A method for fabricating a semiconductor device including a first region and a second region, wherein pattern density of etch target patterns formed in the second region is lower than that of etch target patterns formed in the first region includes providing a substrate including the first region and the second region, forming an etch target layer over the substrate, forming a hard mask layer over the etch target layer, etching the hard mask layer to form a first and a second hard mask pattern in the first and the second regions, respectively, reducing a width of the second hard mask pattern formed in the second region and etching the etch target layer using the first hard mask pattern and the second hard mask pattern having the reduced width as an etch barrier to form the etch target patterns in the first and the second regions.

The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, and more particularly, to an etching method using a hard mask scheme in regions having different pattern densities.
As semiconductor devices become more highly integrated, a critical dimension (CD) of a gate is getting reduced. The reduction of the CD is required not only in a memory cell region but also in a peripheral region where driving circuits for driving cells, logical devices such as a decoder and a sense amplifier are formed.
Generally, a hard mask scheme is applied to a gate etch process for forming a gate of a semiconductor device. According to the hard mask scheme, a hard mask having a pattern substantially the same as a photoresist pattern which is used as an etch mask is formed under the photoresist pattern to compensate limitations of the photoresist pattern. Then, after removing the photoresist pattern, the hard mask is used as an etch mask for the gate etch process.
However, when etching a nitride layer for the hard mask during the gate etch process, a loading effect caused by the pattern density difference increases a final inspection critical dimension (FICD) of the peripheral region compared to the cell region. Even when the identical DICDs are applied to the cell region and the peripheral region, the loading effect increases the FICD compared to a develop inspection critical dimension (DICD) of the peripheral region.
Thus, it is required to reduce the DICD of the peripheral region as much as an etch CD bias corresponding to a variation value of the FICD. However, in this case, when a photo-exposure process is performed using a photo mask, a margin decreases. As a result, a pattern failure such as a collapse of the pattern in the peripheral region occurs. Furthermore, as a linewidth of the semiconductor device decreases, the gate FICD of the peripheral region decreases. Accordingly, it is required to reduce the DICD of the peripheral region as much as the etch CD bias. Therefore, the photolithography process margin decreases, making it difficult to form the patterns.

Method for fabricating semiconductor device


A nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer probe head having one or more drive units, one or more transmission units and one or more drive shafts which are coupled to adjustment rods and a means for directly mounting and fastening the drive unit, transmission unit, and drive shaft to the lower portion of the probe head during operation of the NMR spectrometer, which increases user comfort and freedom of motion below the magnet. The probe head also having an actuator for remote control adjustment of electrical and/or mechanical units, e.g. trimmer capacitors, variable resistors, and adjustable inductors within the probe head. The probe head is characterized in that the amount of space needed for the actuator is minimized, access to the region below the magnet is optimized, and installation of the actuator is simplified because the actuator is an integral part of the NMR-probe head within an NMR-spectrometer.

The invention a probe head having concerns an actuator for remote adjustment of electrical and/or mechanical units, e.g. trimming capacitors, variable resistors, adjustable inductors etc. in a probe head of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer having one or more drive units, one or more transmission units as well as one or more drive shafts which couple to probe head adjustment rods.
An actuator of this kind is e.g. known in the art from EP 0 518 100 B1.
Modern nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers normally have a powerful computer which controls all important adjustments and parameters of the spectrometer.
The spectrometer user sits at a console and issues instructions and optimization adjustments directly to the computer. This is done with the assistance of a monitor, a mouse, a computer key board as well as possible additional input apparatus having keys and nobs to transfer special requests. The computer then passes these directions in a suitable form to the corresponding electronic units of the spectrometer.
As long as the user carries out measurements on the same sample, this user-friendly function is available to him. However, if the user wants to use a new sample, it is necessary for him to leave his working area in order to introduce a new sample into the magnet. If this new sample has a dielectric constant or electric conductivity which is different than the previous one, then it is necessary for the user to manually readjust the resonance frequency as well as the impedance matching of the NMR receiver resonator at the probe head location, i.e. at the magnet. Impedance matching refers to electrical adjustment of the resonator to the RF cable and the downstream preamplifier so that maximum signal energy reaches the preamplifier.
In order to improve user friendliness, units have been developed, so-called sample changers, which facilitate a remote control changing of a large number of samples (e.g. 60 individual samples). Remote-controlled electromagnetic units, so-called actuators, have also been developed by means of which both the trimming capacitor as well as fixed capacitances in the probe head can be adjusted, added or switched-out (see EP 0 518 100 B1). In this manner, it is possible to also remotely control the resonance frequency and the impedance matching of the NMR resonator.
The use of sample changers and actuators allows for the full automatic operation of the spectrometer during long periods of time and using different samples. The computer then receives a schedule of requests which it transfers into directions for adjustment of the various hardware components. The computer instructs e.g. the sample changer to introduce a particular sample into the magnet. Towards this end, pressurized air must first be switched-on within the bore 30 (see FIG. 4) so that the sample can be transferred on an air cushion from the upper end of the bore 30 down into the region of the magnetic center 32. The air pressure must thereby be regulated in such a fashion that the sample does not travel too rapidly in a downward direction, since otherwise it could be damaged. As soon as the sample has reached its end position, the pressurized air must once more be switched-off. The pressure from a second pressurized air lead which serves for driving the air turbine of the sample is subsequently regulated in such a fashion that the sample rotates at the desired frequency. All these processes proceed automatically. In addition, the computer instructs the actuator to change the capacitors in such a fashion that an optimum adjustment of the resonance frequency and impedance matching of the NMR resonator is effected. The prescribed measurement is subsequently started. This measurement can vary from sample to sample. Such a measurement procedure has the substantial advantage that a large number of samples (e.g. 60 samples) can be measured in one single measurement cycle without human monitoring. A measuring cycle can therefore easily be carried out overnight and during the weekend.
The conventional actuators 34 (see FIG. 4) each contain at least one drive unit which normally consists essentially of an electrical motor. The actuator is not positioned too close to the magnet, since the ferromagnetic and permanent magnetic components of the motor would negatively influence the homogeneity of the H.sub.0 -field of the magnet. In addition, large electromagnetic forces can occur between the magnet coil and the motor which could critically load not only the magnet/dewar-system but also the motor. Not the least of all, these electric motors loose effectiveness in high fringe fields. For these reasons, the electric motors which are located in the conventional actuator 34 are disposed at a relatively large separation from the magnetic center 32 of the magnet and are connected to the adjustment rods, 8a, 8b, 8c of the probe head via long connection rods 33 consisting essentially of either individual jointed shafts or individual flexible mechanical shafts. A rather cumbersome assembly thereby results which blocks space in the region below the magnet i.e. in a region which, for technical reasons, is in any event limited and offers little freedom of motion to the user.
In contrast thereto it is the purpose of the present invention to improve a probe head having an actuator of the above mentioned kind in such a fashion that it provides more freedom of motion and comfort below the magnet to the user by minimizing space requirements for the actuator and optimizing access to the vicinity below the magnet. Another purpose of the invention is to simplify installation of the actuator. In conventional actuators, the user must recouple the actuator connection rods to the probe head after each probe head change. This should no longer be required with a probe head having actuators in accordance with the invention.

NMR probe head with integrated remote tuning


A method for learning an engine clutch kiss point of a hybrid vehicle includes: controlling, by a controller, an engine clutch which connects an engine with a motor or disconnects the engine from the motor so that the engine clutch is engaged after the controller checks stop of the engine and of the motor and stabilization operation for a hydraulic pressure line of the engine clutch is performed; controlling the motor to have a certain speed after the stabilization operation; controlling the engine clutch to be engaged after speed of the motor is stabilized; determining whether torque variation of the motor when the engine clutch is engaged is equal to or greater than a threshold value; and determining a hydraulic pressure at which the torque variation is the threshold value as the kiss point of the engine clutch.

