarchical table being selected by said vendor module based upon said select vendor profiling selection entered by the vendor.
16. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the qualifier is a buyer, and further comprising:
a buyer browser associated with the buyer, said buyer browser having a data connection with said web server to enter said vendor criteria information associated with the buyer into said database.
17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein said web server is further capable of pushing one or more web pages at a time to said buyer browser, said one or more web pages including buyer selection data for use by the buyer in entering said vendor criteria information.
18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein said web server uses said vendor criteria information entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to said buyer browser.
19. The computer system of claim 18, wherein said database is further configured to store buyer fields containing said buyer selection data.
20. The computer system of claim 19, further comprising:
a buyer module configured to populate said one or more web pages with said buyer selection data from said buyer fields and store said vendor criteria information entered by the buyer within said database.
21. The computer system of claim 20, wherein said database is further configured to store said vendor criteria information entered by the buyer in a buyer record.
22. The computer system of claim 20, wherein said buyer fields are arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure and said vendor criteria information stored in said database is arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said buyer fields, said vendor qualification information being further arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure to enable comparison of said vendor qualification information and said vendor criteria information by said qualification tool.
23. The computer system of claim 22, wherein said buyer fields are in a table-driven format that is configurable and scalable based on the buyer and the computer system.
24. The computer system of claim 23, wherein said vendor criteria information includes vendor profiling information to categorize the types of goods and services the buyer has a need for, said buyer fields including vendor profiling fields to solicit said vendor profiling information from the buyer.
25. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the qualifier is an industry and said vendor criteria information is industry-related vendor criteria information associated with the industry, said industry-related vendor criteria information indicating industry-defined requirements for the vendor to do business in the industry.
26. The computer system of claim 25, wherein said industry-related vendor criteria information is arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure and said vendor qualification information is arranged in a hierarchical and relational structure to enable comparison of said vendor qualification information and said industry-related vendor criteria information by said qualification tool.
27. The computer system of claim 25, wherein said database is further configured to store said industry-related vendor criteria information in an industry record.
28. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising:
an input device configured to enable a user of the computer system to enter verification information associated with said vendor qualification information into said database; and
a user interface configured to provide the user with verification request information requesting the user verify said vendor qualification information and enter said verification information into said database.
29. The computer system of claim 1, wherein said database is further configured to store a vendor list capable of including one or more qualified qualifiers, said qualification tool populating said vendor list with the qualifier when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information associated with the qualifier.
30. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the qualifier is a buyer and said database is further configured to store a buyer list associated with the buyer capable of including one or more qualified vendors, said qualification tool populating said buyer list with the vendor when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information associated with the buyer.
31. The computer system of claim 30, wherein said buyer list further includes at least a portion of said vendor qualification information associated with the vendor.
32. The computer system of claim 30, further comprising:
a buyer database associated with the buyer, said buyer list being downloaded to said buyer database from said database storing said vendor qualification information and said vendor criteria information.
33. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the qualifier is an industry and said database is further configured to store an industry list capable of including one or more qualified vendors, said qualification tool populating said industry list with the vendor when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information associated with the industry.
34. The computer system of claim 1, further comprising:
a maintenance tool configured to interface with said database to monitor said vendor qualification information, request updated vendor qualification information from the vendor and store said updated vendor qualification information in the database to maintain qualification of the vendor for the qualifier.
35. The computer system of claim 34, wherein said vendor qualification information includes a data renewal date, said maintenance tool being configured to request said updated vendor qualification information prior to or on said data renewal date.
36. The computer system of claim 35, wherein said vendor qualification information further includes a data expiration date associated with a particular data entry within said vendor qualification information, said maintenance tool being configured to request said updated vendor qualification information prior to or on said data expiration date.
37. The computer system of claim 36, wherein said maintenance tool is further configured to remove the vendor from a qualifier list containing one or more qualified vendors associated with the qualifier when said updated vendor qualification information is not received by the maintenance tool by a pre-configured date associated with said data renewal date or said data expiration date.
38. The computer system of claim 37, wherein said maintenance tool is further configured to interface with said web server to send an e-mail notification message to a vendor browser associated with the vendor indicating the vendor is no longer qualified for the qualifier.
39. The computer system of claim 34, wherein said maintenance tool is further configured to interface with said web server to send an e-mail update request message to a vendor browser associated with the vendor to request said updated vendor qualification information from the vendor.
