A system and method for monitoring wireless network access, and use of a detected wireless network connection are described. A client component (e.g., software component), or client, can be downloaded to a computing device, which leverages off of the computing device's ability to locate and establish a network connection. The client component listens for network connection activity, and determines whether the device has established a network connection with a network known to the client. If the client determines that a network connection has been established to a known network, the client uses the network connection to log the user onto the network.

1. Field of the Invention
A method and apparatus for monitoring wireless network access is disclosed.
2. Background Discussion
Wireless networks have become more prevalent and provide a mechanism for connecting to other networks, including the Internet. Wireless fidelity "WiFi" networks (e.g., 802.11 networks) have recently emerged as the dominant standard for wireless networks. This is largely due to the ease with which a WiFi network can be installed, and the minimal cost involved. For example, an operator, can setup a "hot spot" with one or more digital subscriber lines (DSLs) and/or T1 lines and equipment that controls access to the wireless network, and then sell high speed wireless Internet access for a fee. A "hot spot" typically has one or more wireless access points (APs) that serve as the connection point between a customer's device and the WiFi network. The customer's device can be any device (e.g., desktop or laptop computer, personal digital assistant, digital camera, mobile phone, automobile, gaming devices, consumer electronic equipment, etc.) which has a WiFi chip capable of communicating with the wireless network.
As more and more hot spots are installed, there will be more of an opportunity for users to gain access to the Internet via a wireless network connection. Due to the number of different hot spot, or wireless network, operators and different mechanisms for gaining wireless network access, however, wireless access to the Internet is not as seamless as a user would prefer it to be.
In order to gain access to a wireless network, a user must first have authorization from the wireless network operator, which typically requires that the user have an agreement with the hot spot operator, or another entity that has an agreement with the wireless network operator, which identifies the access terms and fees. Based on such an agreement, the wireless network operator provides the user with connection/login procedures, which the user must use to gain access to the operator's wireless network.
A user's WiFi-enabled device, or wireless device, typically has the ability to sniff, or scan for, beacon frames, or signals, broadcast by access points which are a part of existing wireless networks. More particularly, the wireless device will tune to one or more available channels and listen for all beacon frames, or signals, broadcast by the wireless networks on that channel. The beacons received by the device can be from one or more wireless networks, and one or more wireless network providers, each of which have different connection/login procedures.
The wireless device uses the beacon frames received to identify a wireless network and corresponding wireless network provider. Thereafter, an attempt is made to connect to the wireless network using the appropriate login procedures for the network provider. Obtaining and maintaining access to a wireless network is not simple due in large part to the number of wireless networks, and corresponding network providers, available and the fact that the user is "mobile" and attempting to enjoy a seamless network access despite being mobile. A typical wireless device periodically receives beacon frames broadcast by various access points, which can be used to change to a different access point and/or wireless network. The latter change might require the wireless device to establish a connection with a different wireless network and different wireless network connection procedures than that used with a previous connection. To be truly mobile, the user's device might need to interact with multiple wireless networks and wireless network providers, and the diverse connection (e.g., login) procedures required by each of the wireless network providers.

Method and apparatus for monitoring wireless network access


A method and system for supporting a concurrent recordation of a change in a data file by a server while allowing an application to continue writing changes to a data file. In response to a change in a data file, a near-instantaneous version of the file is created. Metadata reflecting the change to the data file are synchronized with a version of the file in cache and recorded in persistent storage. During the process of recording metadata changes to the file, subsequent changes to the data file may continue, and metadata reflecting the changes may be recorded in a subsequent near-instantaneous version of the file which may also be synchronized with a version of the metadata in persistent storage.

1. Technical Field
This invention relates to metadata and synchronizing changes to metadata. More specifically, a modified synchronization operation is employed to support an asynchronous write operation by allowing a client to continue to make changes to a data file while the synchronization operation is in the process of updating metadata with a server.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a block diagram (10) of a prior art distributed system with shared persistent storage. The distributed system includes a storage area network (22) with multiple server nodes (30) and (40), an administrator node (50), and multiple client nodes (52) and (54). The storage area network (22) has file data space (24) and metadata space (26). The metadata space is reserved for the servers (30) and (40). Each of the clients (52) and (54) may access an object or multiple objects stored on the file data space (24) of the storage area network (22), but may not access the metadata space (26). In opening the contents of an existing file object on the storage media in the storage area network (22), a client contacts the server to obtain metadata and locks. The server performs a look-up of metadata information for the requested file within the metadata space (26) of the storage area network (22). One of the servers (30) or (40) communicates granted lock information and file metadata to the requesting client, including the location of all data blocks making up the file. Once the client holds a distributed lock and knows the data block location(s), the client can access the data for the file directly from a shared storage device attached to the storage area network.
With respect to the system shown in FIG. 1, metadata provides information pertaining to location of data requested from a client machine in a distributed file system or a client/server node in a non-distributed file system. Metadata contains information in the form of blocks used, file size, modification time, etc. In a distributed file system, the metadata is maintained by the server. Upon access of a file by a client changes to the file may occur. Metadata reflecting the changes need to be communicated to the server. There are two general categories of write modes. A first category is known as a synchronous write mode wherein all writers or metadata modifiers of a corresponding file object are blocked from proceeding with writing any additional changes to a data file until a prior metadata transaction update to the server node is completed. The second category is known as an asynchronous write mode which supports writers or metadata modifiers changing a corresponding file object and defers data and metadata transaction updates to the server. FIG. 2 is a flow chart (100) illustrating a prior art process of an asynchronous write operation. Upon receiving a write request, a client conducts a test to determine if a write to the data in the file can proceed (102). A negative response will require the client to wait to make changes to the file for a period of time before returning to step (102) to repeat the inquiry. In one embodiment, an application thread sleeps until a thread that synchronizes the data and metadata wakes up the application thread. Once a positive response to the test at step (102) is received, the application on the client updating the file writes data into the clients data cache (104). Following step (104), the application updates the metadata in the clients cache (106), and the application returns to processing (108). In an asynchronous write mode, there is greater concern for immediate performance than in writing data to disk and synchronizing the client's cache with the cache of the server. A file system operating in an asynchronous manner may employ a synchronization thread to execute a delayed synchronization operation when the state of the client metadata and the server metadata need to be consistent. Usually this synchronization thread will run periodically to synchronize the client's cache with persistent storage. Accordingly, the prior art asynchronous write mode eventually employs a synchronization thread when the clients data cache needs to be written to persistent storage and consistency of the client metadata with the server metadata is required.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart (120) illustrating a prior art synchronization thread, also known as a synchronization operation, for synchronizing file system cache. This synchronization usually employs the following two sequential steps: writing data cache to disk, and updating the metadata changes. In a distributed file system, the metadata changes need to be updated to the server. Following changes to a data file by an application, synchronization of the client data file is initiated (122). Once the synchronization operation is initiated, the current application or other applications executing on the client are blocked from making further changes to the data file (124). Thereafter, the clients data cache is written to persistent storage of local storage media (126), followed by sending a transaction update of the client's metadata changes to the server and the client enters a wait state while it is waiting to receive a response (128). Once the client sends the metadata transaction update to the server, the clients cache is marked to reflect the outgoing communication and the client waits to receive a response from the server before proceeding with allowing an application to write to a file. Following receipt of the metadata update (130), the server sends the metadata update transaction to persistent storage in a storage area network (132) followed by a response to the client that initiated the metadata update indicating recordation of the metadata change in the storage area network (134). Similarly, upon receipt of a communication from the server (136), the client processes the response (138) so that applications may proceed with writing to that data file (140). The communication received by the client at step (136) does not indicate the recordation of metadata changes by the server. Rather, the communication received at step (136) will indicate whether the metadata update was properly recorded in the shared storage media. If the metadata update was not recorded this indicates that an error occurred and the server cannot apply the client's changes to the metadata. Accordingly, the prior art example shown in FIG. 3, shows a synchronization operation where writers or metadata modifiers of the corresponding file object are blocked from proceeding with writing any additional changes to a data file until the metadata update in progress is complete through a transaction to the server.
As illustrated above, there are shortcomings associated with the prior art. For example, all modifiable operations to the data file are blocked for the entire duration of the synchronization process of that file. This block duration is significant in a distributed file system where network transactions are involved. If more than one synchronization thread is running in parallel, this could cause miscommunication for applications streaming transaction updates to the server. Therefore, there is a need for modifying the prior art synchronization process to support a metadata update transaction that does not block writers or applications that modify metadata for the entire period of a metadata update transaction.

