Apparatus, and an associated method, by which to facilitate regulation of power levels of a communication signal generated during operation of a communication system. Closed-loop power control is effectuated by selectively generating a power control command such as a power up or power down command responsive to calculated time rates of change of a calculated difference value. By generating a power command responsive to calculations of time rates of change, earlier decisions are made of the power control commands than conventionally permitted in conventional closed-loop power control schemes.

The present invention relates generally to a manner by which to effectuate power control of the power level at which a communication signal is communicated in a two-way communication system, such as a cellular communication system in which both a pilot channel signal and a traffic channel signal are transmitted. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus, and an associated method, by which to make power control decisions by which to power control the traffic channel signal responsive to calculation of time rates of change of values associated with signal indicia, such as the SIR (Signal to Interference Ratio), of the pilot channel communication signal. Earlier power-control decisions are made, in contrast to conventional closed-loop, power-control techniques, to facilitate operation of an embodiment of the present invention.
A communication system is formed, at a minimum, of a sending station and a receiving station which are interconnected theretogether by way of a communication channel. Information to be communicated by the sending station is communicated upon the communication channel to the receiving station. A wide variety of different types of communication systems have been developed and are regularly utilized to effectuate communication of information between the sending and receiving stations.
New types of communication systems have been made possible as a result of communication technologies. A radio communication system is exemplary of a type of communication system which has benefited from advancements in communication technologies. A communication channel formed between the sending and receiving stations of a radio communication system is defined upon a radio link. Because a radio link is utilized to form the communication channel, the conventional need to utilize wire-line connections between the sending and the receiving stations is obviated. Increased communication mobility is, as a result, inherent in a radio communication system in contrast to a conventional wire-line system. Because a wire-line connection is not required to be formed between the sending and receiving stations to permit the communication of information therebetween, communications are permitted at, and between, locations at which the formation of a wire-line connection would not be possible. Also, because a communication channel is formed of a radio channel, a radio communication system can generally be more economically installed, as the infrastructure costs which would otherwise be required to install a wire-line communication system are significantly reduced in a radio communication system.
A cellular communication system is exemplary of a radio communication system which has been made possible due to advancements in communication technologies. A cellular communication system advantageously provides for radio communications with mobile stations to permit telephonic communication therewith. A cellular communication system also makes relatively efficient utilization of the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated thereto and upon which radio channels are defined. The relatively efficient utilization of the allocated electromagnetic spectrum is provided through the installation of a plurality spaced-apart, fixed-site transceivers installed throughout a geographical area to be encompassed by the cellular communication system. Because of the spaced-apart positioning of the fixed-site transceivers, referred to base transceiver stations (BTSs), only relatively low-power signals need to be communicated between a base transceiver station and a mobile station. That is to say, because of the positioning of the base transceiver stations, a mobile station shall be positioned in proximity to at least one of the base transceiver stations, necessitating only low-power signals to be generated to communicate a signal to, or from, a base transceiver station. And, the same communication channel can be reused at different locations throughout the cellular communication system as the low power levels of the signals permit the reuse of the same channel according to a cell re-use scheme.
Various standards have been promulgated relating to various types of cellular, as well as other, communication systems. And, various types of cellular, as well as other, communication systems have been constructed, corresponding to such standards. The IS-95 and IS-98 interim standards, promulgated by the EIA/TIA, are exemplary of standards which pertain to a cellular communication system, utilizing CDMA (code division multiple access) communication techniques. An IS2000 standard has been proposed which also utilizes CDMA communication techniques. In a CDMA communication system, a plurality of concurrently-generated communication signals are generated upon a common bandwidth. Channel differentiation is defined by the coding by which the data which is to be communicated between sending and receiving stations is encoded.
Power control of communication signals in almost any communication system is important to minimize the possibility that a communication signal might interfere with another concurrently-generated communication signal. In a CDMA communication system in which coding provides channel differentiation between concurrently-communicated signals generated upon a common bandwidth, power control is particularly important to ensure that a communication signal is not of such a great power level to prevent the detection of other concurrently-generated signals.
CDMA communication systems, such as the aforementioned IS-95, IS-98, and the proposed IS-2000 standards, set forth, amongst other things, requirements for closed-loop power control to control the power levels at which communication signals generated in such systems are communicated. And more, more generally, because of the need to control power levels of signals generated during operation of a CDMA communication system, closed-loop power control schemes are also advantageously implemented in other types of CDMA communication systems.
Generally, in a closed-loop power control scheme, a receiving station detects signals communicated thereto by a sending station. Measurements are made at the receiving station of indicia associated with the signal detected thereat. Responsive to the measurement of the indicia, a determination is made at the receiving station as to whether subsequently-generated communication signals to be communicated to the receiving station by the sending station should be increased, or decreased, in power. Indications of such determination are returned to the sending station and the power level of subsequently-generated communication signals are altered as appropriate.
In one power control scheme set forth for the IS-2000 system, forward link power control is effectuated by measuring, at the mobile station, signal indicia associated with forward-link traffic channel signals. Namely, measurements are made of frame error rates of the frames of the forward-link traffic channel signals. The frame error rate of the traffic channel signal is associated with the SIR (signal to interference ratio) of the traffic channel signal. Responsive to the measurements, a decision is made either to request an increase or to request a decrease in the power levels of the forward-link traffic channel signals. Estimation of the SIR levels of the forward-link traffic channel signals based upon these measurements, however, are susceptible to bias and variance.
Because any delay in the alteration in the power levels at which a communication signal is communicated might adversely affect communications of other communication signals, it is important effectuate power control quickly. Measurement, and subsequent determination, of communication signal indicia at a receiving stations results in some delay in the effectuation of power control in a closed-loop power control scheme.
Any manner by which to permit earlier determination of whether to alter the power levels of the communication signals to be transmitted to a receiving station would facilitate the early effectuation of power control. Also, any manner by which to effectuate power control based upon measurements which exhibit lowered levels of bias and variance would be advantageous.
It is in light of the background information related to the effectuation of power control in a communication system that the significant improvements of the present invention have evolved.
The present invention, accordingly, advantageously provides apparatus, and an associated method, by which to effectuate power control of the power levels at which communication signals are communicated in a two-way communication system, such as a cellular communication system.
Through operation of an embodiment of the present invention, a manner is provided by which to make power control decisions responsive to calculation of time rates of change of values associated with signal indicia, such as the signal to interference ratio (SIR) of a communication signal communicated upon a channel which exhibits channel characteristics similar to the channel characteristics of the channel upon which the communication signal which is to be power controlled is communicated.
By calculating the time rates of change of values associated with the signal indicia of the communication signal when received at the receiving station, earlier power controlled decisions are made, thereby to permit early effectuation of power control.
In one aspect of the present of invention, measurements are made by the receiving station of signal to interference ratios of a communication signal transmitted thereto by the sending station. In a communication system which utilizes both pilot signals and traffic signals, for instance, the signal to interference ratio of the pilot signal is first determined at the receiving station. The pilot signal is of a relatively high power level and is of a constant characteristic in the absence of fading. Differences between the measured signal to interference ratio and a target value, such as a target signal to interference ratio, are determined. If the value of the difference, so-determined, is beyond a selected range of different values, a determination is made as to whether to generate a power up command or to generate a power down command. That is to say, when the difference is greater than a selected value, the generation of a power down command is selected and, when the difference is less than another threshold value, selection of generation of a power up command is made.
In another aspect of the present invention, determination of the signal to interference ratio of a communication signal detected at the receiving station is again made. Again, the communication signal upon which the measured value of the signal to interference ratio is determined is formed of a pilot signal sent by the sending station. Differences made between measured signal to interference ratio and a target value, such as a target signal to interference ratio, are determined. If the difference is within a selected range of values, the time-rate of change of the difference is then calculated. If the time rate of change of the difference is a positive value. Selection is made to generate a power down command. And, if the time-rate of change of the difference is a negative value, selection is made to generate a power up command.
As the pilot channel signal, in the absence of fading, exhibits constant characteristics, changes in the signal are indicative of fading on the channel upon which the pilot channel is communicated. And, as the pilot and traffic channels extending between the BTS and the mobile station exhibit similar characteristics, changes in the pilot channel signal are also indicative of fading on the traffic channel. When increased fading is exhibited upon the traffic channel, the power level of the traffic channel signal must be increased to compensate for the increased fading. So, by calculating the time rate of change of the pilot channel signal, an early determination can be made of power level changes to be requested of the traffic channel signal power levels. When the time rate of change is determined to be of a positive value, a power down command is generated as the pilot channel signal, when detected at the mobile station, appears to be increasing in value, the fading is lessening. And, when the time rate of change is determined to be of a negative value, a power up command is generated. As the pilot channel signal, when detected at the mobile station, appears to be decreasing in value, the fading is worsening.
In one implementation, an embodiment of the present invention is utilized to effectuate power control in a cellular communication system, such as a cellular communication system proposed pursuant to the IS-2000 standard which utilizes CDMA communication techniques. A base transceiver station generates and transmits a pilot signal which is detected by a mobile station. The signal to interference ratio of the pilot signal is calculated. Measurements are made of the pilot signal as the pilot signal is generally of a relatively high power level and is of constant characteristics. Therefore, typically, the pilot signal level is a reliable measure of channel impairments, such as the fading to be expected upon the traffic channel. Difference calculations are performed upon the measured signal to interference ratio and a target value. If the difference value is less than a lower threshold, selection is made to generate a power up command, if the difference is greater than an upper threshold, a selection is made to generate a power down command. And, if the differences between the lower and upper thresholds are between the lower and upper thresholds, a time rate of change of the difference is calculated. If the time rate of change is a positive value, selection is made to generate a power down command. And if the time rate of change of the difference is a negative value, selection is made to generate a power up command.
In these and other aspects, therefore, apparatus, and an associated method, is provided for a communication system in which communication signals are communicated between a first communication station and a second communication station. Regulation of power levels of a forward-link of power-controlled communication signal communicated by the first communication station to the second communication station is facilitated. A difference calculator is coupled to receive an indication of a signal indicia associated with a non power-controlled forward link communication signal. The signal indicia is representative of content detectability of the non power-controlled communication signal. The difference calculator calculates the difference between a value of the signal indicia and a selected value. A change rate calculator is coupled to the difference calculator. The change rate calculator calculates a time rate of change of differences calculated by the difference calculator when the difference is within a selected range. A power command generator is at least selectively operable responsive to the time rate of change calculated by the change rate calculator. The power command generator generates a command to command the first communication station, to alter the power levels of the forward link power-controlled communication signal.
A more complete appreciation of the present invention and to the scope thereof can be obtained from the accompanying drawings which are briefly summarized below, the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and the appended claims.

Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating power control in a communication system


System controller and method for a lighting system according to certain embodiments. For example, the system controller includes a first controller terminal configured to receive a first signal, and a second controller terminal coupled to a first transistor terminal of a transistor. The transistor further includes a second transistor terminal and a third transistor terminal. The second transistor terminal is coupled to a first winding terminal of a winding, and the winding further includes a second winding terminal coupled to a capacitor. Additionally, the system controller includes a third controller terminal coupled to the third transistor terminal of the transistor, and a fourth controller terminal coupled to a resistor and configured to receive a second signal. The second signal represents a magnitude of a current flowing through at least the winding, the third controller terminal, the fourth controller terminal, and the resistor.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to integrated circuits. More particularly, some embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for stage-based control related to TRIAC dimmer. Merely by way of example, some embodiments of the invention have been applied to driving one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). But it would be recognized that the invention has a much broader range of applicability.
A conventional lighting system may include or may not include a TRIAC dimmer that is a dimmer including a Triode for Alternating Current (TRIAC). For example, the TRIAC dimmer is either a leading-edge TRIAC dimmer or a trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer. Often, the leading-edge TRIAC dimmer and the trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer are configured to receive an alternating-current (AC) input voltage, process the AC input voltage by clipping part of the waveform of the AC input voltage, and generate a voltage that is then received by a rectifier (e.g., a full wave rectifying bridge) in order to generate a rectified output voltage.
FIG. 1 shows certain conventional timing diagrams for a leading-edge TRIAC dimmer and a trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer. The waveforms 110, 120, and 130 are merely examples. Each of the waveforms 110, 120, and 130 represents a rectified output voltage as a function of time that is generated by a rectifier. For the waveform 110, the rectifier receives an AC input voltage without any processing by a TRIAC dimmer. For the waveform 120, an AC input voltage is received by a leading-edge TRIAC dimmer, and the voltage generated by the leading-edge TRIAC dimmer is received by the rectifier, which then generates the rectified output voltage. For the waveform 130, an AC input voltage is received by a trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer, and the voltage generated by the trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer is received by the rectifier, which then generates the rectified output voltage.
As shown by the waveform 110, each cycle of the rectified output voltage has, for example, a phase angel (e.g., ϕ) that changes from 0° to 180° and then from 180° to 360°. As shown by the waveform 120, the leading-edge TRIAC dimmer usually processes the AC input voltage by clipping part of the waveform that corresponds to the phase angel starting at 0° or starting at 180°. As shown by the waveform 130, the trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer often processes the AC input voltage by clipping part of the waveform that corresponds to the phase angel ending at 180° or ending at 360°.
Various conventional technologies have been used to detect whether or not a TRIAC dimmer has been included in a lighting system, and if a TRIAC dimmer is detected to be included in the lighting system, whether the TRIAC dimmer is a leading-edge TRIAC dimmer or a trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer. In one conventional technology, a rectified output voltage generated by a rectifier is compared with a threshold voltage Vth_on in order to determine a turn-on time period Ton. If the turn-on time period Ton is approximately equal to the duration of a half cycle of the AC input voltage, no TRIAC dimmer is determined to be included in the lighting system; if the turn-on time period Ton is not approximately equal to but is smaller than the duration of a half cycle of the AC input voltage, a TRIAC dimmer is determined to be included in the lighting system. If a TRIAC dimmer is determined to be included in the lighting system, a turn-on voltage slope Von_slope is compared with the threshold voltage slope Vth_slope. If the turn-on voltage slope Von_slope is larger than the threshold voltage slope Vth_slope, the TRIAC dimmer is determined to be a leading-edge TRIAC dimmer; if the turn-on voltage slope Von_slope is smaller than the threshold voltage slope Vth_slope, the TRIAC dimmer is determined to be a trailing-edge TRIAC dimmer.
If a conventional lighting system includes a TRIAC dimmer and light emitting diodes (LEDs), the light emitting diodes may flicker if the current that flows through the TRIAC dimmer falls below a holding current that is, for example, required by the TRIAC dimmer. As an example, if the current that flows through the TRIAC dimmer falls below the holding current, the TRIAC dimmer may turn on and off repeatedly, thus causing the LEDs to flicker. As another example, the various TRIAC dimmers made by different manufacturers have different holding currents ranging from 5 mA to 50 mA.
The light emitting diodes (LEDs) are gradually replacing incandescent lamps and becoming major lighting sources. The LEDs can provide high energy efficiency and long lifetime. The dimming control of LEDs, however, faces significant challenges because of insufficient dimmer compatibility. For certain historical reasons, the TRIAC dimmers often are designed primarily suitable for incandescent lamps, which usually include resistive loads with low lighting efficiency. Such low lighting efficiency of the resistive loads often helps to satisfy the holding-current requirements of TRIAC dimmers. Hence the TRIAC dimmers may work well with the incandescent lamps. In contrast, for highly efficient LEDs, the holding-current requirements of TRIAC dimmers usually are difficult to meet. The LEDs often need less amount of input power than the incandescent lamps for the same level of illumination.
In order to meet the holding-current requirements of the TRIAC dimmers, some conventional techniques use a bleeder for a lighting system. FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a conventional lighting system that includes a bleeder. As shown, the conventional lighting system 200 includes a TRIAC dimmer 210, a rectifier 220, a bleeder 224, a diode 226, capacitors 230, 232, 234, 236 and 238, a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller 240, a winding 260, a transistor 262, resistors 270, 272, 274, 276, 278 and 279, and one or more LEDs 250. The PWM controller 240 includes controller terminals 242, 244, 246, 248, 252, 254, 256 and 258. For example, the PWM controller 240 is a chip, and each of the controller terminals 242, 244, 246, 248, 252, 254, 256 and 258 is a pin. In yet another example, the winding 260 includes winding terminals 263 and 265.
The TRIAC dimmer 210 receives an AC input voltage 214 (e.g., VAC) and generates a voltage 212. The voltage 212 is received by the rectifier 220 (e.g., a full wave rectifying bridge), which then generates a rectified output voltage 222. The rectified output voltage 222 is larger than or equal to zero. The resistor 279 includes resistor terminals 235 and 239, and the capacitor 236 includes capacitor terminals 281 and 283. The resistor terminal 235 receives the rectified output voltage 222. The resistor terminal 239 is connected to the capacitor terminal 281, the controller terminal 252, and a gate terminal of the transistor 262. The gate terminal of the transistor 262 receives a gate voltage 237 from the resistor terminal 239, the capacitor terminal 281, and the controller terminal 252. The capacitor terminal 283 receives a ground voltage.
As shown in FIG. 2, the rectified output voltage 222 is used to charge the capacitor 236 through the resistor 279 to raise the gate voltage 237. In response, if the result of the gate voltage 237 minus a source voltage at a source terminal of the transistor 262 reaches or exceeds a transistor threshold voltage, the transistor 262 is turned on. When the transistor 262 is turned on, through the transistor 262 and the controller terminal 254, a current flows into the PWM controller 240 and uses an internal path to charge the capacitor 232. In response, the capacitor 232 generates a capacitor voltage 233, which is received by the controller terminal 244. If the capacitor voltage 233 reaches or exceeds an undervoltage-lockout threshold of the PWM controller 240, the PWM controller 240 starts up.
After the PWM controller 240 has started up, a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal 255 is generated. The PWM signal 255 has a signal frequency and a duty cycle. The PWM signal 255 is received by the source terminal of the transistor 262 through the terminal 254. The transistor 262 is turned on and off, in order to make an output current 266 constant and provide the output current 266 to the one or more LEDs 250, by working with at least the capacitor 238.
As shown in FIG. 2, a drain voltage at a drain terminal of the transistor 262 is received by a voltage divider that includes the resistors 276 and 278. The drain terminal of the transistor 262 is connected to the winding terminal 265 of the winding 260, and the winding terminal 263 of the winding 260 is connected to the capacitor 230 and the resistor 279. In response, the voltage divider generates a voltage 277, which is received by the controller terminal 256. The PWM controller 240 uses the voltage 277 to detect the end of a demagnetization process of the winding 260. The detection of the end of the demagnetization process is used to control an internal error amplifier of the PWM controller 240, and through the controller terminal 246, to control charging and discharging of the capacitor 234.
Also, after the PWM controller 240 has started up, the resistor 274 is used to detect a current 261, which flows through the winding 260. The current 261 flows from the winding 260 through the resistor 274, which in response generates a sensing voltage 275. The sensing voltage 275 is received by the PWM controller 240 at the controller terminal 258, and is processed by the PWM controller 240 on a cycle-by-cycle basis. The peak magnitude of the sensing voltage 275 is sampled, and the sampled signal is sent to an input terminal of the internal error amplifier of the PWM controller 240. The other input terminal of the internal error amplifier receives a reference voltage Vref.
