The present invention relates to an effect pigment comprising a plate-shaped non-metallic substrate and at least one copper-containing coating, wherein the average particle size D50 of the effect pigment is more than 5 μm and the copper content of the effect pigment is in a range from 3 to 70 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the effect pigment. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing the latter and use of the effect pigment in anti-fouling coatings.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an effect pigment comprising a plate-shaped non-metallic substrate and a copper-containing coating, to a method for the production thereof and to the use of this effect pigment in anti-fouling coatings. The invention furthermore relates to anti-fouling coatings comprising such an effect pigment.
2. Description of Related Art
Underwater coatings consist predominantly of a waterproof coating (corrosion protection, osmosis protection, protection against mechanical damage) and a fouling-inhibiting coating as paint finish. This fouling-inhibiting coating, by continuous washing out of biocides, is to prevent fouling organisms such as algae, fungi, snails, mussels and further microorganisms, the so-called fouling, from attaching themselves to a ship's hull for example. Fouling organisms increase the frictional resistance and the weight of a ship. They thus contribute to an increased fuel consumption and thereby to increased operating costs. The biocides only act when they are released from the paint into the seawater ("leaching"). If this is not the case, they are not absorbed by the organisms and cannot deploy their biocidal effect. The integration of the biocides in the paint thus must represent a compromise between a washout of the biocides that is too fast and a discharge into the seawater that is too slight. In other words, the cost-intensive renewal of the paint is to be minimized and at the same time the protection against fouling is to be maintained. Some of the biocide-containing anti-fouling systems predominantly used until now have, in the past, caused damage worldwide in the marine environment, with the result that particular biocides, such as e.g. dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), organotin, arsenic and mercury compounds, have been banned internationally. As a response to the environmental problem of biocide-containing anti-fouling systems, biocide-free non-stick coatings, predominantly based on silicone, were brought onto the market. As an example so-called sharkskin is to be named here, which consists of nanostructured silicone with irregular, but regularly repeating topography. The beneficial claim of products based on sharkskin, however, is only conditionally correct, as sharkskin is covered with special scales which clean each other by the constant movements of the sharks and fouling is not repelled just by the roughness. An ideal surface structure which similarly prevents all fouling organisms from settling has thus far not yet been able to be identified (B. T. Watermann, D. Daehne, C. Fürle, Einsatz von Nanomaterialien als Alternative zu biozidhaltigen Antifouling-Anstrichen and deren Umweltauswirkungen, Umweltbundesamt Texte 40/2010, UBA-FB No.: 001301, funding reference number: 363 01 174, pp. 14, 19, 23, 24 (hereafter called "Umweltbundesamt"); R. Kätscher, J. Ranke, M. Bergenthal, J. Warrelmann, Vorstudie zum Bewuchsschutz für Seeschiffe, January 1999, 2nd part p. 5, (hereafter called "Vorstudie")).
Anti-microbial compositions and polymers containing these anti-microbial compositions are known from EP 0 677 989 B1. The anti-microbial compositions comprise inorganic particles which have a primary surface coating made of a metal or a metal compound with anti-microbial properties and are covered with a secondary protective layer. This primary coating has a proportion by weight of from 0.05 to 20 wt.-% relative to the substrate. The secondary protective layer is to influence the release of the anti-microbial component into the surrounding polymer matrix.
Anti-bacterial or electrically conductive compositions containing inorganic particles coated with metals are described in EP 0 427 858 A1. If the particles are to have an anti-bacterial effect, the proportion of the coating is 0.1 to 20 wt.-%, relative to the total weight of the particles. If the particles are to be electrically conductive, the proportion of the coating is at least 25 wt.-%, relative to the inorganic particles. The average size of the particles is between 0.1 and 5 μm. With such small particle sizes, only an insufficient barrier effect is guaranteed. Furthermore, the specific surface area, i.e. the surface area per unit of weight, of these particles is disadvantageously very large, with the result that a high release rate of the anti-bacterial component is brought about.
Anti-microbial pigments comprising a mixture of inorganic pigment and silver oxide as anti-microbial component are known from WO 2004/092283 A2. The silver oxide can be replaced by other anti-microbial compounds. The anti-microbial compound content lies in a range of from 0.001 to 10 wt.-%, preferably from 0.005 to 5 wt.-%, in each case relative to the inorganic pigment. The inorganic pigment can have any desired shape.
The use of copper platelets coated with silicon dioxide in anti-fouling coatings which are commercially available as Resist AT, LT or CT (from Eckart) is known from U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,921 B2.
Copper-containing anti-fouling coatings in which the amount of copper has been reduced by addition of graphite are known from US 2004/0197322 A1.
A predominantly spherical powder which has been covered with copper(I) oxide by means of electrolysis is described in EP 2 246 395 A1. The copper(I) oxide particles are adhesively fixed to the surface. The proportion of water-soluble chloride ions is less than 0.1 wt.-% relative to the total weight of the powder. The powders are to be able to be incorporated well into anti-fouling coatings and at the same time increase their storage stability.
WO 2011/010663 A1 describes particles that are covered with copper(I) oxide by means of electrolysis and which can be used to increase the storage stability in anti-fouling coatings. The copper(I) oxide covering here consists of an accumulation of octahedral copper(I) oxide particles.
Composite pigments for anti-fouling coatings in which copper(I) oxide particles are electrolytically deposited on the surface of SiO2 and/or Al2O3 powder are described in JP 01213368 A.
According to FR 2 937 043 A1 pearlescent pigments are used in anti-fouling coatings to attract fish. The organisms settling on a ship's hull are to serve as food for the fish.
At the same time, the pearlescent pigments are to give the anti-fouling coating a visually attractive appearance.
Biocidal compositions comprising an inorganic silver, copper or zinc compound as well as a polymeric carrier are known from WO 2010/125323 A1. The copper compound can be selected for example from basic copper chloride, basic copper sulfate, basic copper carbonate, copper oxide or copper hydroxide. Disadvantageously, coated organic carrier materials are as a rule only conditionally temperature-stable. When used in solvent-containing systems, undesired phenomena such as swelling or even complete disintegration of the carrier material can also occur.
Anti-fouling coatings are known from JP 54047730 A which comprise for example basic copper chloride and red phosphorus, which is responsible for the controlled washout of copper ions.

Plate-shaped effect pigment comprising a copper-containing coating, method for the production thereof, and use thereof


A portable ground-supported automobile traffic control device including an upright, double-sided human-shaped figure which is so constructed and configured as to simulate a traffic control officer, and having one arm and hand in a raised position and carrying thereon, back-to-back electrical stop-and-go traffic light signal units. The traffic light signal units face in opposite directions, and are powered by storage batteries in a base that is provided for the figure. An automatic controller is connected to the signal units and to the batteries, to effect synchronized stop, stop-and-go, or other displays on the traffic light signal units, thereby to provide visual directions to motorists for the orderly control of two-way traffic in the vicinity of the figure.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to traffic control devices, and more particularly to automatic, non-attended devices for use to replace personnel at temporary locations.
2. Description of the Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 .sctn..sctn.CFR 1.97-1.99
Various types of traffic control devices are illustrated in U.S. Design Pat. Nos. D 69,606; D 74,859; D 77,883; D 86,679; D 87,088; D 98,028; D 99,034; and D 220,013. All of these patents illustrate various forms involving figures of a man/robot holding either traffic control signs or lighting arrangements for conveying information to a vehicle operator as to particular conditions which exist on a roadway. The specific function of each arrangement is not, however, discussed in view of the fact that the patents are all design patents, which relate solely to the ornamental appearance of a particular object.
Furthermore, it is believed that the devices cited in the previous paragraph have not achieved acceptance in the field, since to the knowledge of the applicant, none is currently being used, even in the many congested regions of the country that are known to exist today.
In the past, maintenance and repairs required at work sites along roads and highways has at best, caused mere inconvenience to the average driver, and in some cases posed a safety hazard to both the workmen and the drivers themselves. For example, during the laying of sewer lines, repair of electrical or gas lines, or repair of the road bed itself, it has been customary for the particular party performing the work to retain the services of a police officer in order to direct traffic around the site, in a safe and orderly manner. Several problems arise in such situations.
In particular, the officer must be paid, typically at a rate of time-and-a-half or double-time, depending upon the scheduling of the work. Where municipalities perform the work, the money is usually budgeted in advance. On the other hand, where such work is being done by a telephone company or other utility, the costs are in most cases absorbed by the particular utility.
Frequently after an hour or so on the job site, the officer inevitably becomes either tired or bored, and often temporarily abandons his stand to chat with the workers, at least for short periods of time and if traffic tends to lighten up. Oncoming drivers are then faced with decisions as to when it is safe to pass, which is obviously undesirable from the safety standpoint. Also, there have been many occasions in the past where the arm movements of an officer are not immediately understood by a driver. On the contrary, such arm movements may only serve to confuse the driver, leaving him with the thought, "Is the officer indicating `stop` or `go`?"
Finally, there exists a problem where a single officer is assigned to a construction area that extends for more than 100 feet or so, since he must position himself somewhere in the middle of the site, make himself visible to the drivers entering both ends of the site, and direct traffic accordingly. In many cases, two officers are stationed at the opposite ends of a site, with each one coordinating his instructions with the other so that the traffic flow can be controlled in an orderly fashion, with alternating pause and pass intervals.


