A new method in the design for an electronic power supply for suppressing signal interference in equipment of an electronic system due to ground current in a ground loop is provided. In a power supply comprising a transformer, a primary circuit, a secondary circuit, and ground conductors, the method is done by connecting the common signal references of secondary side to the ground conductors through a capacitor and an inductor connected in series. The added capacitor is to reject DC and low frequency noise and interference, and the added inductor is to reject high frequency noise and interference. Most noise and interference signals therefore cannot pass through the formed paths. As a result, the degree of signal interference problem is greatly reduced.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the suppression of signal interference in equipment, and more particularly to employing a new grounding technique in a power supply or adaptor to suppress signal interference in equipment due to variable ground current flowing through a ground loop.
2. Description of the Related Art
In computer, electrical and electronic systems, grounding is an important process. According to IEEE, It is defined as a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, by which an electric circuit or equipment is connected to the earth, or to some conducting body of relatively large extent in place of the earth. It""s used for establishing and maintaining the potential of the earth (or of the conducting body) or approximately that potential, on conductors connected to it, and for conducting ground current to and from the earth (or the conducting body). Besides, earthing is a process of connecting the grounding system to earth and is performed to keep the entire grounding system at earth potential.
A computer and electronic system, which includes a 3-pin power supply or adaptor, a personal computer (PC) or host unit, and a TV or some equipment, is shown in FIG. 1. The internal circuitry of the power supply 100 is simplified, for example, as a DC voltage source 102 at secondary side of the transformer in the power supply 100. xe2x80x9c3-pinxe2x80x9d is used to describe three conductors to the input of the power supply 100 for wire connections from Line, Neutral and Ground conductors of a power outlet. The three conductors include a line conductor 104, a neutral conductor 106, and a ground conductor 108. The frame ground 118 is the Ground conductor of the power outlet and is connected to earth. The PC 120 as the host unit of the system is simplified as a load resistor R1 and the power is supplied by the power supply 100. The TV 130 is coupled to the PC 120 for signal processing and control, and is also simplified as an input impedance R2 of the TV circuitry. Grounding is the process of interconnecting all of the power supply 100, the PC 120, and the TV 130, and then connecting them to the earth. R3, R4, R5 and R6 represent the total impedances of all cables between the power supply 100, the PC 120, the TV 130, and the frame ground 118. Grounding is achieved through the cables 114 connecting 108 to 118, 110 connecting 108 to 120, 112 connecting 120 to 130, and 116 connecting 130 to the frame ground 118. The DC voltage source 102 supplies a current I1 through a metal line to R1 of the PC 120. The current I1 flows through R1 and the line 110 carries the current I1 back to 108 to complete the voltage source-load circuit. Similarly, there are a line carrying signal to the input impedance R2 of the TV 130 and the line 112 carrying the signal back to the PC 120. Vout is the signal voltage of the PC 120 between the two lines that is supplied to the TV 130.
Any closed loop connecting 100, 120 and 130 serving as a signal reference loop is a ground loop (even though ground may not be involved). Practically speaking, there is impedance in all conductive lines, including any ground loop, so there is noise, interference voltages, between various points in any ground loop and in any conductive line when there is current flowing through them. The potential difference between any two points in a ground loop is often called ground voltage shift and is a major source of noise and interference in electronic circuits.
The current in a ground loop, called the ground current, may come from the voltage drop on R4 of the cable 110. The voltage causes a ground current Ig to flow through the loop. The ground current Ig would produce an interference voltage drop at the TV 130 side by flowing through R5, and thereby the voltage Vin of 130 across R2 would be about
Vin=Voutxe2x88x92Ig*R5
but not be equal to Vout of 120. Ig*R5 is the interference voltage drop at the TV 130 side. Ground currents, and thus ground voltage shifts, will cause distortion of signal at R2 of 130. Any potential in conducting lines connected to a ground loop with respect to a lower potential in the ground loop can cause ground currents.
Since the load current through R1 of the PC 120 is generally variable, the ground current Ig caused by a voltage across R4 is also variable. Therefore, the interference voltage (Ig*R5) is variable. The continuous change of the interference voltage is a significant noise and can interfere with the signals supplied to the TV 130 seriously, resulting in, for example, image quality degradations on the screen of the TV 130.
For the forgoing reasons, there is a need for suppressing the noise and signal interference problem due to ground current in a ground loop. A possible solution to the signal interference problem is using thick lines, for example No.18 AWG (American Wire Gauge) lines, as the signal line 112 in FIG. 1 to increase the protection of signal from noise and interference. Thick lines are not practical and suitable for computer and electronic systems. Another solution is reducing impedance of cable by reducing the lengths of conductors between 100 and 120 or 120 and 130 in the loop. This solution is also difficult to be implemented. As to grounding practice in a power supply, consider a typical power supply 200, shown in FIG. 2, it contains a transformer 202, a primary circuit on the primary side of the transformer 202 connecting to an external AC input voltage source VAC, and a secondary circuit on the secondary side of the transformer 202 producing the output voltage Vout of the power supply 200. The secondary circuit contains a diode D1 as a rectifier, a filter capacitor C and sometimes has an extra voltage regulator. The output voltage Vout is supplied to load equipment such as a PC. Between primary and secondary side, there is a capacitor C3 for reducing EMI level. Common grounding practice is to connect the secondary side 206 to the outside frame ground 210. In order to improve the signal interference problem, the present invention provides a better grounding method.
As described above, noise or signal interference problem has long been a serious concern in electronic circuits. The main object of the invention is to provide a new grounding technique in the design for an electronic power supply to suppress the signal interference problem in equipment of an electronic system including the power supply.
The traditional grounding practice is to connect the common signal references of the secondary circuits to the outside frame ground. On the contrary, the method of the present invention applied to the power supply is to form conductive paths connecting the common signal references of the primary and secondary circuits to the frame ground through a capacitor and an inductor connected to in series. The addition of a capacitor is to cut the otherwise direct conductive paths being parts of ground loops between the signal references and the ground conductors. The added capacitor is to reject DC or low frequency noise and helps keep electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction performance because C1 and C2 can be adjusted as C3 of FIG. 2. The added inductor is to reject high frequency noise and interference, together with C2 behaving like a LC filter. Most noise and interference signals cannot pass through the formed conductive paths containing a capacitor and an inductor connected in series. But, the DC impedance of the inductor can""t be over 0.1 ohm in order to obey safety regulations. As a result of this grounding technique, the degree of signal interference problem is greatly reduced. Accordingly, the invention provides a good method for suppressing the inevitable signal interference problem in electronic circuits.

Method in the design for a power supply for suppressing noise and signal interference in equipment


An electrochromic device includes: a substrate having an inner surface; at least one first electrode layer formed on the inner surface; at least one second electrode layer formed on the inner surface and spaced apart from the first electrode layer; and an electrochromic unit formed on the first and second electrode layers and including an electrochromic layer and an electrolyte layer that is in contact with the electrochromic layer. When a potential is applied between the first and second electrode layers, the electrochromic layer can undergo chemical reduction or oxidation reactions and change color.

1. Field of the invention
The invention relates to an electrochromic device, and more particularly to an electrochromic device that includes an electrode layer and a plurality of metal lines formed on the electrode layer.
2. Description of the related art
Electrochromic devices include an electrochromic material that can change color when an electric field applied thereto is changed. Hence, the electrochromic devices can be used in the manufacture of products, such as sun glasses, window panels, and display screens.
FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional electrochromic device that includes a first substrate 11, a transparent first electrode layer 12, an electrochromic layer 13, an electrolyte layer 14, a second substrate 15, and a transparent second electrode layer 16. The electrolyte layer 14 is indirect contact with the second electrode layer 16 and the electrochromic layer 13. When a potential is applied between the first and second electrode layers 12, 16, electrons released from the first electrode layer 12 enter the electrochromic layer 13, which causes chemical reduction and/or oxidation reactions of the electrochromic layer 13, and which, in turn, results in change in the color of the electrochromic layer 13. The rate of color change depends on the diffusion rate of the electrons in the electrochromic layer 13.
There is a need for reduction of the total thickness of the electrochromic device for miniaturization and thickness reduction purposes in electronic industries. In addition, when the dimension of the aforesaid conventional electrochromic device is relatively large, non-uniform color change of the electrochromic layer 13 tends to occur.