Achieving cache consistency while allowing concurrent changes to metadata

International Business Machines Corporation


A media ejection system includes a peripheral unit having a housing, an ejection mechanism, and a memory wire coupled to the ejection mechanism. The system further includes a digital processor for issuing ejection commands, and a controller responsive to the ejection command for controlling a current flow through the memory wire. When sufficient current flows through the memory wire, it contracts to activate the ejection mechanism, thereby ejecting a removable medium (such a PCMCIA card) from the housing of the peripheral unit. A method of the invention includes the steps of receiving an ejection request, issuing a ejection command in response to the ejection request, where the ejection command includes parameters for controlling current flow through the metal alloy, and electrically energizing the memory alloy in accordance with the parameters such that the memory alloy undergoes a dimensional change to activate a removable medium ejection mechanism.

This invention relates generally to computer peripherals, and more particularly to digital mass storage devices having removable storage media.
Computer systems and other digital processing systems often include digital memory "peripherals" used for the mass storage of data, Examples of such digital memory peripherals include hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, and Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) cards or devices (also referred to as PC Cards) or other types "flash" memory cards. With some of these peripherals, the storage medium is permanently housed within and forms a part of the peripheral. An example of digital storage peripheral which does not allow the removal of its storage medium is a standard Winchester-type hard disk drive. Other memory peripherals allow the removal and replacement of the digital media. Examples of such peripherals include floppy disk drives and PCMCIA peripheral units.
For most types of storage peripherals with removable media, the media is manually inserted into a slot against spring pressure until a latching mechanism is engaged. In many types of such peripheral units, the media is disengaged from the unit by manually depressing a release button or lever to release the latch and thereby allow the compressed spring to partially eject the storage medium. A protruding end of the medium is then removed from the peripheral unit by hand.
In some computer systems, notably the Macintosh.RTM. computer system made by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., removable storage media can be automatically ejected by the computer system. More particularly, the Macintosh operating system can cause motors or electrical solenoids of the floppy drive unit to automatically eject a floppy disk.
Such automatic ejection of storage media has several advantages. For one, the computer can prevent the ejection of a floppy disk from the floppy disk drive if the system still needs or is processing data in conjunction with the floppy disk drive. Another advantage is that the floppy disk can be ejected automatically under certain conditions, such as during a power-down or power-up of the computer system. However, such automatic ejection systems have the disadvantage of increasing the cost of the floppy disk drive in that motors or solenoids must be provided, along with their attendant control circuitry.
An increasingly popular form of removable media is the PCMCIA memory card, which is typically a form of "flash" memory. As is well known to those skilled in the art, flash memory is form of non-volatile, solid-state, read-write memory, and PCMCIA cards are flash memory which conform to certain industry standards. Since PCMCIA cards are, themselves, quite small, and since they do not require drive motors or the like (as the case with disk drives) the PCMCIA peripheral unit can be made quite small and lightweight. This makes PCMCIA peripheral units quite attractive for small computers, such as laptop computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) such at the Newton.RTM. PDA, and other small, portable devices utilizing digital processors.
PCMCIA cards can be of other types than the aforementioned flash memory type. For example, there are PCMCIA cards which employ Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) and PCMCIA cards that are miniature hard disk drives. In addition, PCMCIA cards can include modem, cellular pager, and networking capabilities. The PCMCIA format is therefore quite flexible and is rapidly growing in popularity.
For a variety of reasons, in the past, PCMCIA peripheral units only permitted the manual ejection of the PCMCIA cards . For one, the addition of motors or solenoids to eject the PCMCIA card would substantially increase the size of the PCMCIA peripheral unit, which is considered very undesirable. For another, the motor or solenoid would add a significant cost to the PCMCIA peripheral unit.


A server includes a processor, a network adapter connected to the processor and a route switcher. The processor includes a virtual machine and a virtual switch relaying packets exchanged between the virtual machine and an exterior. The network adapter has a transfer function of transmitting and receiving packets to and from the virtual machine not through the virtual switch. The route switcher dynamically switches a flow of the packets transmitted and received by the virtual machine between first and second route pattern flows. And, the route switcher instructs the transfer function to process the first route pattern flow instructs the virtual switch to process the second route pattern flow.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a server based on a virtualization technique, and a flow control method implemented by the server.
2. Description of the Related Art
The virtualization technique is of significance in the field of the server. Specifically, the virtualization technique that uses virtualization software, such as VMware (Registered Trademark) and Xen (Registered Trademark), enables one physical machine to operate as a plurality of virtual machines (VMs). This achieves an efficient server operation.
The virtualization technique also establishes a virtual switch together with virtual machines within a physical server. The virtual switch, which is a software-based packet switch, relays communications among the virtual machines and between the virtual machines and the exterior, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Since the virtual switch is positioned adjacent to the virtual machines, the traffic control is easy. Also, since the virtual switch is software-based, the virtual switch is superior in flexibility and extensibility.
Also, an I/O (input/output) virtualization technique such as VT-d/VT-c (Registered Trademark) is known in the art. The I/O virtualization technique enables directly exchanging data between the virtual machines and a network interface card (NIC) without using the virtual switch. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, a virtual NIC is established for each virtual machine. Then, the use of the virtual NIC allows completely bypassing the virtual switch. Hereafter, such a process is referred to as "NIC offload".
The following are known as techniques related to the virtualization.
In Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. P2007-522583A, an apparatus is disclosed which includes at least one router and a data structure. The data structure is used to create a virtual network by organizing the connections between one or more virtual network interface cards (VNICs) with the router.
Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. P2008-102929A) discloses a technique that uses a queue data structure to communicate with a network adaptor. A device driver calls a device driver service in order to initially set items of an address translation and protection table (ATPT) inside a route complex with regard to the queue data structure. The device driver service returns a non-conversion address to the device driver, and the non-conversion address is then provided to the network adaptor. In response to a queue element being obtained by searching the queue data structure, the network adaptor requests the conversion of the non-conversion address specified to the queue element, which enables holding a converted address in the network adaptor before the reception of a data packet targeted for a buffer related to the queue element.
Japanese Laid Open Patent Application No. P2009-151745A)) discloses a virtual machine monitor which runs a virtual server on a multi processor system. The virtual machine monitor includes a physical hardware information acquisition section, a receiver section and an assignment processor section. The physical hardware information acquisition section acquires configuration information of hardware that includes physical position information of the hardware including a processor in the multi processor system, a memory and I/O device. The receiver section receives a generation request that includes the number of the processors, a memory quantity, and an assignment policy of I/O devices and resources in virtual servers to be generated. The assignment processor section assigns the I/O devices to the virtual server in accordance with the received generation request, and then assigns the processors and the memory to the virtual server, so as to satisfy the assignment polity.

Flow control for virtualization-based server


A toy launch apparatus for discharging circular projectiles of predetermined diameter and height. The apparatus includes multiple safety features to prevent inappropriate objects inserted into the apparatus from enabling the apparatus to operate. A side latch is mounted that locks a shuttle to a housing assembly unless a properly sized projectile is inserted that rotates a side latch bar rotatably mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with an abutment surface in the housing assembly. A top latch is mounted that locks the shuttle to the housing assembly unless the inserted projectile also rotates a top latch bar mounted to the shuttle out of engagement with another abutment surface in the housing assembly.

Toys and other devices that discharge objects have been designed in the past with various housing and internal elements. These devices are designed to discharge specifically design projectiles to eliminate or greatly reduce bodily injury and property damage. To insure that users not succeed in inserting objects that are dangerous and/or destructive better safety features are needed.
Launching devices are well known and are disclosed in several existing patents. By way of example, Gay and others patented a launching device in 1973, U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,136, entitled "Spring Actuated Projector Having Gravity Fed Magazine," which patent purports to disclose a disc having a serrated edge to be impacted by a pivotal arm biased by a rubber band. The arm has a leading serrated edge to engage the disc and cause the disc to spin. The launcher uses a channel having side rails to limit the width of objects that may be inserted, a top wall to limit height of such objects and a bottom trough so that small objects, such as a pencil, fall into the trough and are not able to be impacted by the pivotal arm. In 1983, Resiggam received U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,723, issued for an "Air Gun with Piston Fully Cocked in Plurality of Stages," that purports to disclose a pawl and rack to facilitate partial or full cocking of an air gun.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,383 issued in 1992 to Ebert and others for a "Gun with Pivoting Barrel, Projectile Loader, and Trigger Interlock," purports to disclose as a safety feature a BB gun with a barrel that pivots from the front. When latched the barrel is aligned and may be fired, when unlatched the barrel pivots and cannot be fired. A year later, in 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,271 issued to Casas-Salva for an "Air Rifles of the Hinged Barrel Type," that purports to also disclose an air rifle with a pivoting barrel for cocking a piston/spring and a spring biased catch for holding the barrel in alignment for firing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,270 issued in 1996 to Casas-Salva for "Air Guns," which purports to disclose another air gun having a pivoting barrel, two spaced apart arms on the stock, and a tongue on the barrel so that when the barrel is brought into alignment the tongue fits between the arms to ensure proper location.
These patents and devices are of some interest, however, they do not disclose or illustrate a toy item with sufficient safety and play value.