A secure, lockable folding storage box is disclosed herein. The storage box may attach to doors or walls. The storage box and fastening mechanism is adjustable to accommodate doors of various sizes. The storage box may also be mounted to any fixed or mobile structure. The storage box may be remotely locked, or unlocked, and/or have a programmable key access code interface.

Door front or drop off deliveries from couriers and postal services are currently subject to a high theft volume. Conventional systems do not allow for a universal attachable locking enclosure to secure the packages after delivery. Proof of delivery systems rely on manual photographs of packages that are taken by a courier. This is only viable at the moment of delivery and offers no security for the product after delivery. Therefore, a need exists in the courier delivery system for a secure attachment structure that universally attaches to all doors and other like objects or structures. It would be an advancement in the art to provide an attachment structure with secure storage that allows for remote unlocking.

Apparatus for secure storage and attachment to existing structures


A method of manufacturing of an expansion sleeve including providing a sleeve blank having axially extending material weaknesses (9), and forming the longitudinal slots (5) by tearing open the material weaknesses (9) by substantially radially expanding same.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing of an expansion sleeve having longitudinal slots, a bore, and a substantially cylindrical outer surface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Expansion dowels with an expansion sleeve of the type described above are anchored in constructional components formed of concrete, stone, masonry and the like, with the expansion sleeve being radially expanded by an expanding member. The radial expansion is decisive for obtaining target anchoring values. The radial expansion insures frictional and, in certain cases, formlocking anchoring of the expansion dowel in the constructional component. The frictional anchoring or connection depends on the size of the outer profile or surface of the sleeve that frictionally engages the inner surface or wall of the bore in which a dowel is anchored. That is the smaller is the engaging surface of the expansion sleeve the smaller is the anchoring value.
German Publication DE-43 44 382 discloses a method of manufacturing of an expansion sleeve which can be radially expanded. To provide for radial expansion, the expansion region of the expansion sleeve is provided with longitudinal slots, whereby tabs are formed between the slots. The expansion sleeve is radially expanded by introduction of an expansion member into the sleeve bore tapering inward toward the front end of the sleeve. Upon the introduction of the expansion member, the tabs are displaced radially outwardly. After the radial expansion took place, i.e., after the expansion dowel has been completely set, a screw, a threaded rod and the like can be secured to the sleeve which is provided for that purpose with load application means in form of a thread that is located at the end of the sleeve remote from the expansion region. For manufacturing the sleeve, first the longitudinal slots are formed, and then, the tabs are substantially radially compressed to reduce the size of the slots to a most possible extent to provide as large as possible outer surface of the sleeve available for engagement with a bore wall.
The above-described method permits to obtain an expansion dowel advantageous in use but expensive in manufacturing and, therefore, not economical.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an economical method of manufacturing of an expansion sleeve that would make the sleeve non-expensive.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing of a non-expensive expansion sleeve having a large outer surface for engagement with a bore wall.
These and other objects of the present invention, which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by providing a method including providing a blank having axially extending material weaknesses, and forming the longitudinal slots by tearing open the material weaknesses by substantially radially expanding same.
Because the material weaknesses, which form the longitudinal slots, are teared open, the slots have a negligible width so that the sleeve has the maximum possible outer surface available for engagement with a bore wall.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the material weaknesses are provided in the wall of the expansion sleeve bore and are formed as sharp, V-shaped grooves. Due to the simple formation of the slots, the method is very economical. Further, the tearing open process permits to obtain slots with complementary opposite teared-open walls.
The tearing open in the region of the material weaknesses is accompanied by heat treatment of this region, which favorably influences the tearing-open process. The selection of a treatment temperature is effected taking into consideration the material of the expansion sleeve. When the sleeve is made of a thermoplastic material, the operational temperatures are below the glass transition temperature. Thus, the temperature, e.g., for tearing open a sleeve formed of a propylene, can be selected below xe2x88x9215xc2x0 C.
Advantageously, the tearing open is effected by introducing into the bore of the expansion sleeve of a tearing mandrel, an outer diameter of which is greater than an inner diameter of the bore, at least in the region provided with material weaknesses.
The outer surface of the expansion sleeve is advantageously formed by applying to the outer profile of the sleeve of an inwardly directed force. Thereby a substantially cylindrical outer profile is provided insuring the availability of a maximum possible outer surface for engagement with a bore wall. This insures obtaining of an optimal carrying capability of the expansion sleeve in a bore.
Advantageously, the expansion sleeve is formed of a plastic material to insure an economical production of the expansion sleeve. For use under certain condition, e.g., in fireproof locations, the sleeve is formed of metal.
The novel features of the present invention, which are considered as characteristic for the invention, are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to is construction and its mode of operation, together with additional advantages and objects thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiment, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Method of manufacturing an expansion sleeve


A symmetrical, SRAM silicon device comprises substrate comprising a semiconductor material with, a set of buried local interconnection lines in the silicon substrate. A word line is located centrally on the surface of the device. Pull down transistors are located symmetrically one either side of the word line. Interconnections are formed in the same layer as a BN+ diffusion. There is only one wordline composed of polysilicon. The pull down transistors are located on opposite sides of the word line. The cell size is small. There is no 45.degree. layout, and the metal rule is loose. Pass transistor source and drain regions are in the substrate juxtaposed with the buried local interconnection line. There is a layer of gate oxide above the source region and the drain region, and a gate adore the gate oxide juxtaposed with the source region and drain region.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to SRAM cells and more particularly to word lines and interconnection lines therefor.
2. Description of Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,732 of Okazawa "Semiconductor Device Having an Improved Thin Film Transistor" shows an SRAM with a TFT load.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,155,055 of Gill et al "Method of Making an Electrically-Erasable Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory Cell with Self-Aligned Tunnel" describes at Col. 3, lines 36, et seq. the use of "bitlines 13 formed beneath thick thermal silicon layers 14 in the face" of the substrate in an array of EPROMs. "These buried bitlines 13 form the source region 15 and the drain region 16 for each of the cells 10." Referring to the Abstract of the patent, it states "the bitlines and source/drain regions are buried beneath relatively thick silicon oxide, which allows a favorable ratio of control gate to floating gate capacitance."
FIGS. 1A AND 1B show two different prior art SRAM configurations which illustrate certain problems in the prior art which will be explained below.
FIG. 1A shows a conventional cell with active layer structures 93, 94 and 96, etc. on top of which polysilicon line 95, polysilicon interconnection line I.sub.2 and wordline 97 have been formed. A transistor TPA is formed between active structure 96 and polysilicon line 95. A node N1 is formed between structure 93 and polysilicon line 95. Node N2 connects between structure 96 and line I.sub.2. Transistor TPB lies at the intersection of line I.sub.2 and structure 93. Node N1 is formed at the other end of line 95 and the intermediate section of structure 93. Transistor T1 is formed at the intersection of structure 93 and wordline 97. The portion of structure 93 between transistor TPB and transistor T1 is the interconnection line I.sub.1 formed of active layer material. At the other end of wordline 97, a transistor T2 is at the intersection with structure 94.
FIG. 1B shows a split wordline cell with active layer structures 90, 91, etc. on top of which polysilicon lines N1 and N2 and wordlines WL1 and WL2 are formed. Transistor T1 is at the intersection of line N1 and structure 90. Transistor T2 is at the intersection of line N2 and structure 91. Transistor T3 is at the intersection of line WL1 and structure 90. Transistor T4 is at the intersection of structure 91 and word line WL2.
For the EPROM or ROM buried N+ is used for bit lines for long distance connections. But SRAM bit lines are always defined by metal. An object of this invention is to provide an SRAM employing a buried N+ line for local interconnection lines connected from, for example, the Junction in FIG. 2 between the drains of transistors T4 and T2 to the gate of transistor T1. It is also an object of this invention to locate the pulldown transistors T1 and T2 on opposite sides of the wordline, so local interconnection line I.sub.1 and local interconnection line I.sub.2 are defined by the buried N+ lines.
Heretofore, as seen in the plan views shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, pulldown transistors such as transistor TPA and transistor TPB in FIG. 1A and transistor T1 and transistor T2 in FIG. 1B have been located on the same side of the word line. Local interconnection line I.sub.1 and local interconnection line I.sub.2 have been defined by two different conductors (one by N+ diffusion I.sub.1, the other by polysilicon I.sub.2 in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B shows two N+ diffusion local interconnection line regions I.sub.1 (diffusion 90) and I.sub.2 (diffusion 91) and a buried contact, however they still need two word lines WL1 and WL2. The concept of employing the layout of the instant invention had not been contemplated in the prior art designs.
For a conventional SRAM cell (FIG. 1A) interconnection of two nodes, an N+ diffusion 93 and polysilicon I.sub.2 are used. Active diffused regions and polysilicon have different resistance values so such an SRAM cell is asymmetric in the sense that the resistance of polysilicon and the N+ diffusion are different and the distances along the lines are different.
Some symmetric cells need two word lines WL1 and WL2 as in FIG. 1B. See IEDM 91-477. An object of this invention and a significant advantage of this invention is to use only one word line.
FIG. 1A shows a prior art conventional SRAM cell. The features of the cell are that the local interconnection line I.sub.1 and local interconnection line I.sub.2 are defined in two different layers (the first is a diffusion of an N+ diffusion and the other layer is a polysilicon deposit.) The resistor materials are different and the cell is more unstable because the resistor N1 and N2 are different, so the currents of transistor T1 and transistor T2 are different. Since the cell prefers for the higher current transistor to turn on, this cell is asymmetric.
The advantage of the conventional cell is that the cell size is small. The disadvantages are as follows:
1) that they are asymmetric with a 45.degree. layout (resolution in SHRINK (Super High Resolution Illumi-Nation Control) or lithography or the phase shift mask is not good at 45.degree.), and PA1 2) the metal rule is tight. PA1 1) that the cell size is large, PA1 2) the metal rule is tight and the timing does not match. PA1 a) a substrate comprising a semiconductor material, PA1 b) a pair of local interconnection lines in the silicon substrate, PA1 c) a word line on the surface of the device, PA1 d) a source region and drain region formed in the substrate Juxtaposed with the buried local interconnection line, PA1 e) a layer of gate oxide above the source region and drain region, PA1 f) a gate above the gate oxide Juxtaposed with the source region and drain region, and PA1 g) a pair of pull down transistors located on opposite sides of said wordline, PA1 a) forming a base oxide on a semiconductor substrate, PA1 b) forming a FOX structure on the surface of the base oxide and the semiconductor substrate, PA1 c) implanting a pair of buried local interconnection lines into the substrate, PA1 d) applying polysilicon and etching with a mask, and PA1 e) forming source region and drain region in the substrate. PA1 a) forming a field oxide structure on the surface of a semiconductor substrate, PA1 b) implanting a pair of buried local interconnection lines into the substrate, PA1 c) forming a gate polysilicon structure on the substrate, PA1 d) forming a mask and etching the polysilicon to form gates, and PA1 e) forming source region and drain region in the substrate.
The local interconnection line I.sub.1 and local interconnection line I.sub.2 are in different layers (diffusion 93 and polysilicon node N2.) (See FIG. 1A.) There is one word line WL (polysilicon.) The pull down transistor T.sub.PA is on the same side of the word line WL as the local interconnection lines.
FIG. 1B shows a prior art split wordline cell with wordline WL1 the local interconnection line I.sub.1 and the local interconnection line I.sub.2 can be defined in the same layer (diffusion) but that design requires two word lines WL1 and WL2 so the cell size is larger and timing of pass transistors T3 and T4 may not match because for the SRAM the pass gate transistors T3 and T4 must turn on at the same time for SRAM sensing in a differential amplifier to differentiate two bit lines.
The advantage of the split wordline cell is that the cell size is symmetric, and that there is no 45.degree. layout. The disadvantages are as follows:
The local interconnection lines are in the same layer (diffusion) as can be seen by reference to FIG. 1B. There are two word lines WL1 and WL2 composed of polysilicon (from the first polysilicon layer,) as shown in FIG. 1B.
The pull down transistors T1 and T2 are on the same side of the word line WL1 as in the case of the conventional SRAM above.
An object of this invention is to provide an SRAM with the interconnections in the same layer, preferably formed of a buried N+ dopant.
A further object of this invention mentioned above is to provide an SRAM with one wordline, preferably formed of polysilicon.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a pull down transistor on the opposite side of the word line.
A significant object of this invention is to provide a symmetrical SRAM with a small cell size.
A further object of this invention is cell current ratio pull down transistor/pass transistor is high because the cell is not limited by this rule.
An object of this invention is to avoid a 45.degree. layout.
An important object of this invention is to provide a loose metal rule.