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
An environmentally-friendly vehicle includes a fuel cell vehicle, an electric vehicle, a plug-in electric vehicle, and a hybrid vehicle, and typically includes a motor to generate driving force.
A hybrid vehicle, which is an example of the environmentally-friendly vehicle, uses an internal combustion engine and power of a battery together. In other words, the hybrid vehicle efficiently combines and uses power of the internal combustion engine and power of a motor.
The hybrid vehicle may include an engine, a motor, an engine clutch to adjust power between the engine and the motor, a transmission, a differential gear apparatus, a battery, a starter-generator that starts the engine or generates electricity by output of the engine, and wheels.
Further, the hybrid vehicle may include a hybrid control unit (HCU) for controlling an entire operation of the hybrid vehicle, an engine control unit (ECU) for controlling an operation of the engine, a motor control unit (MCU) for controlling an operation of the motor, a transmission control unit (TCU) for controlling an operation of the transmission, and a battery control unit (BCU) for controlling and managing the battery.
The battery control unit can be called a battery management system (BMS). The starter-generator can be called an integrated starter and generator (ISG) or a hybrid starter and generator (HSG).
The hybrid vehicle can be driven in a driving mode, such as an electric vehicle (EV) mode, which is an electric vehicle mode using only power of the motor, a hybrid vehicle (HEV) mode, which uses rotational force of the engine as main power and uses rotational force of the motor as auxiliary power, and a regenerative braking (RB) mode for collecting braking and inertial energy during driving by braking or inertia of the vehicle through electricity generation of the motor to charge the battery.
The hybrid vehicle operates the engine clutch in order to transmit power or separate power between the motor and the engine for switching the mode. Operation hydraulic pressure of the engine clutch determining an operation of the engine clutch considerably influences drivability, power performance, and fuel efficiency of the hybrid vehicle, so that the operation hydraulic pressure of the engine clutch needs to be accurately controlled.
The operation hydraulic pressure of the engine clutch may be determined by initial hydraulic pressure by which torque is started to be transmitted as both ends of the friction material of the engine clutch are in contact with each other, and feedback hydraulic pressure for adjusting the hydraulic pressure of the engine clutch by receiving feedback of speeds of the engine and the motor. The initial hydraulic pressure point may be called a kiss point.
The kiss point may be changed during the use of the engine clutch. Accordingly, it is desired to control hydraulic pressure of the engine clutch so that the engine clutch may transmit the torque at an appropriate point by learning the kiss point.

Method for learning engine clutch kiss point of hybrid vehicle


Method, computer program product, and apparatus for displaying a 2D image data set combined with a 3D range data set. A 3D range data set and at least one 2D image data set which differs from the 3D range data set in resolution, origin, or both, are provided. The 3D range data set is represented as a first displayed image while each 2D image data set is represented as at least a second displayed image. Corresponding features are identified within each displayed image. 3D transformation is computed between the 3D range data set and at least one 2D image data set using the specified corresponding features to establish geometric correspondence. At least one 2D image data set is represented as a third displayed image, wherein a 3D coordinate can be computed for any specified pixel of each 2D image data set using the 3D transformation and 3D range data set.

A rangefinder is a device for measuring the range from the device to some physical surface. A laser rangefinder can be one of many known types of rangefinders. Laser rangefinders are sometimes known as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) systems. Laser rangefinders use a variety of techniques to measure the range from the apparatus to a surface from which the laser beam is reflected. A typical apparatus may in some manner measure the round trip time-of-flight of the beam from the apparatus's emitter to the target, or the reflector, and back to the apparatus's receiver. One such apparatus is generally commercially available from Acuity Research and known as the AR4000 laser rangefinder, which can be found at URL http://www.acuityresearch.com, for example. Information on example laser rangefinder technology can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,212 which describes establishing an oscillator whose frequency is dependent on the time-of-flight of the laser beam and then measuring the time period of that oscillator. Since the speed of light is known, this time period measurement can then be readily converted to indicate the range from the apparatus to a surface that reflects the laser beam. A digital interface to a computer is typically included in such rangefinders. Other examples of laser and other rangefinders can be found in the text "Sensors for Mobile Robots: Theory and Application" by H. R. Everett (A. K. Peters, Ltd., 1995).
A rangefinder's laser beam may be directed in various directions by physically pointing the apparatus, by using one or more moving mirrors or prisms under manual or computer control, or both. A common configuration scans the beam in one plane and is called a line scanner, such as that sold commercially by Acuity Research and found at their website, for example. This apparatus includes a laser rangefinder that directs the beam end-on toward a rotating 45-degree mirror. The beam is thus turned at 90 degrees and sweeps out an arc as the 45-degree mirror rotates. The resulting data is a set of range data points representing the profile of an object or space. For example, if the scanned beam is directed at an automobile, a set of data points representing a profile of the automobile is produced.
The rangefinder's laser beam may also be directed to scan in two dimensions by physically pointing the apparatus, by using one or more moving mirrors or prisms, or both. As such the rangefinder's laser beam can thus acquire range measurements to a host of points within the environment. This type of apparatus is sometimes referred to as a scanning 3D laser rangefinder or just scanning laser rangefinder. In general, the three dimensions comprise two dimensions of scanning, such as X and Y, plus range or distance between the rangefinder and a point in space at which the laser beam is directed.
In order to acquire the range measurements to multiple points within an area, the rangefinder beam may be steered under manual or computer control. The steering may be accomplished directly through physical movement or optically through the use of mirrors or prisms. A scanning laser rangefinder sweeps the beam in two directions to cover an area. For example, a scanning laser rangefinder developed by Cyra Technologies Inc. sweeps the beam in an X,Y raster pattern through the use of mirrors. Information on the Cyra rangefinder technology is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,862. As a further example, we discuss the DeltaSphere 3000 laser scanner, such as 100 shown in FIG. 1. As seen, the laser scanner mounts on a tripod 105, includes a laser rangefinder 140, and is controlled by an embedded computer 150. The laser scanner sweeps the laser beam 110 in elevation using a rotating 45-degree mirror 120 and in azimuth by rotating 130 the laser and mirror assembly. Information on the DeltaSphere 3000 laser scanner product can be found at URL http://www.deltasphere.com. Further background on the technology for the DeltaSphere 3000 laser scanner can be found in "Capturing, Processing and Rendering Real-World Scenes", Videometrics and Optical Methods for 3D Shape Measurement, Electronic Imaging 2001, Photonics West, SPIE Vol. 4309 Jan. 22, 2001, an article by Lars Nyland, Anselmo Lastra, David K. McAllister, Voicu Popescu, and Chris McCue.
Other examples of scanning laser rangefinders can be found in "Sensors for Mobile Robots: Theory and Application" by H. R. Everett (A. K. Peters, Ltd., 1995). The results of these scans are 3D data sets sometimes referred to as "3D point clouds". Similar data is provided by a rangefinder array design, such as those made commercially by Canesta Inc., also known as a range camera, that enables measurement of multiple range points at once. Information may be found at URL http://www.canesta.com/.
Various 3D rangefinder technologies may collect data at various rates ranging from 1 sample per second to several hundred thousand samples per second, but all provide essentially the same results, an array of 3D points where at least the range, elevation, and azimuth for each point is known. This representation in spherical coordinates may easily be transformed to X, Y, Z values in Cartesian coordinates. The rate of collecting the data points determines the time required to capture the data in the field, but obviously has no impact on later processing and use of the data. It will be clear that the methods discussed in this invention are independent of the speed of capture of the original data and that the methods apply to all forms of 3D rangefinder devices.
3D data sets collected by a 3D rangefinder may be presented as a visual display to a user in several different ways. The visualization techniques fall broadly into two classes, 3D displayed images and 2D displayed images.
A 3D displayed image format is one in which the user may select a particular 3D viewpoint and then view the 3D range data as geometric figures in perspective projection or in orthogonal projection or via some other projection within a 2D computer image. Techniques for creating 3D displayed images are well known from computer graphics textbooks such as "Computer Graphics: Principles and Practice in C" by James D. Foley, Andries van Dam, Steven K. Feiner, and John F. Hughes (Addison Wesley 1995). Well-known formats for a 3D displayed image may have the 3D range data samples represented as 3D points, also known as a point cloud, in which the same color is assigned to all points, in which false color is assigned to each point based on its range, in which color is assigned to each point based on its reflectance intensity (i.e. the strength of the signal returned from a surface to the 3D rangefinder), or in which points are colored via any other scheme. In another well-known 3D display technique, the 3D range data points may be linked together into a 3D mesh using well known computer graphics techniques, such that neighboring points are connected via lines within the display. The lines of the mesh may be colored using any of the techniques discussed above using well-known computer graphics techniques. In another 3D display technique, the 3D range data points may be linked together into a surface using well known computer graphics techniques. The surface may have range values interpolated between actual data points using linear, quadratic, cubic, or any well-known surface interpolation technique. The color of the surface at each displayed pixel may be determined in any of a number of well-known ways, including computing simulated lighting effects based on the orientation of the interpolated surface, interpolating reflectance intensity values measured at each data point, mapping a 2D image or any other function to the 3D surface using well-known texture-mapping techniques, combinations thereof, or any using other well-known techniques for surface rendering.
A 2D displayed image is one in which the 3D range data set is inherently represented as a 2D image. There are several well-known techniques for creating 2D displayed images since the data from a typical 3D rangefinder is obtained by scanning in two dimensions, typically azimuth and elevation. The resulting data can naturally be represented as a 2D image in spherical projection, where the azimuth angle of a 3D sample is represented as the horizontal or X axis and the elevation angle is represented as vertical or Y axis on the display, and each pixel represents one or more 3D data points depending on the scale chosen. Of course, the 2D displayed image need not be represented in spherical projection, but in any other well-known projection of a 3D data set to a 2D display. As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, each pixel may have a multiplicity of associated values stored with it, including precise azimuth angle value 210, precise elevation angle value 220, range value 230, reflectance value 240, color 250 (RGB), and any other useful values 260. For example, a useful value might be some other attribute associated with the pixel. The color of each pixel within the 2D displayed image may be determined in any of a number of well-known formats. A Range Image has a false color assigned to each pixel based on its range. A Reflectance Image has a color assigned to each pixel based on the intensity of the reflected laser beam. A Registered Color Image has a color assigned to each pixel based on the color obtained from a color sensor such as a 2D digital camera such that the range data and color data are aligned as shown in FIG. 3. A Registered Color Image may typically be created by the steps of capturing a 3D range data set with a 3D rangefinder and displaying it as a Reflectance Image 310, capturing a 2D image using a calibrated digital color camera and displaying it as a 2D color image 320, identifying corresponding features between the two 2D images such as 311 and 321, 312 and 322, 313 and 323, and 314 and 324, using the locations of the corresponding features to compute the pose (location and orientation) of the 2D digital color camera, using the camera pose information to compute the optical path from the camera into the 3D data set, and applying the color from each pixel of the 2D color image to corresponding points of the 3D data set displayed as a 2D image. Using this method, the 3D range data and 2D color image need not have been acquired from the same viewpoint. Further information on the mathematics underlying the 2D image registration process may be found in an article by R. Y. Tsai, "An Efficient and Accurate Camera Calibration Technique for 3D Machine Vision", Proceedings of IEEE Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition, Miami Beach, Fla., pp. 364-374, 1986.
Examples of a Range Image, a Reflectance Image, and a Registered Color Image may be found in an article by Lars Nyland, Anselmo Lastra, David K. McAllister, Voicu Popescu, and Chris McCue, titled "Capturing, Processing and Rendering Real-World Scenes", Videometrics and Optical Methods for 3D Shape Measurement, Electronic Imaging 2001, Photonics West, SPIE Vol. 4309 Jan. 22, 2001. The ability to create and display a Range Image, a Reflectance Image, and a Registered Color Image has been available in the DsControl, DsColor, and other software provided to DeltaSphere 3000 customers beginning some time ago.
When the 3D data set is displayed in any of the above formats, it is a well-known technique for a user to interactively select a particular pixel on the screen and to determine the X, Y, Z coordinates of the data represented at that pixel. In 2D displayed images, for example, the ability to select and display the X, Y, Z coordinates for any point in a Range Image, a Reflectance Image, and a Registered Color Image has been available in the DsControl and other software provided to DeltaSphere 3000 customers beginning some time ago. For 3D displayed images, commonly used computer graphics and computer-aided design software packages have enabled a user to pick a point, a point on a mesh, or a point on a surface and determine the X, Y, Z coordinates of that point. As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,922,234 discloses methods of making measurements within a reflectance image obtained from a laser scanner which captures data at up to 125,000 points per second.
Conventional methods for creating a registered color image assign a color from a 2D image to each sample of a 3D data set. The 3D data set may then be displayed in a 3D display format as a texture-mapped surface or it may be displayed in a 2D display format similar to a reflectance image but with the assigned color displayed for each sample of the 3D data set. Thus in this conventional method the displayed spatial resolution of the 2D image is equal to the spatial resolution of the 3D data set acquired by the 3D rangefinder. These conventional methods, for example, have been included in software provided to DeltaSphere customers beginning some time ago.
Depending on the type of 3D rangefinder and the type of 2D image capture device that are used, it is sometimes the case that the resolution of the original 2D image data is higher than the resolution of the original 3D range data. The effective resolution of a 2D image would also be higher if the 2D image was a close-up image, captured closer to an object of interest than the 3D rangefinder. Similarly the effective resolution of a 2D image would also be higher if the 2D image were captured by zooming in on area of interest with a telephoto lens for example.
In a conventional display method, the result is that information within a higher resolution 2D image is discarded in the registered color image display process. It would be advantageous, therefore, to have display techniques capable of representing the 2D image data at higher resolution than the current conventional methods allow. In many applications, such as in the reconstruction of crime, accident, and terrorism scenes, in the presentation of virtual tours of real estate, and in documentation of cultural heritage sites, an increase in displayed 2D registered color image resolution would be particularly desirable. With such, the understanding, analysis, and presentation of a scene would be greatly enhanced and new applications for 3D rangefinder technology could be enabled.

