Technologies for multi-cloud routing and policy interconnectivity are provided. An example method can include assigning different sets of data plane routers to data plane traffic associated with different address spaces in a cloud site of a multi-cloud fabric to yield a distributed mapping of data plane traffic and data plane routers. The method can further include providing, to an on-premises site in the multi-cloud fabric, routing entries from a control plane router on the cloud site, the routing entries reflecting the distributed mapping and identifying, for each address space, which data plane router handles data plane traffic for that address space; and when a data plane router is deployed at the cloud site, providing, to the on-premises site, updated routing information from the control plane router, the updated routing information identifying the data plane router as a next hop for data plane traffic associated with a respective address space.

The ubiquity of Internet-enabled devices has created an enormous demand for Internet services and content. We have become a connected society where users are increasingly reliant on network services and content. This Internet-connected revolution has created significant challenges for service and content providers who often struggle to service a high volume of user requests without falling short of user performance expectations. For example, cloud providers typically need large and complex datacenters to keep up with network and content demands from users. These datacenters are generally equipped with server farms configured to host specific services, and include numerous switches and routers programmed to route datacenter traffic and enforce a large amount of security policies. In many instances, a specific datacenter is expected to handle millions of traffic flows and enforce numerous security requirements.
Private networks owned by entities such as enterprises or organizations similarly have increasing demands for computing resources and performance. To satisfy such increasing demands, such entities often purchase compute resources and services from cloud providers. For example, such entities can create a virtual private cloud or network on a public cloud and connect the virtual private cloud or network to their private or on-premises network in order to grow their available compute resources and capabilities. In this way, the entities can interconnect their private or on-premises datacenter with a remote datacenter hosted on a public cloud, and thereby extend their private network.
Unfortunately, the lack of uniformity in the policy models and configuration restrictions between datacenter and cloud provider solutions significantly limit an entity's ability to integrate disparate environments and apply a consistent policy and routing model across datacenter environments. For example, Cisco's software-defined network and datacenter management solution, the Application-Centric Infrastructure (ACI), supports hundreds of thousands of security policies, including 128K contract rules, 64K Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and 4K endpoint groups (EPGs) per leaf switch. By contrast, Amazon's public cloud solution, Amazon Web Services (AWS), has a restriction of 250 security rules per endpoint, which is orders of magnitude smaller than the scale of policies supported by the ACI. Consequently, the disparate policy models and configuration restrictions between cloud and datacenter solutions can significantly limit the scalability and uniformity of policies and routing in hybrid cloud implementations.

Seamless multi-cloud routing and policy interconnectivity


A Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing method and a Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) slurry composition for Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing of copper metal and copper metal alloy layers within integrated circuits. There is first provided a semiconductor substrate having formed upon its surface a patterned substrate layer. Formed within and upon the patterned substrate layer is a blanket copper metal layer or a blanket copper metal alloy layer. The blanket copper metal layer or blanket copper metal alloy layer is then planarized through a Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing method employing a Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) slurry composition. The Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) slurry composition comprises a non-aqueous coordinating solvent and a halogen radical producing specie.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing of layers within integrated circuits. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and slurry compositions for Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing of copper metal and copper metal alloy conductor layers within integrated circuits.
2. Description of the Related Art
As dimensions of integrated circuit devices within advanced integrated circuits have continued to decrease, so also have the dimensions of conductor and interconnection elements which connect and interconnect those integrated circuit devices. In particular, dimensions of conductor and interconnection elements which directly contact integrated circuit devices have typically decreased the greatest, thus becoming the smallest in dimension of conductor and interconnection elements within advanced integrated circuits.
These most narrow conductor and interconnection elements typically comprise the first conductor or interconnection level which contacts an integrated circuit device. Most commonly, first conductor levels have been traditionally formed from aluminum metal or aluminum metal alloys. Most commonly, first interconnection levels (ie: first conductive contact studs) are formed of tungsten.
As integrated circuit device dimensions have decreased while simultaneously maintaining or increasing demands for performance of integrated circuits, it has become increasingly important for conductor and interconnection elements within integrated circuits to exhibit a high level of conductivity while simultaneously showing limited susceptibility to degradative phenomenon such as electromigration. Electromigration is the physical movement of portions of conductor and interconnect elements which occurs under conditions of high current density. Under extremely high current densities, electromigration may yield the complete movement of a portion of a conductor or interconnect element, resulting in an electrical open. Electromigration is most common in aluminum metal and aluminum metal alloy conductor and interconnect elements. Although electromigration is not typically observed in interconnects formed of tungsten, the conductivity of tungsten interconnects is typically substantially lower than the conductivity of aluminum metal or aluminum metal alloy interconnects.
In order to simultaneously provide the desired high electrical conductivity and low electromigration susceptibility of conductor and interconnection elements within advanced integrated circuits, there has recently been proposed for use within advanced integrated circuits conductor elements and interconnection elements formed of copper metal or copper metal alloys. While copper metal and copper metal alloys possess the high electrical conductivity and low electromigration susceptibility desired for conductor elements and interconnection elements within advanced integrated circuits, methods through which copper metal and copper metal alloys may be formed into conductor and interconnect elements within advanced integrated circuits are unfortunately neither entirely well developed nor entirely well understood. In particular, methods through which copper metal and copper metal alloys may be planarized through a Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing method have received little development. It is thus in general towards the goal of forming within advanced integrated circuits conductor elements and interconnect elements formed of copper metal and copper metal alloys through a Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing method that the present invention is directed.
Although methods for Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing of blanket layers of copper metal and copper metal alloys within advanced integrated circuits may be neither well developed nor well understood, neither are such methods completely absent from the art. For example, Yu et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,034 disclose an aqueous abrasive slurry containing nitric acid, sulfuric acid or silver nitrate for use in Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing of predominantly copper containing metal layers within advanced integrated circuits. Also disclosed by Yu et al. are additional oxidants which may be incorporated into the aqueous abrasive slurry.
In addition, Sandhu et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,927 disclose various slurries and polishing methods for removing insulating inorganic metal oxides such as perovskites from semiconductor substrates. The disclosed slurries are alternatively formed of: (1) aqueous acidic or basic compositions; (2) aqueous oxidant compositions; (3) non-aqueous liquid halogenated or pseudohalogenated compositions; or (4) organic ligand precursor compositions.
Although specifically related directly to neither Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing methods nor to copper metal layers within integrated circuits, there is also disclosed in the art by Rabinzohn in U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,309 a novel method for controlling the slopes of etched layers within integrated circuits.
Finally, there is disclosed by Hui-Qing et al., in "Copper Metal Oxidation by a Dimethylsulfoxide-Carbon Tetrachloride Mixture," Proceedings, Science Research Congress 1992, Singapore, pp. 81-86, a rapid dissolution of copper metal under extremely mild conditions in a mixture of Di-Methyl-Sulf-Oxide (DMSO) and carbon tetrachloride (CC14). The teachings of Hui-Qing et al., are incorporated herein fully by reference.
Desirable in the art are additional Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing methods and additional Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) slurry compositions through which conductor and interconnect elements of copper metal or copper metal alloys may be formed within advanced integrated circuits. Particularly desirable are additional Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) planarizing methods and additional Chemical-Mechanical Polish (CMP) slurry compositions which do not employ corrosive acids or bases.

Method and slurry composition for chemical-mechanical polish (CMP) planarizing of copper containing conductor layers

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, Ltd.


To improve the efficiency of generation of chromatic aberrations of an energy filter for reducing energy distribution. Mounted are an energy filter for primary electrons, the energy filter having a beam slit and a pair of a magnetic deflector and an electrostatic deflector that are superimposed with each other. An electron lens is arranged between the beam slit and the pair of the magnetic deflector and the electrostatic deflector.

Technical Field
The present invention relates to electron beam equipment that performs inspection and measurement using an electron beam.
Background Art
Electron beam equipment, such as a scanning electron microscope (SEM) that is used for observation, inspection, or measurement of a sample using an electron beam, accelerates electrons emitted from an electron source and focuses the accelerated electrons on the surface of a sample using an electrostatic lens or a magnetic lens, thereby irradiating the sample surface with the electrons. Such electrons are referred to as primary electrons. Upon irradiation of the sample surface with the primary electrons, secondary electrons (i.e., electrons with low energy and electrons with high energy may also be distinctively referred to as secondary electrons and reflective electrons, respectively) are emitted. When such secondary electrons are detected by scanning the sample surface while deflecting an electron beam, it is possible to obtain a fine pattern on the sample or a scan image of a composition distribution. In addition, when electrons absorbed by the sample are detected, it is also possible to form an absorption current image.
One of the basic performances of a scanning electron microscope is the resolution of an electron beam. Various methods have been attempted to be used to improve the resolution of an electron beam. Among them is a technique of reducing the energy distribution of an electron beam using an energy filter. Such a technique can improve the resolution by reducing the energy distribution and thus reducing chromatic aberrations. Among energy filters, a filer called "Wien filter" is known as a scheme that uses an electron beam in a linear manner. A Wien filter is adapted to generate deflection chromatic aberrations by superimposing a magnetic deflector with an electrostatic deflector (also referred to as ExB), and combining the ExB with a slit on the lower stage to selectively pass an electron beam of partial energy. Wien filters have been mainly used to improve the energy resolution of analytical microscopes so far, and have a possibility of, when applied to reduce chromatic aberrations of an electron lens, being able to improve the resolution of an electron beam probe. Conventional Wien filters are formed by arranging a slit at a position immediately below a combination of a magnetic deflector and an electrostatic deflector (i.e., ExB).