Disclosed is a method of fabricating a resistive switching memory. A method of fabricating a resistive switching memory according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step of forming a lower electrode on a substrate; a step of forming a resistive switching layer on the lower electrode using sputtering; and a step of forming an upper electrode on the resistive switching layer, wherein, in the step of forming a resistive switching layer on the lower electrode using sputtering, the substrate is disposed in a region, which is not reached by plasma generated by the first and second targets, between the first target and the second target disposed above the substrate to deposit the resistive switching layer.

Several methods of depositing a material on a substrate are known. For example, substrates may be deposited by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process such as a sputtering process. As other deposition processes, there are chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Typically, the processes are carried out in apparatuses or sputtering chambers for processing, a substrate to be coated is placed in the apparatuses or sputtering chambers, and a deposition material is provided in the sputtering chambers.
The deposited materials can be used in some applications and in some fields of technology, for example, to form a resistive switching layer that is included in a resistive switching memory.
As an example of sputtering apparatuses, a magnetron sputtering apparatus wherein an electromagnet or a permanent magnet is disposed on a back surface of a target, a ring-shaped magnetron discharge plasma is generated on a target surface to sputter the target, and the sputtered object is deposited on a substrate to form a film is known.
However, an existing sputtering method has difficulties in that the plasma density applied to a substrate is very high because the substrate is placed directly under a target, and it is difficult to control the concentrations of electrons or reactive ions present in plasma because the plasma density generated between the substrate and the target is constant.
For example, when carbon oxide (COx) is deposited using reactive sputtering, carbon reacts with electrons or oxygen-reactive ions present in plasma to be bonded in the form of CO or CO2, so that carbon oxide (COx) is not deposited on a substrate, and a deposited thin carbon film is etched without formation of a thin carbon oxide film.

Resistive switching memory including resistive switching layer fabricated using sputtering and method of fabricating the same

INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY


A separation apparatus and method are employed using a separation channel for rotation about an axis. Such channel includes radially spaced apart inner and outer side wall portions and an end wall portion. An inlet conveys fluid into the channel. A barrier is located in the channel intermediate of the inner and outer side wall portions. A first flow path communicates between upstream and downstream sides of the barrier. A collection region may be located downstream of the barrier for communication with the first flow path. An outer side wall section of the channel may be positioned radially outward of an upstream section thereof. The barrier may join the outer side wall portion along a substantial portion of an axial length of the channel. First and second exit flow paths may allow communication with the channel either upstream or downstream of the barrier or both.

The present invention relates in general to apparatus and methods for separating biological fluids, such as blood or blood components or other fluids, into one or more components.
The separation of biological fluid such as whole blood and blood components into its constituent components for various applications is well known. Many commercially available separation systems are based on principles of centrifugation, which separates the fluid components according to density. Various devices and systems are known that employ centrifugal separation of blood or blood components including the CS-3000®, Amicus® and ALYX® separators marketed by Baxter Healthcare Corporation of Deerfield, Ill., the Spectra® and Trima® separators by Gambro BCT of Lakewood, Colo., the AS104 from Fresenius Homecare of Redmond, Wash., and the V-50 and other models from Haemonetics Corporation of Braintree, Mass. Various centrifuge devices are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,775, Published PCT Application Ser. Nos. PCT/US02/31317; PCT/US02/31319; PCT/US03/33311 and PCT/US03/07944, and U.S. Published Patent Application Ser. Nos. 20020094927 and 20020077241. Each of these patent and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
Although centrifugal blood separator devices are thus well known, efforts continue to develop devices that are smaller, lighter, more portable, versatile and/or efficient in the separation and collection of one or more different components of blood or other biological fluids.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A ladder that includes two hinged sections that can be oriented in an inverted V-configuration for use as a step ladder, or in a straight linear configuration for use as a straight ladder. Each section of the ladder includes a number of U-shaped support units, each of which defines a crossbar and two downwardly extending side rails. The side rails of the different U-shaped units are of graduated cross sectional dimension, such that the units can be contracted together by telescopically sliding the aligned side rails within one another.

This invention relates to a step ladder that can either an inverted V-shaped configuration or an elongated straight configuration or an elongated straight configuration. In its inverted V-configuration the ladder can assume a free standing "step ladder" condition. In its straight configuration the ladder is extended or elongated for use in reaching elevated locations.
The ladder includes two hingedly-connected sections. Each section is comprised of a number of U-shaped units arranged for telescopic connection, one within another, such that the ladder sections can be folded and retracted into a compact package for each storage.
The U-shaped units that make up each ladder section comprise hollow cross bars that fit onto plastic end connectors or blocks. Tubular side rails fit into these connector blocks. Each side rail has a hollow plastic sleeve at its lower end. The various side rails and associated plastic elements are dimensioned so that the various side rails are of increased cross sectional area, measured from the upper U-shaped unit to the lower U-shaped unit. This feature enables the side rails of the various units to telescope into each other to form a compact assembly suitable for convenient storage.
A manually-operable latch mechanism is built into the cross bar of each U-shaped unit for holding the U-shaped units in their extended positions.

Multi-purpose extendable and retractable ladder

No. 3, Alley 25, Lane 194, Chung-Hsiao Road


A compressor device that periodically supplies compressed working gas to a cooling device loses less gas by not using a rotary valve. The compressor device includes a compressor chamber, a working gas connection, a working liquid connection, a pump, a compensation container and a membrane that is airtight and liquid-tight. The membrane divides the compressor chamber into a first volume containing a working gas and a second volume containing a working liquid. The working gas connection is coupled to the first volume, and the working liquid connection is coupled to the second volume. The pump periodically pumps the working liquid through the working liquid connection and into the second volume and as a result periodically compresses the working gas in the first volume. The membrane is constructed as a balloon or a bellows that surrounds the first volume. The compensation container contains working liquid and is connected to the pump.

Pulsed tube cooling devices and Gifford-McMahon cooling devices are used to cool cryo-pumps, nuclear spin tomography apparatuses, etc. These cooling devices use compressors. Gas compressors and in particular helium compressors are used in combination with rotary or turning valves, as shown in FIG. 1 (prior art). A helium compressor 10 is connected via a high-pressure line 11 and a low-pressure line 12 to a turning valve 13. On the outlet side, the turning valve 13 is connected via a gas line 14 to a cooling device 15 in the form of a Gifford-McMahon cooling device or a pulsed tube cooling device. The high pressure and low pressure sides of the gas compressor 10 are alternately connected via the turning valve 13 to the pulsed tube cooling device or to the Gifford-McMahon cooling device. The rate at which compressed helium is introduced into the cooling device 10 and out of it again is in the range of 1 Hz. Such cooling and compressor systems have the disadvantage that the motor-driven turning valve 13 causes losses of up to 50% of the input performance.
Cooling devices also use conventional acoustic compressors and high-frequency compressors. One or more pistons of the acoustic or high-frequency compressors are put in linear resonance oscillation by a magnetic field. But these resonance frequencies are in the range of a few tens of Hertz and are therefore not suited for being used with pulsed tube cooling devices or Gifford-McMahon cooling devices that generate very low temperatures in the range less than 10K.
Swiss patent CH457147B discloses a membrane compressor or membrane pump that has a working chamber subdivided by an elastic, gas- and liquid-tight membrane into a gas volume and a liquid volume. Liquid is periodically forced by a liquid pump into the liquid volume of the working chamber causing the elastic membrane to expand in the direction of the gas volume and to compress the gas, thus performing a compressor function. When the liquid leaved the working chamber and the elastic membrane retracts away from the direction of the gas volume, the elastic membrane performs a pumping function. The membrane compressor has the disadvantage that the gas-tight, liquid-tight and pressure-resistant seal of the elastic membrane in the working chamber is comparatively expensive. The membrane is heavily loaded, in particular in the area of the seal, so that either very expensive materials must be used or a lower service life must be accepted.
German patent DE10344698B4 discloses a heat pump and a refrigerating machine with a compressor device. The compressor device includes a compressor chamber in which a balloon is arranged. The balloon is periodically loaded with liquid so that the gas surrounding the balloon is periodically compressed and relaxed again. This has the disadvantage that the balloon casing can scrape or rub under certain operating states on the hard and possibly edged inner surface of the compressor chamber. As a result, the formation of perforations or fissures in the balloon casing can occur due to the pressure conditions.
Considering the disclosure of aforementioned patents, it is an object of the invention to provide a compressor device that has a longer service life and requires less maintenance that the aforementioned membrane and balloon compressors. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cooling device and a refrigeration machine that use the novel compressor.

Compressor for a cooling device and a refrigeration machine


A method and apparatus is provided that may protect a fragile component (such as a quartz plate) positioned within a megasonic tank from impact by falling objects. The megasonic tank may include a barrier (such as one or more extended rollers, quartz bars, or a net) that is configured to protect the fragile component.

