A method and apparatus for transmitting control information of a small block size with high reliability in a mobile communication system supporting uplink packet data service are provided. A 6-bit Absolute Grant indicating an allowed maximum data rate for uplink packet data transmission is generated and a 16-bit User Equipment Identifier Cyclic Redundancy Check is generated by combining a Cyclic Redundancy Check with a User Equipment Identifier. The User Equipment Identifier specific Cyclic Redundancy Check and 8 tail bits are added to the 6-bit Absolute Grant and the added bits are encoded at a coding rate of 1/3. The resulting 90 coded bits are rate-matched according to a predetermined rate matching pattern and transmitted to a User Equipment. The rate matching pattern is {1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 23, 24, 31, 37, 44, 47, 61, 63, 64, 71, 72, 75, 77, 80, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 90}.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a mobile communication system supporting packet data service. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting control information required for Hybrid Automatic Repeat request (HARQ).
2. Description of the Related Art
Universal Mobile Telecommunication Service (UMTS), which is a 3rd generation mobile communication system using Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) based on the European Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) system and General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), provides mobile subscribers or computer users with a uniform service of transmitting packet-based text, digitized voice, and video and multimedia data at or above 2 Mbps irrespective of their locations around the world.
Particularly the UMTS system uses a transport channel called Enhanced Uplink Dedicated CHannel (E-DCH or EUDCH) in order to further improve the packet transmission performance of uplink communications from a User Equipment (UE) to a Node B (interchangeable with a base station). For more stable high-speed data transmission, Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC), HARQ, shorter Transmission Time Interval (TTI), and Node B-controlled scheduling were introduced for the E-DCH transmission.
AMC is a technique of determining a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) adaptively according to the channel status between the Node B and the UE. Many MCS levels can be defined according to available modulation schemes and coding schemes. The adaptive selection of an MCS level according to the channel status increases resource use efficiency.
HARQ is a packet retransmission scheme for retransmitting a packet to correct errors in an initially transmitted packet. Shorter TTI is a technique for reducing retransmission time delay and thus increasing system throughput by allowing the use of a shorter TTI than the shortest TTI of 10 ms provided by 3GPP Rel5. At present, 2 ms is under consideration as the length of such a shorter TTI.
Node B-controlled scheduling is a scheme in which the Node B determines whether to permit E-DCH transmission for the UE and if it does, an allowed maximum data rate and transmits the determined data rate information as a scheduling grant to the UE, and the UE determines an available E-DCH data rate based on the scheduling grant.
The Node B-controlled scheduling is performed such that the noise rise or Rise over Thermal (RoT) measurement of the Node B does not exceed a target RoT to increase total system performance by, for example, allocating low data rates to remote UEs and high data rates to nearby UEs. RoT represents uplink radio resources used by the Node B, defined asRoT=Io/No   (1)
where Io denotes power spectral density over a total reception band, that is, the total amount of uplink signals received in the Node B, and No denotes the thermal noise power spectral density of the Node B. Therefore, an allowed maximum RoT is total uplink radio resources available to the Node B.
The total RoT is expressed as the sum of inter-cell interference, voice traffic and E-DCH traffic. With Node B-controlled scheduling, simultaneous transmission of packets from a plurality of UEs at high data rates is prevented, maintaining the total RoT at or below a target RoT and thus ensuring reception performance.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a typical signal flow for data transmission and reception on the E-DCH. In the illustrated case of FIG. 1, a UE transmits uplink data on the E-DCH and a Node B performs Node B-controlled scheduling for the UE.
Referring to FIG. 1, the Node B and UE establish the E-DCH in step 102. Step 102 involves message transmission on dedicated transport channels. The UE transmits scheduling information to the Node B in step 104. The scheduling information may contain uplink channel status information including the transmit power and power margin of the UE, and the amount of buffered data to be transmitted to the Node B.
In step 106, the Node B monitors scheduling information from a plurality of UEs to schedule uplink data transmissions for the individual UEs. When the Node B decides to approve an uplink packet transmission from the UE, it transmits a scheduling grant including scheduling assignment information to the UE in step 108. The scheduling grant indicates up/hold/down in an allowed maximum data rate, or an allowed maximum data rate and allowed transmission timing. In step 110, the UE determines the TF of the E-DCH (E-TF) based on the scheduling grant. The UE then transmits E-TF information to the Node B in step 112, and uplink packet data on the E-DCH as well in step 114.
The Node B determines whether the E-TF information and the uplink packet data have errors in step 116. In the presence of errors in either of the TF information and the uplink packet data, the Node B transmits a negative acknowledgement (NACK) signal to the UE on an acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) channel, whereas in the absence of errors in both, the Node B transmits an acknowledgement (ACK) signal to the UE on the ACK/NACK channel in step 118. In the latter case, the packet data transmission is completed and the UE transmits new packet data to the Node B on the E-DCH. On the other hand, in the former case, the UE retransmits the same packet data to the Node B on the E-DCH.
For efficient scheduling under the above-described environment, the Node B receives scheduling information about buffer occupancy and power status from UEs. Based on the scheduling information, the Node B allocates low data rates to remote UEs, UEs in a bad channel status, and UEs having data with a low service class and high data rates to nearby UEs, UEs in a good channel status, and UEs having data with a high service class. In this context, a need exists for developing a technique for transmitting and receiving a scheduling grant, which can be an Absolute Grant (AG) indicating the absolute value of an allowed maximum data rate for a UE or a Relative Grant (RG) indicating up/hold/down from the previous allowed maximum data rate.

Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data with high reliability in a mobile communication system supporting packet data transmission


Provided is a chondroitin sulfate derivative having a cross-linked structure through a group in a polyvalent amine. Also provided is a composition containing the chondroitin sulfate derivative. Also provided are an agent and method for the treatment of an eye disease, the agent and method having a therapeutic effect on a corneal epithelial disorder and/or dry eye.

According to the international Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS), "dry eye" is defined as follows: "Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. It is accompanied by increased osmolarity of the tear film and inflammation of the ocular surface" (The Ocular Surface Vol. 5, No. 2: 75-92, 2007).
An eye drop (Chondron (registered trademark)) containing chondroitin sulfate (hereinafter may be referred to as "CS") has been known in Japan, and the eye drop has the effect of "protecting the superficial cornea." Studies on the effect of CS on the ocular surface (Tsutomu Fujihara, et al., Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vol. 11, No. 4: 503-508, 1995) have reported the examination of the prevention of corneal epithelial disorders. Teruo Nishida, et al., Experimental Eye Research, 53: 753-758, 1991 describes the examination of the presence or absence of the effect of CS on corneal epithelial cells. The recent literature Gary D. Novack, The Ocular Surface, Vol. 12, No. 3: 227-230, 2014 describes a variety of therapeutic agents for dry eye developed in Japan and the U.S.
Regarding CS derivatives having a cross-linked structure through a cross-linker (hereinafter such a derivative may be referred to as "cross-linked CS") (WO 1991/16881, pamphlet, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 1994-73102, Amnon Sintov, et al., Biomaterials, 16: 473-478, 1995), Rubinstein, et al. have reported attempts to produce CS derivatives using 1,12-diaminododecane as a cross-linker (WO 1991/16881, pamphlet, Amnon Sintov, et al., Biomaterials, 16: 473-478, 1995). In the field of CS, CS (which is readily water-soluble) is cross-linked for imparting poor water-solubility thereto, for use as, for example, membranes or tablets.

Crosslinked chondroitin sulfate, composition containing same, and treatment agent for eye disease


Method and apparatus for segmenting a first region and a second region. A method for defining a boundary separating a first region and a second region of a digital image includes determining using a learning machine, based on one or more of the color arrangements, which pixels of the image satisfy criteria for classification as associated with the first region and which pixels of the image satisfy criteria for classification as associated with the second region. The digital image includes one or more color arrangements characteristic of the first region and one or more color arrangements characteristic of the second region. The method includes identifying pixels of the image that are determined not to satisfy the criteria for classification as being associated either with the first region or the second region. The method includes decontaminating the identified pixels to define a boundary between the first and second regions.

The present invention relates to digital image compositing.
A digital image can include one or more regions. A region of the digital image, as used in this specification, refers to a group of pixels whose association can be arbitrary or otherwise. Pixels can be grouped, for example, such that the region they define represents a real world material such as hair, grass, sky, or wood. A region can represent one or more real world materials and different regions can represent different real world materials. A region can but need not be contiguous and may be made up of two or more non-contiguous parts. A region can include pixels that are associated with other regions.
A region representing a real world material usually does not consist of only one color. Rather, the region typically includes multiple colors, spatially arranged in a manner that represents the appearance of the material. For example, a region that represents grass can include various shades of green and perhaps other colors as well. A region of foliage can include various shades of green and brown. A spatial arrangement of colors over one or more pixels is referred to in this specification as a color arrangement. A color arrangement that can characterize an appearance of a material will be referred to in this specification as visual texture.
In a computer application for editing digital images, for example, Adobe® Photoshop® available from Adobe Systems of San Jose, Calif., it can be quite useful to be able to select a region that corresponds to a single real world material and modify the selected region in isolation of the surrounding pixels or regions. Having this capability, for example, would allow one to change the color only of the hair of a person being portrayed in a digital image, while maintaining the same color or colors of pixels surrounding the hair. The selection and isolation of a region that represents a real world material or object is referred to in this specification as object extraction. Object extraction from a digital image typically includes segmentation of the image into regions, each of which represents a single real world material. Segmentation usually includes locating a boundary between two regions. Segmentation usually includes determining which pixel belongs to which region.