A cushioning device for opening and closing of sliding shutters, particularly of sliding shutters for furniture, to be applied as a single item to each shutter or sliding partition, in order to be able to cushion an end part of their opening and closing movement. The cushioning device includes a cushioning box applied with brackets for support and sliding of the individual shutter; this box being equipped with two opposing braking devices of a rotary type, whose toothed hub directly meshes with a rack fixed to the box, each braking device being joined to its own slider guided by the box and being joined at one end by an elastic device with its opposite end joined to the other slider, both sliders being equipped with a hook for activating and deactivating the corresponding action of the final section of travel to be cushioned.

This innovation concerns the design of a device to be applied to one of support brackets of any sliding door or shutter, particularly furniture or sliding partitions, in order to cushion their movement, near a point of arrival at ends of gaps or openings that these shutters open or close.
The use of sliding doors or glass partitions, for example for furniture, display windows, fitted wardrobes or sliding partition walls, is particularly advantageous, compared to hinged systems, due to the fact that it allows for much larger closing and opening surfaces to be designed, without having to provide large spaces in front to allow for opening and closing.
According to a well-known technique, precisely due to their considerable size, any sliding door or glass partition is usually supported by a pair of brackets or carriages fixed at its upper edges. Each carriage has a corresponding sliding wheel, whose race is joined to a track. The track is mounted on the upper surface of the item of furniture or the void to be closed, whilst a striker or a lower guide, essentially parallel to the upper track, typically forces the side opposite the shutter itself to always remain in a vertical position, even when sliding, using countless structural solutions proposed and illustrated, for example, by EP 0 001 956 dated 1978 or by U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,763 dated 1990 or by EP 0 567 262 dated 1992.
This same well-known technique in fact, usually requires a pair of voids placed side by side to be closed by a pair of shutters; these, sliding on corresponding parallel tracks and guides placed side by side, allow one of the two voids to be fully opened, overlapping the opened shutter onto the shutter of the closed void, whilst, when both shutters are closing the corresponding voids, they are in any case mounted on two parallel levels, with the edge of one of their central sides ideally aligned or, more often, slightly overlapping the edge of the other shutter.
All these well-known solutions typically provide for that the void can be closed and opened by pushing or drawing the shutter along its track, with a physical force proportional to the size and therefore the weight of the shutter itself.
In order to prevent an excessive force pushing the shutter hard against the opening or closing doorstop, the same well-known technique envisages the application of "stoppers" or catches with narrow seat or section, within which a latch can be slotted for the travelling shutter that, due to friction, can slow down its drive, before reaching its doorstop.
This method, however, has been shown to be rather ineffective, both due to wear over time and, especially, when the shutter is pushed or drawn with excessive force, given that the narrow section of the catch does not manage to retain the shutter latch, which rides over said "stopper", bouncing against the doorstop and, tending to travel back, partly obstructing the void to be opened, with subsequent manual adjustments to the position of the shutter itself, as well as frequent damage due to vibration from parts being struck.
A more recent technique aims to overcome this disadvantage, cushioning the end part of the shutter travel, when it is near full opening or closing, exploiting the absorption capacity of an elastic compression device, which is put into contact with the edge of the travelling shutter, in order to then use its reaction force to be discharged gradually into the chamber of a special piston connected to it, for example a pneumatic one, as proposed by Patents EP 1 348 828 and EP 1 426 535 for each of the two sides of the shutter itself.
Nevertheless, each known cushioning solution, among those mentioned above, has highlighted problems and disadvantages that limit their effectiveness and reduce their use to a few simple cases of furniture or sliding partitions that are not subject to heavy use.
A first disadvantage is the fact that, as is well-known, pistons have a life limited by the fastness to hold their seal, therefore requiring a foreseeable scheduled maintenance programme that does not seem to be justified, for example for furniture doors.
A second disadvantage of linking elastic devices and pistons is that, with uncalibrated collisions and thrusting, the piston tends to deform and in any case deteriorate even more often than expected, impacting further on the limited life of the item of furniture or shutter to be closed and opened.
Another disadvantage of this recent technique is the fact that, as it is well-known, a normal traction spring does not absorb and transmit a thrust uniformly, but proportionally to its expansion or extension, with a consequent increase in the force required to push the shutter at different gap opening or closing positions.
Finally, all the well-known forms of cushioning with springs and pistons, as above, at most allow the application of only two shutters, given that the devices are applied directly onto the track, thus preventing the translation of the cushioning devices of a possible third sliding shutter.

Device for cushioning an opening and closing movement of sliding shutters


In a method for low-power wireless communication, a primary connectivity radio transmits a wake-up radio configuration request to a wireless device and receives a wireless wake-up configuration response comprising a wake-up identifier for distance aware wake-up notification mode. A companion low-power wake-up radio receives from the wireless device, a wireless wake-up radio measurement reference for which it measures a receive signal strength, determines it as a reference level, and associates the reference level with the wake-up identifier. The wake-up radio then receives from the wireless device, a wake-up frame that includes a received wake-up identifier. The wake-up radio determines that the received wake-up identifier compares with the wake-up identifier associated with the reference level. The wake-up radio measures a receive signal strength of the wireless wake-up frame and wakes-up the primary connectivity radio, if the receive signal strength of the wireless wake-up frame is above the reference level.

Low-power wake-up radio (WUR) enables power-savings by allowing a primary connectivity radio to remain disabled or asleep for longer periods. The low-power wake-up radio is a companion radio to a primary connectivity radio. A wireless device such as a STA or a cellular telephone may comprise both the primary connectivity radio and a companion low-power wake-up radio.


A display device including a voltage generator is disclosed. The voltage generator includes an analog driving voltage generator to convert a source voltage from an external source to an analog driving voltage and to output the analog driving voltage through an output terminal, a capacitor connected between the output terminal and a ground voltage node, and a discharge circuit connected between the output terminal and the ground voltage node to discharge a current at the output terminal in response to a blank synchronization signal.

1. Field of the Invention
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a voltage generator and a display device including the voltage generator.
2. Discussion of the Background
A multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) is a condenser in a chip structure and used in various electronic devices, e.g., a display device, a mobile communication terminal, a notebook, a computer, a personal digital assistant, a smart phone, and a smart television, to charge or discharge electric charges. The MLCC may have various sizes and laminated structures depending on the MLCC's use and capacitance.
In general, the multi-layer ceramic capacitor may be configured to include a plurality of dielectric layers. Electrodes of different polarities are alternately inserted between the dielectric layers stacked one on another. The multi-layer ceramic capacitor is employed in various fields for use in electronic devices since the multi-layer ceramic capacitor has various advantages, e.g., small size, high capacitance, simple mounting.
The multi-layer ceramic capacitor may be formed of a ferroelectric material as a ceramic material, e.g., barium titanate. However, since the ferroelectric material has piezoelectricity and piezoresistivity, stress component and mechanical deformation appear in the ferroelectric material as vibrations when an electric field is applied to the ferroelectric material, and the vibrations are transferred to a substrate through terminal electrodes of the multi-layer ceramic capacitor. For example, when an alternating current voltage is applied to the multi-layer ceramic capacitor, the stress components Fx, Fy, and Fz occur along X, Y, and Z directions of the multi-layer ceramic capacitor, and the stress components cause the vibrations. The substrate, to which the vibrations are applied through the terminal electrodes, may act as a sound reflecting plate, and thus a vibration noise may be generated. Since the vibration noise has an audible frequency of about 20 Hz to about 20 KHz, a user of the display device may be irritated and inconvenienced.
The above information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form any part of the prior art nor what the prior art may suggest to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Voltage generator and display device having the same


A new distinct variety of grapevine named ‘ARRATHIRTEEN’ abundantly forms attractive large seedless berries having a fire red skin coloration in medium-to-large clusters. The fruit displays a sweet crisp flavor and is firm in texture. The fruit commonly is ready for harvesting during the end of June in San Joaquin Valley of Central California, U.S.A, and displays good eating qualities as a table grape. The fruit firmness renders the fruit well amenable for handling, shipping, and storage.

