Several implementations and a design structure for decimal multiplication that uses a BCD 4221 encoding scheme, separate accumulation of partial products, accumulation of the partial products into a final product and conversion from and to a BCD 8421 coding scheme.

This invention relates to the design of VLSI products and to arithmetic manipulation of numbers and particularly to multiplication of decimal system numbers.
Decimal multiplication using conventional binary coded decimal (BCD) notation is slower than the binary counterpart where the BCD coding is 8421. In this coding, a decimal number is represented by four bits, with values being assigned, from left to right, as 8421. That coding presents some invalid states for decimal numbers 10 through 15, preventing the use of conventional 3:2 compressor (adder) hardware used in parallel binary multiplication. Decimal multiplication is typically done one digit at a time, with partial products either being precomputed and stored in registers or evaluated as part of multiplication iteration, increasing the latency of the operation.
Recoding the multiplier is one technique for reducing the number of partial products that must be precomputed, but these are typically a signed digit notation requiring subtraction operations as well as addition operations when accumulating partial products. This again increases complexity of the operations.

Decimal floating point multiplier and design structure


The present invention discloses a finger-clipped oximeter comprising an upper case (2) and a lower case (1), wherein one of the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) is provided with a guide post (12) which enables the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) to depart from and approach to each other vertically, the other of the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) is provided with a guide sleeve (13) which enables the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) to depart from and approach to each other vertically, and a return spring (9) is provided between an end of the guide post (12) and the case provided with the guide sleeve (13). One of the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) is provided with rockers (7, 8) which are used to facilitate the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) to depart from and approach to each other vertically, the other of the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) is provided with chutes (14, 15) which are used to facilitate the upper case (2) and the lower case (1) to depart from and approach to each other vertically, and ends of the rockers (7, 8) fit with the chutes (14, 15).

Normally, a finger-clipped oximeter according to the prior art includes an upper case, a lower case and a pivot which connects the upper case and the to lower case together, and the upper and lower cases apply a clamping pressure to a nail portion of a measured finger through a coil spring. Therefore, the upper case and the lower case can be rotated relatively around the pivot and be separated from each other by a distance.
However, the coil spring which controls the upper- and lower cases is not assembled easily, and is apt to undergo fatigue fracture so that a useful life of the finger-clipped oximeter is reduced.
Additionally, the upper case is connected to the lower case through the structures of the pivot and the coil spring. This kind of connection is neither firm nor reliable. If such finger-clipped oximeter falls off inadvertently, the upper and lower cases may be separated or disengaged from each other.
Furthermore, the upper case is connected to the lower case through the structures of the pivot and the coil spring so that the upper and lower cases move in the directions which are not parallel to each other, thereby, offering a poor comfort to a user in measurement.

Rocker-chute type finger-clipped oximeter

Beijing Choice Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.


A semiconductor package is provided with a functionally necessary minimum number of components with which stress concentrated on specific solder bumps is reduced and ruptures of the bumps are prevented even when stress caused by physical bending or a difference in thermal expansion coefficient is applied to the package. The semiconductor package includes a tabular die and bonding pads arranged on a mounting surface of the die. A passivation layer and a protective film are provided on the mounting surface such that central areas of the bonding pads are open. Under-bump metals (UBMs) connected to the bonding pads are provided in the openings, and solder bumps are provided on the surfaces of the UBMs. The diameter of the UBMs provided at corners of the die is less than that of the UBM provided at the approximate center of the die so that the elastic modulus of the UBMs provided at the corners is small.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor packages including dies of semiconductor chips that are flip-chip mounted on circuit boards, and to semiconductor package modules including the semiconductor packages and the circuit boards.
2. Description of the Related Art
At present, chip scale package (CSP) modules including dies of semiconductor chips and circuit boards on which the dies are flip-chip mounted have been in use in various fields.
As Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-274374 describes, semiconductor package modules such as the CSP modules, include a die (wafer) having bonding pads arranged on a main surface thereof and a passivation layer arranged so as to expose the bonding pads therethrough. Furthermore, a protective film made of, for example, polyimide is provided on the surface of the passivation layer. In addition, an under-bump metal (UBM) is provided on each bonding pad so as to connect the bonding pads arranged adjacent to the die rather than to the passivation layer and the protective film to an external circuit board, and solder bumps are provided on the surfaces of the UBMs.
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a known semiconductor package 10K used for the semiconductor package module 1K, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a known semiconductor package module 1K. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, lands and solder bumps used for mounting the semiconductor package module 1K to an external circuit board are not illustrated.
As shown in FIG. 7A, the known semiconductor package 10K includes a semiconductor IC die 11, and bonding pads 12 are two-dimensionally arranged on a mounting surface 11F of the die 11. A passivation layer 13 is provided on the mounting surface 11F of the die 11 such that a central area of each bonding pad 12 is open. Furthermore, a protective film 14 is provided so as to cover the passivation layer 13 such that the central area of each bonding pad 12 is exposed therethrough.
A UBM 15K is provided on the surface of each bonding pad 12 so as to be exposed over the surface of the protective film 14 adjacent to the outside.
Presently, all of the UBMs 15K usually have the same diameter. That is, the diameter φc of the UBM 15KC at the center of the die 11 and the diameter φe of the UBM 15KE at an end of the die 11 are the same. Herein, the diameter of the UBMs refers to that of the UBMs 15K when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 11F of the die 11. More specifically, it refers to the diameter of portions enclosed by the protective film 14 connected to the bonding pads 12.
In addition, solder bumps 16 are provided on the surfaces of the UBMs 15K having the same shape as described above.
The semiconductor package 10K is flip-chip mounted on a circuit board 20. That is, the semiconductor package 10K is arranged such that the mounting surface 11F thereof faces the circuit board 20 and such that the solder bumps 16 face corresponding mounting lands 21 of the circuit board 20. Subsequently, a reflow process, for example, is performed so that the UBMs 15K of the semiconductor package 10K and the mounting lands 21 of the circuit board 20 are electrically connected by the solder bumps 16.
In the above-described known structure, the positional relationship between the bonding pads 12 (UBMs 15K) of the semiconductor package 10K and the mounting lands 21 of the circuit board 20 may change due to differences in the thermal expansion coefficient between the circuit board 20 and the die 11, and the solder bumps 16 may rupture due to the stress caused by the change in the positional relationship.
Moreover, when stress, such as bending stress, is applied from the outside to the CSP module 1K, the positional relationship between the bonding pads 12 (UBMs 15K) of the semiconductor package 10K and the mounting lands 21 of the circuit board 20 may change due to differences in the degree of bending between the circuit board 20 and the die 11, and the solder bumps 16 may rupture due to the stress caused by the change in the positional relationship.
In the known structure, a resin seal 30 that reduces stress occurring in the connecting structure between the semiconductor package 10K and the circuit board 20 is arranged so as to cover the connecting portions using the solder bumps 16, and prevents the rupture of the solder bumps 16.
However, in the above-described known structure, resin sealing, which is not directly related to functional connection (mounting), is required after the functional connection, and causes an increase in workload accordingly. It also requires resin which is an additional constituent material. Therefore, the semiconductor package module becomes expensive due to components that are not directly required for functional needs.

Semiconductor package and semiconductor package module


System and methods for controlling suspended particle redistribution during stimulation treatments. Fluid flow in a wellbore is simulated for a stimulation treatment to be performed along a section of the wellbore within a subterranean formation, based on a flow model associated with the wellbore. Based on the simulation, dimensionless parameters characterizing a flow of suspended particles within a treatment fluid to a fractured area of the formation via at least one perforation along the section of the wellbore are calculated. A collection efficiency of the suspended particles within the fluid is determined, based on the dimensionless parameters. The collection efficiency is used to calculate a flow rate of the suspended particles to the fractured area of the formation via the perforation. The flow rate is used to estimate an amount of the suspended particles to be injected into the wellbore during the stimulation treatment along the wellbore section.

Fracturing treatments are commonly used in subterranean operations, among other purposes, to stimulate the production of hydrocarbons (e.g., oil and natural gas) from a subterranean formation. For example, hydraulic fracturing treatments generally involve injecting a treatment fluid (e.g., a fracturing fluid) into the formation via injection points or perforations along a wellbore drilled within the formation. The treatment fluid may be injected or pumped at a sufficient hydraulic pressure to create or enhance one or more fractures that propagate from the perforations through the surrounding formation. The creation and/or enhancement of these fractures may enhance hydrocarbon production from the subterranean formation.
In order to maintain and/or enhance the conductivity of a fracture in a subterranean formation, proppant may be deposited in the fracture, for example, by introducing a high viscosity fracturing fluid carrying proppant particles into the subterranean formation. The proppant may prevent the fractures from fully closing upon the release of hydraulic pressure, forming conductive channels through which fluids may flow to the wellbore. During the treatment operation, a diverting agent may be injected into the formation to divert the treatment fluid toward perforations along the wellbore and thereby, improve the fluid distribution across all of the perforations and associated fractures in the formation.
Flow models have been used to simulate fluid flow in hydraulic fracturing treatments and other environments. For example, such models may be used to simulate the flow of proppant or other materials (e.g., diverter) injected into a subterranean formation.