40. A method for qualifying a vendor for a qualifier, comprising the steps of:
receiving vendor qualification information associated with the vendor;
storing said vendor qualification information within a database;
storing vendor criteria information associated with the qualifier within said database;
comparing said vendor qualification information with said vendor criteria information to generate compliance information; and
qualifying the vendor for the qualifier based on said compliance information.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of storing further comprises:
storing additional vendor qualification information associated with an additional vendor and additional vendor criteria information associated with an additional qualifier within said database.
42. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of:
selectively providing a notification message to the vendor indicating whether the vendor is qualified for the qualifier.
43. The method of claim 40, wherein said step of receiving further comprises:
pushing one or more web pages at a time from said web server to a vendor browser associated with the vendor, said one or more web pages including vendor selection data for use by the vendor in entering said vendor qualification information.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein said step of pushing said one or more web pages further comprises the step of:
using said vendor qualification information entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to said vendor browser.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein said step of pushing further comprises the steps of:
storing vendor fields containing said vendor selection data within said database; and
populating said one or more web pages with said vendor selection data from said vendor fields.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein said step of storing said vendor fields further comprises the step of:
storing said vendor fields within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure.
47. The method of claim 46, wherein said step of storing said vendor qualification information further comprises the step of:
storing said vendor qualification information within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said vendor fields.
48. The method of claim 46, wherein said vendor qualification information includes vendor profiling information to categorize the types of goods and services the vendor provides, said step of storing said vendor fields further comprising the step of:
storing vendor profiling fields within said vendor fields into hierarchical tables, each of said hierarchical tables including vendor selection data having one or more vendor profiling selections, said vendor profiling selections being used to solicit said vendor profiling information from the vendor.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein said step of pushing said one or more web pages further comprises the steps of:
including said one or more vendor profiling selections of a first one of said hierarchical tables within said one or more web pages pushed to said vendor browser; and
including said one or more vendor profiling selections of a second one of said hierarchical tables within said one or more additional web pages pushed to said vendor browser.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein said step of including said one or more vendor profiling selections of said second one of said hierarchical tables within said one or more additional web pages pushed to said vendor browser further comprises the steps of:
receiving said vendor profiling information entered by the vendor in response to said one or more web pages, said vendor profiling information including a select one of said vendor profiling selections; and
selecting said second hierarchical table based upon said select vendor profiling selection entered by the vendor.
51. The method of claim 40, wherein the qualifier is a buyer and said step of receiving further comprises the step of:
pushing one or more web pages at a time from said web server to a buyer browser associated with the buyer, said one or more web pages including buyer selection data for use by the buyer in entering said vendor criteria information.
52. The method of claim 51, wherein said step of pushing said one or more web pages to said buyer browser further comprises the step of:
using said vendor criteria information entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to said buyer browser.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein said step of pushing further comprises the steps of:
storing buyer fields containing said buyer selection data within said database; and
populating said one or more web pages with said buyer selection data from said buyer fields.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein said step of storing said buyer fields further comprises the step of:
storing said buyer fields within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein said step of storing said vendor qualification information and said vendor criteria information further comprises the steps of:
storing said vendor criteria information in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said buyer fields; and
storing said vendor qualification information in a hierarchical and relational structure to enable comparison of said vendor qualification information and said vendor criteria information during said step of comparing.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein said vendor criteria information includes vendor profiling information to categorize the types of goods and services that the buyer has a need for, said step of storing said buyer fields further comprising the step of:
storing vendor profiling fields within said buyer fields, said vendor profiling selections being used to solicit said vendor profiling information from the buyer.
57. The method of claim 40, wherein the qualifier is an industry and said vendor criteria information is industry-related vendor criteria information associated with the industry, said industry-related vendor criteria information indicating industry-defined requirements for the vendor to do business in the industry, and wherein said step of storing said vendor qualification information and said industry-related vendor criteria information further comprises the steps of:
storing said industry-related vendor criteria information in a hierarchical and relational structure; and
storing said vendor qualification information in a hierarchical and relational structure to enable comparison of said vendor qualification information and said industry-related vendor criteria information.
58. The method of claim 40, further comprising the steps of:
verifying said vendor qualification information entered by the vendor; and
storing verification information associated with said vendor qualification information in said database.
