A system and methods are disclosed for securely booting a processing system using a three step secure booting process. Several embodiments are presented, wherein upon power-on-reset, the first boot step uses a secure boot device comprising of a programmable device or an FPGA which boots up first, validates its configuration file and then validates the processor(s) configuration data before presenting the configuration data to the processor(s). This enables validation of ‘pre-boot’ information, such as the Reset Control Word and pre-boot processor configuration data. The second and third boot steps validate the internal secure boot code and external boot code respectively using one or more of secure validation techniques, such as encryption/decryption, Key mechanisms, privilege checking, pointer hashing or signature correlation schemes. This results in an end-to-end secure boot process for a variety of architectures, such as single processor systems, synchronous and asynchronous multiprocessing systems, single core systems and multi-core processing systems.

The term 'boot' is used to describe a start-up process when power is applied to a device. A processing system has a boot process that describes a configuration sequence to start up a processing system at power-on. The most common boot techniques require the processor to wake up first, initialize itself and then initialize the rest of the system as part of a pre-determined boot sequence. Once the processor wakes up, the processor sets up initial values in the I/O and memory control registers—before access to memory or I/O can begin. The start sequence usually starts with the processor sensing some boot configuration pins during a power-on-reset to select one of the supported boot methods. In most systems, the processor boot configuration pins are hard wired to power or ground to indicate the boot method. Once the boot method is chosen, the processor will look for its initial set of configuration parameters on a pre-defined set of pins or a signal bus. In all these known techniques, the low level initial configuration values and initial boot parameters that set up the processor in the initial stages of power-on do not get validated for conformance to security rules—a key concern for secure systems.
There has been a long felt need in Secure Processing Systems for a secured boot technique that provides for validation of low level processor configuration and boot parameters. The issue of secure boot gets compounded in multicore processors where more than one processor tries to wake up in a secured state—all at the same time.
In a secure system, every piece of data must be validated.

Mediated secure boot for single or multicore processors


In a data compression system for compressing an original time series data with a various waveform, a compression unit compresses the original time series data without damaging characteristics of waveform information in the various waveform. The waveform information includes a signal with a various change, especially, a sudden change of signal. An encoding unit encodes the compressed time series data so as to generate a compression code.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a data compression system that is operative to compress time series data to produce a compression data (compression code), a data decompression system that is operative to expand (decompress) a compression data to produce an original data and a supervisory control system that has a function for remotely supervising and controlling an object unit.
The present invention also relates to a computer-readable storage medium capable of storing thereon a program code that causes a computer to execute a data compression process and a computer-readable storage medium capable of storing thereon a program code that causes a computer to execute a data decompression (expansion) process.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, in cases where an object unit such as, a device, a system or the like, which requires maintenance services such as adjustment, supervision or maintenance is arranged remotely from a center (service center), it is proposed to provide a remote maintenance system capable of communicating various time series data through a network between the object unit and the center.
In the conventional remote maintenance system, time series data gained by the object unit are compressed to be communicated to the remote side (the center which is remotely arranged to the object unit).
As a conventional data compression system for compressing the time series data of the object unit to produce compressed data thereby transmitting the compressed data to the remote side of the center, there is well known the data compression system which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 8-65768.
According to the disclosed data compression system, the time series data are compressed by performing polygonal approximation by using the peak positions of the pseudo two-stage differential values of the time series data so that the compressed data are transmitted to the remote side center, whereby the event retrieving is performed from the characteristics of the polygonal approximation data of the transmitted compressed data.
Furthermore, there is also well known the data compression system which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 11-122604.
According to the disclosed data compression system, the measured time series data of the mechanical system as the object unit are processed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) so that data only including the peak frequency, and the amplitude and phase information thereof are transmitted to the remote side center, so that the transmitted compressed data are decompressed on the remote side center in the form in which the state of the vibration of the measured time series data can easily visually understood.
However, in each of the conventional data compression systems, from the viewpoint of the degree of decompression of original data when decompressing the compressed data, it is hard to ensure a sufficient accuracy of the decompression.
That is, according to the conventional data compression system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 8-65768, there is the possibility that the peak determining accuracy by the pseudo two-stage differential information necessary for the polygonal approximation is considerably damaged by the complexity of the behavior of the time series data or the inclusion of noise therein.
In addition, in the case where the time series data has oscillating response characteristics, there is the high possibility that the compression processing to the time series data damages the characteristic thereof, such as "oscillating", or the like, and therefore, it is difficult to accurately supervisory and control the object unit and to provide a service based on a high-level judgment to the object unit with a practical communication load.
Furthermore, according to the conventional data compression system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 11-122604, because the waveform information on non-stationary behavior thereof , that is, on the time base, which is also the characteristic of the time series data, is lost in the FFT compressed data, it is difficult to accurately supervise and control the object unit.