Object extraction based on color and visual texture


Apparatus and methods for establishing electrical communication between an instrument subsection disposed below a mud motor and an electronics sonde disposed above the mud motor in a drill string conveyed borehole logging system. Electrical communication is established via at least one conductor disposed within the mud motor and connecting the instrument sub section to a link disposed between the mud motor and the electronics sonde. The link can be embodied as a current coupling link, a magnetic coupling ling, an electromagnetic telemetry ling and a direct electrical contact link. Two way data transfer is established in all link embodiments. Power transfer is also established in all but the electromagnetic telemetry link.

Borehole geophysics encompasses a wide range of parametric borehole measurements. Included are measurements of chemical and physical properties of earth formations penetrated by the borehole, as well as properties of the borehole and material therein. Measurements are also made to determine the path of the borehole. These measurements can be made during drilling and used to steer the drilling operation, or after drilling for use in planning additional well locations.
Borehole instruments or "tools" comprise one or more sensors that are used to measure "logs" of parameters of interest as a function of depth within the borehole. These tools and their corresponding sensors typically fall into two categories. The first category is "wireline" tools wherein a "logging" tool is conveyed along a borehole after the borehole has been drilled. Conveyance is provided by a wireline with one end attached to the tool and a second end attached to a winch assembly at the surface of the earth. The second category is logging-while-drilling (LWD) or measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tools, wherein the logging tool is an element of a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly is conveyed along the borehole by a drill string, and measurements are made with the tool while the borehole is being drilled.
A drill string typically comprises a tubular which is terminated at a lower end by a drill bit, and terminated at an upper end at the surface of the earth by a "drilling rig" which comprises draw works and other apparatus used to control the drill string in advancing the borehole. The drilling rig also comprises pumps that circulate drilling fluid or drilling "mud" downward through the tubular drill string. The drilling mud exits through opening in the drill bit, and returns to the surface of the earth via the annulus defined by the wall of the borehole and the outer surface of the drill string. A mud motor is often disposed above the drill bit. Mud flowing through a rotor-stator element of the mud motor imparts torque to the bit thereby rotating the bit and advancing the borehole. The circulating drilling mud performs other functions that are known in the art. These functions including providing a means for removing drill bit cutting from the borehole, controlling pressure within the borehole, and cooling the drill bit.
In LWD/MWD systems, it is typically advantageous to place the one or more sensors, which are responsive to parameters of interest, as near to the drill bit as possible. Close proximity to the drill bit provides measurements that most closely represent the environment in which the drill bit resides. Sensor responses are transferred to a downhole telemetry unit, which is typically disposed within a drill collar. Sensor responses are then telemetered uphole and typically to the surface of the earth via a variety of telemetry systems such as mud pulse, electromagnetic and acoustic systems. Conversely, information can be transferred from the surface through an uphole telemetry unit and received by the downhole telemetry unit. This "down-link" information can be used to control the sensors, or to control the direction in which the borehole is being advanced.
If a mud motor is not disposed within the bottom hole assembly of the drill string, sensors and other borehole equipment are typically "hard wired" to the downhole telemetry unit using one or more electrical conductors. If a mud motor is disposed in the bottom hole assembly, the rotational nature of the mud motor presents obstacles to sensor hard wiring, since the sensors rotate with respect to the downhole telemetry unit. Several technical and operational options are, however, available.
A first option is to dispose the sensors and related power supplies above the mud motor. The major advantage is that the sensors do not rotate and can be hard wired to the downhole telemetry unit without interference of the mud motor. A major disadvantage is, however, that the sensors are displaces a significant axial distance from the drill bit thereby yielding responses not representative of the current position of the drill bit. This can be especially detrimental in geosteering systems, as discussed later herein.
A second option is to dispose the sensors immediately above the drill bit and below the mud motor. The major advantage is that sensors are disposed near the drill bit. A major disadvantage is that communication between the non rotating downhole telemetry unit and the rotating sensors and other equipment must span the mud motor. The issue of power to the sensors and other related equipment must also be addressed. Short range electromagnetic telemetry systems, known as "short-hop" systems in the art, are used to telemeter data across the mud motor and between the downhole telemetry unit and the one or more sensors. Sensor power supplies must be located below the mud motor. This methodology adds cost and operational complexity to the bottom hole assembly, increases power consumption, and can be adversely affected by electromagnetic properties of the borehole and the formation in the vicinity of the bottom hole assembly.
A third option is to dispose the one or more sensors below the mud motor and to hard wire the sensors to the top of the mud motor using one or more conductors disposed within rotating elements of the mud motor. A preferably two-way transmission link is then established between the top of the mud motor and the downhole telemetry unit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,061 discloses a plurality of conductors disposed within rotating elements of a mud motor, wherein the conductors are used to connect sensors below the mud motor to a downhole telemetry unit above the motor. In one embodiment, electrical connection between rotating and non rotating elements is obtained by axially aligned contact connectors at the top of the mud motor. This type of connector is known in the art as a "wet connector" and is used to establish a direct contact electrical communication link. In another embodiment, an electrical communication link is obtained using an axially aligned, non-contacting split transformer. The rotating and non rotating elements are magnetically coupled using this embodiment thereby providing the desired communication link.

Method and apparatus for transmitting sensor response data and power through a mud motor


Described is a method for automatically generating a wafer prober file whereby testing parameters and die identities can be established for testing a complete semiconductor wafer and whereby acceptable or rejected dies can be identified and correlated later with where the good or bad dies are physically located on a wafer-under-test.

In the semiconductor manufacturing process, thousands of individual circuits or dies are formed in a series of steps whereby all of the circuits or dies are formed in parallel as the silicon wafer passes through various steps called the wafer fabrication process or "wafer fab" process. During the final steps of the wafer fab process, the individual circuits on the wafer can be tested through a wafer test system, which includes a wafer probing machine or "prober" and a tester, before they are separated or "diced" from the semiconductor wafer for packaging. The prober and tester work together to identify bad devices prior to packaging, which can save considerable expense on the front end that would otherwise be incurred by packaging bad devices that could have been detected at the wafer level.
With modern semiconductor wafers now spanning 12 inches in diameter (˜300 mm), wafers can include ten thousand or more devices. To test a wafer, each device must be identified and its position established so that each device can be correlated with the results of its respective electrical test during the probe test. Setting up the test program and making this correlation between the wafer image map and the test program can therefore be an elaborate and time-consuming process.
At present, the correlation of electrical test program to dies is done by mapping the relevant device-testing program and die identifier on the respective devices identified on the wafer image map. Although this needs to be done only once for a particular wafer type or wafer layout, at which time the mapping can be stored on the wafer tester or probe tester, enough of these one-time actions can nevertheless be very time-consuming in the factory environment.

Method of automatically creating a semiconductor processing prober device file

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


Disclosed is an ethylenic polymer foam structure comprising an ethylenic polymer material. The ethylenic polymer material contains a substantially linear ethylenic polymer having: a) a melt flow ratio, I.sub.10 /I.sub.2, .gtoreq.5.63; b) a molecular weight distribution, M.sub.w /M.sub.n, defined by the equation M.sub.w /M.sub.n .gtoreq.(I.sub.10 /I.sub.2)-4.63; and c) a critical shear rate at onset of surface melt fracture of at least 50 percent greater than the critical shear rate at the onset of surface melt fracture of a linear olefin polymer having about the same I.sub.2 and M.sub.w /M.sub.n. The foam structures have toughness and elasticity similar to those formed from conventional LLDPE without the poor dimensional stability and foam quality associated with those structures. The foam structures have foam quality similar to those made with conventional LDPE but with enhanced toughness and elasticity. Further disclosed is a process for making the above foam structure and making it in a foam bead form. Further disclosed is a process for making an article of the foam beads.