Method and apparatus for displaying a 2D image data set combined with a 3D rangefinder data set


The invention relates to a construction made of individual components which consist at least partially of wood-concrete composite elements (100) composed by at least one wood component (110) with a wood cross section and a concrete component (101) with a concrete cross section. The wood-concrete composite elements are at least partially prefabricated and then brought together at the factory or later at the construction site. The individual components are connected and/or assembled with the other components by a non-positive and/or positive and/or material connection, partially by transmitting force only via the wood cross section or partially only by transmitting force via the concrete cross section or partially by the wood cross section and the concrete cross section.

The invention relates to constructions and/or buildings wherein the individual components such as for example walls, ceilings, floors, pillars, girders, slabs, plates, foundations, main beams and/or roofs are at least partially composed of prefabricated wood-concrete composite elements, and methods for the manufacture of such constructions.
It is known to manufacture constructions and/or buildings at least partially in prefabricated construction in wood construction, in steel construction, in brick construction and in concrete construction. It is also known to manufacture portions of buildings in mixed construction, e.g. as reinforced concrete and/or as steel sandwich. Due to the prefabricated construction the walls and ceilings of such a building can be prefabricated to a large extent so that the slab-like elements need only be assembled on the construction site.
Methods are also known where semi-finished parts, e.g. made of concrete (keyword: filigree ceiling) are brought on the construction site and are completed only in a second step by a corresponding topping.
It is also known to mix materials in constructions and/or buildings. Thus, one can find all variations of buildings where masonry walls, reinforced concrete ceilings and/or roof framework of wood have been made.
From AT 005 773 U1 it is known to combine partial cross sections out of wood as well concrete as a composite component.
From U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,200 it is known to combine wood and concrete by a non-positive connection.
From DE 198 05 088 A1 it is known to manufacture wall and ceiling elements out of concrete, plastics, metal and paper board in a material mix such that they are suitable for do-it-yourself construction.
From DE 202 10 714 U1 it is known to manufacture wood-concrete composite elements with integrated climatic elements.
From EP 0 826 841 A1 it is known to manufacture a module house from prefabricated steel plates such that a permanent weather protection exists.
From DE 298 03 323 U1 it is known to manufacture wooden houses easy to assemble.
Disadvantages of wooden construction in buildings are the fire load as well as the insufficient thermal mass of wood resulting in a poor heat protection in summer.
Disadvantages of masonry construction are high labor costs in the manufacture of buildings as well as insufficient heat insulation of these building systems. In that case valuable energy costs get lost for the user every year.
Disadvantages of steel construction are poor heat insulation properties of steel and the design solution approaches to avoid cold bridges necessary as a result.
Due to the comprehensive demands on a construction/building regarding stability, comfort, sound insulation, heat insulation, waterproofing, fire protection as well as short building times, conventional constructions meet limits. In particular due to the high demands as a result of the desire to save energy in connection with increasing challenges of incidents of high burden such as for example earthquakes and tornadoes there is a desire for alternative constructions/buildings meeting these challenges a world-wide basis.

Construction made of individual components


A bi-directional metering valve assembly is provided to selectively direct hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load. The assembly includes a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid toward a load. A rotatable valve member defines first and second apertures in an axial face that may be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source to the load. At least one metering sealing assembly provides an interface between the valve block and the valve member. The metering sealing assembly includes a gasket that surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture. The valve member is operable to control the direction of fluid flow, and make fine adjustments to the hydraulic fluid flow rate.

Fluid flow control valve assemblies are commonly used for controlling the flow of a pressurized fluid, such as a hydraulic and pneumatic fluid and the like, into and out of cylinders to extend and retract a load. Conventional control valve assemblies typically include one or more intake ports that can be selectively connected between the fluid source and the load, and a fluid exhaust port that enables fluid to flow from the load into a return tank. Such valves are typically multi-positional to selectively engage one or more ports depending on the desired direction of fluid flow.
One such known fluid flow control valve assembly for operating a high pressure single acting hydraulic cylinder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,805, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein for the purposes of general valve assembly operation well known in the art. The ′805 patent discloses a first valve body having a pressure port, an outlet port to a load, and a tank port that can be engaged to select the direction of hydraulic fluid flow. A control handle actuates a second valve body having four control ports to select one of several possible modes of operation (i.e., rapid advance, slow metered advance, hold, and return) to control the hydraulic flow rate.
Conventional high-pressure systems thus require two separate valve assemblies to control the motion of a cylinder, thereby increasing the complexity of the device and necessitating excess cost and resources during fabrication. A further limitation is that the design is unidirectional in that the hydraulic fluid flow rate is only controlled in one direction of fluid flow. Furthermore, construction and operation of such conventional devices is unnecessarily complex and tedious.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a single high-pressure control valve having bi-directional control of the direction of hydraulic fluid flow while also metering the rate of pressurized fluid flow through the valve.