Controlling redistribution of suspended particles in non-Newtonian fluids during stimulation treatments


An imaging device is often paired with a readout integrated circuit (ROIC), which provides processing and data transfer functionality. The circuitry of a ROIC is typically specialized to meet the requirements of an application, which limits the ROIC to a few modes of operation and restricts compatibility to only certain types of imaging devices and applications. Furthermore, the circuitry supporting the processing functionality is limited due to size constraints on the ROIC. These shortcomings can be overcome with a field programmable imaging array (FPIA), which can be implemented as an integrated circuit combining customized ROIC sensor interface circuitry with field programmable gate array (FPGA) circuitry to enable post-fabrication definition of ROIC operational modes. An FPIA chip may form part of a three-chip stack that also includes an analog sensor interface chip for analog-to-digital conversion and an imaging device.

An infrared focal plane array (IR FPA) is a camera system component typically comprised of integrated sensor and sensor interface integrated circuits (ICs). Together, the sensor and sensor interface IC transduce IR light into electrical signals for imaging, free-space optical communications, and other applications. An IR FPA may include some integrated data processing capability to analyze the imaging data prior to transferring the imaging data to other components of the camera system.

Methods for enabling in-field selection of near-sensor digital imaging functions


In random access memory, a data structure of trie elements of compact and fixed size is provided in order to store elements of a hierarchical prefix-type data structure such that the data structure can be searched quickly. A trie element according to the invention contains the data in one stride of the search through the prefix-type data structure. According to the invention, the trie element may contain 1) a description of the tree structure associated with the trie element, 2) a description of the links to the next level trie element, and 3) a pointer to the storage location of the next level trie element. The prefix structure has a first level trie element, and at least one second level trie element. The trie element includes a first code of the first level trie element describing the prefixes contained in the first level trie element, a second code specifying paths between the first level trie element and all children of the first level trie element (such children are second level trie elements), and a pointer for linking the first level trie element with one of the second level trie elements. Each of the first and second trie elements and the pointer are of a fixed, predefined size.

This invention relates to a method for storing and managing data. More particularly this invention relates to a data structure representing a set of prefixes and a method for searching the data structure. The data structure and the search method are particularly advantageous for implementation in digital computer hardware. The primary application of current interest is to semiconductor integrated circuits used for packet classification in high-speed, multiservice Internet routers. However, the technique may be useful in a variety of applications involving data that needs to be prioritized or wherein structure in the data needs to be determined and then to be classified. As a result of classification of the data, action on data can be taken more quickly and efficiently.
In the past, in the packet-switched networking field, Internet-Protocol (IP) traffic handling processes have required relatively complex searches and analyses of packet header information to develop routing and processing instructions. Recently, IP destination address lookup issues relating to techniques for routing a packet to a destination have received a great deal of attention from the networking community. The following references may be consulted on the state of the art related to the invention herein described:
[1] M. Degermark, A. Brodnik, S. Carlsson, S. Pink, xe2x80x9cSmall Forwarding Tables for Fast Routing Lookupsxe2x80x9d Proc. ACM SIGCOMM ""97, Cannes (Sep. 14-18, 1997) (describing the Lulea algorithm).
[2] V. Srinivasan, G. Varghese, xe2x80x9cFaster IP Lookups using Controlled Prefix Expansion,xe2x80x9d Proc. SIGMETRICS ""98.
A number of patents of interest on lookup algorithms are known in the art.
It is helpful to understand the background of the closest known method for searching tree structures of data. Note the following definitions:
A trie is a tree structure organized for searching.
A trie element is that portion of a tree structure at a single node.
A prefix is a string of characters that appears at the beginning of a longer string of characters.
A stride is a number of levels in a tree accessed in a single read operation.
A target string is a string of characters to be classified.
In many cases of practical interest the characters in a prefix are binary digits, i.e., ones and zeroes. In the example prefix database 10 in FIG. 1 there are nine binary prefixes 11-19 each terminated by *, a symbol which represents the remaining arbitrary binary digits in a longer, fixed-length string. If the total length of the string is k digits, then P1 represents any string of k arbitrary binary digits. Similarly, P3 represents a k-bit string that begins with 00 and is followed by any k-2 length string of binary digits.
A prefix database can be used to classify strings of characters into subsets according to which prefix a particular string matches. The prefix database structure can include exact matches with a target string, i.e., the data to be analyzed can appear in the database.
The matching process is ambiguous unless the classification requires that the matching prefix be the longest possible match in the database. For example, in FIG. 1, the 10-bit string 1000011000 matches P1, P2, P6 and P9, but only P9 is the longest, matching the first 7-bits of the 10-bit string.
A database of binary prefixes can be represented by a binary tree 20 specialized for searching. This search tree 20 is an example of a data structure called a trie and is convenient for finding the longest prefix match. Nodes (shown as small circles in FIG. 1) in the trie are labeled as Prefix Nodes or Vacant Nodes according to whether they represent a prefix or not.
The search for a match to a target string progresses by examining one bit of the target at a time. Before examining the target""s first bit, a match with the Prefix Node 21 for P1 is known to exist, since P1 matches all strings. If the first bit is a 0, take the left branch 22 of the trie. If the first bit is a 1 take the right branch 23 of the trie. In either case, determine if a Prefix Node is encountered. In the example of FIG. 1 taking right branch 23 leads to a match with the Prefix Node 25 for P2.
The process proceeds by taking the left or right branch according to whether the next bit is a 0 or a 1, noting the Prefix Nodes encountered and tracing a path down the trie until either a final node 26-30 is reached (a leaf) or there is no longer a path on the trie (since the node is not in the database). In either case, the last Prefix Node found represents the longest prefix match.
The Lulea algorithm is the algorithm known to encode prefix tables most compactly. The Lulea algorithm is a scheme that uses multibit trie elements containing bitmaps to minimize wasted storage. The Lulea scheme does well in terms of worst case storage, using only 200 Kbytes of memory to store the current MAE East database in a fully structured form. (The MAE East database is a database that contains over 40,000 Internet prefixes for IP addresses and requires over 900 Kbytes of ASCII character storage in its uncompressed form.) One way to describe the Lulea scheme is to consider the database 10 of FIG. 1 remapped to the multibit trie elements 102, 104, 106, 108 as in FIG. 2A.
The various possible target strings are shown in FIG. 2A as 3-bit strides at the left of each of the trie elements 102, 104, 106 and 108. The longest matching prefix at each stride is shown in the prefix column of the trie elements in FIG. 2A. For example, the target string 111001 traces a path down the right hand side of the trie 20 in FIG. 1 to the leaf 30 and the prefix P8. In FIG. 2A the leading 111 portion of the target string selects the last entry in the trie element 102 which contains a pointer to trie element 108 where the last three bits of the target string 001 select the prefix P8.
This remapped trie 100 is called a controlled prefix expansion and is subject, in FIG. 2B, to an optimization known as xe2x80x9cleaf pushing.xe2x80x9d Leaf pushing is intended to reduce memory requirements by making each trie element entry contain EITHER a pointer OR a prefix label but not both. Thus entries like xe2x80x9c100xe2x80x9d (binary) in the fifth row of the root trie element 102 of FIG. 2A which have both a pointer and a prefix label must be modified. The optimization pushes the prefix label down to the vacant leaves 124, 125, 126, 127 of the trie element 104. Since these leaves have no pointer, there is room to store a prefix label. This is shown in FIG. 2B by pointer 205 pointing from trie element 102xe2x80x2 to trie element 104xe2x80x2, which has P2 pushed down into the previously empty slots of trie element 104xe2x80x2, and by pointer 208, which has P5 pushed down into the previously empty slots of trie element 108xe2x80x2. The occupied leaves 120, 121, 122, 123 do not receive a prefix because P6 is a longer match than P2 and therefore the shorter match can be ignored.
Conceptually the Lulea scheme starts with a leaf-pushed trie 101 and replaces, with a single value, all the consecutive entries in a trie element that have the same value. This can greatly reduce the amount of storage required in a trie element. To allow trie indexing to take place even after the elements have been compressed, a bit map with 1""s corresponding to retained positions and with 0""s corresponding to the removed positions is associated with each compressed element.
For example consider the partially compressed root element 102xe2x80x2 in FIG. 2B. After leaf pushing the root element 102xe2x80x2 has the sequence of values P3 (201), P3 (202), P1 (203), P1 (204), ptr1 (205), P4 (206), P2 (207), ptr2 (208) (where ptr1205 is a pointer to the trie element 104xe2x80x2 and ptr2208 is the pointer to the trie element 108xe2x80x2 ). Referring to FIG. 2C, this sequence of values is compressed by removing redundant values and indicating by the placement of 1""s in a bitmap the location of the remaining unique values. For example, original trie element 102xe2x80x2 is replaced with a bit map (10101111) 302 indicating the removed positions P3202 and P1204 by 0""s and a compressed list 304 comprising the prefix labels and pointers (P3, P1, ptr1, P4, P2, ptr2). The result of doing this for all four trie elements is shown in FIG. 2C.
The search of a trie element now consists of using a number of bits specified by the stride (e.g., 3 in this case) to index into each trie element starting with the root and continuing until a prefix label or a 0 is encountered. In the latter case, it is necessary to determine the appropriate action. For example, assume the data structure shown in FIG. 2C and a search for a target string that starts with 111111. Consider the first three bits (111) which index into the last position 208xe2x80x2 in the root element bitmap 302. Since position 208xe2x80x2 is the sixth bit set to 1 (counting from the left), index into the sixth entry of the compressed list 304 which is a pointer ptr2208xe2x80x3 to the right most trie element 108xe2x80x3. Here, use the next 3 bits of the target string (also 111) to index into the eighth bit or last position again. Since this bit is a 0 in bitmap 401, the search is terminated but it is still necessary to retrieve the best matching prefix. This is done by counting the number of bits set before the eighth or last position (4 bits) and then indexing into the 4th entry 403 in the compressed trie element 402 which gives the action associated with prefix label P5. In the present networking art, this action is likely to be the next hop address.
The Lulea scheme specifies a trie search that uses three strides of 16, 8 and 8. Without compression, the initial 16 bit array would require 64 K entries of at least 16 bits each, and the remaining strides would require the use of large 256 entry trie elements. With the compression specified in the Lulea scheme, the MAE East prefix database requires only 200 Kbytes of storage. However, the use of leaf pushing makes insertion inherently slow in the Lulea scheme, since a single update can require the modification of many elements of the trie.
In the absence of deadlines and for small prefix databases, known software methods are sufficient to search for the longest prefix match. However, for many practical applications, such as packet classification in large dynamically-updated databases, there are deadlines or time limitations. Furthermore, the prefix database can contain many tens of thousands, or soon many hundreds of thousands, of entries which can slow a search. The resulting binary trie is exceedingly large and populated only sparsely with Prefix Nodes. What is needed is a method that facilitates a rapid search and minimizes the storage required.
According to the invention, in random access memory, a data structure of trie elements of compact and fixed size is provided in order to store elements of a hierarchical prefix structure such that the data structure can be searched quickly. A trie element according to the invention contains the data in one stride of the search through the prefix data structure. According to the invention, the trie element may contain 1) a description of the tree structure associated with the trie element, 2) a description of the links to the next level trie element and 3) a pointer to the storage location of the next level trie element. The prefix data structure has a first level trie element, and at least one second level trie element. The trie element includes a first code of the first level trie element describing the prefixes contained in the first level trie element, a second,code specifying paths between the first level trie element and all children of the first level trie element (such children are second level trie elements), and a pointer for linking the first level trie element with one of the second level trie elements. Each of the first and second trie elements and the pointer are of a fixed, predefined size.
The present invention represents an advance over the best algorithm that is known, the Lulea algorithm. First, the present invention uses a completely different encoding scheme that relies on two codes per trie element, with each code corresponding to an independent bitmap. Second, only one memory reference per trie element is required, as opposed to two or three per trie element in Lulea. Third, fast update times are guaranteed since the number of operations is bounded by the depth of the trie. In the Lulea scheme, a single update can cause almost the entire database to be rewritten. Fourth, unlike Lulea, the present core algorithm can be instantiated to take advantage of the structure of known memories devices.
While the invention has been disclosed with specific reference to a telecommunication application, the data structure and search method of this invention promotes rapid searching of any prefix-type database for the longest prefix match. The method is well suited to implementation in computer hardware, provides a compact storage structure, is scalable to large databases, and can be applied to a pressing problem in the design of Internet multiservice routers.