Symmetric SRAM cell with buried N+ local interconnection line


A foldable, frameless emergency shelter is constructed from a radial array of bendable yet rigid panels such as of a foamed plastic. Panels have adjoining edges with matching convexly curved profiles. The edges are always held to each other with a flexible fastener such as an adhesive tape. During erection, a flat panel inherently deforms into a curved cylindrical tapered shape enclosing a space. A door and an optional floor are provided. The shelter has a rigid conical cap including holes for guy ropes, a door and an optional window.

From time to time there is a need to provide an emergency shelter which provides interim housing for purposes such as disaster relief or for refugees; in some cases for many years of use. If the shelter was stackable and light in weight, many shelter units can be transported to a site by airlift, and perhaps parachuted or simply dropped into a location. Storage is facilitated if the shelters are stackable. The qualities of a shelter include a balance between lightness and cheapness (hence availability) on the one hand, security and protection (such as insulation from wind, rain, snow or extremes of temperature) on the other hand, and always livability.

Frameless temporary or emergency shelter


The present invention relates to a deformation method of nanometer-scale material using a particle beam and a nano-tool thereby. The deformation method of the nanometer-scale material using the particle beam according to the present invention is characterized in that the nanometer-scale material is bent toward a direction of the particle beam by irradiating the particle beam on the nanometer-scale material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a deformation method of nanometer-scale material using particle beam and a nano-tool thereby.
2. Description of the Related Art
A generally used method of deforming a material is to apply a mechanical force. The material applied with the mechanical force has a permanent deformation over a certain degree of mechanical strength.
However, in case where the scale of the material is below nanometer-scale, it is not a convenient job no more to deform the material by applying the mechanical force due to the miniscule scale of the material. Besides, even if there exists a method of deforming the nanometer-scale material using the mechanical force, such as pressing the nanometer-scale material against the ground, it is nearly impossible to deform the nanometer-scale material with desired degree and shape of deformation. It is due not only to the fact that it is not easy to control the mechanical force required for deforming the nanometer-scale material, but also to the fact that there may be an another mechanism affecting the deformation of the material in the nanometer-scale environment.
As described above, as it is very difficult to deform the nanometer-scale material, they have been using methods such as milling, etching, or deposition in order to control the shape of the material in nanometer-scale or micron-scale.
Accordingly, if it is devised to provide a new method of deforming the nanometer-scale material, which is completely different from the above-mentioned conventional methods such as milling, etching, and deposition, the new method may be utilized in manufacturing nano-tools having various shapes by deforming the nanometer-scale material according to such a method.

Deformation method of nanometer scale material using particle beam and nano tool thereby


An integrated circuit or system receives a bit pattern from a metadata, IPG, and or EPG signal. This bit pattern is then coupled to a circuit to provide a content control command to a recorder or to a processing circuit to generate a content control signal. In particular the bit pattern may be utilized in a manner to program, enable, or disable the generated control signal. Furthermore this content control signal provides resistance to a circumvention device. For example, the circumvention device is unable to remove sufficiently the content control signal, and content control is maintained.

The present invention relates to integrated circuits (ICs) or integrated circuits used in receiving devices, which process signals from metadata, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or an Interactive Programming Guide (IPG) for enabling/disabling/programming content control signals. More particularly, the invention relates to an integrated circuit in receiving devices, which include set top boxes, IPTV devices, cell phones, digital media extending devices, which receive video programs via a digital signal.
However, such content control signals have been circumvented by circumvention devices, commonly referred to as "black box" devices, which remove or attenuate the effects of positive and or negative pulses, while passing the (active field) program video intact. Such "black boxes" generally replace the negative (e.g., pseudo sync) and or positive going pulses (e.g. AGC pulses/signals) with a blanking level or with newly regenerated sync pulses free of pseudo sync/AGC signals.
A process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,603, John O. Ryan, December 1986, assigned to Macrovision Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif., incorporated by reference, is well known to have placed pseudo sync and AGC pulses in specific television (TV) lines for pre-recorded video home systems (VHS) tape and digital video disc (DVD) playback devices. These pseudo sync/AGC pulses inserted in a program video signal prohibit recording by affecting the AGC system of a recorder, while allowing (substantially) normal display of the program video signal. These added pulses, pseudo sync and or AGC pulses, have also been used for content control signals for personal video recorders, PVRs, or compliant devices that sense the added pulses and provides a command. However, the makers of the circumvention devices have observed the locations of the added pulses in the vertical blanking interval (VBI), and accordingly have generated a timing pulse to blank out or to modify at least some of the copy protection signals.
Several of the newer circumvention devices do away with conventional timing circuits and rely on microprocessors to provide the blanking pulses. Other circumvention devices utilize traditional timing circuits (e.g., retriggerable one shot) to locate the copy protection pulses.
Also, in the field adding pseudo sync pulses, these signals are usually hidden in a portion of the vertical blanking interval, which generally cause a small scanning error in the display device. But because most displays overscan the video information, which results in a cropped picture, the scanning error is generally not noticeable. However, with some displays with less overscan, a small but perceivable geometric distortion may be observed when certain anti-copy protection signals are applied in the vertical blanking interval.

Method and apparatus for receiving metadata, EPG, or IPG signals in an integrated circuit for control purposes


The invention provides a method and software for the adjustment of properties of media streams and events, principally timing information, based on a template, i.e., a groove map. The invention further provides methods by which the templates can be created, edited, and arranged within the context of the media they influence.