The subject matter disclosed herein describes a method of allocating and persisting memory in an industrial controller without requiring a battery backup or a large capacitive storage system. Each data object is identified as static or dynamic. Static objects are further classified by whether frequent access of that data object is required. Each of the data objects is stored in non-volatile memory. The dynamic data objects and static data objects requiring frequent access are stored in volatile memory. A record of static data objects is maintained in non-volatile memory and a record of dynamic data objects is maintained in volatile memory. Upon power loss, the present value of each dynamic data object is copied to non-volatile memory. When power is restored, the values of both the dynamic data objects and the static data objects that require frequent access at run-time are copied from non-volatile memory to volatile memory.

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to industrial controllers for controlling industrial processes or machinery, and in particular to a method of allocating and persisting memory in an industrial controller.
Industrial controllers are special purpose computers used for controlling factory automation and the like. The control program executed by the industrial controller is normally highly customized to a particular control application. Special control languages, such as "relay ladder logic" are normally used to facilitate programming of the device. Under the direction of the stored programs, a processor of the industrial controller examines a series of inputs reflecting the status of a controlled process. The control program uses the series of inputs to set or reset internal states within the processor. The combination of inputs and internal states are used to set outputs affecting the controlled process.
Industrial controllers often operate in environments where unexpected power interruptions may occur. For example, an operator or maintenance personnel may enter a restricted area or the controlled process, or another controlled process operating nearby may experience a fault condition, resulting in the power being removed from the controller. However, a power interruption may result in significant costs associated with lost production or potential complications of resetting a process. Consequently, the ability of the controller to quickly resume control of the process after a power loss can result in significant cost savings.
Developments in Random Access Memory (RAM) have resulted in higher density, lower power memory with an improved performance and reduced cost. As a result, significant increases in storage capacity and reductions in cost of RAM have allowed industrial controllers to exploit algorithms and approaches that utilized greater amounts of memory to improve performance, increase flexibility, and simplify development. However, RAM is primarily volatile memory, retaining its contents only as long as power is applied. In order to quickly resume control of a process after power loss, it is necessary to retain an image of the status of the process prior to losing power. Consequently, it is necessary to develop methods to capture the status of the processor in RAM and store it to non-volatile memory in the event of a power loss.
In order to capture the status of the processor from RAM, data is copied from RAM to non-volatile memory when a power loss is detected. However, only a small amount of time exists during which a processor may copy data to nonvolatile memory between detecting a drop in voltage level indicative of a power loss and when the voltage level becomes too low to write any further data to the non-volatile memory. Consequently, a limited amount of RAM may be transferred to non-volatile memory when power is lost.
Presently, industrial controllers attempt to overcome this limitation either by providing battery back-up to the RAM, such that the image of the controlled process remains in RAM through a power cycle or by providing a battery or capacitive source to temporarily extend the period of time during which the processor may transfer data from RAM to non-volatile memory.
However, battery-backed RAM and battery ride through systems both have drawbacks. Many industrial applications prohibit the use of either battery back-up or battery ride through systems. In addition, the batteries provide extra initial and maintenance expense to the controller. Capacitive storage devices having sufficient capacity to temporarily power the controller also add size and expense to the control system. In addition, controllers are now expected to retain significant amounts of information, including symbolic access to data and historical information, such as alarms, faults, or other events. Controllers also execute increasingly complex algorithms and control programs, requiring an increasing quantity of data to be persisted.
Thus, it would be desirable to offer a method to persist sufficient data in a controller to meet the growing requirements of industrial controllers without the additional size and expense of battery or capacitive storage systems.

Method to separate and persist static and dynamic portions of a control application


According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light-emitting device includes: a first conductivity type first semiconductor layer containing a nitride semiconductor crystal and having a tensile stress in a (0001) surface; a second conductivity type second semiconductor layer containing a nitride semiconductor crystal and having a tensile stress in the (0001) surface; a light emitting layer provided between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, containing a nitride semiconductor crystal, and having an average lattice constant larger than the lattice constant of the first semiconductor layer; and a first stress application layer provided on a side opposite to the light emitting layer of the first semiconductor layer and applying a compressive stress to the first semiconductor layer.

Nitride semiconductors are used for semiconductor light-emitting devices, and high-performance devices have been put into practice.
However, if a semiconductor light-emitting device is formed by epitaxial growth of a nitride semiconductor crystal on a silicon substrate which is less expensive than a sapphire substrate and is more efficient in a manufacturing process, a crack or a defect might be caused by a tensile stress contained in the inside of an epitaxial crystal layer. That might cause a failure in a device fabrication process or deteriorate device characteristics. Realization of a semiconductor light-emitting device in which deterioration of the device characteristics involved in occurrence of a crack or introduction of a defect in the middle of the process caused by the tensile stress is suppressed and light emitting efficiency is high has been in demand.


Sample preparation device that allows for a complete bind, wash, elute, buffer-exchange and concentration process to be carried out without sample transfer between multiple devices. The device includes a reservoir, a column for holding chromatography media, a holder region for holding a filtration device, and an outlet. The filtration device plugs into the holder region of the centrifugal device, and the assembly can be placed in an optional holder. The assembly, with or without the optional holder, can be placed in a conventional centrifuge tube for centrifugation. The entire bind, wash, elute, buffer exchange and concentration steps can be carried out with the apparatus without any pipette transfers (and the associated sample losses. The sample preparation device also can be used for binding and washing steps, in which case the filtration device is not needed, and for buffer exchange and concentration steps, in which case the media is not needed.

Centrifugal filters may be used to separate biological substances such as an antibody enzyme, nucleic acid and protein for the purpose of concentration, desalting, purification, and fractionation. These devices are most commonly used in centrifugal-separator instruments, which may consist of a fixed-angle-rotor configuration or a swing- or variable-angle-rotor configuration. The speed of the filtering process and the recovery of retentate sample are highly valued by customers. Sample recovery values higher than 85% are usually obtained by removing the membrane capsule (sample holder) and reverse spinning it in a receiver tube.
Such devices are typically used to concentrate urine, serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. For example, the measurement of specific proteins in urine can be important for the diagnosis and management of various disease states, yet the content of these proteins in urine is often too small to be detected without first concentrating the proteins. Conventional devices generally include a housing having a sample reservoir, a filter sealed in the housing so that the sample must past through the filter when subject to a driving force (such as centrifugation), and a collection chamber for collecting the concentrated sample.
There is a class of protein purification protocols that use antigen-protein affinity to separate proteins of interest from a mixed sample such as a cell lysate or serum. Such protocols often use small beads that are conjugated with antibodies such that they bind to specific proteins from the sample. Once the proteins are effectively bound to the beads, there is a need to extract and collect the proteins (elution) from the beads for downstream analysis, assay development, etc. Exemplary downstream analysis techniques include 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
There are a number of processing steps that are needed in the workflow. These can include equilibrating the beads with neutral buffer prior to binding, washing the beads after binding to remove unbound contaminates, eluting the proteins of interest, exchanging the buffer from the eluted proteins, concentrating the final diluted sample, and finally recovering the purified proteins sample. For affinity purification and immunoprecipitation protocols, the proteins bound to the beads are the proteins of interest. For depletion protocols, the unbound fraction (proteins not bound to the beads) is the sample of interest.
Beads used in these purification methods are magnetic or non-magnetic. One of the most common non-magnetic beads is agarose. Magnetic beads such as PureProteome protein A & G, PureProteome albumin and PureProteome albumin and IgG for albumen and IgG depletion from serum, Magna ChIP protein A beads for chromatic immuniprecipitation, and PureProteome Nickel magnetic beads for His-tagged recombinant purification, are commercially available from EMD Millipore.
When working with magnetic beads, current manual methods rely on the use of pipettes to move liquids to and from the sample tube (buffers, etc.) and to move the sample from one device to another. Magnets are used to hold the beads to the side of the sample tube so that the user can pipette out the buffers without disturbing the beads. There are about 8 pipette steps per sample in a typical bind/wash/elute workflow.
For optimal protein binding with the beads, incubation is required with these methods. The device containing the beads and the sample are usually turned in an end-over-end mixer, or placed in a shaker (e.g., vortexor) for 10-30 minutes. When new buffers are added, such as wash and elution buffers, the user will vortex the device for a minute or so to mix and wash.
The washing and eluting steps need to be repeated multiple times in order to be effective. For example, standard protocol is to add wash buffer to the sample vial, vortex (mix) for a minute or so, remove the buffer and repeat two or more times. With magnetic beads, the bind/wash/elute procedure takes about 45 minutes.
An alternative to magnetic beads is agarose beads. One commercially available device that uses agarose beads includes a tube with an open bottom and a porous frit positioned over the open bottom. Instead of using pipettes to remove fluids from the sample tube, a bench top centrifuge is used to drive the fluids through the frit and into a collection tube—typically a 4 mL or 15 mL tube. The frit pore size is chosen to retain the beads while allowing buffers and proteins to pass through.
Depending on the size of the spin column used, the workflow can be cumbersome and time consuming compared to methods that use magnetic beads. A bench top centrifuge is typically a shared piece of equipment located at a common location; unlike microcentrifuges that each user may have setup at their work area.
This process requires 16 pipetting steps per sample and takes about 1 hour to complete.
For both magnetic and agarose workflows, downstream steps may include exchanging the carrier buffer and concentrating a diluted sample. In cases where buffer exchange of the sample is desired, perhaps to remove the eluent like imidazole, the sample is typically transferred to a dialyzing membrane tube with clamps or the like, which is then placed inside a tank of exchange buffer for up to 24 hours as the buffer is exchanged gradually by way of diffusion.
Where buffer exchange and concentration is desired, a diafiltration/protein concentration device can be used, such as a centrifugal device with a porous UF membrane sized to retain the proteins, but allow the buffer to pass through. By controlling the spin time and selecting an appropriate device design, the final concentration can be controlled. For the buffer exchange to be effective, the buffer exchange step needs to be repeated two or three times (like was done with the wash and elution steps). These devices take 30-45 minutes and require multiple spins in a centrifuge. In the Amicon Ultra device commercially available from EMD Millipore, there are 5 pipette steps for buffer exchange and concentration.
As the volumes of protein samples become smaller, the undesirable potential losses of samples due to the hold-up volume within a device have become more important than ever. Current data suggest that 10 μL loss in a concentrated sample of 50 μL represents 80% protein recovery. If the protein loss were reduced by one order of magnitude from 10 μL to 1 μm, protein sample recoveries could be increased from 80% to 98%. An 18% improvement in protein sample recovery could be very valuable.
It would be desirable to provide a device and method that efficiently and effectively performs a bind and wash, a buffer exchange and concentration, and/or a complete bind, wash and elute, buffer exchange and concentration in a single device without the need to pipette transfer the precious sample between devices, particularly for sample sizes up to about 11 mL.