This invention relates to an ethylenic polymer foam structure having enhanced toughness and elasticity and a process for making the foam.
Commercially-available ethylenic polymer foam structures are typically made with conventional highly-branched low density polyethylene (LDPE) resins made by high pressure processes. Foam structures of LDPE resins have been found to be suitable for cushion packaging and other applications.
There exists a need for an ethylenic polymer foam structure having better toughness and elastic characteristics than foam structures of LDPE resins. Such tougher and more elastic foam structures would be very useful in sporting and leisure applications as well as cushion packaging applications.
One means of making a tougher, more elastic ethylenic polymer foam structure is to utilize conventional, heterogeneously-branched linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) resins as the primary or secondary resin in the foam. Unfortunately, LLDPE resins have undesirable extrusion foaming characteristics.
It would be desirable to have an ethylenic polymer foam having foamability similar to LDPE foams and toughness and elasticity similar to LLDPE foams.

Foam structures of ethylenic polymer material having enhanced toughness and elasticity and process for making


A photo-ionization detector (PID) including two detection units controls gas flows through the ionization chambers of the detection units for real-time self-cleaning and measurement. Operation of the PID can include flowing gas through the ionization chamber of one detection unit to measure the volatile gas concentration while stopping gas flow through the ionization chamber of the other detection unit. A UV lamp converts oxygen contained in the closed ionization chamber to ozone, which removes contamination in the closed ionization chamber, Continuous gas flows can alternate between one ionization chamber to the other. Alternatively, a PID with only one gas detection unit intermittently interrupts the flow of the ambient gas in the ionization chamber.

This invention relates to a volatile gas detector, particularly to a continuously operated photo-ionization detector (PID), and a method for real-time self-cleaning of the volatile gas detector.
Photo-ionization detectors (PIDs) can detect volatile gases. FIG. 1 shows a conventional portable PID 10 that includes an ultraviolet (UV) lamp 12 and an ionization chamber 14. UV lamp 12 produces UV light including UV photons having energy up to 8.4 electron volts (eV) or more. The UV photons pass through an optical window 16 into ionization chamber 14. In ionization chamber 14, the UV photons collide with and ionize volatile gas molecules having ionization potentials below the energy of the photons, creating ions and electrons.
PID 10 further includes an ion detector 18 having a pair of electrodes 20 and 22, which are typically made of a metal. Ion detector 18 has a high voltage (150 V or more) applied across electrodes 20 and 22 to generate an electrical field. In particular, electrode 22 is biased to a high voltage to attract negatively charged particles (electrons) and repel positively charged particles (ions), and electrode 20 is grounded to collect the positively charged particles (ions). The movement of the ions to electrode 22 produces a current, from which the concentration of the volatile gas can be determined.
After an extended use of PID 10, contamination, such as a coating of metal atoms, oil film, dust particles, and/or other polymer-like coating, often builds up inside ionization chamber 14, especially on electrodes 20 and 22 and window 16. The contamination on electrodes 20 and 22 reduces the accuracy of volatile gas concentration measurement by preventing the ion and electron collection of electrodes 20 and 22. The contamination on window 16 decreases the intensity of the UV light introduced to ionization chamber 14 from UV lamp 12, and thus reduces the accuracy of volatile gas concentration measurement. Accordingly, PID 10 must be regularly dissembled and cleaned to remove such contamination. A traditional PID usually loses sensitivity to gas by 10% to 20% per day because of contamination during continuous operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,633, to Sun et al., entitled xe2x80x9cPhoto-ionization Detector For Volatile Gas Measurement and Method for Self-Cleaning The Samexe2x80x9d, issued on May 1, 2001 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes a PID that is capable of self-cleaning. After an extended use, the PID is stopped from measuring the volatile gas concentration, and the contamination in the PID is removed without dissembling the PID. When removing the contamination inside the ionization chamber of the PID, the gas sample, which may include the volatile gas molecules, is prevented from flowing through the ionization chamber and thus is trapped within the ionization chamber. Then, the UV light from the UV lamp converts oxygen in the gas sample to ozone, which is a strong oxidant. The ozone etches and removes the contamination inside the ionization chamber, that is, the contamination on electrodes and window. After the contamination has been etched and removed, the products of the contamination removal are discharged from the ionization chamber. After self-cleaning for a period of time, the PID can almost fully recover the sensitivity that was lost due to contamination. But this technique does not offer a continuous operation which is required in most fixed systems for processing control and safety protection.
Although being capable of self-cleaning, the PID of U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,633 has several shortcomings. First, when the gas sample includes little or no oxygen, the effectiveness of the self-cleaning will be decreased. Second, while the PID is being self-cleaned, the PID cannot measure the concentration of volatile gas molecules existing in the ambient area. In other words, the PID cannot perform real-time measurement of the concentration of volatile gas molecules.
During the normal operation of PIDs, the effectiveness of PIDs diminishes due to the build-up of contamination, such as a coating of metal atoms, oil film, dust particles, or other polymer-like coating substances, in an ionization chamber of the PID. The contamination on an optical window of the PID can gradually decrease the UV intensity from a UV lamp to the ionization chamber, resulting in inaccurate measurement of volatile gas concentration. Accordingly, a user must dissemble the PID to clean ionization chamber. Further, while the PID is being cleaned, the volatile gas concentration cannot be measured.
The present invention provides PIDs capable of self-cleaning and real-time measurement of the concentration of volatile gas molecules existing in the environment. The invention also provides methods that enable the PIDs to continuously perform self-cleaning and real-time measurement of the concentration of volatile gas molecules.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a photo-ionization detector (PID) includes a microprocessor and a gas detection unit that measures a current corresponding to a concentration of a volatile gas in an ambient gas. The gas detection unit includes an ionization chamber, a UV lamp that ionizes the ambient gas in the ionization chamber, a bias electrode, and a measurement electrode. The microprocessor controls the gas detection unit such that the flow of the ambient gas in the ionization chamber is intermittently interrupted, and the UV lamp converts oxygen in the closed ambient gas to ozone.
The PID further includes a container that contains an oxygen-containing gas, which is supplied into the ionization chamber when the flow of the ambient gas is interrupted in the ionization chamber, so that the oxygen-containing gas is converted to ozone. The PID further includes a lamp driver, a bias driver circuit, and a measurement driver circuit. The microprocessor controls the lamp driver circuit, the bias driver circuit, and the measurement driver circuit.
The PID further includes a pump and a pump driver circuit, through which the microprocessor controls the pump. The pump is between the microprocessor and the gas detection unit, wherein the microprocessor intermittently closes the flow of the ambient gas in the ionization chamber by turning on and off the pump.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a PID includes a microprocessor and multiple gas detection units. Each of the gas detection units measures a current corresponding to a concentration of a volatile gas in an ambient gas and includes an ionization chamber, a UV lamp, a bias electrode, and a measurement electrode. The microprocessor controls the gas detection units such that the flow of the ambient gas is prevented in the ionization chamber of at least one of the gas detection units while the ambient gas flow through the ionization chamber of at least another one of the gas detection units is permitted. The UV lamp converts oxygen in the closed ambient gas to ozone, which removes contamination in the ionization chamber with the closed ambient gas.
The PID further includes a container that contains an oxygen-containing gas, which is supplied into the ionization chamber, in which the flow of the ambient gas is prevented. The PID further includes a multi-port valve, a pump, and a pump driver circuit, through which the microprocessor controls the pump. The pump is between the microprocessor and the gas detection units, the pump moving the ambient gas through the ionization chambers of the gas detection units. The multi-port valve is coupled to the ionization chamber of each of the gas detection units and the pump, and opens and closes the ionization chamber of each of the plurality of the gas detection units to the flow of the ambient gas, while the pump is turned on.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a PID includes a microprocessor, a first gas detection unit, and a second gas detection unit. The microprocessor controls the first and second gas detection units such that the ambient gas always flows through the ionization chamber of one of the gas detection units and the flow of the ambient gas is prevented in the ionization chamber of the other one of the gas detection units. The UV lamp converts oxygen in the closed ambient gas to ozone, which removes contamination in the ionization chamber with the closed ambient gas.
The PID further includes a container that contains an oxygen-containing gas, which is supplied into the ionization chamber, in which the flow of the ambient gas is prevented. The PID further includes a three-way valve, a pump, and a pump driver circuit, through which the microprocessor controls the pump. The pump is between the microprocessor and the gas detection units, the pump providing the ambient gas through the ionization chambers of the gas detection units. The three-way valve connected to the ionization chamber of each of the gas detection units and the pump permits ambient gas flow in the ionization chamber of one or the other of the gas detection units while the pump is turned on. The flow of ambient gas is permitted in the ionization chamber of one of the first and second gas detection units from which contamination has been removed during a time when ambient gas is prevented from flowing in the ionization chamber of the other of the first and second gas detection units to permit cleaning the ionization chamber of the other detection unit.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of real-time self-cleaning and measuring of a volatile gas concentration with a PID that comprises a gas detection unit including an ionization chamber, in which an ambient gas including a volatile gas is ionized by a UV lamp. The method includes causing the ambient gas to flow through the ionization chamber, to permit the PID to measure the volatile gas concentration, and causing the flow of the ambient gas through the ionization chamber and periodically interrupting the flow. The flow is on for a first period of time and off for a second period of time, and during the second period of time the UV lamp converts oxygen contained in the ambient gas to ozone to remove contamination in the ionization chamber. The method further includes supplying an oxygen-containing gas into the ionization chamber.
Flowing the ambient gas and stopping the flow of the ambient gas are repeated. The switch between flowing the ambient gas and stopping the flow of the ambient gas occurs by turning on and off a pump connected to the ionization chamber.
Still another aspect of the present invention provides a method of real-time self-cleaning and measuring of a volatile gas concentration with a PID that includes multiple gas detection units, each of the gas detection units including an ionization chamber, in which an ambient gas including a volatile gas is ionized by a UV lamp. The method includes flowing the ambient gas through the ionization chamber of one of the gas detection units, so that the PID measures the volatile gas concentration and stopping the flow of the ambient gas in the ionization chamber of another of the gas detection units so that the UV lamp converts oxygen contained in the ambient gas in the ionization chamber of the another gas detection unit to ozone, which removes contamination in the ionization chamber with the closed ambient gas.
The method further includes supplying an oxygen-containing gas into the ionization chamber in which the flow ambient gas is stopped.
Each of the gas detection units is repeatedly switched between flowing and stopping the ambient gas. The switch between flowing and stopping the ambient gas is achieved by using a multi-port valve connected between a pump and the ionization chamber of each of the gas detection units.
Still another aspect of the present invention provides a method of real-time self-cleaning and measuring of a volatile gas concentration with a photo-ionization detector (PID) that includes a first gas detection unit and a second gas detection unit, each of the gas detection units including an ionization chamber, in which an ambient gas including a volatile gas is ionized by a UV lamp. The method includes flowing the ambient gas through the ionization chamber of the first gas detection unit, so that the PID measures the volatile gas concentration, and stopping the ambient gas through the ionization chamber of the second gas detection unit so that the ambient gas is closed in the ionization chamber of the second gas detection unit while the ambient gas flows through the ionization chamber of the first gas detection unit. The UV lamp converts oxygen contained in the ambient gas in the ionization chamber of the second gas detection unit to ozone, which removes contamination in the ionization chamber of the second gas detection unit.
The method further includes supplying an oxygen-containing gas into the ionization chamber in which the flow of ambient gas is stopped.
Flowing and stopping the flow of ambient gas are repeatedly switched between the first and second gas detection units. The switch between flowing and stopping the flow of ambient gas is achieved by using a three-way valve connected between a pump and the ionization chamber of each of the gas detection units.