Musical timing is based on a regular grid of beats and measures, and most music creation software acknowledges this by providing a fixed musical grid that helps users align musical events to the musical grid. Editing and creating music in software is made much easier by providing this grid of measures, beats, and subdivisions of beats, and by allowing editing operations to easily snap to the same. However, when the music is rigidly aligned to a grid, the finished composition may have a stiff, robotic feel.
In music that is being or was performed, experienced musicians know how to intentionally stray from this grid, playing certain beats early, and others late, and by doing so create a distinctive "feel" or "groove" to their music. To some extent, this application of "groove" has been available to electronic musicians. For example, "swing" and "shuffle" are simple timing transformations that have been available to electronic musicians in the past. But more complex transformations have remained unavailable.
Another disadvantage to the use of prior musical grids are that the media used within a project are not always well-"quantized". Quantization refers to the placement of notes in precise positions and patterns, based on an ideal musical grid. As a result, if the events that contain the media are snapped to the musical grid, the notes and rhythms within the event will not necessarily synchronize well with the contents of other events in the project. One solution for non-quantized music is to "quantize" the contents of events to an "ideal" musical grid. As before, however, this removes much of the human feel of the musical content as it was originally produced.
Prior attempts to modify the above, sometimes called "groove timing", have generally involved the above as applied either to an entire project or to individual tracks or source media.
Other modifications have involved applying a simple or complex groove to be applied to event data. Such a transformation may be performed in several ways. First, the event's contents may be transformed, such as by rewriting to a new media file or a virtual file. Next, the event may be split into smaller events, some or all of which are shifted in time. Finally, a number of selected events may have their position shifted on the timeline.
Another prior attempt at groove timing involved adjusting the timing of audio data, such as to apply swing, shuffle, or quantization, with "time stretching" algorithms that subdivide the audio into tiny segments, and either inserting silence, inserting repeated portions of the audio stream, inserting cross-fading of adjacent portions of the audio, or combinations of the above.
And another attempt at groove timing involved the creation of "groove templates". These are generally produced by professionals, as the detailed timing variations which comprise a "human feel" are often subtle and are not easily perceived in isolation, although they may be pronounced when heard in the context of a complete piece of music. However, the creation of groove templates is difficult because the tools employed for doing so are unwieldy and, amongst other limitations, do not provide interactive feedback on what effect each adjustment to a template will produce when applied to musical material.
In the above attempts to modify the groove of a media file, the media file itself is generally the subject of the modification. That is, in some prior attempts, the application was a one-time destructive process because applying the groove altered the underlying musical data. As a result, if the user desires to remove or undo the groove, or apply a different groove, the media file must be modified again, back to its original form, which may or may not be possible. There is no convenient way to reversibly test the application of a groove to a media file, or alternatively to apply a groove without altering the underlying media file.


A combination stencil and label apparatus and method for forming and attaching same wherein the apparatus can be applied directly or indirectly to business forms, packaging and other surfaces. A web of stencil material is removably attached to a juxtaposed web of label material which is then cut to form a plurality of stencil assemblies. The stencil assemblies, which may include preliminarily impressed indicia, are then manually, or automatically applied to, for example, a business form. The label material may also include an image producing liner which simultaneously accepts and displays the indicia impressed on the stencil material and, in turn, the label. Furthermore, the stencil material, label material and liner material are each releasably attached to one another so as to facilitate independent use after initial affixation to the business form.

The present invention relates in general to indicia transfer devices, and in particular, to a combination stencil and label apparatus and a method for forming and attaching same, for use in association with business forms, packaging and other surfaces.
Traditionally, stencil devices have been used in association with business forms, as well as in association with stencil applicators, for applying indicia imprinted on the top surface of the stencil onto other surfaces, such as shipping containers, so as to "link" such other surfaces with information initially impressed on the business form which the stencil originated. Typically, the stencil is removably attached to a business form, such as a purchase order or invoice, after the stencil has been impressed with indicia, such as recipient, address, shipping instructions and/or invoice numbers. The stencil itself includes a carbon layer on its second side which facilitates simultaneous transfer of the indicia impressed on the stencil, to the business form. Accordingly, if the invoice, for example, references that twenty shipping containers are to be shipped to a single customer, then the stencil is removed from the invoice and attached to a stencil applicator. The stencil applicator is then used to impress the information previously impressed on the stencil and business form, directly onto the surface of each of the shipping containers. After all shipping containers have been identified, the stencil may be thrown away.
Although such prior art stencils have been acceptable, they are quite inefficient when only one or two shipping containers, or other surfaces, need to be marked with the information impressed on the stencil. Additionally, although such stencils have been applied to business forms, and the like, through the use of automated equipment, such automated applications have been relatively slow due to the relatively "flimsy nature" of the stencil material. On the other hand, labels (some of which have image-producing liners), which can also be applied to business forms on automated equipment, can be applied to business forms at relatively high speeds--due to their substantially "less flimsy" nature.
Furthermore, while stencils, as well as labels, are both known in the art, few, if any of such prior art devices teach, much less disclose, a combination stencil and label apparatus--let alone a stencil and label apparatus which facilitates independent use of both portions, if needed, for purposes of applying the indicia referenced on the business form with one or more various surfaces, such as the surface of a shipping container and/or package. In addition, while prior art labels have been used with image-producing liners, none of such prior art discloses such an image-producing liner for use in association with a stencil, nor, for use in association with a business form, and other surfaces, where the label, and/or the liner, and the stencil, also facilitate independent use of each other after initial attachment to the business form.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a combination stencil and label apparatus which can be applied to a business form manually, or via automation, wherein such automation may be through the use of, among other machinery, a tipping machine or a label applicator, such as a "Label-Aire" machine.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination stencil and label apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a label having an image-producing liner which visually displays the indicia impressed on the stencil and, in turn, the label itself, so as to enable independent removal and use of the label and stencil from the liner, while the liner (having identical indicia as that shown on the label and stencil) remains attached to the business form.
It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a method of forming the combination stencil and label apparatus wherein the stencil portion is removably attached to the label portion by an attachment strip.
And, it is further an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a combination stencil and label apparatus at relatively high speeds.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims and drawings.

Combination stencil and label apparatus and method for forming and attaching same


The present invention relates to the treatment of cancer and to the prevention of cancer growth and/or metastasis. In particular, the invention relates to cellular and acellular vaccines containing C3d, a proteolytic product of complement (C3), and methods of enhancing a host immune response (e.g., a T cell mediated immune response) against cancers using same. Compositions and methods of the invention find use, alone or in conjunction with other cancer therapies, in treating lymphoma and/or cancers that develop and/or persist by evading host immune surveillance and/or responses (e.g., T-cell mediated immune responses). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in both clinical and research settings, for example, within the fields of biology, immunology, medicine, and oncology.

Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases both in terms of human life opportunity loss and health care cost. It also presents unmet clinical needs. Cancer is typically treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination thereof. These treatments, however, often have significant side effects including immune system suppression, destruction of normal cells in the body, aberrant cellular metabolism, and even metastasis and the onset of secondary cancer.
Among the therapies currently used are some that manipulate the patient's own immune system potentially to attack the cancer. This overall approach is called cancer immunotherapy. Currently available cancer immunotherapies have limited efficacy and limited target patient population. Even the successful immunotherapies have shortcomings, some of which are similar to chemotherapies and some unique to cancer immunotherapy. Immunization is a principal feature for improving the health of people. Despite the availability of a variety of successful vaccines against many common diseases, cancer vaccines remain elusive.

C3D cellular and acellular vaccines for the prevention and treatment of cancer

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN


A brief style elastic undergarment designed for the particular needs of a portly person having an enlarged abdomen. The undergarment is constructed of elastic spandex material and has a high cut back and a low cut front so the waistband traverses the torso passing across the small of the back thence under the abdomen. The undergarment further comprising an auxiliary elastic waistband specifically intended to hold abdominal hernias in, and an attached supporting undershirt. Thus the elastic in the briefs and the auxiliary band press small hernias back into the abdominal cavity. For use by males, there is a hole through which the penis and scrotum project to avoid being compressed and allowing a snug, pressure fit across the front. The garment may be used as sleepwear and athletic wear.

1. Field of the Invention
Therapeutic garments and appliances.
2. Description of Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 4,416,272 by Nedwyn Nelkin, teaches an hernia relief garment having some similarity to the present invention, however, it differs in important details. Nelkin has a brief type undergarment made of spandex and two belts as does the present invention. However the belts are not fastened to the brief in the same manner and place as the present invention, is not designed for, and will not fit a person with a "pot belly", as is the present invention. That is, the waistband (18) of the garment does not ride between the small of the back and low under the belly ("pot"). Thus, the Nelkin waistband (18) is likely to ride down under the belly and cause the front panel to loosen, bunch, lose its elastic properties, and purposes.
The Nelkin secondary band (4) is fastened to the garment at the front, not the back as is the present invention. Thus vertical adjustment is limited to the back of the band, whereas, in the present invention the belly band and waistband are attached together at the back and it is the front portion of the belly band that is vertically adjustable, as that is where abdominal hernias are likely to be present, not at the back.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,684,673 by Samuel Lerman is a intended for use as a binder or support for surgical dressings under the binder. There is no elasticity anywhere. However, there is a hole for admitting the wearer's penis and scrotum. The hole is pictured, but not described, as being an ovoid with the larger radius on the upper side. It is probable that the shape was not selected for function, but to generally conform to the tapering of the binder width in the vicinity of the hole.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,263,756 by Alfred Linneros, teaches a combination of a pair of non-elastic shorts (6) with a hole (10) and a connected undershirt (5).
The undershirt is buttoned at 4 points, not sewn, to the shorts. More specifically, the buttons (9) are carried on the shorts, and the cooperating button holes (8) are at the ends of shoulder straps (7) (lines 35-40). The phrasing at lines 35-36 and the dotted lines following the straps (7) over the shoulder in FIG. 1 suggest that the straps are sewn to the undershirt.
The buttoned shoulder straps are the only means to hold the shorts up; no draw string, no rubber bands (elastic bands), nor any other devices to keep them from slipping from the torso, and there is no specific waistband terminating the upper end of the shorts. A selvedged edge or hemmed edge are not deemed to be a waistband.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,875,495, by John H. Thrower, teaches an undergarment for men that has a hole for the receiving the penis and scrotum of the wearer.
Thrower's garment is intended primarily as an athletic supporter (col 2, lines 27-29 (2:27-29)). Thrower's hole is a symmetrical oval (figures and 4:2-5), not ovoid (egg shaped) as in the present invention. Thrower's garment, what he calls the "tubular body portion", is comprised of knit cotton. The only portion taught as comprising elastic fibers is the front covering (14) in some embodiments and the partial waist band (38) at the top of covering 14. The tubular portion is knit cotton which is stretchable due to the characteristics of the looping (knitting) of the fiber strands which permits the fabric to be stretched by distorting the knitted loops. The stretching force is minimal. The knitted cotton fabric panels have no spandex content.
Thrower does not teach that any of the knit cotton panels are elastic. Only front panel (14) is described as elastic. The knitted cotton portions are not considered as being elastic.
3. Objects of the Invention
It is an object of the invention to provide stabilization and relief for small hernias in the abdominal and perineal regions.
It is another object of the invention to provide adjustment of the positioning of the hernia stabilization means.
It is another object of the invention to be usable and effective for a wearer having an enlarged abdomen, a "pot belly".
It is another object of the invention to be a garment suitable as sleepwear.