All-in-one sample preparation device and method


A moving picture data recording/reproducing system. In recording operation, moving picture data of a first frame row including frames selected from frames of an input picture signal for every predetermined number of frames are coded in accordance with an intra-frame coding method in which coding is completed within each frame, while picture data of a second frame row including the other frames are coded by an inter-frame coding method assuring a high compression ratio. The coded data resulting from the inter-frame coding and the intra-frame coding are multiplexed by interleaving them in the order of the frame numbers, the multiplexed data being then recorded on a recording medium. In reproducing operation, the multiplexed data are read out for reproducing the moving picture signal or alternatively the intra-frame coded data of the first frame row are selectively read out for reproducing the moving picture signal.

The present invention relates generally to a picture data recording/reproducing system. More particularly, the invention is concerned with a picture data recording/reproducing system which is capable of recording picture data at a high compression rate and reproducing the picture data selectively at a normal reproduction speed and a higher reproduction speed.
As a system for recording and reproducing dynamic picture (image) data known heretofore, there may be mentioned a system which is disclosed in JP-A-62-164391 and in which a picture coding transmission apparatus is employed.
FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings are block diagrams showing a general arrangement of a moving picture recording/reproducing system based on the picture data transfer scheme known heretofore. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a moving picture recording apparatus designed for recording on an optical disc digitized moving picture data after compression thereof, and FIG. 2 shows a moving picture reproducing apparatus for decoding the picture data read out from the optical disk and expanding the data on a real time basis for thereby displaying the moving picture. In FIG. 1, a reference numeral 11 denotes an input terminal for a picture signal, 12 denotes generally a moving picture coding unit, 13 denotes an optical disc recording unit, and a numeral 14 denotes an optical disc storage. The moving picture recording apparatus is constituted by the moving picture coding unit 12 and the optical disc recording unit 13. On the other hand, the moving picture coding unit 12 is composed of an analogue-to-digital (A/D) converter 15, a frame memory 17, a picture coding circuit 18 and a buffer memory 20.
Referring to FIG. 2, a numeral 21 denotes an optical disk reading unit, 22 generally denotes a moving picture decoding unit, and 23 denotes an output terminal for the reproduced picture signal. The moving picture reproducing apparatus is constituted by the optical disc reproducing unit 21 and the moving picture decoding unit 22, which in turn is composed of a buffer memory 25, a picture decoding circuit 26, a frame memory 28 and a digital-to-analogue (D/A) converter 29, wherein a numeral 27 designates picture data.
In operation, the input picture signal applied to the input terminal 11 is supplied to the input of the moving picture coding unit 12, wherein the analogue picture signal is converted into digital picture data by the A/D converter circuit 15, which data is outputted onto a line 16 and thence supplied to the frame memory 17 to be stored therein. The picture coding circuit 18 encodes the picture data outputted from the frame memory 17 with high efficiency to thereby generate coded data which is then stored in the buffer memory 20 over a line 19. The coded data stored in the buffer memory 20 is then supplied to the optical disc recording unit 13, whereby the coded moving picture data transferred from the moving picture coding unit 12 is recorded on the optical disc 14. Of course, in the case of a read-only optical disk in which data can not be written by the user, such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc--Read Only Memory) and others, a prototype is first prepared, from which replica discs are manufactured by press equipment.
Upon reproduction of the optical disc 14 having the coded moving picture data recorded thereon by the optical disc reading unit 21, the coded data read out from the optical disc 14 is supplied to the moving picture data decoding unit 22. More specifically, the coded picture data outputted on the line 24 is first stored in the buffer memory 25 and subsequently decoded by the picture data decoding circuit 26, whereby the decoded picture data is generated. The decoded picture data thus generated is supplied to the frame memory 28 over a line 27 to be stored and held therein. Subsequently, the decoded picture data is read out from the frame memory 28 and undergoes D/A conversion in the D/A converter circuit 29, the resultant analogue picture signal being then outputted as the output picture signal through the terminal 23.
With regard to the moving picture data coding scheme, there are known an intra-frame coding scheme and an inter-frame coding scheme, as is disclosed, for example, in JP-A-61-24577. According to the intra-frame coding scheme, the moving picture or picture data is coded completely in each of the data frames, as typified by a DPCM (Differential Pulse Code Modulation) according to which the difference between the current data value and the before or after data value is determined to be coded. On the other hand, according to the inter-frame coding scheme, the moving picture data is coded on a frame basis (i.e. frame by frame) by making use of frame information in the past, as exemplified by a changed-area coding scheme according to which the coding is performed only for the part of the data that has undergone a change from that of the preceding frame data. In general, the inter-frame coding scheme can assure a higher ratio of data compression than the intra-frame coding system, presenting the advantage that the amount of the coded data is correspondingly reduced.
FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings shows in a block diagram an exemplary structure of the coding circuit 18 implemented on the basis of the DPCM principle, and FIG. 4 shows in a block diagram a structure of the decoding circuit 26 which is compatible with the DPCM coding circuit 18. Referring to FIG. 3 , a reference numeral 30 denotes a data value subtraction circuit, 31 denotes a quantitizing circuit for quantitizing data with a decreased number of the quantitizing levels to thereby reduce further the amount of data to be processed, 32 denotes a representative value setting circuit, 35 denotes a data value addition circuit, and a numeral 34 denotes a data value hold circuit. The data value substraction circuit 30 serves for determining the difference between the value of the picture data 16 inputted currently thereto and the immediately preceding value of the picture data held in the data value hold circuit 34. The difference data thus derived is then quantitized by the quantitizing circuit 31 with the number of quantitizing levels being decreased to an appropriate value, whereby coded data is generated to be outputted onto the line 19. In the representative value setting circuit 32, the coded data undergoes a reverse quantitization for restoring the original bit number by adding "Os" in a number corresponding to the number of bits deleted by the quantitizing circuit 31 to be subsequently added to the value of the immediately preceding picture data by the data value addition circuit 33. In this manner, the picture data is, so to say, locally decoded through cooperation of the circuits 32 and 33. The picture data resulting from the local decoding mentioned above is stored and held in the data value hold circuit 34 to be thereby delayed by one picture element. Now, referring to FIG. 4, a numeral 35 denotes a representative value setting circuit, 36 denotes a data value addition circuit and 37 denotes a data value hold circuit. The coded data 24 undergoes a reverse quantitization in the representative value setting circuit 35 and is subsequently added by the value addition circuit 36 to the value of the immediately preceding picture data stored and held in the data value hold circuit 37 to be thereby decoded. The picture data generated on the line 27 as a result of the decoding is stored and held in the data value hold circuit 37 to be delayed by one picture element.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for illustrating conceptually a changed-area coding scheme exemplifying typically the inter-frame coding scheme. In a frame generally designated by 38 in this figure, pictures depicted in a solid line belong to the frame being generated currently, while pictures depicted in broken lines are those of the immediately preceding frame. According to the changed-area coding system, only the regions 39 each indicated as enclosed by a thick solid line need to be coded, which means that a high ratio of compression can be accomplished. For coding the picture data within the changed areas or regions, there can be employed, for example, the DPCM intra-frame coding system. In this case, it is however noted that the frame memories for holding the picture data of the immediately preceding frame must be provided in association with the coding circuit 18 and the decoding circuit 26, respectively, because the data of the immediately preceding frame has to be made use of upon coding and decoding, respectively.
Next, referring to FIGS. 6A to 6C, discussion will be made concerning a recording format for the coded moving picture data and a reproducing method adopted in the prior art dynamic picture reproducing/recording apparatus described hereinbefore in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 6A illustrates disposition or array of the coded moving picture data recorded on a track of the optical disk 14, and FIGS. 6B and 6C are views for illustrating a method of reproducing the coded data. As will be seen in FIG. 6A, the coded picture data is recorded on a frame basis in the order of the frame numbers assigned sequentially to a series of frames 58. The data compression is so realized that the amount of coded data for one frame becomes smaller than the maximum amount of the data which can be transferred within a period taken for displaying one frame (1/30 sec.) and which is determined on the basis of the maximum data transfer rate in the data reproduction from the optical disc. Upon reproduction of the moving picture data at an ordinary or normal speed, the coded data is read out on a frame basis in the order of the frame numbers, as shown in FIG. 6B. On the other hand, upon reproduction of the moving picture data at a high speed, e.g. at a trebled speed, the coded data is read out every third frame, as shown in FIG. 6C. It should further be added that in case the inter-frame coding scheme is adopted, the high speed reproduction based on the frame thinning-out or skipping mentioned above can not be realized.
When the intra-frame coding scheme is adopted, the high speed reproduction is certainly possible, because the picture data can be coded completely and independently within each frame. However, a difficulty will be encountered in an attempt to perform a recording for an extended time because of the impossibility of compressing the picture data at a relatively high ratio. On the other hand, when the inter-frame coding scheme is adopted, the picture data can certainly be compressed at a high compression ratio when compared with the case where the intra-frame coding is adopted, because the data compression is realized by making use of correlation of the picture data between the frames in the case of the inter-frame coding. However, because of the impossibility of coding the data independently within each frame according to the inter-frame coding, an attempt for high-speed reproduction of the picture data by reading out only the necessary frames is rendered impractical.