Photo-ionization detector and method for continuous operation and real-time self-cleaning


A freeze-drying process which reduces loss of the freeze-dried product comprising adding a liquid solution comprising a solid product dissolved in a solvent to a glass container having its inside surface coated with a silicone material; subjecting the container with the liquid solution therein to acceptable operable freeze-drying conditions to remove the solvent and leave the solid product in the container in the form of a dense compact coherent solid; and sealing the container to maintain the solid product stable over a useful storage shelf life.. An article of manufacture comprising a sealed glass container having its inside surface coated with a silicone material and containing an in situ freeze-dried dense compact coherent solid product.

Moisture sensitive medicinal substances, which are to be administered parenterally, by infusion or injection, must be stabilized for storage. A customary stabilizing method is to dry a solution of the medicinal substance by removal of the solvent by lyophilization. For this purpose, aqueous solutions of the medicinal substances are placed in glass ampoules, glass vials, or glass bottles with puncturable caps, then frozen and freeze-dried under reduced pressure. Glass ampoules, after the drying is completed, are sealed off outside of the freeze-dryer by melting the glass shut. Vials and flasks with puncturable caps can be closed in the freeze-dryer with a freeze-dried previously mounted stopper.
Primarily important are the composition and concentration of the active substance in the solution, the type and manner of freezing, the respective temperature gradient used for the freeze-drying, as well as the final temperature, since they affect the pharmaceutical quality of the product. Furthermore, the temperature and pressure schedules, as well as the length of time used for the freeze-drying, the thickness of the solution layer to be freeze-dried, the geometry of the container with respect to the surface area in contact with the coolable and heatable container positioning plate, as well as moisture present during dealing or closure of the product, influence the pharmaceutical quality of the product.
Reliable feeding of a precise volume of solution to be dried into the container without the solution touching the ampoule neck or the vial rim, as well as the avoidance of circumstances which may lead to deposit of product residues at the neck or shoulder of the ampoules, or between the respective vial and stopper contact and sealing areas, are equally significant for maintaining a desired production output. Within the framework of being able to warrant the content of each individual vial, ampoule or bottle in a batch, and content uniformity from batch-to-batch, which contributes greatly to ensuring that the stated dosage can be withdrawn from the container, it is important to avoid risks such as which occurs when the freeze-dried solid product adheres to the vial rim and stopper sealing areas since that adversely affects product stability as a result of an inadequate seal.
The product residues at the neck of the ampoules are observable during sight inspection, which takes place when the product containers have been sealed or closed. Containers which fail the control inspection must be sorted out and removed. The lack of consistency and the shape of the product cake lead to a manufacturing loss or utilization loss where ampoules are concerned which, depending on raw material costs and manufacturing expenses, renders production variable and much more expensive. Product adherence between the sealing area of vials with their stoppers is not immediately visible during sight inspection control and is completely hidden after the protective caps are put on vials and glass bottles. This results in leakiness and permits uncontrolled passage of humid air into the vials during storage and, thus, there is a danger of hydrolytic decay of the active substances within the vials and bottles.

Glass container internally coated with a silicone and having an in situ freeze-dried solid product therein, and process of making the same


A rotary blasthole drilling apparatus comprises a rotary blasthole drill and a drill automation control system. The apparatus includes a pull-down motor and a drill motor. The pull-down motor is driven by a pump to provide a pull-down force to a drill string, and the drill motor is used to provide rotary force to rotate a drill bit of the drill string. The drill automation control system includes a number of functional components including a user interface. Through the user interface, an operator sets a rotary torque set point that determines an amount of torque applied to the drill bit by the drill motor. The control system further includes a detector, for detecting pressure in the pump during a drilling operation, and a processor, which is operative under the control of a program stored therein and responsive to the rotary torque set point and signals from the pull-down pressure sensor for generating an error signal. The error signal is applied to a proportional control valve for modulating the pull-down pressure to provide a substantially constant torque to the system. The rotary torque set point may be varied as a function of one or more of the following external factors: excessive mast vibration, bit air pressure or bit plunge.

Although systems for monitoring drilling are known, these monitoring systems do not provide sufficient information for completely automated control. That is, these systems cannot emulate manual operation of the drilling operation and therefore cannot eliminate the need for manual intervention in the drill control. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,735 relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring a drilling process by measuring torque applied at the surface to a drill string and by measuring effective torque acting on the drill bit. This information can be accumulated in real time and displayed to the operator to assist the operator in manual adjustment of drilling control.
In a paper entitled "Instrumentation On Blasthole Drills Produces Significant Economic Benefits" by John F. Vynne, Second International Symposium On Mine Planning And Equipment Selection In Surface Mining, Calgary Nov. 1990, a discussion is presented of electronic instruments for use with monitoring rotary blasthole drills. One such device is a drilling efficiency indicator for displaying information (e.g., depth drilled, rate of penetration) to the drill operator. Using this information, the drill operator is able to manually adjust drilling control parameters to improve the drilling operation. Any such information can be recorded to provide on-line monitoring (e.g., indicate if a parameter goes into an "out of limit" condition) and recording during a drilling operation.
Despite the existence of drill control capabilities and the existence of some limited on-line monitoring of drilling parameters, currently monitored parameters do not provide automated drill control which avoids the need for human intervention. Current monitoring systems do not detect parameters which would permit emulated human control of a drilling operation. Accordingly, there is a need to detect parameters which can be measured in real-time for optimizing drill control (i.e., drilling efficiency) without overstressing the machine. Further, there is a need for a completely automated control system which, in addition to optimizing the drill operation itself, anti also reduces or eliminates the potential for human error in all phases of the drill operation (e.g., drill set-up, transport and so forth).


A method for classifying an object in a point cloud includes computing first and second classification statistics for one or more points in the point cloud. Closest matches are determined between the first and second classification statistics and a respective one of a set of first and second classification statistics corresponding to a set of N classes of a respective first and second classifier, to estimate the object is in a respective first and second class. If the first class does not correspond to the second class, a closest fit is performed between the point cloud and model point clouds for only the first and second classes of a third classifier. The object is assigned to the first or second class, based on the closest fit within near real time of receiving the 3D point cloud. A device is operated based on the assigned object class.

