Author: claimsbot

1. A method of making a meat-based food product, comprising:
forming meat into a bulk form;
heating the bulk form to at least approximately 130\xb0 F.;
slicing the heated bulk form into a plurality of slices that have first and second sides spaced apart by a thickness no greater than about 1 mm;
drying the slices in a first drying stage in a first dryer to produce partially dried slices, the first and second sides of the partially dried slices being sufficiently dry to allow the partially dried slices to lay atop one another without substantially adhering to one another;
moving the partially dried slices from the first dryer to a second dryer; and
further drying the partially dried slices in a second drying stage in the second dryer by passing a drying medium through a mass of the partially dried slices in which at least a substantial minority of the partially dried slices at least partially overlie at least one other partially dried slice.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the second drying stage produces friable dried slices.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the slices are arranged in a first configuration in the first drying stage and in a different configuration in the second drying stage.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the slices are arranged in a monolayer configuration in the first drying stage.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the slices are dried in the first drying stage by directing air against the first side and against the second side.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the slices are dried at a first drying rate in the first drying stage and the partially dried slices are dried at a slower second drying rate in the second drying stage.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a flavoring agent to the dried slices.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein applying the flavoring agent comprises applying a water-based flavoring slurry to the dried slices after the second drying stage.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the second drying stage produces friable dried slices having a moisture content of no greater than about 12%.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the partially dried slices have a moisture content of at least about 25% and the second drying stage produces friable dried slices having a moisture content of no greater than about 12%.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the bulk form comprises at least about 80 weight percent meat.
12. A method of making a crisp meat snack, comprising:
drying slices of a meat-based product in a first drying stage in a first dryer to produce partially dried slices having a moisture content of at least about 25% and having substantially dry, non-tacky opposed faces;
collecting a mass of the partially dried slices in a multi-layered configuration;
moving the partially dried slices from the first dryer to a second dryer; and
further drying the mass of partially dried slices in the multi-layered configuration in a second drying stage in the second dryer to produce crisp slices having a moisture content of no greater than about 12%.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein a majority of the partially dried slices in the multi-layered configuration have a face in contact with a face of at least one other partially dried slice.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the first drying stage includes directing air at both faces of the slices.
15. The method of claim 12 wherein the slices are arranged in a monolayer configuration in the first drying stage.
16. The method of claim 12 wherein the slices are dried at a first drying rate in the first drying stage and the partially dried slices are dried at a slower second drying rate in the second drying stage.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying a flavoring agent to the crisp slices.
18. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming the slices of the meat-based product by forming meat into a bulk form, curing the bulk form, and slicing the cured bulk form.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein the cured bulk form is sliced in an unfrozen state.
20. The method of claim 12 wherein the meat-based product comprises at least about 80 weight percent meat.

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 charge control device comprising:
a charger to perform a constant current charge control to maintain a charge current to an electric double-layer capacitor as a predetermined charge current value for a constant current charge period after a beginning of a charge of the electric double-layer capacitor.
2. The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the constant current charge period is a period until a charge voltage of the electric double-layer capacitor rises to a charge target value.
3. The charge control device according to claim 2, wherein the charger performs a constant voltage charge control to maintain the charge voltage as the charge target value for a constant voltage charge period after a lapse of the constant current charge period.
4. The charge control device according to claim 3, wherein the constant voltage charge period is a period until the charge current drops to a charge completion judgment value.
5. The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the constant current charge period is set repeatedly with the charge current value is decreased.
6. The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the charger resumes a charge of the electric double-layer capacitor, after a completion of the charge of the electrical double-layer capacitor and when the charge voltage drops to a charge resume judgment value.
7. The charge control device according to claim 1, wherein the charger comprises:
an output switch connected between a power source terminal and the electric double-layer capacitor, and
a first feedback controller to perform a feedback control for the output switch to equalize a first feedback voltage signal according to the charge current with a first reference voltage value.
8. The charge control device according to claim 7, wherein the charger further comprises:
a second feedback controller to perform a feedback control for the output switch to equalize a second feedback voltage signal according to the charge voltage with a second reference voltage.