A breeding program was initiated during the late 90's near Bakersfield in San Joaquin Valley of Central California. In 2001, during this breeding program, a new variety of Vitis vinifera was created by deliberate cross breeding of two parent plants by emasculation of the pollen bearing organ of the male and introducing pollen from another male origin. The female parent of the new variety was the GAR4 which is an oval shaped, dark red grape variety bearing a large seed rudiment (non-patented in the United States). The male parent (i.e. the pollen parent) of the new variety was GZR1 which is a round, pinkish grape variety (non-patented in the United States).

Agricultural Research and Development Limited Liability Company


Control system and method for controlling a part of the vehicle in which sensor systems are mounted at different locations on the vehicle, each sensor system providing a measurement related to a state of the sensor system or a measurement related to a state of the mounting location. A processor coupled to the sensor systems diagnoses the state of the vehicle based on the measurements of the sensor system, e.g., by the application of a pattern recognition technique. The processor controls the part based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle. At least one of the sensor systems may be a high dynamic range accelerometer or a sensor selected from a group consisting of a single axis acceleration sensor, a double axis acceleration sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor and a gyroscope, and may optionally include an RFID response unit.

This invention relates to systems and method for diagnosing the state or condition of a vehicle, e.g., whether the vehicle is about to rollover or is experiencing a crash and whether the vehicle has a component which is operating abnormally and could possibly fail resulting in a crash or severe handicap for the operator, and controlling a component of the vehicle in consideration of the diagnosed state or condition of the vehicle.
Every automobile driver fears that his or her vehicle will breakdown at some unfortunate time, e.g., when he or she is traveling at night. during rush hour, or on a long trip away from home. To help alleviate that fear, certain luxury automobile manufacturers provide roadside service in the event of a breakdown. Nevertheless, unless the vehicle is equipped with OnStar or an equivalent service, the vehicle driver must still be able to get to a telephone to call for service. It is also a fact that many people purchase a new automobile out of fear of a breakdown with their current vehicle. This invention is primarily concerned with preventing breakdowns and with minimizing maintenance costs by predicting component failure that would lead to such a breakdown before it occurs.
When a vehicle component begins to fail, the repair cost is frequently minimal if the impending failure of the component is caught early, but increases as the repair is delayed. Sometimes if a component in need of repair is not caught in a timely manner, the component, and particularly the impending failure thereof, can cause other components of the vehicle to deteriorate. One example is where the water pump fails gradually until the vehicle overheats and blows a head gasket. It is desirable, therefore, to determine that a vehicle component is about to fail as early as possible so as to minimize the probability of a breakdown and the resulting repair costs.
There are various gages on an automobile which alert the driver to various vehicle problems. For example, if the oil pressure drops below some predetermined level, the driver is warned to stop his vehicle immediately. Similarly, if the coolant temperature exceeds some predetermined value, the driver is also warned to take immediate corrective action. In these cases, the warning often comes too late as most vehicle gages alert the driver after he or she can conveniently solve the problem. Thus, what is needed is a component failure warning system that alerts the driver to the impending failure of a component sufficiently in advance of the time when the problem gets to a catastrophic point.
Some astute drivers can sense changes in the performance of their vehicle and correctly diagnose that a problem with a component is about to occur. Other drivers can sense that their. vehicle is performing differently but they don""t know why or when a component will fail or how serious that failure will be, or possibly even what specific component is the cause of the difference in performance. The invention disclosed herein will. in most cases, solve this problem by predicting component failures in time to permit maintenance and thus prevent vehicle breakdowns.
Presently, automobile sensors in use are based on specific predetermined or set levels, such as the coolant temperature or oil pressure, whereby an increase above the set level or a decrease below the set level will activate the sensor, rather than being based on changes in this level over time. The rate at which coolant heats up, for example, can be an important clue that some component in the cooling system is about to fail. There are no systems currently on automobiles to monitor the numerous vehicle components over time and to compare component performance with normal performance. Nowhere in the vehicle is the vibration signal of a normally operating front wheel stored, for example, or for that matter, any normal signal from any other vehicle component. Additionally, there is no system currently existing on a vehicle to look for erratic behavior of a vehicle component and to warn the driver or the dealer that a component is misbehaving and is therefore likely to fail in the very near future.
Sometimes, when a component fails, a catastrophic accident results. In the Firestone tire case, for example, over 100 people were killed when a tire of a Ford Explorer blew out which caused the Ford Explorer to rollover. Similarly, other component failures can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and a subsequent accident. It is thus very important to accurately forecast that such an event will take place but furthermore, for those cases where the event takes place suddenly without warning, it is also important to diagnose the state of the entire vehicle, which in some cases can lead to automatic corrective action to prevent unstable vehicle motion or rollovers resulting in an accident. Finally, an accurate diagnostic system for the entire vehicle can determine much more accurately the severity of an automobile crash once it has begun by knowing where the accident is taking place on the vehicle (e.g., the part of or location on the vehicle which is being impacted by an object) and what is colliding with the vehicle based on a knowledge of the force deflection characteristics of the vehicle at that location. Therefore, in addition to a component diagnostic, the teachings of this invention also provide a diagnostic system for the entire vehicle prior to and during accidents. In particular, this invention is concerned with the simultaneous monitoring of multiple sensors on the vehicle so that the best possible determination of the state of the vehicle can be determined. Current crash sensors operate independently or at most one sensor may influence the threshold at which another sensor triggers a deployable restraint. In the teachings of this invention, two or more sensors, frequently accelerometers, are monitored simultaneously and the combination of the outputs of these multiple sensors are combined continuously in making the crash severity analysis.
Marko et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,041,976) is directed to a diagnostic system using pattern recognition for electronic automotive control systems and particularly for diagnosing faults in the engine of a motor vehicle after they have occurred. For example, Marko et al. is interested in determining cylinder specific faults after the cylinder is operating abnormally. More specifically, Marko et al. is directed to detecting a fault in a vehicular electromechanical system indirectly, i.e., by means of the measurement of parameters of sensors which are affected by that system, and after that fault has already manifested itself in the system. In order to form the fault detecting system, the parameters from these sensors are input to a pattern recognition system for training thereof Then knows faults are introduced and the parameters from the sensors are inputted into the pattern recognition system with an indicia of the known fault. Thus, during subsequent operation, the pattern recognition system can determine the fault of the electromechanical system based on the parameters of the sensors, assuming that the fault was xe2x80x9ctrainedxe2x80x9d into the pattern recognition system and has already occurred.
When the electromechanical system is an engine, the parameters input into the pattern recognition system for training thereof, and used for fault detection during operation, all relate to the engine. (If the electromechanical system is other than the engine, then the parameters input into the pattern recognition system would relate to that system.) In other words, each parameter will be affected by the operation of the engine and depend thereon and changes in the operation of the engine will alter the parameter, e.g., the manifold absolute pressure is an indication of the airflow into the engine. In this case, the signal from the manifold absolute pressure sensor may be indicative of a fault in the intake of air into the engine, e.g., the engine is drawing in too much or too little air, and is thus affected by the operation of the engine. Similarly, the mass air flow is the airflow into the engine and is an alternative to the manifold absolute pressure. It is thus a parameter that is directly associated with, related to and dependent on the engine. The exhaust gas oxygen sensor is also affected by the operation of the engine, and thus directly associated therewith, since during normal operation, the mixture of the exhaust gas is neither rich or lean whereas during abnormal engine operation, the sensor will detect an abrupt change indicative of the mixture being too rich or too lean.
Thus, the system of Marko et al. is based on the measurement of sensors which affect or are affected by, i.e., are directly, associated with, the operation of the electromechanical system for which faults are to be detected. However, the system of Marko et al. does not detect faults in the sensors that are conducting the measurements, e.g., a fault in the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, or faults that are only developing but have not yet manifested themselves or faults in other systems. Rather, the sensors are used to detect a fault in the system after it has occurred.
Asami et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,418) is directed to a failure diagnosis system for a vehicle including a failure display means for displaying failure information to a driver. This system only reports failures after they have occurred and does not predict them.
Tiernan et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,313,407) is directed, inter alia, to a system for providing an exhaust active noise control system, i.e., an electronic muffler system, including an input microphone 60 which senses exhaust noise at a first location 61 in an exhaust duct 58. An engine has exhaust manifolds 56,57 feeding exhaust air to the exhaust duct 58. The exhaust noise sensed by the microphone 60 is processed to obtain an output from an output speaker 65 arranged downstream of the input microphone 61 in the exhaust path in order to cancel the noise in the exhaust duct 58.
Scholl et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,018) is directed to a method for relaying information relating to the status of a vehicle to a remote location over a communications data link.
Haramaty et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,502) describes a system that monitors a machine in a factory and notifies maintenance personnel remote from the machine (not the machine operator) that maintenance should be scheduled at a time when the machine is not in use. Haramaty et al. does not expressly relate to vehicular applications.
NASA Technical Support Package MFS-26529 xe2x80x9cEngine Monitoring Based on Normalized Vibration Spectraxe2x80x9d, describes a technique for diagnosing engine health using a neural network based system and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
A paper xe2x80x9cUsing acoustic emission signals for monitoring of production processesxe2x80x9d by H. K. Tonshoff et al. also provides a good description of how acoustic signals can be used to predict the state of machine tools and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below and unless specifically noted, it is the applicant""s intention that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). If applicant intends any other meaning, he will specifically state they are applying a special meaning to a word or phrase.
Likewise, applicant""s use of the word xe2x80x9cfunctionxe2x80x9d here is not intended to indicate that the applicant seeks to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention. To the contrary, if applicant wishes to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7112, sixth paragraph, to define their invention, he will specifically, set forth in the claims the phrases xe2x80x9cmeans forxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cstep forxe2x80x9d and a function, without also reciting in that phrase any structure, material or act in support of the function. Moreover, even if applicant invokes the provisions of 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7112, sixth paragraph, to define his invention, it is the applicant""s intention that his inventions not be limited to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments herein. Rather, if applicant claims his inventions by specifically invoking the provisions of 35 U.S.C. xc2xa7112, sixth paragraph, it is nonetheless his intention to cover and include any and all structure, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above problems by monitoring the patterns of signals emitted from the vehicle components and, through the use of pattern recognition technology, forecasting component failures before they occur. Vehicle component behavior is monitored over time in contrast to currently used systems that merely wait until a serious condition occurs. It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved on-board vehicle diagnostic module utilizing pattern recognition technologies which are trained to differentiate normal from abnormal component behavior. In this manner, the problems discussed above, as well as many others, are alleviated by the vehicle diagnostic module described in the paragraphs below.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a diagnostic module that determines whether a component is operating normally or abnormally based on a time series of data from a single sensor or from multiple sensors that contain a pattern indicative of the operating status of the component.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a diagnostic module that determines whether a component is operating normally or abnormally based on data from one or more sensors that are not directly associated with the component, i.e., do not depend on the operation of the component.
It is an additional object of the present invention to simultaneously monitor several sensors, primarily accelerometers, gyroscopes and strain gages, to determine the state of the vehicle and optionally its occupants and to determine that a vehicle is out of control and possibly headed for an accident, for example. If so, then a signal can be sent to a part of the vehicle control system to attempt to re-establish stability. If this is unsuccessful, then the same system of sensors can monitor the early stages of a crash to make an assessment of the severity of the crash and what occupant protection systems should be deployed and how such occupant protection systems should be deployed.
