A method and system for determining and recording a minimal ending video buffer verifier fullness at each of a plurality of entry points in a compressed variable bit rate video bit stream.

The present invention relates to a method and system for editing video bit streams. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system for encoding transitions between encoded video segments so that the ending buffer fullness of one segment is sufficiently large so that there will not be a buffer underflow while the following segment is decoded.
A video encoder system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The system 10 includes a source of video 12, a preprocessor 14, a video encoder 16, a rate buffer 18 and a controller 20. The source 12 of video is, for example, a video camera, or a telecine machine which converts a sequence of film images into a sequence of video frames, or other device which outputs a sequence of video frames. The frames may be interlaced or progressive. An interlaced frame picture comprises top and bottom field pictures. The preprocessor 14 performs a variety of functions to place the sequence of video frames into a format in which the frames can be compressed by the encoder. For example, in the case where the video source is a telecine machine which outputs 30 frames per second, the preprocessor converts the video signal into 24 frames per second for compression in the encoder 16 by detecting and eliminating duplicate fields produced by the telecine machine. In addition, the preprocessor may spatially scale each picture of the source video so that is has a format which meets the parameter ranges specified by the encoder 16.
The video encoder 16 is preferably an encoder which utilizes a video compression algorithm to provide an MPEG-2 compatible bit stream. The MPEG-2 bit stream has six layers of syntax. There are a sequence layer (random access unit, context), Group of Pictures layer (random access unit, video coding), picture layer (primary coding layer), slice layer (resychronization unit), macroblock (motion compensation unit), and block layer (DCT unit). A group of pictures (GOP) is a set of frames which starts with an I-picture and includes a certain number of P and B pictures. The number of pictures in a GOP may be fixed.
The encoder distinguishes between three kinds of pictures, I, P, and B. The coding of I pictures results in the most bits. In an I-picture, each macroblock is coded as follows. Each 8xc3x978 block of pixels in a macroblock undergoes a DCT transform to form an 8xc3x978 array of transform coefficients. The transform coefficients are then quantized with a variable quantizer matrix. The resulting quantized DCT coefficients are scanned using, e.g., zig-zag scanning, to form a sequence of DCT coefficients. The DCT coefficients are then organized into run, level pairs. The run, level pairs are then entropy encoded. In an I-picture, each macroblock is encoded according to this technique.
In a P-picture, a decision is made to code the macroblock as an I macroblock, which is then encoded according to the technique described above, or to code the macroblock as a P macroblock. For each P macroblock, a prediction of the macroblock in a previous video picture is obtained. The prediction is identified by a motion vector which indicates the translation between the macroblock to be coded in the current picture and its prediction in a previous picture. (A variety of block matching algorithms can be used to find the particular macroblock in the previous picture which is the best match with the macroblock to be coded in the current picture. This xe2x80x9cbest matchxe2x80x9d macroblock becomes the prediction for the current macroblock.) The predictive error between the predictive macroblock and the current macroblock is then coded using the DCT, quantization, scanning, run, level pair encoding, and entropy encoding.
In the coding of a B-picture, a decision has to be made as to the coding of each macroblock. The choices are (a) intracoding (as in an I macroblock), (b) unidirectional backward predictive coding using a subsequent picture to obtain a motion compensated prediction, (c) unidirectional forward predictive coding using a previous picture to obtain a motion compensated prediction, and (d) bidirectional predictive coding wherein a motion compensated prediction is obtained by interpolating a backward motion compensated prediction and a forward motion compensated prediction. In the cases of forward, backward, and bidirectional motion compensated prediction, the predictive error is encoded using DCT, quantization, zig-zag scanning, run, level pair encoding, and entropy encoding.
B pictures have the smallest number of bits when encoded, then P pictures, with I pictures having the most bits when encoded. Thus, the greatest degree of compression is achieved for B pictures. For each of the I, B, and P pictures, the number of bits resulting from the encoding process can be controlled by controlling the quantizer step size. A macroblock of pixels or pixel errors which is coded using a large quantizer step size results in fewer bits than if a smaller quantizer step size is used. Other techniques may also be used to control the number of encoded bits.
After encoding by the video encoder, the bit stream is stored in the encoder buffer 18. Then, the encoded bits are transmitted via a channel 21 to a decoder, where the encoded bits are received in a buffer of the decoder or stored in a recording medium for later transmission to a decoder.
A decoder system 30 is shown in FIG. 2. An encoded video bit stream arrives via the transmission channel 21 and is stored in the decoder buffer 32. The size of the decoder buffer 32 is specified in the MPEG-2 specification. The encoded video is decoded by the video decoder 34 which is preferably an MPEG-2 compliant decoder. The decoded video sequence is then displayed using the display 36.
The purpose of rate control is to maximize the perceived quality of the encoded video sequence when it is decoded at a decoder by intelligently allocating the number of bits used to encode each picture. The sequence of bit allocations to successive pictures preferably ensures that an assigned channel bit rate is maintained and that decoder buffer exceptions (overflow or underflow) are avoided. The allocation process takes into account the picture type (I, P or B) and scene dependent coding complexity. To accomplish rate control at the encoder, the controller 20 maintains a model of the decoder buffer. This model is known as the video buffer verifier (vbv). The vbv is described in detail in Annex C of the MPEG-2 video standard the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. (MPEG-2 Video Specification, Annex C). Bits are entered into the vbv in a manner which models the transmission channel. Bits are removed from the vbv in a manner which models removal of the bits by the decoder. That is, all the bits belonging to a picture are removed instantaneously. Based on the occupancy or fullness of the vbv, the controller 20 executes a rate control algorithm and feeds back control signals to the encoder 16 (and possibly to the preprocessor 14, as well) to control the number of bits generated by the encoder for succeeding pictures, and for succeeding macroblocks within each picture.
The rate control algorithm executed by the controller 20 controls the encoder 16 by controlling the overall number of bits allocated to each picture. The controller allocates bits to successive pictures to be encoded in the future so that the occupancy of the vbv is controlled thereby preventing exceptions at the decoder buffer 32. The predicted occupancy of the vbv buffer at any time depends on the number of bits which enter the vbv based on a model of the transmission channel and the number of bits removed from the vbv based on the predicted number of bits used to encode each picture.
One conventional rate control algorithm is the MPEG-2 Test Model (TM). The TM rate control is designed to expend a fixed average number of bits per group of pictures (GOP). If too many bits are spent on one GOP, then the excess will be remedied by allocating fewer bits to the next GOP.
From the perspective of vbv buffer occupancy (or fullness), the TM rate control attempts to force the vbv occupancy to the same level at the beginning of each GOP. The vbv buffer occupancy level is pulled to a predetermined level periodically at the beginning of a GOP. The controller receives an indication of vbv buffer occupancy and allocates bits to the succeeding frames such that the desired vbv buffer occupancy is predicted to occur at the end of the GOP. This often means that only a relatively small number of bits can be allocated to code frames which occur near the end of a GOP. To make the bit allocations, the controller 20 assumes that all frames of same type (I, P or B) lave the same number of bits.
The actual number of bits used by the encoder 16 to code a frame generally differs from the number of bits allocated by the controller 20. The deviation may be small or may be large, if, for example, there is a scene change and predictive coding cannot be used. The bit allocations provided by the controller for a set of frames are viewed by the encoder as targets which are updated frequently rather than hard and fast requirements. For example, an encoder may respond to an allocation by the controller by increasing or decreasing a quantization step size to increase or decrease the number of encoded bits for a frame. After each particular frame is actually encoded, the allocations for succeeding frames are updated by the controller, based on how many bits are actually used to encode the particular frame.
A non-linear video editing system 40 is shown in FIG. 2A. Video is inputted through a Video Tape Recorder (VTR) 42 or other device to a video compressor 44, compressed, and stored to a device 46 which can be accessed in a non-linear fashion by a device such as a magnetic disk drive. The compressor 44 may be implemented by the Encoder of FIG. 1. Multiple video clips are stored in the non-linear storage device 46. The clips can be edited together into a video sequence which is decoded using the decompressor 45 and outputted to a VTR or other storage device. Alternatively, a compressed version of the edited video may be outputted for decompression and display on a separate system.
The editing of the video is typically performed by an operator using a computer 48 which receives decompressed video from the decompressor 45. Editing operations include adding effects to single clips (such as fade up from black, fade to black, blur, warp, etc.), adding effects to multiple clips (dissolve from one clip to another, wipe from one clip to another, picture-in-picture, etc.), cutting between clips, etc.
Most non-linear editors today use intra-frame only compression techniques, such as motion JPEG. However, because of the greater compression efficiency and interoperability of inter-frame compression standards such as MPEG, the industry is moving towards using inter-frame non-linear editors.
However, using inter-frame compression in a non-linear editor provides the system designer with many challenges. One is limited random-access; a compressed video stream can only be decompressed starting from a random access point (a sequence header followed by an I frame), and typically random access points are not placed at every frame. Also, a video clip can only begin at a so-called xe2x80x9cclosed GOPxe2x80x9d; a random access point where all B frames immediately following the first I frame use backwards-only prediction or intra motion compensation. Moreover, if a bit stream is truncated before a B frame (in encode order), then the decoded bit stream will contain gaps in the display sequence of frames, so a bit stream can only be terminated before a reference frame (in encode order). (Note that the condition that a bit stream can only be terminated before a reference frame in encode order is equivalent to the condition that a bit stream can only be terminated after a reference frame in display order). Finally, when two video clips are spliced together, the resulting clip will in general cause decoder buffer exceptions.