Toy launch apparatus with safety latches


A low-abrasion calcined kaolin opacifying pigment composed of particles in the size range of about 70 to 84% by weight finer than 2 microns and having a color defined by Hunter Trisitimulus values of "L" within the range of 92 to 94, "a" within the range of .sup.+ 1.0 to .sup.+ 2.2 and "b" within the range of .sup.+6.4 to .sup.+ 7.5. The pigment is produced by novel wet processing including high solids degritting of a high iron, high titania content Tertiary kaolin without conventional fractionation, bleaching and dewatering to isolate a fine particle size fraction, followed by spray drying, pulverization, calcination and repulverization.

Low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments are currently used primarily, but not exclusively, as fillers and coating pigments for paper and paperboard products. This represents one of the largest uses of any industrial mineral. Manufacturing facilities produce vast quantities of low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments. The pigments are supplied as dry powders and as aqueous slurries. Use of these pigments for filling paper significantly reduced the consumption by the industry of other opacifiers such as precipitated silicas, alumina trihydrate and synthetic silicates.
Long prior to the invention of low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments it was known that raw (uncalcined) kaolin clay undergoes profound physical and chemical changes when it is heated and that such changes vary with the source of the clay as well as with temperature and calcination conditions. Thus, when heated to about 1350.degree. F. an endothermic reaction occurs. Essentially all of the water of hydration associated with the uncalcined kaolin crystals is eliminated and an essentially amorphous (as measured by X-ray diffraction) material referred to as "metakaolin" results. Generally, the clay darkens significantly during the conversion to metakaolin. During the transformation to metakaolin, the abrasiveness of the material increases, even if the kaolin undergoing calcination is of high purity.
If the kaolin is heated under conditions in excess of those required to result in conversion to metakaolin, further significant changes in phases and properties occur when calcination conditions are sufficiently severe to cause the material to undergo an exothermic reaction (which typically occurs at about 1850.degree. F. and varies from clay to clay). It is now conventional to refer to such material as "fully calcined kaolin".
A remarkable change in the brightness of the kaolin takes place when it is calcined to undergo the exothermic reaction. Thus, crude of the type containing well-crystallized kaolin which initially has a G.E. brightness of 80% may decrease to about 75% when calcined to metakaolin, and a brightness of 90% or higher when heated through the exotherm. For this reason it is conventional to control the operations of kaolin calciners to produce calcined kaolin of desired brightness. A corollary to the usual increase in brightness associated with full calcination is an undesirable increase in abrasivity.
Another change in the physical properties of kaolin that occurs as a result of calcination of powdered raw clay is the remarkable increase in opacifying properties, manifest by increase in light scatter of the clay (increased opacification).
Inspite of the abundance of kaolin crudes capable of providing bright, visually white fully calcined kaolin powders with the potential of opacifying paper products at a considerably lower cost than would be possible using high purity alumina or titania pigments, it took many years before the needs of the paper market could be satisfied by available calcined kaolin products because of the highly abrasive character of the fully calcined kaolin and the low brightness combined with abrasivity of the metakaolin form of the calcined kaolin.
The long-sought means to provide high brightness low abrasion calcined kaolin opacifying pigments awaited the discovery that a specific type of sedimentary kaolin clay crude would provide high brightness "white" calcined clay pigments with abrasivity sufficiently low to permit use by the paper industry. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,523, Fanselow et al (1969), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by cross-reference. The crudes, known as "hard" kaolins were of Tertiary origin and were characterized by containing extremely fine particles (e.g.., average particle size below 1/2 micron). When examined by X-ray these clays appeared to be less well crystallized than so-called "soft" kaolins. Generally, the iron content of these ultrafine Tertiary clays was of the order of about 0.7% to 0.9% by weight (expressed as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3) and in many cases the uncalcined clay had a distinctly grey color, hence the designation "grey kaolin".
When calcined in powder form these unique sedimentary clays aggregated to produce coarser particles possessing remarkably high opacifying power, but without the high abrasion generally characteristic of earlier calcined kaolins. The crudes found to be useful in the production of high brightness low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments were frequently lower in G.E. brightness, e.g., about 85%, than quality crudes used to provide high brightness uncalcined pigments. Nevertheless, when calcined, products with G.E. brightness of at least 90% were produced. When used as filler pigments in paper, the low abrasion calcined kaolin fillers also provided desired print-through resistance and color at acceptable burst levels.
Continued efforts to improve the quality of low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments and to reduce the manufacturing costs have been ongoing. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,948, McConnell et al, the proposal was made to employ especially fine raw clay (100% by weight less than 1 micron) as feed to the calciner to improve opacification of the pigment when used as a paper filler. As in the case of Fanselow et al, the emphasis was on providing a high brightness (at least 93% G.E. in this case) and a "white" color.
This as well as other efforts retained the original expressed intent of the inventors in the '523 patent to maintain product brightness (at least about 90% G.E.) and whiteness. In fact, the low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments presently widely used by the paper industry have a G.E. brightness of about 93%.
To the best of our knowledge, processing schemes presently commercially used to produce low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments invariably involve preliminary upgrading of fine particle size crude kaolin, dispersion in water to form a pulp, and removal of coarse particles (so-called "grit") followed by fractionation of the degritted pulp to recover the desired ultrafine particle size fraction, generally at least 100% by weight finer than 2 microns and at least 90% finer than 1 micron. In the case of McConnell et al, supra, fractionation was carried out to recover an ultrafine fraction which was 100% by weight finer than 1 micron. Fractionation, heretofore considered essential, has been followed optionally by removal of colored impurities and/or bleaching, drying (usually by means of a spray dryer), followed by pulverization, calcining and repulverization. With regard to the crudes, these have been of the ultrafine Tertiary kaolins of the type described in the '523 patent, with the general proviso that crude brightness be sufficiently high, e.g., no lower than about 80%, a restriction inherently restricting the content of colored impurities (notably ferruginous and titaniferous) to relatively low values. Typically, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 content was approximately 1% by weight, e.g., 0.85-1.10%. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,948 McConnell et al which states "said crude preferably includes not more than 0.5% in total by weight of glass-forming metal oxides, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium oxides, and not more than 1.5% by weight of iron, expressed as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, nor more than 2% by weight of titanium, expressed as TiO.sub.2 ". An illustration example of McConnell et al utilized a crude identified as a "hard kaolin" and reported to analyze 45% SiO.sub.2 ; 37% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.93% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, 1.6% TiO.sub.2 ; 0.15% CaO; 0.08% MgO, 0.10% K.sub.2 O, Na.sub.2 O% 0.07%, the balance (14%) "consisting principally of water together with a small amount of organic matter". This was consistent with the conventional desire to provide high brightness products, e.g., 91.5-93.5%.
The invention described in the '523 patent spawned the development of the vast scale industrial production of low abrasion calcined kaolin clay pigments and the exploitation of the pigments in industrial paper filling and coating. The preferred use of the calcined kaolin pigments as originally envisioned by the inventors in the '523 patent was to fill newsprint paper, a low basis weight, low brightness (e.g., 50-60% G.E. brightness) paper. Inspite of the fact that the newsprint industry was the segment of the paper industry initially targeted for use of low abrasion calcined clay fillers, the demand of the newsprint industry has had essentially no impact on the current vast market for the pigments for the reason that the cost of such pigments did not result in a cost-benefit to the manufacturer of newsprint (or other papers made from mechanical pulps). Thus, the major use of low abrasion calcined kaolin pigments has been to coat and/or fill higher quality (value added) papers.
Historically, newsprint and groundwood specialities have been produced using a blend of conventional stone groundwood as the primary furnish component (70-90%) in combination with the required amount of chemical pulp (typically 10-30%) to achieve acceptable paper machine and printing press runnability. Recent developments in mechanical pulping technology in conjunction with market demands for improved paper quality have produced a vast array of new mechanical pulps that are well suited for use in newsprint and groundwood specialty papers. Thermomechanical pulp (TMP), chemi-thermomechanical (CTMP), bleached chemi-thermomechanical (BCTMP), pressurized groundwood (PGW), refiner mechanical pulp (RMP), and chemirefiner pulp (CRMP) may be blended in various combinations or with conventional chemical pulps to produce fiber furnishes specifically designed for producing a given grade of paper. The blend ratio of the fiber components is usually determined by the best compromise of their scattering/strength relationships. For example, kraft pulp has high strength, but low scattering, while stone groundwood has good scattering but low strength.
Several types of pigments are commercially available to manufacturers of newsprint and groundwood specialties for use as fillers. Kaolin-based pigments, both hydrous and calcined, sodium-alumino-silicates, precipitated silicas, urea-formaldehyde condensates and tri-hydrated aluminas are all used as filler pigments in mechanical pulp-containing papers. The amount of filler that may be used is largely grade specific. The following table lists typical values and readily illustrate the differences in grade requirements and filler usage of various mechanical pulp-containing papers.
______________________________________ Basis Weight % % Filler % - (g/m.sup.2) Brightness Content Mech . Pulp ______________________________________ Newsprint 44-49 55-60 0-4 up to 100 Directory/ 29-40 55-60 0-4 60-85 Catalogue Hi-Brite 52-90 60-66 0-4 70-90 Grades SC.sup.(1) - "C" 40-80 60-66 .sup. 0-8.sup.(2) 70-90 SC.sup.(1) - "B" 40-80 64-68 .sup. 9-17.sup.(2) 60-80 SC.sup.(1) - "A" 40-80 66-72 .sup. 18-30.sup.(2) 60-70 ______________________________________ .sup.(1) SC supercalendered grades .sup.(2) Typically hydrous kaolins are the primary filler component
The use of a retention aid or retention aid system is required when filler pigments are utilized in the production of mechanical pulp-containing papers. Once again, paper manufacturers have a broad spectrum of products to choose from. Retention aid systems currently being used can be broken down into three classifications: single component systems, dual component systems, and triple component systems. Within each classification, there are several system options available to the papermaker. The following table lists the three broad classifications and some of the more commonly used systems within each classification.