Optical detection of range, often referenced by a mnemonic, LIDAR, for light detection and ranging, is used for a variety of applications, from altimetry, to imaging, to collision avoidance. LIDAR provides finer scale range resolution with smaller beam sizes than conventional microwave ranging systems, such as radio-wave detection and ranging (RADAR). Optical detection of range can be accomplished with several different techniques, including direct ranging based on round trip travel time of an optical pulse to a target, and chirped detection based on a frequency difference between a transmitted chirped optical signal and a returned signal scattered from a target, and phase encoded detection based on a sequence of single frequency phase changes that are distinguishable from natural signals.
To achieve acceptable range accuracy and detection sensitivity, direct long range LIDAR systems use short pulse lasers with low pulse repetition rate and extremely high pulse peak power. The high pulse power can lead to rapid degradation of optical components. Chirped LIDAR systems use long optical pulses with relatively low peak optical power. In this configuration, the range accuracy depends on the chirp bandwidth rather than the pulse duration, and therefore excellent range accuracy can still be obtained.
Useful optical chirp bandwidths have been achieved using wideband radio frequency (RF) electrical signals to modulate an optical carrier. Recent advances in chirped LIDAR include using the same modulated optical carrier as a reference signal that is combined with the returned signal at an optical detector to produce in the resulting electrical signal a relatively low beat frequency that is proportional to the difference in frequencies between the references and returned optical signals. This kind of beat frequency detection of frequency differences at a detector is called heterodyne detection. It has several advantages known in the art, such as the advantage of using RF components of ready and inexpensive availability. Recent work described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,742,152, shows a novel simpler arrangement of optical components that uses, as the reference optical signal, an optical signal split from the transmitted optical signal. This arrangement is called homodyne detection in that patent.
LIDAR detection with phase encoded microwave signals modulated onto an optical carrier have been used as well. This technique relies on correlating a sequence of phases (or phase changes) of a particular frequency in a return signal with that in the transmitted signal. A time delay associated with a peak in correlation is related to range by the speed of light in the medium. Advantages of this technique include the need for fewer components, and the use of mass produced hardware components developed for phase encoded microwave and optical communications.
The data returned by these LIDAR systems is often represented as a point cloud. A point cloud is a set of data points in some coordinate system. In a three dimensional coordinate system, these points are usually defined by X, Y and Z coordinates, and often are intended to represent the external surface of an object. 3D point clouds can be generated by 3D scanners, such as LIDAR systems including chirped LIDAR and phase coded LIDAR, among other types of scanners.

Method and system for classification of an object in a point cloud data set


Methods, devices, and systems related to a user interface for modifying pictures are described. Modifying pictures can include placing an image of a picture in a different picture, replacing an image of the picture with a different image, deleting an image from the picture, and/or storing an image from the picture. In an example, a method can include displaying a first picture on a user interface of a mobile device, receiving, on the user interface, a selection of at least one foreground image included in the first picture, receiving, on the user interface, a selection of a background image included in a library of images, and displaying, on a user interface, a second picture including the at least one selected foreground image and the selected background image responsive to receiving the selection of the at least one foreground image followed by the selection of the background image.

A mobile device can be, for example, a smart phone, a tablet, a wrist-worn device, a digital camera, and/or redundant combinations thereof, among other types of mobile devices. Mobile devices can include one or more cameras to capture pictures. In some examples, a picture can contain an unwanted person, animal, object, and/or background.
A mobile device can also include a number of applications. An application can be included or downloaded onto a mobile device to modify pictures. Picture modification applications can include manually drawing and cropping around a wanted and/or unwanted background, person, animal, and/or object.


The invention relates to a new technology which uses a surface modification method for ultra-precision machining, and in particular relates to a particle beam-assisted ultraprecision machining method for single-crystal brittle materials. The invention, the particle beam-assisted ultra-precision machining method for single-crystal brittle materials, can significantly improve machining accuracy, reduce surface finish and greatly reduce tool wear during ultra-precision machining of brittle materials. The method adopts the technical proposal that the method comprises of the following steps: a) utilizing simulation software to simulate modification parameters according to cutting depth, surface roughness and other machining requirements; b) using particle beams to bombard or irradiate the surface of a single-crystal brittle material to be machined, according to the energy and fluence obtained from the simulation results; c) utilizing ultra-precision cutting (or grinding) technology to perform ultra precise cutting on the single-crystal material which is bombarded or irradiated by the particle beams; and d) measuring and characterizing the surface quality of the machined material and comparing the improvement of the machined surface quality with that of the unmodified machined surface. The method is mainly used for machining the single-crystal brittle materials.

Ultra-precision machining is a high precision machining technology developed to adapt to the growing requirement for high accuracy in surface finishing. Ultra-precision machining includes ultra-precision turning, grinding, lapping, polishing, etc. As single-crystal brittle materials, such as single-crystal silicon, are hard and brittle, machined surfaces will show brittle fractures during ultra-precision machining processes, which significantly affect surface quality and form accuracy.
Reducing and even eliminating embrittlement in the machining process, improving the machining accuracy and reducing surface roughness during ultra-precision machining have always been the goals in this field of research.

Particle beam-assisted ultra-precision machining method for single-crystal brittle materials


A system an method allowing customers of a banking institution to transmit bulk files of payment instructions to the bank for execution. The payment instructions may include a mix of domestic or international Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions, domestic or international wire transfers, multibank transactions and instructions to print checks drawn on the receiving bank or at another bank. For payments requiring payment in a foreign currency in which the customer does not have an account the present invention automatically generates and executes a contract for the foreign exchange (FX) to obtain the currency required to fulfill the payment instruction. The automatic FX process can furthermore use a real time feed of foreign exchange rates as opposed to the static rates traditionally applied to such contracts.

Two important services offered by financial institutions (banks) to its customers is the ability to make payments from the customer's accounts and the ability to execute the exchange of one currency. Currency exchange is also known as foreign exchange or FX. Customer payments are typically made in the form of wire transfers, checks or cross border wire transfers (transfers across national borders) to a beneficiary. Often a transaction by a customer will require both a foreign exchange and a payment. The FX transaction must take place first in order to obtain the correct currency for the payment (e.g., a payment in Deutschmarks (DEM) to a vendor in Berlin).
Historically, customers had to arrange such payments and foreign exchange on a one by one transactional basis. In an effort to reduce expenses, corporations are willing to allow trusted third parties, such as banks, to assume some of the functions associated with the payments process. Rather than support multiple processes internally to initiate different payment types, these corporations want their banks to assume some of these responsibilities. This form of outsourcing eliminates exception processing by the corporation and streamlines their payables operation
An existing solution for customers who do not maintain foreign currency accounts is to create an import file that could be transmitted to the bank where the FX deals could be contracted and settled. However presently, this solution requires manual intervention on the part of the customer to contract FX and release the payment. There is accordingly a need in the industry for a system which can receive payment and FX instructions from a customer and automatically execute the required FX contracts and settle the payments with the resulting funds from the foreign exchange.

System and method for processing foreign currency payment instructions contained in bulk files


A rotatable vent assembly system for areas where breathable airflow is required is disclosed herein. The rotatable vent assembly system improves airflow in any structure where breathable airflow may be a concern, including but not limited to air vacuum vaults, valve vaults, water tanks, pressure reducing valve units, or other confined structures. The rotatable vent assembly system helps reduce frost accumulation within riser pipes during winter months and improves breathable air within confined spaces. By reducing the accumulation of frost, the potential for pipe breakage is reduced, also reducing maintenance and replacement costs to municipalities and property owners for burst pipes. Rotating the vent control component at the top of a riser pipe connected to a pipe system controls the flow of breathable air by increasing or reducing airflow within the pipe system.