The present invention relates generally to an improved wafer cleaning system that employs megasonic energy to clean semiconductor wafers, compact discs, glass wafers, and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatuses configured to protect a fragile component (e.g., quartz, ceramic or sapphire plate, etc.) employed within a megasonic tank.
Semiconductor wafers are often cleaned (individually or in a batch) within a tank of megasonically energized fluid. Such megasonic tanks may employ a plurality of rollers configured to support a wafer and further configured to rotate a wafer, a transducer coupled to the tank""s fluid and configured to direct sonic energy through the fluid to the surfaces of a wafer supported therein. The chamber may further employ a window comprising a plate (e.g., a quartz, sapphire or ceramic plate) configured to cover the transducer such that the transducer(s) may be mounted outside the tank and may transmit energy through the plate to the tank fluid or, such that any transducers contained within the tank are sealed from the tank""s fluid via the plate. Typically the plate and the transducers are positioned along the tank""s bottom wall.
During tank assembly and/or during routine maintenance of the megasonic tank, a technician may be working in the tank with various hand tools while installing, replacing, or adjusting a component of the megasonic tank, such as the rollers, etc. While performing such manual tasks, the technician may accidentally drop a tool (e.g., a screwdriver). Unfortunately, when a hand tool is dropped into or within a megasonic tank, the hand tool may strike and break the plate that covers the transducer. Similarly, the plate may also be broken by falling wafers, which may be manually dropped or may fall, when automated wafer handlers are being calibrated or aligned, etc.
Accordingly, a method and apparatus is needed to reduce the occurrence of plate breakage.
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus that comprises a barrier configured to protect a fragile component from impact by falling objects. The method comprises providing a chamber configured to clean a substrate, and having a fragile component contained therein; and, above the fragile component, installing a barrier that extends over at least the width of the fragile component so as to protect the fragile component from impact by falling objects. The apparatus may comprise a tank configured to contain a liquid. The tank may have an opening configured to allow a substrate to enter the tank from a position above the tank; and may contain a fragile component (e.g., a transducer or a quartz, ceramic or sapphire plate) positioned within the footprint of the opening and configured to transmit sonic energy. The apparatus further comprises a barrier that extends above at least the width of the fragile component.
In one aspect, the inventive apparatus may comprise a megasonic tank having a fragile plate contained in (or forming a window in) the tank, and a barrier that covers at least portions of the width of the fragile plate, so as to protect the plate component from impact by falling objects.
In aspects wherein the barrier is positioned between a substrate supporting location and wherein the fragile component comprises a transducer or a fragile plate through which a transducer transmits energy to a substrate, the barrier thickness is chosen to be a multiple of one half the wavelength of the rate at which the sonic energy (e.g., the sound output by the transducer as the sonic energy) travels through the barrier material (or is otherwise chosen so as to be transparent to the acoustic energy output by the transducer).
Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.


Disclosed are systems and methods for reducing vibration in a device mounting structure, the method including determining when the vibration level of the device mounting structure exceeds a first threshold, and reducing the data transfer rate of at least one data transfer device mounted to the device mounting structure an amount sufficient to reduce the vibration to a level below a second threshold.

In some situations, vibration of a housing or other mounting structure can cause one or more of the devices within that housing or otherwise attached to such a mounting structure to malfunction. For example, one piece of equipment may function perfectly well in one environment, but when that same piece of equipment is placed in proximity to other equipment, the vibrations from that other equipment may, when combined with vibration generated internal to the equipment in question, cause the equipment in question to malfunction.
In some situations, the operation of the equipment itself may, under some circumstances, be enough to cause malfunctioning of the equipment. This is particularly true as the data transfer rates of equipment continues to increase. This increase in data transfer rates translates, in some situations, to increased vibrations, which, in turn, may cause malfunctions to occur.

System and method for controlling vibration

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


Web-based instrument interface software executing on an instrument controller computer system receives a web file from web browsing software executing on a remote computer, extracts a command or a request for status information from the web file, generates and transmits to an analytical instrument a signal indicative of the extracted command or request for status information, receives a signal from the analytical instrument indicative of the status thereof, and generates and transmits to the web browsing software executing on the remote computer a web file based on the received signal from the analytical instrument indicative of the status thereof.

The present invention relates to an improved analytical instrument, and more particularly to an analytical instrument incorporating remote monitoring and control features.
Numerous types of analytical instruments are well known and widely used in many settings. Common examples of such instruments include molecular spectroscopy instruments, thermal and elemental analysis instruments, inorganic analysis instruments, chromatography instruments, and numerous others. Such instruments can often be found in research laboratories, universities, medical laboratories, and in many other locations.
Traditionally, analytical instruments included some integrated type of user interface which allowed a user to control operation of the instrument and to observe instrument output. However, this arrangement suffered from a number of disadvantages. One such disadvantage was that the interface, being an integral part of the instrument, was not easily modified or upgradeable. If it was desired to upgrade the interface in any significant way, it was often necessary to replace the entire interface. Another disadvantage was that, although the integrated interfaces may have allowed for some rudimentary storage and manipulation of output data, such functions were typically severely limited.
With the advent of the personal computer, these disadvantages were obviated by interfacing analytical instruments with an instrument controller computer rather than or in addition to the integrated interface. The user interface could then comprise computer software executing on the instrument controller computer. This allowed for the provision of more complex instrument operations as well as facilitating the storage and manipulation of output data. Connecting the instrument to an instrument control computer having instrument interface software executing thereon also provided the benefit of allowing the instrument control interface to be easily modified or updated simply by updating the software. However, such arrangements still suffered from a number of disadvantages. One of such disadvantages was that the instrument could only be controlled by, and the instrument output data could only by viewed on, the particular instrument control computer directly connected to the instrument.
It was discovered that this and other disadvantages could be obviated if the instrument controller computer was connected to a network of computers. Referring to FIG. 1, a known network 10 incorporating an instrument controller computer 12 is shown. Instrument controller computer 12 generally comprises a CPU, a memory, and various input and output devices, as is commonly known. One or more analytical instruments 14, 16, 18 are directly connected to instrument controller computer 12 by way of some hard-wired connection, such as a serial or parallel connection. Executing on instrument controller computer 12 is instrument interface software. The instrument interface software is used to control each of analytical instruments 14, 16, 18 connected to instrument controller computer 12. More specifically, instrument interface software receives user input, for example, by receiving commands via keystrokes, menus, icons, etc., and translates this user input into control signals which are transmitted to the appropriate one of analytical instruments 14, 16, 18 by way of the hard-wired connection. The instrument interface software also receives signals output by each of analytical instruments 14, 16, 18 via the hard-wired connection, translates the signals into data useful to the user, and displays the data. The data may also be stored on an instrument database 20 connected to instrument controller computer 12.
It should be noted that the instrument interface software is typically unique to each instrument 14, 16, 18 being controlled. Thus, different software must be employed to control different types or even different models of instruments supplied by the same manufacturer and to control the same types of instruments supplied by different manufacturers. As such, the particular instrument cannot be controlled by instrument controller computer 12 unless the unique instrument interface software which is appropriate for the particular instrument desired to be controlled has been installed on instrument controller computer 12.
One or more additional computers 22, 24, 26 may be in communication with instrument controller computer 12 by a network connection 28, such as an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN) or the like. Computers 22, 24, 26 may be used to control one or more of instruments 14, 16,18 so long as computer 22, 24, 26 has the unique instrument interface software which is appropriate for the particular instrument desired to be controlled installed thereon. When such is the case, instruments 14, 16,18 are controlled by computers 22, 24, 26 as described above with respect to instrument controller computer 12. More specifically, the instrument interface software executing on computers 22, 24, 26 receives commands via keystrokes, menus, icons, etc., and translates this user input into control signals which are transmitted to the appropriate one of analytical instruments 14, 16, 18 via network connection 28, instrument controller computer 12 and the hard-wired connection. The instrument interface software also receives signals output by each of analytical instruments 14, 16, 18 via the hard-wired connection, instrument controller computer 12 and network connection 28, translates the signals into data useful to the user, and displays the data.
Although network 10 allows a user to control instruments 14, 16, 18 using computers 22, 24, 26 other than instrument controller computer 12 directly connected to instruments 14, 16, 18, network 10 still suffers from a number of disadvantages. One such disadvantage is that any of computers 22, 24, 26 which are utilized to control instruments 14, 16, 18 must have the appropriate instrument interface software installed thereon. This is disadvantageous for a number of reasons. For example, it may be desirable for a user to be able to control an instrument from a computer which is not typically used for instrument control (e.g., from home or while traveling). It would be highly disadvantageous to require the user to install the appropriate instrument interface software on such computers. Moreover, when the instrument interface software is updated, network 10 would require that the instrument interface software be updated on each of the (possibly numerous) computers 22, 24, 26 on network 10 in addition to instrument controller computer 12. This would be a time-consuming and inefficient process.
What is desired, therefore, is an analytic instrument which incorporates remote monitoring and control features, which includes an interface which is easily modifiable or upgradeable, which facilitates storage and manipulation of output data, and which does not require that instrument interface software unique to the instrument be installed on computers used to remotely monitor and control the instrument.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an analytic instrument which incorporates remote monitoring and control features.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an analytic instrument having the above characteristics and which includes an interface which is easily modifiable or upgradeable.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an analytic instrument having the above characteristics and which facilitates storage and manipulation of output data.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an analytic instrument having the above characteristics and which does not require that instrument interface software unique to the instrument be installed on computers used to remotely monitor and control the instrument.
In one embodiment, these and other objects of the present invention are achieved by provision of a web-based instrument and data management system including an instrument controller computer system having at least one analytical instrument connected thereto. At least one remote computer is in communication with the instrument controller computer system via a network connection, the at least one remote computer having web browser software executing thereon. Web-based instrument interface software executing on the instrument controller computer system receives a web file from the web browsing software executing on the at least one remote computer, extracts a command or a request for status information from the web file, generates and transmits to the at least one analytical instrument a signal indicative of the extracted command or request for status information, receives a signal from the at least one analytical instrument indicative of the status thereof, and generates and transmits to the web browsing software executing on the at least one remote computer a web file based upon the received signal from the at least one analytical instrument indicative of the status thereof.
In a related embodiment, the system further includes an instrument database accessible by the instrument controller computer system. In this embodiment, web-based instrument interface software executing on the instrument controller computer system receives a web file from the web browsing software executing on the at least one remote computer, extracts a request for data from the web file, retrieves the requested data from the at least one analytical instrument or the instrument database, and generates and transmits to the web browsing software executing on the at least one remote computer a web file based upon the retrieved requested data.
The instrument controller computer system may comprise a single instrument controller computer or an instrument controller computer and a web server computer. Moreover, the at least one remote computer may be in communication with the instrument controller computer system via the Internet. Preferably, the web files comprise HTML files. It is also preferable that the web-based instrument interface software confirms whether a user of the at least one remote computer is authorized for the command, the request for status information or the request for data before executing the user""s command.
In another aspect of the invention, a web-based instrument and data management system includes an instrument controller computer system having at least one analytical instrument connected thereto. The system also includes a permissions database accessible by the instrument controller computer system. At least one remote computer is in communication with the instrument controller computer system via a network connection, the at least one remote computer having web browser software executing thereon. Web-based instrument interface software executing on the instrument controller computer system receives a web file from the web browsing software executing on the at least one remote computer, extracts a user identifier and a requested action from the web file, determines whether a user of the at least one remote computer is authorized for the requested action based upon the user identifier, the requested action and data stored on the permissions database, performs the requested action if the user is authorized, and if the user is not authorized generates and transmits to the web browsing software executing on the at least one remote computer a web file indicating that the user is not authorized for the requested action.
The requested action may comprise an instrument command, a request for instrument status information or a request for data.
The invention and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings.