The first two problems are mitigated by placing closed GOPs at regular intervals in a compressed bit stream. Because these are typically not placed at every frame, a non-linear editing system will typically re-encode several frames at each splice point. An example is shown in FIG. 2B, where a transition is created between two video streams. In this example, the end of the video stream xe2x80x9cAxe2x80x9d and the beginning of video stream xe2x80x9cBxe2x80x9d are decoded, and a transition (such as a dissolve) is performed on the decoded frames. The processed frames (the result of the dissolve) are then compressed, and a bit stream is formed by concatenating the compressed version of video A prior to the transition, the compressed version of the transition, and the compressed version of video B after the transition. As shown in FIG. 2B, the compressed transition area will in general include several frames from video A that are not truly part of the transition (because the compressed video stream A can only be truncated before a reference frame in encode order (after a reference frame in display order), and several frames from video B that are not truly part of the transition (because the compressed part of video B that is kept must start at a closed GOP).
Recompression is also required when an effect is added to part of a video sequence, as shown in FIG. 3. Again, extra frames are taken away from the pre-effect part of the sequence AO and the post-effect part of the sequence A1 and added to the compressed effect clip due to the conditions on ending and starting a bit stream.
Even when bit streams are concatenated so that the last display frame in a first bit stream is a reference frame and the second bit stream begins with a closed GOP, and even if each individual bit stream would play back smoothly, the concatenated bit stream may not play back smoothly. The reason is that the decoder buffer, may underflow or overflow when playing back the concatenated bit stream.
To understand how a decoder buffer may underflow or overflow, consider an MPEG-2 bit stream. Annex C of the MPEG-2 video specification describes how a hypothetical decoder buffer (the xe2x80x9cvbvxe2x80x9d described above) behaves when decoding a bit stream, and requires that bit streams be constructed so that when this hypothetical decoder decodes them its buffer will neither underflow nor overflow. It is understood that actual decoders will behave slightly differently, but the constraints on the bit streams (that the hypothetical decoder neither underflow nor overflow) will be used to make sure that the buffers in real decoders neither overflow nor underflow.
The hypothetical decoder described by the MPEG-2 specification periodically removes compressed pictures from its buffer and decodes them. The first picture is removed a fixed amount of time after it begins to enter the decoder buffer. It the bit stream is a constant bit rate bit stream, bits enter at a constant rate. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 4 which is a plot of vbv fullness (i.e., vbv occupancy) as a function of time. The size of the hypothetical decoder buffer and the bit rate are all coded into the compressed bit stream. Also, the amount of time that the decoder waits from when it starts putting a picture into this buffer until it removes the picture from its buffer, called in MPEG-2 syntax the vbv_delay, is also coded into the bit stream for each picture. Note that for a constant bit rate stream, the number of bits in the decoder buffer before a picture is removed is proportional to the vbv_delay for that picture (the bit rate is the constant of proportionality). Many techniques are known to make sure that encoders produce bit streams that do not result in decoder buffer underflows or overflows; these techniques generally control the number of bits used by varying the quantization level between pictures and within pictures. Note that for a reasonably large decoder buffer, this model allows for wide variations in the number of bits in each frame, so I frames can use many more bits than P and B frames (as typically occurs), and unexpected variations in sequence content can be accommodated. For example, if the video suddenly gets more complex and the encoder uses more bits than planned on a particular picture (but not so many to cause a decoder buffer underflow), then the encoder slightly reduces the number of bits used in the next several pictures to make up for these xe2x80x9clostxe2x80x9d bits.
The buffer fullness just before a picture is removed from the decoder can be calculated from its vbv_delay; it is equal to the vbv_delay times the bit rate. Thus, if two bit streams are to be spliced, the decoder buffer can be prevented from underflowing or overflowing if the decoder buffer fullness one picture time after the last picture of the first bit stream is removed from the decoder buffer equals the buffer fullness just before the first picture from the second bit stream is removed from the buffer (which can be determined from its vbv_delay). Thus, the encoder matches buffer fullness to make a seamless splice.
Conventional methods for controlling the bit rate of encoded material are rather imprecise, which when not splicing is fine. For example, if the encoder allocates a number of bits to a picture, and if it spends those bits at quantization step size, the picture might wind up using many more bits than allocated, but because of the large decoder buffer, these bits can be slowly made up (as mentioned). The quickness of the reaction can be increased, but this can lead to poor quality video (due to big variations in quantization step size).
When matching decoder buffer fullness, conventional rate control techniques will often lead to very poor quality video. Because the ending buffer fullness is set, reactions must be very fast (both between pictures and within pictures), so that too many bits will not be used (which would cause the resulting decoder buffer fullness to be too low). Using too few bits is not a problem, because zero stuffing can be used to xe2x80x9cmakexe2x80x9d more bits. Accordingly, if even slightly more bits then planned are used on part of a picture, the encoder will start to rapidly increase quantization step size. If slightly fewer bits then planned are used on anther part, the quantization step size will be reduced, but the damage to picture quality will have been done. (The same situation occurs between pictures).
The MPEG-2 syntax allows for variable bit rate encoding at well, which is signaled by setting each vbv_delay to a particular value (i.e., 65535/90000 sec.) which is not used for constant bit rate. When variable bit rate is used, the decoder buffer fills up completely, and then each picture is removed periodically. If the decoder buffer is not full, bits enter the decoder buffer at the maximum bit rate (specified in the bit stream), but when the decoder buffer is full no bits enter. With this mode, the encoder does not have to worry about decoder buffer overflow, but it does have to worry about decoder buffer underflow. The decoder buffer behavior for variable bit rate is illustrated in FIG. 5.
When this MPEG-2 variable bit-rate syntax is used, if two bit streams are spliced together the resulting bit stream will not cause decoder buffer overflows. This is true because no bit streams can cause decoder buffer overflows. However, if the ending buffer fullness of the first stream is too low, the resulting spliced stream may cause a decoder buffer to underflow. Unlike the case for constant bit rate, there is no indication in the bit stream about what the decode buffer fullness will be in fact, i.e., there cannot be because the actual buffer fullness before a picture is removed depends on when encoding began. Consider a bit stream with three pictures; picture 1 is 500,000 bits, and pictures 2 and 3 are 200,000 bits, and assume a bit rate of 100,000 bits/sec and a decoder buffer size of 1,000,000 bits. If we start decoding from picture 1, the buffer fullness just before picture 3 is removed is 1,000,000xe2x88x92500,000+100,000xe2x88x92200,000+100,000=500,000. But if we start decoding from picture 2 it is 1,000,000xe2x88x92200,000+100,000=900,000. Therefore, splicing into a variable bit rate bit stream requires either ensuring that the ending buffer fullness of the stream before the splice is full (which can cause poor quality because few bits are used) or calculating, from the size of every picture remaining in the bit stream (after the splice), what ending buffer fullness will not cause underflows (which can be time consuming or impractical).
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and system for editing video which overcomes the above described problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for processing a video bit stream so that its ending vbv fullness is above a threshold, which threshold is chosen sufficiently large so that when a subsequent video stream is concatenated to the original video bit stream, the subsequent video bit stream can be decoded without a vbv exception.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a method for editing video is provided. In accordance with the invention, a previously compressed first digital video bit stream is decoded to obtain a decoded digital video signal. In response to statistical values which characterize the previously compressed first digital video bit stream, the decoded digital video signal is re-encoded to form a second digital video bit stream such that an ending fullness of a vbv does not fall below a predetermined threshold. Optionally, an effect may be added to the decoded digital video signal before re-encoding. The statistics are preferable gathered while encoding the previously compressed digital video bit stream or while decoding the previously compressed digital video bit stream.
A second embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for splicing a first compressed digital video bit stream and a second compressed digital video bit stream. The first compressed digital video bit stream has a plurality of entry points. Each of the entry points, has an associated threshold buffer fullness, such that if an actual vbv fullness, just before removal of the bits of a first picture following the entry point equals or exceeds the associated threshold fullness, the portions of the first compressed digital bit stream following the entry point may be decoded without causing the vbv to underflow. Using an encoder, the second compressed digital video bit stream is generated. The second compressed digital video bit stream results in an ending fullness of a vbv one picture time after removal of the bits corresponding to a last picture of the second compressed digital video bit stream. This ending fullness equals or exceeds the threshold fullness associated with one of the entry points. The first and second compressed digital video bit streams are then spliced so that the last picture of the second compressed digital bit stream is immediately followed said one of the entry points in the first compressed digital video bit stream.
A third embodiment of the invention provides a method and system for determining and recording a minimal ending vbv fullness at each of a plurality of entry points in a compressed variable bit rate video bit stream.