This invention relates to vent assemblies and improvements thereof to prevent accumulation of frost, snow, or debris around and within vent assemblies.
A vent assembly is useful to prevent the buildup of gases or cold temperatures in water, waste water, or other system(s) where breathable airflow is required. Vent assemblies are used in pipe assemblies, households, water heaters, water systems, underground sewage systems, septic tanks, and more. The invention herein refers to vent assemblies where breathable airflow is necessary, but the same idea and invention claimed presently can be used for any vent assembly system.
Most underground vent assemblies in the prior art comprise a riser pipe with a mesh screen around the opening fitted perpendicular to a system of pipes. Water and waste water gases that can accumulate within the pipe system are vented via the riser pipe, increasing breathable airflow throughout the pipe system and preventing the possibility of gas buildup. Accumulation of gases also reduces breathable airflow throughout a pipe system and can result in gases exiting through undesirable exit points.
In certain geographic regions, frost accumulates along the lumen and outside of riser pipes during winter months. The mixing of cold air from the outside to the warmer air and precipitation within the pipe lumen increases the possibility that the vent tube will freeze. Frost build-up and freezing within the riser pipe eventually leads to cracking of the pipes and increased maintenance costs for municipalities to prevent additional cracking.
Too much frost accumulation within the lumen of the riser pipe also can inhibit release of built up gases within the pipe system because the moisture trapped within the lumen of the pipe assembly freezes solid. As the trapped moisture freezes within the riser pipe, less gas is able to vent through the assembly. Eventually, little to no gas escapes the riser pipe because the lumen is frozen through completely.
It is important to vent harmful gases such as methane, ammonia, carbon monoxide, or hydrogen sulfide because accumulation of the gases in a confined space could be noxious to humans. Potential effects of prolonged exposure to hydrogen sulfide or ammonia include irritation of the respiratory tract and the eyes. Exposure to an extremely high concentration of hydrogen sulfide or ammonia can even be fatal.
Methane and carbon monoxide are both odorless colorless gases that are also fatal to humans in high enough concentrations. Methane can displace oxygen in closed facilities resulting in a potential asphyxiation risk when breathed by humans.
Carbon monoxide also displaces oxygen when inhaled resulting in accumulation in the bloodstream and negative health effects. The frost-free vent assembly helps reduce the accumulation of these gases in enclosed environments.
Another risk of accumulating methane or carbon monoxide, in addition to health harms, is the potential combustion risk. Poorly ventilated structures with higher blends of oxygen and methane increase the explosion risk of the structure. Riser pipes and vent assemblies in the prior art do not address the issues mentioned above.


An uplink information transmission method and apparatus are disclosed. The uplink information transmission method includes: receiving, by a terminal device, downlink control information DCI sent by a network device, and determining, based on the DCI, a transmission resource of a physical uplink shared channel PUSCH scheduled by using the DCI, where the transmission resource of the PUSCH overlaps a transmission resource of a physical uplink control channel PUCCH in time domain, and the PUCCH is used to carry to-be-transmitted uplink control information UCI; and when a first condition is met, sending, by the terminal device, uplink data on the PUSCH, and skipping sending the UCI on the PUSCH.

Simultaneous transmission of a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) is supported in long term evolution (LTE). However, to reduce a peak to average power ratio (PAPR), and reduce impact of inter-modulation distortion (IMD), uplink control information (UCI) to be carried on the PUCCH is usually piggybacked on the PUSCH. This UCI transmission manner is also referred to as UCI being piggybacked on a PUSCH. In addition, it is considered that importance of the UCI is greater than that of uplink data carried on the PUSCH. Therefore, a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) offset value of the UCI is set to be greater than or equal to 1.
However, when the UCI is piggybacked on the PUSCH, the UCI occupies a part of a resource originally used to carry the uplink data. Consequently, an available resource for transmission of the uplink data is reduced, an encoding rate of the uplink data is increased, and reliability of transmission of the uplink data is reduced. In addition, in a 5G new radio access technology (5G NR) protocol, a ratio of a resource occupied by the UCI in PUSCH transmission to an entire PUSCH resource is in direct proportion to a ratio of a payload size of the UCI to a transport block size (TBS) of the uplink data carried on the PUSCH. Therefore, when the TBS of the uplink data is relatively small and the payload size of the UCI is relatively large, the UCI occupies a very large proportion of the resource. Consequently, this severely affects transmission reliability of the uplink data and cannot adapt to a communication scenario with a relatively high requirement on uplink data reliability, for example, an ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) application scenario in a 5th generation (5G) mobile communications system.

Uplink information transmission method and apparatus


An output driver circuit provides more constant slew rates in the presence of process, voltage, or temperature variations that affect performance. An open ended (no feedback) solution is utilized that provides more constant slew rates in spite of PVT variations. A first performance dependent current and a reference current are generated and a third current is generated that is inversely related to performance utilizing the reference current and the performance dependent current. The third current is supplied to a gate of a first transistor circuit forming a portion of the output driver to thereby control the slew rate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to output buffers utilized in integrated circuits and more particularly to controlling slew rates of such output buffers.
2. Description of the Related Art
High speed data busses, such as PCIX 2.0, have requirements regarding variations in slew rate. Slew rate in that context is the rate of change of output signal voltage. For example in PCIX 2.0, the slew rate requirement is 1.8V/ns<Slew Rate<3.0 V/ns. One approach to providing slew rate control is to build a replica circuit of an output buffer that accurately represents the output slew rate. A slew rate control current is then adjusted until the replica slew rate measures to be within limits. Adjusting the replica circuit appropriately requires an external time base and a slew rate measurement technique.
In integrated circuit manufacturing, the manufacturing process varies resulting in integrated circuits having different performance capabilities, even if the same part is manufactured in the same manufacturing facility. Thus, due to process variations and operating ranges, integrated circuits behave differently. As a result integrated circuits may be grouped based on performance into "fast corners" and "slow corners." In the fast corner, integrated circuits perform faster due to variations of such factors as process, voltage, or temperature. Process variations can include such factors as threshold voltage (VT), gate length, input capacitance, sheet resistance, and gate to drain capacitance. Integrated circuits that operate in the fast corner typically have process characteristics leading to faster performance such as lower VT, shorter gate length, lower input capacitance, etc. Similarly, a high supply voltage VDD can result in increased performance of the integrated circuit. For those integrated circuits in the slow corner, their operation is slower due to such factors as low VDD and high VT. Of particular interest herein is the varying performance of output driver circuits due to process, voltage, and/or temperature (PVT) variations.
Performance variations due to process, voltage, and temperature make it difficult to guarantee that slew rate requirements are met across normal process variations. That is, an output signal will change too quickly or too slowly to meet slew rate requirements.

Output buffer with slew rate control utilizing an inverse process dependent current reference


A device for sending broadcast-program information to a plurality of terminal devices connected via a network so that the plurality of terminal devices display the broadcast-program information on display screens. The device includes an addition unit attaching at least one of a reception setting button and a recording setting button to broadcast-program information which is to be sent to a terminal device, the reception setting button and the recording setting button being used in the terminal device for issuing a request to make settings for automatic receiving and recording, respectively, of a selected broadcast program. The device further includes an execution-information extracting unit obtaining execution information in response to the request, the execution information specifying information necessary for making the settings, and a transmission unit sending the execution information to the terminal device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a broadcast-program-listing transmission device and terminal devices connected thereto via a network or the like, wherein the broadcast-program-listing transmission device transmits listings of broadcast programs or program-guide information to the terminal devices so as to display the listings of broadcast programs or the program-guide information on display screens of the terminal devices. The present invention particularly relates to a broadcast-program-listing transmission device which allows settings to be easily made at the sites of the terminal devices for automatic receiving/recording of broadcast programs due to go on the air at scheduled future times, and relates to a terminal device which activates a receiver and/or a recorder according to settings made by the broadcast-program-listing transmission device.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the related art, when preparing a receiver for automatic reception of a broadcast program due to go on the air at a later time, a user makes settings to the receiver such as a television set or a radio so that the receiver will be tuned to a relevant broadcasting station at an indicated future time. When preparing a recorder for automatic recording of a broadcast program due to go on the air at a later time, a user sets the recorder such as a videocassette recorder or a cassette recorder in order to activate the recorder at a requested future time.
In either case, the user has to go through manual handling of the receiver or the recorder in order to make necessary settings. No reliable technology is yet available to allow the user to make reception/recording settings through a simple operation.
In recent years, however, progress of use of networks such as the Internet has helped to create new services. Each broadcast station keeps information on broadcast programs of its own station in files. Upon a request from a terminal device connected via a network, a broadcast station reads broadcast-program information from the files, and sends the information to the terminal device via the network. In this manner, the terminal device can display a listing of broadcast programs on the display screen with respect to each broadcast station.
Accordingly, there is a need for a broadcast-program-listing transmission device which allows settings to be easily made for automatic receiving/recording of broadcast programs due to go on the air at scheduled future times. Also, there is a need for a terminal device which activates a receiver and/or a recorder according to settings made by the broadcast-program-listing transmission device, wherein the broadcast-program-listing transmission device transmits listings of broadcast programs to the terminal devices connected via a network or the like so as to display the listings of broadcast programs on display screens of the terminal devices.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a broadcast-program-listing transmission device and a terminal device which can satisfy the need described above.
It is another and more specific object of the present invention to provide a broadcast-program-listing transmission device which allows settings to be easily made for automatic receiving/recording of broadcast programs due to go on the air at scheduled future times.
In order to achieve the above objects according to the present invention, a device for sending broadcast-program information to a plurality of terminal devices connected via a network so that the plurality of terminal devices display the broadcast-program information on display screens thereof includes an addition unit attaching at least one of a reception setting button and a recording setting button to broadcast-program information which is to be sent to a terminal device, the reception setting button and the recording setting button being used in the terminal device for issuing a request to make settings for automatic receiving and recording, respectively, of a selected broadcast program, an execution-information extracting unit obtaining execution information in response to the request, the execution information specifying information necessary for making the settings, and a transmission unit sending the execution information to the terminal device.
The device described above transmits the broadcast-program information including at least one of the reception setting button and the recording setting button to the terminal device, and further transmits the execution information to the terminal device so as to allow the terminal device to make settings for automatic receiving/recording of a selected broadcast program based on the execution information. This execution information is transmitted from the device in response to a button operation performed on the side of the terminal device. That is, a user of the terminal device needs only a button operation on the reception setting button and/or the recording setting button in order to make the settings. In this manner, settings for automatic receiving/recording of broadcast programs can be readily made.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a terminal device which activates a receiver and/or a recorder according to settings made by the broadcast-program-listing transmission device, wherein the broadcast-program-listing transmission device transmits listings of broadcast programs or the like to the terminal devices connected via a network or the like so as to display the listings of broadcast programs or the like on display screens of the terminal devices.
In order to achieve the above object according to the present invention, a device for receiving broadcast-program information from a transmission device connected via a network and for displaying the broadcast-program information on a display screen includes a receiving unit receiving execution information from the transmission device, the execution information specifying information necessary for making settings for at least one of automatic receiving and automatic recording of a selected broadcast program, a setting-file unit storing the execution information, a check unit checking if a date and time specified in the execution information has arrived, and an instruction unit giving at least one of a first instruction to a receiver to receive the selected broadcast program and a second instruction to a recorder to record the selected broadcast program based on the execution information when the date and time has arrived.
The device as described above can control a receiver to receive broadcast programs and/or a recorder to record broadcast programs based on the execution information sent from the broadcast-program transmission device.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the execution information includes a channel number, an aired or broadcast date, a starting time, and an ending time of the selected broadcast program. Based on this execution information, the device described above can control the receiver and/or the recorder via the instruction unit such as a remote controller to set the channel, turn on the receiver and/or the recorder, and turn off the receiver and/or the recorder.
Other objects and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Transmission device and terminal device for automatic reception/recording of broadcast programs