Calcined kaolin clay filler pigment for enhancing opacity and printing properties of newsprint and mechanical papers


A data transmission method for a data transmission system including a host and a peripheral device is disclosed, including: setting at least one identification number to at least one packet stored in the host; transmitting the at least one packet from the host to the peripheral device; allocating the at least one packet to plural temporary blocks of a memory of the peripheral device corresponding to the at least one identification number according to the at least one identification number of the at least one packet. Each of the temporary blocks includes a threshold value, and the threshold value of each of at least two of the temporary blocks are different; and transmitting part of the at least one packet stored in one of the temporary blocks when the one of the temporary blocks reaches the threshold value of the one of the temporary blocks.

In the data transmission system, if the data in the memory of the main system is moved to the memory of the peripheral element through the universal serial bus (USB), aggregation technology is adopted to reduce the number of times of transfers. However, for high-priority data, if data must be processed in the order in which they are arranged, the delay time will be greatly increased. However, if aggregation technology is not adopted, the utilization of the central processor will increase.
Therefore, how to prioritize high-priority data through the streaming mode without increasing the utilization of central processor, thereby improving the data delay time, is one of the problems need to be improved in the field.

Data transmission method and data transmission system


An audio-video display device (AVDD) includes a licensable component providing a licensable function. The licensable function is available to present data on the AVDD without paying a license fee to exploit the licensable function when the AVDD is in a retail demonstration mode, whereas post-vending of the AVDD the licensable function is available to present data on the AVDD only pursuant to a license fee therefor being arranged.

Televisions incorporate a host of technologies to enable a viewer to watch programming from a variety of sources. These sources include terrestrial broadcast sources of analog (using National Television System Committee, or NTSC, format) and digital (using Advanced Television System Committee, or ATSC, format) TV signals. ATSC signals typically use video compression known as Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-2) and TVs must consequently support MPEG-2 decompression if they support ATSC programming.
Cable-provided "basic" television programming can also be, provided in NTSC or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) format. Cable-provided "enhanced" programming may also be provided using high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) principles. Likewise, satellite-provided TV signals may be received in HDMI. As well, video from the Internet can be displayed on many modern TVs in a variety of formats, including data over cable service Internet specification (DOCSIS) format. Furthermore, TVs are often configured to support multiple audio formats, including advanced audio coding (AAC), Audio code 3 (AC3), digital theater system (DTS), and so on. And as contemporary viewers know, TVs are expected to support the presentation of electronic program guides (EPGs).

Tracking activation of licensable component in audio video device by unique product identification


An alkaline electrochemical cell having a barium compound additive in the anode according to one embodiment, and in both the anode and the cathode according to another embodiment. The anode of the present invention comprises an active anode material such as zinc, and an anode additive comprising a barium compound, such as barium sulfate in the amount of up to 8% by weight of active anode materials. According to another embodiment, the cathode of the electrochemical cell comprises an active cathode material, such as manganese dioxide, and also has an additive comprising a barium compound, such as barium sulfate. The anode and cathode of the present invention are particularly adapted for use in an electrochemical cell having an alkaline electrolyte.

The present invention generally relates to electrochemical cells including anode and cathode additives and, more particularly, to alkaline electrochemical cells having cathodes formed of manganese dioxide and other additives, and anodes formed of zinc and other additives.
Conventional alkaline cells generally include a steel cylindrical can having a cathode comprising manganese dioxide as the active material and formed on the interior surface of the steel can, an anode comprising zinc powder and located in the center of the cell, a separator located between the anode and the cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte solution simultaneously contacting the anode, the cathode, and separator. A conductive current collector is commonly inserted into the anode active material and a seal assembly provides closure to the open end of the steel can.
A primary goal in designing alkaline battery cells is to increase the service performance of the cell. The service performance is the length of time for the cell to discharge under a given load to a specific voltage at which the cell is no longer useful for its intended purpose. One approach taken to increase service performance has been to increase the interior volume of the cell in order to increase the amount of active materials within the cell. However, the commercial external size of the cell is generally fixed, thereby limiting the ability to increase the amount of active materials within the cell.
Another approach taken to increase the service performance of a cell is to utilize additives within the electrodes of the cell. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,644 discloses the use of SnO.sub.2, and other similar materials in the cathode. Another example is disclosed in PCT/CA92/00553, having International Publication No. WO93/12551, entitled "CATHODES FOR ZINC MANGANESE DIOXIDE CELLS HAVING BARIUM ADDITIVES." This reference teaches the use of a barium compound additive such as barium sulfate (BaSO.sub.4) in an amount of 3% to 25% in the cathode of an electrochemical cell. The aforementioned U.S. Patent and PCT publication are both hereby incorporated by reference. The additives discussed in both references provide for enhanced service performance. Despite past increases in the service performance, the need to find new ways to increase service performance remains the primary goal of cell designers.

Electrochemical cell having electrode additives


A memory device has data transceivers, write strobe transceivers, and read strobe transceivers. The data transceivers transfer input data to the memory device and transfer output data from the memory device. The write strobe transceivers transfer timing information of the input data. The read strobe transceivers transfer timing information of the output data. The memory device also has an auxiliary circuit for generating auxiliary information. The auxiliary information includes information different from the timing information of the input data and the output data. The auxiliary circuit uses the write and read transceivers to transfer the auxiliary information to and from the memory device.

Semiconductors devices such as memory devices reside in many computer and electronic products. Memory devices store data. Input data is stored into a memory device in a write operation. Output data is outputted from the memory device in a read operation.
Most memory devices have data (input/output) pins and data strobe pins. The data pins carry the input and output data to and from the memory device. The data strobe pins carry timing information of the data.
Some memory devices have two separate sets of data strobe pins: write data strobe pins and read data strobes pins. The write data strobe pins carry timing information of the input data. The read data strobe pins carry timing information of the output data.
In most cases, the write data strobe pins are unused during the read operation; and the read data strobe pins are unused during the write operation.
Leaving some pins unused in some operations wastes resources.