System for remote monitoring and control of an instrument


This disclosure is directed to a method of forming a gate pattern and a semiconductor device. The method comprises: providing a plurality of stacked structures which are parallel to each other and extend continuously in a first direction, and which are composed of a gate material bar and an etching barrier bar thereon; leaving second resist regions between gaps to be formed adjacent to each other across gate bars by a second photolithography process; selectively removing the etching barrier bars by a second etching process; forming a third resist layer having a plurality of openings parallel to each other and extending continuously in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction by a third photolithography process; and forming the gate pattern by a third etching process. The method is capable of having a larger photolithography process window and better controlling the shape and size of a gate pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
This disclosure is directed to a method of forming a gate pattern and a semiconductor device having the gate pattern. This disclosure is particularly directed to a method of forming a staggered gate pattern and a semiconductor device having the gate pattern.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to maximize the density of a semiconductor device, in particular the density of a gate, it is often required to form a staggered gate pattern. For example, this gate pattern includes a plurality of gate bars parallel to each other in a first direction, and each gate bar is broken up by gaps. Moreover, the gaps are located in a plurality of stripe zones parallel to each other in a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction, but the gaps in each stripe zone are not continuous, that is, there are gaps adjacent to each other across gate bars in each stripe zone.
In current semiconductor manufacturing processes, in order to form a staggered gate pattern, a double patterning technique is employed widely.
FIGS. 1A to 1B show trimming slots formed in a conventional double patterning technique and a gate pattern obtained by using the trimming slots. Referring to FIG. 1A, a mask having the trimming slots is disposed above a plurality of gate bars parallel to each other obtained after line etching. The positions of the trimming slots correspond to the positions of the gaps breaking up the gate bars. The positions of the trimming slots are staggered because a staggered gate pattern is to be formed. Next, referring to FIG. 1B, a staggered gate pattern is formed after trimming slot etching is performed on the gate bars.
FIGS. 2A to 2D specifically show a method of forming a staggered gate pattern by employing a conventional double patterning technique.
First, as shown in FIG. 2A, a resist pattern 210 having a plurality of openings is formed by a first photolithography process, the plurality of openings being parallel to each other and extending continuously. Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, a first etching process is performed by using the resist pattern 210 as a mask so as to form a plurality of gate material bars 260 on a substrate 250, the plurality of gate material bars 260 being parallel to each other and extending continuously. Then, as shown in FIG. 2C, a resist pattern 220 having trimming slots is formed by a second photolithography process. Finally, as shown in FIG. 2D, a second etching process is performed by using the resist pattern 220 as a mask so as to form staggered gaps in the gate material bars 260 on the substrate 250, thereby forming the staggered gate pattern.
FIGS. 3A to 3E specifically show another method of forming a staggered gate pattern by employing a conventional double patterning technique. This method additionally forms a hard mask layer on a gate material layer. After forming a staggered hard mask pattern by using a similar method, the hard mask pattern is transferred to the underlying gate material layer, thereby forming a staggered gate pattern.
First, as shown in FIG. 3A, a resist pattern 310 having a plurality of openings is formed by a first photolithography process, the plurality of openings being parallel to each other and extending continuously. Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, a first etching process is performed by using a resist pattern 310 as a mask so as to form a plurality of hard mask bars 370 on the gate material layer 360 on a substrate 350, the plurality of hard mask bars 370 being parallel to each other and extending continuously. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, a resist pattern 320 having trimming slots is formed by a second photolithography process. Next, as shown in FIG. 3D, a second etching process is performed by using the resist pattern 320 as a mask so as to form staggered gaps in the hard mask bars 370 on the gate material layer 360 on the substrate 350, thereby forming a staggered hard mask pattern. Finally, as shown in FIG. 3E, a third etching process is performed by using the hard mask pattern as a mask so as to form the staggered gate pattern.
After forming the gate pattern (e.g., a polysilicon gate pattern) by using any one of the above methods, the material of the gate may be further replaced by a metal, thereby forming a staggered metal gate pattern.
The present inventors have conducted in-depth investigation on the above method of forming a staggered gate pattern, and have found that the following problems exist.
First, in deep submicron field, strict control is needed for the size of trimming slots, especially the longitudinal size H1 of trimming slots (referring to FIGS. 2C and 3C, which corresponds to the length of the gaps breaking up the gate bars), which makes the photolithography process window of trimming slots very small.
Second, in deep submicron field, corners of obtained trimming slots are rounded significantly due to the margin of trimming slot photolithography, i.e., the obtained trimming slots are not in desired rectangular shape (referring to FIG. 1A). Moreover, after trimming slot etching, corners of an obtained gate are sharp correspondingly rather than being desired right angles (referring to FIG. 1B). Thus, the shape and size of a gate pattern can not be precisely controlled, thereby causing an adverse effect on the performances of a semiconductor device. Further, if a metal gate structure is to be employed, the sharp corners of the gate make metal filling difficult when replacing the material of the gate with the metal, which also causes an adverse effect on the performances of the semiconductor device.