Picture data recording/reproducing system for recording compressed picture data and reproducing recorded data with plural reproduction modes


A header connector includes a header housing holding a plurality of header signal contacts and header ground contacts at least partially surrounding corresponding header signal contacts. A ground bracket is coupled to the header housing. The ground bracket is electrically conductive. The ground bracket is electrically connected to each of the header ground contacts to electrically common each of the header ground contacts.

The subject matter herein relates generally to electrical connector systems.
Some electrical connector systems utilize electrical connectors to interconnect two circuit boards, such as a motherboard and daughtercard. Signal loss and/or signal degradation is a problem in known electrical systems. For example, cross talk results from an electromagnetic coupling of the fields surrounding an active conductor or differential pair of conductors and an adjacent conductor or differential pair of conductors. The strength of the coupling generally depends on the separation between the conductors, thus, cross talk may be significant when the electrical connectors are placed in close proximity to each other. The strength of the coupling also depends on the material separating the conductors. Moreover, as speed and performance demands increase, known electrical connectors are proving to be insufficient. Additionally, there is a desire to increase the density of electrical connectors to increase throughput of the electrical system, without an appreciable increase in size of the electrical connectors, and in some cases, with a decrease in size of the electrical connectors. Such increase in density and/or reduction in size causes further strains on performance.
In order to address performance, some electrical connectors have been developed that utilize shielding between pairs of signal contacts. The shielding is provided in both connectors along the signal lines. Typically, the individual shields are electrically commoned in both circuit boards, however between the circuit boards, the shields remain electrically independent. The signal lines may experience degradation, such as noise, along their lengths through the electrical connectors. The noise may be more problematic at higher frequencies.
A need remains for electrical connectors having improved electrical performance.

Header connector for an electrical connector system


A capability interaction method and a related device capable of enabling a network device to learn about capability information of an adjacent network device. The method comprises: obtaining capability information of at least one adjacent network device and/or at least one adjacent cell; and determining, on the basis of the capability information of the adjacent network device and/or at least one adjacent cell, a configuration of a radio resource for at least one terminal device.

At present, disclosure scenarios of 5th-Generation (5G) communication mainly include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). During early deployment of New Radio (NR), it is difficult to implement complete NR coverage, and thus typical network coverage is in a mode in which wide area Long Term Evolution (LTE) coverage and an NR island coverage mode are combined. Moreover, LTE is mostly deployed below 6 GHz, and there are few spectrums for 5G below 6 GHz, so researches on disclosure of spectrums above 6 GHz for NR are required. However, a high band is limited in coverage and fast in signal fading.
For ensuring signaling transmission reliability, it is proposed that a signaling radio bearer (SRB) 1 and SRB2, i.e., split SRB1 and split SRB2, at a Master Node (MN) side may be transmitted at a secondary node (SN) side at the same time. However, for such a system architecture, utilization efficiency of system radio resources still needs to be improved.

Capability interaction method and related device

GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.


A method for flexibly configuring default values of a network device and a network device using such flexible configuration method is described. First, it is determined whether the default values are obtained through a microprocessor interface or a memory interface. When it is determined that the default values are obtained through the memory interface, a header is received from a memory through the memory interface it is determined from the header whether any default value of the network device should be updated. If the network device should be updated, then at least one configuration instruction is fetched from the memory and the at least one configuration instruction is interpreted. A register default value of the default values is changed, corresponding to the interpreted at least one configuration instruction. Alternatively, when it is determined that the default values are obtained through the microprocessor interface, the default values are changed according to data received through the microprocessor interface.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a network device having an apparatus for selectively configuring the network device using an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). More specifically, the network device is able to use dynamic configuration settings in the EEPROM interface, that increases flexibility, has fewer limitations and is a low cost alternative.
2. Description of Related Art
Many types of network devices are necessary to allow a network to function properly. These network devices are composed of chips, with these chips allowing for the control and monitoring of data through the network device. Chip vendors may pre-set some register default values inside a network device, such as a switch/hub chip, to provide a low cost switch and hub application. That means it is not necessary for system integrators to change the internal register default values to build a workable system. The preconfigured chips allow for the network devices to be setup and to function quickly for a majority of system integrators.
In some cases, these pre-set register default values might not suitable for some system integrators. Chip vendors should provide some methods so that system integrators can change some register values instead of using default values. Some chip vendors will provide a microprocessor interface (SPI, I2C, or PCI) to allow system integrators to change all write-able registers. However, built-in microprocessors on the chip boards increase system costs and may not be needed by many customers.
Another alternative method to allow users to change the default values is to provide an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) interface. With an EEPROM interface, a system integrator can change some register default values using a very low cost EEPROM. Most chip vendors have provided an EEPROM interface for a low cost switch and hub application.
FIG. 1 provides as an example of a low cost pre-programmed EEPROM that is used to change some default values of a network switch/hub chip. When the external control signal (RESET) goes to inactive, network switch/hub chip start to change its some register default values via downloading the contents of EEPROM. And then network switch/hub chip start its normal operation after the download phase had been finished.
When the RESET signal goes to inactive, the network switch/hub chip starts to fetch data from external EEPROM automatically. Most of the network switch/hub chips will fetch data from EEPROM address 00h (the first entry), and fetch the other data in sequence. In order to change some register default values or set chip configuration, the chip vendor will provide a register set (a part of chip register file) which are downloadable from EEPROM. Each entry of EEPROM is pre-defined and will directly map to one or more entries of a register set inside network switch/hub chip as described in FIG. 2.
However, in this kind of scenario, two major drawbacks may occur. First, different system integrators may want to change different registers. And it is not necessary for system integrators to configure all downloaded register. However, even if system integrators only want to configure some of chip downloadable registers, it is still necessary to fill all the contents of downloadable register set into EEPROM. Secondly, some register default values of network switch/hub chip are change-able via microprocessor interface, but they are not downloadable via EEPROM. In this case, the only way for system integrator to act is to build a microprocessor on the PCB instead of using a very low cost EEPROM.
Thus, there is a need for a mechanism and a process to be used with a network device that allows for a system integrator to make changes to default settings of the network device that is not costly or cumbersome. Additionally, there is also a need for such a mechanism to change only certain defaults on a network device without the limitations imposed by the prior art processes and devices. Also, there is a need for a system that can use multiple inputs to allow for changes to the default values of the network device.
It is an object of this invention to overcome the drawbacks of the above-described conventional network devices and methods. The present invention provides for a new approach for chip and network component vendors to provide system integrators a dynamic configuration using a low cost EEPROM. With this approach, system integrators will have flexibility to change the default values of all configurable registers inside a network device, such as a switch/hub chip or components on a PC board. A network device will be able to update configuration setting either through the low cost EEPROM or though a microprocessor interface.
According to one aspect of this invention, a method for configuring default values of a network device is disclosed. First, it is determined whether the default values are obtained through a microprocessor interface or a memory interface. When it is determined that the default values are obtained through the memory interface, a header is received from a memory through the memory interface it is determined from the header whether any default value of the network device should be updated. If the network device should be updated, then at least one configuration instruction is fetched from the memory and the at least one configuration instruction is interpreted. A register default value of the default values is changed, corresponding to the interpreted at least one configuration instruction. Alternatively, when it is determined that the default values are obtained through the microprocessor interface, the default values are changed according to data received through the microprocessor interface.
Additionally, the method may further include monitoring a reset signal to determine whether the default values of the network device should be updated. In addition, the memory and memory interface can be an EEPROM and an EEPROM interface. Also, the step of determining from the header whether any default value of the network device should be updated can be a step of determining from the header a number of the default values of the network device that should be updated. In that case, the number of configuration instructions fetched from the EEPROM is equal to the number of the default values of the network device that should be updated. In addition, a key value may be determined from the header and be compared with a magic number pre-defined inside network device to determine whether any default value of the network device should be updated. Also, the at least one configuration instruction can be a plurality of configuration instructions and the configuration instructions are repeatedly fetched from the EEPROM until all of the plurality of configuration instructions have been fetched.
In another aspect of the invention, a network device, having default values that are flexibly configurable, is also disclosed. The device includes a microprocessor interface, an memory interface, a register file containing the default values for the network device, and a configuration instruction interpreter. The memory interface is configured to receive configuration instructions, with each configuration instruction of the configuration instructions being composed of an address index and a corresponding value, wherein the configuration instruction interpreter is configured to interpret the received configuration instructions such that the corresponding values are mapped corresponding default values of the register file, and wherein the network device is configurable to set default values based on data received through either the microprocessor interface and the memory interface.
Also, the configuration instruction interpreter may be configured to monitor a reset signal to determine if the default values should be updated or be configured to determine from the header a number of the default values of the network device that should be updated. In addition, the memory interface can be an EEPROM interface. Additionally, the configuration instruction interpreter may be configured to fetch a number of configuration instructions from the EEPROM equal to the number of the default values of the network device that should be updated. Also, the configuration instruction interpreter may be configured to receive a header from the EEPROM interface containing a key value from and configured to compare the key value with a pre-defined magic number to determine whether any default value of the default values should be updated. Also, the network device may further include a controller for setting one of the microprocessor interface and the EEPROM interface through which data is received to change the default values.
These and other objects of the present invention will be described in or be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments.