Data structure using a tree bitmap and method for rapid classification of data in a database


A microwave integrated circuit comprises a first field effect transistor (FET) whose source is grounded via a capacitor and is connected to a source bias constant current source and to the drains of second field effect transistors whose gates are connected to a voltage power supply, an input matching circuit which is connected between the gate of the first FET and an input terminal, and an output matching circuit which is connected between the drain of the first FET and an output terminal. A drain current of the first FET having an almost constant value flows independent of variations in the direct current transistor characteristics and a rapid switching response is obtained when the first FET is driven on or off by a pulse.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a single stage amplifier circuit as an example of a prior art microwave integrated circuit. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 designates a field effect transistor(FET). An input matching circuit 4 is constituted by microwave lines 42, 43, and 44, capacitors 41, 46, and 47, and a resistor 45 and is connected between the gate of the FET 1 and an RF(radio frequency) signal input terminal 2. The capacitor 41 and the microwave lines 42 and 43 are connected in series and are provided between the RF signal input terminal 9, and the gate of the FET 1. A node between the microwave lines 42 and 43 is connected with a gate bias terminal 21 via the microwave line 44 and the resistor 45. The ends of the resistor 45 are grounded via the capacitors 46 and 47, respectively. An output matching circuit 5 is constituted by microwave lines 51, 52, and 54, and capacitors 53 and 55 and is connected between the drain of the FET 1 and an RF signal output terminal 3. The capacitor 53 and the microwave lines 51 and 52 are connected in series and are provided between the drain of the FET 1 and the RF signal output terminal 3. A node between the microwave lines 51 and 52 is grounded via the microwave line 54 and the capacitor 55. A node between the microwave line 54 and the capacitor 55 is connected to a drain bias terminal 8. The gate bias terminal 21 is connected to a ground terminal 7 via an external gate bias voltage power supply 22 while the drain bias terminal 8 is connected to the ground terminal 7 via an external drain bias voltage power supply 10.
Next, a description will be given of the operation.
When a proper gate bias voltage is applied from the external gate bias voltage power supply 22, the amplifier circuit is driven by a drain current flowing from the external drain bias voltage power supply 10 to the FET 1 via the drain bias terminal 8 and the microwave lines 54 and 51. An RF input signal supplied to the RF signal input terminal 2 in this operating state is amplified by the operation of source grounded FET 1 and is output from the RF signal output terminal 3. The resistor 45 and the capacitors 46 and 47 constitute a low-pass filter for preventing the FET 1 from oscillating. The resistor 45 also functions to prevent a surge voltage breakdown of the gate of the FET 1.
In the prior art microwave integrated circuit constructed as described above, the drain current varies depending on variations in the pinch off voltage of the FET 1. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the gate bias voltage and if it is not adjusted, such as 1 dB compression point output P.sub.1dB, power gain, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), and power consumption vary.
In addition, a short stub is used as a microwave line to reduce the chip size and a capacitor having large capacitance is used as the capacitor 47 in a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as "MMIC"). For this reason, a large capacitance exists at the gate bias terminal 21. Therefore, the switching response of FET 1 is delayed when the FET 1 is driven on or off by a pulse signal such as a radar signal.


A distance sensitive remote control system includes a remote control transmitter that transmit a signal and a receiver than can receive the signal from the transmitter. A control device performs a function having a first and a second option. The control device responds to the signal received by the receiver and performs the first option if the distance between the remote control transmitter and the receiver is greater than a particular distance and performs the second option if the distance between the remote control transmitter and the receiver is less than a particular distance.

The present invention relates generally to remote control devices and, more specifically, to a remote control system in which one or more functions of the system are affected by the distance between the remote control and the receiver.
Remote controls, for everything from televisions to vehicle alarm systems to ceiling fans, have become ubiquitous. The remote control systems allow an operator to control the functions of a variety of devices from a remote position. While the primary benefit of remote control systems is convenience, the systems also provide increased safety and functionality. For example, many automobiles are equipped with remote locking and unlocking systems and/or remote activated alarm systems. In these systems, a small remote control, often called a key fob, with one or more buttons, is operable to control locking and unlocking of the vehicle doors and/or arming and disarming of the alarm system. Remote unlocking of the vehicle doors is certainly more convenient than using a traditional key to unlock the doors. However, the system also provides safety benefits. A person walking alone at night may push xe2x80x9cunlockxe2x80x9d on the remote to unlock the car door as they approach the car. This significantly reduces the amount of time required to enter the car and reduces the time during which the person is exposed to potential risk. Also, in many vehicles, remote locking or unlocking causes other functions to be activated. For example, many vehicles illuminate interior lighting when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. This allows the owner to easily see whether the car has been tampered with and also helps in locating the vehicle. Some vehicles illuminate exterior lighting or sound a signal, such as the vehicle horn, during either locking or unlocking. These functions serve several purposes. First, the visual or audio signal helps the user to locate their vehicle. Additionally, the light or sound may serve to scare away undesirable characters who may be near the vehicle. Finally, the audible or visual signal helps to confirm that the signal from the remote control has been received by the vehicle.
A shortcoming of current remote control systems is that the systems are incapable of adjusting their function based on the distance between the remote control and the receiver. Remote control unlocking and locking systems for vehicles serve as an excellent example of why this shortcoming is undesirable. In vehicles which provide an audible alert when the vehicle has been locked or unlocked, the audible alert is of a constant volume level. Automakers attempt to choose a sound and volume level which serves to alert the user to the functioning of the remote control under a variety of conditions. However, this nonadjustable level is always a compromise. In a noisy environment, such as along a city street, the standard volume level of an audible signal associated with locking or unlocking may be insufficient to overpower the background sound. Also, if the user is far from the vehicle when using the remote, the audible signal may be insufficient to reach them at this distance. This is especially a problem in that the effectiveness of the remote control drops as the distance increases. When the user is far from the vehicle, it is more important to receive a confirmation that the signal has been received so that the user does not repeatedly activate the remote control. At the opposite end of the spectrum, preset audible signals are often too loud in some settings. A user who parks in a small enclosed parking area, such as a parking garage, or in a quiet residential area, may find that the audible alert associated with remote locking of their vehicle is embarrassingly loud. In light of the above, there is a need for remote control systems that adjust their function in response to distance between the remote control and the receiver.
The present invention provides a remote control system wherein one or more aspects of the system are adjusted according to the distance between the remote control transmitter and receiver. The system includes a remote control transmitter operable to transmit a signal and a receiver operable to receive the signal from the remote control transmitter. The system also includes a control device which is configured to perform a function having a first and second option. The control device is responsive to the signal received by the receiver and operable to perform the first option with the distance between the remote control transmitter and the receiver is greater than the first predetermined distance and to perform the second option if the distance between the remote control and transmitter and the receiver is less than the second predetermined distance.