Memory device having strobe terminals with multiple functions


A vibration test fixture includes a reciprocating slip table carrying an article subjected to vibration and shock testing. The fixture includes low oil pressure hydrostatic linear bearings supporting the slip plate during single-axis linear travel on the bearings. The slip plate is mounted to each bearing by a single-axis guide system of confining the slip plate to reciprocating longitudinal travel on a general planar, two-dimensional bearing surface which supports the load of the slip plate during its travel. The guide system restrains relative movement of the slip plate laterally and vertically with respect to the bearing surface. A film of lubricating oil is supplied to the bearing surface to lubricate the sliding longitudinal travel of the slip plate on the bearings. The film of lubricating oil is also supplied to the lateral and vertical restraint areas of the bearing. The bearings produce controlled lubricated single-axis travel of the reciprocating slip plate while supporting the entire load of the slip plate and the article under test.

The vibration test industry, including all major aerospace firms, automotive manufacturers, electronics companies, and the like, has adopted use of various methods and systems to simulate vibration and shock environments in order to determine their products' effectiveness and longevity when subjected to these environmental extremes. In order to obtain accurate test results, test laboratories maintain these dynamic tests in a controlled environment.
One parameter which can be important to control in vibration and shock test equipment is the axis of vibration. That is, certain test equipment will produce single-axis vibration of the article under test, while restraining any cross-axis vibration or motion which is not along the input axis of the vibration exciter.
Various types of oil film tables, bearings, bearing oil film table combinations, and flexure guidance systems are available today to support the test articles during vibration testing. One of the most successful types of vibration restraint systems available today is the hydrostatic journal bearing slip table, also known as the "Bearing Table." The first bearing table system manufactured for industrial applications was built in 1970 by Kimball Industries Inc., Monrovia, CA, in conjunction with Team Corporation, South El Monte, CA, the assignee of this application. Team Corporation designed and manufactured the internal hydrostatic journal bearings for the Bearing Table, while Kimball Industries designed and built the remainder of the granite slip table and support base. Kimball marketed the "Bearing-Line Table", as it was named, and eventually began manufacturing its own bearings based upon the original Team design, with minor variations.
The Bearing Table soon became the standard piece of equipment in the industry and was manufactured by other companies, including Ling Dynamic Systems, England; Turnkey Systems, City of Industry, CA; M-RAD Corporation, Woburn, MA; and Team Corporation. Other equipment manufacturers built similar granite slip tables with different guidance systems incorporated into the table, such as Unholtz-Dickie Corporation, Wallingford, CT, which uses low-pressure restraint guides at the corners of the table, and Ling Electronics, Anaheim, CA, which incorporates flexures at the rear of the granite table for additional mechanical guidance.
A common feature in the design of these tables is the use of a precision-ground granite slab which is lubricated with oil to create a slippery surface on which a magnesium slip plate slides during testing to support the article under test during vibration.
Although the Bearing Table has good performance, it is also characterized by the following problems which are inherent in its design:
1. A high-pressure hydraulic oil source is required to pressurize the hydrostatic journal bearings. The hydraulic power supply generally adds several thousand dollars to the cost of the table system. The power supply also can become a source of heat, which can adversely affect the table's performance.
2. Because the bearings are located at select locations within the granite table, the table's maximum load-carrying capabilities are located generally over these "bearing islands." Therefore, when the test articles are mounted to the slip plate in areas which are not supported by a bearing, the loads must be carried by the oil film/slip plate, which provides less load-carrying capacity.
3. In the event of a bearing failure, it is necessary for the manufacturer to send trained service personnel to the customer's facility to remove and replace the bearing. This requires the use of special shims and/or special machining of the bearing supports located within the granite table. This can be a costly and time-consuming procedure.
4. Most bearing table systems require porting of the magnesium slip plate to provide the bearings and granite slip surface with the necessary high-pressure oil. When smaller plates or replacement plates are used, they also must be ported, which creates additional costs. Also, the internal ports in the slip plates limit the positions of mounting inserts in the slip plate. If the inserts are installed near or on an existing oil port, the possibility of an oil leak exists, which, in most cases, requires major repairs or replacement of the slip plate.
5. When smaller slip plates are used on the tables, some of the bearings which are positioned beyond the perimeter of the small slip plates are unusable and, therefore, greatly reduce the table's performance.
6. The installation of journal bearings into a granite table requires large clearance holes in the granite for bearing clearance. These large openings reduce the table's overall load-carrying capacity.
7. The journal type hydrostatic bearings have considerable bending compliance.
The present invention provides a vibration test fixture in which a reciprocating slip plate is supported during vibration testing by a linear bearing system which overcomes the drawbacks of prior art vibration test fixtures, including the Bearing Table-type test equipment described above.


Systems and techniques for gain control include amplifying a signal with an amplifier having a gain represented by one of a plurality of gain curves depending on a value of a parameter, the signal being amplified at a first one of the parameter values, and controlling the gain of the amplified signal from a predetermined gain curve relating to the gain curve of the amplifier for a second one of the parameter values by adjusting a gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined gain curve as a function of the first one of the parameter values, and applying the adjusted gain control signal to the amplifier. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

1. Field
The present invention relates to communications systems, and more specifically, to systems and techniques for controlling gain of a communications device.
2. Background
Communications systems generally support the exchange of information between two or more communications devices. These communications devices typically include an analog frontend to interface with a communications medium and a digital processor for manipulating the information. Depending on the type of communications device, the analog frontend may be designed with a transmitter, a receiver, or both. The function of the transmitter is to modulate, upconvert, and amplify signals for transmission into free space. The function of the receiver is to detect signals in the presence of noise and interference, and provide amplification, downconversion, and demodulation the detected the signal such that it can be displayed or used by the digital processor.
The receiver typically includes gain control which is commonly referred to in the art as automatic gain control (AGC). One of the purposes of the AGC function in the receiver is to maintain a constant output power over a range of signal input variations. This is typically achieved with an AGC which averages the output power from the receiver and feedbacks this average to the control the gain of the receiver.
In mobile wireless applications, the AGC function may also be employed in the mobile transmitter to prevent a mobile user near a base station from jamming a mobile user that is distant from the base station. The AGC function is performed in the mobile by feeding back the average receiver output power to control the gain of the transmitter in step with the receiver. Thus, if the mobile moves closer to the base station increasing the received power, the AGC will reduce the gain of the receiver and transmitter proportionally. This will result in a proportionally lower mobile transmitter power as the mobile user approaches the base station. This power control technique is often referred to as an open loop control.
The non-linear gain characteristics of the receiver and transmitter may prevent the AGC from operating in an optimal manner. Accordingly, a linearizer is often used in the AGC as a way of compensating for these non-linearities in the receiver and transmitter. A linearizer can be implemented in any number of fashions. One common technique involves the use of a xe2x80x9clook upxe2x80x9d table stored in memory to convert the average receiver power into a gain control signal that compensates for the non-linear gain characteristics of the receiver or transmitter. The contents of the xe2x80x9clook upxe2x80x9d table are determined during a calibration procedure. The calibration procedure generally entails tracking the average power output from the receiver with the AGC loop closed as the input power to the receiver is swept across a specified operating range for different frequency and temperature variations.
To maintain the commercial viability of the communications device, the manufacturer often strives for a simple calibration procedure which reduces the demand on labor resources. Unfortunately, this procedure often dictates a calibration procedure performed over the absolute minimum number of operating frequencies and temperatures that meet the precision requirements of the AGC. The potential drawbacks with a relatively simple calibration procedure become more pronounced with the introduction of multi-media communications devices into the marketplace. By way of example, a multi-media communications device supporting both legacy voice equipment and new data services may require separate calibration procedures for each. Accordingly, there is a need for a communications device that can be supported with a simple calibration procedure that cannot only support different operating frequencies and temperatures, but can also support multi-media modes of operation.
In one aspect of the present invention, a method of gain control includes amplifying a signal with an amplifier having a gain represented by one of a plurality of gain curves depending on a value of a parameter, the signal being amplified at a first one of the parameter values, and controlling the gain of the amplified signal from a predetermined gain curve relating to the gain curve of the amplifier for a second one of the parameter values by adjusting a gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined gain curve as a function of the first one of the parameter values, and applying the adjusted gain control signal to the amplifier.
In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes an amplifier having a gain represented by one of a plurality of gain curves depending on a value of a parameter, and a gain control configured to control the gain of the amplifier from a predetermined gain curve relating to the gain curve of the amplifier for a first one of the parameter values by adjusting a gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined gain curve as a function of a second one of the parameter values, and applying the adjusted gain control signal to the amplifier.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, computer readable media embodies a method of controlling gain of an amplifier having a gain represented by one of a plurality of gain curves depending on a value of a parameter, the method including storing a predetermined gain curve relating to the gain curve of the amplifier for a first one of the parameter values, adjusting a gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined gain curve as a function of a second one of the parameter values, and applying the adjusted gain control signal to the amplifier.
In a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes amplifier means for amplifying a signal, the amplifier means having a gain represented by one of a plurality of gain curves depending on a value of a parameter, and gain control means for controlling the gain of the amplifier from a predetermined gain curve relating to the gain curve of the amplifier means for a first one of the parameter values by adjusting a gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined gain curve as a function of a second one of the parameter values, and applying the adjusted gain control signal to the amplifier.
In yet a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a receiver having a gain represented by one of a plurality of receiver gain curves depending on a value of a receiver parameter, a transmitter having a gain represented by one of a plurality of transmitter gain curves depending on a value of a transmitter parameter, and a gain control configured to control the gain of the receiver from a predetermined receiver gain curve relating to the receiver gain curve of the receiver for a first one of the receiver parameter values by adjusting a receiver gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined gain curve as a function of a second one of the receiver parameter values, and applying the adjusted receiver gain control signal to the receiver, the gain control further being configured to control the gain of the transmitter from a predetermined transmitter gain curve relating to the transmitter gain curve of the transmitter for a first one of the transmitter parameter values by adjusting a transmitter gain control signal corresponding to a point on the predetermined transmitter gain curve as a function of a second one of the transmitter parameter values, and applying the adjusted transmitter gain control signal to the transmitter.
It is understood that other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein is shown and described only exemplary embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.