Compressed video editor with transition buffer matcher


A method and a computer system for data sharing between multiple applications running on a mobile device are provided. The method comprising: receiving from a second application among the multiple applications an access request to first data in a first application among the multiple applications; in response to the access request, enabling the second application to access the first data via a sharing zone between the first application and the second application; and wherein the sharing zone is built by obtaining an access right over the first data, obtaining an access policy assigned by the first application to the second application for access to the first data, and building the sharing zone according to the access policy by using the access right. By means of the method and the computer system of the present invention, data can be shared between various applications running on a mobile device without changing developed applications.

With the development of computer hardware technology, sizes of computer devices get smaller and smaller while computation performance thereof is improved gradually. At present, mobile devices, such as smart phones, personal digital assistants, tablet computers and so on, can provide an increasingly strong data processing capability. In addition, as operating systems of mobile devices are perfected gradually, more and more applications have been developed for running on mobile devices. Mobile device users can download, either for free or for a fee, applications used for different operating systems (e.g., iOS (iPhone Operating System), Android Operating System or any other possible operating system).
Nowadays applications for running on mobile devices can provide more and more diversified functions, such as instant message communication, email sending and receiving, word processing, gaming, etc. Therefore, how to share data between these applications providing different functions becomes an issue.
A simple scenario of data sharing is that, for example, a user wants to forward a message that is received by an instant messaging application to a contact in the form of an email. At this point, typically, the user first opens the instant messaging application, finds a message to be forwarded, and performs a "copy" operation after selecting the message; afterwards, the user opens the email application, performs a "paste" operation in an email edit window and presses the "send" button, thereby fulfilling desired actions. It may be understood the user has to manually perform a series of operations such as opening, selecting, copying, opening, pasting and sending. Therefore, how to share data between applications conveniently and rapidly becomes a problem.

Data sharing between multiple applications running on a mobile device

International Business Machines Corporation


A semiconductor device including a substrate, a first device, a second device and an interlayer dielectric layer is provided. The substrate has a first area and a second area. The first device is disposed in the first area of the substrate and includes a first dielectric layer on the substrate and a metal gate on the first dielectric layer. The second device is in the second area of the substrate and includes a second dielectric layer on the substrate and, a polysilicon layer on the second dielectric layer. It is noted that the height of the polysilicon layer is less than that of the metal gate of the first device. The interlayer dielectric layer covers the second device.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of forming the same, and more generally to a semiconductor device including a polysilicon resistor and/or a polysilicon fuse and a MOS transistor having a metal gate and a method of forming the same.
2. Description of Related Art
As the dimension of a semiconductor device is getting smaller, the dimension of the gate structure and the thickness of the gate insulation layer are reduced accordingly. However, a leakage current occurs when the gate insulation layer of silicon oxide becomes thinner. To reduce the leakage current, a high dielectric constant (high-k) material is used to replace silicon oxide for forming the gate insulation layer. When the high-k material serves as the material of the gate insulation layer, the gate of polysilicon may react with the high-k material to generate a Fermi-level pinning, so as to increase the threshold voltage and affect the performance of the device. Therefore, a metal gate is used instead of a polysilicon gate nowadays.
As described above, when the polysilicon gate is replaced by the metal gate, the polysilicon layer of a resistor or a fuse structure in the semiconductor device is also replaced by the metal layer. The resistor and the fuse are required to have higher resistance based on the IC design requirement. However, since the polysilicon layer of the resistor or the fuse structure in the semiconductor device is replaced by the metal layer, the resistance of the resistor and the fuse is not high enough.

Semiconductor device and method of forming the same


A remote control system is configured to support communication between a first environment having a first neutron radiation level and a second environment having a second neutron radiation level includes a first computing device and a second computing device. The first computing device is configured to control a treatment system in the first environment. The second computing device is configured to issue commands in the second environment for the treatment system. The first computing device is further configured to determine whether to enable or disable a function supported by the treatment system, determine whether there is pending time-sensitive data to transmit, and periodically transmit a first radiation therapy data collected in the first environment and a first interrupt to the second computing device in a servo loop.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
A radiotherapy system includes multiple electronic components that are configured to control system parameters, for example, axis motion, beam generation, and power distribution. The electronic components are usually located adjacent to the elements that they control to minimize the number of cables routed through the radiotherapy system or the amount of noise picked up that may occur in long cables.
Such an arrangement (i.e., the electronic components located adjacent to the elements that they control) becomes an issue when the radiotherapy system is configured to deliver a relatively high energy radiation (e.g., above 12 MV). At this energy level, neutrons are generated, and they may interact with the electronic components. Such interactions may create internal transients that cause bit flips. For microprocessors, the effect of such bit flips is significant and undesirable.
In addition, unlike existing systems in other high neutron flux industries (e.g., military and aerospace), a radiotherapy system is normally located less than a few tens of meters from a location having normal neutron levels. Thus, the existing systems are inadequate to address at least the challenges that are associated with the close proximity between such a normal flux area (also sometimes referred to as a console area) and the radiotherapy system.


A display apparatus filter and a plasma display apparatus using the same are disclosed. The display apparatus filter includes a light transmission unit and a light absorption unit. The light transmission unit has a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes each have gradually increasing opening area as the filter goes from its front surface to its rear surface. The light absorption unit is formed on the parts other than the part where the plurality of holes are formed in the front surface of the filter.

1. Field
This document relates to a display apparatus filter and a plasma display apparatus using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a plasma display apparatus comprises a plasma display panel for displaying images using plasma discharge and a display apparatus filter disposed on the front surface of the plasma display panel.
A plasma display panel generally comprises a front panel and a rear panel. Barrier ribs formed between the front panel and the rear panel define unit discharge cells. Each of the unit discharge cells is filled with an inert gas containing a main discharge gas such as neon (Ne), helium (He) or a Ne—He gas mixture and a small amount of xenon (Xe). The plurality of unit discharge cells constitute a single pixel. For example, a red cell, a green cell, and a blue cell are gathered to constitute a pixel.
When a high frequency voltage is applied to the unit discharge cells to generate a discharge, the discharged inert gas radiates vacuum ultraviolet rays. These ultraviolet rays excite phosphors formed between the barrier ribs to display images.
At this time, a filter with prescribed functions is arranged on the front surface of the display panel to further improve the quality of images. This filter has been studied continuously.

Display apparatus filter and plasma display apparatus using the same


The invention provides a unique method and apparatus for detecting defects in an electronic device. In one preferred embodiment, the electronic device is a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC), particularly one of a plurality of IC dies fabricated on a wafer of silicon or other semiconductor material. The defect detection operation is effectuated by a unique combination of critical dimension measurement and pattern defect inspection techniques. During the initial scan of the surface of the wafer, in an attempt to locate the appropriate area for a critical dimension (CD) feature or element that is to be measured, a "best fit" comparison is made between a reference image and scanned images. The critical dimension measurements are conducted on a "best fit" image. In addition, a "worst fit" comparison is made between the reference and scanned images. A "worst fit" determination represents pattern distortions or defects in the ICs under evaluation.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention is directed to the field of fabricating and manufacturing electronic devices. More specifically, the invention is directed to a measurement and detection method and apparatus for detecting defects in the manufacture of an electronic device such as a semiconductor integrated circuit or a wafer composed of a plurality of integrated circuits.
2. Description of Related Art
In the semiconductor industry, there is a continuing movement towards higher integration, density and production yield, all without sacrificing throughput or processing speed. The making of today's integrated circuits (ICs) requires a complex series of fabrication, inspection and testing steps interweaved throughout the entire process to ensure the proper balance between throughput, processing speed and yield. The inspections and tests are designed to detect unwanted variations in the wafers produced, as well as in the equipment and masks used in the fabrication processes. One small defect in either the devices produced or the process itself can render a finished device inoperable.
Many of the inspection steps once done manually by skilled operators have been automated. Automated systems increase the process efficiency and reliability as the machines performing the inspection are more consistent than human operators who vary in ability and experience and are subject to fatigue when performing repetitive tasks. The automated systems also provide greater amounts of data regarding the production and equipment, which enables process engineers to both better analyze and control the process.
One such automated inspection step is known as "pattern inspection." Many different "patterns" appear on both the wafer and the masks used to produce the ICs. Patterns may be repeated areas on a single IC such as test areas, memory areas, shift registers, adders, etc., or, as shown in FIG. 1, the ICs (or dies) themselves may be considered a "pattern" that is repeated throughout the wafer.
Typical pattern inspection systems are image based, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,794,646; 5,057,689; 5,641,960; and 5,659,172. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,794,646, for example, the wafer, or part thereof, is scanned and a highly resolved picture or image of the pertinent "pattern" is obtained. This pattern image is compared to other pattern images retrieved from the same or other wafers, or is compared to an ideal image stored in the inspection system database. Differences highlighted in this comparison identify possible defects in the IC or wafer.
Another inspection step that is typically automated in processes today is known as "critical dimension (CD) measurement." On each integration level there is a region or set of patterns or features whose dimensions are critical to the functioning of the entire circuit. A representative pattern is chosen for CD measurements. Examples of CD features include transistor channel length (gate length), transistor channel width, trench depth, step slope, spacing, contact dimensions, etc. Like pattern inspection, CD measurement can be done during several different stages in the fabrication process (e.g., masking, developing, final inspection, etc.).
With the increase in integration, the dimensions to be measured as CDs are so minute that scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) have replaced other optical systems as the tool for performing CD measurements. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,430. Indeed, SEMs made exclusively for CD measurements are commonplace.
The ability of a viewing system to distinguish detail is related to the wavelength of the light (radiation) used. The shorter the wavelength, the smaller the detail that can be seen. With feature sizes breaking the sub-micron barrier, it is imperative that variations in the lower sub-micron range be detected. One error, even of this small magnitude, may be enough to render the entire IC or wafer useless. Only the SEM provides the capability to detect these variations.
For automated CD-SEMs, fiducial markers on wafers are typically included for the purpose of locating certain features or structures--usually test targets. U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,430, for example, discloses use of fine scale marks fabricated in a pattern in a two-dimensional array to form a target occupying a region of the IC where circuitry is not to be formed, e.g., between bonding pads or in a region interior to the bonding pads. Different patterns on different layers can be used to detect misalignment between layers, as well as measure critical dimensions of the patterns.
These "test targets" are specially designed structures included on the wafer for test purposes only. If the test targets are the correct size and shape, it follows that other semiconductor devices in their proximity will also have the correct size and shape and will therefore function properly. During its scanning of the wafer surface, the CD-SEM compares stored image data of the fiducial wafer markers with the scanned images received from the current position of the wafer under the CD-SEM. Once a "best match" is made, the CD-SEM is in correct position to perform the CD measurement on the intended "test target" for that particular location of the wafer (or IC).
With each new level of integration achieved, a number of new fabrication steps are introduced. This increase is inherently followed by a similar increase in the inspection and testing steps needed to ensure quality control of the products. The increased complexity of the process, however, typically leads to a reduction in throughput or processing speed.