As shown in FIG. 2, the rectified output voltage 222 is received by a voltage divider that includes the resistors 270 and 272. In response, the voltage divider generates a voltage 271, which is received by the controller terminal 242. The PWM controller 240 processes the voltage 271 and determines phase angle of the voltage 271. Based on the detected range of phase angle of the voltage 271, the PWM controller 240 adjusts the reference voltage Vref, which is received by the internal error amplifier.
The bleeder 224 is used to ensure that, when the TRIAC dimmer 210 is fired on, an input current 264 that flows through the TRIAC dimmer 210 is larger than a holding current required by the TRIAC dimmer 210, in order to avoid misfire of the TRIAC dimmer 210 and also avoid flickering of the one or more LEDs 250. For example, the bleeder 224 includes a resistor, which receives the rectified output voltage 222 at one resistor terminal of the resistor and receives the ground voltage at the other resistor terminal of the resistor. The resistor of the bleeder 224 allows a bleeder current 268 to flow through as at least part of the input current 264. In another example, if the holding current required by the TRIAC dimmer 210 is small and if the average current that flows through the transistor 262 can satisfy the holding current requirement of the TRIAC dimmer 210, the bleeder 224 is not activated or is simply removed.
As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting system 200 includes, for example, a quasi-resonant system with a buck-boost topology. The output current 266 of the quasi-resonant system is received by the one or more LEDs 250 and is determined as follows:
                              I          o                =                              1            2                    ×                                    V              ref                                      R              cs                                                          (                  Equation                                                              1                )            where Io represents the output current 266 of the quasi-resonant system of the lighting system 200. Additionally, Vref represents the reference voltage received by the internal error amplifier of the PWM controller 240. Moreover, Rcs represents the resistance of the resistor 274.
FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram showing certain conventional components of the lighting system 200 as shown in FIG. 2. The pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controller 240 includes a dimming control component 300 and a transistor 350. The dimming control component 300 includes a phase detector 310, a reference voltage generator 320, a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal generator 330, and a driver 340.
FIG. 4 shows certain conventional timing diagrams for the lighting system 200 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The waveform 471 represents the voltage 271 as a function of time, the waveform 412 represents the phase signal 312 as a function of time, the waveform 475 represents the sensing voltage 275 as a function of time, and the waveform 464 represents cycle-by-cycle average of the input current 264 as a function of time.
As shown by FIGS. 3 and 4, the lighting system 200 uses a closed loop to perform dimming control. The phase detector 310 receives the voltage 271 through the terminal 242, detects phase angle of the voltage 271, and generates a phase signal 312 that indicates the detected range of phase angle of the voltage 271. As shown by the waveform 471, the voltage 271 becomes larger than a dim-on threshold voltage (e.g., Vth_dimon) at time ta and becomes smaller than a dim-off threshold voltage (e.g., Vth_dimoff) at time tb. The dim-on threshold voltage (e.g., Vth_dimon) is equal to or different from the dim-off threshold voltage (e.g., Vth_dimoff). The time duration from time ta to time tb is represented by TR, during which the phase signal 312 is at the logic high level, as shown by the waveform 412. The time duration TR represents the detected range of phase angle of the voltage 271.
During the time duration TR, the sensing voltage 275 ramps up and down. For example, during the time duration TR, within a switching period (e.g., TSW), the sensing voltage 275 ramps up, ramps down, and then remains constant (e.g., remains equal to zero) until the end of the switching period (e.g., until the end of TSW).
The phase signal 312 is received by the reference voltage generator 320, which uses the detected range of phase angle of the voltage 271 to generate the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref). As shown in FIG. 3, the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) is received by the PWM signal generator 330. For example, the PWM signal generator 330 includes the internal error amplifier of the PWM controller 240. In another example, the PWM signal generator 330 also receives the sensing voltage 275 and generates a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal 332. The PWM signal 332 is received by the driver 340, which in response generates a drive signal 342 and outputs the drive signal 342 to the transistor 350. The transistor 350 includes a gate terminal, a drain terminal, and a source terminal. The gate terminal of the transistor 350 receives the drive signal 342. The drain terminal of the transistor 350 is coupled to the controller terminal 254, and the source terminal of the transistor 350 is coupled to the controller terminal 258.
As shown by the waveform 475, the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) is used by the PWM signal generator 330 to generate the PWM signal 332, which is then used to control the peak magnitude (e.g., CS_peak) of the sensing voltage 275 for each PWM cycle during the time duration TR. For example, each PWM cycle corresponds to a time duration that is equal to the switching period (e.g., TSW) in magnitude. In another example, if the detected range of phase angle of the voltage 271 (e.g., corresponding to TR) becomes larger, the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) also becomes larger. In yet another example, if the detected range of phase angle of the voltage 271 (e.g., corresponding to TR) becomes smaller, the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) also becomes smaller.
According to Equation 1, if the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) becomes larger, the output current 266 (e.g., Io) of the quasi-resonant system of the lighting system 200 also becomes larger; if the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) becomes smaller, the output current 266 (e.g., Io) of the quasi-resonant system of the lighting system 200 also becomes smaller.
As shown by FIG. 2, the cycle-by-cycle average of the input current 264 is approximately equal to the sum of cycle-by-cycle average of the output current 266 (e.g., Io) and the bleeder current 268. During the time duration TR, within each switching cycle of the PWM signal 332, the output current 266 changes with time, so the average of the output current 266 within each switching cycle is used to determine the cycle-by-cycle average (e.g., I_PWM_av) of the output current 266 as a function of time. When the time duration TR becomes smaller, the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) also becomes smaller and the one or more LEDs 250 are expected to become dimmer. When the time duration TR becomes too small, the reference voltage 322 (e.g., Vref) also becomes too small and the cycle-by-cycle average (e.g., I_PWM_av) of the output current 266 during the time duration TR becomes smaller than the holding current (e.g., I_holding) required by the TRIAC dimmer 210. In order to avoid misfire of the TRIAC dimmer 210 and also avoid flickering of the one or more LEDs 250, the bleeder current 268 (e.g., I_bleed) is provided in order to increase the cycle-by-cycle average of the input current 264 during the time duration TR. As shown by the waveform 464, the cycle-by-cycle average of the input current 264 during the time duration TR becomes larger than the holding current required by the TRIAC dimmer 210.
As shown in FIG. 3, the driver 340 outputs the drive signal 342 to the transistor 350. The transistor 350 is turned on if the drive signal 342 is at a logic high level, and the transistor 350 is turned off if the drive signal 342 is at a logic low level. When the transistor 262 and the transistor 350 are turned on, the current 261 flows through the winding 260, the transistor 262, the controller terminal 254, the transistor 350, the controller terminal 258, and the resistor 274. If the transistor 350 becomes turned off when the transistor 262 is still turned on, the transistor 262 then also becomes turned off and the winding 260 starts to discharge. If the transistor 350 becomes turned on when the transistor 262 is still turned off, the transistor 262 then also becomes turned on and the winding 260 starts to charge.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the lighting system 200 uses a closed loop to perform dimming control. For example, the lighting system 200 detects the range of phase angle of the voltage 271, and based on the detected range of phase angle, adjusts the reference voltage Vref that is received by the internal error amplifier of the PWM controller 240. In another example, the lighting system 200 provides energy to the one or more LEDs 250 throughout the entire time period of each switching cycle during the time duration TR, which corresponds to the unclipped part of the waveform of the AC input voltage 214 (e.g., VAC).
As discussed above, a bleeder (e.g., the bleeder 224) can help a lighting system (e.g., the lighting system 200) to meet the holding-current requirement of a TRIAC dimmer (e.g., the TRIAC dimmer 210) in order to avoid misfire of the TRIAC dimmer (e.g., the TRIAC dimmer 210) and avoid flickering of one or more LEDs (e.g., the one or more LEDs 250). But the bleeder (e.g., the bleeder 224) usually increases heat generation and reduces energy efficiency of the lighting system (e.g., the lighting system 200). Such reduction in energy efficiency usually becomes more severe if a bleeder current (e.g., the bleeder current 268) becomes larger. This reduced energy efficiency often prevents the lighting system (e.g., the lighting system 200) from taking full advantage of high energy efficiency and long lifetime of the one or more LEDs (e.g., the one or more LEDs 250).
Hence it is highly desirable to improve the techniques of dimming control.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Systems and methods for stage-based control related to TRIAC dimmers

On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.