Undergarment for hernia relief and other purposes


A direct exposure apparatus having a light source for projecting light onto an exposure target or, more specifically, an exposure target substrate, comprises: measuring means for measuring the illuminance distribution of light on an area corresponding to the exposure surface of the exposure target substrate; and control means for controlling, based on the measurement result supplied from the measuring means, the light source so that the intended illuminance distribution can be obtained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a direct exposure apparatus having a light source for projecting light onto an exposure target or, more specifically, an exposure target substrate, and a direct exposure method for exposing the exposure target substrate by projecting light from the light source onto the exposure target substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, a wiring pattern on a wiring substrate is formed by exposing the substrate based on design data defining the wiring pattern and by developing and printing the desired pattern on the substrate, followed by etching. In one exposure method as an example, the exposure is performed using a photomask. In this method, a photosensitive resin is applied over a substrate fabricated by bonding metal foil as a conductive layer onto an insulating material, and a photomask with the desired wiring pattern written thereon is placed over it. By exposing the thus prepared substrate, the wiring pattern of the photomask is transferred to the photosensitive resin on the substrate. Thereafter, by performing the steps of developing, etching, plating, etc., the metal foil on the substrate is formed as the desired wiring pattern.
In the exposure method using such a photomask, the photomask is placed in intimate contact with the substrate prior to exposure; if, at this time, any foreign matter or stain is left adhering to the substrate, the shape of the foreign matter or stain is also transferred onto the substrate. The finer the wiring pattern on the substrate is, the more sensitive the photomask is to foreign matter and stains and, therefore, particularly strict management of the photomask is required. Further, if the wiring pattern is changed or damaged, a new photomask must be produced. Furthermore, the photomask must be produced on a trial basis a number of times by making corrections accounting for the expansion, shrinkage, distortion, displacement, etc. that can occur in the substrate. The resulting increase in production cost and time imposes a greater burden on the fabrication process of the wiring substrate.
On the other hand, a patterning method based on direct exposure that does not use photomasks has been proposed in recent years. According to this method, as corrections for the expansion, shrinkage, distortion, displacement, etc. of the substrate can be made in real time or in advance at the exposure data generation stage, significant improvements can be achieved, for example, in enhancing the production accuracy, increasing the production yield, shortening the delivery time, and reducing the production cost.
As one example of the patterning method based on direct exposure, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-112579 discloses a method that forms an exposure pattern by direct exposure using a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating one prior art example of a direct exposure apparatus using the DMD. When directly exposing the resist formed on an exposure target substrate 3 moving relative to the DMD 51, pattern data corresponding to the pattern to be exposed is generated by a pattern generator 52, and this pattern data is input to the DMD 51. The pattern generator 52 operates in conjunction with a position sensor 53 that detects the position of the exposure target substrate 3 moving in relative fashion, and thus the pattern generator 52 generates the pattern data in a manner synchronized to the position of the exposure target substrate 3. A light source 2 projects light onto the DMD 51 through a diffusing plate 54 and a lens 55. The DMD 51 causes each of its tiny mirrors (micromirrors) to tilt according to the pattern data, thereby appropriately changing the direction of the light reflected by each micromirror on the DMD 51 and thus projecting the light through a lens 56 onto the resist on the exposure target substrate 3 to form the exposure pattern corresponding to the pattern data.
In the direct exposure method, the light source for projecting light onto the exposure target substrate must be constructed to provide uniform and evenly distributed light over the entire surface of the exposure target substrate in order to achieve a good exposure result.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing one prior art example of the light source constructed to provide uniform illumination using a reflecting plate in the direct exposure apparatus. The reflecting plate 57 is placed behind the light source 2, and any unevenness in the light reflected from the reflecting plate 57 as well as in the light emitted directly from the light source 2 is corrected using the diffusing plate 54.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing one prior art example which uses laser diodes for the light source in order to obtain uniform illumination in the direct exposure apparatus. The light source 2 is constructed by arranging the laser diodes 58 in a two-dimensional array, and the light emitted from the light source is projected onto the diffusing plate 54 to obtain uniform illumination.
Further, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-367900, there is also proposed a technique that provides uniform illumination over the entire surface of the exposure target substrate by controlling the tilt angle of each micromirror on the DMD based on data concerning the distribution of the amount of image light on the exposure target substrate.
With the above-described approach that uses the reflecting plate in order to provide uniform illumination over the entire surface of the exposure target substrate, it is difficult in practice to produce an ideal surface-area light source because the light source 2 is not an ideal point light source.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of light emission of a laser diode; as shown in FIG. 22, the intensity distribution of the light that a single laser diode emits obeys a Gaussian distribution (normal distribution). FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating the illuminance distribution of a surface-area light source constructed by arranging laser diodes in a two-dimensional array. In the figure, the darker the area, the lower the intensity of illumination. As the intensity of light emitted from a laser diode obeys a Gaussian distribution, the intensity of light emission decreases exponentially with the distance from the center of the laser diode. Usually, a laser diode is provided with a feedback circuit for controlling the intensity of light emission in order to obtain stable light output. Accordingly, in the case of the surface-area light source constructed by arranging laser diodes in a two-dimensional array, characteristics close to those of surface light emission can be obtained to a certain extent. However, as shown in FIG. 23, the illuminance decreases toward the periphery of the surface-area light source as the contributions from adjacent laser diodes decrease. That is, with the feedback circuit alone that each individual laser diode has, it is not possible to sufficiently control the illuminance distribution of the light obtained from the surface-area light source constructed from a two-dimensional array of laser diodes.
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a technique (a first example) for improving the uniformity of illumination when the surface-area light source is constructed by arranging the laser diodes in a two-dimensional array. According to this technique, in the surface-area light source constructed from a two-dimensional array of laser diodes each having a uniform light output, all the laser diodes are driven to emit light, but the light emitted from the laser diodes (indicated by open circles) located in the peripheral area of the surface-area light source where the contributions from adjacent laser diodes drops is blocked by using a filter or the like (not shown) so that only the light emitted from the laser diodes (indicated by solid circles) located in the center area is used for exposure. This serves to improve the uniformity of illumination, but the efficiency drops as there are many laser diodes that do not contribute to exposure.
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a technique (a second example) for improving the uniformity of illumination when the surface-area light source is constructed by arranging the laser diodes in a two-dimensional array. According to this technique, the surface-area light source is constructed by using laser diodes having different output power levels. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, the laser diodes located nearer to the periphery (indicated by solid shading) of the surface-area light source have larger output power, while the laser diodes located nearer to the center (indicated by stippled shading) have smaller output power. With this technique, however, once the surface-area light source has been constructed, it is difficult to make readjustments thereafter; furthermore, it is not possible to flexibly accommodate future changes in exposure conditions, etc.
On the other hand, in the case of the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-367900, as the tilt angle of each micromirror is controlled not only according to the amount of light falling on the surface of the exposure target substrate but also according to the pattern data generated for forming the wiring pattern, generation of data for controlling the tilt angles of the micromirrors becomes very complex.
In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a direct exposure apparatus and a direct exposure method wherein provisions are made so that not only can the light to be projected onto an exposure target substrate be controlled to provide the desired illuminance distribution, but also the intended illuminance distribution can be easily obtained even when exposure conditions are changed.