9. The charge control device according to claim 1 further comprising:
a voltage detector to compare a charge voltage of the electrical double-layer capacitor with an overvoltage protection value.
10. The charge control device according to claim 9 further comprising:
a control logic portion to stop a charge for the electrical double-layer when an overvoltage state of the charge voltage is detected.
11. The charge control device according to claim 2 further comprising:
a voltage detector to compare the charge voltage of the electrical double-layer capacitor with the charge target value.
12. The charge control device according to claim 6 further comprising:
a voltage detector to compare a charge voltage of the electrical double-layer capacitor with the charge resume judgment value.
13. The charge control device according to claim 1 further comprising:
a voltage detector to compare a charge voltage of the electrical double-layer capacitor with a low voltage protection value.
14. The charge control device according to claim 13 further comprising:
a control logic portion to stop a charge for the electrical double-layer when an low voltage state of the charge voltage is detected.
15. The charge control device according to claim 7, wherein the first feedback controller comprises:
a first feedback current signal generator to generate a first feedback current signal according to the charge current; and
a first feedback voltage signal generator to generate the first feedback voltage signal by performing a currentvoltage conversion for the first feedback current signal.
16. The charge control device according to claim 15, wherein the first feedback voltage signal generator is a resistor to which the first feedback current signal is flowing.
17. The charge control device according to claim 16, wherein the resistance of the resistor is controlled variably on the occasion of the conversion of the charge current value.

What is claimed is:

1. A map display device for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said device comprising:
an input part for receiving a user’s instruction;
a map data storage part for previously storing map data;
an object model display information storage part for storing object model display information for displaying said object model on said map image;
a communications part for receiving said communications information;
a map data arranging part for creating said object model by interpreting said communications information and the object model display information provided by said object model display information storage part, and arranging the object model on said map; and
a display part for displaying a resultant map image obtained by said map data arranging part.
2. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said communications information includes time-varying information.
3. The map display device according to claim 2, wherein said time-varying information is plurally provided.
4. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said communications information includes traffic information.
5. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said communications information includes advertisement information.
6. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said communications information includes position information corresponding to a predetermined position on said map image.
7. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said object model display information comprises:
information about shape of said object model; and
information about behavior in time and space of said object model.
8. The map display device according to claim 7, wherein said information about behavior in time and space of said object model is described in an object-oriented interpreter language having no need for compilation.
9. The map display device according to claim 7, wherein said information about behavior in time and space of said object model includes an execution condition and an execution function.
10. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said map data arranging part appropriately arranges said object model on a road image of said map image.
11. The map display device according to claim 10, wherein said object model is plurally created and each appropriately arranged on said road image.
12. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein said map data arranging part comprises:
an object model display information execution part for interpreting and executing said communications information and said object model display information provided by said object model display information storage part;
an object model creation part for creating said object model responsively to a result obtained by said object model display information execution part; and
a data arranging part for arranging said object model on said map image.
13. The map display device according to claim 12, wherein
said map data arranging part further comprises a 3D map generation part for generating a 3D map image based on 2D map data provided by said map data storage part, and
said data arranging part arranges said object model on the map image generated by said 3D map creation part.
14. The map display device according to claim 12, wherein
said map data arranging part further comprises a 2D3D coordinate transformation part for transforming a 2D object model created by said object model creation part into a 3D object model, and
said data arranging part arranges the 3D object model transformed by said 2D3D coordinate transformation part on said map image.
15. The map display device according to claim 1, further comprising a time information storage part for storing time information corresponding to a position of a mobile unit which moves according to schedule on a predetermined route, wherein
said map data arranging part refers to said time information to create said object model corresponding to said mobile unit for arrangement on said map image.
16. The map display device according to claim 15, wherein said map data arranging part refers to said time information to select only the object model corresponding to said mobile unit to be displayed on said map image, and calculates a position of the object model on said map image for data arrangement.
17. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein
said communications part receives the communication information including information for specifying a faregate to be passed through, and if necessary, transmits charge information for a charge processing, and
said map data arranging part creates, if necessary, said object model corresponding to said communications information for arrangement on said map image, and generates said charge information.
