A multimedia data keyword management method and a keyword data structure which can be applied to a search system is disclosed. According to the present invention, the search system includes a data table having a plurality of multimedia objects mapped with one or more keywords and can additionally register a new keyword to a data table through a feedback of a user according to a search result when a particular multimedia object is to be searched with a specific keyword. Each newly registered keyword can be weighted based on the keyword feedback authorization level of the user providing the feedback.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a multimedia data keyword management method for multimedia objects, and more particularly to a multimedia data keyword management method and a keyword data structure which enable addition of new keywords to a search system by feedback from a user.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, the technology for digital image signal processing has significantly been developed and has been applied in various fields. One field in which the digital image signal processing technology may be used is a search system for searching a particular object in image files such as a document, a movie, or a drama. Regardless of the method of searching, all search system must perform a prompt and exact search of the particular object.
In a search system for searching a multimedia object using a keyword, an operator of the search system assigns a specific keyword to a multimedia data. Thus, an multimedia object which matches a keyword entered by a user is searched for and displayed. In such process, each keyword is pre-assigned either manually or automatically by an object producer provided in the search system.
However, when actually using a search system based on keywords, it may be difficult for a user to enter a keyword which exactly matches a desired multimedia object. For example, a particular object may be mapped with a keyword of xe2x80x9cpicture,xe2x80x9d while a user may try to search the object with a keyword of xe2x80x9cimage.xe2x80x9d Accordingly, the user may not obtain a satisfactory result.
To solve this problem, U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,019 discloses a object search system which includes a table having Information of associated keywords and which performs a search using these similar keywords to which weight values are assigned by the user. Also, various keyword search engines include a table having similar words, thereby allowing a search system to perform a search referring to the table when a user enters a keyword. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,042 discloses such a search system.
In still another search system, a keyword definition structure is implemented, in which a definition matched with each keyword is hierarchically displayed on a user profile and is controlled by a feedback from a user. However, the hierarchical structure change by feedback is possible only for keywords already defined, and cannot be used for other similar keywords which has not previously been defined. Therefore, a user cannot perform a satisfactory search.
Additionally, while the search systems in the related art may provide various search approaches from a user, the predetermined keyword information for an object cannot be changed by feedback from the user. Namely, search systems in the related art based on similar word table or hierarchical structure try to determine a correct meaning of a keyword entered by a user, but can only return objects matched with predefined keywords stored in the search system and cannot provide a search result if a keyword entered by a user is not among the predefined keywords. Moreover, since the search systems in the related art uses only one table of similar words in managing the total multimedia objects, they cannot reflect different search patterns of various users.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve at least the problems and disadvantages of the related art.
An object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient multimedia data keyword management method in a search system including a data table having a plurality of multimedia objects mapped with one or more keywords.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia data keyword management method which can additionally register a new keyword to a data table through a feedback of a user according to a search result.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a keyword data structure for effectively performing multimedia object management in a multimedia object search system.
Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained as particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a search system based on keyword comprises a user entering one or more keywords with respect to a plurality of multimedia objects stored in a search system; matching the keywords to a multimedia object management table controlled by the search system; searching and displaying a multimedia object matched with the keywords; the user verifying the displayed search result and feeding back one or more correct information to the search system by the user; and the search system determining whether the keywords used for the search are registered in a corresponding multimedia object management table and adding the keywords to the corresponding multimedia management table according to the determination result.
The search system further comprises determining the authorization class of the user who feeds back information when a keyword is added to the corresponding multimedia object management table; and allowing or restricting the addition of the keyword to the multimedia object management table depending on the authorization.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a multimedia search system based on keyword comprises a user generating one or more keywords with respect to a plurality of multimedia objects stored in a search system; matching the keywords with a multimedia object management table controlled by the search system; searching and displaying a multimedia object matched with the keywords; the user verifying the displayed search result and feeding back one or more correct information to the search system; the search system determining through the fed back information whether the keywords used for the search are registered in the corresponding multimedia object management table, and calculating the number of the feedbacks from the user with respect to the unregistered keywords; and the search system adding the unregistered keywords to the corresponding multimedia management table if the number exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
The calculation of the number of feedbacks further comprises determining whether a keyword is in a candidate keyword scheme of the search system, if the keyword used is not registered in the corresponding multimedia object management table; increasing the number of uses for the keyword if it is determined that the keyword is in the candidate keyword scheme; and adding a keyword to the candidate keyword scheme and initializing a number of uses, if it is determined that the keyword is not in the candidate keyword scheme.
A keyword data structure in a multimedia object search system according to the present invention comprises a used keyword scheme having keywords predefined by a multimedia object search system; and a candidate keyword scheme having candidate keywords obtained by a feedback from a user.

Multimedia data keyword management method and keyword data structure


A method of fabricating a non-volatile ferroelectric memory transistor includes forming a bottom electrode; depositing a ferroelectric layer over an active region beyond the margins of the bottom electrode; depositing a top electrode on the ferroelectric layer; and metallizing the structure to form a source electrode, a gate electrode and a drain electrode. A non-volatile ferroelectric memory transistor includes a bottom electrode formed above a gate region, wherein the bottom electrode has a predetermined area within a peripheral boundary; a ferroelectric layer extending over and beyond the bottom electrode peripheral boundary; and a top electrode formed on said ferroelectric layer.

This invention relates to ferroelectric non-volatile integrated circuits, and specifically to a simplified fabrication technique which minimizes etching-induced ferroelectric stack damage.
A gate stack of a state-of-the-art ferroelectric (FE) memory transistor includes formation of a self-aligned FE stack, which includes deposition and etching of a top electrode material, the ferroelectric material, and a bottom electrode material. There are some serious problems associated with state-of-the-art techniques, which result in a less than desirable yield, such as re-deposition of etched and masking material on the structure, usually as a result of etching the top electrode material, the FE material and the bottom electrode material to form the FE self-aligned stack. Additionally, plasma etching of the FE material may damage the non-volatile properties of the material, which property cannot be restored completely.
A method of fabricating a non-volatile ferroelectric memory transistor includes preparing a silicon substrate, including forming an active region on the substrate; implanting ions to form a source region and a drain region in the active region; forming a bottom electrode; depositing a ferroelectric layer over the active region; depositing a top electrode; depositing an insulating oxide layer over the active region; and metallizing the structure to form a source electrode, a gate electrode and a drain electrode.
A non-volatile ferroelectric memory transistor includes a silicon substrate having an active region formed thereon; a source region and a drain region formed about a gate region in the active region; a bottom electrode formed above the gate region, wherein the bottom electrode has a predetermined area within a peripheral boundary; a ferroelectric layer extending over and beyond the bottom electrode peripheral boundary; a top electrode formed on the ferroelectric layer; an insulating oxide layer; and a source electrode, a gate electrode and a drain electrode.
An object of the invention is to fabricate a ferroelectric non-volatile memory transistor which does not require gate stack etching.
A further object of the invention is to fabricate a ferroelectric non-volatile memory transistor with minimal etching-induced damage.
Another object of the invention is to provide a fabrication process for a ferroelectric non-volatile memory transistor which is less complex than prior art techniques.
This summary and objectives of the invention are provided to enable quick comprehension of the nature of the invention. A more thorough understanding of the invention may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention in connection with the drawings.

Method of fabricating non-volatile ferroelectric transistors


The invention relates to a process for aftertreating carbon black, wherein the carbon black is subjected to a carrier gas flow in a fluidized bed apparatus in the lower region of the apparatus, an additional gas stream is introduced into the fluidized bed apparatus, and the carbon black is aftertreated in the fluidized bed which arises.