Method of forming a gate pattern and a semiconductor device

Semiconductor Manufacturing International (Shanghai) Corporation


An adjustable annuloplasty device comprising a tube having a basically annular shape or adopted to be brought into an annular shape. At least one portion, preferably three portions, of an outer wall or the whole outer wall of the tube is more rigid than opposite portion(s) of an inner wall or the whole inner wall. The inner wall is arranged nearer to an inside area defined by the annular shape than the outer wall. The inner wall is adapted to be displaced inwardly at least along less rigid portion(s) of the circumference upon actuation by at least one actuation element while the outer wall remains basically constant.

Annuloplasty (e.g. mitral or tricuspid annuloplasty) is the implantation of an annuloplasty device (e.g., mitral ring or tricuspid ring) to deform and/or reinforce the valve annulus to correct incompetent valve function. During a classical annuloplasty procedure, the surgeon sizes the valve annulus and chooses a fixed size annuloplasty device accordingly. This procedure is performed on the arrested heart under cardiopulmonary bypass. However, the effectiveness of a fixed-size annuloplasty device cannot be assessed during the procedure, because the heart is arrested. Only upon restarting the heart is it possible to assess whether the device has had the desired effect to correct valve function. If the repair has not been successful, the patient has to undergo a second operation. Without the second operation, there remain certain possible long term consequences of a certain level of residual regurgitation. A further limitation of the classical procedure is that, after implantation of an annuloplasty device, the size and geometry of the heart and the treated valve annulus may vary over time. Also for example, a dilated heart may respond to corrected valve function by returning to normal size. A fixed-size annuloplasty device may, over time, become ineffective or inappropriate for the size of the valve annulus causing recurrent mitral regurgitation and poor clinical outcome. The common practice is to implant too small rings in order to overcome the risk of residual regurgitation. Too small rings result also in other problems such as too little blood flow through the mitral valve called mitral stenosis.
Adjustable annuloplasty rings that may be adjusted after implantation in the body have been proposed. By way of example, WO 2012/084714 proposes a partly adjustable annuloplasty ring system able to achieve limited control of an effective shape of the ring. The annuloplasty ring is an assembly comprising an external support ring, an inner adjustable ring, a permanent pressing element mounted between the external and inner rings, and actuating means designed to slide the pressing element around a circumference between the inner and outer rings. The assembly is adjustable by controlling the actuator means to move the pressing element to a desired position around the circumference, in such a way that a specific part of the inner ring at that position is deformed inwardly. An advantage of the assembly using external and inner rings is said to be that the adjustment can be performed without reducing a perimeter length of the inner ring, thereby reducing risk of valve stenosis.
In addition to above issues, a yet further complication that may occur following mitral valve repair and implantation of a mitral ring, is the problem of systolic anterior motion (SAM) in which the anterior mitral valve leaflet deflects towards the septum. SAM can be a cause of potentially life-threatening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). There are several theories about possible causes of SAM, including possible influence of mitral valve rings on the mitral valve anatomy. When medical treatment is unable to correct it, re-intervention is necessary to correct SAM.


A non-volatile memory cell uses a resonant tunnel barrier that has an amorphous silicon and/or amorphous germanium layer between two layers of either HfSiON or LaAlO3. A charge trapping layer is formed over the tunnel barrier. A high-k charge blocking layer is formed over the charge trapping layer. A control gate is formed over the charge blocking layer. Another embodiment forms a floating gate over the tunnel barrier that is comprised of two oxide layers with an amorphous layer of silicon and/or germanium between the oxide layers.

Memory devices are typically provided as internal, semiconductor, integrated circuits in computers or other electronic devices. There are many different types of memory including random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile, floating gate NOR/NAND flash memory, and dynamic random access memory (DRAM).
Flash memories may use floating gate technology or trapping technology. Floating gate cells include source and drain regions that may be laterally spaced apart to form an intermediate channel region. The source and drain regions are formed in a common horizontal plane of a silicon substrate. The floating gate, typically made of doped polysilicon, is disposed over the channel region and is electrically isolated from the other cell elements by oxide. The non-volatile memory function for the floating gate technology is created by the absence or presence of charge stored on the isolated floating gate. The floating gate cell may be a single level cell (SLC) or a multiple level cell (MLC).
The trapping technology functions as a non-volatile memory and can be implemented in a silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) architecture as illustrated in FIG. 1. The nitride trap layer can capture and store electrons or holes in order to act as a non-volatile memory. The cell may be an SLC or an MLC.
Each cell's threshold voltage (Vth) determines the data that is stored in the cell. For example, in a single bit per cell, a Vth of 0.5V might indicate a programmed cell while a Vth of −0.5V might indicate an erased cell. The multilevel cell may have multiple Vth windows that each indicate a different state. Multilevel cells take advantage of the analog nature of a traditional flash cell by assigning a bit pattern to a specific voltage range stored on the cell. This technology permits the storage of two or more bits per cell, depending on the quantity of voltage ranges assigned to the cell and the stability of the assigned voltage ranges during the lifetime operation of the memory cell.
For example, a cell may be assigned four different voltage ranges of 200 mV for each range. Typically, a dead space or margin of 0.2V to 0.4V is between each range. If the voltage stored on the cell is within the first range, the cell is storing a 00. If the voltage is within the second range, the cell is storing a 01. This continues for as many ranges that are used for the cell provided these voltage ranges remain stable during the lifetime operation of the memory cell.
MLC requires tight control of the threshold voltage ranges and stability of these voltage ranges in order to achieve multiple memory states and associated ranges of threshold levels per cell. For a conventional floating gate or SONOS flash memory cell, the spread in the threshold level (when programmed by a defined set of conditions) of the memory state is affected by several factors. The key factors are: (a) the statistical variations of tunnel oxide thickness and cell coupling coefficient from cell-to-cell; (b) the variation of the trapped charge centroid in density and depth; (c) cell-to-cell variation in trapped charge losses during stand-by (retention), during reading (read disturb), during partial programming (inhibit) and; (d) cell-to-cell variation in endurance (write/erase cycling) characteristics. Additionally, variations in capacitance coupling between adjacent cells creates variation in program disturb differently from cell-to-cell and contribute to the threshold spread.
The above-mentioned factors are critical not only to SLC cell design but considerably more so for the MLC cell design. This is due to the fact that for the flash cell design, the number of well defined logic states to be created within the available programming window (taking all possible Vt spread into consideration) is given by 2n, where n is the number of stored memory bits per cell. For SLC, n=1; for MLC, n=2 (2 bits storage per cell) requires four logic states, and for n=3 (3 bits per cell), eight stable logic states are required within the available programming window. Conventional MLC floating gate and flash memory cells are not voltage scalable since these cells employ SiO2 as the tunneling and charge blocking media which has a dielectric constant of 3.9.
One way to reduce the threshold voltage dispersion is to use a resonant tunnel barrier transistor as illustrated in FIG. 2. Such a transistor is comprised of a normal SiN trapping layer 201, a SiO2 charge blocking layer 202, and a polysilicon gate 203. However, the tunnel dielectric 200 is comprised of a layer of SiO2 210, a layer of amorphous silicon 211, and another layer of SiO2 212. This results in an electron band energy level diagram as illustrated in FIG. 3.
FIG. 3 shows the electron band for the tunnel dielectric 320 that is comprised of the first SiO2 layer 307, the amorphous silicon layer 306, and the second SiO2 layer 305. The electron bands for the SiN trapping layer 304, SiO2 charge blocking layer 303, and gate 301 are also shown.
FIG. 4 illustrates a typical prior art threshold voltage distribution for a conventional SONOS-type structure. Each state, '00' '01' '10' and '11', is shown along the threshold voltage (Vth) axis. This diagram shows that each state has a relatively large threshold window. Such a large window might result in interference from adjacent states as well as limiting the quantity of possible states.
For example, if the '11' state has a peak point of the distribution at 4V, '10' might have a peak point at 3V, '01' might have a peak point at 2V, and '00' might have a peak distribution point of 1V. Each distribution can be +/−0.5V. Additionally, designing such a multi-level memory system requires that each state be separated from the other states by a margin. However, the margin is so small that program disturb conditions may still cause the programming of an undesired state.
FIG. 5 illustrates a typical prior art resonant tunnel barrier threshold voltage distribution. This diagram shows that each threshold voltage distribution has been substantially reduced from the prior art distributions.
The problem with the prior art materials of FIG. 2 is the lack of voltage scalability that they provide. These types of materials still require large voltages for memory cell operation.
For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below that will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for multiple level memory cells to achieve minimal threshold voltage dispersion in programmed states while providing highly scalable cell design.