The diagnostic module in accordance with the invention utilizes information which already exists in signals emanating from various vehicle components along with sensors which sense these signals and, using pattern recognition techniques, compares these signals with patterns characteristic of normal and abnormal component performance to predict component failure, vehicle instability or a crash earlier than would otherwise occur if the diagnostic module was not utilized. If fully implemented, this invention is a total diagnostic system of the vehicle. In most implementations, the module is attached to the vehicle and electrically connected to the vehicle data bus where it analyzes data appearing on the bus to diagnose components of the vehicle. In some implementations, multiple distributed accelerometers and/or microphones are present on the vehicle and, in some cases, some of the sensors will communicate using wireless technology to the vehicle bus or directly to the diagnostic module.
Principal objects and advantages of this invention are thus:
1. To prevent vehicle breakdowns.
2. To alert the driver of the vehicle that a component of the vehicle is functioning differently than normal and might be in danger of failing.
3. To alert the dealer, or other repair facility, that a component of the vehicle is functioning differently than normal and is in danger of failing.
4. To provide an early warning of a potential component failure and to thereby minimize the cost of repairing or replacing the component.
5. To provide a device which will capture available information from signals emanating from vehicle components for a variety of uses such as current and future vehicle diagnostic purposes.
6. To provide a device that uses information from existing sensors for new purposes thereby increasing the value of existing sensors and, in some cases, eliminating the need for sensors that provide redundant information.
7. To provide a device which is trained to recognize deterioration in the performance of a vehicle component, or of the entire vehicle, based on information in signals emanating from the component or from vehicle angular and linear accelerations.
8. To provide a device which analyzes vibrations from various vehicle components that are transmitted through the vehicle structure and sensed by existing vibration sensors such as vehicular crash sensors used with airbag systems or by special vibration sensors, accelerometers, or gyroscopes.
9. To provide a device which provides information to the vehicle manufacturer of the events leading to a component failure.
10. To apply pattern recognition techniques based on training to diagnosing potential vehicle component failures.
11. To apply component diagnostic techniques in combination with intelligent or smart highways wherein vehicles may be automatically guided without manual control in order to permit the orderly exiting of the vehicle from a restricted roadway prior to a breakdown of the vehicle.
12. To apply trained pattern recognition techniques using multiple sensors to provide an early prediction of the existence and severity of an accident.
13. To utilize pattern recognition techniques and the output from multiple sensors to determine at an early stage that a vehicle rollover might occur and to take corrective action through control of the vehicle acceleration, brakes and steering to prevent the rollover or if it is preventable, to deploy side head protection airbags to reduce the injuries.
14. To use the output from multiple sensors to determine that the vehicle is skidding or sliding and to send messages to the various vehicle control systems to activate the throttle, brakes and/or steering to correct for the vehicle sliding or skidding motion.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the state of the entire vehicle is diagnosed whereby two or more sensors, preferably acceleration sensors and gyroscopes, detect the state of the vehicle and if the state is abnormal, output means are coupled to the processor means for affecting another system in the vehicle. The another system may be the steering control system, the brake system, the accelerator or the frontal or side occupant protection system. An exemplifying control system for controlling a part of the vehicle in accordance with the invention thus comprises a plurality of sensor systems mounted at different locations on the vehicle, each sensor system providing a measurement related to a state of the sensor system or a measurement related to a state of the mounting location, and a processor coupled to the sensor systems and arranged to diagnose the state of the vehicle based on the measurements of the sensor system, e.g., by the application of a pattern recognition technique The processor controls the part based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle. At least one of the sensor systems may be a high dynamic range accelerometer or a sensor selected from a group consisting of a single axis acceleration sensor, a double axis acceleration sensor, a triaxial acceleration sensor and a gyroscope, and may optionally include an RFID response unit. The gyroscope may be a MEMS-IDT gyroscope including a surface acoustic wave resonator which applies standing waves on a piezoelectric substrate. If an RFID response unit is present, the control system would then comprise an RFID interrogator device which causes the RFID response unit(s) to transmit a signal representative of the measurement of the sensor system associated therewith to the processor.
The state of the vehicle diagnosed by the processor may be the vehicle""s angular motion, angular acceleration and/or angular velocity. As such, the steering system, braking system or throttle system may be controlled by the processor in order to maintain the stabilit of the vehicle. The processor can also be arranged to control an occupant restraint or protection device in an attempt to minimize injury to an occupant.
The state of the vehicle diagnosed by the processor may also be a determination of a location of an impact between the vehicle and another object. In this case, the processor can forecast the severity of the impact using the force/crush properties of the vehicle at the impact location and control an occupant restraint or protection device based at least in part on the severity of the impact.
The system can also include a weight sensing system coupled to a seat in the vehicle for sensing the weight of an occupying item of the seat. The weight sensing system is coupled to the processor whereby the processor controls deployment or actuation of the occupant restraint or protection device based on the state of the vehicle and the weight of the occupying item of the seat sensed by the weight sensing system.
A display may be coupled to the processor for displaying an indication of the state of the vehicle as diagnosed by the processor. A warning device may be coupled to the processor for relaying a warning to an occupant of the vehicle relating to the state of the vehicle as diagnosed by the processor. Further, a transmission device may be coupled to. the processor for transmitting a signal to a remote site relating to the state of the vehicle as diagnosed by the processor.
The state of the vehicle diagnosed by the processor may include angular acceleration of the vehicle whereby angular velocity and angular position or orientation are derivable from the angular acceleration. The processor can then be arranged to control the vehicle""s navigation system based on the angular acceleration of the vehicle.
A method for controlling a part of the vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises the step of mounting a plurality of sensor systems at different locations on the vehicle, measuring a state of the sensor system or a state of the respective mounting location of the sensor system, diagnosing the state of the vehicle based on the measurements of the state of the sensor systems or the state of the mounting locations of the sensor systems, and controlling the part based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle. The state of the sensor system may be any one or more of the acceleration, angular acceleration, angular velocity or angular orientation of the sensor system. Diagnosis of the state of the vehicle may entail determining whether the vehicle is stable or is about to rollover or skid and/or determining a location of an impact between the vehicle and another object. Diagnosis of the state of the vehicle may also entail determining angular acceleration of the vehicle based on the acceleration measured by accelerometers if multiple accelerometers are present as the sensor systems.
Another control system for controlling a part of the vehicle in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of sensor systems mounted on the vehicle, each providing a measurement of a state of the sensor system or a state of the mounting location of the sensor system and generating a signal representative of the measurement, and a pattern recognition system for receiving the signals from the sensor systems and diagnosing the state of the vehicle based on the measurements of the sensor systems. The pattern recognition system generates a control signal for controlling the part based at least in part on the diagnosed state of the vehicle. The pattern recognition system may comprise one or more neural networks. The features of the control system described above may also be incorporated into this control system to the extent feasible.
The state of the vehicle diagnosed by the pattern recognition system may include a state of an abnormally operating component whereby the pattern recognition system is designed to identify, a potentially malfunctioning component based on the state of the component measured by the sensor systems and determine whether the identified component is operating abnormally based on the state of the component measured by the sensor systems.
In one preferred embodiment, the pattern recognition system may comprise a neural network system and the state of the vehicle diagnosed by the neural network system includes a state of an abnormally operating component. The neural network system includes a first neural network for identifying a potentially malfunctioning component based on the state of the component measured by the sensor systems and a second neural network for determining whether the identified component is operating abnormally based on the state of the component measured by the sensor systems.
Modular neural networks can also be used whereby the neural network system includes a first neural network arranged to identify, a potentially malfunctioning component based on the state of the component measured by the sensor systems and a plurality of additional neural networks. Each of the additional neural networks is trained to determine whether a specific component is operating abnormally so that the measurements of the state of the component from the sensor systems are input into that one of the additional neural networks trained on a component which is substantially identical to the identified component.
Another method for controlling a part of the vehicle comprises the steps of mounting a plurality of sensor systems on the vehicle, measuring a state of the sensor system or a state of the respective mounting location of the sensor system, generating signals representative of the measurements of the sensor systems, inputting the signals into a pattern recognition system to obtain a diagnosis of the state of the vehicle and controlling the part based at least in part on the diagnosis of the state of the vehicle.
In one notable embodiment, a potentially malfunctioning component is identified by the pattern recognition system based on the states measured by the sensor systems and the pattern recognition system determine whether the identified component is operating abnormally based on the states measured by the sensor systems. If the pattern recognition system comprises a neural network system, identification of the component entails inputting the states measured by the sensor systems into a first neural network of the neural network system and the determination of whether the identified component is operating abnormally entails inputting the states measured by the sensor systems into a second neural network of the neural network system. A modular neural network system can also be applied in which the states measured by the sensor systems are input into a first neural network and a plurality of additional neural networks are provided, each being trained to determine whether a specific component is operating abnormally, whereby the states measured by the sensor systems are input into that one of the additional neural networks trained on a component which is substantially identical to the identified component.
Another control system for controlling a part of the vehicle based on occupancy of the seat in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of strain gages mounted in connection with the seat, each measuring strain of a respective mounting location caused by occupancy of the seat, and a processor coupled to the strain gages and arranged to determine the weight of an occupying item based on the strain measurements from the strain gages over a period of time, i.e., dynamic measurements. The processor controls the part based at least in part on the determined weight of the occupying item of the seat. The processor can also determine motion of the occupying item of the seat based on the strain measurements from the strain gages over the period of time. One or more accelerometers may be mounted on the vehicle for measuring acceleration in which case, the processor may control the part based at least in part on the determined weight of the occupying item of the seat and the acceleration measured by the accelerometer(s).
By comparing the output of various sensors in the vehicle, it is possible to determine activities that are affecting parts of the vehicle while not affecting other parts. For example, by monitoring the vertical accelerations of various parts of the vehicle and comparing these accelerations with the output of strain gage load cells placed on the seat support structure, a characterization can be made of the occupancy of the scat. Not only can the weight of an object occupying the seat be determined, but also the gross motion of such an object can be ascertained and thereby an assessment can be made as to whether the object is a life form such as a human being. Strain gage weight sensors are disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/193,209 filed Nov. 17, 1998 (corresponding to International Publication No. WO 00/29257), which is included in here in its entirety as if the entire application were printed herein. by reference. In particular, the inventors contemplate the combination of all of the ideas expressed in this patent application with those expressed in the current invention.
As used herein, a diagnosis of the xe2x80x9cstate of the vehiclexe2x80x9d means a diagnosis of the condition of the vehicle with respect to its stability and proper running and operating condition. Thus, the state of the vehicle could be normal when the vehicle is operating properly on a highway or abnormal when, for example, the vehicle is experiencing excessive angular inclination (e.g., two wheels are off the ground and the vehicle is about to rollover), the vehicle is experiencing a crash, the vehicle is skidding, and other similar situations. A diagnosis of the state of the vehicle could also be an indication that one of the parts of the vehicle, e.g., a component, system or subsystem, is operating abnormally.
As used herein, an xe2x80x9coccupant restraint devicexe2x80x9d includes any type of device which is deployable in the event of a crash involving the vehicle for the purpose of protecting an occupant from the effects of the crash and/or minimizing the potential injury to the occupant. Occupant restraint devices thus include frontal airbags, side airbags, seatbelt tensioners, knee bolsters, side curtain airbags, externally deployable airbags and the like.
As used herein, a xe2x80x9cpartxe2x80x9d of the vehicle includes any component, sensor, system or subsystem of the vehicle such as the steering system, braking system, throttle system, navigation system, airbag system, seatbelt retractor, air bag inflation valve, air bag inflation controller and airbag vent valve, as well as those listed below in the definitions of xe2x80x9ccomponentxe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9csensorxe2x80x9d.
As used herein, a xe2x80x9csensor systemxe2x80x9d includes any of the sensors listed below in the definition of xe2x80x9csensorxe2x80x9d as well as any type of component or assembly of components which detect, sense or measure something.