Industrial carbon blacks can be used in vehicle tires, industrial rubber articles, paints, toners, printing inks, plastics, other inks and in many other fields. Especially in the case of use of carbon black as a pigment, an aftertreatment of the carbon black improves particular features.
An aftertreatment of the carbon black may comprise, for example, an oxidation (JP 2000248196), coverage of the surface with chemical groups (JP 09067528, DE 10242875, EP 655516 B1, JP 09124312), drying (CN 1858531), an extraction (DE 3118907, JP 2000-290529), an activation by means of temperature or reactive gases (TW 394749 B, WO 2005/028978), a CVD process (Adv. Mater. 12(3) (2000) 16-20), mixing with other powders, grinding (DE 200700373) and the like.
Carbon black can be aftertreated in a wide variety of different apparatus and by a wide variety of different methods. For example, the aftertreatment can be effected by reaction of the carbon black with a liquid, (EP 982379, JP 2000248118), a solid (EP 1134261 A2) or a gas (JP 05078110 A).
The aftertreatment can be integrated into the preparation process by virtue of reactive substances being introduced into the filters, the transport pathways (JP 2000248196) or the pelletization (U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,160).
The aftertreatment can also be effected in separate apparatus.
One method of aftertreating carbon black is the use of fluidized beds (GB 895990). The fluidized bed enables, for example, very intensive contact of the carbon black with gaseous components, can additionally be cooled or heated, is mixed intensively and can be operated either batchwise or continuously.
The generation of fluidized beds with carbon black is restricted to carbon blacks which can be fluidized readily owing to their specific properties, for example bulk density, surface area, structure or primary particle size.
Many furnace blacks, and particularly furnace blacks in the form of coarse particles, do not form stable fluidized beds. For example, they often form channels through which the carrier gas flows. Therefore, other technologies for aftertreatment are often used for furnace blacks (JP 07-258578, JP 2001-040240), including reaction in a reactor with preceding grinding (JP 2004-075985).
EP 1347018 discloses a process for preparing aftertreated carbon black wherein the carbon black is fluidized in a fluidized bed with addition of fluidizing agents and contacted with an aftertreatment agent.
Moreover, DE 3041188 discloses stirring a carbon black bed while the carbon black is treated with gases.
It is also known that the fluidization of particles can be improved by vibration (JP 03124772) or external fields (WO 2005022667).
It is known that the fluidization can be improved by adding gases with a particularly low molecular weight (WO 00/009254).
Moreover, it is known that fluidization problems can be overcome in some cases by means of pulsation of the gas stream (Wang, Chemical Engineering Science 60 (2005) 5177-5181).
Furthermore, WO 2005/028978 discloses a fluidized bed in which a gas stream is passed into the fluidized bed horizontally in order to sufficiently fluidize fine particles.
Moreover, it is known that the incorporation and operation of horizontal (in relation to the fluidization flow) high-speed nozzles can destroy agglomerates in a fluidized bed and comminute particles (McMillan, Powder Technology, 175 (2007), 133-141).
It is known that nanoparticles in the fluidized state can be coated or reacted when the fluidization of the nanoparticles having aggregate sizes in the range of 50-1000 μm has been enabled beforehand by means of external fields (WO 05/022667).
A disadvantage of the known processes is the often limited possibility of aftertreating carbon black owing to inadequate fluidization, contamination of the carbon black in the case of use of an additional fluidizing agent, the technical complexity, in particular with regard to gas-tight systems when stirrers and vibration generators are used, the restricted applicability of external fields to electrically uncharged or non-magnetic particles, and in some cases the formation of undesired granules or other compactions with stirrers.


A PLZT wafer modulates a laser light beam while dissipating heat into a heat sink. The rear side of the wafer is coated to act as a mirror to reflect incoming light and to transfer heat from the wafer. The front side of the wafer has electrodes, separated by a gap through which a laser light beam can pass. An incoming light beam is modulated by the PLZT when it is energized by an electric field on the two front side electrodes. The mirrored side reflects the beam so that it exits the front side.

This invention relates to laser light modulation. In particular, this invention relates to devices that modulate light emitted from a laser.
Two technologies now in use to modulate laser light are acoustic optic modulators (AOM's) and mechanical deflection modulators (MDM's). MDM's are limited in frequency to the kilohertz range. AOM's, while usable at higher frequencies, are very expensiv (costing between $4,000 and $50,000 each).
Another method of modulating laser light employs the use of PLZT. PLZT is lanthanum modified lead zirconate titanate. PLZT is a polycrystalline ceramic which, when subjected to an electric field, rotates the polarization angle of a light wave and, when used with external polarizer, can be used as shutter for modulating laser light. By applying interdigitated electrodes onto a piece of PLZT, an electric field can be induced in the PLZT that modulates light passing through it. If polarized light passes through a PLZT wafer at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to an electric field applied to the PLZT, the plane of polarization is rotated (the amount of rotation as compared to the initial polarization plane being proportional to the strength of the applied field). With no field applied, light passes through the PLZT unaltered.
Rotation of the plane of polarization of light waves passing through PLZT is accomplished by having a light incident upon the PLZT wafer split into two rays that travel at different velocities through the wafer. As the two rays travel through the energized PLZT, one component, which is perpendicular to the electric field, is subjected to a higher index of refraction within the PLZT. When the two rays recombine upon exiting the PLZT, their recombination effectuates a phase shift of the light.
The amount of rotation of the plane of polarization through a PLZT wafer is dependent upon the strength of the electric field impressed upon it. A voltage required to generate a 90 degree rotation in a PLZT wafer is termed the "half wave voltage". Voltages above or below this value will cause more or less rotation.
A problem with prior art PLZT light modulators using interdigitated electrodes is the diffraction of a collimated light beam, including a laser beam, incident upon the surface of the PLZT by the edges of the electrodes. Another problem has been power dissipation by these device when operated at high frequencies. The power dissipation required of a PLZT light modulator is a function of its frequency. A PLZT light modulator operating at 1 MHz may be required to dissipate up to 250 watts of power as heat. Prior art PLZT laser light modulators are capable of dissipating heat through convection only. This convection cooling severely limits the operating frequency and increases the likelihood of a failure of a device. A PLZT laser light modulator which is improved heat dissipation would be an improvement over the prior art.


An electronic device can include a top side with circuit structures. The circuit structures form the bottom region of a cavity. Each cavity can be surrounded by a cavity frame made of plastic and can have a cavity cover made of semiconductor material.

Electronic devices are equipped with a cavity for receiving semiconductor chips with circuit structures, such as for receiving surface acoustic wave filters, also called SAW, or for receiving bulk acoustic wave filters, also called BAW. In order to ensure a cavity on a semiconductor chip above such surface regions with circuit structures, the entire semiconductor chip is incorporated into complicated ceramic housings or a complicated and cost-intensive technique is used to mold plastic housing frames on flat leadframes, into which the semiconductor chips are then incorporated in their entire size. Such structures of cavities with semiconductor chips not only have a complex and cost-intensive construction but are also relatively voluminous and not accessible to miniaturization.

Electronic device with cavity and a method for producing the same


A semiconductor storage device, comprising: a first port to write data to a storage element; and a second port to read a signal generated by the storage element, wherein reading the generated signal protects data stored at the storage element from a read condition disturbance.