Distance sensitive remote control systems


Approaches are provided for answering an inquiry of a cognitive distributed network. An approach includes receiving the inquiry at the cognitive distributed network. The approach further includes determining a classification for the inquiry based on natural language of the inquiry. The approach further includes classifying the inquiry as a single question class. The approach further includes determining, by at least one computing device, a type of introspection to be used by the cognitive distributed network on the inquiry. The approach further includes generating an answer to the inquiry based on the determined type of introspection.

Cognitive computing is a term that has a broad scope and meaning within the context of computer science. Generally cognitive computing refers to the development of computer systems modeled after the human brain. Originally referred to as artificial intelligence (AI), researchers began to use cognitive computing to indicate that the science was designed to teach computers to think like a human mind, rather than developing an artificial system. This type of computing integrates technology and biology in an attempt to re-engineer the brain, one of the most efficient and effective computers on Earth.
Cognitive computing has its roots in the middle of the twentieth century, when computer companies first began to develop intelligent computer systems. Most of these systems were limited, however, because they could not learn from their experiences. Early artificial intelligence could be taught a set of parameters, but was not capable of making decisions for itself or intelligently analyzing a situation and coming up with a solution. In order to overcome such challenges, prominent figures such as Alan Turing proposed computing challenges in which a human and computer were indistinguishable at games such as chess and question and answer tasks. These challenges became known as the Turing Test, which is a test of a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior equivalent to, or indistinguishable from, that of a human. In an illustrative example, a human judge engages in natural language conversations with a human and a machine designed to generate performance indistinguishable from that of a human being. All participants are separated from one another. If the judge cannot reliably tell the machine from the human, the machine is said to have passed the Turing Test. The Turing Test does not check the ability to give the correct answer to questions. Instead, the Turing Test checks how closely the answer resembles typical human answers. The conversation is limited to a text-only channel such as a computer keyboard and screen so that the result is not dependent on the machine's ability to render words into audio. The Turing Test has become an important concept in the philosophy of AI.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION


An inventive stringed musical instrument comprising an independent string copoing device adapted to secure a string of a guitar or other fretted stringed musical instrument at selected fret position in order to quickly and easily vary the length of the string available for vibration, to change the pitch when the string is plucked or bowed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a capo device for a stringed musical instrument having a series of strings extending along a fret or fingerboard with a series of frets (or unfretted), such as a guitar, lute, banjo, violin, and the like. Such an instrument is played by plucking or bowing the strings while using fingers to stop selected strings by holding them pressed down onto the fretboard, the string being xe2x80x9cstoppedxe2x80x9d by the adjacent fret.
2. Description of Related Art
In guitars and other fretted musical instruments, one or more strings are stretched under tension across a sounding board or other main body of the instrument, which, upon the string vibrating, amplifies the sound of the vibrating string. One end of the string is anchored at one side of the main body or sounding board, the string is then strung across the sounding board, and along an elongated neck portion attached to the main body. The other end of the string is then anchored at the end of the neck away from the main body to tuning pegs or other devices, which permit adjustment of the string tension. At various set intervals along the neck portion are situated a plurality of frets, i.e., transverse ridges which underlie the plurality of strings, which frets are in turn resting upon a fretboard.
The strings do not touch the frets, even during vibration. The sound emitted from a plucked string is termed its pitch and is determined by the relationship of the tension of the string, its mass per unit length (which is a function of the string""s diameter), and the length of the string available for vibration (effective length). The effective length of the string is the distance between a first anchor, called the bridge, attached at the head of the main body of the fretted stringed instrument, and a second anchor, called the string nut, attached at the far end of the neck. Many times, all the strings ride over a saddle, which is immediately adjacent to the bridge. The effective length in which case then starts at the saddle. At the neck far end is the second anchor, the string nut, over which all of the strings pass and contact immediately before they are attached to the tuning pegs.
On guitars or other fretted stringed musical instruments it is common for the musician to use his hand not plucking, bowing or striking the strings to press upon one or more strings of the instrument with one or more fingers to cause the string to engage the frets along the neck of the guitar or other musical instrument.
To easily change the pitch of the string, one merely shortens the string. To accomplish this, the player need only to press down on the string to cause it to engage one of the frets on the fretboard portion of the neck of the instrument. This procedure reduces the effective string length to the distance between the saddle and the fret. As a general rule, the 12th fret on a guitar is located one-half of the distance between the saddle and the string nut. Then, if the string is held at the 12th. fret the pitch doubles. A violinist or guitar player is constantly fingering the instrument as he plays it, using the fingers of the hand not plucking the strings (or drawing a bow across the strings) to change the pitch as called for by the musical score.
A prior invention by Eric S Leifeit for a positioner acting as a fixed fingering device was granted by the United States Patent Office on Jan. 17, 1989 and accorded U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,119 it concerned threaded inserts strategically placed in the fretboard, the inserts receiving machine screws, which cupped the string under its head. By screwing down the machine screw securely into the insert, the screw would secure the string over the fret. Such devices however, took some period of time for the player to unscrew the screws to a position above the height of the string, and then screw the screws down over the string. Such adjustment would require too much time to secure a string during a musical number. This device seemed also to be very visually unappealing and it seems, due to the location of the screws, that bending a string may not be accomplished at all locations.
A capo, sometimes referred to, as a xe2x80x9ccapotastoxe2x80x9d is a device which can be used to hold strings independently of the fingers. Simple capo devices hold all the strings at once, usually against a particular fret, and change the basic key of the instrument. Others are known which can be used to press down and stop only selected strings, however these devices are very difficult for the performer to work around while playing.
Generally, capo devices do not allow different strings to be stopped at different locations. However, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,397, which issued on Oct. 15, 1991 to Leifheit, a kind of capo device, referred to as a xe2x80x9cfingering devicexe2x80x9d is described for a guitar, in which a series of separate capo type elements are provided each with a bore by which the element is slideably mounted on one of the strings and is individually locatable to stop a string at a particular selected location. Each element has an undercut recess in its underside and can be individually held in position by having this recess engage one of the frets, which are made to protrude from the fretboard. The elements of the Leifheit device stop the strings directly, rather than hold the string against an adjacent fret, as is more usual with capo devices.
A perceived drawback of the Leifheit device is that the elements, when no longer in use, are simply pushed to the end of the strings near the string nut which terminates the vibrating portion of the strings near the head of the guitar. It seems likely that in this position the elements, although no longer attached to the fretboard, would still vibrate with and thus affect the vibration of the strings. It is also felt that when a string is to be bent as is very often done in performances, that the rectangular block would be moved perpendicular to the string and in some instances fall of the fret. Another downfall of this invention is that, to achieve the desired results, it seems the frets may need to be enlarged and modified, and many performers are very particular as to the size of their frets, as different fret sizes affect the playability of the instrument.
Another prior invention by Christopher George Sims and Jonathan Edward Sims was granted by the United States Patent Office on Aug. 14, 1998 and accorded U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,868 and it concerned a capo device for a stringed musical instrument in which each string passes through a bore in an element which is slidable on the string, each element being dimensioned so that when held against the fretboard, the element stops the string on which it is mounted at the adjacent fret. The elements and the fretboard have interacting magnetic means capable of holding each element against the fretboard at one of a number of selected positions during the playing of the instrument. It is felt that this device could easily be accidentally pulled off the fret during forceful playing of the instrument or the bending of the strings.
In common instrument usage, the xe2x80x9cnutxe2x80x9d of a stringed instrument is an insert piece of bone, plastic or the like, which fits at the end of the fingerboard and acts as a support upon which the instrument""s strings are positioned. Current nuts are created in one piece. The problem with using only this form of nut is that open tunings or varying the pitches of open strings requires that the performer re-learn the notes on the fretboard, which is a timely task.
The Kubicki Factor bass has a divided nut portion for a low D tuning however it lacks the ability to create the more complicated open chord/pitch configurations.
Banjos have a short string located at the lower portion of the neck, usually from the 5th fret onward. This division however is made on the neck of the instrument and not the nut and therefore is quite different than a split-nut structure. A banjo would be classified as a split-neck structure. A split-nut instrument maintains a standard neck.
All instruments have what is known in the art as standard tunings. As an examples guitars are tuned EADGBE, basses EADG, mandolins GDAE etc. These standard tunings are sometimes altered for various effects; they are sometimes labeled as open tunings in which case they usually form an open chord (a chord, which is not fingered by the performer). A capo is often used to change an altered or standardly tuned guitar to a higher frequency grouping yet maintains the identical intervalic structure of the standard or open tuning.
Open or non-standard tunings require the performer to re-tune the instrument, which can be quite troublesome, then relearn the guitar neck for each alternate tuning, which is enormously time consuming. Some devices have been created to eliminate these problems. Fixed fingering devices, variable chord forming capos, etc., have been designed to eliminate this problem and also make open tunings possible without having to retune the instrument. It is obvious that these devices were created to eliminate the need for the retuning of the selected instrument. Current existing tuning methods include, an instruments standard tunings, and an instruments altered tuning. With any of these tunings, a standard capo may be used to raise the frequency of pitch yet maintain the identical intervallic structure in which the instrument is tuned. It is a fact that any device currently existing for a means of varying the length of an individual string rather than a collection of strings, has been designed for a standardly tuned instrument. To achieve alternate tunings, mechanical devices such as the fixed fingering devices or chord forming capos are used; the guitar however is not re-tuned as instruments with these capabilities can achieve open tunings by means of the added mechanical devices.
Thousands of guitarists from around the world, and encompassing virtually every style of music, use xe2x80x9copen tuningsxe2x80x9d on their guitars. The standard tuning for a guitar is EADGBE, or intervalicly, perfect forth, perfect fourth, perfect fourth, perfect fourth, major third, perfect fourth. When open tunings are used, the guitar is re-tuned to a variety of notes and/or chords for various effects. Examples of some of these tunings are EG#BEG#E, DADGBE, DADGAD, DADF#AD, etc.
There are many benefits created by open tunings such as, open harmonics, open chords, drone notes, alternate (previously impossible) chord voicings, open note tapping, different counterpoint possibilities etc.
There is a problem however, which arises from all these tuning systems. As the typical guitarist generally learns the guitar fret-board and its notes in standard tuning, when the guitarist re-tunes or openly tunes the guitar, he or she must re-learn the entire guitar fret-board, each time they change to an alternate tuning. This is incredibly time consuming and very limiting to the guitarist. Due to the number of open-tunings available to the modem guitarist, this makes openly tuned songs very difficult and frustrating for many players of the instrument. If for example a guitarist wanted to learn or write a group of songs in the tunings of DADGAD, DGDGBD, and DADGBE, he/she would be required to learn the guitar neck in three different ways, which is extremely complicated and confusing.
With these facts in mind it is assumed that there is a need in the art for a guitar which can be configured for open or alternate tunings yet yield itself to easily accessible, previously studied, open chord and scale patterns, that are popular in today""s and yesterdays guitar music, whether the music is classical, folk, rock, blues, jazz, etc.
Current tuning methods available do not enable a player to modify an instruments standard tuning and at the same time independently vary a string or strings vibrational length. Some capo""s have been designed for forming chords or drop E positions however they lack the efficiencies of other key possibilities except when a standard capo is used in unison with the alternative capo.
A standard guitar is tuned EADGBE which intervalicly equals a perfect 4.sup.th, perfect 4.sup.th, perfect 4.sup.th, perfect 4.sup.th, major 3.sup.rd, perfect 4.sup.th. This tuning is unsymmetrical and makes mastering the guitar a very difficult task. Pianos, basses (including 5 and 6-string etc.), mandolins, ukuleles, violins, cellos etc., are all symmetrically tuned.
The question then arises that if these tuning systems are so efficient for other instruments, why not tune all the guitar strings in perfect 4.sup.th,s? The answer to this question is:
(1) Some musicians already have. Examples are Pat Metheny and Stanley Jordan; (well respected jazz guitarists). There are various other examples of performers who have found it beneficial to tune their instruments symmetrically, at least some of the time. It is felt that there are major benefits in scale, interval, and chord pattern recognition etc. To play a scale in one octave, one can achieve the identical pattern in other octaves, string groups or positions on the guitar neck.
(2) Perfectly symmetrical 4.sup.th tunings such as (EADGFC) used on the currently most popular manufactured guitar make open position chords very awkward to play. Perfect 4.sup.th,s do not lend themselves very well to open chord patterns. This is the primary reason for our standardly tuned guitar we find most popular today, (EADGBE). This standard tuning lends itself very efficiently to open chord patterns, popular in every form of guitar music from classical blues, jazz, rock etc.
The clipping feature may be used to create symmetrical tuning configurations on the guitar fretboard while maintaining standard (or a desired open tuning).
The related art includes;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,119
Fixed fingering device for fretted stringed musical instrument.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,397
Fixed fingering device for fretted stringed instruments.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,868
Capo device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,110
Quick setting variable chord forming capo.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,732
Variable chord forming capostrato.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,595