59. The method of claim 40, further comprising the steps of:
storing a vendor list capable of including one or more qualified qualifiers within said database; and
populating said vendor list with the qualifier when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information associated with the qualifier.
60. The method of claim 40, wherein the qualifier is a buyer, and further comprising the steps of:
storing a buyer list associated with the buyer capable of including one or more qualified vendors within said database; and
populating said buyer list with the vendor when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information associated with the buyer.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of populating further comprises the step of:
storing at least a portion of said vendor qualification information associated with the vendor within said buyer list.
62. The method of claim 61, further comprising the step of:
downloading said buyer list from said database to a buyer database associated with the buyer.
63. The method of claim 40, wherein the qualifier is an industry and further comprising the steps of:
storing an industry list capable of including one or more qualified vendors within said database; and
populating said industry list with the vendor when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information associated with the industry.
64. The method of claim 40, further comprising the steps of:
monitoring said vendor qualification information;
requesting updated vendor qualification information from the vendor; and
storing said updated vendor qualification information in the database to maintain qualification of the vendor for the qualifier.
65. The method of claim 64, wherein said vendor qualification information includes a data renewal date, said step of requesting further comprising the step of:
requesting said updated vendor qualification information prior to or on said data renewal date.
66. The method of claim 65, wherein said vendor qualification information further includes a data expiration date associated with a particular data entry within said vendor qualification information, said step of requesting further comprising the step of:
requesting said updated vendor qualification information prior to or on said data expiration date.
67. The method of claim 66, further comprising the step of:
removing the vendor from a qualifier list containing one or more qualified vendors associated with the qualifier when said updated vendor qualification information is not received from the vendor by a pre-configured date associated with said data renewal date or said data expiration date.
68. The method of claim 67, further comprising the step of:
sending a notification message to a vendor browser associated with the vendor indicating the vendor is no longer qualified for the qualifier.
69. A computer system for maintaining qualification of a vendor for a qualifier, comprising:
a web server configured to receive vendor qualification information associated with the vendor via a data network;
a database configured to store said vendor qualification information and vendor criteria information associated with the qualifier;
means for qualifying the vendor for the qualifier based on said vendor qualification information to said vendor criteria information; and
means for monitoring said vendor qualification information to request updated vendor qualification information from the vendor to maintain qualification of the vendor for the qualifier.
70. A computer system for creating and maintaining a buyer list of qualified vendors that are qualified to do business with a buyer, comprising:
a web server configured to receive vendor qualification information associated with the vendor via a data network;
a database configured to store said vendor qualification information and vendor criteria information associated with the buyer;
means for comparing said vendor qualification information to said vendor criteria information to qualify the vendor for the buyer; and
means for adding the vendor to said buyer list when said vendor qualification information matches said vendor criteria information.
71. The computer system of claim 70, wherein said buyer list further includes at least a portion of said vendor qualification information associated with the vendor.
72. The computer system of claim 71, further comprising:
a buyer database associated with the buyer, said buyer list being downloaded to said buyer database from said database storing said vendor qualification information and said vendor criteria information.
73. The computer system of claim 70, further comprising:
means for monitoring said vendor qualification information to request updated vendor qualification information from the vendor to maintain qualification of the vendor for the buyer; and
means for selectively removing the vendor from said buyer list when said updated vendor qualification information is not provided by the vendor.
74. The computer system of claim 70, wherein said buyer list is used by the buyer in selecting given ones of the qualified vendors to receive requests for purchase and requests for quote for all future requests for purchase and requests for quote.
75. A computer system for verifying the qualifications of a vendor for a qualifier, comprising:
a web server configured to receive vendor qualification information associated with the vendor via a data network;
a database configured to store said vendor qualification information and vendor criteria information associated with the qualifier;
means for verifying said vendor qualification information provided by the vendor; and
means for comparing said verified vendor qualification information to said vendor criteria information to qualify the vendor for the qualifier.
76. The computer system of claim 75, wherein said means for verifying comprises:
an input device configured to enable a user of the computer system to enter verification information associated with said vendor qualification information into said database; and
a user interface configured to provide the user with verification request information requesting the user verify said vendor qualification information and enter said verification information into said database.