The present invention relates to multi-ported memory devices, device layouts and processes for fabricating such devices.
Development of semiconductor memory devices has been increasing at a fast pace in recent times because of major breakthroughs in materials, manufacturing processes and designs of semiconductor devices. Semiconductor device manufacturers are constantly enhancing their efforts for more advanced miniaturization, high-integration and capacity increase of the semiconductor devices. As discussed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. NoS. 7,285,982; 7,285,981; 7,268,580; 6,998,722; 6,856,030; 6,849,958; and 6,828,689, all invented by the inventor of the present invention, the content of which is incorporated by reference, a latch is a data storage unit in a semiconductor device comprising of two inverters. An inverter has an input and an output having a voltage of opposite polarity to said input. The inverter is connected between a system power voltage level and system ground voltage level. Two such inverters connected back-to-back have self sustaining voltages at their inputs and outputs. A static random access memory (SRAM) device is a type of semiconductor memory device that has low power consumption and fast access time relative to a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device. An SRAM cell comprises a latch and one or more access devices. The latch stores binary data, and the access device provides the capability to read and write data into the latch. Multiple access devices provide multiple access paths to read and write the single latch data.
One advance in the field of SRAM devices has been the development of a dual port SRAM capable of performing a read and write operation at high speeds in place of the conventional single port SRAM. In general, one unit memory cell of a single port SRAM device is composed of six transistors, that is, two load transistors, two drive transistors and two active transistors, to perform the read and write operations sequentially. In contrast, a dual port SRAM device is configured with an addition of two active transistors to the general single port SRAM so as to perform the read and write operations in a dual mode, and which is required to obtain a very high speed operation. However, the dual port SRAM's shortcoming is that the read and write operations interfere with each other to cause a characteristic drop in the semiconductor memory cell since the read and write operations are performed simultaneously.
As discussed in US Application 20050047256, the content of which is incorporated by reference, FIG. 1 shows a prior art dual port SRAM cell composed of two load transistors: TL1 and TL2, two drive transistors: TD1 and TD2 and four active transistors: TA1, TA2, TA3 and TA4. First and second load transistors: TL1 and TL2, and first and second drive transistors: TD1 and TD2, are individually connected to form two inverters. The two inverters are cross coupled to create a latch for storing data. A first active transistor TA1 is connected to a read bit line BLR, and a third active transistor TA3 is connected to a write bit line BLW that is positioned adjacently to the read bit line BLR. As TA1 and TA3 access the same node of the latch 10, both BLR and BLW (12) can read or write data. Transistors TL1, TL2, TD1, TD2, TA1, TA2, TA3 and TA4 are appropriately sized to make the read and write states perform properly. SRAM used for Cache memory typically has multiple read and write ports.
A second active transistor TA2 is connected to a complementary read bit line !BLR, and a fourth active transistor TA4 is connected to a complementary write bit line !BLW that is arranged adjacent to the complementary read bit line !BLR. Further, a read word line WLR is shared with the first active transistor TA1 that is connected to the read bit line BLR, and with the second active transistor TA2 connected to the complementary read bit line !BLR. A write word line WLW is shared with the third active transistor TA3 connected to the write bit line BLW and with the fourth active transistor TA4 connected to the complementary write bit line !BLW. Complementary bit lines and word lines offer higher operating margins for the latch 10. FIG. 2A shows a generic representation of prior art multi-port memory cells. Memory cell in FIG. 2A, includes a storage unit (SU) 20. The SU may or may not be coupled to power Vcc and ground Vss. Access devices 21, 23, 25 and 27 couple one or more nodes of the SU 20 to bit-lines and word-lines as shown. The configurable element in SU 20 may be a latch, Flash element, DRAM element, EPROM element, EEPROM element, or any other property changeable element. FIG. 2B shows the SRAM implementation, while FIG. 2B shows a Flash implementation of SU 20. In FIG. 2B, the memory cells are selected by a plurality of world lines WL1 and WL2 as well as bit lines BL1 and BL2 and their complementary bit lines !BL1 and !BL2 (!BL denotes NOT bit-line). Pass transistors 102 and 106 are controlled by WL2, while pass transistors 112 and 116 are controlled by WL1. Pass transistor 102 is connected between inverter 104 and !BL2, while pass transistor 106 is connected between inverter 104 and BL2. Correspondingly, pass transistor 112 is connected between inverter 114 and !BL1, while pass transistor 116 is connected between inverter 114 and VBL1. In FIG. 2, the inverter may have a PMOS pull-up device (in which case the memory cell is equivalent to FIG. 1), a Resistor-load, or a Thin-Film PMOS transistor. In FIG. 2, one or both inverters 104, 114 may comprise a thin-film inverter. Similarly, one or more transistors 102, 106, 112, 116 may also comprise transistors constructed on a substrate layer, or a thin-film semiconductor layer.
FIG. 2C shows a floating gate (EEPROM) memory cell. In the SU 20, a floating gate 111 is coupled to a write access device 107 via a tunneling diode 109. Access device 107 couples the tunneling node 109 to write word line WLw and write bit line BLw. Orthogonality ensures individual bit access in an array of bits. Charge is injected to floating gate 111 to program or erase the cell: negative charge programs the bit to off state, positive charge erases the bit to on state. A read word line WLr is capacitively coupled to floating gate 111 at by capacitor 117, and a floating gate pass-transistor 115 is coupled between read bit line pair BLr1 and BLr2. Thus activating WLr enables to read the state of bit thru BLr pair: a conductive state and a no-conductive state. Typical EEPROM's have a single write port and a single read port. Transistor sizing and material thicknesses are carefully balanced to write data during write mode and not to disturb the floating gate during a read mode.


A micromechanical light deflection device, including a micromechanical light deflection unit and a transparent cover for the micromechanical light deflection unit, the transparent cover including at least one passive beam shaping unit for a light beam.

Micromechanical light deflection devices are used in LIDAR systems, among other things. These, for example, utilize the light beam of a laser, which is deflected or diffracted to irradiate a certain area. If this light beam strikes an object in the area, it is possible, for example, to ascertain a distance between the object and the LIDAR system based on the back-scattered light, or more precisely the light propagation time between the LIDAR system and the object. For example, micromechanical mirror systems—MEMS mirror systems—may be used for this purpose, to accordingly deflect or diffract a light beam. Such a MEMS mirror device is usually protected by a transparent cover and is hermetically sealed, so that a micromechanical mirror movably situated therein is protected against environmental influences.
A micromechanical mirror system including MEMS mirrors and a cover became described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0370085 A1. A piezoelectric actuator, which is connected to a transparent layer for the deformation thereof, is integrated into the cover.
A lighting device for vehicles including a rack frame is shown in German Patent Application No. DE 103 479 62 A1, which includes an LED covered by a cover glass. An optic system is integrated into the cover glass in the process.


The invention relates to an electrochromic glazing successively comprising a glass sheet, a first electrode constituted by a transparent electroconductive layer, whose square resistance is below 5 Ohms, a layer of a cathodic electrochromic material, an electrolyte, a layer of an anodic electrochromic material and a second transparent electroconductive electrode, barrier layers being inserted between the said electrodes and the said electrochromic material layers, the square resistance of the assembly formed by an electrode and its barrier layer being below 5 Ohms.

The electrochromic glazings according to the invention are glazings having a layer of a material able to reversibly insert cations, generally lithium ions or protons and whose oxidation states corresponding to the two inserted or deinserted states have different colouring states. In the case of tungsten trioxide, there is consequently a passage from a colourless oxide state into a reduced midnight blue colouring state, in accordance with the chemical reaction: EQU WO.sub.3 +xM.sup.+ +xe.sup.- M.sub.x WO.sub.3.
In order that the said reaction takes place, it is necessary to have alongside the electrochromic material layer a source of cations and a source of electrons, respectively constituted by a layer of an electrolyte having an ionic conductivity and an electroconducting layer serving as the electrode. To this first system incorporating a cathodic electrochromic material is added, by symmetry, a system with an anodic electrochromic material, such as iridium oxide, able to insert and deinsert cations in a reversible manner, the iridium oxide layer being inserted between the electrolyte layer and a second transparent electroconductive layer.
In European patent applications EP-A-253 713 and EP-A-338 876, the relationship existing between the size of an electrochromic system and the electric conductivity required for the electrode is shown. The switching times are increased unless the glazing has large dimensions and the transparent electroconductive layer has a low resistivity. For glazings larger than 200 cm, a square resistance below 5 Ohms is consequently recommended.
Such performance characteristics can certainly not be obtained with any type of thin layer, particularly as the other fundamental requirement is the transparent nature, a maximum light transmission being sought for the colour-removed state, which involves relatively small thicknesses in the case of numerous materials.
To this double requirement of high performance characteristics for the electrical conductivity and transparency is added in the case of glazings typically intended for use in cars and in particular sunroofs, the compatibility with a heat treatment of the glass sheet of the cambering and/or annealing type. This compatibility can be obtained with a camberable layer, i.e. able to withstand without deterioration a treatment at 600.degree. C., or with a layer which can be deposited on a cold substrate, the reheating of the glass may lead to it losing its shape and the beneficial effects of the annealing process. Finally, the technology used must be adapted to the dimensions of the glazings and to industrial production, particularly from the cost and efficiency standpoints.
In the state of the art relative to electroconductive material layers, it would appear that the only suitable layers are those based on doped metallic oxides and more particularly layers of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). Thus, the electrochromic systems proposed are typically stacks of glass/ITO/WO.sub.3 (or some other cathodic electrochromic material)/electrolyte/Ir.sub.2 O.sub.3 (or some other anodic electrochromic material)/ITO/glass.
However, in such systems, it has been found that there are problems linked with interactions between the electroconductive layers and the electrolyte or more precisely the cations which it supplies. Such a phenomenon can appear surprising to the extent that the transparent electroconductive layer is not directly in contact with the electrochromic material. Nevertheless, this intercalated layer can never completely fulfil a protective function, because it must offer a maximum number of reactive sites for the cations, i.e. with a distribution over the entire thickness of the electrochromic material layer, which implies a relatively porous layer, which will be penetrated by the cations and which can therefore reach the transparent electroconductive layer.
In the case of proton systems based on the reversible insertion of protons, the deterioration of the system would appear to be linked with the slow corrosion mechanism due to acid-base reactions, even if the electrolyte is chosen from among the non-corrosive types, such as e.g. a solid acid-organic polymer complex. However, a limitation will be made hereinafter to electrochromic systems not using liquid acid solutions, whose corrosive nature is prejudicial to all the layers of the system and in particular to the electrochromic material layers. It should be noted that proposals have been made to substitute these polymer materials by materials such as dielectrics, but the latter have to be deposited in extremely thin film form, because if not their own colouring becomes prejudicial and in particular leads to risks of short-circuits in the case of large systems. In any case, cations must be present in the system and these substitution materials lead to a reduction of their numbers.
In the case of systems based on the reversible insertion of lithium ions, this problem of acid/base reactions a priori does not exist, so that a longer life of the systems could be expected. However, an ageing of the electrodes formed from doped indium oxide has been observed, said electrodes gradually turning brown. Research carried out by various authors has revealed that this colouring is probably due to a cathodic electrochromism phenomenon of the indium oxide, but unlike in the case of "true" electrochromic materials, this phenomenon is not totally reversible, so that the colouring persists.
It should be noted that this corrosion phenomenon is relatively slow and that the system normally functions for a certain time. However, following a long period of use or a simulation thereof by accelerated ageing tests at high temperatures, there is a significant deterioration e.g. after 5 hours at 100.degree. C. or a higher temperature. Therefore this corrosion is a handicap to the development of systems, particularly in the case of building applications where there is a ten-year guarantee problem and in car applications where the use temperatures are often very high.
The invention aims at a novel type of electrochromic glazing, which does not suffer from this deterioration phenomenon with respect to the electroconductive layers.