Enhanced multi-bit non-volatile memory device with resonant tunnel barrier


The window alarm device provides an electronic receiver, a control panel within the receiver, an audio output disposed within the receiver, a video screen disposed within the receiver, a plurality of electronic transmitters, each transmitter further comprising an individual electronic identification, an electrical sensor port disposed within each transmitter, a plurality of activation strips, each having a front spaced apart from an adhesive back, the front further comprising, a plurality of valleys, a ridge disposed between an any two adjacent valleys, a smooth transition connecting each valley to each ridge, a sensor extended from each transmitter, each sensor further comprising, a vertical leg, a pivotal leg pivotally affixed atop the vertical leg, the pivotal leg frictionally positioned, and a point disposed at a distal end of the pivotal leg, the point configured to follow the activation strip front.

The present window alarm device detects window movement and thereby triggers a remotely located alarm. The device negates the use of contact breakers and magnetic breakers and the like which are sometimes unreliable and which must be located predictably. The effectiveness of previous alarms devices can be negated by magnetic interference, another problem solved by the present device.


Disclosed are a system and a method for controlling a data transmission adapted for a grid computing and a computer readable recording medium of recording a process thereof, in which efficiently perform a grid computing using an ultrahigh speed communication network from an ultrahigh speed communication network in a non-congestion state to a communication network in a congestion state. TCP state information-providing section stores and provides TCP state information of a network. TCP state information-initializing section initializes TCP state information. Transmission mode-judging section judges a transmission mode of data to be transmitted according to the TCP state information. Packet processor generates and transmits traffic corresponding to each transmission mode classified according to the judgment result from transmission mode-judging section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system and a method for controlling a data transmission adapted for a grid computing and a computer readable recording medium of recording a process thereof. The present invention, more particularly, relates to a system and a method for controlling a data transmission adapted for a grid computing and a computer readable recording medium of recording a process thereof in which improves a transmission capability in an ultrahigh speed communication network or a grid network environment, and improves a grid computing capability by sharing transmission control protocol (hereinafter, referred to as "TCP") state information in the grid network environment.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In 1969, Internet was introduced as a construction of Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) in the United States. Internet binds various sub-networks such as an exclusive line, ATM, a local area network (LAN), and a mobile network to an unified Internet Protocol (IP). Various application services of Internet are not supported sufficiently by the IP which provides a datagram service. A TCP (TCP) or a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is additionally used in order to support the various application services of Internet.
The TCP is used when an application exchanges many packets continuously and stably between terminals without errors. The UDP needs not correct the loss or defect of packets. The UDP is used when a plurality of applications multiplex the packets in order to share one IP. The TCP is used for application services of higher reliance and the UDP is used for application services of lower reliance. In other words, the UDP provides a connectionless, datagram oriented service which provides a non-reliable delivery mechanism for streams of information. The TCP provides a reliable session-based service for delivery of sequenced packets of information across the Internet.
The TCP compensates for a function of the IP so that the IP is adapted to a data communication which do not allow errors. In order to provide services of higher reliance, a virtual line is set between terminals and every packet to be transmitted afterwards have sequence numbers. Accordingly, the network senses packets which are lost, the sequence of which changes, or are repeatedly received. When the packets are lost, the network informs the number of the lost packets in order to again receive them.
The TCP was developed on the assumption that the network is in a congestion state. As the means for controlling congestion, a method is used to control a total amount of packets per a Round Trip Time (RTT) capable of transmitting the packets. However, nowadays, since a grid network using an ultrahigh speed communication network frequently becomes in a non-congestion state or congestion free state, a conventional algorithm cannot be operated efficiently and actively.
In an Internet type ultrahigh speed communication network, since a conventional TCP does not know a speed of an interlocked network, it executes a packet loss based transmission control algorithm within a physical size of a sender/receiver buffer which is previously set in order to transmit data. In order to improve the conventional TCP in an ultrahigh speed communication network environment, a method for multiple-connecting the TCP in parallel and transmitting mass data through a parallel transmission of data has been developed. Also, a method for increasing sizes of a sender buffer and a receiver buffer transmitting data as much as possible to the network at a time has been developed. The sender buffer and the receiver buffer temporarily store transmitted data therein until it is confirmed whether data are normally transmitted.
However, in order to transmit mass data by the above methods, the sender buffer and the receiver buffer should each has the greatest size. It reduces the efficiency of the conventional TCP. Since the conventional TCP does not know a speed of an ultrahigh speed communication network in use each time the conventional TCP is used, it executes a packet loss-based transmission control algorithm within a physical size of a sender/receiver buffer which is previously set in order to transmit data. Accordingly, when congestion does not occur through an ultrahigh speed grid network, the conventional TCP cannot transmit a packet having a size greater than a previously set size of sender/receiver buffer.
The reason is because the conventional TCP has been developed to control a network congestion as the main object. It is also because a method for controlling a total amount of packets per a RTT capable of transmitting the packets as the means for controlling congestion is limited to a size of TCT sender/receiver buffer.
As stated previously, the conventional TCP has a structural problem that a maximal transmission performance and a bandwidth searching function are limited to a physical size of a receiving window buffer. For such reasons, in order to prevent the occurrence of a congestion in a network, a TCP transmission control study in consideration of 1:1 communication environment has been concentrated based on a congestion network. Currently, an ultrahigh speed communication network is quickly constructed according to a development of the newest communication technology. A many-to-many communication-based computing technology such as a grid computing has been developed and is widely used. The grid computing uses one resource having an excellent performance by using different computing resources connected to one another through a network.
In the grid computing, communications between participating computing resource groups are frequently achieved. Every time a conventional TCP connection for a computing is performed, after a congestion state of a network is searched, the TCP connection is set. Accordingly, short connections between computing resources in a group like the grid computing are frequently performed, causing lowering a performance of the conventional TCP.
Also, a grid network environment is geographically dispersed, and cooperates with computing resources of high performance, which are dispersed from all parts of the world regardless of constructions and areas by using a network. The TCP should efficiently perform a transmission function of a high performance in a non-congestion state which frequently occurs in an ultrahigh speed communication network. The TCP should efficiently operate in a dispersion parallel computing environment between special computer groups. Therefore, a requirement of an improvement for a data transmission control efficiently operating in such new environments has been on the rise.

System and method for controlling data transmission adapted for grid computing and computer readable recording medium of recording process thereof

Korean Institute of Science and Technology Information


An array substrate and a fabrication method thereof, and an electronic apparatus are disclosed. The array substrate includes a base substrate, a thin film transistor, a first connection electrode and a first insulation layer. The thin film transistor is on the base substrate and including a first electrode and a second electrode; the first connection electrode in a layer different from the first electrode and electrically connected with the first electrode; and the first insulation layer covering at least a portion of the first connection electrode; an area of an orthographic projection of the first connection electrode on the base substrate is larger than an area of an orthographic projection of the first electrode on the base substrate, and the first insulation layer is made from an organic insulation material.

In a display substrate or a lighting substrate, in some cases, a light emitting device (for example, a Micro LED device) requires a relatively large current, that is, it is required to satisfy a demand for a larger current by the light emitting device. Meanwhile, in a case where the display substrate has a higher requirement for resolution, it is also necessary to ensure high-density arrangement of array elements in a driving circuit.

Array substrate and fabrication method thereof, and electronic apparatus


Projection capabilities are provided in consumer electronic devices that are used for the capture or reproduction of images, such as digital still image cameras, digital video cameras, cellular telephones, DVD players and other digital video players. Such devices can display images to several people simultaneously in a manner that is more convenient than the use of miniature onboard displays. The incorporation of image projection capabilities also enables image generation to be provided by the device itself without the necessity of an independent display device.

1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention relate to consumer electronic devices such as digital still image cameras, digital video cameras, cellular phones and DVD players, and more particularly to consumer electronic devices having image projection capabilities.
2. Related technology
Today's consumers enjoy a wide variety of electronic devices that allow the user to record or reproduce images. Digital still cameras allow the user to take photographs that are digitized and stored as data in a computer readable medium. Cellular telephones have begun to incorporate digital camera features as well. Digital video cameras are also becoming more prevalent and provide similar recording and storage features for video images. Both digital still cameras and digital video cameras typically have the capability of interfacing with a video monitor such as a television or computer to display stored images.
Video reproduction devices such as DVD players are also commonplace. These devices are typically used in conjunction with a separate television or other video monitor to display the video images stored on the DVD.
Consumer electronic devices such as the aforementioned devices all require a way of displaying images that are recorded by or rendered by the devices. Currently such displays are provided by display screens that are integral with the device, or by display devices such as televisions that must be connected to the device. This imposes limitations on the usefulness of these devices. In devices that have built in displays, such as cameras, the displays are typically very small and cannot display images that are easily viewable by several people at the same time. In devices such as DVD players that require connection to a separate display, the use of the device is typically restricted to an area near the display to which the device is connected.