Method and apparatus for controlling a vehicular component

Automotive Technologies International Inc.


The present invention provides a semiconductor light receiving element capable of reducing capacity while minimizing increase in travel time of carriers. The semiconductor light receiving element includes a semiconductor stacked structure including a first conductivity type layer, a light absorbing layer, and a second conductivity type layer having a light incidence plane in order. The semiconductor light receiving element has an oxidation layer including a non-oxidation region and an oxidation region in a stacking in-plane direction in the light absorbing layer or between the first conductivity type layer and the light absorbing layer.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor light receiving element suitably applicable to optical communication and a method of manufacturing the same, and an optical communication system including the semiconductor light receiving element.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, in a PIN photodiode (p-intrinsic-n photodiode) for optical communication, a columnar mesa is formed by stacking an n-type buffer layer, a light absorbing layer, and a p-type cap layer on an n-type semiconductor substrate, for example, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 1-239973. On the upper surface of the mesa, a ring-shaped upper electrode having an opening in a light incidence region is provided, and on the rear surface of the n-type semiconductor substrate, a lower electrode is provided. In a PIN photodiode having such a configuration, when light enters into the light incidence region on the condition that a reverse-bias voltage is applied between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, the light is converted into photocurrent in the light absorbing layer, and the converted photocurrent is outputted as an optical output signal from the upper electrode and the lower electrode.
To realize high-capacity communication in PIN photodiodes for optical communication, high-speed response is desired. The response speed is basically limited by CR time constant and travel time of carriers in the light absorbing layer. In the CR time constant, the light absorbing layer is preferably thick to reduce the capacity, but in the travel time of carriers, the light absorbing layer is preferably thin. To efficiently convert light entering to the light incidence region into photocurrent, an area in a stacking in-plane direction of the light absorbing layer is preferably large. In this case, however, it causes an increase in capacity. In other words, to realize the high-speed response, it is necessary to optimize these parameters.
In Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 1-239973, measures are indicated that, to improve CR time constant, a low dielectric constant layer is provided adjacent to a mesa, and an extraction electrode connected to an upper electrode on the upper surface of the mesa is formed on the upper surface of the low dielectric constant layer, thereby reducing capacity between the extraction electrode and a lower electrode. In Japanese Patent No. 3183931, measures are indicated that a buffer layer is lightly-doped, thereby reducing capacity between an upper electrode and a lower electrode.

Semiconductor light receiving element and optical communication system


An end cap for a racket handle is disclosed. The end cap is located at the free end of the handle with the cap having a thickness greater than the thickness of the remainder of the handle. The thickest portion of the cap has a rounded outermost longitudinal cross section which is disposed adjacent the end of the handle and a bridging section which has an "S" shaped longitudinal cross section as it extends inwardly of the handle. This permits the innermost portion of the cap relative to the handle to be at a narrow angle at the end of the cap closest the head of the racket to form a smooth transition to the handle. The end cap is comprised of a cushioning material to absorb some of the shock caused by impact with the racket.