Direct exposure apparatus and direct exposure method


One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique that enables a user to reverse through video content based on scene transitions. By employing a graphics processing unit to compute one or more frame-to-frame correlation coefficients that measure the consistency of sequential images and a central processing unit to analyze the one or more correlation coefficients, a list of scene transitions may be generated in real-time. The list of scene transitions forms the basis for a content-based reverse user control within the playback application. The content-based reverse user control enables a more natural mechanism for reversing through video content, providing the user with a superior overall viewing experience.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to video playback and more specifically to real-time video segmentation on a GPU for scene and take indexing.
2. Description of the Related Art
A typical video playback application includes user controls for actions including "play," "pause," "stop," "fast forward," and "reverse." The video playback application may execute on a device such as a digital versatile disk (DVD), a personal computer (PC), or any other device configured to perform video playback. The "fast forward" controls are configured to advance the rate of playback in time. For example, asserting the fast forward control may cause the playback application to speed up the rate of playback by two times, four times, or any other useful rate. Similarly, asserting the reverse controls cause playback to reverse at a user selectable rate of, for example, one times the normal rate, two times the normal rate, or any other useful rate.
One drawback of this approach is that time-based forward and reverse controls do not match the actual structure of common video content or the desired outcome for the user. Video content is typically assembled from shorter continuous scenes of varying lengths of time, where each scene includes a short span of consistent subject matter. Reversing through previously viewed material is currently cumbersome because the reverse mechanism is based on time rather than content, which is a more naturally perceived type of progression.
One solution to this problem includes organizing video content into "chapters" and allowing the user to select which "chapter" of the video content they wish to view. While this solution exists in many DVD solutions, the granularity of the chapters is too large, precluding this solution from any useful fast forward or reverse application from a user's perspective.
As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed in the art is a mechanism for reversing or fast forwarding through video content that advances efficiently according to content rather than time.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Real-time video segmentation on a GPU for scene and take indexing


A compound camera system comprising component cameras that generate image data of an object and a processor that receives first image data from a first component camera and second image data from a second component camera and generates a virtual image. The processor projects virtual pixel data (u,v) to generate point data (x,y,z) located at depth, z=Z1, of a object plane of the object and projects the said point data (x,y,z) to generate first pixel data (u1,v1) located at a image plane of the first image. The processor also projects said point data (x,y,z) located at the depth, z=Z1, of the said object plane to generate second pixel data (u2,v2) located at the second image. The processor generates the virtual image by combining the color of first pixel data (u1,v1) and the color of second pixel data (u2,v2)

A compound camera consists of a set of component cameras, a data processor and image processing software that runs on the data processor. The component cameras may be synchronized through. wired or wireless electronic signals. Individual images from the component cameras are transmitted to the data processor through wired or wireless connections. The image processing software takes images from the component cameras as input and synthesizes an output image following the specifications of a virtual camera.
A conventional compound camera may be implemented in a number of ways. In a first conventional embodiment, a compound camera may comprise a number of synchronized regular video cameras and a separate microprocessor connected to the video component cameras. In a second conventional embodiment, a plurality of component image sensors and a microprocessor may be integrated on one substrate, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) or a hybrid substrate. Synchronization and communication are accomplished through the printed circuit connections on the substrate. In a third conventional embodiment, the component image sensors and the microprocessor are very small and are integrated on a single silicon chip.
The physical model of a camera consists of a shutter, a lens and an image plane. The shutter has an opening called an aperture that lets light enter into the camera. A bundle of light rays coming out of a point on an object surface enters through the aperture, is refracted by the lens, and is gathered and focused on the image plane, where the color of the object point is recorded.
For a certain aperture size, there is a range of depth within which the image is sharp. This is called the "depth-of-field" and it is inversely proportional to the aperture size. The image plane slides back and forth to search for the best overall image within the range of the depth-of-field. Normally, large depth-of-field coverage is desired. This, in turn, requires high sensitivity from the sensor because the aperture size is proportionally small.
Traditional cameras rely on complex optical and mechanical components to realize the change of focus and aperture. Physical conditions limit the maximum resolution a camera can achieve. In a compound camera, these features may be implemented digitally by running the image processing software on the microprocessor.
However, the prior art conventional compound camera image processing systems mainly focus on two areas. In computer vision, the common practice is to first recover the 3-dimensional geometry of the objects in the scene. This is called structure-from-motion. Next, the input images are transferred to the virtual camera via the recovered geometry. A good reference is Olivier Faugeras, "Three Dimensional Computer Visions—A Geometric Viewpoint," The MIT Press, 1996. The disclosure of the Faugeras text is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. The problem of this approach is that the reconstructed geometry normally is not very accurate, especially on object surfaces that lack color texture. This result in visible artifacts in the synthesized image.
In computer graphics, the light field approach can be thought of as using only one depth plane. A good reference for the light field approach is M. Levoy and P. Hanrahan, "Light Field Rendering," Proceedings of the ACM SIGGRAPH 96", pp. 31-42, 1996. The disclosures of the Levoy and Hanrahan text is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. However, in the light field approach, in order to deal with blur, the component cameras must be densely placed. Densely placed cameras normally imply a large number of cameras. A large number of cameras, in turn, produce a large amount of data to be processed. This vastly increases the cost and complexity of the image processing system.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved apparatuses and methods for processing video images. In particular, there is a need for image processing systems that implement improved auto-focus, high-resolution, and depth-of-field functions.

Compound camera and method for synthesizing a virtual image from multiple input images


Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing load disaggregation, remote monitoring, and controlling a plurality of loads are provided. The apparatus may include a universal embedded metering and control system (UEMCS) and a universal storage and renewable energy interface (USREI). The UEMCS may include a main device engine, a communication module coupled to the main device engine, a multiplexer coupled to the main device engine, a plurality of current sensors coupled to the multiplexer, and at least one voltage sensor coupled to the main device engine. The USREI may be coupleable to at least one of the plurality of current sensors, coupled to at least one renewable energy source, and configured to provide energy output by the at least one renewable energy source to the UEMCS for output to at least one of the plurality of loads.

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses, systems, and methods for integrated real time low-cost automatic load disaggregation, remote monitoring, and control.
At the consumer level, the conventional practice of power metering is typically manually recorded. Furthermore, the consumer only gets an electric bill with no details about which load consumes which parts of the aggregate power consumption. This is true in homes, apartment complexes, commercial, and industrial buildings. Measuring the power consumption of individual major loads may be used as a diagnosis tool when the appliance/device starts to malfunction. Finally knowing the energy consumption of individual loads such a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit may alter the customer behavior to automatically reduce energy consumption by performing remote local control of such loads using appropriate automatic intelligent control schemes. To locally control a particular load, such load needs to be equipped with an affordable remote control infrastructure.
Smart meters have been in existence since the early 2000's as an attempt to automate the process, among other applications. Beside their high cost, they suffer from the specificity of the protocols used to acquire, transmit, and store data in real time. The lack of universality and high cost of smart meters make them less attractive to consumers. Furthermore, existing smart meters do not integrate the functions of monitoring and remote intelligent control in order to perform adaptive local load control to show the potential impact load management. Some of the existing smart meters are limited to switching the local load ON/OFF based on preconfigured off line thresholds.
At the utility level, in order to reduce the peak load, utility companies may provide economic incentive to the consumer to have the ability to remotely control individually-targeted residential, commercial, and industrial loads in real time. To make it attractive to utility companies, the upfront infrastructure cost should be minimal. Automatic intelligent adaptive load control strategies are needed to optimize the local load consumption and help maintain the stability of the grid by prioritizing the loads to be turned OFF during peak load or injecting local energy, such as the one from an electric car battery or renewable energy sources, into the grid.
In either customer or utility levels, for the purpose of load control/management, the concept of load disaggregation emerged to identify the consumption of targeted loads, such as HVAC. For load disaggregation, basically two approaches have been considered: Hardware- and software-based approaches. In hardware-based solutions, the simplest idea is to use a power meter for each load. This approach provides accurate measurement of the individual load consumption. However, it is prohibitively expensive, as it requires a separate meter for each appliance.
In an attempt to reduce the hardware used for load sub-metering, the concept of wireless sensors connected to a hub to measure individual load consumption was used. Even though this approach does not require a separate meter for individual loads, the use of wireless sensors is expensive and may pose interference problems as the number of nearby wireless sensors increases. Furthermore, special communication protocols have to be used to acquire the load data. Similar problems exist with wired networks, as both have added overhead in terms of communications and an increased number of processing units. Finally, this approach does not integrate the load disaggregation and load control functions.
In software-based sub-metering, the main idea is to use the aggregate load consumption and estimate the power consumption of targeted appliances/loads. This approach uses the aggregate load to extract individual loads. It uses advanced signal processing and matching techniques. This approach is inexpensive. However, it is inaccurate.
The inclusion of renewable energy generation is becoming more common as we move forward. Not only are large, special-purpose generation farms becoming more prevalent, but so also are smaller installations commonly seen both commercially and residentially. Small-scale installations are typically solar-based, but wind sources are sometimes used as well. One of the important aspects relating to renewable energy is the desire to use all that is available. Known as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), this goal has been extensively studied and is the primary focus of many patents and patent application publications, with U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,433,522, 7,371,963, 4,404,472, 4,649,334, 6,281,485, 6,281,485, 5,327,071, 4,525,633, 7,193,872, 7,158,395, 6,255,804, 5,869,956, 6,046,919, US20100236612, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,042,195 being just a few of the many. While using MPPT strategies allow maximizing the utility of renewable resources, there are times when the sources must operate below their maximum to meet grid requirements. Further, much of the work involved involves the use of DC-to-DC converters to enable MPPT ability. Similar to what is covered under U.S. Pat. No. 7,371,963, the DC-to-DC converters can also allow many renewable sources running at different voltages to share a single set of common busses.
Like renewable energy, electric vehicles have been increasing in popularity. Each electric vehicle must have large battery banks to allow it to travel even relatively short distances. While many only focus on charging their vehicles, this large amount of stored energy has great potential for helping the grid. This is again a popular research topic that also has a large number of patents and patent application publications describing it, including US2011/0202418, US2013/0179061, US2007/0282495, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,844,370, 7,747,739, and US2012/0109798. These examples cover different ways to better utilize electric vehicles by allowing the vehicles to charge when it is best for the grid and to provide power back to the grid when it is best, such as during peak hours. Some of the research also delves into working with aggregating the vehicles for easier control, as is covered in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,844,370, 7,747,739. The system in US2010/0274656 works with managing the charging of multiple electric vehicles, working to verify that a vehicle is legitimate and that the energy taken is properly paid for.