18. The map display device according to claim 17, wherein said map data arranging part generates said charge information by referring to said communications information related to said faregate placed at an entrance and an exit for a predetermined chargeable section, and creates an object model including a fare for said chargeable section for arrangement on said map image.
19. The map display device according to claim 17, further comprising a ticket information storage part for storing ticket information corresponding to a ticket used for paying the fare for said chargeable section, wherein
said map data arranging part generates said ticket information stored in said ticket information storage part when said ticket is purchased, and if necessary, changes said communications information.
20. The map display device according to claim 19, wherein
said ticket information includes information about an expiration date of said ticket, and
said map data arranging part refers to the information about the expiration date of said ticket, and if necessary, creates a message for display on said display part.
21. The map display device according to claim 1, wherein
said communications part receives the communications information including position information about any available vehicle, and when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles, transmits selected vehicle information including information for specifying which vehicle the user desires to take, and
said map data arranging part creates said object model corresponding to said communications information for arrangement on said map image, and when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles, generates said selected vehicle information.
22. The map display device according to claim 21, wherein said available vehicles are located within a predetermined area range close to a current position of the user.
23. The map display device according to claim 21, wherein said available vehicles move according to schedule on a predetermined route.
24. The map display device according to claim 21, wherein said communications part transmits a request for vehicle information including the current position of the user for an externally provided information center, and receives the communications information including the position information of the available vehicles selected by said information center.
25. The map display device according to claim 21, wherein said map data arranging part refers to said communications information, creates said object model each corresponding to said available vehicle, and if necessary, creates an object model including information about said available vehicles for arrangement on said map image.
26. A navigation device for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, and making a guidance to a destination, said device comprising:
an input part for receiving a user’s instruction;
a position detection part for detecting a current position;
a map data storage part for previously storing map data;
an object model display information storage part for storing object model display information in advance for displaying said object model on said map image;
a route selection part for selecting a route to the destination based on said instruction provided by said input part, said current position detected by said position detection part, and said map data stored in said map data storage part;
a communications part for receiving said communications information;
a map data arranging part for creating said object model by interpreting said communications information and the object model display information provided by said object model display information storage part, and arranging the object model on said map;
a guiding part for making the guidance to the destination in response to said communications information received by said communications part, said route selected by said route selection part, said current position detected by said position detection part, and said map data provided by said map data storage part, and outputs a resultant map image obtained by said map data arranging part; and
a display part for displaying said resultant map image outputted from said guiding part.
27. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein said object model display information comprises:
information about shape of said object model; and
information about behavior in time and space of said object model.
28. The navigation device according to claim 27, wherein said information about behavior in time and space of said object model is described in an object-oriented interpreter language having no need for compilation.
29. The navigation device according to claim 27, wherein said information about behavior in time and space of said object model includes an execution condition and an execution function.
30. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein said map data arranging part appropriately arranges said object model on a road image of said map image.
31. The navigation device according to claim 10, wherein said object model is plurally created and each appropriately arranged on said road image.
32. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein said map data arranging part comprises:
an object model display information execution part for interpreting and executing said communications information and said object model display information inputted from said object model display information storage part;
an object model creation part for creating said object model responsively to a result obtained by said object model display information execution part; and
data arranging part for arranging said object model on said map image.
33. The navigation device according to claim 32, wherein
said map data arranging part further comprises a 3D map creation part for generating a 3D map image based on 2D map data provided by said map data storage part, and
said data arranging part arranges said object model on the map image generated by said 3D map creation part.
34. The navigation device according to claim 32, wherein
said map data arranging part further comprises a 2D3D coordinate transformation part for transforming a 2D object model created by said object model creation part into a 3D object model, and
said data arranging part arranges the 3d object model transformed by said 2D3D coordinate transformation part on said map image.
35. The navigation device according to claim 26, further comprising a time information storage part for storing time information corresponding to a position of a mobile unit which moves according to schedule on a predetermined route, wherein
said map data arranging part refers to said time information to create said object model corresponding to said mobile unit for arrangement on said map image.