Method and apparatus for detecting defects in the manufacture of an electronic device


The present invention provides a micro-electromechanical relay that can produce low electrical contact resistance, and is capable of mechanical latching. More specifically, the present invention combines the clamping actions of cantilever beams with a movable shuttle-like spacer to generate high contact forces at the metal-metal contacts of the micro-electromechanical relay, thereby producing a very low electrical contact resistance and a mechanism for mechanical latching. Methods of fabricating the micro-electromechanical relay are also provided in this invention, which offer the advantages of both design and fabrication flexibilities by processing the top and bottom substrates separately prior to joining them together.

The present invention relates to a micro-electromechanical relay that combines clamping cantilever beams with movable shuttle structure to provide strong contact force, latching mechanism, and high standoff voltage.
Micro-electro-mechanical system or MEMS refers to micro devices that typically integrate electrical and mechanical elements on a common substrate or substrate stack using microfabrication technology. The electrical elements are typically formed using metal film deposition and patterning techniques, and the mechanical elements are normally fabricated using micromachining techniques which include deposition, lithographic patterning, and etching of various structural and sacrificial materials. Wafer bonding or mating techniques to form multi-layer substrate stack is also commonly used in the fabrication of MEMS devices. Examples of MEMS devices include accelerometers, pressure sensors, micro mirror arrays and MEMS switches to name a few.
MEMS switches generally include two classes of electrical switching devices. One class of the MEMS switches relies on capacitive coupling to switch a radio frequency or microwave signals. This type of MEMS switches only works at high frequencies. The other class of switching devices utilizes metal-metal contact to accomplish the electrical switching function. This class of MEMS switching devices works at DC as well as RF and microwave frequencies, and is usually referred to as micro-electromechanical relays.
Micro-electromechanical relays are inherently small and potentially low cost devices when compared with the conventional electromechanical devices. Micro-electromechanical relays are also capable of high performance over a wide frequency range in terms of insertion loss, isolation, and response linearity, particularly when compared to transistor and diode types of devices. Many of the micro-electromechanical relays developed use electrostatic actuation to deflect cantilever beams or some type of suspended deformable structures for switching actions. The cantilever beams or the suspended deformable structures usually have metal members attached which either serve as part of the conductor terminals or simply a metal bar to short the conductor terminals electrically. The electrostatic actuation method has the advantage of low power consumption and relatively fast switching time but suffers from low contact force inherent to this actuation method. Low contact force corresponds to small contact area and high electrical resistance at the contact, limiting the power level and the lifetime of the micro-electromechanical relay. The physical gap between the cantilever beam and the conductor terminals in the "off" state of the relay is typically on the order of a few micrometers in order to keep the actuation voltage reasonably low. This however makes the relay more susceptible to "self-actuation" caused by voltage spikes in the control lines or high voltage component carried in the signal lines. Examples of MEMS cantilever beam type of relays using electrostatic actuation method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,591 entitled "Low inductance cantilever switch", in the name of inventor Buck, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,976 entitled "Micro electromechanical RF switch", in the name of inventor Yao.
The amount of power or current the micro-electromechanical relay can handle is not only limited by the contact resistance of the relay, the overall electrical resistance of the device also has to be kept low in order to minimize the power loss to the relay device itself. Most of the micro-electromechanical relays use thin-film conductors with thicknesses on the order of 1 μm or so for the signal terminals which tend to have relatively high values of electrical resistance for the whole device, regardless of the actuation method. A possible solution to this problem is to increase the conductor thickness to the range of 10-50 μm to reduce the overall resistance of the relay and make it robust. Electroplating is one process technique that can produce such conductors.
Other actuation methods such as shape memory alloy (SMA), electromagnetic, and thermal actuations have also been used in various designs of micro-electromechanical relays. Thermally actuated micro-electromechanical relays can usually provide the high contact force desired and the contact resistance of this type of micro-electromechanical relays can be very low. Thermally actuated relays usually have much higher power consumption compared with relays that use electrostatic actuation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,423,401 issued to Mueller described an early example of a thermally actuated micro-electromechanical relay and U.S. Pat. No. 5,955,817 issued to Dhuler et al is a more recent example of thermally actuated micro-electromechanical relay.
Most of the micro-electromechanical relays require continued application of the actuation voltage or current in order to maintain the relay in at least one of the desired "on" and "off" positions. The only exceptions are those switches that are bi-stable and capable of latching into "on" and "off" positions mechanically. Latching or bi-stable relays have the advantage of reduced power consumption as the only time power is required is during switching. Latching switches are also immune to power failures which is a feature needed by many applications.
An example of thermally actuated bi-stable micro-electromechanical relays is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,685 entitled "Bistable micromechanical switches", issued May 29, 2001, in the name of inventors Albrecht and Reiley. The relay has a bi-material beam actuator which relies on controlled level of built-in stress and differential thermal expansion coefficients in the bi-material stack to make the relay bi-stable. The bi-material beam in the MEMS relay described in this patent is clamped at both ends and has a limited travel distance between the "on" and "off" state which means the device will have a fairly low standoff voltage. U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,582 issued to Ma disclosed another example of thermally actuated bi-stable micro-electromechanical relays, where a pair of in-plane (lateral) movement thermal actuators is used to push a vertical leaf spring structure (a pre-deformed beam) to provide the snap action of a bi-stable switch.
One challenging issue with the use of double-clamped beam structures having built-in stress is the ability to control and maintain the stress level in the beams during the microfabrication process. The built-in stress is often achieved through deposition of films with a desired stress level, which is often difficult to control from run to run. In addition, subsequent process steps may also alter the stress level within the films, making it even more difficult to maintain the stress at a certain level in these structures. Another issue with this approach is the limited vertical travel distance of the double-clamped beam which corresponds to lower standoff voltage. Use of a pre-deformed vertical leaf spring described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,582 eliminates the above-mentioned problems. However, the difficulty with this approach lies in getting good profile and smooth surface finish on the vertical wall of the electrode structures required for good metal-metal contact.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,638 issued to Quenzer and Wagner described a micro actuator arrangement for bi-stable micro-electromechanical relay. The micro actuator arrangement combines two or more thermomechanical actuators to achieve high contact force and mechanical latching. The thermomechanical actuators are made of a single material such as electroplated nickel and are disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The micro actuator arrangement is comprised of one lateral actuator that produces movement parallel to the substrate surface in response to thermal stimulation, and one vertical actuator that produce movement perpendicular to the substrate surface in response to thermal stimulation. In the disclosed arrangement, the vertical actuator is a single beam fixed at both ends (also known as double-clamped beam) that can buckle upward in response to a temperature increase.
In general, the designs proposed and developed thus far by various groups do not have the design flexibility for the micro-electromechanical relay to provide low contact resistance, high power handling, and high stand-off voltage in the same device. Furthermore, the fabrication methods proposed so far rely on building the required electrical and mechanical elements on top of a single substrate to realize the device, an approach that is not always flexible enough to address all the design and fabrication issues. Thus, there remains a need for micro-electromechanical relays that are capable of latching, low contact resistance, high power, and high standoff voltage, as well as more flexible ways to fabricate such devices.


A novel visual field test utilizing oscillating visual stimuli is proposed, which may be used to diagnose for eye disorders, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Such visual stimuli oscillate in color, polarity, saturation, luminance or intensity. Preferably, the visual test pattern consists of oscillating visual stimuli arranged in a pattern, such as a repeating or grid pattern, covering substantially all of the field of vision being tested. And, may include the use of frequency doubling visual stimuli. In use, the visual field test pattern is positioned in front of the patient so as to cover substantially all of the field of vision being tested, typically about a solid angle of 40xc2x0 or more. The eye under examination is fixated, and the patient asked to indicate areas where the oscillating visual stimuli are dissimilar, such as by outlining those areas different from the rest of the visual field test pattern. This procedure may be repeated for different contrast, saturation, or luminance levels, corresponding to varying degrees of visual sensitivity levels. Areas of dissimilarity correspond to visual field defects. The characteristic locations of the areas of dissimilarity for a particular sensitivity setting will allow clinicians not only to diagnose, but also to determine the severity of the eye disorder.