In a method for the determination of sensitivity profiles of local coils in the acquisition of magnetic resonance data, a first measurement data set of an examination area is acquired with a first acquisition coil, a second measurement data set of the examination area is acquired with a local coil, and a sensitivity profile of the local coil that is used is determined on the basis of the first measurement data set and the measurement data set. The first measurement data set and the second measurement data set are acquired using a pulse sequence with ultrashort echo times. In the determination of the sensitivity profile, errors due to dephasings are avoided as best as possible by the acquisition of the measurement data sets with a pulse sequence with ultrashort echo times (i.e. in particular echo times TE shorter than 0.5 ms); in particular, the dephasings are smaller given these echo times than in the case of gradient echo (GRE)-based pulse sequences.

Field of the Invention
The invention concerns the determination of sensitivity profiles of local coils in magnetic resonance technology.
Description of the Prior Art
Magnetic resonance technique (MR) is a known modality with which images of the inside of an examination subject can be generated. Expressed in a simplified form, the examination subject is positioned in a strong, static, homogeneous basic magnetic field (also called a B-field) with a field strength of 0.2 to 7 Tesla or more in a magnetic resonance apparatus, such nuclear spins in the subject orient along the basic magnetic field. To trigger magnetic resonances, radio-frequency excitation pulses (RF pulses) are radiated into the examination subject, the triggered nuclear magnetic resonances are measured as what are known as k-space data, and MR images are reconstructed or spectroscopy data are determined on the basis of these. For spatial coding of the measurement data, rapidly activated magnetic gradient fields are superimposed on the basic magnetic field. The acquired measurement data are digitized and stored as complex numerical values in a memory organized as a k-space matrix. For example, an associated MR image can be reconstructed by a multidimensional Fourier transformation of the data (values) in the k-space matrix.
The measurement of the magnetic resonances (i.e., the MR signal) takes place with at least one acquisition coil, wherein normally an antenna known as a "body coil" is integrated into the magnetic resonance apparatus. However, this body coil is relatively far removed from the subject to be examined (a patient, for example) due to the integration into the magnetic resonance apparatus. Therefore, smaller coils—known as local coils—are often also used to receive the magnetic resonance signals, which local coils can be placed directly on the subject to be examined, or at least near to the subject, in order to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio.
Such local coils often embody a large number of smaller acquisition coils. Each coil element has a channel. By utilizing the multiple acquisition channels that are thus present, advanced imaging methods such as parallel imaging can be executed. The information of the individual channels is combined in the image reconstruction algorithm and presented in the MR image.
Depending on the alignment and spacing of the coil elements of the local coil from the measured subject, the individual channels of the acquisition coil acquire signals of differing strengths. When respective signals of the channel are combined, this can therefore lead to signal inhomogeneities in the MR image in which, for example, regions that are situated closer to the coils will appear markedly brighter than regions situated more distant (for example inside the subject).
In order to avoid these inhomogeneities, for every MR examination the (current) sensitivity distribution of the local coil is measured, most often in a preceding measurement. In this measurement, an image of the measured subject is acquired with the body coil and an image is acquired with the local coil that is being used. In comparison to the image acquired with the local coil, the image acquired with the body coil has a high homogeneity. By processing the two images (which includes a division, among other things), the intensity distribution of the local coil image (and therefore its sensitivity distribution) can be calculated. In the following (for example clinical) MR measurements, arising signal inhomogeneities can be remedied using this sensitivity distribution of the local coil, and a homogeneous image can be created.
A gradient echo sequence (GRE) is most often used as a measurement sequence for such upstream measurements to determine the sensitivity distribution of the local coil. The sequence that is used is very loud. Usually, noise levels of well over 90 dB(A) occur due to the gradients to be switched.

Method and magnetic resonance apparatus to determine a sensitivity profile of a local coil


The construct described herein allows opposing tissues to form adhesions with either side of the construct, as part of the natural healing process. The construct however is multi-layered, wherein the space between the layers provides the protection from unwanted adhesions forming between and bonding separate tissues. In one embodiment, this space between layers of the construct may be developed spontaneously, that is the multiple layers are released by design after a finite time and the opposing tissues are free to move independent of each other, free of adhesions.

The invention generally relates to implantable devices, specifically relating to devices for the prevention of unwanted scar tissue. The invention more particularly concerns a multi-layered device which serves to prevent unwanted adhesion formation following a surgical procedure.
Adhesions following surgery are a common result of the body's natural healing process. Unfortunately, nearly all surgeries have the risk of unwanted adhesions. Some adhesions cause or can lead to significant morbidity or mortality for the patient. For example, adhesions which follow abdominal or pelvic surgery may lead to bowel obstruction for the patient within months or even up to years subsequent to the original surgery. Many adhesions increase the risk and difficulty of second operations. Repeat cesarean sections are much more difficult and can risk injuring the uterus or bladder if significant post-operative adhesions are present. Adhesions following cardiac surgery also greatly increase the risk of a second operation. Approximately fifteen percent of cardiac surgery are "redo" or repeated surgeries. In these "redo" cases, the heart, bypass grafts or great vessels can be injured during the repeat sternotomy due to adhesions holding these structures against or near the sternum. In these cases, significant pre-sternotomy preparation must be performed, such as preparation of the groin for possible cannulation and peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass in the event that the heart or a great vessel is injured during the sternotomy. Additionally the presence of adhesions adds a tremendous amount of time and difficulty to any surgery. Overall, adhesions increase the risk and cost of any repeat surgery.
It is believed that the inflammatory process which results in adhesions occurs in the first few days following an operation or procedure. The single concept to date in anti-adhesion barrier technology has been a biomaterial which separates tissues and prevents the adhesion of tissues to the biomaterial or to one anther. Currently available single layered anti-adhesion barriers have only had some success at preventing these post-operative adhesions. Adhesions do occur in the area where the resorbable barriers were placed. In the design of these single layered barriers, the thought is that they will physically separate the tissues for longer than the first few post-operative days and then be resorbed. Additionally these barriers are composed of material believed to be anti-adhesive in nature. These single layered or functionally single layered (multiple layers which do not separate or have designated middle layers to provide physical separation between outer layers) may fail to completely prevent adhesions because the opposing tissue actually forms one or more adhesions to the barrier material. When the barrier material is resorbed, if adhesions have formed on opposite sides of the material, those tissues will then likely remain bonded to each other as the resorbable material between them degrades. In summary, single layered or functionally single layered barriers are inadequate to prevent adhesions possibly due to the incomplete anti-adhesive quality of their materials and the limitation of their design in that their success is based on the anti-adhesive quality of their materials. There have been a number of materials and forms of materials with this approach.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,958 (Burns et al.) describes a film constructed from a polyanionic polysaccharide which is placed between tissues and remains there long enough to prevent the tissues from healing together. The film then disperses and is completely resorbed into the body.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,081 (Sadozai et al.) describes an anti-adhesion composite constructed from hyaluronic acid and a carboiimide. This composite can be a sustained release source of hyaluronic acid to prevent adjacent tissue adhesion.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,939 (Wells et al.) describes a construct for the prevention of adhesions derived from collagen. In one embodiment, the collagen is combined with polyethylene glycol to form a construct which will be resorbed in less than one week.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,777 (Wiseman et al.) describes a construct for the prevention of adhesions which is a continuous film of oxidized cellulose. The construct is formed in a multi-layer sandwich of cellulose film on the outside and a middle layer such as rayon or a fabric to provide mechanical strength. The cellulose film is non-porous to prevent adherence of cells and molecules to the cellulose film. The middle layer of the construct adds enough strength so it can be sutured. The cellulose film can also be used without the middle layer.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,584 (Totakura et al.) describes a surgical adhesion barrier constructed of at least one bioabsorbable polymer. This barrier may be formed from one or more layers of polymers. The polymers may be a combination of resorbable and non-resorbable polymers. The barrier may also contain a medicinal agent between the layers.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,663 (Delmotte et al.) describes a bio-mechanical barrier for the prevention of post-operative adhesions formed from cross-linked fibrin. The fibrin film may be multi-layered and may have very small pores to prevent the formation of adhesions to the film.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,429 (Seare) describes an elastomeric barrier material that may serve to prevent the re-adherence together of body pocket walls around an implantable prosthesis. Seare describes a dual layer material, with the two outwardly facing opposite sides being textured to encourage cell growth, and the two inside facing surfaces being smooth and non-textured to readily slide with respect to one another. In this embodiment, the two textured sides would adhere to the corresponding tissue surfaces, while the two smooth sides would remain slidable relative to each other, thereby preventing the re-adherence of tissue surfaces.
In summary, the current anti-adhesion technologies strive for a barrier material which will physically separate the tissues without migration, prevent the adhesion of tissue to the barrier, and be resorbed within a few weeks after the adjacent tissues have reduced their propensity to adhere to one another. The delivery of medicinal agents by these barrier materials has also been proposed.
Unfortunately, these anti-adhesion technologies only prevent formation of the adhesions in fifty percent or less of the surgical cases. What is needed is a technology which will overcome the limitations of current anti-adhesion devices allowing the body to form post-operative adhesions in a defined manner and positioning the anti-adhesion construct so the desired surgical and anatomical planes remained preserved.