Mechanical guitar chord maker.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,682
Automatic chording device for guitars and similar instruments.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,450
Guitar and chord playing attachment pivotally mounted there on.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,279
Variable chord forming capo.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,134
Chord playing attachment for stringed instruments.
In U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,798,119, 5,056,397 and 6,013,868 for example, the inventors anticipated the need for an instrument with string shortening devices, however neglected many features which are included in the xe2x80x9cpinch-clipxe2x80x9d, such as the locking system used which will prevent the string from accidentally changing its pitch. It is felt that the devices used in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,056,397 and 6,013,868 could easily, accidentally be released, if the strings were to be bent, even in the slightest, or if the performer, performed in a slightly vigorous style. There are many other inefficiencies within these instruments as well, which is why it is felt there is a need in the art for the xe2x80x9cpinch-clipxe2x80x9d. The prior art fails to teach at least the advanced xe2x80x9csplit-nutxe2x80x9d instrument, nonstandard tuning configurations utilizing means to vary the independent length of a string by such mechanical devices as pinch-clips, fixed fingering devices, variable chord forming capos.
The present invention seeks to provide a capo type device, which overcomes these drawbacks, and is also easier to use than the Leifheit device. The device of this invention is easy to engage and disengage with the fretboard, it stops the strings in the usual way by holding them against adjacent frets, which are conventional frets, and it provides a storage area for the elements when they are not in use where they cannot vibrate with the strings.
It has been determined that it would be useful to have a device which mechanically fingers one or more strings of a stringed instrument for a changed, but constant pitch, during a whole musical number or a portion of one while at the same time making the remainder of the instrument strings, including the mechanically fingered string, still available for further non-mechanical fingering by the musical player. It is to this invention that the subject patent is directed. It would also be useful if such a device could be placed or removed in a very short period of time, perhaps in less than a second or two.
The present invention seeks to create a new method of tuning where a stringed musical instrument utilizing a means to individually vary the length of an independent string is tuned to a non-standard tuning configuration for various innovative results.
The present invention seeks to provide a mechanical device for mechanically fingering a fretted stringed musical instrument.
The present invention seeks to provide a mechanical device so that various lengths of a stringed instrument string can be fixed for different pitches.
The present invention seeks to provide a clip device proximate every fret for every string of the instrument to provide complete pitch selection of strings of a fretted stringed instrument.
The present invention seeks to provide a mechanical device for varying string pitch of a fretted stringed instrument where the clipping device, when not being used, is out of the way of the vibrating strings and fingers of a player.
The present invention seeks to provide a new innovative tuning method where the tuning method comprises tuning the instrument to a non-standard configuration while utilizing a means of varying the length of independent strings with such mechanical devices as a pinch-clip, fixed fingering device, variable chord forming capo and the like to achieve tuning methods which can not be achieved with a standard capo, or developing a Split-nut instrument where a selection of open pitches are chosen and a tuning method is applied in which an intervallicially non-standard tuning configuration is achieved at all other portions of the instrument such as the fret positions not utilizing a nut division, to achieve the same tuning method possibilities, which can not be achieved with a standard one fret capo. As an example a guitar may achieve a desired result by adding an extra fret to the B and E strings near the head portion of the instrument, hereby creating a intervallic symmetry at all other portions of the instrument neck or fret locations.
The present invention seeks to provide a new innovative split-nut structure, which may be varied in numerous ways for desired results. This nut-structure being permanently divided on the instrument and may be used with the features of a Pinch-clip or other such devices to alter the new nut structure to a standard nut or desired configuration.
Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus comprising the construction, combination of elements, arrangements of parts and methods of using which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention, which will be indicated in the claims.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a string clip for holding at least one string of a stringed musical instrument to a fret position to selectively vary the vibrational length of the string, comprising a fixing portion adapted to be pushed into and held by a groove on the instrument neck; and a contact portion disposed such that, when the fixing portion is held in place by the groove, the contact portion contacts and holds the at least one string in a fret position to determine a vibrational length of the at least one string.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a clip positioner adapted for attachment into a string side of an instrument neck adjacent individual frets and under strings for receiving at least one string clip as defined above for holding at least one string of a stringed musical instrument to a fret position, comprising a planar member adapted to span a width of the instrument neck; and a plurality of grooves formed in the planar member which, when the clip positioner is placed in the instrument neck, align with stings of the instrument.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fretboard having formed therein at least one clip positioner as defined above.
According to still another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stringed musical instrument having a fretboard as defined above.
The present invention relates to a device for the mechanical fingering of a fretted stringed musical instrument such as a guitar, violin, ukulele, and the like. Fingering is accomplished by the process of shortening one or more strings of the musical instrument to produce a pitch different than the usual unaltered frequency.
The devices which are the means to mechanically finger the instrument include clip style fixing devices and clip style fixing device receiving inserts set into the fretboard at a series of locations adjacent individual frets, (or attached to the frets on the fretboard of the stringed instrument neck), to hold the string down so that it will be fixedly held at the immediately adjacent fret. The clip is so situated on the fretboard that when it engages the string and holds it down, the string is not moved laterally from its previous unengaged position.
The insert or clip placement installation area is located just below the top surface of the fretboard. Preferably, there is one insert located behind every fret on the neck of the guitar or other stringed instrument, and preferably there will be the equivalent number of clip placement positioners located on the inserted piece of material, as there are strings on the musical instrument.
By means of the pinch-clips (or clip style fixing devices), a player may fixedly finger the musical instrument to change one or more string pitch and then just as easily un-pinch the clip with a thumb and finger to release the held string.
Benefits
With the described new innovations, musical possibilities will exist that prior to the described invention could not have been contemplated.
A great number of musical pieces are written and performed by guitars, in open tunings. Open tunings require the performer to re-tune the instrument, which can be quite troublesome and then relearn the entire guitar neck for each alternate tuning, which is enormously time consuming. With the clip feature innovation, the need for re-tuning the guitar to open chords can become a thing of the past. Re-learning the guitar neck for these popular or new configurations will no longer be necessary. Performing cover tunes or originals at live performances requiring openly tuned configurations will no longer be difficult or time consuming, and extra guitars will no longer be required at shows for the purpose of being openly tuned for quick change-ups.
New compositions utilizing new possibilities previously impossible to create on standardly tuned instruments such as the guitar will also now be available.
Benefits of the Invention Concerning Clipping Devices Used on a Standardly Configured (Tuned) Instrument;
The open chord feature can be designed to an individuals desired open tuning system. As an example there are musicians who may only use the tuning system DADGAD. For these musicians a guitar could be configured with DADGAD tuning, yet still have the ability to retain standard or symmetrical chord, scale, arpeggio patterns etc., at all locations of the guitar neck
Open tunings are now possible, without learning or re-learning the entire guitar fret-board.
Drone notes (such as used in Celtic music) will now be possible at any selected note without re-tuning or relearning the guitar.
If a guitarist is performing a cover tune (another artists musical and lyrical composition), with an open tuning and has only one guitar at the performance (which he does not wish to re-tune, the song can now be played without hassle.
An enormous number of new guitar arrangements, positions, chordal voicing etc, will now be available for use in composition, solo playing or accompaniment etc.
Artists who have used open tunings in the past include, Led Zeppelin, Ani Difranco, Liona Boyd, James Taylor, Dave Matthews, Metallica etc., and the list is virtually endless. These artists"" arrangements can now be performed without re-tuning or relearning the guitar.
Open chord harmonics will be possible. The chord shape can be formed over the open harmonics and sounded just as successfully as openly tuned guitar harmonics.
Beginners, children or adults may use this feature as an educational tool, to learn how each chord is supposed to sound, or for instantly developing melodies with a simple harmonic background.
Bending of the strings or vigorous guitar playing will be possible without putting the guitar out of tune or releasing the clipping devices, thanks to the pinch-clips locking capabilities.
Benefits of the Invention Concerning Split-Nut Features;
The split-nut feature maintains the look and feel of a standard guitar (or whatever instrument it is applied to) yet provides an alternative choice for permanently open string frequency configurations not found on existing instruments, without re-learning ones instrument neck (unless desired).
A split nut has the ability to have its intonation set perfectly for the string length and frequency of the desired nut structure.
A split-nut has many of the advantages of a pinch-clip, however they are found in a permanent structure.
Benefits of the invention concerning its method of use regarding non-standard or altered tunings.
(A) Benefits of the Invention Concerning Altered Tuning Configurations Applied to Stringed Musical Instruments Utilizing a Means of Varying Independent Length of an Instruments String(s)
For the musician who is comfortable or familiar with open tunings on stringed musical instruments the new tuning possibilities will greatly enhance their abilities for an extra variety of possibilities.
Lower register alternate or non-standard tuning such as DADGAD, DADF#AD, DADGBE etc. will now be possible to achieve by altering the standard pitch of the instrument.
(B) Benefits of the Invention Concerning Alternate Tuning Configurations Applied to Standardly Tuned Stringed Musical Instruments Utilizing a Means of Varying Independent Length of an Instruments String(s) While Utilizing the Use of a Slide Device.
The new tuning method opens up new possibilities for playing slide guitar. Currently when playing slide guitar the open frequencies must share the same intervallic structure as the notes or chords being formed when pressing the slide against the strings of the instrument. With the new tuning methods described herein many new possibilities exist for alternate open chords or frequencies other than those determined by the use of the slide. As an example it will now be possible to play a guitar with an open 135131-G shape chord spelled out on the open strings and an open E 151351 shape when the slide is used. Many other possibilities also exist however are too numerous to out line in their entirety.
(C) Benefits of the Invention Concerning Symmetrical Tuning Configurations Applied to Standardly Unsymmetrical Stringed Musical Instruments Utilizing a Means of Varying the Independent Length of an Instrument String(s)
This instrument can be tuned in fourths with complete symmetry, yet have the benefits of most open tuning chord voicings currently available to the modern guitarist.
Reading musical notation, becomes a much simpler process, due to the possibility of symmetry with this guitar type invention. Interval recognition from the staff to the guitar can be perceived more easily. As an example a perfect 5.sup.th shape will be identical everywhere on the neck.
To learn a guitar lick (short musical phrase), in one position, with a symmetrically tuned configuration, one can immediately transfer the pattern or shape to higher or lower positions, including other octave ranges or positions. This saves the guitarist or musician an enormous amount of practice time, and creates a much brooder musical ability.
For the beginning or novice musician, the improvements found with symmetrical configurations may not seem very relevant, due to the student""s focus on simple open chords. For the intermediate to advanced musician however who wishes to learn as many scale patterns, chords, intervals etc. as one can, the improvements become very substantial. As an example, for a 1573 major seventh, chord pattern, and its inversions, on a standardly tuned guitar, there are twelve different fingering patterns. On an improved symmetrically configured Pinch-clip the same chords can be played with just four patterns.