The present invention relates to a visual test system and method for testing the functioning of different parts of the retina and other potions of the visual pathway.
A large number of degenerative eye disorders, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, may be detected by evaluating a patient""s visual field, such as through perimetry and campimetry. While the patient""s eye is fixated, such visual tests present discrete light stimuli in the patient""s field of vision, and then monitor the patient""s response to the stimuli, allowing a mapping of the visual field to be obtained.
Visual field tests employing test patterns have also been developed for measuring a patient""s visual field. One such visual test uses a so-called xe2x80x9cAmsler gridxe2x80x9d consisting of equally spaced, parallel, horizontal and vertical lines. In use, the grid is positioned about 28-30 cm in front of the patient. With one eye covered, the other eye is fixated on a central point positioned in the grid, such as a dot. The patient is then asked to indicate areas of distortion in the grid by, for example, drawing an outline around the areas of grid distortion, such as, missing squares or wavy lines. Over time, the patient is again asked to note any changes that occur in the severity or location of the grid distortion, typically on a daily or weekly basis.
Visual field tests employing discreet light stimuli, shown one at a time, have been in use and afford accurate thresholding to determine quantitatively the loss of the patient""s visual field. However, such visual tests are very time consuming as well as fatiguing in nature, often requiring the patient to keep his eye fixated for more than 10 minutes. While visual tests employing an Amsler grid are much quicker, thus reducing fatigue, they are generally unable to determine quantitatively the loss of the patient""s visual field.
Recently, a computer-based Amsler grid test has been developed for providing a 3-D depiction of a patient""s visual field. See the press release at www.wfbabcom5.com/wf335.htlm entitled xe2x80x9c3-D Computer-Based Threshold Amsler Grid Test.xe2x80x9d The computerized test displays an Amsler grid at a pre-selected grayscale level and angular resolution on a computer screen positioned a fixed distance from the patient. The patient is then asked to mark areas on the Amsler grid that are missing from his field of vision. This same procedure is then repeated at various contrast levels. The recorded results are then used to display the areas of distortion (X and Y axes) as a function of the visual contrast sensitivity (Z axis). Ostensibly, such a visual field mapping describes the location, extent, slope, depth and shape of the scotomas associated with the loss in the patient""s visual field.
Although no drawbacks are known to the above computerized Amsler grid test, it would still be desirable to have another visual field test which may be capable of more quantitatively, and with greater sensitivity determining a patient""s visual field.
A novel visual field test utilizing oscillating visual stimuli is proposed, which may be used to diagnose for degenerative eye disorders, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Such visual stimuli oscillate in color, polarity, saturation, luminance or intensity. Preferably, the visual test pattern consists of oscillating visual stimuli arranged in a pattern, such as a repeating or grid pattern, covering substantially all of the field of vision being tested. Also, frequency doubling visual stimuli may be used, and if desired, the visual stimuli can be caused to move slowly within the patient""s central field of view.
In use, the visual field test pattern is positioned in front of the patient so as to cover substantially all of the field of vision being tested, typically a solid angle of 40xc2x0 or more. The eye under examination is fixated, and the patient asked to indicate areas where the oscillating visual stimuli are dissimilar, such as by outlining those areas different from the rest. This procedure may be repeated for different contrast, saturation or luminance levels, corresponding to varying degrees of visual sensitivity levels. Areas of dissimilarity correspond to visual field defects. The characteristic locations of the areas of dissimilarity for a particular sensitivity setting will allow clinicians not only to diagnose, but also to determine the severity of the eye disorder.
In one embodiment, the visual field test pattern consists of oscillating visual stimuli arranged in a grid pattern. The visual stimuli are located along equally spaced, parallel, horizontal and vertical lines, with a grid spacing of about 1-2 arc minutes. Each visual stimulus has alternating complementary or counter-phase colors oscillating between two complementary or counter phase colors at a frequency fs of about 10-50 Hz.
In another embodiment, the visual field test pattern consists of visual stimuli arranged in a similar grid pattern, but oscillating in polarity between black and white at a frequency of about 10-50 Hz. As above, the eye under examination is fixated, and the patient asked to indicate areas where the visual stimuli for a pre-selected contrast level are dissimilar, such as appearing more gray or unobservable. Alternatively, the visual stimuli can oscillate between intensity levels.
In still another embodiment, the visual field test pattern consists of color frequency doubling visual stimuli similarly arranged in a grid pattern. Each visual stimulus consists of a circular grating pattern having oscillating colors, shown to produce the frequency doubling phenomenon. Although the luminance level remains constant, the color of each grating oscillates preferably between two colors at a frequency fs of about 10-50 times a sec. Alternatively, the visual stimuli can oscillate between saturation or luminance levels.
In another embodiment, the visual field test pattern can consist of a sinusoidal grating pattern having horizontal light and dark bars, contrast modulated at a temporal frequency between 10 and 50 Hz. That is, the bars are contrast modulated in a sinusoidal fashion from white through gray to black at about 10 to 50 times a sec. At such frequencies, the grating pattern is perceived by patients to have double the spatial frequency.
In another embodiment, the light and dark bars can be oriented vertically, instead of horizontally. Furthermore, the grating pattern can be caused to move slowly in a direction at right angles to the lengthwise direction of the grating pattern. In this latter instance, patients would then be asked to identify areas of the visual field test pattern where they fail to observe the direction of movement of the pattern.
Still further, the sinusoidal grating pattern may be alternated between horizontal and vertical, or any two directions. And, the grating pattern need not be contrast modulated in a sinusoidal fashion, but may simply oscillate in polarity between black and white, for example using oscillating dots. Alternatively, a checkerboard pattern oscillating in polarity can also be used.

System and method for full field oscillating stimulus perimeter


A device as well as a method for determining the diameter of a yarn balloon (B) formed by a continuous yarn at a workstation (1) of a yarn balloon forming textile machine. The workstation (1) comprises an electromagnetically functioning sensor means (33), designed and arranged in such a way that at least two interruptions of a measuring beam (42) of the sensor means (33) are caused by the yarn (5, 25) forming the yarn balloon (B) during every rotation of the yarn balloon (B) during the operation of the workstation (1), and in that the time interval between the interruptions of the measuring beam (42) can be recorded by the sensor means (33) and used for calculating the diameter of the yarn balloon (B).