Network device having a flexible EEPROM for setting configuration settings


To connect a heat exchange arrangement (2) which moves with a movable mirror (1) in a solar heating system, in which the mirror follows the movement of the sun relative to the earth during the day, and is pivotable to a "night" position (a, FIG. 1) protected against contamination and precipitation, a flexible hose (4) is coupled to the heat exchange arrangement at one end and, at the other, is connected to a coupler element (5) which is movable radially with respect to the pivot axis about which the mirror moves. Preferably, the coupling element is attached to an elongated pivot arm (6) which forms an essentially rigid connecting pipe for the heat exchange fluid, the pivot arm (6) being movable through a limited angle (13) and carrying the coupling element (6) at its end, the coupling element moving along a radius passing through the pivot axis of the mirror, when the mirror is at least approximately in the "noon" position, or halfway through its pivoting arc. This pivoting arc of the mirror (1) will be between about 200.degree.-270.degree., in view of the "night" position. The flexible hose, preferably, is a corrugated metal hose, and stop means (10; 45, 46) are provided for flexible joints and the deflection of the elongated rigid pipe (6).

The referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,494, SCHUSSLER et al, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, describes a solar heating system and the various positions which the mirror system has to assume as the earth and the sun move relative to each other. Various types of solar systems are coupled to automatic positioning apparatus which move the mirror system in accordance with the position of the sun. The mirror system must move, to follow the sun, about an angle of approximately 180.degree.. At night, the mirror system is additionally deflected so that the mirror will face downwardly, so that its reflective surface will not be impaired by deposits, dust, dirt, or precipitation of any kind, for example rain or snow. Thus, the mirror must move not only about the 180.degree. determined by relative movement of the sun but, additionally, tip downwardly beyond a predetermined dead point so that, within any 24 hour period, the mirror may have to move about an angular range of between 200.degree. and 270.degree.. This angle is covered by the movement of the mirror, or the mirror system, twice during any 24 hour period, once to move the mirror from the "night" position to follow the sun, and then, after the sun has set, back towards the "night" position.
The connection to a heat exchange arrangement must, likewise, move with the mirror, and hence move twice every 24 hours over the mirror angular range. Heat exchange systems typically include a heat exchange fluid, which heats as solar radiation is concentrated thereon. Relative movement, thus, will result between the heat exchange arrangement on the solar heater itself and a fixed heat exchange fluid connection or coupling point. To compensate for the movement, it has been proposed to connect the fixed coupling or connection point and the heat exchange arrangement with a flexible hose, typically a corrugated flexible hose. Such flexible hoses are subject of extreme requirements. They are under high pressure, for example a pressure of over about 40 bar, retaining fluids, typically liquids, which will reach a temperature of between 300.degree. to 400.degree. C.
Difficulties with such connections and such hoses have been experienced and the referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,716, WINZEN et al, describes a solution. The flexible hose, as the mirror system moves, changes its direction of bending. The direction of bending changes rapidly, in what might be termed a "snap-over" manner. The position at which the bend snaps over from one direction to the other is indeterminate and changes with the direction of movement of the mirror, for example it snaps at different positions when the mirror follows the sun and when the mirror returns after sunset to the initial and then the "night" position. This snap-over substantially stresses the flexible hose and resulted in failures of solar heating systems. The referenced patent describes arrangements to decrease the stresses on the hose and to increase the resistance to failure.
The system described in the referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,875,716 provided a substantial improvement over prior art systems. Yet, the hose proved to be difficult to make and was expensive. cl The Invention
It is an object to further improve a solar heating system of the general type described in the referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,494, in which the loading on the hose, and particularly the bending stresses are reduced, so that the system is further improved and the lifetime of the replaceable bending hose is still increased.
Briefly, a hose which is shorter than that previously used is coupled to a fixed connecting point for heat exchange fluid through a movable coupler which can move radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the mirror system, for example along a radial line connecting the mirror pivot axis with the fixed heat exchange arrangement on the mirror system, and which rotates with the mirror system. The coupler is located, preferably, at the circumference of a theoretical circle which has a center at the mirror pivot axis and at a radius corresponding to the distance between the mirror axis and the heat exchange arrangement. The coupler can be connected to the fixed heat exchange fluid connector by a rigid pipe which, in turn, is coupled to the heat exchange connector by a movable joint, the movable pipe pivoting about the flexible connector and permitting movement of the coupler between the pipe and the flexible hose along essentially the radial line passing through the mirror pivot axis.
The invention is based on the discovery that the solution to the problem of connecting the heat exchange arrangement, which moves with the mirror to a fixed supply-and-drain connection, cannot be obtained by improvements in the flexible hose as such but, rather, requires an entire rethinking of the operation of the solar heating system. The pressure and temperature loading placed on the flexible hose cannot be changed; the pressure and temperature parameters are given by the design of the solar heating system. A decrease in stresses placed on the flexible hose can be obtained only by revision of the kinematic relationships affecting the hose as it changes its position upon movement of the mirror system. Analysis, based on this discovery, has shown that in the end region the pivot radii of the hose are small, and thus place heavy bending stresses on the hose, which is particularly detrimental to the hose since the stresses change in direction as the mirror first, for example, moves towards the "night" position and then reverses direction as the sun rises. The analysis has further shown that at the "noon" position of the mirror system, the flexible hose is in essentially stretched position. This stretched position defines a certain length between the heat exchange arrangement and the fixed fluid connections. This length of the stretched hose must be fitted to a smaller distance when the mirror is in the terminal positions, e.g. "night" and "sunset". A substantial length of hose was thought necessary to prevent tight bending radii.
In accordance with the present invention, however, the hose has been shortened substantially and, rather, the coupling of the hose to the fixed heat exchange fluid connection is made movable, so that the coupling can move as the mirror system rotates. This permits much better placement of the hose in the region of the mirror system and much more favorable bending radii for the hose. As the mirror system moves from a noon position, in which the hose is stretched, towards the terminal positions, the coupling also moves away from the center of the pivot axis so that in the end regions of the pivot angle of the mirror system, the hose is bent only along a simple, essentially part-circular curve which can be readily accomodated by hose of standard construction.
In accordance with a particularly advantageous feature of the present invention, the hose can be made substantially shorter than heretofore, for example less than half the length previously thought necessary, since snap-over regions of the hose are no longer needed. This renders the connecting hose not only substantially less expensive, but also permits a more compact construction of the entire heat exchange fluid system.
In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention the coupling of the hose is connected to an elongated rigid pipe which is connected by a flexible coupling to the fixed connection for the heat exchange fluid, the essentially rigid pipe permitting movement of the coupling to the hose along a shallow arc having at its terminal points the positions of the coupling for the hose when the mirror is in the "noon" position and when it is in "night" position.
The length of this pivot arm formed by the rigid pipe, and the flexing angle of the pivot arm, or the pivot angle, defines the positioning path of the coupling element, extending essentially radially to the pivot axis of the mirror system. The flexible hose can be connected to the end of the pivot pipe via a flexible coupling in order to prevent formation of a sharp bend of the hose adjacent the coupling. Likewise, the hose is preferably connected to the heat exchange arrangement, exposed to the solar radiation, by a flexible coupling.
If the overall system is of substantial size, so that the flexible hose itself will be of substantial length, one or both of the flexible connections between the coupling and the hose may be omitted, since the flexing capability of the hose itself may be sufficient.
The connection of the pivoting pipe with the fixed heat exchange fluid connection can be done by a flexible connector or an angle compensating system of well known construction. Preferably, and particularly in view of the requirement of absolute tightness, a closed, sealed construction, in which substantial pressures can be retained, arrangements which are similar to a corrugated or bellows type construction are preferred.
In dependence on loading, degree of the pivot angle and overall layouts, one or more angle compensator or bellows connector can be combined. To prevent possible failures, the deflection of any one of the connectors can be limited, for example by limit stops, so that the bending angles of the respective angular connectors are restricted, each, to safe and acceptable levels.
In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention the movement of the pivoting pipe likewise is limited by a stop. This permits control of the position of the flexible hose to set the bending angle through which the flexible hose must bend to a desired curve portion. In an ideal situation, the curve is essentially part-circular.
The pivot pipe can move as required by mirror rotation. It will return to its final position usually by gravity. If frictional losses or other couplings apply forces insufficient to permit return of the pivot pipe to a predetermined end position, additional loading by weights or springs may be provided.
The flexible hose, itself, can be of any suitable construction, well known in such systems. In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention, however, the flexible hose preferably has an oval or elliptical cross section, in which the larger cross-sectional axis extends transversely to the bending axis of the flexible hose. Alternatively, a plurality of hose elements of circular cross section can be located next to each other, for example surrounded by a common sleeve which may include insulation material, the respective individual hose elements being located next to each other transversely to the bending axis of the overall hose system.
Unitary systems can be used, as well as hose systems having three or more parallel hose elements or hose units which, for example adjacent the connection to the heat exchange arrangement, are joined or commonly coupled thereto; a similar joining or common connection is provided adjacent the radially movable coupling. Such multiple unit-single unit connectors are well known in the fluid handling industry, and any suitable arrangement may be used.