Abstract: The independent string copoing device describes clips and a clip placement installation area adapted to secure a clip style fixing device to a selected fret on the fretboard, the clips and clip insertion area so shaped as to complement each other for locking a string or plurity thereof to a pressed down or mechanically fingered position. The instrument may also include the use of a split-nut structure comprising a permanently divided nut, and a method for tuning the stringed instrument comprising tuning the instrument to a non-standard or altered configuration while utilizing a means of varying the length of independent strings with mechanical devices.


Aspects of the invention are directed to a protection control system of the invention is a protection control system for a multilevel power conversion circuit of a flying capacitor type, the power conversion circuit including six semiconductor switches of first through sixth semiconductor switches sequentially connected in series from a positive terminal to a negative terminal of a DC power supply, a first capacitor connected between the connection point of the second and third semiconductor switches and the connection point of the fourth and fifth semiconductor switches and a second capacitor connected between the connection point of the first and second semiconductor switches and the connection point of the fifth and sixth semiconductor switches, wherein the protection control system of the invention turns ON the second semiconductor switch or maintains the second semiconductor switch in an ON state, in the case of short-circuit fault of the third semiconductor switch.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a protection control system for a multilevel power conversion circuit of a flying capacitor type for AC motor driving and other applications.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 4 shows a general type of power conversion circuit for converting a DC power to an AC power. A DC power supply DP delivers a voltage Ed between the positive electric potential terminal P and a negative electric potential terminal N. The DC power supply can be generally composed of an AC power supply system using a rectifier and a capacitor with a large capacitance, though those components of the AC power supply system are not shown in the figure.
The power conversion circuit comprises semiconductor switches Q1 through Q6 each composed of an IGBT and a diode, gate driving circuits GD1 through GD6 for driving the IGBTs, and a controller CNT. An example of a load on this power conversion circuit is an AC motor ACM. The semiconductor switches Q1 through Q6 are ON/OFF controlled by the gate driving circuits GD1 through GD6 according to the ON/OFF command of the controller CNT. The power conversion circuit of this construction can deliver an output voltage of the electric potential P or N of the DC power supply DP to the AC output terminal by the switching operation of the IGBTs. Thus, this converter is a two-level power conversion circuit.
FIG. 5 shows a four-level power conversion circuit of a flying capacitor type. This circuit comprises: six semiconductor switches, which are IGBTs, T1 through T6 connected in series between the positive electric potential terminal P and the negative electric potential terminal N of the DC power supply DP, a capacitor C1 connected between the collector of the IGBT T3 and the emitter of the IGBT T4, and a capacitor C2 connected between the collector of the IGBT T2 and the emitter of the IGBT T5. The capacitors C1 and C2 are called flying capacitors. The voltages across the capacitors C1 and C2 are controlled to be, in average, ⅓ Ed and ⅔ Ed, respectively, where Ed is the output voltage of the DC power supply DP. The connection point between the emitter of the IGBT T3 and the collector of the IGBT T4 is an AC output terminal in this circuit construction. This circuit is a four-level power conversion circuit that delivers the four levels of electric potentials given in the following.
Mode (1)Ed when T1, T2, and T3 are ONMode (2)Ed - 1/3 Ed when T1, T2, and T4 are ONMode (3)Ed - 2/3 Ed when T1, T5, and T4 are ONMode (4)0 + 2/3 Ed when T6, T2, and T3 are ONMode (5)0 + 1/3 Ed when T6, T5, and T3 are ONMode (6)0 when T6, T5, and T4 are ON
The modes (2) and (4) give an equal voltage, and the modes (3) and (5) give an equal voltage as well. But the capacitors C1 and C2 undergo either charging or discharging action. Thus, selectively controlling the output time allows the voltages across the capacitors C1 and C2 maintained, in average, at ⅓ Ed and ⅔ Ed, respectively.
Each IGBT is subjected to a voltage of Ed/3 in a steady state. Considering a surge voltage emerging in a transient phenomenon at a switching action, a substantially required withstand voltage for the IGBTs should be about ⅔ Ed, which is twice the steady state value.
FIG. 6 shows a five-level power conversion circuit of a flying capacitor type, which is an advanced form of the circuit of FIG. 5. Controlling the voltage across the capacitor C1 at Ed/4, the voltage across the capacitor C2 at Ed/2, and the voltage across the capacitor C3 at 3Ed/4, the power conversion circuit gives five levels of electric potential of Ed, 3Ed/4, Ed/2, Ed/4, and 0 (zero) at the AC output terminal.
FIG. 7 is a six-level power conversion circuit. Controlling the voltage across the capacitor C1 at Ed/5, the voltage across the capacitor C2 at 2Ed/5, the voltage across the capacitor C3 at 3Ed/5, and the voltage across the capacitor C4 at 4Ed/5, the power conversion circuit gives six levels of electric potential of Ed, 4Ed/5, 3Ed/5, 2Ed/5, Ed/5, and 0 (zero) at the AC output terminal.
FIG. 8 shows a power conversion circuit composed by blending a neutral point clamped type (an NPC type) conversion circuit with a flying capacitor type conversion circuit. This power conversion circuit comprises, in addition to the four-level power conversion circuit of a flying capacitor type shown in FIG. 5, a pair of series-connected IGBTs T7 and T8 in parallel to the capacitor C2, and a bidirectional switch composed of a pair of antiparallel-connected reverse blocking IGBTs T9 and T10, the bidirectional switch being connected between the point of series-connection of the IGBTs T7 and T8 and the point of series connection of a DC power supply DP1 and a DC power supply DP2. The power conversion circuit of FIG. 8 is a seven-level power conversion circuit. The examples of power conversion circuits mentioned above are disclosed in a Japanese Translation of PCT International Application No. 2009-525717, and Technical Report of The Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, No. 1,093 (in Japanese), FIGS. 2.2 and 2.3 in particular.
A short-circuited state usually occurs when a semiconductor switch composing a power conversion circuit breaks down for some reason. FIG. 9 shows short-circuit current running in a short-circuit fault in a two level inverter circuit. When a short-circuit fault occurs at the IGBT T2 in the circuit of FIG. 9 and then an ON command is given to the IGBT T1, a DC short-circuit current Ist flows in the path designated by the broken line in the figure. If this state continues for a certain period of time, the IGBT T1 also breaks down leading to a complete DC short-circuit state, increasing the damage of the power conversion system. In order to avoid such a situation, the gate driving circuit GD for each IGBT is usually provided with an arm short-circuit detecting circuit and a short-circuit protecting circuit that forcedly interrupts the IGBT upon detection of a short-circuit event.
FIG. 10 shows such a gate driving circuit. The gate driving circuit gives an ON/OFF signal for a gate-emitter voltage of the IGBT T0 through electrical insulation by a photo-coupler PC1. When an ON signal is given through the photo-coupler PC1, a transistor Qa turns ON and the positive side power supply Ep performs forward bias driving the gate-emitter voltage of the IGBT T0 through a resistance RG. Thus, the IGBT T0 is turned ON. When an OFF signal is given through the photo-coupler PC1, a transistor Qb turns ON and the negative side power supply En performs reverse bias driving the gate-emitter voltage of the IGBT T0 through a resistance RG. Thus, the IGBT T0 is turned OFF. A short-circuit protection circuit that forcedly interrupts the IGBT T0 in the event of overcurrent is composed of a diode Dc, a resistor R1, a capacitor Cd, a Zener diode ZD, a transistor Qc, and a diode Dd. If an overcurrent flows through the IGBT T0 in the period of ON signal, the collector-emitter voltage of the IGBT T0 rises causing a non-conducting state of the diode Dc. Consequently the transistor Qc turns ON and then the transistor Qb turns ON to interrupt the IGBT T0 forcedly. A photo-coupler PC2 is a short-circuit detecting circuit that feeds back information of overcurrent interruption event to a control circuit.
Although the example of FIG. 9 is a two-level circuit, a multi-level circuit as shown in FIG. 5 is also operated similarly. When the IGBT T3 (or T4) undergoes a short-circuit fault, if another normal IGBT T4 (or T3) turns ON, the capacitor C1 becomes short-circuited. Accordingly, the IGBT T4 (or T3) is forcedly turned OFF with the gate driving circuit thereof. When the IGBT T2 (or T5) undergoes a short-circuit fault, if another normal IGBT T5 (or T2) is in an ON state, the capacitor C1 and C2 becomes short-circuited. Accordingly, the IGBT T5 (or T2) is forcedly turned OFF with the gate driving circuit thereof. When the IGBT T1 (or T6) undergoes a short-circuit fault, if another normal IGBT T6 (or T1) is in an ON state, the capacitor C2 and the power supply DP becomes short-circuited. Accordingly, the IGBT T6 (or T1) is forcedly turned OFF with the gate driving circuit thereof. The circuits of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are similarly operated.
Now, the operation on the short circuit fault of the IGBT T3 in the circuit of FIG. 5 is more closely considered. Referring to FIGS. 11(a)-11(d), from the state (a) in which electric current from the DC power supply DP flows through the path of IGBT T1→T2→T3 to a load, the state transfers to the state (b) in which the IGBT T3 is short-circuited. When an ON signal is given to the IGBT T4 in this state (b), short circuit current Ist flows as indicated by the broken line. In that state, the gate driving circuit for the IGBT T4 detects the short-circuit event and forcedly interrupts the IGBT T4. At the same time, a short-circuit fault detection signal is transmitted through the photo-coupler PC2 in FIG. 10 to the control device, which delivers an interruption signal to every IGBT. As a result, the current running through the load flows in the state (c) of FIGS. 11(a)-11(d) through the path of: the diode of the IGBT T6→the diode of the IGBT T5→the capacitor C1→the IGBT T3. Since the IGBT T3 is in the short-circuited state in this time, the current flows through the capacitor C1 and the capacitor C1 continues to discharge until the voltage VC1 across the capacitor C1 decreases to zero volts at which the diode of the IGBT T4 turns to a conductive state. Thus, the current flows in the path indicated in the state (d) of FIGS. 11(a)-11(d). At this state, the voltage VC2 across the capacitor C2 is about 2Ed/3, and so the IGBT T2 is subjected to the voltage VT2=VC2≈2Ed/3.
FIGS. 12(a)-12(d) shows operation in the case of a fault of the IGBT T4, which is basically similar to the one shown in FIGS. 11(a)-11(d). Referring to FIGS. 12(a)-12(d), from the state (a) in which electric current from the load flows through the path of IGBT T4→T5→T6, the state transfers to the state (b) in which the IGBT T4 is short-circuited. When an ON signal is given to the IGBT T3 in this state (b), short circuit current Ist flows as indicated by the broken line. In that state, the gate driving circuit for the IGBT T3 detects the short-circuit event and forcedly interrupts the IGBT T3. At the same time, a short-circuit fault signal is transmitted through the photo-coupler PC2 in FIG. 10 to the control device, which delivers an interruption signal to every IGBT. As a result, the current running through the load flows in the state (c) of FIGS. 12(a)-12(d) through the path of: the IGBT T4→the capacitor C1→the diode of the IGBT T2→the diode of the IGBT T1. Since the IGBT T4 is in the short-circuited state in this time, the current flows through the capacitor C1 and the capacitor C1 continues to discharge until the voltage VC1 across the capacitor C1 decreases to zero volts at which the diode of the IGBT T3 turns to a conductive state. Thus, the current flows in the path indicated in the state (d) of FIGS. 12(a)-12(d). At this state, the voltage VC2 across the capacitor C2 is about 2Ed/3, and so the IGBT T5 is subjected to the voltage VT5=VC2≈2Ed/3.
In these cases, a withstand voltage of at least 2Ed/3 is required by the IGBT T2 in the case of fault of T3 and by the IGBT T5 in the case of fault of T4.
Actually, these IGBTs need a withstand voltage of about Ed that is the voltage of the DC power supply DP. In the normally operating state mentioned earlier, these IGBTs need only about 2Ed/3 that is twice the voltage steadily subjected to. However, the IGBTs are required to exhibit a withstand voltage higher than the value as described above. This leads to an enlarged size and an increased cost. Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved protection control system.

Protection control system for a multilevel power conversion circuit


A stacked die sensor package includes a die paddle and lead fingers that surround the die paddle. The lead fingers have proximal ends near the die paddle and distal ends spaced from the die paddle. A first semiconductor die is mounted to one side of the die paddle and electrically connected to the lead fingers with first bond wires. A sensor die is mounted to the other side of the die paddle and electrically connected to the lead fingers with sensor bond wires. An encapsulation material covers the first die and the first bond wires, while a gel material and a lid cover the sensor die and the sensor bond wires. The package may also have a second semiconductor die attached on an active surface of the first die and electrically connected one or both of the lead fingers or first die bonding pads with second bond wires.

The present invention relates generally to stacked die semiconductor packaging and, more particularly, to a stacked die package having a sensor die.
Packaged semiconductors provide external electric connections and physical protection for packaged dies. Continued progress in reduction of the size of the semiconductor dies, and increased functionality of the circuits integrated in the dies, requires size reduction of the packaging with the same or greater number of external electrical connectors.
One typical type of semiconductor package is a Quad Flat Pack (QFP), which is formed with a semiconductor die mounted to a lead frame. The lead frame is formed from a sheet of metal that has a die attach pad often called a die paddle or die flag and arms or tie bars that attach the flag to a frame. Lead fingers of the lead frame are wire bonded to bonding pads the die to provide a means of easily electrically connecting the die to circuit boards and the like. After the die bonding pads and the lead fingers are wire bonded, the semiconductor die and bond wires are encapsulated with a plastic material leaving only sections of the lead fingers exposed. These exposed leads are cut from the frame (singulated) and bent for ease of connection to a circuit board.
When sensors such pressure sensors used in tire pressure monitoring systems are packaged, the mounting surface area (footprint) may increase by at least the area of the active surface of the sensors. Stacking of a die and sensor in a semiconductor package can reduce the mounting surface area. However, the active surface of the sensor must face away from the mounting surface in order to properly function. Furthermore, the sensor (sensor die) cannot easily be encapsulated with the plastics material together with the other dies in the package, in a single molding step, as the sensor die is sensitive to stress induced by conventional molding processes. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an efficient and economical method to package a sensor die with other semiconductor dies.