Techniques for a comic book feature are described herein. A visual data stream of a video may be parsed into a plurality of frames. Scene boundaries may be determined to generate a scene using the plurality of frames where a scene includes a subset of frames. A key frame may be determined for the scene using the subset of frames. An audio portion of an audio data stream of the video may be identified that maps to the subset of frames based on time information. The key frame may be converted to a comic image based on an algorithm. First dimensions and placement for a data object may be determined for the comic image. The data object may include the audio portion for the comic image. A comic panel may be generated for the comic image that incorporates the data object using the determined first dimensions and the placement.

Streaming content providers can enable users to explore, interact, and consume a variety of events (e.g., live sports games, live video game eSport events, movies, television episodes, etc.) and thereby explore a variety of real, virtual, or non-real (e.g., fantasy or sci-fi) stories from the safety and comfort of their own homes. As streaming content technology advances and the audience demand increases, more streaming content providers seek to engage more users and satisfy the demand by providing additional content for users to consume. However, streaming content providers lack solutions for converting content to different media types. Users may wish to convert their favorite movie or television episode into other media formats for posterity or mobility. Conventional technology solutions such as printers may fail to properly capture the story or narrative aspect of the media and thereby further impact the user's consumption of the converted media.

Systems and methods for generating comic books from video and images


A logistics support device includes a deriver and an instruction controller. The deriver performs, when a storage configured to store an article is mounted in a moving body and stays in a work place at which work is performed on an article stored in the storage in a delivery business, statistics processing on environmental information on an environmental change inside the storage. The instruction controller outputs an instruction on the basis of a result of the statistics processing performed by the deriver when a storage configured to store an article is mounted in a moving body and a delivery of the article is performed.

At a site at which an article is delivered, a temperature in a cold storage unit of a truck may rise when unloading work at a delivery destination is performed. As a countermeasure against this, workers can limit the rise in temperature in a cold storage unit by artificial means such as spraying dry ice at the time of starting unloading work at a delivery destination, but this increases a work load.

Logistics support device, logistics support method, and storage medium


A system is provided for delivering onto a workpiece a high-energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high-energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece an instantaneous kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour. The adaptive orientation assembly is operable to displace the nozzle member in a manner adaptive to the position of the nozzling unit relative to the pattern predefined on the workpiece. The adaptive orientation assembly thus maintains the cutting stream within a predefined angular orientation range relative to predefined pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The subject adaptive high-energy abrasive stream cutting system is generally directed to a system for performing high definition cutting or abrading of a workpiece. More specifically, the subject adaptive high-energy abrasive stream cutting system is one which delivers onto a workpiece a high energy abrasive cutting stream to form therein an instantaneous kerf of cut having a predetermined shape. It is a system which forms and optimally maintains the angular orientation of the instantaneous kerf of cut during the abrasive cutting stream""s cutting of or about a predefined pattern defined on the workpiece.
Various types of systems are known in the art which utilize abrasive fluidic streams to cut or abrade predefined patterns in or through even very hard and tough materials, like dense stone and steel, which are normally quite difficult to cut, let alone to precisely contour. Unlike sandblasting and other such types of systems for effecting broad surface treatment, high definition cutting systems generate highly focused, extremely pressurized fluidic cutting streams in order, for example, to very closely trace intricate prescribed patterns upon a workpiece. Given enough cutting pressure, highly intricate patterns can effectively be xe2x80x98carvedxe2x80x99 into even the hardest of workpiece materials using such systems.
Typically in those systems, a head assembly receives and pressurizes a stream of water or other suitable fluid material provided by a given source. The pressurized stream is then further pressurized by forced passage through a nozzling mechanism whereupon a suitably abrasive particulate material is drawn into the stream at a controlled concentration for commingled expulsion therewith onto a workpiece. The energy and resulting abrasiveness of the cutting stream thus expelled is sufficiently high to cut intoxe2x80x94and if desired, throughxe2x80x94the workpiece material. The abrasive cutting stream may thereafter be displaced along the workpiece to trace and cut one or more predefined patterns.
Common drawbacks to these systems and their numerous applications are many, howeverxe2x80x94not the least of which are the inefficient consumption of the energy harnessed in the cutting stream, and the inability to effectively accommodate cuts of varying intricacy along a given pattern. In such known systems for precise workpiece cutting applications, little if any attention has been placed upon the sectional contour of the generated high-energy abrasive cutting stream. Consequently, no significant effort has heretofore been madexe2x80x94at least not in cutting applicationsxe2x80x94to employ an abrasive stream shaped in sectional contour to anything other than a standard, substantially circular shape. Except where the pattern to be cut presents a circular concavity along the path of cut, then, presently known cutting systems invariably incur substantial waste in the generated stream""s cutting energy.
Where the cutting stream incorporates an abrasive particulate material, such known cutting systems wastefully consume greater amounts of the abrasive particulate material than necessary. Since the abrasive particulate material tends to be well dispersed throughout the cutting stream when entrained therein, the particulate material unnecessarily occupies that portion of the cutting stream failing to contribute a meaningful cut. Over the duration of an extended cutting process, the waste could accumulate to considerable amounts.
The resulting inefficiency is illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 11a, which show a circular stream section 1000 disposed in cutting position along variously configured peripheries 1100, 1120 of a pattern to be cut. The tangency of contact between the stream 1000 and the straight periphery 1100 necessarily limits the actual cutting action along the periphery 1100 to just the stream""s immediately proximate portion 1010. Where the object is simply a precise cut along this straight periphery 1100, then, it is only the immediately proximate portion 1010 of the stream 1000 which forms a cut of any real consequence. Unless the object includes cutting a particularly configured gap to immediately bound the pattern being cut, for instance, the cutting power of the stream""s remaining distal portions 1020 is essentially wasted. The stream""s wasted cutting power is all the more evident in FIG. 11a where the tangency of contact between the stream 1000 and the cut pattern""s periphery 1120 is accentuated by the convexity of this periphery 1120.
FIG. 12a illustrates other difficulties often encountered in the use of systems heretofore known when even a nominally intricate cut pattern 1140 is prescribed. Where, as illustrated, the prescribed cut pattern 1140 includes such features as a recessed periphery 1140a, the same cutting stream configuration used elsewhere along the cut pattern may not suffice in cutting the recess 1150 delineated by periphery 1140a. While the cutting stream 1000 may adequately cut along the pattern""s base periphery 1140b, it exceeds in diameter the width of the recess 1150 to be cut. It may be necessary in such instance, perhaps, to halt operation and make the required modifications to generate a finer cutting stream 1000xe2x80x2 before the recessed periphery 1140a could be fully cut. This may require a certain degree of re-tooling in many cases.
Given such impediments, high definition cutting of precisely defined workpiece patterns remains a considerable challenge in the art. Even where ample resources to eventually effect a precise cut and finish about intricately detailed patterns, the indiscriminate use of an abrasive cutting stream having a fixed sectional configuration and the retention of that abrasive cutting stream at fixed angular orientation during operation, often render the process unduly inefficient and labor/time intensivexe2x80x94prohibitively so, in some cases.
2. Prior Art
High energy abrasive stream cutting systems are known in the art, as are assemblies which define and expel a non-circularly shaped abrasive stream. The best prior art references known include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,109,262; 3,576,222; 4,555,872; 4,587,772; 4,669,760; 4,708,214; 4,711,056; 4,776,412; 4,817,874; 4,819,388; 4,848,671; 4,854,091; 4,913,353; 4,936,059; 4,957,242; 5,018,317; 5,018,670; 5,052,624; 5,054,249; 5,092,085; 5,144,766; 5,170,946; 5,209,406; 5,320,289; 5,469,768; 5,494,124; 5,584,106; 5,782,673; 5,785,258; 5,851,139; 5,860,849; 5,878,966; 5,881,958; 5,921,476; 5,992,763; 6,065,683; and 6,077,5152.
Such prior art references, however, fail to provide any system in which a high energy abrasive stream for precise cutting of predefined workpiece patterns is sufficiently shaped and angularly displaced in adaptive manner during operation. Where the abrasive stream is modified in form to something other than a circular or other such fixed sectional contour, the abrasive stream in known systems is invariably modified either for conditioning/treating the workpiece surface or for removing wide areas of workpiece material, not for precision cutting. The stream is, therefore, modified in those systems primarily for dispersive effect. Hence, there remains a need for a system which removes the considerable inefficiency and imprecision inhering in high-energy abrasive stream cutting systems heretofore known.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a system for generating an abrasive cutting stream operable to cut about or along a predefined pattern on a workpiece in an energy efficient manner.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for generating and adaptively maintaining at an optimal angular orientation a high energy abrasive cutting stream which is displaced in accordance with a predefined cutting pattern.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system whose cutting stream generates a kerf of cut having in sectional contour a preselected one of a plurality of predetermined shapes suitable to effect a precisely contoured cut along a pattern predefined on a workpiece.
These and other objects are attained by the subject system for delivering onto a workpiece a high energy abrasive cutting stream. The system generally comprises a head assembly for providing a pressurized fluidic stream; a nozzling unit coupled to the head assembly for nozzling the pressurized fluidic stream; and, an adaptive orientation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit. The nozzling unit is operable to expel a high energy abrasive cutting stream for cutting about or along a predefined pattern on the workpiece, and includes a nozzle member having a laminar inner wall surface defining a longitudinally extending passage. This passage terminates at an outlet portion which describes in sectional contour a predetermined shape such that, during operation, it serves to generate upon the workpiece a kerf of cut having a corresponding sectional contour. The adaptive orientation assembly is operable to displace the nozzle member in a manner adaptive to the position of the nozzling unit relative to the pattern predefined on the workpiece. The adaptive orientation assembly thus maintains the cutting stream within a predefined angular orientation range relative to predefined pattern.
In a preferred embodiment, the system also comprises an articulation assembly coupled to the nozzling unit for pivotally displacing the nozzle member about at least one transversely directed pivot axis during the relative displacement of the nozzling unit and workpiece one relative to the other. Also in a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a controller coupled to the adaptive orientation assembly for automatically actuating the adaptive angular displacement of the nozzle member. The predetermined shape employed for the nozzle member passage outlet portion may include such non-circular shapes as square, rectangular, curved rectangular, elliptic, segmented annular, diamond-like, oval, oblong, curved oblong, teardrop-like, and keyhole-like shapes.