The present invention relates to a method of detection of a compound of interest that is present at low levels in a sample. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of detection of a compound of interest in solution by a nucleic acid-labelled binding construct, separation of the unbound nucleic acid-labelled binding construct, and the detection of the bound nucleic acid-labelled binding construct in the solution phase. The present invention is particularly adaptable to be used in conjunction with a nucleic acid amplification reaction for detecting the presence or absence of the nucleic acid portion of binding construct in a sample indicating the presence or absence of the compound of interest.

The detection of immune responses to pathological organisms or the detection of pathogen-related proteins or other antigens in the serum of patients has benefited greatly from immunoassay development over the last 15 years. In one form of immunoassay, monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that recognize the immunoglobulins of another species are used. These reagents, known as anti-species antibodies are labelled, typically with a fluorochrome or enzyme, and used to detect antigen binding by immunoglobulins found in immune serum. In another form of immunoassay, known as the sandwich assay, antibodies directed against pathogen proteins are used to capture antigen from, for example, patients' serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that is then detected by the binding of another, labelled antibody directed against the same antigen. All of these assays, however, are limited by the sensitivity of detection of the bound immunoglobulin and require fairly large concentrations, on a molar basis, of labelled reagent.
More recent assays utilize nucleic acid amplification methods, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA amplification, to detect very low levels of nucleic acid. Nucleic acid amplification methods can allow the detection of pathological agents in serum or in the environment at levels well below that of immunoassay detection. Such techniques, however, are often very sensitive to contamination from the environment and require prior knowledge of the nucleic acid sequence of interest in order to identify a portion of the nucleic acid and amplify it for detection. Nucleic acid amplification requires that there be nucleic acid present to amplify and detect and is, therefore, of no or limited utility when the compound of interest is a protein, carbohydrate, or other non-nucleic acid molecule. Further improvements in the effectiveness and sensitivity of compound detection in a sample are desirable, and the present invention addresses the existing problems and provides related benefits.

Soluble analyte detection and amplification


An electric circuit board unit includes an electric circuit board, electroconductive plates disposed at both sides of the electric circuit board, and an electric connector for making a connection between the circuit board and a cable connector. The electric connector comprises an insulator (15), a plurality of contacts mounted on the insulator, an electroconductive shell (17) attached to the insulator, and connecting means attached to the shell. The connecting means provides for connecting the electroconductive plates (3) and the shell (17) when the insulator is assembled in the unit. A coupling portion of the insulator has a plate portion (71), portions (21) of the contacts (16) being arranged on and along one surface thereof, and projecting portions being formed at both sides of the plate portion. The projecting portions (73) project toward one surface of the shell facing the contact portions. A coupling portion of the cable connector has a receiving hole (95) and receiving grooves (96) for receiving the coupling portion and the projecting portions of the electric connector, respectively, to prevent an incorrect connection between the electric connector and the cable connector.

This invention relates to an electric connector for use in an electric circuit board unit and, in particular, to an electric connector which has a reduced thickness and a small size and which is capable of preventing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electrostatic charge. This invention also relates to an electric circuit board unit with an electric connector of the type described.
A conventional electric circuit board unit comprises a frame, two electroconductive plates fixedly mounted on the frame, an electric circuit board located between the electroconductive plates and supported by the frame, and an electric connector attached to the frame. The electric connector comprises an insulator and a plurality of electroconductive contacts mounted on the insulator.
A CPU and/or a memory is mounted on the electric circuit board. In this connection, the electric circuit board unit is generally called an IC card or a memory card.
The electric circuit board unit is assembled in an electronic apparatus. At this time, the electric circuit board unit is connected through the electric connector to other circuit device mounted in the electronic apparatus. In order to provide protection against EMI or electrostatic charge, both electroconductive plates of the electric circuit board unit are connected to a ground terminal of the electronic apparatus in the interior of the electronic apparatus. Accordingly, the electric connector per se requires no protection against EMI. However, a troublesome wiring work is necessary for ground connection.
With recent development in multi-functional electronic apparatuses, it has been an increasing demand to further connect the electric circuit board unit with an external apparatus. For this purpose, another electric connector is additionally mounted in the electric circuit board unit. In this event, it is sometimes necessary to provide protection against EMI also for a combination of the other electric connector and the external apparatus. However, such protection is difficult if the other electric connector has a conventional structure. This is because it is impossible to connect both electroconductive plates of the electric circuit board unit and the ground terminal of the external apparatus without use of additional connection therebetween. Accordingly, a mating connector to be connected to the other electric connector must have a protecting structure against EMI. As a result, the mating connector inevitably has an increased size and an increased thickness.
In the meanwhile, each of the electric connector and the mating connector is provided with a coupling portion. The electric connector and the mating connector are connected when the respective coupling portions are coupled to each other. In order to avoid occurrence of a coupling error, the coupling portions have an eccentric structure so that they can be coupled only in a predetermined arrangement direction with respect to each other. Thus, coupling is inhibited in a false arrangement direction. However, if the electric connector has a reduced thickness, eccentricity of the coupling portions becomes small. This makes it difficult to provide a protecting structure against a coupling error.

Electric circuit board unit and electric connector and use therein


Embodiments of the present invention disclose a road condition information sharing method. The method includes: receiving, by a server, a road condition information request sent by a first terminal, where the road condition information request carries a road condition position of concern; determining, by the server, a second terminal according to the road condition position of concern, where the second terminal has a road condition recording capability, and a distance between the second terminal and the road condition position of concern is less than a preset threshold; and sending, by the server, a road condition sharing request to the second terminal, so that the second terminal shares a road condition according to the road condition position of concern.

With growing development of in-vehicle device technologies and people's increasing concern about driving safety, more road condition information recording devices are mounted on vehicles to photograph and record images or videos in driving processes. In the prior art, an angle of view and information of a road condition recorded by a road condition information recording device on a vehicle of a user are limited, and usually cannot meet a driving requirement of the user.

Road condition information sharing method


A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.

The spinal column is comprised of twenty-six interlocking vertebrae. These vertebrae are separated by disks. The spine provides load-bearing support for one-half of the body's mass and it protects the nerves of the spinal column. The disks provide shock absorption and facilitate the bending of the spine.
The combination of the vertebrae and disks at each vertebral segment allows for motion of the spine, in particular, flexing, rotation, and extension. The motion and support functions of the spine, in combination with the many interlocking parts and nerve roots associated with the spinal column can result in back pain due to various reasons. Such back pain may result from the degeneration of disks due to age, disease, or injury. Further, vertebral bodies may be compromised due to disease or defect, such as a tumor, or injury, such as fracture.
Spinal fusion or fixation surgery is one way to treat back pain. Further, spinal fusion or fixation may be used to correct an abnormal curvature of the spine or stabilize the spine due to injury or disease affecting one or more disks or vertebrae. In a spinal fusion procedure, two or more adjacent vertebrae in the spine are fused together. The fusion is typically accomplished by the utilization of spinal instrumentation including pedicle screws and associated rods or plates used to mechanically fix the vertebrae together. Pedicle screws are typically used in spinal fusion surgery because the pedicle serves as a strong mechanical attachment point to the spine. Bone graft material may be utilized to aid in the creation of bone structure between the fused vertebrae to create a single bone.
Spinal fixation components vary depending on the system being utilized but typically include pedicle screws that are inserted through the pedicle and into the vertebral body. The pedicle screws are attached to one another by a linking device, such as a rod or plate, that extends vertically along the row of pedicle screws that are inserted. Several coupling systems are known in the art that are used for coupling the pedicle screws to the linking device, which is oriented parallel to the spinal column. Typically two columns of pedicle screws and linking devices are used, one on each side of the spinal column. After installation, the two linking devices may be attached to one another to provide additional stabilization of that portion of the spine. As an alternative or in addition to pedicle screws, spinal hooks may be used, each spinal hook being coupled to a vertebra via a portion of the vertebral arch.
Because of anatomical variations, the pedicle screws that are fixed to one another in a spinal fusion procedure may not be in longitudinal alignment with one another. Accordingly, spinal fixation systems, whether utilizing a rod or a plate, strive to allow some variability in the placement of the pedicle screws while still accomplishing the goal of fixation with a single rod or plate along the pedicle screws.
One challenge associated with the design of a spinal fixation system is the connection between the pedicle screws and the linking device. Ideally, the number of components involved should be minimized, especially the number of components that must be threaded together (such as nuts and rods) in order to ease the assembly process and minimize the overall time of the surgical procedure.
There is also a need for a spinal fixation system that may be utilized with a minimally invasive surgical approach, such as one that utilizes smaller access apertures or ports rather than a large incision along the entire portion of the spine being treated. A spinal fixation system that addresses the needs for a minimally invasive approach may also address the desire to utilize bone graft material along the fixation site to enhance bony in-growth.
Further, there is a need for a spinal fixation system that not only utilizes fewer components but that requires fewer steps for assembly onto the spine, thus shortening the overall time of the surgical procedure.
It would be desirable to provide a system and/or method that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features or addresses one or more of the above-identified needs. Other features and advantages will be made apparent from the present specification. The teachings disclosed extend to those embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-identified needs.