77. A method for calculating statistical data associated with vendor qualifications, comprising:
collecting a plurality of qualification data identifying vendor qualification requirements within an industry, each said qualification data including an industry profile and industry-related data;
comparing selected criteria associated with the vendor qualification requirements for said industry with each said industry profile within each said qualification data to determine matching qualification data; and
calculating statistical data related to said industry-related data included within said matching qualification data.
78. The method of claim 77, wherein said qualification data comprises vendor qualification information associated with a particular vendor, and wherein said step of collecting further comprises:
entering said vendor qualification information into a vendor record within a database.
79. The method of claim 77, wherein said qualification data comprises vendor criteria information associated with a particular buyer for each vendor doing business with the buyer, and wherein said step of collecting further comprises:
entering said vendor criteria information into a buyer record within a database.
80. The method of claim 77, further comprising:
storing said statistical data within an industry record within a database.
81. The method of claim 77, wherein said step of calculating is performed periodically.
82. The method of claim 81, wherein said selected criteria is pre-configured, said step of calculating being performed automatically.
83. The method of claim 77, further comprising:
receiving said selected criteria at a web server from a user via a user browser.
84. The method of claim 83, wherein said step of receiving further comprises:
pushing one or more web pages at a time from the web server to the user browser, said one or more web pages including criteria selection data for use by the user in entering said selected criteria.
85. The method of claim 84, wherein said step of pushing said one or more web pages further comprises the step of:
using said selected criteria entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to the user browser.
86. The method of claim 85, wherein said step of pushing further comprises the steps of:
storing criteria fields containing said criteria selection data within a database; and
populating said one or more web pages with said criteria selection data from said criteria fields.
87. The method of claim 86, wherein said step of storing said criteria fields further comprises the step of:
storing said criteria fields within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure.
88. The method of claim 87, wherein said step of collecting further comprises:
storing said qualification data within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said criteria fields.
89. A method for providing statistical data associated with vendor qualifications, comprising:
storing a plurality of industry records within a database, each of said industry records including industry-related vendor criteria information for an industry, each said industry-related vendor criteria information including at least an industry profile identifying the respective industry and industry qualification data identifying vendor qualification requirements within the respective industry;
receiving selected criteria including at least a requested industry profile from a user;
comparing said requested industry profile with each said industry profile within each said industry record to determine a matching one of said industry records; and
providing at least part of said industry qualification data included within said matching industry record to the user.
90. The method of claim 89, wherein said step of storing said industry records further comprises:
collecting a plurality of vendor qualification data identifying vendor qualification requirements within a particular industry;
calculating statistical data related to said vendor qualification data; and
storing said statistical data as at least part of said industry qualification data within a select one of said industry records associated with the particular industry.
91. The method of claim 90, wherein said vendor qualification data comprises vendor qualification information associated with a particular vendor, and wherein said step of collecting further comprises:
entering said vendor qualification information into a vendor record within a database.
92. The method of claim 90, wherein said vendor qualification data comprises buyer-defined vendor criteria information associated with a particular buyer for each vendor doing business with the buyer, and wherein said step of collecting further comprises:
entering said buyer-defined vendor criteria information into a buyer record within a database.
93. The method of claim 89, wherein said step of receiving said selected criteria further comprises:
pushing one or more web pages at a time from a web server to a user browser associated with the user, said one or more web pages including criteria selection data for use by the user in entering said selected criteria.
94. The method of claim 93, wherein said step of pushing said one or more web pages further comprises the step of:
using said selected criteria entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to the user browser.
95. The method of claim 94, wherein said step of pushing further comprises the steps of:
storing criteria fields containing said criteria selection data within a database; and
populating said one or more web pages with said criteria selection data from said criteria fields.
96. The method of claim 95, wherein said step of storing said criteria fields further comprises the step of:
storing said criteria fields within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure.
97. The method of claim 96, wherein said step of storing said industry records further comprises:
storing said industry-related vendor criteria information within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said criteria fields.
98. The method of claim 89, wherein said step of storing said industry records further comprises:
receiving said industry-related vendor criteria information at a web server from an administrative user via an administrative user browser.
99. The method of claim 98, wherein said step of receiving said industry-related vendor criteria information further comprises:
pushing one or more web pages at a time from the web server to the administrative user browser, said one or more web pages including industry selection data for use by the user in entering said industry-related vendor criteria information.