Adaptive nozzle system for high-energy abrasive stream cutting


A method of controlling an interactive television includes displaying a layout on the interactive television that includes one or more visual cues to prompt a user regarding an action (click action) to be taken on an input device to activate a predetermined function (click event). The visual cues may include multiple visual cues, at least one of which is a visual cue for a cursor-based action that includes positioning a cursor with an input device, and another is a visual cue for a movement-based action that includes moving the input device.

The present inventions relate to interactive television, and to the display on a television screen of video and other content communicated over the Internet.
Interactive television (iTV) is television or video programming that incorporates interactivity. Interactive television is used as an umbrella term for the convergence of television with digital media technologies including Internet communications. Television and Internet content are viewed over similar display devices, but have profound differences. The Internet represents a two-way medium that carries largely static content based upon point-to-point distribution. Television remains primarily a one-way medium with dynamic content distributed in point-to-multipoint methods. Interactive television can be considered a combination of these systems, including certain features of each system in a hybrid medium. Interactive television combines the rich, dynamic content of television with the personalization and responsiveness of the Internet.
Internet and television may be merged by simply putting Internet content on a television screen, or conversely by viewing television content on a computer. The latter process is more easily accomplished, and is in widespread use. With proper hardware television programs and other video content can be successfully viewed on a personal computer screen. On the other hand, putting Web page from a computer browser directly on a television screen is generally not satisfactory to the user. Web content is typically viewed by a single user in close proximity to a personal computer screen, sometimes called the "one foot experience". The personal computer user interface can be called "lean forward", signifying an interactive experience with users who are actively engaged with activities on the screen. Conversely, television content is viewed at far greater distances, sometimes called the "ten foot experience". Traditional user interaction with television can be called "lean back", signifying users who are passive consumers of content. Adapting the personal computer user interface to the ten foot experience poses serious challenges in the visual interface design, and in the use of input devices for user interaction with the iTV. The present inventions address both of these challenges.
In the ten foot experience, normal Web fonts and graphics are typically too small to be comfortably viewed. In addition, whereas computer screens usually have a cursor to visually indicate the user's location on the screen, on TVs other than HDTVs cursors were difficult to locate. A possible solution for ITV systems is to trans-code Web page content on a specialized server for more appropriate display on a television screen, or on a client receiver or combination server-client process. For example, trans-codings may include larger-size font substitutions, and substitution for larger sized graphics with more apparent details. However, most companies are not prepared to spend the time or money to go through this effort.
One of the challenges in designing interactive television for the ten foot experience has been planning user input to the iTV. It is difficult to interact with traditional web pages using input devices typically associated with television. Navigation and typing are particularly difficult with infrared remote controls or a virtual keyboard rather than a mouse and real keyboard. The use of a remote control limits the traditional navigational model to a single dimension at a time (top-down or left-right). In addition, it is difficult for a user to select hyperlinks using infrared remotes. As a result, the user would sequence among links e.g. using arrow keys, and then press a "Go", OK or "Enter" key on the remote to switch a display to the linked page. Alphanumeric input has also been cumbersome using TV remotes, typically requiring entry of characters one-by-one using an alphanumeric menu. In summary, the use of a handheld TV remote for iTV navigation is awkward in comparison to a computer mouse and real keyboard located in fixed positions on a desk or table, which provide fast homing times and efficient alphanumeric input. However, for the ten foot experience the objective is to provide user input using a handheld device, not a device located on a desk or table.
A type of handheld input device that affords additional degrees of control is an inertial pointing device, such as a 3D pointing device. Inertial pointing devices use a tuning fork or other accelerometer to detect movement for every axis supported by the device. 3D pointing devices can determine device orientation as well as direction of movement in three (or more) dimensions. When used in connection with a television or computer display, 3D pointing devices move in the air in front of a display screen, and the user interface translates those motions directly into user interface commands, e.g., movement of a cursor on the display screen.
One of the most popular applications of iTV is distribution of video and audio content. Whereas traditional television relies on broadcast (content push) programming model, iTV relies on a library (content pull) programming model. iTV programming addresses viewers' desire to have control over their viewing experiences, for example to watch what they want when they want, and to be able to time-shift through media. The iTV user interface also can cater to an extended range of user interests, including not only the traditional TV function of entertainment but also for example shopping (ecommerce), widgets, social networking and education. A well-designed iTV user interface should facilitate user control over entertainment programming as well as access to content in other areas of interest, using a simple, logical and efficient framework.

User interface for interactive digital television


A fluid dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing fluids and objects without requiring use of hands. The fluid dispensing apparatus may include a body, footing, pedal, actuation rod, platform, dispensing object, container, container lid, sign member, and bolt. A method for dispensing fluids and objects without requiring use of hands using the fluid dispensing apparatus is also provided.

As users interact with objects in the world, they inherently come in contact with germs, viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and other undesirable substances. To counter this undesirous risk to health and wellbeing, users often wash their hands and/or sanitize with an alcohol-based or other antibacterial and anti-disinfectant sanitizer solution. However, operating a sanitizer distributing bottle inherently exposes the user to contacting another surface also contacted by other members of the public—the sanitizer dispenser pump.
Additionally, users often need to sanitize objects that they possess that have been operated or otherwise handled while the user is in the public and touching other publicly accessible surfaces. For example, a user may need to wipe down their phone after touching a public door handle and then operating their phone. Typically, a sanitizer wipe and/or napkin may be used to clean the surface of the phone or other objects.
Furthermore, in situations such as the prevalence of a pandemic or other outbreak of disease, users may be tempted to steal or otherwise remove a bottle of sanitizer solution provided by a business or other entity. A need exists for a sanitizer distribution stand or other sanitizing or fluid dispenser that has a lockable and/or securable cap or lid.
Some proposed solutions have attempted to overcome the issue of commonly used dispenser pumps, such as battery-operated electronic sensors for dispensing a desired quantity of sanitizer solution to a user. Other solutions provide a wipe container that may be used to draw napkins, wipes, and/or other contents from within the container. However, no known device combines the ability to operate a sanitizer stand in a handless fashion while also being able to access sanitizing wipes. Additionally, no known devices combine the ability to dispense sanitizer solutions using a hands-free operation via a sanitizer dispensing tower having an attachable sign interface, locking cap, and other features to solve the deficiencies in the prior art.
Therefore, a need exists to solve the deficiencies present in the prior art. What is needed is an apparatus capable of dispensing a fluid without requiring use of the hands. What is needed is an apparatus to provide actuation of a replaceable bottle via engagement of a foot pedal. What is needed is an apparatus to dispense sanitization wipes and sanitizer fluid to users. What is needed is a lockable fluid dispensing apparatus capable of receiving replaceable bottles.


Archery and firearm sight products and processes are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment an apparatus may comprise a sight ring and a shaft. The sight ring may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a track. The track may comprise a major axis disposed substantially parallel with a vertical axis of the sight ring. The shaft may comprise a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body disposed between the first and second ends of the shaft. The first end of the shaft may be removably coupled with the sight ring and may be adapted to be displaced along the track of the sight ring.