The background of the invention will be set forth in three parts.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a revolutionary shape of a sport racquet or hammer handle that improves control of the movement of such racquet or hammer head. More particularly, the present invention relates to an accessory that can be used in all the competitive racquet sport's racquets such as tennis, racquetball, squash, and badminton racquets. This accessory also has other non-racquet handle applications, such as, in the golf stick, polo stick, and even in the ordinary construction hammer.
2. Technological Facts about Tennis
As the competition in racquet sports increases, new racquet designs have been developed to increase the power, control, and maneuverability of such racquets.
In theory, racquet design is fundamentally based on the need to increase two things: a) the power imparted to the ball and b) the control over the ball as it contacts the racquet head.
Power in tennis is a function of the force transferred from a player's body to the ball with the use of the tennis racquet. Therefore, a powerful racquet is such racquet that permits players of lesser strength to hit comparable shots.
Power without control is known to give players no extra benefit in the competitive arena. However, control over a shot depends on the spin imparted to the ball at the point when power is implemented. For this reason, new technology has always improved the power of such frames first and then improved the control of such new power. This game has been a race between the technology of power against the technology of control.
The ability to impart control (spin) to the ball depends also on different physical characteristics of the racquet such as: string thickness, string tension, balance of the racquet weight, flexibility of the frame, amount of frame vibration and grip quality.
It is known that all these physical characteristics of the racquet affect the player's ability to impart a rotational torque (spin) on the ball. The other obvious factor which is essential to a player's control is his body movement technique. These body movements include footwork, body position and shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist movements.
Therefore, since the entire body movement technique is for the sole purpose of controlling the racquet head, and the physical characteristics of the racquet are so important; we can say that the link (grip) between the racquet and the hand of the player is perhaps the most essential in the manipulation of the racquet head. It is in this link or joint that we have an accessory that will benefit millions of players of all ages and levels.
3. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,213,609 (Swanson) 3,905,598 (Ballog), and 3,817,521 (Wright) add a structure above the hand on the racquet shaft. These patents do not allow the player to lock his hand to the shaft. We know that as a racquet is swung in an arc, the centrifugal force acting on the racquet urges the racquet away from the player and the player's grasp. We also know that perspiration on the grip reduces the coefficient of friction between the racquet grip and the player's hand. In fact, the player must grip the racquet shaft even more tightly to prevent the racquet from flying out of this hand. We conclude from our experiments that the problem of slippage was not solved by the above patents.
Some new developments have focused on the racquet handle as the link between the racquet head and the muscle and sinew of a player's arm and hand. However, only the so called "hightech" synthetic grips and "overwraps" have improved the racquet handles of today's new high tech racquets. "Overwraps" seek to overcome problems caused by perspiration of the player's hand. "Hightech" synthetic grips overcome three problems; the uncomfortable sensation of a wet grip due to perspiration, substantial friction reduction and some shock absorbtion.
The problem of perspiration has been addressed and successful developments attained in the construction of new grip materials which replace the customary leather grips. These synthetic grip materials do not absorb moisture and do not become as slick as traditional leather grips. In addition, slightly flared racquet end caps or butt caps have been utilized for many years to close the end of the racquet handle and to reduce the possibility that the racquet might slip from the player's grasp.
Other attempts of improving the racquet handle such as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,817,521, (Wright); 3,905,598 (Ballog); 4,033,583 (Ehrhart); 4,213,609 (Swanson); 4,226,418 (Balfour), and Des. 289,671 (Abel) for example have not been proven successful in overcoming the problems mentioned above.
Other patents that have shown development of the conventional handle are: 4,072,312 (kahn), and 3,501,148, (Cheris, Bigos, and Mox) which emphasize the importance of the octagonal shape shaft.
The octagonal shape shaft and butt cap have been used for many years. The basic reasoning behind the importance of the octagonal shape is the following: since the baseline to baseline length of a tennis court is 78 feet, the angle that the ball is initially projected is critical to the path of the ball over the length of a tennis court. For example, a one degree change in the angle of force will result in a one and one half foot elevation change in the flight of the ball over the length of a tennis court. A slight variation in the angle of the racquet head will determine whether the ball lands within the boundaries of the court or if the ball lands out of play. The only way a player can feel the position of the head of the racquet, without looking at it, is by feeling the bevels of the octagonal shaft. Since the octagonal shaft has a side parallel to the face of the racquet, the player can determine the position of such face by mere tact.
The octagonal shape shaft is therefore useful. However, the sides of such polygonal shaft and butt cap continue to cause friction to the hands of the players.
The optimal grip would be such handle that would give us orientation of the head, shock absorbtion, minimal friction, and repel perspiration without causing perspiration.
Recent developments in racquet handles are described on pages 146 and 147 of the September, 1989 issue of Tennis Magazine. The importance of the racquet grip to the control of the racquet head is described in an article entitled "Handle Systems, Get a Grip!" In an illustration entitled "Shapes of the Future" on page 147, the hourglass and ribbed overwrap concepts are described. In the hourglass concept, the player grips the most narrow, tapered portion of a racquet handle. In the ribbed overwrap concept, the traditionally shaped rib to reduce slippage of the hand relative to the racquet handle is also described. Neither of these concepts have become widely accepted since the hourglass grip cannot be used by players who grip the racquet handle with both hands and because the hourglass slope does not fit the natural contour of a player's hand.
Although the ribbed overwrap concept is likely to reduce slippage of the player's hand relative to the racquet handle, the increased friction does not permit fine finger control over the racquet by players who adjust their hand and finger position during the operation of the racquet.
It is apparent that all known racquet handles do not overcome all the problems set forth above. Accordingly, a need exists for a racquet handle which permits a person to control racquet head movement without slippage of the handle, a handle that absorbs shock and a handle which reduces friction without losing sensory perception of the position of the head of the racquet.


A radiographic imaging system comprises: a grid located opposite a surface of a radiographic image data detector to remove scatter radiation occurring when a radiation penetrates the subject; a grid moving mechanism for moving the grid at least in a direction; control means for acquiring first radiographic image data with the radiographic image data detector in a preset imaging time while moving the grid with the gird moving mechanism; and anomaly detection means for calculating a displacement of a grid image in the first radiographic image data based upon a position in which the grid is located and a displacement of the grid effected by the grid moving mechanism during the preset imaging time and detecting a defect in the first radiographic image data having a length agreeing with the calculated displacement of the grid image.

The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system whereby a subject is irradiated with radiation, and the radiation that has penetrated the subject is detected and converted into an electric signal to produce a radiographic image based upon the electric signal obtained by the conversion.
Radiographic imaging systems are used in a variety of fields for such applications as medical diagnoses in medicine and nondestructive tests in industry. Presently, some radiographic imaging systems use a flat panel detector (FPD) for converting radiation into an electric signal as a radiographic image information detector (radiation detector) for detecting the radiation that has penetrated a subject (e.g., X-ray, alpha ray, beta ray, gamma ray, electron beam, and ultraviolet ray).
In a radiographic imaging system using an FPD, a subject is irradiated with radiation emitted from a radiation source, and the radiation that has penetrated the subject is converted into an electric signal to read out an electric signal corresponding to image data of the subject from the FPD, thus producing a radiographic image.
When acquiring a radiographic image, scatter radiation component occurring when radiation penetrates the subject also reaches the FPD in addition to the linear penetration component that has penetrated the subject. The scatter radiation component reaching the FPD causes the image to blur.
To address this problem, a proposal was made in JP 10-305030 A and JP 10-262961 A suggesting placement of a grid between the FPD and the radiation source (specifically, on the side of the FPD closer to the radiation source) to eliminate scatter radiation. This grid generally has a configuration such that a radiation shielding substance and a radiotransparent substance are disposed alternately. Examples thereof include a grid secured in a given position (referred to also as "stationary grid" below) as described in JP 10-305030 A and a grid that moves as radiation is emitted from the radiation source toward the FPD (referred to also as "moving grid" below) as described in JP 10-262961 A.
While such a grid eliminates scatter radiation, it in turn causes the image of the grid to be produced in the radiographic image.
To address this problem, the system described in JP 10-305030 A acquires a radiographic image through the grid without a subject and uses acquired radiographic image data together with the imaging conditions to predict a grid image in the radiographic image and remove the grid image.
JP 2005-284873 A describes a detection method of detecting defective pixels attributable to defects in the FPD itself. According to that method, a radiographic image is acquired without a subject and used to detect defective pixels.
Where a stationary grid is used, the position of the grid image can be determined and, therefore, the grid image can be removed appropriately by calculating the grid image in the radiographic image from a grid image measured without a subject and the imaging conditions as in the case of the system described in JP 10-305030 A.
On the other hand, where a moving grid is used as described in JP 10-262961 A, no grid image is basically formed in any particular position because the grid is moved when an image is taken. Thus, there is no need to remove any grid image unlike where a stationary grid is used.
However, even in a case where the grid is moved when an image is taken, artifacts can occur as dust attaches to the grid or a moving grid develops operation failure. Thus, where a moving grid is used, artifacts can cause image failure. Further, inconsistency in the grid itself can cause image failure.
Another problem is that image failure attributable to the moving grid changes with irradiation time and other factors.