System and method for improving immersion scanner overlay performance are described. One embodiment is a method of improving overlay performance of an photolithography immersion scanner including a wafer table having lens cooling water (“LCW”) disposed in a water channel therein, the wafer table having an input for receiving the LCW into the water channel and an output for expelling the LCW from the water channel. The method includes providing a water tank that connects to at least one of the wafer table input and the wafer table output; monitoring a pressure of water in the water tank; and maintaining the pressure of the water in the water tank at a predetermined level.

The fabrication of integrated circuits ("IC") devices involves the performance of a range of processing steps. In particular, patterned layers of various materials are applied to a substrate to create the desired device. The patterns of the layers must be accurately aligned to ensure proper operation of the resultant circuit. Misalignment of the layers will at best degrade the performance of the IC and at worst render it completely inoperative. As IC designs have become increasingly complex the critical dimensions ("CDs") thereof have been correspondingly reduced, resulting in a reduction in acceptable relative displacement of the various IC device layers.
Currently, most semiconductor devices are manufactured using photolithographic techniques, which involve exposure of a photoresist layer of a substrate to a pattern and the subsequent development of the pattern into permanent form. Semiconductor pattern overlay is the measure of vector displacement from one layer of the IC to another layer. The overlay requirements for a particular IC design are typically determined through a combination of CDs and overlay excursion. When an immersion scanner is used during the exposure process, overlay performance is impacted by internal stresses caused by any change in the pressure of the lens cooling water ("LCW") disposed within a cooling water channel of the wafer table for stabilizing the temperature of the wafer.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.


The present application generally relates to compositions with solid fuel loaded on graphene foams (GFs) for enhanced burn rates, and methods of making and using the compositions with solid fuel loaded on graphene foam.

This section introduces aspects that may help facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, these statements are to be read in this light and are not to be understood as admissions about what is or is not prior art.
The control and enhancement of the combustion wave propagation velocities of solid propellants are very important for the development of low cost and efficient solid rockets, solid microthrusters, and thermal-to-electrical energy conversion devices.
Enhancing the burn rate of solid fuels/propellants by either adding metal/metal oxide additives or varying the fuel/oxidizer particle size is well known in the art. However, the addition of metal/metal oxide additives in the propellant mixture has several known disadvantages: (1) the propellant mixture is more sensitive to accidental initiation due to impact, friction, spark, flame, or heat; (2) the condensed solid metal particles in the exhaust being detrimental to the hardware because of their abrasive action; and (3) the toxic exhausts from the combustion of metals.
There is, therefore an unmet need for novel solid fuel/propellant compositions and methods to make and use of the novel solid fuel/propellant compositions.

Compositions with solid fuel loaded on graphene foams


An encryption processing device including an encryption processing part configured to divide configuration bits of data to be data processed into plural lines, and to input, and to repeatedly execute data conversion processing applying a round function to each line of data as a round calculation; and a key scheduling part configured to output round keys to a round calculation executing unit in the encryption processing part. The key scheduling part is a replacement type key scheduling part configured to generate plural round keys or round key configuration data by dividing a secret key stored beforehand into plural parts. The plural round keys are output to a round calculation executing unit sequentially executing in the encryption processing part such that a constant sequence is not repeated. The encryption processing configuration has a high level of security and a high level of resistance to repeated key attacks or other attacks.

As the information society continues to develop, the necessity of information security technologies for securely protecting information used increases. One configuration element of information security technologies are encryption technologies, and encryption technologies are currently used by various products and systems.
Though there are various types of encryption processing algorithms, one of the basic technologies is called a shared key block encryption. According to the shared key block encryption, a key for encryption and a key for decryption are shared items. In both the encryption processing and the decryption processing, multiple keys are generated from these shared keys, and a data conversion processing is repeatedly executed in block data units of a certain block unit such as 64 bits, 128 bits, 256 bits, or other.
DES (Data Encryption Standard), which was the previous US standard, and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), which is the current US standard, are known as representative shared key block encryption algorithms. Other various shared key block encryptions continue to be proposed, and the CLEFIA proposed by Sony Corporation in 2007 is also a shared key block encryption.
These kind of shared key block encryption algorithms are mainly configured with an encryption processing part including a round function executing unit for repeatedly executing conversions of input data, and a key scheduling part for generating round keys to be applied at each round regarding the round function unit. The key scheduling part first generates an expanded key in which the bit count is increased on the basis of a master key (master key), which is a secret key, and generates round keys (secondary keys) to be applied at each round function unit regarding the encryption processing part, based on the generated expanded key.
Configurations for repeatedly executing the round function including linear conversion units and non-linear conversion units are known as specific configurations of these kinds of algorithms. Representative structures include the Feistel structure and the generalized Feistel structure, for example. The Feistel structure and the generalized Feistel structure include structures that convert plaintext into ciphertext by the repetition of a simple round function including an F function as a data conversion function. The linear conversion processing and the non-linear conversion processing are executed by the F function. Further, NPL 1 and NPL 2 are examples of literature which discloses encryption processing applying Feistel structures.
Conversely, various new techniques are emerging such as a technique in which analysis of encryption algorithms or analysis of keys are illegally executed to perform cryptanalysis. One example of this is the related key attack. Though various countermeasures have been considered to deal with these kinds of attacks, the current state is that these are not sufficient.

Encryption processing device, encryption processing method, and program


A method and system to receive an indication of a location of an asset from a tag associated with and adjacent to the asset, the location of the asset being within a known mapping of an indoor environment; receive an indication of a location of an augmented reality device, the indicated location of the asset being within the known mapping of the indoor environment; determine a location of the asset relative to the augmented reality device based on the received information from the asset and the received information from the augmented device; determine contextual directions from the determined location of the augmented reality device to the indicated location of the asset; and present, in a current field of view display on the augmented reality device a combination of a representation of the determined location of the asset and a representation of the determined contextual directions.

The field of the present disclosure relates generally to an augmented reality system, more particularly, to an augmented reality system integrated with a system that tracks assets.
A number of technological advances have been realized regarding the tracking of assets. In separate technical areas from the tracking of assets, many advances and improvements have been made in the areas of augmented reality (AR). Some of the advances in AR provide mechanisms for a user to partake in enhanced, immersive, and interactive experiences with their environment. A number of such experiences focus on entertainment aspects and outcomes.
In some respects, a need exists for methods and systems that provide an integration of AR systems and devices and asset tracking systems such that an efficient, reliable, and responsive platform including the benefits of both systems may be realized.

Augmented reality system for asset tracking and visualization using indoor positioning system


A system and method for transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel from a transfer cask to a receiving cask. In one aspect, the system comprises a below grade opening adapted for receiving a cask; a platform positioned within the opening, the platform capable of vertical movement; and at least two jacks for vertically moving the platform; wherein the platform is capable of lowering the cask within the opening. In another aspect, the invention is a method of transferring a canister of spent nuclear fuel to a cask comprising the steps of: lowering a receiving cask having a height into a below grade opening so that a portion of the receiving cask's height is below grade level; and transferring the canister to the receiving cask.