An archer's or shooter's ability to successfully land an arrow or bullet on target, particularly in the field, depends on several factors. One of these factors is the ability of an archer to make adjustments to a sighting device with precision and with relative ease. However, making adjustments to known sighting devices generally involve a series of complicated, time-consuming steps that may require the use of tools and/or either placing the bow down to make the adjustments or to use both hands.
With some multi-aiming pin devices, it may not be possible or easy to manipulate an aiming pin individually or independently from the other aiming pins. Additionally, the complex mechanisms used by some current sighting devices may add additional weight to a bow, which over time may contribute to an archer's fatigue and thus, may reduce an archer's accuracy.
Other factors may influence an archer's or shooter's accuracy, including one's ability to acquire and align a target. A variety of methods and devices have been used to allow one to accurately center a sight in a peep. Some sights are produced with a solid white or orange ring painted onto an end of the sight ring facing the archer or shooter. A purpose of painting a sight ring generally may be to allow one to visually acquire the sight ring more readily in low light conditions. This approach, however, suffers from a number of disadvantages.
One disadvantage is that one may lose focus of the sight ring while attempting to acquire a target. The subjective brightness of an object is determined by the human brain by comparing the visual intensity, i.e., contrast, of the object with surrounding objects. Thus, to compare brightness of a painted sight ring, one must compare the painted sight ring to objects in the background, which may be 20 or more yards away. Thus, one may lose focus of the sight ring, as well as the target, while attempting to perceive the brightness of, and thus visually acquire, the sight ring.
Another disadvantage is that aligning the sight ring and the peep may require a relatively high degree of precision, i.e., skill, and thus require more time than desired. To accurately sight-in a target using known sight rings, one must align a peep with the sight ring and the target. Both the peep and the sight ring are generally circular. Thus, to properly sight-in a target one must attempt to form concentric circles (the peep must circumscribe and share a common axis with the sight ring). Again, such devices and methods require a fair amount of skill to achieve an accurate shot.
What is needed are products and processes for archery and firearm sights, which can permit an archer or shooter to more easily and more quickly acquire and align a target in a sight ring and a peep for a more accurate shot. Also, what is needed is the ability to make adjustments to the sighting device with relative ease and without the use of tools.

Products and processes for archery and firearm sights


Techniques for resource allocation are described. Some embodiments provide a computing system and method for resource allocation in a virtualized computing environment comprising at least one physical computing system hosting multiple virtual machines, that performs at least some of the described techniques. In one embodiment, a user connection server is configured to receive a request for allocation of a virtual machine, for a user. The user connection server determines an attribute value of the user. Based on the attribute value of the user, allocation of physical computing resources for the virtual machine is determined. A management server is configured to boot the virtual machine for access by the user, the virtual machine booted with the determined allocation of physical computing resources for the virtual machine.

Existing approaches to resource allocation in a virtualized computing environment are typically based on relatively static and/or coarse-grained decisions about the expected workload to be processed within the virtualized computing environment. A virtualized computing environment typically includes multiple physical computing systems that each includes a hypervisor, virtual machine monitor, or similar logic that is configured to manage the concurrent execution of multiple virtual machines (VMs). Each virtual machine may have a distinct guest operating system and corresponding applications.
When a virtual machine is created, it may be assigned or given access to some portion of the physical resources of its host physical computing system. Typically, the amount of physical resources (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or memory) is allocated based on a preset value, without regard to specific user profile or specific group needs. For example, many organizations simply utilize a "one size fits all" approach to resource allocation, and provide a uniform resource set for virtual machines allocated for different users or uses. Such uniform allocation, while simple and seemingly fair, does not consider the actual computing needs of those users, which may vary dramatically based on differing roles they may play in an organization. Such uniform allocation decisions may result in a collection of virtual machines that may not be closely matched to their actual computing requirements, in that some virtual machines do not have sufficient resources, while others are allocated excess resources based on under utilization of the resources by the user.

Selective allocation of physical computing resources amongst virtual machines based on user attribute values contained in user profiles


A method for confinement of a gun propellant during the initial stage of ignition provides the ignition by electrical, pyrotechnic, or laser irradiation means. A liquid and or a solid propellant is placed in a substantially closed chamber. A portion of the propellant in a conduit of the chamber exits from the chamber and is cooled in the exit conduit by a thermoelectric or cryogenic means to a sufficiently low temperature for producing a viscous, glassy, or substantially solidified condition to enhance the propellant containment. An ignition stimulus is then applied. A closure means in the exit conduit selectively varies the amount of flow whereby a relatively high temperature and pressure are reached from the chemical energy release of the propellant. Venting of the formed combustive products is provided through the exit conduit whereby sufficient thermal energy is generated to sustain combustion and to ignite the next stage.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method for the confinement of gun propellants during the initial stage of ignition, especially in small volume igniters. The invention allows temporary confinement of an initial small volume of liquid propellant up to a pressure of several thousand pounds per square inch. After robust ignition has taken place, the confinement is removed by the thermal energy released by the combustion, and the hot gases and burning propellant are released into a larger volume to ignite the propellant therein. This larger volume may be either the main charge of an intermediate ignition stage or the main propellant charge.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
The liquid propellant which is proposed for gun applications has a characteristic which is similar to many other propellants. Such a propellant requires pressures substantially above ambient atmospheric pressure to achieve complete ignition. Guns using liquid propellants have previously addressed this problem by igniting a small volume (typically less than one milliliter) completely filled with propellant. The propellant self-pressurizes due to the start of decomposition and heating when energy is deposited into the propellant because it is confined in the chamber with only limited pressure relief through either a small diameter exit orifice or a long, narrow exit tube of somewhat larger diameter. Although previous studies have centered primarily on electrical ignition, and the present device has been demonstrated using laser ignition, the confinement requirement is present and probably similar in both cases.
In a prior art method, a small diameter, short length-to-diameter ratio orifice venting is based on the pioneering work of Felix Weinberg and his co-workers [for example, Carleton, et al., "Plasma Propellant Jet Ignition," 21st Symposium (International) on Combustion, The Combustion Institute, Pittsburgh, p. 1885, 1988]. This approach was modified by engineers in application to actual gun propellant because they found that the small orifice was too confining once ignition had taken place. They then developed a long tube "inertial" confinement which confines the propellant by using a length-to-diameter tube as the exit. This tube is initially filled with liquid at the same time as the small chamber; the inertia and viscosity of this liquid in the tube confines the material in the igniter section for a short period of time to allow for the required high pressurization. (for example, FIG. 1 in DeSpirito, et al., "Electrical Ignition of LGP 1856 in a Two-Stage Ignition," BRL Memorandum Report BRL-MR-3748, 1989).
However, the use of the long tube as an exit orifice in the second device described (DeSoirito, et al.) results in significant heat loss to the tube walls as well as the destruction of many of the highly reactive combustion species (radicals) that are the basis of the efficiency of Weinberg's device.