Cameras and video players having image projection capabilities


Network supervising apparatus for graphically distinguishing a path between two points on a network, and a method therefor, and computer program for carrying out the method, comprising:

The present invention relates to supervising a network, that is a network of electronic components comprising, for example, workstations, personal computers, servers, hubs, routers, bridges, switches, (hereinafter referred to as components of the network), and links between these components which may be in the form of physical cable or wireless links. The network may be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or other types and may operate in accordance with any desired protocol.
After such a network has been installed, it is desirable for the person appointed network manager to be able to understand the technical operation of the network. In known network management systems, the manner in which the relevant data is retrieved from the managed devices, compiled and displayed has been problematic in several respects. Firstly, the data received from each of the managed devices is simply compiled and displayed as a list of data for the user to interpret. Secondly, the data does not provide information about unmanaged devices. Thirdly, information about a given network device, such as the type of device, location of the device on the network and operating speed of the device, may be contained in different sections of the compiled data. Consequently, conventional systems are cumbersome and difficult to use.
In co-pending UK patent applications numbers 9910844.1, 9910845.8, 9910838.3, 9910837.5, 9910839.1, 9910840.9 filed in the name of the assignee of the present applications and which are incorporated herein, we describe various arrangements for providing automatic interrogation of the network to thereby produce a network map which may be displayed on a visual display unit showing the components and links between the components. At its simplest, and where the component is a xe2x80x9cmanagedxe2x80x9d component, this is usually provided by interrogation using a known protocol, such as the SNMP protocol, of the so-called xe2x80x98agentxe2x80x99 of each component which stores the components unique MAC address, the type of component and the MAC addresses the components which are connected to the ports directly or indirectly.
It is desirable in this supervising capacity to be able to graphically distinguish a path between two points on a network. This is particularly useful in diagnosing problems, by tracing a path between two components. Whilst path tracing may be a relatively simple matter where there are relatively few components, in a complex network, the paths between two components will not be immediately obvious and indeed it is desirable to be able to ascertain whether there is more than one such path.
The present invention provides a network supervising apparatus comprising:
a memory, in use, storing information relating to the components of the network and the links between those components;
a visual display apparatus connectable with said memory and including signal processor apparatus to convert the information in said memory into a visual display on said visual display apparatus representing the components of the network and the links between these components;
a manually operable selector to select two components displayed on said visual display apparatus;
said processor apparatus processing the signals to said visual display apparatus to visually distinguish a set of components and/or links forming a path between the selected components and the other components and links.
The present invention also provides a method of supervising a network comprising:
converting information relating to the components of the network and the links between those components into a visual display on a visual display apparatus representing the physical relationship between the components of the network and the links between these components;
manually selecting two components displayed on said visual display apparatus;
processing the information to visually distinguish a set of components and/or links forming a path between the selected components and the other components and links.
The present invention also provides a computer program on a computer readable medium for use in supervising a network, said program comprising:
program means for accessing information relating to the components of the network and the links between those components;
program means for converting said information into a form to provide on a visual display apparatus, a visual display, representing the physical relationship between the components of the network and the links between these components;
program means actuated by a manually operable selector which selects two components displayed on said visual display apparatus, said program means causing said visual display apparatus to visually distinguish a set of components and/or links forming a path between the selected components and the other components and links.
The present invention also provides a computer program embodied in a carrier wave for use in supervising a network, said program comprising:
program means for accessing information relating to the components of the network and the links between those components;
program means for converting said information into a form to provide on a visual display apparatus, a visual display, representing the physical relationship between the components of the network and the links between these components;
program means actuated by a manually operable selector which selects two components displayed on said visual display apparatus, said program means causing said visual display apparatus to visually distinguish a set of components and/or links forming a path between the selected components and the other components and links.

Graphically distinguishing a path between two points on a network

Abstract: a memory (21), in use, storing information relating to the components (12, 13, 14) of the network and the links (16) between those components;

Abstract: a visual display apparatus (18) connectable with said memory and including processor apparatus (19) to convert the information in said memory into a visual display on said visual display apparatus representing the components of the network and the links between these components;

Abstract: a manually operable selector (22) to select two components or links displayed on said visual display apparatus;

Abstract: said signal processor apparatus processing the signals to said visual display apparatus to visually distinguish a set of components and/or links forming a link between the selected components or links and the other components and links.


A rear support pet leash includes a loop portion and a lifting portion, both portions being formed of flexible material. The loop portion has first and second ends and a medial section. Each of the first and second ends is attached adjacent the medial section to form first and second leg loops for fastening about the upper rear legs of a pet. The lifting portion is attached at an attaching end to the medial portion of the loop portion and has an adjustable handle at a lifting end. The lifting portion is adjustable to accommodate pets and pet owners of varying height. Leg loop pads are removably attachable to the first and second leg loops to provide additional comfort for the pet. Sliding adjustment means are provided for varying the size of the leg loops to accommodate different size pets. The adjusting means may be rings buckles or fabric loops.

The invention pertains to pet leashes. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for supporting the rear end of a pet having difficulty rising to a standing position due to injury or infirmity to the pet""s hips, back or rear legs.
As pets, particularly larger breeds of dogs, age they often develop problems with their hips, back or rear legs. These problems make it difficult for the pet to rise to a standing position. Various devices and techniques have been developed to allow pet owners to assist these animals and to alleviate the suffering associated with their conditions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,636 issued to Butchko is directed to an apparatus for lifting and assisting convalescent pets with four legs to walk. The pet assist apparatus is positioned at the rear end of the animal in contact with the animal""s lower abdomen to provide support to the rear end of the animal. The device has a sling portion having a padded central section, two distal sections and two handle grips.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 437,623 issued to Ormsby, discloses an ornamental design for a weight-lifting strap. The strap has first and second ends that are terminated in loops and a cable hook device may be added to the center of the strap for lifting purposes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,606, issued to Hartman is directed to a pet animal mobility aid. The two rearward loops and extend around hind legs of a four-legged animal. The handle member is coupled with the rearward portion of the central strap to apply an appropriate lifting force to the dog along the hind portion to assist in standing and walking. An auxiliary lead may be attached to a ring on the central strap to provide further assistance during walking. Also, cushioning pads are disposed on the straps that form the loops.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,203 issued to Parkes discloses a prosthetic cart for animals with four legs. This wheeled cart to which the animal is to be harnessed comprises a vertical standard in the shape of an upward loop extending from adjustment blocks serving as a cross member. Hip support member comprises a pair of padded loops.
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 330,273 issued to Cernek is directed to an ornamental design for a recuperative animal support harness. The harness includes straps that are criss-crossed under the rear leg portions of a dog to provide lifting support.
While other variations exist, the above-described designs for pet support devices are typical of those encountered in the prior art. It is an objective of the present invention to provide means for assisting an injured or infirm pet to rise to a standing position. It is a further objective to provide a means to assist such a pet to walk and return to a sitting position comfortably. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a device that can be easily used for pets of various sizes. It is yet a further objective to provide a pet support device that can be comfortably used by pet owners of various heights. Finally, it is an objective of the invention to provide a pet support device that is durable and that may be manufactured inexpensively.
While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.
The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art pet support devices and satisfies all of the objectives described above.
(1) A rear support pet leash providing all of the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A loop portion is provided. The loop portion is formed of flexible material and has a first end, a second end and a medial section. The first end is fixedly attached to the medial section at a first point and thereby forms a first leg loop. The second end is fixedly attached to the medial section at a second point and thereby forms a second leg loop. The first and second leg loops are sized and shaped to fit about left and right rear upper legs of a pet. A lifting portion is provided. The lifting portion is formed of flexible material and has an attaching end and a lifting end. The attaching end is fixedly attached to the medial section at a third point between the first point and the second point.
The lifting end has a handle portion. The lifting portion has means for adjusting a length of the lifting portion. When the first and second leg loops are located about the rear legs of the pet an upward force is exerted through the lifting portion to assist the pet to rise to a standing position.
(2) In a variant of the invention, a first leg loop pad is provided. The first leg loop pad is sized and shaped to cover at least a lower part of an inner portion of the first leg loop. A second leg loop pad is provided. The second leg loop pad is sized and shaped to cover at least a lower part of an inner portion of the second leg loop. The first and second leg loop pads are attached to the inner portions of the first and second leg loops. When the first and second leg loop pads are attached to inner portions of the first and second leg loops, the comfort of the pet located in the rear support pet leash will be increased.
(3) In a further variant, the first and second leg loop pads are tubular in nature and removably attachable about the first and second leg loops.
(4) In still a further variant, the first and second leg loop pads are removably attachable about the first and second leg loops using fasteners the have a hooking portion and a looping portion.
(5) In another variant, means are provided for adjusting a size of the first and second leg loops.
(6) In still another variant of the invention, the means for adjusting the size of the first and second leg loops further includes first and second rings. The first and second rings are sized, shaped and located to fit frictionally about the first and second leg loops, respectively. When the first and second rings are located about the first and second leg loops, the leg loops may be adjusted to fit comfortably about the rear legs of pets of varying sizes.
(7) In still a further variant, the means for adjusting the size of the first and second leg loops further includes first and second fabric strips. Each of the fabric strips has a hooking portion on a first surface and a looping portion on an opposite second surface. The first and second fabric strips are located about the first and second leg loops so as to slide frictionally over the leg loops. When the fabric strips are located about the leg loops, a user may adjust the size of the first and second leg loops so as to fit comfortably about the rear legs of pets of various sizes.
(8) In yet a further variant, the means for adjusting the size of the first and second leg loops further includes first and second buckles. Each of the first and second buckles have first and second side portions, a center web section joined to the side portions, upper and lower end portions joined to the side portions and first and second slots. The slots are formed between the end portions and the center web section. The first and second slots are sized and shaped to fit frictionally about the first and second leg loops. When each of the first and second leg loops is fed through the first slot, over the center web section and through the second slot of one of the first and second buckles, the first and second buckles will serve as means for adjusting the size of the first and second leg loops.
(9) In yet a further variant of the invention, the means for adjusting the length of the lifting portion further includes a tab portion. The tab portion has a slotted section and a fastening section fixedly attached to an anterior end of the slotted section. The slotted section is sized and shaped to slide frictionally about the lifting portion and is capable of gripping the lifting portion when pulled away from the lifting end. The fastening section has first and second resilient members, the resilient members extending outwardly from it. The slotted section is located on the lifting portion. A socket portion is provided. The socket portion is fixedly attached to the lifting end of the lifting portion and is sized and shaped to fit removably over the fastening section of the tab portion. When the fastening section of the tab portion is inserted into the socket portion the handle portion will be formed and the length of the lifting portion will be adjustable by movement of the slotted section of the tab portion along the lifting portion.