Apparatus, system, and method for integrated real time low-cost automatic load disaggregation, remote monitoring, and control

Tennessee Technological University Foundation


A single polarization active IO device includes a crystalline material substrate having an IO circuit array comprising an optical waveguide array disposed on a major surface of the substrate by a two step proton exchange (TSPE) process, and including an electrode array disposed on the major surface in juxtaposed relation with the waveguide array to provide one or more active IO regions thereon.

LiNbO.sub.3 and LiTaO.sub.3 integrated optic circuits (IOCs) are useful in fiber optic gyros (FOGs), photonic switching devices, and intensity/phase modulation systems. Their attributes include low optical loss, low voltage drive, high frequency bandwidth, and small size and weight.
The principal prior art method of fabricating LiNbO.sub.3 IOCs is by local diffusion of titanium (Ti) into a LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3 substrate surface (i.e. Ti:LiNbO.sub.3 or Ti:LiTaO.sub.3). Through deposition and photolithographic techniques, a Ti pattern is defined and diffused to form optical waveguides on the substrate surface. The titanium diffuses to interstitial sites of the defined waveguide region, acting as an impurity dopant. This increases the ordinary and extraordinary refractive indices of the LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3 substrate in that region, causing optical wave propagation of either polarization to be confined to the formed waveguide region by total internal reflection.
An alternative prior art method for fabricating optical waveguides in LiNbO.sub.3 and LiTaO.sub.3 is the proton exchange (PE) process. A masked LiNbO.sub.3 or LiTaO.sub.3 substrate is immersed in a molten bath of pure benzoic acid at a temperature below the decomposition point of the acid, causing lithium ions from the LiNbO.sub.3 surface region to be replaced by hydrogen ions from the bath. The process locally increases the extraordinary refractive index but decreases the ordinary refractive index, producing a polarizing waveguide. Light polarized along the extraordinary axis is guided but light polarized along the ordinary axis is not guided and leaks into the substrate.
In addition to supporting a single polarization the PE waveguides are easy to fabricate. PE diffusion occurs at 150-250.degree. C. for 5-30 minutes compared to 900-1100.degree. C. for 4-10 hours for the titanium-diffused guides. The PE waveguides fabricated in pure benzoic acid offer a larger refractive index change and, therefore, a tighter mode confinement than the Ti-diffused guides, and they are more immune to optical damage; however, they have four drawbacks.
First, they exhibit large propagation loss due to scattering, Second, the large index increase (.apprxeq.0.12) causes a large mismatch in numerical aperture with commercially available single mode fibers. Third, there are temporal instabilities in the refractive index distribution causing the propagation characteristics to vary with time. Fourth, and most important, there is evidence that the proton exchange process substantially degrades the electrooptic properties of the LiNbO.sub.3, making the PE guides less useful for active devices.
There have been prior art attempts to overcome these problems. One known improvement involves diluting the benzoic acid bath with a small percentage of lithium benzoate, to decrease the amount of Li.sup.+ being exchanged with H.sup.+. As reported by J. L. Jackel and C. E. Rice, Short And Long-term Stability in Proton Exchanged Lithium Niobate Waveguides, SPIE vol. 460, Processing of Guided Wave Optoelectronic Materials (1984), p. 43, for lithium benzoate concentrations greater than 3.5% the increase in refractive index is reduced by an order of magnitude. The range of index increase was 0.005 to 0.01 compared to a range of 0.10 to 0.12 for concentrations less than 3.5%. Metastable phases are not formed in LiNOb.sub.3 for lithium benzoate concentrations greater than 3.4% so that the waveguides are temporally stable.
A second and more practical method for making useful polarizing waveguides by the PE technique was demonstrated and reported by T. Findakly and B. Chen, Single-Mode Transmission Selective Integrated Optical Polarizers in LiNbO.sub.3, Electronics Letters, 1984, Vol. 20, pp. 128-129. The method known as the annealed-proton-exchange, performs two steps in which the waveguide is first formed by exchange in pure benzoic acid and then annealed at higher temperature for a proper duration. The annealing reduces the initial large index increase and expands the waveguide depth such that the waveguide numerical aperture can be properly matched to other single mode waveguides or commercial fibers. The same technique was also verified by J. J. Veselka and G. A. Bogert, Low Insertion Loss Channel Waveguides in LiNbO.sub.3 Fabricated by Proton Exchange, Electron. Lett. 23, p. 265 (1987).
Despite these improvements, the scientific community has not endorsed the use of proton exchange fabricated devices (fabricated by pure proton exchange without annealing) for active IO applications, such as switches and modulators. This is due to the poor temporal stabilities and low electrooptic efficiencies which have continued to be demonstrated by prior art devices. See for example: Nishihara et al. Optical Integrated Circuits, McGraw Hill Book Company, U.S.A., 1989, pp 161, and Theodor Tamir, Guided-Wave Optoelectronics, Springer-Verlag, West Germany, 1988, pps. 149-150.

Low-loss proton exchanged waveguides for active integrated optic devices and method of making same


An optical phase shifter and a method of making the same are disclosed. The phase shifter includes a substrate, a p-doped electrode and an n-doped electrode on the substrate, a first doped semiconductor layer on the p-doped electrode or the n-doped electrode and in electrical contact with the other electrode, a second doped semiconductor layer on the first doped semiconductor layer, a first vertical region electrically connecting the second doped semiconductor layer with the one electrode, and a cladding layer on or over the second semiconductor layer, the first vertical region, and at least a first sidewall of each of the first and second semiconductor layers. The p-doped electrode and the n-doped electrode form a p-n junction at an interface therebetween. The first and second doped semiconductor layers have the same doping type as the other electrode and the one electrode, respectively.