In the operation of nuclear reactors, it is customary to remove fuel assemblies after their energy has been depleted down to a predetermined level. Upon removal, this spent nuclear fuel is still highly radioactive and produces considerable heat, requiring that great care be taken in its packaging, transporting, and storing. In order to protect the environment from radiation exposure, spent nuclear fuel is first placed in a canister. The loaded canister is then transported and stored in large cylindrical containers called casks. A transfer cask is used to transport spent nuclear fuel from location to location while a storage cask is used to store spent nuclear fuel for a determined period of time.
In a typical nuclear power plant, spent nuclear fuel is loaded into a canister while submerged in a pool of water. The canister is sealed and loaded into a transfer cask while still submerged in the pool. Once loaded with the canister, the transfer cask is used to transport the canister to a receiving cask (i.e., a storage cask or a transport cask). The loaded canister is then transferred from the transfer cask to the receiving cask for either storage or further transport. During transfer from the transfer cask to the receiving cask, it is imperative that the loaded canister is not exposed to the environment.
As a result of this need, the prior method for transferring a loaded canister from a transfer cask to a receiving cask is to raise the transfer cask above the receiving cask and secure the transfer cask atop the receiving cask so that the casks are in a vertically stacked orientation. The transfer cask is adapted so that its bottom can be opened while it remains stacked upon an open receiving cask. Once the bottom of the transfer cask is opened, the loaded canister is lowered from the transfer cask into the receiving cask with a negligible amount of radiation exposure to operations personnel.
Most casks are very large structures and can weigh up to 250,000 lbs. and have a height of 16 ft. or more. As such, stacking a transfer cask atop a receiving cask requires a lot of space a large overhead crane and possibly a restraint system for stabilization. Typically, the transfer of a loaded canister using this stacking method is done inside a 10 C.F.R. 50 structure of a nuclear power plant, which is fully equipped with an overhead crane and radiation containment devices to protect the health and safety of the surrounding communities in the event of a loading mishap. However, numerous nuclear power plants do not possess a 10 C.F.R. 50 qualified staging area that is either large enough to accommodate the stacking of the transfer cask and receiving cask, qualified to support the load of the stacked casks, and/or possesses qualified load handling equipment to make the canister transfer indoors. For such sites, the canister transfer must be completed outdoors using systems and devices that provide the same or greater level of operational safeguards that are available inside a nuclear power plant structure that is fully certifiable for indoor transfer.


A system for surveying an underwater topography includes an ultrasonic sensor array disposable in physical contact with a body of water for generating electrical signals encoding ultrasonic echo responses of underwater objects in the body of water. The sensor array includes a plurality of electromechanical transducers in turn including at least one electroacoustic transducer and one acoustoelectric transducer. The transducers are disposed in a configuration extending in at least two dimensions. An a-c current generator is operatively connected to the electroacoustic transducer for energizing the electroacoustic transducer with an electrical signal of a pre-established ultrasonic frequency. Means are provided which operatively connected to the sensor array for determining locations of the electromechanical transducers relative to one another. A processor or computer is operatively connected to the sensor array for analyzing the electrical signals in accordance with the determined locations of the electromechanical transducers to determine surfaces of objects disposed at least partially in the body of water and for generating a video signal encoding an image of the objects. A video monitor is operatively connected to the processing means for displaying the image of the objects.

This invention relates to an imaging system utilizing ultrasonic waves for sensing purposes. More particularly, this invention relates to such a system for use in surveying an underwater topography. This invention also relates to an associated method.
Treasure hunters' first and sometimes primary chore is determining the locations of valuable artifacts. A considerable number of archeological artifacts originating, for example, from ancient shipwrecks, remain underwater. Formerly, efforts to locate such marine treasure entailed diving with scuba gear or high pressure suits. More recently, submersibles and robotic cameras have been employed to scout for sunken ships.
Despite these modern solutions, the hunt for underwater artifacts remains impeded by the difficulty of detecting objects underwater when available light levels are low. Such low light levels exist at great depths and in shallower waters where silt and other waterborne particles scatter light. Of course, visual detection is completely impeded where artifacts have been covered by sand or silt. Although ferrous artifacts can be located in such conditions with the aid of magnetic detectors, non-ferrous artifacts such as bronzes, pottery, gold and silver remain undetectable.