Method of confinement of propellants for ignition

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


Methods and apparatus for the convenient arrangement of a user's address book according to intelligent algorithms. These intelligent algorithms, in one embodiment, take advantage of one or more of: (i) stored contact information associated with one or more users, (ii) stored geographic location information associated with the users and one or more contact entries in the user's address book, and/or (iii) stored voice and data communication information associated with the user. This algorithm arranges the entries in the users address book, using the stored information as an input, in an intelligent manner. In other embodiments, additional information is used as an input to the contact entry arranging algorithms such as, for example, entries in a user's digital calendar. Business methods utilizing the aforementioned methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of data representation. More particularly, in one exemplary aspect, the present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for contact information representation in user equipment devices, such as for example those used in wireless networks.
2. Description of Related Technology
Address books, in an electronic form, are databases that are used for storing entries that are now colloquially known by users as "contacts". Due to the ever growing list of capabilities of today's computing devices (such as desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and the like), the information stored in these contact entries has also grown such that individual entries now may include without limitation: (1) a name; (2) a picture associated with the name; (3) various phone number(s) (i.e., home, work, cellular, etc.); (4) e-mail address(es) (both personal and work-related); (5) fax number(s); (6) user name(s) associated with various services (i.e. instant messaging applications, Facebook™, Twitter™, etc.); and (7) various other related information associated with a user (i.e., birthdays, names of related family members, anniversary dates, etc.).
In addition to the large amount of information now stored within individual contact entries associated with a user's address book, the number of contacts stored in the user's address book has also grown such that there are often too many entries to be easily navigated. This results from a number of factors, including the intermingling of less frequently used contact entries among contact entries that are more commonly used. Furthermore, because contact entries are now frequently entered and shared during an initial meeting with a personal acquaintance or business associate (whether manually or electronically), these names tend to become forgotten by the user, making it difficult to later recall the name of that particular acquaintance or business associate, or how the user knows them.
Various methods and apparatus exist in the prior art for managing a user's contact list entries. For example, the Gmail™ webmail service provided by Google, Inc. allows a user to arrange contact list entries according to various user-defined groupings. However, these various groupings must be manually assembled by the user, and therefore have many of the same limitations of prior art address books as discussed above.
Other common address book implementations, such as the address book available in many existing smartphones, also include a search function which permits a user to navigate his or her address book by entering information associated with an entry (i.e., a contact entry's first or last name). However, the ability to locate specific contact information under this model is again predicated on the user's ability to accurately recall specific information about that entry.
Many of today's address books in cellular telephones or smartphones allow a user to arrange contacts by arranging contacts in special lists. For example, a user can have contacts arranged by those contacts which have been most recently dialed, from which the user has most recently received or most recently missed a call, etc., each sorted by date (and often time). However, these special lists are call-oriented, and thus they arrange contacts by information related to calls to the contacts that have taken place (or were supposed to be taking place), and are therefore predicated on either: (1) frequency of communication with a particular contact entry; or (2) proximity in time between a prior communication or attempted communication.
Based on the foregoing, improved methods and apparatus are needed for automating the grouping of contacts within a user's address book, so as to overcome many of the deficiencies present in prior art solutions as set forth above. Such improved methods and apparatus would ideally arrange contacts in a manner better associated with how a user thinks about his or her listing of contact entries, rather than merely organizing contacts in alphabetical order, by manually entered user-defined groupings, or by frequency/timing.
Moreover, such improved methods and apparatus would permit individual contacts to be associated with multiple distinct or inter-related group listings, so as to provide additional flexibility in the representation of these contact entries to a user.
Lastly, these improved methods and apparatus should ideally leverage existing hardware and software to the maximum extent possible so as to facilitate their implementation on existing or legacy devices, as well as minimize deployment costs.

Methods and apparatus for contact information representation


An impedance controller includes multiple determination units for determining which of multiple candidate codes results in a best impedance match for an I/O pad of a semiconductor device. In addition, an error prevention unit of the impedance controller prevents any undesired bit pattern from causing improper operation of the impedance controller. Furthermore, the impedance controller includes a dummy transistor array for improved linearity of impedance variation.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2005-49305, filed on Jun. 9, 2005 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to controlling impedance at an I/O (input/out) pad of a semiconductor device, and more particularly to more accurately matching such impedance to an external impedance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, semiconductor devices such as a microprocessor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a controller and a memory device are mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) for forming an electronic system. Each semiconductor device is coupled to at least one other semiconductor device through a transmission line, such as a PCB wire.
For data transmission with preserved signal integrity, impedance matching is desired between an I/O (input/output) pin of the semiconductor device and the transmission line. With increased operating speed, signal amplitude in the semiconductor device has been decreasing such that such impedance matching is even more important.
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a conventional impedance controller as disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-96564. The impedance controller 26 includes PMOSFETs (P-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors) P1 and P2.
The PMOSFET P1 is coupled to a pull-up control path for controlling a pull-up transistor group of an output buffer, and the PMOSFET P2 is coupled to a pull-down control path for controlling a pull-down transistor group in the output buffer. The PMOSFET P1 has a source coupled to a power voltage VDDQ and a drain coupled to a ZQ terminal. VDDQ is equal to a power voltage for driving the output buffer.
The pull-up control path includes a PMOS array 102, an operational amplifier 103, an up/down counter 104, a dithering detector 105, a register 106, a clock generator 107, and a transmitter 108. The pull-down path includes an NMOSFET array 110, an operational amplifier 111, an up/down counter 112, a dithering detector 113, and a register 114.
A reference voltage generator (not shown in FIG. 1) generates a reference voltage VREF that is about VDDQ/2 for being applied on a negative input terminal of an operational amplifier 101 having an output for controlling the PMOSFET P1. A drain voltage VZQ of the PMOSFET P1 at the ZQ terminal is fed-back on a negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 101. Consequently, VZQ becomes substantially equal to the reference voltage VREF.
The reference voltage VREF is applied on a positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 103 having a negative input terminal coupled to a linkage node REFU between the drain of the PMOSFET P1 and the PMOS array 102. The up/down counter 104 generates a code (i.e., data bits U0 through Un−1) in response to an output UOUT of the operational amplifier 103. Each of n dummy transistors in the PMOS array 102 is turned on or off selectively depending on the data bits U0 through Un−. Consequently, a voltage at the linkage node REFU becomes substantially equal to the reference voltage VREF.
The PMOS array 102 includes n PMOSFETs having sources coupled to the power voltage VDDQ and having drains coupled to the linkage node REFU. Each gate of the n PMOSFETs is turned on or off by a respective one of the data bits U0 through Un−.
The dithering detector 105 receives the output UOUT of the operational amplifier 103 to activate a detection signal UDET when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Referring to FIG. 2, the dithering detector 105 activates the detection signal UDET with a high level when the output UOUT of the operational amplifier 103 is an alternating value of '1, 0, 1, 0, 1'.
The register 106 stores the data bits U0 through Un−1 provided from the up/down counter 104 when the dithering detector activates the detection signal UDET. The data bits U0 through Un−1 stored in the register 106 are transmitted to the output buffer through the transmitter 108.
The clock generator 107 generates a clock signal UP_CK that is used in the up/down counter 104 and the dithering detector 105, and a clock signal DN_CK that is used in the up/down counter 112 and the dithering detector 113 in the pull-down control path that operates in a similar manner as the pull-up control path.
The conventional impedance controller selectively turns on or off a plurality of transistors for matching an impedance of the output buffer to a reference impedance. Such matching is indicated by detecting an alternating bit pattern '1, 0, 1, 0, 1' from the output of the operational amplifier 103 or 111.
This method is also disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2003-13983.
However, when the output impedance is precisely equal to the reference impedance in the conventional impedance controller, the output of the operational amplifier 103 or 111 may have an undesired bit pattern such as '1, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0', resulting in improper operation of the impedance controller. Furthermore, multiple codes may cause dithering in the conventional impedance controller. However, the conventional impedance controller selects just an arbitrary one of such codes to be transmitted without any regard to which of such codes results in better impedance matching.

Impedance controller for semiconductor device


An image forming apparatus can carry out a continuous enlargement process by which an image of one original is enlarged and the image is formed on a plurality of sheets. According to the continuous enlargement process, a size of an original is first set, and a size of an image to be output can be input. A range of a size of an image to be output which can be input is calculated considering the size of the original and an ability of the apparatus. If the input size of the image to be output is within the range which can be input, a copy is made according to the continuous enlargement process. A user can input an arbitrary size within the range which can be input. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can be provided which can form an image of an output size desired by a user when a size of an image of an original is to be changed and an image is formed on sheets of the number which is different from that of the original.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and particularly to an image forming apparatus that can form an image of a size desired by a user.
2. Description of the Related Art
This application is based on Application No. 9-057883 filed in Japan, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
As a conventional image forming apparatus of such a type as described above, an image forming apparatus which has a continuous enlargement function is known. The continuous enlargement function is a function of, for example, enlarging an image of one original and forming the image on a plurality of sheets.
When a user utilizes the continuous enlargement function, the user selects a desired output size, from several output sizes according to the size of an original which has been set, and inputs the selected one. The image forming apparatus enlarges an image of the original according to the desired output size and forms the image on print sheets of the number larger than that of the original.
However, when the conventional image forming apparatus is used, the user can select and input, as an output size according to the size of an original, only the standard size of a print sheet such as A4 and B4 where an image is formed on an entire surface of the print sheet of the standard size.
In other words, once the number of print sheets used for one image formation is determined, the output size is only one for each standard size of the print sheet.
Therefore, when the conventional image forming apparatus is to change the size of an image of an original and forms the image on print sheets of the number different from that of the original, the image forming apparatus cannot form the image with an output size where, for example, the image is formed on each print sheet with an excessive margin space even if desired by the user.

Image forming apparatus that can make desired continuous enlargement copy


An isolation structure, such as a trench isolation structure, may be formed by forming an aperture in a semiconductor substrate and then filling the aperture with boron. In some embodiments, the aperture filling may use atomic layer deposition. In some cases, the boron may be amorphous boron. The aperture may be a high aspect ratio aperture, such as a trench, in some embodiments.

This relates generally to isolation structures used in semiconductor devices.
Isolation structures are widely used in semiconductor devices. One general application is to isolate active areas from each other. In other cases, individual devices, rows of devices, or arrays of devices may need to be electrically isolated from other structures.
Conventionally, isolation structures may be formed by growing an oxide. For example, in field isolation regions, an oxide is grown to isolate substrate regions from one another.
In memory devices in particular, trench isolations are widely used. The trench isolation fabrication may begin by forming a trench and then depositing oxide, such as high density plasma (HDP) oxide, within the trench, in a step called trench filling. Both shallow trench isolations and deep trench isolations are known.
One problem with trench isolation structures is that voids may form in the filling process. The greater the aspect ratio of the trench, the more likely it is that voids may form. Voids may result in improper filling, and ineffective isolation.