A mechanism component information is solely managed with an assembly structure. A mechanism component design support system supports systematic mechanism component design, which includes: generation of a mechanism draft using a skeleton model in selecting the mechanism draft and a mechanism operation simulation for the mechanism draft; a mechanism operation simulation in a state in which some (or all) 2D shape are determined; and then automatic generation of a 3D shape and a mechanism operation simulation for the 3D shape.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 11-140215, filed May 20, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated he rein by reference.
The present invention relates to a mechanism component design support system and a storage medium which stores a mechanism component design support program.
In recent years, demands have arisen for quick developments meeting ever changing consumer needs in product development operation. CAD systems for supporting design operations have received a great deal of attention under these circumstances. The CAD systems are mainly classified into a problem-oriented CAD system constructed to solve a certain problem and a general-purpose CAD system.
Problem-oriented CAD systems have often attained certain effects in business fields in which prototype designs are repeated. The problem-oriented CAD systems cannot support the design of industrial problems, particularly, in mechanism design departments because the life cycles of products are short and technical innovations are quick to come. Design knowledge is installed and hidden in a CAD system, so it is very difficult to perform maintenance and management such as knowledge updating and new registration.
The flow of mechanism design for, e.g., a camera will be described below. The use (basic concept) of a product is generally determined in a planning meeting. The design for a casing, mechanism, and software of the product is then started. Required specifications are determined for the respective units of a mechanism. The design aims at finding design solutions satisfying the required specifications.
FIG. 22 shows the design steps of mechanism units. First of all, a mechanism draft is created. That is, the mechanism draft for controlling the operations of all components is built into a skeleton model (the shapes of some components may be determined beforehand). The actual operation of the mechanism draft is confirmed on an illustration, and specifications satisfying the requirements as a mechanism are selected as a design draft at this stage (UGS: Imagination Engineer can be used).
An actual assembly is made up of a plurality of components. A set of components are extracted and combined to examine the shapes of the components and their limited motions. This combination is called a mechanism. Only the motion of the mechanism can be examined as a combination of points and lines, which generate identical limited motions because the materials, thicknesses, and the like of the components constructing the mechanism need not be considered. A model which represents a mechanism using only points and lines is called a skeleton (the OHM-Sha, Ltd., Shigeo Inada and Hitoshi Morita, xe2x80x9cUniversity Course, Study of Mechanismxe2x80x9d).
When the mechanism draft is confirmed using the skeleton model, the 2D shapes of components are then designed. The shape of some component may be determined by its function or by a combination with other components or units. When the outer shape of a given component is determined beforehand, a function as a mechanism for driving its shape is imparted to it using a skeleton model. A drafter or drafting CAD generally defines a 2D shape, and the operation of the defined 2D shape is checked with paperwork or a copy of the 2D shape. At this time, interference with other components is checked on the 2D model. The 2D shape is segmented (conventional drafting CAD can be used).
When the 2D shape of the component is determined, its 3D shape is then designed. Height (thickness) information as the third dimension is assigned to the 2D shape to design a 3D shape (projected drawing is created in drafting CAD). Interference with other components is checked on the 3D model, and the 3D shape is specified in its detail. As described above, each mechanism component is designed in 2.5D. A designer performs almost all these jobs on the drafter or 2D drafting CAD.
A 3D solid model is built using the components designed as described above, as needed. As a solid model creation method, manual manipulation or automatic creation on 3D CAD (Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-335279) can be used.
In conventional design, a designer selects a mechanism draft and manipulates several parameters to select a design draft. In this case, a skilled designer can select an optimal solution in accordance with experience and intuition. An inexperienced designer requires many steps to obtain an optimal design draft. Design drafts selected by designers skilled and inexperienced alike are not always optimal. Large differences in design speed and quality occur due to the capabilities of designers.
Design defects such as interference of components, poor assembly properties, and sinkmarks and undercuts formed by a mold for injection molding often take place. This is because a system for systematizing design knowledge is absent, and knowledge once acquired cannot be used again. Many steps are required as a measure against repeated defects. Unsystematized knowledge adversely affects education of inexperienced designers.
The design operation contents have the following known individual tools.
Skeleton design: UGS: Imagination Engineer (trademark)
2D shape design: general 2D CAD system
3D shape design: general 2D CAD system general 3D CAD system
Since these systems are built as design supports for individual jobs, they cannot support the whole design consistently. Operation not directly related to the design, i.e., data conversion between systems, must be performed. This operation is inefficient to shorten the design period. Designer""s knowledge is difficult to input and edit, and the system knowledge is also hidden. It is therefore difficult to use new knowledge and refer to the details of past knowledge.
An example of a component layout/assembly job efficiency improving support system is disclosed in xe2x80x9cJpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 10-254939: Mechanism Design Support Apparatus and Methodxe2x80x9d or the like. Although a support for creating a component shape in combination with other components has been established, no support is available to generate a mechanism draft in entirely new design. A person who actually build a 3D component model is a designer himself, and a large number of design steps are required.
Design books and magazines published as design results contain information of working methods, materials, and tolerances in addition to component shapes. However, such information cannot be added to data or used again because the current 2D CAD system processes the information merely as a character string and the 3D CAD system processes only shapes.
Assume that a mechanism component is prepared using a mold. If a thickness is simply added to a 2D structure, the resultant mechanism component may not be releasable from the mold. To prevent this, a draft angle may be imparted to the mold. It is, however, very cumbersome to perform a new design for defining the draft angle in the mold.
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above situation, and has as its object to provide a mechanism component design support system capable of optimal designing within a short period of time regardless of the skills of designers and allowing reuse of knowledge.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage medium which stores a mechanism component design support program for implementing the above mechanism component design support system in a computer.
A design support system of the present invention comprises: a mechanism object library for storing knowledge for defining, on the basis of assembly structure information, a plurality of mechanism components usable in a skeleton model; an examination unit for inputting a mechanism draft for achieving a specified object, using the skeleton model, and examining a function of the skeleton model; a two-dimensional shape editor for generating and optimizing, on the basis of required specifications of the mechanism draft, a two-dimensional shape of a mechanism component selected from said mechanism object library; and a model database for redefining, using the assembly structure, an attribute which is output from said two-dimensional shape editor and defines the mechanism component, and storing the redefined attribute, and wherein the attribute of the mechanism component is solely managed on the basis of the assembly structure information.
According to the present invention, mechanism component information is solely managed with an assembly structure. Systematic mechanism component design can be supported, which includes: generation of a mechanism draft using a skeleton model in selecting the mechanism draft and a mechanism operation simulation for the mechanism draft; a mechanism operation simulation in a state in which some (or all) 2D shape are determined; and then automatic generation of a 3D shape and a mechanism operation simulation for the 3D shape. An optimal design can be performed within a short period of time regardless of the skills of designers, and knowledge can be used again.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

Mechanism component design support system


A hybrid solar attic vent comprising a housing configured to be mounted on the roof or in the gable of a building in communication with the attic of the building. A photovoltaic solar panel is positioned to be exposed to sunlight and to power the attic fan when sufficient sunlight is present. An alternative source of energy, which may be the building's AC power, is connected to the fan through an electronic control module. The control module monitors the output of the solar panel and switches the fan's power source from solar power to the alternative source of energy when the solar panel produces insufficient electrical energy to power the fan. A thermostat allows operation of the fan by the alternative power source only when the temperature in the attic is above a predetermined threshold.