An electronic device is provided which executes a function useful in that place without a user in possession of the electronic device being intentional, and which does not receive a signal without providing a special setting if the function is not useful even if the place and the device are the same. There are an electronic device A and an electronic device each having a human body communication function. In a case where a user is holding the electronic device A, the electronic device B outputs a control signal for causing the electronic device A to execute a function aimed to eliminate a danger or an annoyance to the surroundings occurring because of holding it, whereas, due to the fact that the user has the electronic device, the electronic device A receives the control signal irrespective of the user's intention and executes a function based on the control signal.

Conventionally, as one method of carrying out data communication between electronic devices, a method called human body communication in which data communication is carried out by using a human body as a transmission route has been proposed. For example, one disclosed in JP-A-2001-77735 is known. According to this, a technique is disclosed in which human body communication is carried out stably by bringing two electrodes into contact with a human body or by electrostatically coupling them and by measuring and controlling the amount of electric current flowing across the electrodes.
In addition, JP-A-2002-152145 discloses a human body communication technique is disclosed which makes use of a change in the refractive index when an electro-optical crystal connected to a transceiver antenna is electromagnetically coupled to a transmitted electric field.
As a technique making use of such a human body communication technique, one disclosed in JP-A-2001-144661 is known. According to the technique disclosed therein, it is stated that as a human body communication function is mounted on a wearable device, authentication processing can be carried out with respect to a service providing terminal by communication via a human body.
Alternatively, in a technique disclosed in JP-A-2003-190302, it is stated that a human body communication function is mounted on a remote controller and a health appliance such as a massage chair, and if the user operates the remote controller in a state of being seated in the massage chair, a control signal is transmitted to the massage chair through the human body, so that a cord based on wired communication is not required, and wireless communication need not be carried out, facilitating the ease of use and making it possible to attain reduction in cost.

Electronic device controlling system and control signal transmitting device


An infant nasal septum protective device has an H-shaped configuration including a first portion that adheres to the outside of the nose when in use, a second portion that adheres to the upper lip when in use, and a third portion that extends between and interconnects the first and second portions in a position overlying the septum when in use, to help protect the septum.

This invention relates to an infant nasal septum protective device. The nasal septum is the portion of a human's nose that separates the left and right nostrils of the nose. In an infant, especially a premature infant, the septum is fragile. Many premature infants need oxygen therapy, which involves the use of a nasal cannula or a nasal CPAP device. Such devices can rub on or wear on the septum, thereby damaging the septum. Also, the skin of the septum becomes dry and cracks because of the oxygen application. In some cases, especially with prolonged nasal therapy, the septum can be severely damaged or even destroyed. It is desirable to prevent this from happening.


A system and method for detecting alteration of a document. The invention evaluates markings in half-tone fields by ascertaining a first dot count of dots isolated from the marking in the half-tone field of the document; forming an image of the marking; superimposing the image on a blank half-tone field having the same predetermined pattern as the half-tone field of the document; ascertaining a second dot count of dots isolated from the image superimposed on the blank half-tone field; and determining whether the marking has been altered by comparing the first dot count to the second dot count. An alteration is indicated where the first dot count and second clot count are different.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to prevention of document fraud, more particularly, the invention relates to a document alteration indicating system and method.
2. Related Art
With the advent of advanced document creating, copying and revision technology, the problems relating to fraudulent documents have dramatically increased. To address fraudulent creation and copying, technology has been created that evaluates documents, such as checks, for counterfeiting based on security techniques built into the documents. For example, a pantograph configured in a background of a check can prevent fraudulent copying. Tampering or revising of an established document, however, is not adequately addressed by current counterfeiting prevention processes. One example of tampering is where a defrauder changes the payee name on a check or the amount payable on a check. Evaluation of this type fraud is usually conducted manually. Where a defrauder has made an obvious alteration of a document, e.g., crossing out and replacing a payment amount in a check, tampering is easily determined. However, the advancement in document alteration technology oftentimes makes revisions of documents nearly impossible to catch. This is especially the case where the alteration is of the type that it is not quickly discernable to the naked eye; for example, where typographical error correction liquid is used to remove information from a document.
In institutional entities, such as banks, document processing is oftentimes automated so multitudes of documents can be quickly evaluated. The above-mentioned method of manually evaluating documents for tampering, therefore, is detrimental to efficient document processing.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a system and method for accurately and automatically detecting alterations in documents.
In a first aspect of the invention is provided a method of detecting alteration of a marking in a half-tone field of a document, the half-tone field having a predetermined pattern, the method comprising the steps of: ascertaining a first dot count of dots isolated from the marking in the half-tone field of the document; forming an image of the marking; superimposing the image on a blank half-tone field having the same predetermined pattern as the half-tone field of the document; ascertaining a second dot count of dots isolated from the image superimposed on the blank half-tone field; and determining whether the marking has been altered by comparing the first dot count to the second dot count.
In a second aspect of the invention is provided a system for indicating alteration of a marking of a document half-tone field, the document half-tone field having a predetermined pattern, the system comprising: a dot counter for counting isolated dots of a half-tone field; an imager for forming an image of the marking of the document half-tone field; a superimposer for superimposing the image on a blank half-tone field having the same predetermined pattern as the document half-tone field; a comparator for comparing a first dot count of the document half-tone field to a second dot count of the blank half-tone field with the image superimposed thereon, wherein an alteration is indicated when the first dot count is different than the second dot count. This aspect may also include a document processing system and workstation comprising the above system for indicating alteration of a marking of a document half-tone field.
In a third aspect of the invention is provided a computer program product comprising a computer useable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for indicating an alteration of a marking on a document half-tone field, the document half-tone field having a predetermined pattern, the computer program product comprising: program code configured to count isolated dots of a half-tone field; program code configured to form an image of the marking of the document half-tone field; program code configured to superimpose the image on a blank half-tone field having the same predetermined pattern as the document half-tone field; and program code configured to compare a first dot count of the document half-tone field to a second dot count of the blank half-tone field with the image superimposed thereon, wherein an alteration is indicated when the first dot count is different than the second dot count.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

Document alteration indicating system and method

International Business Machines Corporation