Various embodiments of production machines, where a yarn balloon is formed in the area of their often numerous workstations or at associated operating means during operation, have been known for a long time within the textile machine industry.
Such production machines therefore comprise monitoring means for determining and limiting the size of these yarn balloons, which can work very differently. Known monitoring means for example often include sensor means with which the circulating yarn, which forms the yarn balloon, is monitored.
A method and a device with which the yarn extraction speed from feed packages arranged at the creel of a warping machine are optimised are for example described in German Patent Publication DE 101 03 892 A1.
A yarn balloon, the diameter of which will depend on the yarn extraction speed and the yarn pulling force amongst other things, is known to occur when a yarn is extracted overhead and at a relatively high extraction speed from a feed package positioned in an associated creel during the working process.
With the method known from German Patent Publication DE 101 03 892 A1 the size of at least some of the yarn balloons created during yarn extraction is recorded and transmitted to a controller by measuring equipment arranged at the creel, will ensure that the regulation of the yarn extraction speed is acted upon when the limit values for the yarn balloons are reached. Measuring equipment for recording the yarn balloon size can be various optically functioning measuring units, for example a camera, one or more light barriers or similar equipment.
The method described in German Patent Publication DE 101 03 892 A1 is however used only for scanning the limit values for the balloon size, but provides no information about the balloon size at all times during the process. This means that a described regulation will be activated only when a stipulated limit value is exceeded or not reached. Regulation is also deactivated when the stipulated values for the maximum extraction speed or the maximum yarn pulling force are reached.
Optically functioning measuring means working in connection with ring spinning machines are also known from German Patent Publication DE 22 55 663 A1 and European Patent Publication EP 0 282 745 A1, with which a yarn balloon shape and/or a yarn balloon size can be recorded.
German Patent Publication DE 22 55 663 A1 for example describes a workstation of a ring spinning machine equipped with an air or magnet mounted spinning ring, on which a spinning reel driven by the continuous yarn circulates.
As a specific difference between the speed of the spinning ring and the speed of the spinning reel is known to be necessary during operation of such workstations in order to guarantee a problem-free spinning process, the speed of the air or magnet mounted spinning ring as well as the speed of the spinning reel are checked during the spinning operation.
It is also continuously checked with this method whether a stipulated maximum yarn tension is maintained, and any yarn balloon created when spinning in the area of the spinning bobbin is checked and stabilised if necessary. This means that the expansion of the yarn curve of the yarn balloon is stabilised by measuring the yarn curve deviation of the yarn balloon from its meridian level and corresponding regulation of the yarn tension by means of variable braking of the spinning ring. The means for recording the yarn curve deviation of the yarn balloon here substantially consists of an encoder comprising a series of small photo elements as well as a trigger means that ensures that the yarn balloon is periodically illuminated.
The known devices are either relatively complicated (German Patent Publication DE 22 55 663 A1) and often also quite inaccurate, or they are very sensitive with regard to air pollution due to their large measuring range (German Patent Publication DE 101 03 892 A1).
In practice these known devices have thus not been able to prove themselves.
European Patent Publication EP 0 282 745 A1 describes a method or a device for the production and quality monitoring of workstations of a multi-spindle textile machine, which means a method and a device with which the presence of the yarns and yarn diameters are monitored.
A ring spinning machine is equipped with an optical monitoring organ for this purpose, which simultaneously checks a multitude of workstations of the textile machine arranged next to each other in series in that yarn balloons rotating in the area of the workstations are illuminated.
The monitoring organ comprises a transmitter and a receiver for this purpose, which are designed and arranged in such a way that a beam bundle emitted by a transmitter travels through the numerous circulating yarn balloons on its way to the receiver and is therefore intermittently interrupted or weakened by the yarn balloons.
This shading is converted into an electric signal in the receiver, which is used as the basis for further evaluation in an associated regulator.
The method described in European Patent Publication EP 0 282 745 A1 also occasionally works rather imprecisely, as the beam bundle is often negatively influenced by fiber and dust particles, which are almost unavoidable in the atmosphere of a spinning room, on its way from the transmitter to the receiver. The chosen arrangements of the monitoring organ also do not allow a conclusion with regard to the balloon diameters.
A workstation of a double-wire twisting and cabling machine, the spooling and winding means of which is arranged in such a way that it lies within a yarn balloon ruing operation, is also known from European Patent Publication EP 2 419 554 B1.
The workstation comprises a monitoring means that can comprise various embodiments to be able to control the size of the yarn balloon. The monitoring means can for example work either indirectly or optically.
The size of the yarn balloon can for example be determined indirectly via a yarn tension sensor, which is arranged either between a yarn drive means and the inlet of the yarn into a spindle, which ensures the creation of the yarn balloon, or by means of a yarn tension sensor positioned between the outlet of the yarn from the spindle and a further yarn drive means.
In a further embodiment, recording the size of the yarn balloon can also be realised indirectly by measuring the performance or the torque of the drive means of the spindle. This means that the current absorbed by the spindle drive is determined with a measuring means and the size of the yarn balloon deduced from this in an evaluation means.
With regard to optical measuring means that monitor the yarn balloon circling the spooling and winding means, the use of at least two light barriers, comprising a light source for emitting a light beam and a light-sensitive detector for recording the light beam, is suggested in a first embodiment. With such a means the interruption of the light beam by the passing yarn of the yarn balloon is detected during operation. However, the known embodiment is used only for scanning the limit values for the balloon size and gives no exact indication of the size of the yarn balloon at any time of the spooling process.
In a further comparable embodiment a light sensor of the type CCD is used in combination with a beam-like, stroboscopic light source, for example an LED or laser.
With the means that acts with a light sensor and a stroboscopic light source synchronised by turning the spindle the image, and with it the shape of the yarn forming the yarn balloon, is localised when it is illuminated by the flash.
With such an embodiment different reflections are however possible, depending on the yarn thickness, yarn surface and/or yarn twists, which negatively influence the error quota and resolution of the measurement.
CCD receivers also represent relatively costly equipment, as they require a complex evaluation unit for their operation.
The monitoring means described in European Patent Publication EP 2 419 554 B1 in connection with a workstation of a double-wire twisting and cabling machine are all improvable, as they either do not measure precisely enough or are relatively costly.

Device and method for determining the diameter of a yarn balloon formed by a continuous yarn at a workstation of a yarn balloon forming textile machine


A blade sheathing device for loading bales of an agricultural product, e.g. silage, into an elongated, flexible bag, comprises a framework movable along the ground and supporting an open-ended drum that has an outer surface for supporting the bag in a compressed condition. The device has pads connected to the framework that can be lowered to a location underlying the wheels of a vehicle that is used to load a bale through the drum and into a space in the bag beyond the drum. The result is to immobilize the device during the loading operation by virtue of the weight of the vehicle on the pads. The same vehicle can be used between bale loading operations to pull the sheathing device forwards to a new location to dispense a portion of the bag from the surface of the drum and hence create a space in the bag to receive the next bale.

It is known to store a series of agricultural bales end-to-end in an elongated, flexible bag of plastic. In order to insert the bales sequentially into the bag, a typical bale sheathing device consists of an open-ended drum, the outer surface of which supports the bag in a compressed condition while holding open its mouth to receive each bale. The bale is passed through the drum into the bag, after which the device is moved forwards along the ground to dispense a further length of the bag from the drum, thus preparing a new space in the bag for receipt of the next bale. The bag, and the bales that have already been inserted into it, rest on the ground. Hence, the sheathing device is made in the form of a mobile unit that can be pulled forwards along the ground after each bale has been inserted, to make space for the next bale.
Conventionally, a tractor or other powered vehicle is employed for intermittently moving the sheathing device forward and for immobilizing it during each bale loading operation. A second tractor fitted with a bale carrying spike or a similar bale supporting device is used to insert each bale through the drum into the bag. This method of operation requires two tractors or like vehicles. As an alternative, the sheathing device can be immobilized during each bale loading operation by stakes that are temporarily driven into the ground or by cables that are attached to a winch. The same winch can be used to pull the sheathing device forwards between successive bale loading operations. The use of stakes involves increased labour, plus the fact that the sheathing device has to be manhandled to its new position between each bale loading operation, while the use of a winch and cables also involves additional equipment and labour to operate it.

Agricultural bale sheathing apparatus and method


This disclosure pertains to a method for operating a terminal (10) for a wireless communication network. The terminal (10) is adapted for device-to-device, D2D, communication. The method comprises decoding first data contained in a first D2D message based on a determination of first demodulation reference signaling and/or first scrambling coding associated to the first data, wherein the determination of demodulation reference signaling and/or scrambling coding is based on information extracted from a second D2D message different from the first D2D message, the second D2D message pertaining to second data to which second reference signaling and/or second scrambling coding is associated, the second reference signaling and/or second scrambling coding being different from the first reference signaling and/or second scrambling coding. The disclosure also pertains to related devices and methods.

During Release 12, the LTE standard has been extended with support of device to device (D2D) communication (specified as "sidelink") features targeting both commercial and Public Safety applications. Some applications enabled by Rel-12 LTE are device discovery, where devices are able to sense the proximity of another device and associated application by broadcasting and detecting discovery messages that carry device and application identities. Another application consists of direct communication based on physical channels terminated directly between devices.
One of the potential extensions for the device to device work consists of support of V2x communication, which includes any combination of direct communication between vehicles, pedestrians and infrastructure. V2x communication may take advantage of a NW infrastructure, when available, but at least basic V2x connectivity should be possible even in case of lack of coverage. Providing an LTE-based V2x interface may be economically advantageous because of the LTE economies of scale and it may enable tighter integration between communications with the NW infrastructure (V2I) and V2P and V2V communications, as compared to using a dedicated V2x technology.
For D2D communication there are generally considered retransmission techniques, which may be HARQ techniques or similar thereto, to facilitate correct transmission and reception (respectively decoding) of data.

Determination of communication parameters in D2D communication systems


The invention provides methods for modifying lignin content and composition in plants and achieving associated benefits therefrom involving altered expression of newly discovered MYB4 transcription factors. Nucleic acid constructs for modifying MYB4 transcription factor expression are described. By over-expressing the identified MYB4 transcription factors, for example, an accompanying decrease in lignin content may be achieved. Plants are provided by the invention comprising such modifications, as are methods for their preparation and use.

Switchgrass is one of the most promising lignocellulosic bioenergy crops for North America owning to its high biomass yield and wide geographic adaptation. However, the major barrier to efficient conversion of its lignocellulose to fuel is the recalcitrant nature of the lignin-enriched cell wall which prevents enzymatic degradation and thereby increases pretreatment costs. Reducing recalcitrance in switchgrass and other biomass crops by manipulating lignin biosynthesis through the expression of key transcription factors is one strategy for increasing biofuel availability.

Compositions and methods for improved plant feedstock

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.


A lure 10 includes the arm member 1 and the charm member 3. The arm member 1 includes a first arm part 11 having an elongated shape and a second arm part 12 connected to an end part of the first arm part 11 and extending in a direction not parallel to the first arm part 11. The charm member 3 is connected to the first arm part 11 via the connecting part 5. The charm member 3 is connected to the first arm part 11 to be rotatable around an axial center R1 connecting the connecting part and a center of the charm member 3 and to allow a rotation amount of the charm member to be regulated within a predetermined range.