Forming high aspect ratio isolation structures


A method for surface treating a continuous flow of workpieces includes the steps of fluidizing a stationary bed of surface treating media, aggitating the fluidized bed of surface treating to create a scrubbing action to the surface treating media, suspending the workpieces from an overhead conveyor located over the bed of surface treating media and moving the workpieces to be treated suspended from the overhead conveyor through the stationary, fluidized aggitated media bed subjecting the workpieces to the scrubbing action of the media. Further, an apparatus for surface treating workpieces which includes a reservoir for containing a bed or pool of surface treating media, a force vibration generating device for imparting a reciprocating force to the reservoir and therefore, the surface treating media contained in the reservoir, the reciprocating force having at least a vertical vector and an overhead conveyor means located over the reservoir for conveying the workpieces to be treated continuously through the reservoir and, therefore, through the media.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for surface treating the surfaces of a workpiece, more particularly, to a method and apparatus wherein the workpieces to be surface treated are continuously moved through a bed of aggitated surface treating media.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Various processes and apparatus are known to the art for surface treating workpieces. Examples are shown in the following U.S. Patents.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,815,609 issued on Dec. 20, 1957 shows an apparatus for deburring and polishing workpieces including a pan which holds deburring material such as steel balls o stones. The pan is mounted in a stationary frame for vertical reciprocating movement by means of sprockets and chains supported on the frame. The apparatus includes a shaft which is mounted to the frame over the pan and is moved in a reciprocating motion along its longitudinal axis by means of an eccentric. The workpiece to be deburred is clamped to the reciprocating shaft to depend therefrom, and the pan is raised so that the workpiece is submerged in the deburring material. The shaft is then reciprocated to move the workpiece back and forth through the deburring material. After a sufficient time, the pan is lowered and the workpiece is removed from the deburring material, and the deburred workpiece is removed from the shaft.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,918,926 issued on Dec. 29, 1959 shows a washing and degreasing apparatus which includes a large tank for holding a suitable liquid cleaning solution. A parts basket having perforated walls is suspended into the liquid solution in the tank. The parts basket has one open end, and is mounted on springs for vibrator and oscillatory motion. A vibration generating device which includes an electric motor is connected to the parts basket by means of a belt to impart a vibratory motion to the basket. In addition, a sloped endless conveyor is located within the tank so that a portion of the conveyor lies below the open end of the parts basket to receive the parts from the basket and convey the parts out of the tank. Parts to be cleaned are deposited in the basket near the end thereof opposite the open basket end so that they are immersed in the cleaning solution. The basket is then caused to vibrate so that the parts therein will be moved toward the open basket end and be discharged onto the endless conveyor for removal from the tank.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,045,397 issued on July 24, 1962 shows an apparatus for surface treating parts which includes a support frame mounted on springs and an electric motor connected to the support frame through a belt system for imparting a vibratory action to the support frame. The apparatus further includes a plurality of parts receiving vats rigidly mounted to the support frame. The parts to be treated as well as liquid treating agent are place in the vats, and the frame is vibrated.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,128,577 issued on Apr. 14, 1964 shows an apparatus for deburring articles of considerable length which includes a tank containing abrasive material. Vibrator devices are attached to the outer side of the floor of the tank to vibrate the abrasive material in the tank. The opposite end walls of the tank have aligned apertures for accommodating the longitudinal movement of an elongated article to be deburred through the tank. The apertures have seals to prevent abrasive material from leaking out of the tank. Powered, article feed rollers are located outside the tank at one end wall. The elongated article to be deburred is inserted longitudinally through the apertures in the tank end walls and is engaged by the feed rollers. The feed rollers move the elongated article through the tank wherein it is subjected to the vibrating abrasive material and is deburred thereby.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,148,483 issued on Sept. 15, 1964 shows a machine for the surface treatment of an article by the reaction of media in vibratory movement which includes a rigid base with a horizontal table resiliently supported on the base by coil springs and a trough containing particulate treating material is secured to the table. Vibratory movement is imparted to the table, and therefore to the trough, by means of an eccentric drive arrangement located in the base below the table. The elongated trough has an upstream end wall, spaced apart side walls, a concave floor, and is open at the downstream end. A perforated platform is located at the open downstream or outlet end of the trough to separate particulate media exiting the trough from the treated articles also exiting the trough. The separated media is returned to the upstream end of the trough through an inlet chute for reuse in the treatment of further articles placed in the trough.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,336,701 issued on Aug. 22, 1967 shows a elongated, downwardly inclined container box containing an abrasive particulate material. The elongated, sloped container box is suspended on air cushions on fixed legs. Vibration is imparted to the container box by means of driven shafts and eccentric weights located beneath the container box. Articles to be finished are loaded into the container box by a chute located at the elevated container end. The lower end of the container box includes a lip over which finished articles and particulate treating material overflow from the container box. A screen arrangement is positioned beneath the container lip outside the container box for separating finished articles from the abrasive particulate material. The particulate material passes through the screen onto a recycling conveyor which returns particulate material back to the container box for reuse.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,505 issued on May 31, 1981 shows another apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with abrasive particulate material which includes a closed vessel. A grate is located within the vessel above the vessel floor. A bed of abrasive material is located above and supported on the grate, and the volume beneath the grate forms a plenum chamber. Compressed air is introduced into the plenum chamber and passes upwardly through the grate to maintain the abrasive material in a fluid and agitated state. The two end walls of the vessel are formed with openings through which a continuous elongated workpiece is moved through the bed of abrasive material. In addition, air conduits are located through the bed of abrasive material next to the path of the elongated workpiece passing through the abrasive material bed. These air conduits have nozzles oriented to direct compressed air streams against the surface of the workpiece moving through the abrasive material bed. The air issuing from these nozzles pick up particles from the fluidized bed and propels the abrasive particles at high velocity against the surface of the workpiece. A mixture of air and abrasive material rising from the abrasive bed is removed from the vessel through an exhaust duct to a separator device. The separator device separates particulate material from the air. The separated particulate material is returned to the vessel for reuse, and the separated air is exhausted to the atmosphere.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,586,293 issued on May 6, 1986 shows a vibratory surface treating apparatus and method wherein a reservoir containing a bed of surface treating media is vibrated to fluidize and agitate the bed of surface treating media and workpieces to be surface treated are caused to move through the bed of surface treating media under the influence of the vibrations imparted to the reservoir. In another embodiment, this patent shows an endless belt conveyor system submerged within the bed of surface treating media for moving the workpieces through the media bed.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,425 issued on May 5, 1987 shows a batch type vibratory scrubbing apparatus which includes a container filled with particulate scrubbing media and vibratory generators for vibrating the container and scrubbing media. A part or casting structure is suspended by a chain above the container, and a part or casting is fastened to the bottom end of the support structure. Additional vibration generators are connected to the support structure. In operation, the support structure with the part or casting attached is lowered to locate the part or casting into the vibratory particulate media. The support structure is then raised to remove the part or casting from the particulate media.

Method and apparatus for surface treating a workpiece


Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described that provide for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmissions of control information using downlink control channel resources, such as physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) resources. The MIMO transmissions may provide control channel transmissions to multiple UEs using the same time-frequency resources. A base station may use a subset of control channel monitoring entities for MIMO control channel transmissions, and another subset of control channel monitoring candidates for non-MIMO control channel transmissions. Control channel monitoring entities for MIMO transmissions may be defined separately from non-MIMO or legacy control channel candidates.

The following relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to multi-user control channel transmission techniques.
Wireless communications systems are widely deployed to provide various types of communication content such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, and so on. These systems may be capable of supporting communication with multiple users by sharing the available system resources (e.g., time, frequency, and power). Examples of such multiple-access systems include fourth generation (4G) systems such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, or LTE-A Pro systems, and fifth generation (5G) systems which may be referred to as New Radio (NR) systems. These systems may employ technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), or discrete Fourier transform-spread-OFDM (DFT-S-OFDM). A wireless multiple-access communications system may include a number of base stations or network access nodes, each simultaneously supporting communication for multiple communication devices, which may be otherwise known as user equipment (UE).
Control information in some wireless communications systems may be transmitted from a base station to a UE using control channel resources, such as physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) resources. In some cases, if a base station is serving a relatively large number of UEs, control channel resources may become constrained and limit an amount of downlink control information that can be transmitted to the UEs, which may result in delays for control information transmissions to some UEs. Techniques that may allow for control information transmission in a more efficient and reliable manner to serve a relatively large number of UEs may therefore be beneficial.

Multi-user control channel transmission techniques