Optical or optoelectronic transceivers (which may be generally identified as "optical transceivers") convert electrical signals into optical signals and optical signals into electrical signals. An optical transceiver may include receiver and transmitter optical subassemblies, functional circuits, and electrical and optical interfaces, and are significant components in optical fiber communication systems and data storage networks.
A transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) may include a laser diode configured to output a continuous light beam. The continuous light beam is modulated to carry a data signal thereon. One way to modulate the light beam is to modulate the current driving the light source (e.g., a laser diode). This type of modulation is called direct modulation, as opposed to external modulation (e.g., as is performed by an optical modulator).
In fiber optic communications, laser diodes emitting light having a narrow linewidth are often used. However, direct modulation of such laser diodes may be undesirable due to high-bandwidth "chirping" that can occur when applying the current to and removing the current from the laser.
External modulators may be electrical or optical. Depending on the parameter of the light beam that is modulated, optical modulators may be categorized as amplitude modulators, phase modulators, or polarization modulators, among other types. Phase modulation (PM) is a modulation pattern that encodes information as variations in the instantaneous phase of a carrier wave. Some phase modulators may modulate the continuous light beam by applying a radio frequency (RF) signal to the continuous light beam. The phase of a carrier signal is modulated to follow the changing voltage level (amplitude) of an electrical modulation signal provided to the RF signal source. The peak amplitude and frequency of the carrier signal remain constant, but as the amplitude of the electrical information signal changes, the phase of the carrier changes correspondingly. The voltage for inducing a phase change of n is called the half-wave voltage.
A phase modulator can also be used as an amplitude modulator by using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a beam splitter divides the laser light into two paths, at least one of which has a phase modulator as described above. The beams are then recombined after at least one beam is modulated. Changing the electric field on the phase-modulating path determines whether the two beams interfere constructively or destructively at the output, thereby controlling the amplitude or intensity of the modulated light. This device may also be called a Mach-Zehnder modulator.
A phase modulator may comprise a plurality of waveguides and phase shifters connected to one or more optical couplers. The waveguides within the phase shifters may include a junction having a p-doped region on one side and an n-doped region on another side, such that the difference in refractive indices between the n-doped and p-doped regions allows an optical signal to propagate in a desired direction with minimal energy loss. Examples of such phase shifters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,470,914 and 9,343,638, and in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2018/0143464, among others.
A cross-section of a conventional phase shifter 100 is shown in FIG. 1A. The conventional phase shifter 100 may comprise a substrate layer 110, a first insulator layer 120, a p-doped semiconductor 130 including a p-doped region 132 and a p-doped electrode 134, an n-doped semiconductor 140 including an n-doped region 142 and an n-doped electrode 144, and a second insulator layer 150. An electric field (e.g., RF signal) is applied across the terminals V+ and V− to shift the phase of the optical signal passing through the phase shifter 100.
A top-down view of the same conventional phase shifter is shown in FIG. 1B. The p-doped and n-doped electrodes 132 and 142 function for injecting carriers when a voltage is applied to the phase shifter. The p-doped and n-doped regions 134 and 144 form a p-n junction in the rib 160. The rib 160 corresponds to the p-doped region 132 and n-doped region 142 in FIG. 1A. A p-n junction 165 is formed at the interface between the p-doped semiconductor 130 and the n-doped semiconductor 140. The insulator layers 120 and 150 have a lower refractive index than the p-doped region 132 and the n-doped region 142, and function as waveguide cladding outside the phase shifter 100.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a model for the conventional phase shifter 100, comprising the p-doped electrode 132, the p-doped region 134, the n-doped electrode 142, the n-doped region 144, and the p-n junction 165 between the p-doped and the n-doped regions 134 and 144. A key 200 shows the level of n-type dopant and p-type dopant within each component. When an electric field is applied across the phase shifter 200 (e.g., at the p-doped and n-doped electrodes 132 and 142), the refractive index of the doped semiconductor material near the p-n junction 165 changes, and the phase of the light passing through the rib 160 changes correspondingly. However, the p-n junction 165 consumes only a small part of the rib 160, and much of the rib 160 is optically inactive (e.g., does not carry an optical signal).
FIG. 3A is a graph 300A showing the variation of the capacitances Cp and Cn (in pF/cm) as the voltage applied across the phase shifter 200 changes. The capacitances Cp and Cn are the respective capacitances across the p-n junction of the phase shifter 200 when the voltage is applied to the p-doped electrode 132 and the n-doped electrode 142, respectively, while the other electrode is held at a ground potential. It is desirable for the curve 310 (representing Cn) and the curve 320 (representing Cp) to overlap perfectly or substantially perfectly, as slight variations may result in or correspond to considerable adverse effects in the optical signal propagating through the rib 160 near the p-n junction 165. The curves 310 and 320 are nonlinear, and the capacitances Cp and Cn increase slightly exponentially as the voltage increases.
FIG. 3B is a graph 300B showing the insertion loss (in dB/cm) as the voltage applied to the phase shifter 200 changes. At 0 V, the insertion loss is about 27 dB/cm, at −1 V, the insertion loss is about 24.7 dB/cm, and at −4 V, the insertion loss is about 21.2 dB/cm. The curve 330 is nonlinear between 0 V and −1 V, but substantially linear in the range of −1 V to −4 V. The insertion loss decreases at a rate of about 1.2 dB/cm per volt in the range −1 V to −4 V.
FIG. 3C is a graph 300C showing the variation of the 1 cm phase change (in π/cm) as the voltage across the phase shifter 200 changes. The "1 cm phase change" is the amount of phase change that occurs in 1 cm of the phase shifter 200 at the applied voltage. At −4 V, the phase change is about 3.5 π/cm, and at 0 V, the phase change is 0 π/cm. The curve 340 is substantially linear in the range of −4 V to −1 V, but nonlinear between −1 V and 0 V. The phase change per cm decreases by about 0.4n per V as the voltage increases in the range of −4 V to −1 V.
Over the range of 0 V to about −2 V, the conventional phase shifter 100 in FIG. 2 has a VπL of 0.95 V·cm, an insertion loss of 25 dB/cm at −1 V, a capacitance of 3.7 pF/cm at −1 V, and a VπLoss of 24 V·dB.
Photonic waveguides can be formed in semiconductor and other materials when adjacent materials have different refractive indices. For example, a core containing elemental silicon (e.g., doped or undoped amorphous, polycrystalline or single-crystal silicon) such as the fin region 160 (FIG. 1B) has a higher refractive index than the doped or undoped insulator cladding (e.g., glass layers 120 and 150 in FIG. 1A) surrounding it. This creates a barrier to transmission of light from the structure containing elemental silicon to the surrounding insulator layers, and vice versa.
Depending on the number of carriers and the dopant type, active photonic devices such as modulators and phase shifters can be formed in semiconductors (especially crystalline semiconductors). For example, such active devices may comprise p-doped and n-doped regions in the semiconductor with a junction region between the p-doped and n-doped regions. Due to the carrier dispersion effect, the refractive index of the doped semiconductor regions in such active photonic devices changes when an electric field is applied across the doped semiconductor regions, resulting in light passing through the doped semiconductor regions at a different speed, and enabling a phase shift in the light.
Although the aforementioned conventional phase shifters 100 and 400 may shift the phase of an optical signal to a desirable degree, they may also cause appreciable insertion loss, and appreciable real estate in the rib region is essentially unused. In addition, when the waveguides or phase shifter(s) have a certain size, the wavelength or frequency of the light passing through the waveguide or phase shifter can affect the performance of the waveguide(s) or phase shifter(s). Furthermore, there is a need to shrink optical components such as phase shifters and modulators to fit in the limited space of a TOSA (e.g., in a standardized package).
This "Discussion of the Background" section is provided for background information only. The statements in this "Discussion of the Background" are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this "Discussion of the Background" section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this "Discussion of the Background" section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this "Discussion of the Background" section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

Multi-layer p-n junction based phase shifter and methods of manufacturing and using the same


A driver control circuit and method for a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), that the driver control circuit comprises: at least a comparator; at least an input/output port, at least an analog-to-digital converter; at least two programmable pulse generators (PPGs), including a first programmable pulse generator and a second programmable pulse generator, i.e. PPG0 and PPG1, being activated for generating pulse signals in an alternative manner for driving the CCFL; at least a programmable frequency divider (PFD), capable of programming the output thereof to be used as the control signal for activating the PPG0 and the PPG1 according to the alternative manner defined by the transition frequency of the PFD.

It is known that the discharge lamps, such as cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), are often being used as the backlight of liquid crystal displays. The cold cathode fluorescent lamps are generally driven by alternating current (AC) with frequency matching the specification of the CCFLs.
To ignite or first turn on a CCFL, the circuit for driving the CCFL must provide a momentary strike or startup voltage that is typically more than 1000 V and is usually referred as the discharge voltage, starting voltage or striking voltage. After switching to normal running, the operating voltage of the CCFL is generally in a range from 300V to 700V, that is about one half or one third the starting voltage, depending on the type of the CCFL. When current flows though the tube, the impedance of the tube decreases and the voltage across the tube drops rapidly. When current flows to a particular level, the decline of tube voltage stops and the CCFL shows an almost steady voltage, the voltage at this time is called tube voltage, operating voltage or running voltage. It is necessary to keep the current flowing after startup. The tube current is directly proportional to the CCFL brightness, increasing the CCFL current increases the brightness, however too much current may damage the electrode and lead to a shorter lifetime. Generally, 3 mA to 7 mA is commonly used for each CCFL. CCFLs are generally driven by alternating current (AC), the AC frequency typically ranges from 30 kHz to 100 kHz.
The CCFLs are typically driven by a DC to AC inverter, which generally provides a wide range of DC input voltage and transforms the voltage into an AC high voltage and high frequency output to run the lamp. However, CCFLs exhibit a negative impedance characteristic which makes the series resistance measured in the CCFL tube to decrease rather than to increase as desired when the current flowing therein is increased. Therefore, The inverter used for driving CCFLs must be able to provide an adjustable AC power and a feedback circuit for ensuring the stability of the driving circuit of CCFLs while allowing the loading of CCFLs to be adjusted.
Conventionally, the brightness of a CCFL is controlled by a power driving means that is integrated in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, since CCFLs of different tube size will require to be driven by different driving frequency, there should be as many ASICs specifically designed to meet the requirement of those CCFLs. That is, there is a specifically designed ASIC for a specific CCFL, that is not economically sound with respect to modern industrial standard. Therefore, it is in need of a micro control unit (MCU) which can be programmed and adapted for controlling CCFLs of different specifications. It is not only intended to control various CCFLs by using a same MCU, but also to save the manufacturing cost of CCFLs accordingly.

Driver control circuit and method for cold cathode fluorescent lamp


A process is provided for the removal of defects, for example, micro-bridging defects during device fabrication. In one aspect, a method includes: obtaining a wafer after lithography processing and exposing the wafer to at least one electron beam. In another aspect, a system includes: selecting a substrate with micro-bridging defects after the substrate undergoes lithography processing; preparing the substrate for exposure to at least one electron beam; and exposing the substrate to the at least one electron beam.

During the semiconductor patterning process it is common for micro-bridging defects to occur. It is particularly common for micro-bridging defects to form in the resist patterns after the lithography process in advanced technology nodes, for example, nodes of approximately 32 nm and beyond. Micro-bridging defects include small connections between two adjacent lines in a photo-resist pattern, which may cross-link two or more resist patterns in close proximity leading to the creation of single-line opens after etching. The cross-linking of the resist patterns of micro-bridging defects may cause a serious decrease in the production yield of advanced integrated circuits.
Existing solutions for removing micro-bridging defects include increasing the dose of exposure to the wafer during the lithography process step. However, this method of removing micro-bridging defects requires changing the develop critical dimension (DCD) target, in addition, a new optical proximity correction (OPC) module is needed to address the DCD retargeting. An alternative existing solution includes using a "better" photo-resist material to prevent the micro-bridging defects. The "better" resist would have extraordinary image contrast. After exposure and develop, the edge of resist pattern would be clean and no line-edge roughness. However, this method of removing the micro-bridging defects requires an "ideal" photo-resist, which is not yet available.
Accordingly, a need exists for a process of removing micro-bridging defects after the lithography process during fabrication.