It has long been known that ventilating the attic space below a roof is highly desirable for a variety of reasons. These reasons include, for instance, lowering the temperature in the attic during summer months, lowering humidity levels in the attic during winter months, reducing heating and cooling costs in the living space below the attic, and reducing instances of mold and mildew growth within the attic. Accordingly, a wide variety of attic ventilators or vents have been developed over the years. These include passive attic vents through which hot air is exhausted by convection and active attic vents that forcefully draw air out of an attic space. Passive vents may include, for instance, dome vents and louver vents that are installed within a hole cut in the attic deck, or ridge vents that are installed over a slot cut along the ridge of a gable roof. Active vents also come in various forms, such as powered gable vents, wind turbine roof deck vents, and powered roof deck vents. Regardless of the type of vent selected, a corresponding area of inlet vents must be provided to allow fresh air to flow into the attic to replace the air expelled through the attic vent. These generally take the form of soffit vents that are installed over openings formed along the soffits of the roof. For roofs without soffits, fascia vents have been developed for the same purpose. In either event, fresh air is drawn into the attic in the regions of the soffits as stale air is exhausted to the environment.
More recently, to preserve electricity and help the environment, solar powered attic vents have been developed. These vents generally are provided with direct current (DC) electric fans that are driven with electricity generated by a photovoltaic solar panel, which may be mounted on the vent or in a location spaced from the vent. The Master Flow™ brand solar powered roof vent marketed by GAF Materials Corporation is one example of a solar powered roof vent. Some solar powered roof vents include batteries that are charged by the solar panel during sunlight so that some operational capacity is preserved for periods when the sun is not shining.
Solar powered attic vents are environmentally friendly, but nevertheless have certain inherent shortcomings. For instance, while they operate in a satisfactory manner in full sun, their efficiency diminishes significantly in cloudy conditions and even more significantly in overcast and rainy conditions. Furthermore, solar powered attic vents do not operate for long periods at night, even with stored battery backup. Attic vents powered by a home's AC supply grid are reliable in that they can operate in all conditions, but consume significant electrical power and thus are not as environmentally friendly as desired.
A need thus exists for a powered attic vent that exhibits the environmental responsibility of a solar attic vent while also being able to perform with the reliability of an AC powered attic vent when needed.

Building Materials Investment Corporation


A method and system is provided for eliminating malfunctions in textile machines, in particular spinning machines. Malfunction signals are transmitted from the machine to a process control computer that controls the elimination of the malfunctions. The process control computer activates an alarm call transmitter that calls a desired specialist for removing the malfunction in a certain machine.

The invention relates to a method for eliminating malfunctions in machines, in particular in spinning machines, whereby fault signals are transmitted from the machine to the process control computer controlling the elimination of the malfunction.
In fully automatic yarn production plants, for example, there is only a minimum of service personnel present. They must be able to deal with the malfunctions directly, without delay and in accordance with the operational priorities in order to maintain the usefulness of the whole plant. Present alarm systems do not set the priorities of the required actions in accordance with operational necessities, resulting in delays and unnecessary stress to the personnel.
Alarm systems are known that comprise, for example, blinkers or pertinent acoustic signals in a spinning room or in an individual machine. These alarms are, however, unspecific and unnecessarily stress the operating personnel and in addition give no indication as to the type, place, and priority of the malfunction.
Optical alarm systems must be visible from all sides, whereas acoustic signals are difficult to hear due to the background noise caused by the machines.
Monitor supervising systems for whole groups of machines are known. These systems, however, requires a person who continuously monitors the screen or who, in the event of am alarm, first has to proceed to said screen.
From the DE-OS 31 35 333 a method is known for controlling the operator's or a mobile maintenance device's tasks in a spinning plant comprising a number of operating stations. According to this system, any cases requiring operator intervention are recorded with type and date, and are transmitted to a central data base. This central data base is then queried for cases requiring operator intervention. They are based on the priority of such operator intervention (disposition of causing damage), whereby at least the place and, optionally, the type of the action required according to the event of the highest priority is submitted to the operator or the mobile maintenance unit as the operating station to be serviced. This method has the disadvantage that any occurring malfunction is only recognized through the query itself.

Method for eliminating malfunctions, in particular in spinning machines


A non-transitory processor-readable medium stores instructions to be executed by a processor. The instructions cause the processor to receive a first trained machine learning model that generates a transcription based on a document. The instructions cause the processor to execute the first trained machine learning model and a second trained machine learning model to generate a refined transcription based on the transcription. The instructions cause the processor to execute a quality assurance program to generate a transcription score based on the document and the transcription. The instructions cause the processor to execute the quality assurance program to generate a refined transcription score based on the refined transcription and at least one of the document or the transcription. The at least one refined transcription score indicates an automation performance better than an automation performance for the at least one transcription score.

Various forms of written communications have been used for thousands of years, and are still in use today. Automated transcription of written communications is useful in many applications, for a number of reasons. For example, automated transcription can convert a handwritten transcription to an editable document on a compute device. Moreover, a transcribed document is known to be advantageously searchable to find information on the document faster. Thus, a need exists for new and improved methods and apparatus to efficiently and reliably transcribe written communications.

Machine learning-based text recognition system with fine-tuning model


A wireless communication apparatus receives a wireless signal whose phases represent data values and determines the data values represented in the phases of the wireless signal. The apparatus includes a counter that updates a count value at a frequency higher than a frequency of the wireless signal, and resets the count value to an initial value when the phase of the wireless signal changes or when the counter overflows, a capture timing setting unit that sets a phase capture value in response to a resetting of the count value, and a phase capturing unit that captures the phase of the wireless signal when the count value reaches the phase capture value.

In Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) schemes or On/Off Keying (OOK) schemes which are used in wireless IC cards or the like, received data values are determined in response to phases of waveforms of wireless signals. Therefore, even when the wireless signals are distorted to some extent, it is necessary to capture the phases accurately.

Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method


A method for protecting the execution of a ciphering or deciphering algorithm against the introduction of a disturbance in a step implementing one or several first values obtained from second values supposed to be invariant and stored in a non-volatile memory in which, during an execution of the algorithm: a current signature of the first values is calculated; this current signature is combined with a reference signature previously stored in a non-volatile memory; and the result of this combination is taken into account at least in the step of the algorithm implementing said first values.

1. Field of the Invention
The present disclosure generally relates to electronic circuits and, more specifically, to circuits executing digital data ciphering or deciphering functions.
The present disclosure more specifically applies to the protection of the execution of a ciphering or deciphering algorithm against attacks by fault injection.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Ciphering algorithms are increasingly used in data processing and, in particular, to transmit data from one electronic equipment to another, be it for bank data (chip cards to be used with payment terminals), for the provision of multimedia data (toll television), the transmission of data over the Internet between several computers, etc.
The robustness of ciphering algorithms is likely to be put at risk by hackers attempting to discover the ciphering keys or, directly, the data. A category of so-called fault-injection attacks comprises disturbing the execution of the algorithm to deduce therefrom, by statistical analysis, the manipulated keys or data.
Countermeasures consisting of detecting a possible jump (caused by the injection of a fault) in the execution of an algorithm have already been provided. However, this detection is itself detectable by a hacker, for example, by analysis of the circuit power consumption. Further, the detection is dedicated to a specific behavior (detection of a jump). Moreover, most attacks are repetitive since they are based on a statistical analysis and countermeasures generally block the circuit, which can be detected by the hacker.