Heat exchange medium connector for movable solar heaters

Witzenmann GmbH Metallschlauch-Fabrik Pforzheim


A generally funnel-shaped main light body has a socket assembly mounted therein for supporting a lamp inside a rear neck portion thereof. A dome-shaped lens extends across a front flared portion of the main light body. A water-tight seal is provided between a periphery of the lens and the flared portion of the main light body. A reflector is mounted inside the flared portion of the main light body.

The present invention relates to light assemblies, and more particularly, to hydrodynamic light assemblies which are adapted to be mounted on deep submersible vehicles.
Both manned and remotely piloted deep submersible vehicles are typically equipped with external light assemblies for illuminating adjacent regions of the water and/or features otherwise hidden in virtual darkness. Such light assemblies must of course be capable of withstanding extremely high water pressures, e.g. 16,500 PSI hydrostatic pressure. They must also be capable of accommodating high internal lamp temperatures, and low external water temperatures, e.g. slightly below zero degrees C. They must also be capable of providing a high degree of illumination since practically no light from the surface penetrates to depths below several thousands of feet. Furthermore, visibility is frequently impaired by suspended particulate matter and other debris which can only be ameliorated with intense, controlled illumination. Such light assemblies must not have undue power consumption because these vehicles typically operate on battery power. They must have a reasonable degree of shock resistance in case the vehicle should collide with some obstruction during a mission.
One deep submersible light assembly that satisfies the foregoing criteria is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,523 granted July 28, 1987 to Mark G. Olsson et al. In that assembly, a quartz-halogen lamp is mounted to the forward end of a cylindrical metal sleeve screwed over the end of a hollow metal body. The lamp is surrounded by a relatively small protective glass envelope which is held within a cavity in the forward end of the sleeve by a special high pressure radial seal. A removable reflector fits over the forward ends of the sleeve and body, surrounding and enclosing the lamp and its protective envelope. A perforated transparent dome-shaped cover fits over the forward end of the reflector. Water flows into the reflector cavity and directly contacts the protective envelope, otherwise the reflector would collapse from the tremendous water pressures encountered. The reflector is made of an inner body defining a parabolic or other reflecting surface and an outer protective body. These reflector bodies are made of cast polyurethane, DELRIN (Trademark), Aluminum or other suitable material capable of absorbing blows. They can be shaped for different mission requirements, e.g. spot or flood.
While the foregoing patented lamp assembly has been quite successful, it has been found that particles of matter suspended in the water inside the reflector and behind the dome-shaped cover can significantly affect the efficiency of the reflector. If one were to design a deep submersible light assembly in which the water does not enter the reflector, i.e. a "dry" reflector type light assembly, it would require some sort of transparent cover and seal assembly that could withstand tremendous water pressures without rupturing or leaking.

Deep submersible light assembly with dry pressure dome


A football or other projectile is stabilized in flight by weighted material that responds to spinning of the football about its major axis by moving radially outward to become evenly distributed about that axis. In a preferred embodiment, two annular tubes, concentrically disposed about the major axis, encircle the ball at opposite sides of a plane containing the minor axis of the ball. The weighted material, in the form of beads, liquid, etc., is contained within the tubes and is flung radially outward as the ball spins.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention broadly pertains to a projectile and, in particular, to a game ball such as a football. More specifically, the invention relates to a game ball having increased rotational stability and a longer flight path when thrown through the air.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The accuracy and distance for a hand thrown projectile is difficult to predict, being dependent upon the control of the projectile in the hand of the individual throwing or hurling the projectile into the air. A projectile such as a football, having a longitudinal axis longer than its lateral axis, is particularly difficult to control and must be perfectly thrown to rotate or spin about its longitudinal axis in order to obtain maximum distance and precision in reaching its target. The physical coordination required in accurately throwing a football forecloses the sport of passing a football from the average person who is relatively unskilled in the football passing technique.
Prior art efforts toward enhancing the accuracy and flight path for a thrown projectile have involved channeling air through a central constriction in a longitudinal passage formed in the body of the projectile so that the projectile adjusts itself when thrown to rotate about its longitudinal axis. U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,466 to MacDonald et al, for example, discloses a game ball having a venturi-like passage formed therein extending along the longitudinal axis. When the ball is thrown, air is channeled through a constricted opening located midway along the length of the passage to cause the ball to rotate about the longitudinal axis. Rotation of the ball minimizes air resistance and permits the ball to be thrown greater distances with improved accuracy. Momentum and stability for the ball is obtained by a cylindrical band of metal embedded in the ball in alignment with the lateral axis. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,574 to MacDonald et al is directed to a game ball having a longitudinal venturi-like nozzle passageway and a plurality of weighted elements located within or adjacent an outer wall of the ball to provide rotational stability for the ball.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 2,364,247 to Shearer teaches a collapsible bladder inflated within a ball and centered therein by radial tie members to establish an axis of rotation about which the ball is steadied when thrown through the air.
The use of a gyroscope for obtaining a spiral pass is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,700,239 to Patrick et al. The latter patent discloses a football having a gyroscope mounted within its shell. The axis of rotation of the gyroscope must be perfectly coincident with the longitudinal axis of the football to obtain an accurate path of travel for the ball.
The foregoing game balls rely upon the exact symmetrical placement of the stabilizing components within the ball. Thus, the need exists for a game ball having stabilizing means which is automatically self-implementing and self-adjusting, and not dependent upon the precise placement of the stabilizing means within the game ball during the manufacturing process and during use. The need exists, therefore, for a game ball having stabilizing means which is virtually independent of any possible inaccuracies in the manufacturing process while providing reliable and effective rotational stability and increased flight paths over continued use.