36. The navigation device according to clam 35, wherein said map data arranging part refers to said time information to select only the object model corresponding to said mobile unit to be displayed on said map image, and calculates a position of the object model on said map image for data arrangement.
37. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein
said communications part receives the communication information including information for specifying a faregate to be passed through, and if necessary, transmits charge information for a charge processing, and
said map data arranging part creates, if necessary, said object model corresponding to said communications information for arrangement on said map image, and generates said charge information.
38. The navigation device according to claim 37, wherein
said guiding part generates said charge information by referring to said communications information related to said faregate placed at an entrance and an exit for a predetermined chargeable section, and
said map data arranging part creates an object model including a fare for said chargeable section for arrangement on said map image.
39. The navigation device according to claim 37, further comprising a ticket information storage part for storing ticket information corresponding to a ticket used for paying the fare for said chargeable section, wherein
said guiding part generates said ticket information stored in said ticket information storage part when said ticket is purchased, and if necessary, changes said communications information.
40. The navigation device according to claim 39, wherein
said ticket information includes information about an expiration date of said ticket, and
said map data arranging part refers to the information about the expiration date of said ticket, and if necessary, creates a message for display on said display part.
41. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein
said communications part receives the communications information including position information about any available vehicle, and when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles, transmits selected vehicle information including information for specifying which vehicle the user desires to take,
said map data arranging part creates said object model corresponding to said communications information for arrangement on said map image, and
said guiding part generates said selected vehicle information when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles.
42. The navigation device according to claim 26, wherein
said communications part receives the communications information including position information about any available vehicle moving on a predetermined route, and when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles, transmits selected vehicle information including information for specifying which vehicle the user desires to take,
said map data arranging part creates said object model corresponding to said communications information for arrangement on said map image, and
said guiding part generates said selected vehicle information when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles.
43. The navigation device according to claim 42, wherein said available vehicles are located within a predetermined area range close to a current position of the user.
44. The navigation device according to claim 44, wherein said available vehicles move according to schedule on the predetermined route.
45. The navigation device according to claim 44, wherein said guiding part compares, at least, said predetermined route on which said available vehicles move with the route to the destination selected by said route selection part, and determines whether the available vehicles are appropriate.
46. The navigation device according to claim 42, wherein said communications part transmits a request for vehicle information including the current position for an externally provided information center, and receives the communications information including the position information of the available vehicles selected by said information center.
47. The navigation device according to claim 42, wherein said map data arranging part refers to said communications information, creates said object model corresponding to said available vehicle, and if necessary, creates an object model each including information about said available vehicles for arrangement on said map image.
48. A map display method for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said method comprising:
an input step of receiving a user’s instruction;
a communications step of receiving said communications information;
a map data arranging step of creating said object model by interpreting said communications information and corresponding object model display information for displaying said object model on said map image; and
a display step of displaying a resultant map image obtained in said map data arranging step.
49. The map display method according to claim 48, wherein said map data arranging step comprises:
an object model display information execution step of interpreting and executing said communications information and said object model display information;
an object model creating step of creating said object model responsively to a result obtained in said object model display information execution step; and
a data arranging step of arranging said object model on said map image.
50. The map display method according to claim 49, wherein
said map data arranging step further comprises a 3D map generating step of generating a 3D map image based on said map data being 2D, and
in said data arranging step, said object model is arranged on the map image generated in said 3D map creating step.
51. The map display method according to claim 49, wherein
said map data arranging step further comprises a 2D3D coordinates transformation step of transforming a 2D object model created in said object model creating step into a 3D object model, and
in said data arranging step, the 3D object model transformed in said 2D3D coordinates transformation step is arranged on said map image.
52. The map display method according to claim 48, wherein, in said map data arranging step, time information corresponding to a position of a mobile unit moving on a predetermined route according to schedule is referred to for creating said object model corresponding to said mobile unit for arrangement on said map image.
53. The map display method according to claim 48, wherein
in said communications step, the communication information including information for specifying a faregate to be passed through is received, and if necessary, charge information for a charge processing is transmitted, and
in said map data arranging step, if necessary, said object model corresponding to said communications information is created for arrangement on said map image, and said charge information is generated.