A lure called a spinner bait as described in Patent Literature 1 has been conventionally used.
As illustrated in FIG. 20A, a conventional spinner bait 10A includes an arm member 1A having an elongated shape bended into a substantially V shape when viewed from a side, a lure body 2A provided on one end of the arm member 1A and having a fish hook, and a blade 6A provided on the other end of the arm member 1A. As illustrated in FIG. 20B, the blade 6A has a spoon-like shape in which a central region is dented.
In the conventional spinner bait 10A, the blade 6A is connected to the arm member 1A via a swivel 7A. Thus, when the spinner bait 10A swims, the blade 6A catches a stream of water and continuously rotates around a travelling direction of the spinner bait 10A. Vibrations produced by the rotation of the blade 6A are propagated to the lure body 2A through the arm member 1A, thereby vibrating the lure body 2A. Further, the rotation of the blade 6A makes sunlight hitting the blade 6A diffused.
As described above, with the vibrations of the lure body 2A and the diffused sunlight caused by the rotation of the blade 6A, the spinner bait 10A has an appearance like a school of small fish, which thus allows the spinner bait 10A to attract the target fish effectively.    Patent Literature 1: JP 2005-185216 A


In a liquid vacuum extraction system comprising a reservoir for fresh cleaning solution, means including a floor tool for applying said solution to the floor, carpet or other surface to be cleaned, vacuum means for sucking up the solution and contained dirt in an air stream from the surface being cleaned; the improvement comprising: a pair of spaced apart liquid reservoirs, each having an upper open end, a common closure sealing said upper open ends, said closure including an inlet communicating with said floor tool for return air bearing cleaning water and included dirt, and an outlet communicating with said vacuum means, said inlet communicating with a flow splitter head within the closure and positioned over said liquid reservoirs whereby all of the contained liquid is separated from the air and dropped into each of said liquid reservoirs at essentially equal rates while the air passes through to said outlet.

Wimsatt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,385, discloses a carpet cleaning system which, when operated in its liquid or wet mode, includes a single spent cleaning water collection tank of rectangular cross-section provided with a combination of baffles, one horizontal and the other vertical, to insure that only air drawn in by the vacuum motor can reach the top of a central vertical pipe projecting upwardly through the collection tank. In this way, spent cleaning water cannot reach and damage or short out the vacuum motor. In this system, all of the spent cleaning water is recovered and must be handled in a single container, making for heavy lifting by the user.
Noble, U.S. Pat. No. 3,056,994, discloses a vacuum cleaning apparatus which includes a single fresh cleaning water reservoir and a single receptacle for the dirty or spent cleaning water. This configuration also poses the problem of handling the weight of all of the water at one time.
Cyphert, U.S. Pat. No. 4,019,218, and Palmer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,759,094, pertain to carpet soil extractors having a fresh cleaning solution tank and a waste or spent cleaning solution tank. These extractors also has the deficiencies noted above.
In Karpanty, U.S. Pat. No. 4,464,810, there is described a scrubbing machine in which cleaning solution, usually mostly water, is cleaned and recirculated. The machine includes a frame supported on wheels with at least one scrubbing brush supported by the frame. A squeegee and vacuum hose are located behind the scrubbing brush for removing water from the surface which was supplied to the surface near the scrubbing brush. A recovery tank and a supply tank are supported on the frame with the vacuum hose communicating with the recovery tank. An exhaust blower also communicates with the recovery tank and draws air and water through the exhaust hose and into the recovery tank, exhausting air therefrom. The recovery tank is divided by internal baffles which form a tortuous path to separate the air and dirty water as they travel through the recovery tank in the path from one end to the other. Most of the water and dirt are received in the first chamber in which the dirt settles to the bottom, and cleaner water flows over an upper edge of a separating wall into the second chamber. The water in the second chamber can then be pumped to a dirt separator located in the first chamber and from there back to the supply tank from which water and a detergent, if used, are supplied to the vicinity of the scrubbing brush. This device also presents a single spent cleaning water reservoir which requires the physical handling of all of the water in one unit.
Hughes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,062, relates to an apparatus for the recovery of contaminated air and water from a flow system in some type of vacuum apparatus. The system provides a compartmentized stacked design embodying filters that first effect a moisture separation or demisting as the wet air passes downwardly through the system and then air borne particle filtering during the upward return of the airflow, with such functions being separated by a fluid collection tank at the bottom. The apparatus provides structure for removal of the filters and collected fluid so as not to interrupt the recovery process. There is no provision for separate reservoirs or for separation of airborne water into separate reservoirs.
The present invention, in general, is a significant advance in the art in that the water and dirt contained in an airstream is uniformly divided and the water and contained dirt are deposited equally into two receptacles or reservoirs which can be subsequently removed and the liquid disposed of with a minimum of effort. The invention is of particular importance in hospitals where large floor areas are scrubbed daily. The present invention provides for the disposal of the spent wash water in easily manageable quantities.

Side loading dual pail wet vacuum with flow divider


Diffusion coatings incorporating approximately 18 to 35 wt % Cr and 1 to 3% Si in 2.25Cr-1.0Mo steel and 1018 steel have been produced using a pack cementation method. The codeposition of these concentrations of Cr and Si into the 2.25Cr-1.0Mo and 1018 steel requires the use of a "mixed activator" (fused salt solution of NaF and NaCl). Cyclic oxidation tests in air at 700.degree. C. of a coated 2.25Cr-1.0Mo steel coupon with a surface concentration of 34Cr-3Si have shown excellent cyclic oxidation resistance. Furthermore, a 1018 coupon coated to a surface concentration of Fe-30 wt % Cr-3Si shows negligible aqueous corrosion in an aerated 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature. These coatings have provided similar protection in more complex oxidizing and reducing atmospheres.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a method of coating a metal member and in particular to a new and useful method for the codeposition of chromium and silicon for coating iron-base (Fe-base) alloys using a pack cementation process.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is common in the field of coating metals or alloys to use a pack cementation process. Generally, a pack cementation process is a modified chemical vapor deposition process which consists of heating a closed or vented pack to an elevated temperature for a specific amount of time during which a diffusional coating is produced on a metal. The closed or vented cementation pack is protected from oxidation by an inert or reducing atmosphere. The cementation pack usually consists of the metal or alloy member or substrate that is to be coated surrounded by the elements to be deposited usually in the form of a powder masteralloy, a halide activator salt and a powder filler. An inert gas, such as argon, or else hydrogen is used to surround the pack. Once the pack is heated to a sufficiently elevated temperature, the activator salt reacts with the elements of the masteralloy to form metallic halide vapors. The metallic halide vapors diffuse to the substrate or metal surface through the gas phase in the porous pack. At the substrate surface, a reaction step results in the formation of a protective coating on the metal surface; the surface reaction may be somewhat complex, involving adsorption, dissociation, and/or surface diffusion of the molecular species.
The goal of coating a workpiece, this term meaning to include either a pure metal or a metal alloy object or substrate, is to provide a corrosion-and oxidation-resistant coating which will enhance the use and service life of the workpiece in severe environments.
Currently, most commercial cementation coating processes involve the deposition of single elements such as aluminum, chromium or silicon. There are, however, some processes that are advertised that involve deposition of two elements such as chromium and aluminum, or aluminum and silicon, that involve a complex two-step procedure that consists of incorporating these elements sequentially into the metal or substrate surface. However, the resulting elemental distributions are not optimal for oxidation/corrosion resistance.
A common problem encountered in the current commercial pack cementation coating processes results when chromium is introduced by the coating process to a workpiece that contains significant carbon content. A chromium carbide layer will form and subsequently block the inward diffusion of the protective chromium constituent into the workpiece. Therefore, those metals which do contain carbon and are subjected to a coating process involving chromium will have a resulting coating that is not optimally effective against the corrosive elements in many severe environments.

Codeposition of chromium and silicon diffusion coatings in FE-base alloys using pack cementation

Ohio State University Research Foundation


A means for reliable inter-processor communication in a multi-processor system is described. In accordance with one aspect, a specially-configured serial bus is used as a general-purpose data link between a first processor and a second processor. The serial bus may be an Inter-IC Sound (I2S) bus. In accordance with another aspect, a network interface residing on a second processor is made available to a first processor via a data link established over an I2S bus. This allows the second processor to be used as a proxy and to support remote configuration and network address traversal.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to multi-processor systems, including but not limited to dual-processor systems.
2. Background
The use of dual-processor designs to achieve energy efficient, fault-tolerant systems is well known. Dual-processor systems are those that contain two separate physical microprocessors in the same chassis (either on the same board or on separate boards). A dual-processor architecture provides several advantages over a single-processor architecture. For example, in a dual-processor system, both processors can work simultaneously but separately on isolated tasks. Such multi-tasking computer power is crucial in processor-intensive applications such as creating, editing and rendering graphics and multimedia files.
In a telecommunication system, such as a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone, a dual-processing architecture may be implemented to minimize latency and jitter in voice communication. An example dual-processor architecture may include a primary central processing unit (CPU) that is configured to handle traditional operating system (OS) and computational tasks and a digital signal processor (DSP) that is configured to process audio signal data. However, in order for two disparate, separated and/or isolated processors to work together cooperatively, a reliable means for the processors to communicate with each other must be provided.

System and method for inter-processor communication


A vehicle motion control device providing good trace performance with a simple configuration for performing a rollover prevention control involving suppressing rollover of a vehicle by applying a braking force to a front wheel located on the radially outer of the turning locus and a rear wheel located on the radially outer of the turning locus, comprises a braking control unit configured to restrict the application of the braking force to the front wheel located on the radially outer of the turning locus until a predetermined limit time elapses since the application of the braking force to the rear wheel located on the radially outer of the turning locus is started when the braking force is applied to the front wheel located on the radially outer of the turning locus and the rear wheel located on the radially outer of the turning locus as the rollover prevention control.