100. The method of claim 99, wherein said step of pushing said one or more web pages further comprises the step of:
using said industry-related vendor criteria information entered in response to said one or more web pages to determine one or more additional web pages to be pushed to the administrative user browser.
101. The method of claim 100, wherein said step of pushing further comprises the steps of:
storing industry fields containing said industry selection data within said database; and
populating said one or more web pages with said industry selection data from said industry fields.
102. The method of claim 101, wherein said step of storing said industry fields further comprises the step of:
storing said industry fields within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure.
103. The method of claim 102, wherein said step of storing said industry records further comprises:
storing said industry-related vendor criteria information within said database in a hierarchical and relational structure mirroring select ones of said industry fields.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A semiconductor device comprising:
an N\u2212 region formed in a surface region of a P type substrate,
a P region formed in the surface region, the P region included in the N\u2212 region or adjacent to the N\u2212 region,
one or more semiconductor elements, each having a first N type region and a second N type region formed in a portion of said P region, the first N type region and the second N type region being separated from each other, a first electrode formed on said first N type region, a second electrode formed on said second N type region, and a gate electrode formed over a surface of said P region between said first N type region and said second N type region,
wherein said first N type region and said second N type region are surrounded by said P region and separated from said N\u2212 region.
2. The semiconductor device according to claim 1 comprising:
a level shift circuit having one of said semiconductor elements, a floating power source electrode apart from the P region on the N\u2212 region and a resistor connected between said second electrode and said floating power source electrode.
3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2 comprising:
an another level shift circuit having another semiconductor element, another floating power source electrode apart from the P region on the N\u2212 region and another resistor connected between said second electrode and said another floating power source electrode.
4. The semiconductor device according to claim 3,
wherein the P region is separated in the N\u2212 region to correspond each of the semiconductor elements.
5. The semiconductor device according to claim 2,
wherein the P region has a first P region for the first N type region and a second P region for the second N type region.
6. The semiconductor device according to claim 5, comprising a third P region connected to the second P region,
wherein the P region is positioned between a second electrode and the floating power source electrode.
7. The semiconductor device according to claim 6, comprising an N+ layer between the P type substrate and the N\u2212 region, the N+ layer contacting with the third P region.
8. The semiconductor device according to claim 1,
wherein the N\u2212 region is N type diffusion layer formed by diffusing an N type impurity from the surface of the P type substrate and the P region is the surface region of the P type substrate.
9. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, comprising an N\u2212 buried region between the P region and the P type substrate.
10. A semiconductor device comprising:
an N\u2212 region formed in a surface region of a P type substrate,
a P region formed in the surface region, the P region included in the N\u2212 region or adjacent to the N\u2212 region,
one or more semiconductor elements, each having a first N type region and a second N type region formed in a portion of said P region, the first N type region and the second N type region being separated from each other, a P+ region formed in a part of the second N type region, a first electrode formed on said first N type region, a second electrode being connected to the P+ region, and a gate electrode formed over a surface of said P region between said first N type region and said second N type region,
wherein said first N type region and said second N type region are surrounded by said P region and separated from said N\u2212 region.
11. The semiconductor device according to claim 1, comprising N-resurf region between the second N type region and the gate electrode, wherein the N\u2212 region and the P region are positioned between the N-resurf region and the P type substrate in the order from the P type substrate, and wherein a impurity concentration of the N\u2212 region on the P substrate, a impurity concentration of the P type region and a impurity concentration of the N-resurf region are set so as to equalize a surface electric field.
12. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, comprising a stack structure adjacent to the semiconductor element, the stack structure being made by stacking a first N type layer, a P type layer and a second N type layer in the order from the P type substrate, wherein a impurity concentration of the first N type layer, a impurity concentration of the P type layer and a impurity concentration of the second N type layer are set so as to equalize a surface electric field.
13. The semiconductor device according to claim 11, wherein a surface of the N\u2212 region which is adjacent to the semiconductor element is exposed.
14. The semiconductor device according to claim 3, comprising an N type separation layer in the P type layer positioned between the semiconductor elements.
15. The semiconductor device according to claim 4, comprising a P type separation layer in the N-region positioned between the P regions.
16. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, comprising N type region contacting to the N\u2212 buried region, wherein the P type substrate and the P region are separated by the N\u2212 buried region and N type region.