An appetite suppressant toothpaste formulations which simultaneously suppresses the users appetite while promoting intraoral cleanliness. The toothpaste composition includes toothpaste base ingredients; and at least one of appetite suppressant and appetite depressant herbs. The toothpaste base ingredients include a combination of known amounts of Vegetable Glycerin; Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica; Purified Water; Xylitol; Carrageenan; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; and Titanium Dioxide and a flavoring agent. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs include at least one of Garcinia Cambogia; Gymnema Sylvestre; Kola Nut; Citrus Aurantium; Yerba Mate; and Griffonia Simplicifolia and comprise a range of substantially 5.5% to substantially 22% by weight of the composition. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs may further include at least one of Guarana, Green Tea, myrrh, guggul Lipid and black current seed oil. Alternatively, the toothpaste composition may be in the form of a dental cream or mouthspray.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to toothpaste and, more particularly, to a formulation of an appetite suppressant oral composition in the form of a toothpaste comprising ingredients which co-act to control the appetite and permit reduction in body weight by brushing the teeth of a user with the composition.
It has been found that the combination of about 5.50-22.0% by weight natural herbs functions as an appetite suppressant agent in a standard toothpaste formulation. This unexpected result from the novel toothpaste composition of the present invention to suppress appetite and promote weight loss provides a new secondary benefit to the promoting intraoral cleanliness with toothpaste.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous types of appetite suppressants have been provided in the prior art. Current products to suppress appetite and control weight are generally drugs with undesirable side effects, often with a propensity to be addictive; whereas the instant novel appetite suppressant toothpaste provides a non-pharmacological means to suppress the appetite of a user by adding natural herbs to a standard toothpaste formulation.
There are many appetite suppressant products on the market, both prescription items and over the counter products. Most of these products act as central nervous system stimulants, such as amphetamines, or have a similar mechanism of action. Many of the over the counter products, such as Acutrim, Dexatrim, Appedrine, etc. contain Phenylpropanolamine HCl+Caffeine. Ayds, another well known appetite suppressant product, is a caramel candy containing Benzocaine.
Oral compositions which contain natural herbs for temporary relief of pain in the oral cavity are well known products. Such products are readily found on the market and include Anbesol gel, a liquid comprising phenol, alcohol and Benzocaine; Chloroseptic losengers containing menthol-benzocaine, corn syrup, glycerine, sucrose and flavor for temporary relief of sore throat pain; and Hurricane Topical anesthetic aerosol spray for controlling oral pain.
For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,856,942 and 4,913,894 are illustrative of such prior art. However, none of the above cited prior art disclose an appetite suppressant toothpaste formulation for controlling weight, comprising a suppressing agent containing natural herbs. These prior art references also do not provide an appetite suppressant in a dental vehicle which may be in the form of a toothpaste, dental cream or mouth spray. The concept of a toothpaste formulation containing an appetite suppressing agent is novel. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,856,942
Inventor: Paul L. Murphy
Issued: Dec. 24, 1974
This patent discloses an appetite control composition which is readily ingested, comprising a candy base of sucrose and maltose, caffeine, Natural herbs, vitamins and optionally flavors including quinine to reduce the sweetness of the sucrose and maltose. This composition is preferably a slow-dissolving hard candy or tablet, but may also be in the form of gum drops, chocolate bars or drops, cotton candy, lozenges or gelatin desserts, all of which are ingestible.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,894
Inventor: John P. Curtis et al.
Issued: Apr. 3, 1990
This patent discloses an appetite suppressant oral composition containing benzocaine, high impact flavor and a sweetening agent, in the form of a toothpaste. A novel method of reducing appetite and thereby intended for controlling weight of consumers, which comprises applying to the oral cavity a high impact flavor in a toothpaste.
The present invention relates to toothpaste and, more particularly, to a formulation of an appetite suppressant oral composition in the form of a toothpaste comprising ingredients which co-act to control the appetite and permit reduction in body weight by brushing the teeth of a user with the composition.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices.
The present invention provides an appetite suppressant toothpaste intended to effect weight control. The toothpaste is formulated by adding an appetite suppressing agent comprising about 5.50-22.00% by weight natural herbs to a standard dentifrice or toothpaste. Appetite suppression and weight control can be obtained by brushing the teeth, before and/or after each meal, preferably before, on a regular basis such as three times/day with the appetite suppressant toothpaste of the present invention.
Accordingly, another object of present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste formulation by the incorporation of an appetite suppressant agent comprising natural herbs.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste which is able to reduce the appetite of a user after brushing the teeth of the user with the toothpaste
A yet further object of this invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste in the form of a dental cream or mouthspray for use preferably prior to meals, to promote weight loss.
Still another object of present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste for promoting weight loss as well as good dental hygiene.
Another object of present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste formed from a novel essentially non-ingested composition containing safe natural herbs able to suppress the appetite and promote weight loss of the user.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste that is simple and easy to use.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an appetite suppressant toothpaste that is economical in cost to manufacture.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
An appetite suppressant toothpaste formulations which simultaneously suppresses the users appetite while promoting intraoral cleanliness is disclosed by the present invention. The toothpaste composition includes toothpaste base ingredients; and at least one of appetite suppressant and appetite depressant herbs. The toothpaste base ingredients include a combination of known amounts of Vegetable Glycerin; Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica; Purified Water; Xylitol; Carrageenan; Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; and Titanium Dioxide and a flavoring agent. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs include at least one of Garcinia Cambogia; Gymnema Sylvestre; Kola Nut; Citrus Aurantium; Yerba Mate; and Griffonia Simplicifolia and comprise a range of substantially 5.5% to substantially 22% by weight of the composition. The appetite suppressing and depressing herbs may further include at least one of Guarana, Green Tea, myrrh, guggul Lipid and black current seed oil. Alternatively, the toothpaste composition may be in the form of a dental cream or mouthspray.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.


A method and device for inserting data onto one or more lines of one or more vertical blanking intervals of a television video signal, and in particular a television signal conforming to the NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) format.