A locking mechanism for a limiting contact maker is divulged comprising two levers which act respectively on two pusher blocks actuating the switches of a change-over contact maker. Each of these levers, articulated about a fixed shaft, comprises a roller applied to the profile of a rotary cam by a spring. This cam may pass from a locked automatic operational position in which it allows the switches to close by maintaining the levers away from the pusher blocks, to a tripped position in which the lever acts on the pusher blocks for holding the switches in the open position.

The present invention relates to a lock mechanism for a limiting contact maker, of the kind comprising at least one set of switches which can be closed and opened by a control electromagnet, which forms its contact making function, or else opened only by a device which, associated with an overload detector, provides rapid opening corresponding to the limiting function.
The limiting function has priority over the contact making function, which means that in the case of closure on a short circuit, the process of opening the switches must take place as rapidly as possible. For this, the control for opening the switches is provided by an appropriate mechanism, cut-off of the power supply to the electromagnet only taking place so as to confirm the cutoff.

Lock mechanism for a limiting contact maker


A method for transmitting a status report in a communication system based on multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) is provided. The method includes, when missing sequence numbers are detected from sequence numbers of packets stored in a reception buffer, identifying whether there are one or more sequence numbers which have not been received due to a transmission delay time difference between the multiple RATs in the missing sequence numbers, and when there are one or more sequence numbers in the missing sequence numbers, delaying transmission of the status report.

In general, a Radio Link Control (RLC) layer of a cellular network performs retransmission of a failed transmission of an RLC Protocol Data Unit (PDU) to provide reliable communication. For the retransmission of a failed transmission of an RLC PDU, an RLC entity of a receiving side (hereinafter referred to as a "reception RLC entity") generates a status report recording a status including "success" or "failure" of reception of each of RLC PDUs received up to a current time from an RLC entity of a transmitting side (hereinafter referred to as a "transmission RLC entity"). Further, the reception RCL entity transmits the status report generated as described above to the transmission RLC entity. The generation of the status report may be largely divided into two types. In a first type, when the reception RLC entity detects reception failure of the RLC PDU, the reception RLC entity generates a status report by itself without a request of the transmission RLC and transmits the generated status report to the transmission RLC entity. In a second type, the transmission RLC entity explicitly transmits a request for the status report to the reception RLC entity. Thereafter, the reception RLC entity generates the status report and responds to the request.
Hereinafter, an RLC supporting a function of dividing one data stream into two or more radio access links, that is, Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and transmitting the divided RATs is defined as a multi-RAT RLC. In general, different radio access links have different transmission delay times by different characteristics of corresponding radio channels or different characteristics of protocols used in the radio channels. Accordingly, RLC PDUs transmitted through different radio access links by the multi-RAT RLC may experience different delay times. Hereinafter, such a delay is defined as an asymmetric transmission delay (hereinafter referred to as "skew").
The receiving side receives a packet transmitted through a radio access link having a relatively short transmission delay time and, at a later time, receives a packet transmitted through a radio access link having a relatively long transmission delay time among packets almost simultaneously transmitted through a plurality of radio access links by the transmitting side. Accordingly, the receiving side receives out-of-order packets. Alternatively, a time point may exist when the receiving side receives the packet transmitted through the radio access link having the relatively short delay time but does not receive the packet transmitted through the radio access link having the relatively long delay time. In such a time point, in a point of view of a reception buffer of the RLC layer of the receiving side, the packet received through the radio access link having the relatively long delay time among packets which have not been received seems to be lost during the transmission.
In transmitting a status report to the transmission RLC entity, if the reception RLC entity transmits the status report without regard to the delay time generated due to a transmission delay time difference between different radio access links, a status report indicating transmission failure may be transmitted for packets which can be successfully received after a little delay time with a changed order. In this event, unnecessary retransmission by the transmitting side is made, and thus radio resources are wasted.
Therefore, a need exists for a method and an apparatus for transmitting a status report in a multi-RAT communication system supporting different RATs.
The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

Method and apparatus for transmitting radio link control status report in communication system based on multiple radio access technologies


A method of encrypting data to be accessed only by a group of users comprises a user in the group receiving a user secret si=ƒ1(R, ui), the user secret having been created by operating a first one-way function f1 on parameters comprising a root key R and a public identifier ui for the user. The user in the group receives a public identifier ui for each of the other users in the group. The user in the group obtains a group key by operating a second one-way function ƒ2 on parameters comprising the user secret s, and the public identifiers for the other users in the group u1, u2, . . . , uj−1, uj+1 . . . un−1, un, wherein said second one-way function/band said first one-way function ƒ1 satisfy: ƒ2(ƒ1(R,u1), u2, . . . , un)=ƒ2(ƒ1(R,u2), u1, u3, u4 . . . , un)= . . . =ƒ2(ƒ1(R,un), u1, u2 . . . , un−1). The user in the group encrypts the data using the group key.

Currently, data is typically protected by encryption at the physical layer (e.g. by encrypting a point-to-point communications link, or an entire hard disk), or at the network layer through packet encryption (e.g. using IPSEC). However, that is generally not practical for protecting data of different security levels that need to be shared between different communities. A more flexible approach is to encrypt a data object (e.g. a word document, a paragraph within a document, or a token identifying a user, for example in a conferencing system) with an encryption key available only to those who have a right to access the object. The object can then be stored and transported without further encryption and objects of different security level can be placed on an open common server. The main problem in such a solution is deriving a key that is only available to a certain subset of users, and distributing that key.
In a conventional system, there is a central key management system and every time a group of users is assigned to an object, a key is generated, used to encrypt that object and distributed to all the users authorised to access it. Alternatively, each user establishes a secure channel and request the key if they need access to the object. The need to ensure that the keys are only provided to legitimate users gives rise to significant problems of key storage and user identity management and authentication.
A scheme has been propose by S. Tsujii and T Itoh (in "An ID-based crypto system based on the discrete logarithm problem", IEEE Journal on selected areas in communications, Vol. 7 No. 4, 1989, pp 467-473) that uses the discrete log problem (discussed further below). That scheme was then later extended by Tzong-Chen Wu and Yuh-Shihng Chan (in "Authorization-based Group-orientated Secure Broadcast System", Journal of Information Science and Engineering 15, pp 653-667 (1999) with the intention of adding "authorisation based" access control. However, neither of those schemes is particularly general in their approach, rather being limited to specific solutions. They also introduce unnecessary complexity and hence potential weaknesses. Other extensions to the Tsujii and Itoh scheme have been proposed and have been shown to be insecure (see C. S. Laih and J. Y. Lee, "Modified ID-based cryptosystem using discrete logarithm problem", Electronics Letters, 7 Jul. 1988, Vol. 24, pp 858-859, and S. Tsujii, T. Itoh, H. Tanaka, Toyko Inst. of Technology, "Modified ID-based cryptosystem using discrete logarithm problem (comment)", Electronic Letters, 5 Jan. 1989, Vol. 25, pp 77-78).
The use of one-way functions in key generation for encryption is well-known. Whilst no-one has proved the existence of functions that comply with the strict academic definition of a "one-way function", the person skilled in the field of key generation for encryption understands that a one-way function is a function that is easy to compute, but hard to invert (i.e., no methods of computing the inversions are known that are quick enough for the inversions to be possible on practical timescales). Several known families of functions are generally believed to be one-way, and are well-known amongst persons skilled in the art. As used herein, a "one-way function" is a function that would be considered by skilled persons in the encryption community to be effectively one-way, for practical purposes.
It would be advantageous to provide a method and system in which one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages is eliminated or at least reduced. It would be advantageous to eliminate or reduce the infrastructure and management needed to manage keys and related information in systems where data objects need to be encrypted and shared, reducing the cost of development, deployment and maintenance of such systems. It would also be advantageous to provide a method and system for establishing a common key for a multiparty communication on systems such as combat net radio, or voice conferences.