54. The map display method according to claim 48, wherein
in said communications step, the communications information including position information about any available vehicle is received, and when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles, selected vehicle information including information for specifying which vehicle the user desires to take is transmitted, and
in said map data arranging step, said object model corresponding to said communications information is created for arrangement on said map image, and when the user desires to take one of the available vehicles, said selected vehicle information is generated.
55. A navigation method for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said method comprising:
an input step of receiving a user’s instruction;
a communications step of receiving said communications information;
a position detection step of detecting a current position;
a map data arranging step of creating said object model by interpreting said communications information and the object model display information provided by said object model display information storage part, and arranging the object model on said map;
a route selection step of selecting a route to the destination based on said instruction inputted in said input step, said current position detected in said position detection step, and said map data;
a guiding step of making the guidance to the destination in response to said communications information received in said communications step, said route selected in said route selection step, said current position detected in said position detection step, and said map data, and outputting a resultant map image obtained in said map data arranging step; and
a display step of displaying said resultant map image outputted in said guiding step.
56. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon to be executed in a map display device for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said program comprising:
an object model display information execution step of interpreting and executing said communications information and object model display information for displaying said object model on said map image;
an object model creating step of creating said object model responsively to a result obtained in said object model display information execution step; and
a data arranging step of arranging said object model on said map image.
57. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon to be executed in a navigation device for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said program comprising:
an object model display information execution step of interpreting and executing said communications information and object model display information for displaying said object model on said map image;
a route selection step of selecting a route to a destination based on the instruction inputted from the user, a current position, and map data; and
a guiding step of making the guidance to the destination in response to said communications information, said route selected in said route selection step, said current position, and said map data, and outputting a resultant map image obtained in said map data arranging step.
58. A computer program to be executed in a map display device for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said program comprising:
an object model display information execution step of interpreting and executing said communications information and object model display information for displaying said object model on said map image;
an object model creating step of creating said object model responsively to a result obtained in said object model display information execution step; and
a data arranging step of arranging said object model on said map image.
59. A computer program to be executed in a navigation device for converting externally provided communications information into an applicable object model for arrangement on a map image, said program comprising:
an object model display information execution step of interpreting and executing said communications information and object model display information for displaying said object model on said map image;
a route selection step of selecting a route to a destination based on an instruction inputted from a user, a current position, and map data; and
a guiding step of making the guidance to the destination in response to said communications information, said route selected in said route selection step, said current position, and said map data, and outputting a resultant map image obtained in said map data arranging step.

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 liquid crystal display panel, comprising:
A pair of substrates which are disposed so as to be opposite each other and have a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween;
an upper electrode configured to be included in one substrate of the pair of substrates, and be formed so as to have a plurality of slits therein; and
a lower electrode configured to be included in the one substrate of the pair of substrates, and be formed on an insulating film covering the upper electrode so as to be partially overlapped with the upper electrode in plan view,
wherein the lower electrode has at least one slit which is formed so as to be parallel with the plurality of slits formed in the upper electrode, and
wherein the at least one slit formed in the lower electrode is located entirely below the upper electrode in plan view.
2. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the at least one slit formed in the lower electrode is formed so as to be of a width smaller than a width of each portion between two successive slits out of the plurality of slits formed in the upper electrode, and be entirely overlapped with the upper electrode in plan view.
3. The liquid crystal display panel according to the claim 1, wherein the number of the at least one slit formed in the lower electrode is less than the number of the plurality of slits formed in the upper electrode.
4. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one slit formed in the lower electrode is formed so as to be of a width larger than a width of each portion between two successive slits out of the plurality of slits formed in the upper electrode.
5. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the at least one slit formed in the lower electrode includes a plurality of slits, and
wherein each of the plurality of slits formed in the lower electrode is disposed below every second portion of the portions located between two successive slits out of the plurality of slits formed in the upper electrode.
6. The liquid crystal display panel according to claim 1, wherein the lower electrode is formed on a inter-layer film which is formed in the one substrate of the pair of substrates.