Imaging system and associated method for surveying underwater objects


A physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject comprising an output transmitter, at least two physiological sensors each for sensing one of the subject""s physiological parameters, and a controller operably in communication with the physiological sensors which controller communicates a signal comprising data representative of both the sensed physiological parameters to the output transmitter which operably transmits the signal to a remote location, wherein the controller comprises a multiplexer which operably switches the data from both the physiological sensors into a serial output signal. Respiration may be detected by a bend sensor including an elongate member and an electrical component mounted thereon which electrical component has an electrical property which varies in dependence on the extent of bending of the elongate member. Other parameters such as temperature and full waveform ECG may also be measured.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a physiological sensor device or sensor array for attachment to a mammalian subject in order to obtain data about one or more physiological parameters of the subject. In particular, the invention relates to a physiological in sensor device in the form of a patch attachable to the chest of a human subject to enable sensing of physiological data such as electro-cardiographic data and/or respiration data.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,918 to Lewis which discloses an ECG signal sensing and transmitting device for use in the care of medical patients requiring monitoring of cardiac functions. The device disclosed is a single use, disposable unit consisting principally of a foam pad having a pair of circular electrodes in one face of the rectangular foam block. The block comprises electrical circuitry which transmits an RF signal to a receiver which is required to be within 100 feet of the patient. Subsequent filtering and amplification of the signal takes place at a monitoring station comprising a receiver and the like. The device is disposable after one use but, as a result, is somewhat crude and only comprises two electrodes for very basic ECG measurements.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,121,573 discloses a chest sensor for monitoring cardiac rhythms of a patient using a pair of spaced circular electrodes mounted on a foam pad. Electrical connectors between the electrodes and electronic circuitry for acquiring and transmitting cardiac rhythm signals is provided by independent electrical leads or wires. The circuitry and wires are located on the rear surface of a first layer of foam and held in position by a second layer of foam. Accordingly, a fairly deep configuration of layers of foam, electronic circuitry and electrodes is provided in this rather crude two electrode device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,109 discloses an electrode array for use in generating electrocardiographic signals for a patient. The array comprises ten different electrode regions (comprising pairs of semicircular electrodes) for attachment to different parts of the human body. The electrodes are interconnected to an output connector for attachment to signal processing apparatus. The electrode sensors and electrical conductors between the electrodes and the output conductor are formed on a large flexible circuit board having a large dentritic or tree-like configuration to enable location of the electrodes at appropriate positions on the human body for standard twelve lead diagnostic electrocardiogram studies. A digital infra red signal having multiplexed data from each of the ECG electrodes is transmitted to a remote location in use. While fairly sophisticated, this arrangement only contemplates point-in-time 12 lead ECG studies and is not disposable.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,468 discloses a sensor for physiological monitoring of a patient, consisting of a rectangular patch having a central structural member formed of MYLAR(trademark) encased in an adhesive hydrogel. One side of the sensor has four circular electrodes for contacting the patient. The electrodes are wired to an electronic package on the opposite side of the structural member. The electronics package is adapted to receive ECG data and transmits the data to a monitoring unit. However, this small sensor is limited to measuring ECG signals.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,793 discloses sensor apparatus for making ECG measurements comprising a band which passes entirely round a patient""s chest. The chest band can have optional shoulder straps and an optional abdominal band. Electrodes are positioned around the inner circumferential surface of the band for monitoring respiration, pulse and ECG signals. The ECG electrodes are simple conductive sensors in electrical contact with the skin. The pulse and respiration sensor comprises a tension sensor consisting of a piezoelectric element A minimum of 7 ECG sensors is provided but up to 18 can be spaced around the band. Two or more of the piezoelectric sensors can be provided in a single chest band. The various sensors are connected by cabling and accordingly the apparatus as a whole is quite bulky. Also, the data from the sensors is transferred to a remote location by wire via a connector. While the possibility of a radio link is mentioned, there is no detail as to how this would be achieved cost effectively to allow for disposability and yet ensure accurate and efficient data transfer from the various sensors.
International patent specification WO 94/01039 discloses physiological monitoring apparatus having a strip assembly for attachment to a patient""s chest. The strip comprises a series of nine electrically conductive electrode sensors for attachment to the precordial region of a patient""s chest for obtaining ECG data The strip only measures ECG data which is wirelessly transmitted on a multiplexed analog signal which modulates an RF carrier signal for transmission to a remote data analysis station which can be up to 50 to 100 meters from the strip. The emphasis here is to provide a complete ECG study of a patient using a portable system, and accordingly, there is no discussion of disposability and efficient communication of data from different types of sensors other than ECG.
An object of the invention is to avoid or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. In particular, the invention seeks to provide an improved physiological sensor device which enables accurate and or continuous collection of various types of physiological data using a relatively inexpensive electrical system which can viably be disposed of after a single use over a 24 hour period. A further object of the invention is to provide a device which is able to collect a variety of types of physiological data, such as ECG, respiration, motion and/or temperature for example, while still being relatively inexpensive to manufacture. A yet further object is to use a single sensor for acquiring more than one type of physiological data.
Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a portable and disposable physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject comprising physiological sensors for sensing the subject""s physiological parameters, such as ECG or respiration, and a controller operably in communication with the physiological sensor for communicating a signal representative of the sensed physiological parameter to an output which operably transmits the signal to a remote location.
Preferably, at least two physiological sensors are provided, each for sensing different ones of the subject""s physiological parameters. The controller is operably in communication with the physiological sensors so as to communicate a signal comprising data representative of both the sensed physiological parameters to an output transmitter which operably transmits the signal to a remote location. Preferably, the controller interleaves the data from both the physiological sensors into a serial output signal.
In a preferred embodiment, the controller of the invention comprises an application specific integrated circuit, and control circuits which are designed to have components communicate the signals between the sensor and output. Preferably, the output enables wireless transmission of the signal to a remote location, for example, using a digitally modulated electromagnetic carrier frequency such as a low frequency RF carrier for inductive coupling with a receiver. Also, the controller samples an analog signal from the physiological sensor and converts the sampled signal into a digital signal using an analog to digital converter.
Alternatively, a first and second respiration sensor may be provided, one of which preferably comprises a bend sensor locatable, for example, on the subject""s chest and preferably over or adjacent the subject""s pectoral muscle.
In accordance with the invention, the output preferably transmits a transmission signal comprising a data signal from two or more physiological sensors. Beneficially, the rate of transmission of the different signals from the two physiological sensors can be varied. Preferably, a first physiological sensor operably detects ECG data and the controller operably communicates a signal representative of the ECG data to the output transmitter at a first sampling frequency, and a second physiological sensor operably detects at least one of respiration, motion, and temperature data and operably communicates a signal representative of that data at a second sampling frequency to the output transmitter. Preferably, the first sampling frequency is as large as or greater than the second sampling frequency and, more preferably, approximately ten times greater than the second sampling frequency. For example, the first sampling frequency might be 250 Hz while the second sampling frequency might be 25 Hz.
According to another aspect of the invention, a disposable physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject is provided which is adapted for continuous use over a 24, or indeed longer, say 48, hour period, comprising a physiological sensor, a controller operably in communication with the physiological sensor which controller generates a signal representative of the subject""s physiological parameters such as ECG or respiration, and an output for transmitting the signal to a remote location. Accordingly, the device is generally disposable after a single continuous use. Beneficially, two or more physiological sensors are provided on the device.
According to a further aspect of the invention, a physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject is provided comprising a bend sensor which comprises an elongate member and an electrical component mounted thereon which electrical component has an electrical property which varies in dependence on the extent of bending of the elongate member, and an electrical monitoring device for detecting variation in the electrical property of the electrical component thereby to determine a physiological parameter such as respiration, of a subject in use. Preferably, the electrical component comprises an elongate resistor superimposed on the elongate member. The resistor can comprise a track of conductive ink and a series of two or more areas of highly conductive material such as metallic material over the conductive ink, thereby to effect a series of individual conductive sensors having a combined resistance less than the track of conductive ink without the areas of highly conductive material. Preferably, the elongate resistor or track of conductive ink, is substantially U-shaped. The elongate member can comprise a flexible substrate such as MYLAR(trademark). The device of the invention is preferably adapted to attach to a human chest for example over or adjacent the pectoral muscle of a subject and more preferably between a precordial position and the axilla of the subject in use, thereby to enable monitoring of the subject""s respiration, for example.
A further aspect of the invention provides a physiological sensor device comprising two electrode sensors operably locatable on a patient, a current generator for driving a current to each of the electrode sensors, and an impedance measuring device for determining variation in the impedance of the electrode sensors when attached to the subject in use thereby to determine a variation in the motion of the subject in use due to variation in the impedance at the electrical sensors caused by such motion. Preferably, the current generator comprises a sine wave generator which operably independently drives each of the two electrode sensors. The impedance measuring device can comprise a differential amplifier having an input from each of the two electrode sensors. The output signal from the differential amplifier can pass through a filter and demodulator before being AC coupled to a further stage of amplification. Preferably, the current generator generates an alternating current and the impedance measuring device comprises an anti-aliasing device after the further stage of amplification to ensure proper detection of the impedance signal. Preferably, the two electrode sensors are drive electrodes in a four electrode sensor arrangement for monitoring subject respiration.
A yet further aspect of the invention provides a portable physiological sensor device comprising a plurality of electrode sensors for use in measuring electrocardiographic data and respiratory data of a subject, wherein at least one of the electrode sensors is used in both the electrocardiographic and respiratory measurements, and an output transmitter responsive to outputs of the electrodes sensors so as to enable wireless transmission of the electrocardiographic data and respiratory data to a remote location. Preferably, the signal from at least one electrode sensor is sampled periodically by an ECG measuring device at a first sampling frequency and periodically at a second sampling frequency by a respiration measuring device. Preferably, the first sampling frequency is greater than the second sampling frequency. In a preferred embodiment the first sampling frequency is approximately ten times greater than the second sampling frequency and, for example, can be 250 Hz compared to a second sampling frequency of 25 Hz.
A further aspect of the invention provides a physiological sensor device attachable to a mammalian subject in use and comprising two electrode sensors adapted to assist in monitoring one of electrocardiographic data, and respiratory data of the subject and further comprising a motion detector which operably monitors the variation in impedance between the two electrode sensors thereby to determine the extent of motion of the patient in use. Preferably, the device comprises a first respiration sensor having the two electrode sensors and two further electrode sensors, wherein one pair of the two electrode sensors and the two further electrode sensors forms a pair of drive electrodes to which drive current is operably applied, and the other pair of the two electrode sensors and the further electrode sensors forms a pair of input electrodes to the respiration sensor. Preferably, the first respiration sensor comprises a differential amplifier having an input from each of the input electrodes. Also, the device preferably comprises a second respiration sensor having, for example, a bend sensor. The device can further comprise a temperature sensor.
Another aspect of the invention provides a physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject comprising a sensor for acquiring physiological data about the subject in use, and an output transmitter which receives a signal representative of the physiological data from the sensor and transmits the signal to a remote location, wherein the output transmitter comprises an inductive element for inductively coupling the output transmitter to a remote receiver at the remote location. Beneficially the inductive coupling enables efficient low powered transfer of data from the device.
Preferably, the output transmitter comprises a reservoir capacitor and the inductive element, which together improve the power efficiency of transmission. Also, the inductive element preferably has first and second ends each of which ends is connected via one of a pair of switches to the supply lines within the output transmitter to enable a reversing of the polarity across the inductive element. Preferably, the inductive element comprises a coil which forms part of an and after xe2x80x9cH-bridgexe2x80x9d circuit in the output transmitter. In a preferred embodiment the inductive element comprises a rectangular, substantially flat coil.
A yet further aspect of the invention provides a physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject, having one or more physiological sensors, an output for transmitting a signal from the one or more physiological sensors to a remote location, and a memory for storing a serial number for identifying the physiological sensor device which serial number is transmittable by the output with the signal. The serial number may be randomly generated. The device may comprise a random number generator and a controller for selecting a randomly generated number from the random number generator and storing the selected randomly generated number as the device serial number in the memory.
Beneficially, each of the physiological sensors according to any aspect of the invention can comprise any one or more of the following: a first stage of amplification, possibly including a variable amplifier stage; a filter, for example, a band pass filter, and a demodulation stage to remove any carrier frequency. A further stage of amplification, again possibly including a variable amplifier stage, can be provided followed by an anti-aliasing stage and subsequent switched capacitor low pass filter stage before passing the signal through a controller including an ASIC and control circuits which drive signals from pre-selected sensors to an analog to digital converter which in turn can be fed to the output where the digital signal can be used to modulate a pre-selected carrier frequency.


A system for implementing a recording plan based upon the presence of a client includes a client monitor and a plan manager. The client monitor generates a presence message signifying the presence of a client on a network associated with the system. The presence message comprises a presence type and a client identity. The plan manager receives the presence message from the client monitor and, in response, retrieves a plan template based upon the client identity and the presence type. The plan manager creates a recording plan associated with the client based at least in part upon the plan template.

Call centers provide a wide array of services through sessions that may include both a voice session and a data session. In a call center environment, it is important to record, store, and communicate voice and data sessions efficiently. Prior call center systems provided rigid schedules against which voice and/or data sessions were recorded for a particular service representative. A drawback to this approach is that the work schedule of a particular service representative may not be consistent with the recording schedule that is established. This may cause the call center to dedicate hardware and/or software resources unnecessarily.

System and method for implementing recording plans using a presence-based manager


The invention is directed broadly to a filter for a bin storing agricultural material, the filter comprising; a rigid perimeter frame supporting a grate within the frame; and a plurality of legs spaced about the perimeter frame, wherein the filter, in use, is located within the bin and positioned to substantially cover an outlet of the bin, the plurality of legs in direct contact with the bin so as to transmit vibrations from the bin to the filter, the agricultural material within the bin traversing the grate as it exits the bin.