A three-phase motor driving circuit and a three-phase motor driving method are provided. The three-phase motor driving circuit includes an inverter circuit, a control circuit, a turn-off module, a turn-off confirmation module, and a turn-on logic unit. The inverter circuit includes a plurality of phase circuits, each including an upper bridge switch and a lower bridge switch. The control circuit operates in a feedback mode to output a feedback start signal. The turn-off module includes a feedback detection unit, a voltage adjusting unit, and a turn-off logic unit. The feedback detection unit detects an output current of a designated phase circuit, and if the output current flows out, a voltage regulation signal is output until the output current is 0, and a lower bridge turn-off signal is output. The voltage adjusting unit adjusts the voltage of the output node to be close to a predetermined voltage.

With the advancement of technology, motors have become indispensable electronic devices in the information society. Common motors such as DC motors, AC motors, stepping motors, and the like, have been widely used to drive fans.
The motor includes an upper bridge switch, a lower bridge switch and a drive circuit. A driving circuit is used to control the upper bridge switch and the lower bridge switch to be turned on or off. The upper bridge switch and the lower bridge switch are related to working conditions of the motor. Furthermore, the driving circuit controls the upper bridge switch and the lower bridge switch to be turned on or off to change polarities of a coil of the motor with an output voltage. By utilizing an interaction between the polarities of the coil and polarities of a motor rotor of the motor, the motor rotor will start to rotate due to the polarities of the coil. However, changes of magnetic flux on the coil cause a reverse voltage on a coil connector, which is called back electromotive force.
When the upper bridge switch and the lower bridge switch are alternately switched to drive the motor, and when the upper bridge switch is turned off and the lower bridge switch is turned on, the power supply stops supplying voltage to the motor, such that a voltage of an output node between the upper bridge switch and the lower bridge switch begins to drop. When a switching sequence turns off the lower bridge switch, a current flowing to the node will flow to the power supply, which would cause the voltage to be too high and damage metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) switches.
In practice, a protective Zener diode and a protective capacitor are inserted between the power supply and the motor driver to prevent the reverse current in the motor from flowing back to the power supply, thereby suppressing a power supply voltage (VCC) to protect the power switch.

Three-phase motor driving circuit and three-phase motor driving method


An LED driver for controlling a current supplied to an LED fixture, the LED driver including a switched mode power supply (SMPS) for providing the current to the LED array and a control unit for controlling a switch of the SMPS. The control unit includes an input terminal connected to a current sensing circuit and the switch is connected to the LED fixture at a node downstream of the LED fixture. The current sensing circuit of the LED driver provides a feedback signal to the input terminal of the control unit; the current sensing circuit including a current sensor arranged to provide, when the switch is closed, the feedback signal representing a level of the current supplied to the LED fixture; the current sensing circuit further providing the feedback signal indicating a zero-crossing of the current supplied to the LED fixture when the switch is open.

LED based illumination is at present more and more applied instead of conventional lighting such as halogen lights.
In general, LED based illumination applications comprise an LED fixture (e.g. comprising one or more LEDs) and an LED driver for powering the LED fixture. Such an LED driver, in general, comprises a power converter (e.g. a switched mode power converter such as a Buck or Boost converter) and a control unit controlling the power converter and thus the current as supplied to the LED fixture. The power converter of an LED driver for LED based applications is often operated at a comparatively high switching frequency (˜100 kHz or more) and provides as such a substantially continuous current to the LED fixture. However, a more efficient way to supply a current to an LED fixture may be to operate the power converter of the LED driver in a so-called boundary conduction mode (also known as critical condition mode) whereby a switch of the power converter is switched off at a predetermined level (e.g. determined from a set-point indicating a desired illumination characteristic), and switched on again at a zero-crossing of the current. Such an operating mode is e.g. described in US 2007/0267978. By operating the power converter in a critical conduction mode, less dissipation occurs in the switch or switches of the power converter, providing an improved overall efficiency. In order to determine at which current level the power converter is operating, the LED drivers as known in the art are provided with several current or voltage sensors providing feedback signals to a control circuit controlling the power converter. Such sensors in general provide their feedback signals to a plurality of input terminals of the control unit thus putting constraints to the complexity of the control unit or limiting the functionality of the control unit. As typically such control units are bought as separate components whereby only a limited number of configurations are available (e.g. with respect to the available in- or outputs), such a sensor feedback requirement may limit the choice of selecting a general purpose control unit or may require purchasing a more extended, thus more expensive control unit.

LED driver operating in boundary condition mode


The present disclosure discloses a method and an apparatus for measuring response curve of an image sensor. The method comprises: taking at least one photograph of a Grey Scale card with an image sensor to be measured, wherein the photograph comprises a plurality of greyscale image blocks; calculating relative exposure values for each greyscale image block respectively corresponding to the greyscale blocks of the Grey Scale card; plotting a plurality of reference points based on pixel values of pixel points within each greyscale image block and the relative exposure values, and executing an interpolation calculation based on the reference points to obtain a response curve of the image sensor.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of image processing, and more specifically, to a method and an apparatus for measuring response curve of an image sensor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A response curve of a digital image sensor reflects the correspondence between the exposure value when a photograph is taken using the digital image sensor and the pixel value of the image outputted from the image sensor. Generally speaking, the exposure value and the image pixel value exhibit a nonlinear relationship there between. FIG. 1 shows a graph of a response curve of an image sensor. In FIG. 1, the abscissa indicates the exposure value represented by natural logarithm, and the ordinate indicates the pixel value of the image. The pixel value is represented by using 8-bit data, showing 256 values ranging from 0 to 255. By using a response curve of an image sensor, a post processing can be performed on an image captured by the image sensor, so that a complex exposure effect that cannot be realized when the image is taken can be simulated in the post processing. Therefore, the quality of the post processed image can be improved, and further, much more useful information can be extracted from the image.
Different image sensors typically have different response curves. If an inaccurate response curve is used to post process an image, the image obtained through simulation exposure may be distorted and also false image details may be formed. Thus, it is necessary to measure and calculate a response curve individually for each image sensor.
Methods of calculating response curve of an image sensor in the prior art usually make use of a series of images taken with different exposure levels from a same scene. By such methods, the response of pixel values of the image captured by the image sensor to the exposure value is represented as Zij=f(Ei*Δtj). f is a response curve function. Zij represents the pixel value at position i of the j-th image, and Ei represents the scene irradiance where i is a spatial index over pixels. Δtj represents the exposure time where j indexes over exposure times Δtj. The product of Ei and Δtj represents the exposure value. Although the irradiance at a certain position of an image is kept unchanged, that is, Ei remains the same in the images with different exposure levels, the exposure time Δtj differs, such that the pixel values outputted from a same scene after exposure curve mapping are diverse from each other in the images with different exposure levels. Such methods used for calculating response curve need to select several pixel points from the image. Given that the pixel values Zij of the pixel points and the corresponding exposure time Δtj are known, a system of equations is formed according to Zij=f(Ei*Δtj). Then, the response curve f is obtained by solving the system of equations. In some improved methods, the pixel points used in solving the system of equations are screened such that the response curve finally obtained through calculation is smoother and more accurate.
However, these methods require taking photographs from a same scene several times and obtain a series of photographs, and a great number of pixel points of the photographs are needed for the calculation of the response curve. Therefore, the established system of equations for the response curve is large in scale, which results in a great amount of data needed for the calculation and extreme complexity of the solving process.
In addition, taking a series of photographs of a same scene with different exposure durations requires that these photographs should be aligned to the pixel level, such that the correspondence between the pixel values and the exposure values can be accurately reflected. Otherwise, the accuracy of the calculated response curve will be affected. Although some auxiliary devices such as tripod can be used when taking photographs, it is still very difficult to satisfy the above alignment requirement to pixel level. Thus, before calculating the response curve, some special calibration algorithms are needed to perform an alignment calibration on a series of photographs with different exposure levels.

Method and apparatus for measuring response curve of an image sensor

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