a. Field of the Invention
The present invention concerns a method for inserting data onto one or more vertical blanking interval lines (or VBI lines) of a television video signal, and in particular, for inserting data (such as non-video data) onto one or more VBI lines of a television video signal conforming to the NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) format. The present invention also concerns a device for implementing this method.
b. Related Art
Vertical blanking intervals of video signals conforming to the NTSC format have been used for carrying inserted data, such as closed captioning data for example. Although the NTSC format is well known in the art, a brief description of its salient aspects is described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 5a and 5b. A color video signal must convey luminance, hue, and saturation information. Luminance information is perceived as brightness, hue is perceived as color and saturation is perceived as color purity. The NTSC standard facilitates recording, transmitting, and playing back this information.
The NTSC standard provides 525 horizontal lines of video. The television receiver "scans" the horizontal lines onto its screen, from left to right. After the scanning of each horizontal line, the scanner requires a small time period to reposition itself at the left of the next horizontal line. This is known as horizontal retrace. A sequence of horizontal lines is scanned from the top of the screen to the bottom of the screen. Each image frame consists of two interleaved fields. As shown in FIG. 2, the two interleaved fields consist of a field of odd horizontal lines 201, and a field of even horizontal lines 202. Each of the fields consists of 262 or 263 horizontal lines. At the end of a field, the scanner requires a period of time to reposition itself to the left of the first horizontal line of the next field. This is known as vertical retrace.
FIG. 1 depicts a waveform for one field or one half of one frame. The waveform includes four components; namely, the picture waveform, horizontal and vertical blanking pulses, synchronizing pulses, and equalizing pulses. For about the first 240 horizontal lines of the field, each line of the waveform includes a horizontal synchronization pulse superimposed on a horizontal blanking pulse, which is followed by a picture component. The horizontal blanking pulse consists of about 14% to 18% of each line and causes a dark output during the horizontal retrace time. The horizontal synchronizing pulse is superimposed on the blanking pulse and is used to maintain the timing of the picture tube scanning. The horizontal synchronizing pulse is defined by the leading edge of the pulse. The picture waveform includes signal variations which correspond to variations in the brightness (or luminance) of the picture. The luminance signal (E.sub.y ') is based on the relative sensitivity of the human eye to primary colors (i.e., red, green, and blue). The picture waveform defines the so-called "active period" of each scanning line. If the amplitude of the signal is 100% for synchronizing pulses, the amplitude of the picture signal will be between 7.5% (representing white) and 70.0% (representing black) of the amplitude of the synchronizing pulses.
The remaining of the 263 horizontal lines of the field (i.e., horizontal lines 241-263) occur during the vertical blanking interval (or vertical blanking period) which constitutes about 7.5% of the vertical scanning interval. The vertical retrace of the scanner occurs during the vertical blanking interval. As shown in FIG. 1, the first 9 or 10 lines of the vertical blanking period include equalizing pulses and vertical synchronization pulses. The equalizing pulses prevent the pairing of interlaced lines on the picture tube. Specifically, for odd-numbered fields, the leading edges of the vertical synchronization pulses coincide with the horizontal synchronization pulses, while for even-numbered fields, the leading edges of the vertical synchronization pulses do not coincide with the horizontal synchronization pulses.
FIG. 5a illustrates two lines of chrominance information superimposed on two lines of the luminance signal (see, e.g., period V--V of FIG. 1). The hue is determined by the phase of the subcarrier, and the saturation is determined by the amplitude of the subcarrier. As shown in FIG. 5a, and in greater detail in FIG. 5b, a "color burst" consisting of a train of sine waves is placed on the "back porch" of the horizontal blanking pulse at the start of a new line. The phase of the subcarrier, and thus the hue, is determined with respect to the sine waves forming the "color burst."
Lastly, NTSC standard specifies a transmission rate of 29.97 frames per second, an aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of image width to image height) of 4/3 and a horizontal resolution of 340. Since there are 525 lines per frame, 15,734 lines are must be scanned per second. The subcarrier frequency of the chrominance signal is 3.579545 MHz.
FIG. 3 illustrates the format of a closed caption waveform 300. The temporal length of the closed caption waveform 300 is approximately 2 ms. As shown in FIG. 3, the closed caption waveform 300 includes seven (7) cycles of a sine wave 310, a low bit, a low bit, and a high bit (or a "0-0-1" sequence) 320, and a two (2) byte payload section 330. The two (2) byte payload section 330 includes the closed caption data. In the NTSC format, close caption waveform 300 is inserted on the 21.sup.st line of one or more vertical blanking intervals of the first field of one or more frames.
A suitably equipped television receiver (hereinafter referred to as a "closed caption compatible television receiver") includes a means for stripping the closed caption waveform 300 from a received NTSC video signal, a means for decoding information contained in the closed caption waveform 300, and a means for providing a display of the decoded closed caption information.
The seven (7) cycles of a sine wave 310 allow a closed caption compatible television receiver to lock onto the phase of the closed caption waveform 300. By locking onto the phase of the closed caption waveform 300, the television receiver can read each of the sixteen (16) bits of data in the two (2) byte payload section 330 in the middle of the bit, away from any rising or falling edges. The 0-0-1 sequence 320 indicates that the two (2) byte payload section 330 will follow. The two (2) byte payload section includes textual information to be displayed on a portion of the video output of the television receiver. Since each closed caption waveform 300 includes only two (2) bytes of data, a series of closed caption waveforms 300 must be inserted on the first field of each of a sequence of video frames. Typically, this textual information permits deaf and hearing impaired television viewers to follow the dialog of a television program.
LSI Logic Corp. provides an MPEG-2 Audio/Video Decoder, model no. 64002, which includes registers for inserting data onto a vertical blanking interval. Data stored in these registers may be used for closed caption data and for VITS (Vertical Integral Test Signal). The registers include two (2)-eight (8) bit registers for storing the address of luma (luminance) data to be output during the vertical blanking interval and two (2)-eight (8) bit registers for storing the address of chroma (chrominance) data to be output during the vertical blanking interval. However, the origin of the address to be stored in the registers is not identified. Moreover, the registers are described as storing addresses, not data.
In view of the limited types of data inserted on the vertical blanking interval of a video signal in the known systems, inserting other data, such as non-video data, and in particular, textual data, onto the vertical blanking intervals of the NTSC formatted video signal may be desired. For example, advertisers (sponsors) may want to verify that their advertisement (commercial) was successfully transmitted, in its entirety, on a particular channel at a particular time.
Historically, video programming has been provided by local television stations which transmit analog signals to the homes of viewers within the transmission region of the local television stations. Such video programming has been either publicly funded (e.g., PBS) or privately funded by sponsors (e.g., firms, public interest groups, politicians) wishing to convey an advertisement to potential viewers of the video programming.
Over the past decade or two, "off-the-air" analog communication systems, such as cable television (CTV) systems for example, have become common. In cable television systems, a number of channels are frequency multiplexed and transmitted onto a coaxial cable distribution network. Due to the limited bandwidth of the coaxial cable, only about 50 to 70 analog video channels can be simultaneously carried over an appreciable distance without undue signal attenuation. A set-top box at a subscriber's home decodes a selected channel from among the channels frequency multiplexed on the coaxial cable entering the set-top box. The programming on these channels may be publicly funded and/or privately funded, and in each case, the funding may be supplemented by money paid by subscribers of the cable television service.
In the past few years, digital satellite systems have entered the market for providing video programming to individual consumers. Although digital transmission and compression permit a large number of channels to be transmitted a relatively great distance without signal degradation, each subscriber needs specialized and relatively expensive satellite receivers, digital decoders and decompressors. As with cable television (CTV) systems, the programming on these channels may be publicly funded and/or privately funded, and in each case, the funding may be supplemented by money paid by the subscribers of the satellite video programming service.
In each of the above systems, advertisers (sponsors) may, and often do, substantially subsidize the costs of providing video programming. In return, the advertisers are able to convey their message to a relatively large potential audience. The advertisements (commercials) may be run nationally or at the local level. Although nationally run advertisements have the potential of reaching the largest audience, they are relatively expensive and inherently not targeted to a particular geographic region. On the other hand, locally inserted advertisements are relatively inexpensive and have the potential of reaching a more specifically defined geographic audience.
The following provides an example of the insertion of a local advertisement on a network program (national) video feed received at a local station. Conventional subscriber systems, such as cable television (CTV) systems, are typically arranged to provide viewer programs according to a predetermined time schedule. The programs available to the subscribers of a particular system are usually provided by a national network source and transmitted, via a satellite link for example, to the head-end of a local cable television distribution system. The national network programmers provide certain intervals (i.e., designated breaks) during each program. The local cable provider can provide content (e.g., local advertisement(s)) during these designated breaks. For example, approximately four minutes are commonly set aside in each half-hour of national network programming to permit local insertion of commercial advertisements that may be particularly targeted and relevant to the local subscribers of the cable television (CTV) system.
The time of each break is generally indicated by a "cuetone" signal which is delivered as a part of the national network feed signal. The types of cuetone signals that may be transmitted in the national network program feed include: i) a pre-roll period signal which allows a video tape player, loaded with a video tape having a local advertisement, to attain operating speed and to advance the video tape to the start of the advertisement; (ii) a transfer-to-ad signal which indicates the start of the advertisement transmission interval; and (iii) a return signal which indicates a return to the national network program source transmission. The cuetones are formatted as standard dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals. A local program programmer may substitute local advertisements in the place of national advertisements during the designated breaks indicated by the cuetone signals.
Two possible operational sequences of advertisement insertion are briefly discussed below. In a first operation sequence, a series of cuetone signals detected by a cuetone detector serve as inputs to a controller. In response to a pre-roll cuetone signal, the controller activates a local video tape player, which has mounted thereon, a video tape containing the desired advertisements. When the controller receives the transfer-to-ad cuetone signal, it commands switching equipment to switch the subscriber system from the incoming national network program video and audio signals to the output of the local video tape player for the duration of the advertisement. Finally, when the controller receives the return cue tone signal, it commands the switching equipment to return the subscriber system to the incoming national network feed.
In a second operational sequence of the advertisement insertion, only the pre-roll cuetone signal is required. In this instance, the local cable programmer knows that, for the given cable channel, the pre-roll time is a fixed interval and that each break is of a fixed duration. When the controller receives the pre-roll cuetone signal, immediately following the fixed interval, the switching equipment switches to the local advertisement. At the end of the fixed duration break, the switching equipment switches the subscriber system back to the national network feed. Thus, in this example, transfer-to-ad and return cuetone signals are not required.
In any of the above mentioned systems, an advertiser (sponsor) will want to verify that its advertisement was properly stored, retrieved, switched to, and transmitted on the appropriate channel at the appropriate time. Moreover, the advertiser will want to ensure that the commercial ran in its entirety. Although such verification is important for advertisements inserted nationally as well as locally, the verification of locally inserted advertisements can be more complex since the number of local markets can be large.
As discussed above, cable television (CTV) systems, for example, permit advertisements to be inserted locally. Again, typically, cuetones in a national network program feed are used to signal when an advertisement is to be inserted. Specifically, based on cuetones, a switch having inputs provided with a national network program signal and a local advertisement signal, will output one of these signals for transmission onto a channel of the coaxial cable distribution network.
The prior art does not provide a method or device for verifying that a commercial was properly transmitted, in its entirety, on an appropriate channel of a coaxial cable distribution network at an appropriate time. Therefore, a need exists for such a verification method or device.