The present invention relates to a motion control device for a vehicle which controls the motion of a turning vehicle by controlling the braking forces applied to the wheels of the vehicle.
Up to now, it has been requested to control the motion of a vehicle so that a rollover of the vehicle does not occur by an excessive rolling that occurs in the vehicle when the vehicle is in a turning state. In general, the magnitude of this roll depends on the magnitude of an actual lateral acceleration (that is, centrifugal force acting on the vehicle) that is a left/right directional component of the vehicle of an acceleration acting on the vehicle, and is increased according to the increase of the actual lateral acceleration.
For example, Japanese Patent No. 3480930 discloses a braking device for a vehicle, in which a rollover prevention threshold value is set as an index such as the actual lateral acceleration that indicates a tendency of rollover, and a braking force is applied to outer wheels (front and rear wheels) in a turning direction of the vehicle when (an absolute value of) the actual lateral acceleration becomes equal to or larger than a threshold value. According to this braking device, as the braking force is applied to the outer wheels (front and rear wheels) in the turning direction, the outer wheels become in a lateral slip state and movement in an outward direction (direction of the centrifugal force) that is orthogonal to the turning direction occurs in the vehicle, resulting in that a force to roll the vehicle is reduced to prevent the rollover.


The present invention relates to a container for anal irrigation. In particular it relates to a rigid container which is easy to operate and which easily is transformed from a storage configuration to a ready-to-use configuration. In one aspect the invention relates to a container for an anal irrigation system. The anal irrigation system comprises an anal probe; a reservoir for holding an irrigation liquid (e.g. water); a pump mechanism for pumping a fluid (e.g. air) into the reservoir; and a liquid tube connecting the reservoir with the anal probe. The container comprises an outer chamber wall, defining at least partly the outer dimensions of the container and an inner chamber wall arranged within the outer chamber wall, said outer chamber wall and inner chamber wall defining the reservoir. This provides a reservoir having a small surface area when filled with irrigation liquid. Thus only a low pressure is necessary to evacuate the irrigation liquid from the reservoir and out through the anal probe.

It is known that using anal irrigation regularly can relieve a person of many types of bowel disorders. For example disorders such as constipations and faecal incontinence and may also stimulate the peristaltic of the intestines.
Thus, different types of anal irrigation system have been provided. One such type of system comprises an anal probe for insertion into the rectum. Irrigation liquid can then be injected into the intestines through said anal probe.
The anal probe is connected to a reservoir containing the irrigation liquid via a liquid tube. By using a pump mechanism pressure may be built inside the reservoir, by for example pumping air into the reservoir. This will cause the irrigation liquid to be pushed out through the liquid tube and into the rectum via the anal probe.
However, many known anal irrigation system comprises many different parts, which has to be assembled before the system may be ready to use.
It is such desirable to provide an anal irrigation system that is easy to transform from a storage configuration into a ready-to-use configuration.


An apparatus for recording an image of a vehicle includes: a processor that determines whether an impact of a reference value or more applied to the vehicle is caused by an accident, by using a signal of an in-vehicle communication network, and performs control to not record a vehicle image for a predetermined exception handling time, when the processor determines that the impact is not caused by the accident; and a storage controlled by the processor to record the vehicle image.

In general, a vehicle image recording apparatus (a black box) includes one or more cameras for taking images of surroundings of a vehicle. The vehicle image recording apparatus detects a direction (e.g., a fore/aft, left/right, or up/down direction) in which an impact is applied to the vehicle, based on a measurement value of an impact sensor (a 3-axis G-sensor) according to the impact applied to the vehicle and detects a portion of the vehicle to which the impact is applied, based on an image taken with a camera located in the impact direction of the vehicle.
The vehicle image recording apparatus in the related art often takes and records an image by misidentifying an impact occurring when a door, a hood, or a trunk is opened or closed under a normal vehicle usage condition, as an impact caused by an accident.
Due to the unnecessary photographing and recording caused by the misidentification, power and memory may be unnecessarily consumed.

Apparatus for recording image for vehicle, system having the same, and method thereof


The present disclosure concerns complexes of 4-hydroperoxy ifosfamide. In one embodiment the complexes can be represented by the formula

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is the most widely used agent of the alkylating agent class in the clinical treatment of cancer. Two congeners, ifosfamide (IFOS, Holoxan®) and trofosfamide (Trofos, Ixoten®) are also in clinical use. CPA is still advantageous in the clinical treatment of lymphoma and breast cancer, while IFOS is effective in the clinical treatment of testicular cancer and soft tissue sarcomas and is also being used in the clinical treatment of breast cancer in the ICE (IFOS, carboplatin, etoposide) regimen. Patients with CPA-resistant breast cancer have responded to a doxorubicin-isophosphoramide mustard (IPM) based treatment, indicating the possibility of some lack of cross resistance between CPA and IPM may exist. In addition, clinical trials with IFOS for treatment of sarcoma, lymphoma and small cell lung cancers have shown an apparent lack of cross-resistance with CPA.
IFOS is converted by an activation pathway initiated by hepatic microsomes to 4-HO-IFOS, which spontaneously undergoes opening of the oxazaphosphorine ring to produce aldo-IFOS, which in turn eliminates acrolein spontaneously and/or possibly through serum albumin catalysis, generating the active metabolite, IPM. IFOS differs from CPA particularly in its metabolic dechloroethylation to produce chloroacetaldehyde. CPA generates minimal chloroacetaldehyde. Acrolein has been implicated in the dose limiting toxicity (hemorrhagic cystitis and secondary tumor promotion) noted with both IFOS and CPA.
The 4-hydroperoxide of IFOS (4-hydroperoxy IFOS; 4-HOOI) is a pre-activated form of 4-hydroxyl-IFOS, the initial hepatic metabolite of IFOS. Unfortunately 4-HOOI is too unstable to be manufactured and used for human treatment.

Complexes of 4-hydroperoxy ifosfamide as anti-tumor agents

Abstract: wherein A represents an ammonium species selected from the conjugate acid of a basic amino acid, quaternary ammonium, aliphatic ammonium, heterocyclic ammonium, aromatic ammonium, substituted and unsubstituted pyridinium, guanidinium, and amidinium, and wherein X and Y independently represent leaving groups. Also disclosed herein are methods for making such compounds and formulating pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Methods for administering the disclosed compounds to subjects, particularly to treat hyperproliferative disorders, also are disclosed.


The invention discloses a slot car including a body, a power mechanism for driving the body, and an adjusting assembly for track switching of the body. The adjusting assembly includes a rotating component driven by the power mechanism, a guiding component fixed on the body, and multiple slot-pins. The guiding component includes a guide channel used for annular position limiting of the slot-pin and multiple position limiters used for longitudinal position limiting of the slot-pin, and the rotating of the rotating component enables the sliding of the slot-pin within the guide channel. The invention further provides a Multi-slot track combined raceway on which the slot car travels. With the adjusting assembly, the slot car is enabled to switch between tracks. The slot car is enabled to freely intercept its counterparts by switching tracks, thus the entertainment is enhanced.

The existing slot car, which is normally a four-wheel drive type, is provided fixedly with a slot-pin at the bottom of its front part to guide the car moving forward by following the slot in the track, cooperates with semi-closed track modules, and is powered by the track or by itself. The slot car is engaged on the track, and travels on the track's slot by means of the slot-pin. The slot-pin, which is engaged into the track's slot, are constrained by slots of the track in a transverse direction, so that the slot car cannot freely be switched from one slot to another slot in the track, that is, the slot car merely travels along the same slot of the raceway. During the racing, a plurality of slot cars travel along their own slot of the tracks or move to the other slot in a we-fixed cross point of the slot, respectively, and compete with each other by their speeds, in this case, the fastest slot car can win the race. The existing slot car is disadvantageous in that it cannot travel across or switch the slot in the track at any location on the track, and thus cannot intercept or block its counterparts regardless of spots and time. As a result, the entertainment, attraction and excitation of the slot car is insignificant, thus reducing interests in the slot car and its play patterns.

Slot car and multi-slot track combined raceway


Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining a presumed activity associated with a mobile device. A plurality of sensor values detected by one or more sensors onboard the mobile device is received over a period of time. A plurality of derived values is calculated from the plurality of sensor values. The derived values are selectively combined to generate one or more abstract values. A presumed activity is identified from a plurality of possible activities based on a level of similarity between the one or more abstract values and expected values of each of the plurality of possible activities that correspond to the one or more abstract values.

Some modern mobile devices contain a variety of sensors that provide useful dynamic information about the current state of the device. For example, some devices include a three axis accelerometer that measures linear acceleration within a local inertial frame and a three axis magnetometer. One purpose of the accelerometer and magnetometer is to provide device orientation measurements (e.g., pitch, roll and yaw angles). Some devices include a Global Position System (GPS) receiver that provides three dimensional location measurements in real-time for use by applications (e.g., map services). In some mobile devices, other sensors are also included, such as a proximity sensor to detect the mobile device's proximity to a user's ear, and image or audio sensors for capturing images, voice, and/or video. The data collected from the sensors on a mobile device and other contextual data associated with the mobile device can be used for various applications.