Silos and storage containers in the agricultural industry are typically large and have capacity to store tonnes of agricultural material. Due to their size they are typically stored externally, wherein the contents of the silo are subject to broad temperature variations from day to night causing condensation and moisture to accumulate in the silo. This condensation combined with lengthy storage periods can lead the contents of the silo to become clumped or agglomerated, such that removing the stored material becomes difficult and time consuming. In some cases, the entire outlet can become blocked, or bridged by compacted agricultural material, in other cases a gradual build-up can accumulate around the edges of the silo forming a rathole through the agricultural material or a build-up around the mouth of the silo.
Presently, when a silo outlet or mouth becomes blocked with clumped materials, there is a propensity for nearby workers to use hand held tools and poles to try to induce the clumped material through the mouth of the silo. Also common, is for workers to enter the silo, through the manhole, in an attempt to dislodge and/or break-up clumped material from the inside of the silo. This can occur as part of a routine cleaning or maintenance or due to a build-up of agricultural material around the mouth of the silo. Where the silo is emptying directly into an auger or other agricultural machinery, this has led to the loss of limbs and the loss of life.
The present invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind.


The present invention relates to a formulation useful to control Listeria monocytogenes that comprises three new lactic acid bacteria, namely Carnobacterium maltaromaticum ATCC® PTA-9380, C. maltaromaticum ATCC® PTA-9381 and Enterococcus mundtii ATCC® PTA-9382 together with the bacteriocin nisin. This formulation is obtained from Inactivated Fermentates (IF) of these strains plus nisin and is designed to be used in the food industry. This formulation is used as an agent with tested antagonistic and bactericidal action against the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, the microorganism that causes listeriosis, a food-borne disease, in humans. Based on this formulation, 2 surface sanitizing products can be obtained, a liquid and a solid. Both surface sanitizers can be applied to sanitize equipments, devices, working surfaces, gutters and drainages, especially in the food industry.

The present invention relates to a formulation useful to control Listeria monocytogenes that comprises three new lactic acid bacteria, namely Carnobacterium maltaromaticum ATCC® PTA-9380, C. maltaromaticum ATCC® PTA-9381 and Enterococcus mundtii ATCC® PTA-9382 together with the bacteriocin nisin. This formulation is obtained from Inactivated Fermentates (IF) of these strains plus nisin and is designed to be used in the food industry. This formulation is used as an agent with tested antagonistic and bactericidal action against the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, the microorganism that causes listeriosis, a food-borne disease, in humans. Based on this formulation, 2 surface sanitizing products can be obtained, a liquid and a solid. Both surface sanitizers can be applied to sanitize equipments, devices, working surfaces, gutters and drainages, especially in the food industry.

Surface sanitizer for the food industry based on three new lactic acid bacteria that have antagonistic action against


Dynamically exposing relationships among entities contained in data stores. A method disclosed herein can include receiving data related to a given object that is contained in a given data store, and dynamically determining one or more relationships between the given object and one or more further objects. These relationships can include group memberships, management relationships, containment relationships, or the like. As the data related to the stored objects changes, the relationships among the objects can be updated. Once the relationships are defined, representations thereof may be presented to a user via a suitable user interface. The user interface may present these relationships as graphic icons, hypertext, or the like, and may further depict the dynamic relationships distinctly from static directory listings. The user may then navigate these relationships by interacting with these representations.

In traditional command line environments, users can navigate through a file system or data store using a containment relationship of the directories and files that are stored in the file system or data store. Users can also navigate across links that have been statically defined within that file system. These links may have been defined by the users themselves, or may come pre-defined when the file system is installed. In any event, these links may be characterized as static links, in that they are in some sense predefined and unchanging absent active user intervention.
In graphical user interface (GUI) environments, users may create icons that represent shortcuts to files, folders, or applications. By clicking or otherwise interacting with such icons, the user may proceed directly to the file, folder, or application to which that shortcut points, without browsing or navigating through an intermediate directory structure.


A garage ventilation system including a housing body with side walls and rear and front mounting plates with louvered vents on the front mounting plates. Support frames vertically disposed on the rear mounting plate have a channel longitudinally disposed therein and a stop body disposed within an outer end thereof. A mount bracket engages each of the channels. Legs disposed on each side of a central pivot member engage the respective channel with termination at the stop body. The mount brackets extend outwardly and away from the rear mounting plate. A fan casing, having a fan disposed therein, is rotatingly mounted to the mount brackets allowing rotation of the fan into an exhaust position and an alternate intake position to direct airflow away from or alternately into a garage. A heater contained within the housing body generates heated airflow directed by the fan.

Various types of garage ventilation systems are known in the prior art. However, what is needed is a garage ventilation system including a housing body having a pair of side walls and rear and front mounting plates with louvered vents on the front mounting plates. Support frames vertically disposed on the rear mounting plate have a channel longitudinally disposed therein and a stop body disposed within an outer end thereof. A mount bracket engages each of the channels. Legs disposed on each side of a central pivot member engage the respective channel with termination at the stop body. The mount brackets extend outwardly and away from the rear mounting plate. A fan casing, having a fan disposed therein, is rotatingly mounted to the mount brackets allowing rotation of the fan into an exhaust position and an alternate intake position to direct airflow away from or alternately into a garage. A heater contained within the housing body generates heated airflow directed by the fan.


According to example embodiments, a method for deinterlacing an image having a plurality of pixels, the method comprising: calculating a difference between a first pixel of the image and each pixel of at least one pixel pair, each pixel pair comprising one pixel being positioned above the first pixel and another pixel being positioned below the first pixel; and deinterlacing the first pixel only if at least one difference corresponding to a pixel pair exceeds a predefined threshold. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also provided.

Interlace video cameras capture scenes as fields instead of frames. A field is half the vertical width (i.e. height) of a frame. A frame is composed of two fields. A frame of an interlaced video sequence is formed by combining alternate lines of a pair of fields.
Interlacing was originally designed for cathode ray tube (CRT) displays in which phosphor glows to illuminate the screen. One reason why interlacing works well on CRT displays is that human beings notice details flickering less than mass flickering. Nowadays, CRT displays are being replaced by displays having newer technologies, such as, for example, liquid crystal displays (LCD) and plasma displays. Both LCD and plasma displays use progressive scanning or frames as inputs, rather than fields.
To display a pair of two adjacent interlace fields as a progressive full frame, the fields must be combined together. However, the interlace fields are captured sequentially and, therefore, at slightly different times. Accordingly, vertical and diagonal structures or edges distort if the camera or the subject moves in-between the first and second fields being captured. This results in visually discernable artifacts (i.e. distortions) occurring when the two fields are combined together into a single frame. Exemplary artifacts, known as interlacing (or combing) artifacts, are shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1(a) illustrates some signage, wherein interlacing artifacts can be clearly seen at the edges between the pale lettering of 'FOST' and the darker background behind. FIG. 1(b) illustrates a person pointing, wherein interlacing artifacts can be clearly seen at the edges between the pale post to the right of the person and the darker background behind. In addition to degrading image quality, the interlacing artifacts can reduce the coding efficiency of video encoders.
De-interlacing is a mechanism to remove or reduce as many interlacing artifacts as possible when two fields are combined into a frame. As interlacing artifacts are removed, visual quality and coding efficiency of the frame may be improved.

Method, an apparatus and a computer program product for deinterlacing an image having a plurality of pixels

Agency for Science, Technology and Research


A cooking device (1) for cooking foods on a barbecue includes a support frame provided with two longitudinal members (12) and at least one food-holding grill (10) pivoted between the longitudinal members (12). The cooking device (1) is provided with a control transmission formed by at least one sprocket (14, 305, 425) connected to the grill (10) and engaged with a chain (15, 302, 303, 424), the chain (15) being actuated by a motor (16) controlled by a timer (17) for automatically inverting the grill (10) around the corresponding axis of rotation (X). The control transmission is adapted to mechanically and periodically invert the grid (10), allowing a uniform cooking of the food.

The present invention is directed to a cooking device equipped with a grill for cooking food on a barbecue.
In particular, the grill of the cooking device is a type that rotates around a horizontal axis by a periodic inversion controlled by mechanical means to allow a uniform cooking of the food.
The cooking device, suitably sized, may be provided for domestic or commercial use, and allows food to be easily cooked uniformly.
Known barbecue cooking devices for the preparation of food include the use of grills that must be inverted periodically for the uniform cooking of the food. Manipulating the grills and inverting them during the cooking of the food are generally carried out manually, which involves the continuous presence of at least one operator and the use of relatively small grills so that they may be manipulated by the operator. Moreover, in addition to having to work in unsafe conditions due to heat, it is often impossible to ensure a large production of food as may be necessary in some large-capacity dining places.