A method for generating a flow profile of an inhalation device is described. The method comprises the step of measuring acoustic emissions induced by inhalation flow through the inhalation device. The method further comprises the step of detecting peak frequencies in the measured acoustic emissions and generating a flow profile based on the detected peak frequencies. A corresponding device is also described.

Inhaler devices are used in the medical industry to administer drugs as a powder or using an aerosol, for example. The effectiveness of the drug administration may be dependent on how the device is used, which may be related to a flow rate or flow profile that is achieved by a user of the inhaler. Accordingly, it is desirable to measure an inspiratory flow rate as a function of time (i.e., a flow profile) for a patient using an inhaler device. Such a measurement can be used, for example, to support clinical trials to assess the breathing style of the participants of the trails, and for measuring the usage of the inhaler device during trials to assist in evaluating device usage effectiveness. The measurements may also be used to train users in how to use the inhaler according to an inhalatory profile in accordance with effective usage of the device, during supervised or unsupervised training, for example. The inhalation measurement may produce assessments and corrective suggestions for the user. Moreover, adherence monitoring could also be achieved by producing a flow profile, since it is potentially useful to use inhalatory flow measurements as part of a system used by medical practitioners that wish to evaluate adherence to a course of treatment.
It is known to estimate flow rate by measuring the audio power present in a selected frequency band in the audio spectrum. The power measured in this selected frequency band is then converted to a flow rate using a previously determined calibration table, which includes values of measured audio power within a filtered bandwidth and known flow rates.
To use this known method successfully, there are a number of factors to control, such as the propagation path for the signal from an inhaler device, for example, to a microphone, and the gain and the sensitivity of the microphone and associated soundcard may also vary. Together these factors can limit the accuracy of the final flow rate estimate. To mitigate these variable factors, the microphone may typically be a high quality repeatable device, which is attached to the inhaler to reduce the variations in propagation path and coupling.
Generally, it is desirable to make the flow measurements with as little disturbance to the user as possible and with a minimum amount of modification/additional apparatus. Accordingly, there is a desire to improve this method of obtaining a flow rate or flow profile from an inhaler device.

Apparatus and method for producing a flow profile


An apparatus and method for combining detection signals generated by intrusion detection systems to provide improved alarm integrity therefor. The apparatus and method have utility with mixed sensor technology and single sensor technology detection systems. In one embodiment, analog detection signals generated by system sensors are combined in an analog multiplier and the resulting decision signal is compared via a unipolar threshold comparator or a window comparator. In another embodiment, analog detection signals are amplitude limited prior to being combined in the analog multiplier. In a further embodiment, analog detection signals are subjected to average value processing such that the decision signal has a value equal to one-half of the sum of the sensor signals. In yet a further embodiment, analog dectection signals are amplitude limited prior to average value processing.

Basic intrusion detection systems that utilize active or passive detectors such as passive infrared sensors (PIR), microwave sensors, and ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of an intruder in a protected zone are well known in the art. Radiation received from the protected zone is electronically processed and an alarm signal generated by the system when the received radiation exceeds a predetermined threshold. The utility of basic intrusion detection systems is limited by susceptibility to spurious alarms/alarm failure due to various Phenomena such as noise, variations in atmospheric conditions, random thermal activity, changes in placement/operability of protected zone equipment, and changes in actual versus design range of the system.
Combining detection signals is one means of improving alarm integrity, i.e., reducing spurious alarms. Dual element balanced detectors, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,707,604, 4,514,631, 4,364,030, 4,343,987, and 3,839,640, provide common mode rejection of detection signals caused by randomly varying thermal activity. Balanced detectors utilize dual PIR sensors that are electrically connected in series opposition to produce opposite polarity signals. The combined signals from randomly varying thermal activity are self-cancelling over time.
Another means of reducing spurious alarms by combining detection signals is seen in verified intrusion detection systems wherein two separate detection signals are generated and subsequently combined to provide an alarm decision signal having a higher integrity. Signal verification may be used in single sensor technology systems such as PIR/PIR detection systems or in mixed sensor technology systems such as PIR/microwave and PIR/ultrasonic detection systems.
FIGS. 1A, 1B illustrate prior art verification systems for combining two independent analog detection signals to generate a decision signal having higher integrity. Signals A and B are analog signals typically generated by PIR, microwave, and/or ultrasonic sensors and processing subsystems. In general, analog detection signals exhibit an increase in amplitude when an intruder is present within the protected zone. When both analog detection signals A, B are greater than a unity threshold magnitude, the decision signal causes an alarm to be triggered, i.e., AND verification. Discussed hereinbelow are two known methods to accomplish AND verification.
FIG. 1A illustrates one exemplary AND verification subsystem 100 for processing analog detection signals A, B generated by sensor and electronic processing subsystems (not shown) of an intrusion detection system. Each analog detection signal A, B is fed to a pair of comparators 102, 104 for comparison to predetermined detection thresholds, V.sub.H, V.sub.L, respectively. Each pair of comparators 102, 104 is coupled to an OR gate 106 such that a detection signal exceeding the detection threshold causes the corresponding OR gate 106 to generate an output signal. The OR gates 106 are coupled to an AND gate 108 that generates a decision signal 110 to trigger an alarm. Both OR gates 106 must generate an output signal before the AND gate 108 will generate the decision signal 110.
Another exemplary embodiment of an AND verification subsystem 200 is illustrated in FIG. 1B, and includes pairs of comparators 202, 204 biased for predetermined detection thresholds V.sub.H, V.sub.L, two AND gates 206, and one OR gate 208. In this embodiment the outputs of the high threshold comparators 202, 202 and the low threshold comparators 204, 204 are coupled to corresponding AND gates 206 as illustrated. When both analog detection signals A, B simultaneously exceed a predetermined threshold, either V.sub.high or V.sub.low, the corresponding AND gate generates an output signal. An output signal from either AND gate 206 causes the OR gate 208 to generate a decision signal 210 that triggers an alarm.
One limitation of these types of systems is that both input analog detection signals must be over a predetermined unity threshold at the same time. This operating condition usually results in decreased system sensitivity, or even no detection at all. There are several reasons for such decreased sensitivity.
In PIR/PIR verified detection systems the upper sensing elements are referenced at the upper parts of the human body which generally transmits significantly more infrared radiation than the lower parts of the body. This occurs since the head and hands are relatively hot and unclothed while the lower body portions are usually clothed and as a result generate less infrared radiation contrast. To compensate for these differences in target contrast, the detection system normally requires enhanced sensitivity which may be achieved by increasing the gain of the amplifiers or by reducing the detection threshold levels. Furthermore, such detection systems generally have mounting constraints as the A and B sensor elements will receive less energy if the mounting height is not optimum for the target.
In PIR/microwave and PIR/ultrasonic detection systems the preferred direction for the optimal detection zone is under 45 degrees as referenced to the detector. For operation in this detection zone, both sensing technologies generate comparable signal levels. In addition, for these detection systems it may be necessary to increase the sensitivity of both sensor subsystems to avoid stringent walk directional limitations.

Apparatus and method for combining analog detection signals to provide enhanced alarm integrity


A LED (light emitting diode) element and a LED light thereof are revealed. The LED element includes a resin base, a LED chip embedded in the resin base and at least two leads formed by an upper part and a lower part. A top end of the upper part is mounted in the resin base and is electrically connected with the LED chip so as to make the LED chip emit light. A bottom end of the upper part extends out of the resin base and connects with a top end of the lower part. The LED element is combined with a light housing to be used. Thereby the lead will not rust easily and break due to bending. This is suitable for outdoor use, environmental protection and energy savings.

1. Fields of the Invention
The present invention relates to a LED (light-emitting diode) element and a light thereof, especially to a LED element in which a lead is formed by an upper part and a lower part made of different metals. The lower part is made of metal that is not rusted easily and more soft than the metal of the upper part so that the lower part has better toughness than the upper part. This favors following processing or applications of the LED element.
2. Descriptions of Related Art
LED has advantages of lower power consumption, long life span, no idling time, and quick response speed and features of compact volume, vibration resistance, and suitability for mass production. Thus the LED has been applied to various light sources and gradually has replaced conventional incandescent lamps. Refer to FIG. 1, a LED element is shown. A LED chip 20a is bonded to a top of two leads 30a and then is packaged in a resin base 10a. Thus one end of the lead 30a together with the LED chip 20a is embedded in the resin base 10a. while the other end thereof extends out of the resin base 10a to form an electrical connection part 301a with a certain length. Thus while assembling, the electrical connection part 301a is bent for electrical connection with other electronics. However, the lead 30a of mass-produced LED elements available now generally is made of iron by iron sheet stamping. But the lead 30a made of iron is still with stiffness. That means the toughness of the lead 30a is insufficient and this is disadvantageous in the secondary processing of the electrical connection part 301a such as common used bending processing. The electrical connection part 301a becomes brittle and breaks in the bending. Moreover, the electrical connection part 301a rusts easily. Thus the electrical connection part 301a is easy to have problems of breakage, alignment errors and poor conductivity. And the LED elements or LED lamps are easily damaged. Therefore, the LED elements available now always have problems in the electrical connection part 301a of the lead 30a such as breakage, damages and rust. There is a need to provide a new LED element that overcomes above shortcomings.

Light emitting diode element and light thereof