Data compression system, data decompression system, supervisory control system and computer-readable storage medium


A system can determine a best routing of a customer contact based on analysis of one or more automatically generated answers. A customer may provide an inquiry through a social media contact. The contact center can analyze the inquiry to generate one or more automated answers. The system then analyzes the automated answers. The analysis may include studying various attributes of the answer, either in relation to the inquiry or based in historical data. From the analysis, the system can modify the answers and/or provide a different or improved pool of agents to handle the contact. Thus, an improved set of answers and agents is provided for managing the contact.

Open ended communication channels into the contact center are growing in importance and use as consumers look to receive specific and direct answers to their issues, inquiries, and comments. These channels include email, chat, SMS, social media, etc. While they are important tools for consumers, supporting open ended dialog with customers is a difficult task for companies. The range of questions is endless, requiring a highly skilled agent on the company end to handle the interactions. This higher skilled agent is also a more expensive resource. Supporting these channels is important but it increases a company's cost. Furthermore, consistency of answers and information is more difficult. Incorrect information, slow response, and confusing replies are all dangers to the company when supporting these channels.
The company needs an efficient way to provide agents with proper, relevant, informative suggestions and in some cases automated replies to consumer questions over these channels.

Answer based agent routing and display method


A multifunction timer device for providing a time/date stamp on objects includes a housing, a controller with a timer circuit contained in the housing, a display for displaying information from the timer circuit, and a multifunction input button. The input button is operable in predetermined sequences to select operating and display modes of the timer device. The input button can be operated to display an actual date or time, to display a current timer value, to select between count-up and count-down modes, and to increment a counter. An adhesive backing is provided for attaching the timer device to an object. A communications link is provided for interfacing the controller with an external programmer. A reset trigger is used to automatically reset the timer device when the object is moved in a particular way, such as when a lid is removed from a pill container.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to timer devices. In particular, the present invention relates to timer devices that can be attached to various objects and used to associate a particular time with the object.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many tasks in the home or in industry are time dependent. Food and pharmaceuticals are perishable. Equipment needs regular maintenance. With many of these time demands operating simultaneously (as they almost always do), it can be difficult to stay ahead of them and to prioritize those chores that need to be accomplished most urgently.
Some people use small, hand-written labels to mark the date that leftovers went into the freezer. Cars often carry small windshield tags reminding the driver of the next oil change date. Food carries "use by" dates. However, there remains a need for a multifunction device that consolidates all these applications and more using modern electronics to allow the device to be programmed for each particular application.
A variety of specific-use timer devices are known in the prior art for use with pharmaceuticals and pill containers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,936 (Ditzig) shows a timer device that adheres to the top surface of a medicine bottle cap. The timer device includes an LCD and an electronic counting means that counts from 1 second up to 24 hours, at which time it flashes until reset. The device is automatically reset each time a user presses upon the top face (e.g., when opening the bottle).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,504,153 (Schollmeyer et al.) discloses a pharmacist-programmable timer device that can be built into or attached to a lid of a pill bottle. The device can be programmed (using an external programmer) to generate audible and visible prompting cues at intervals specified by the prescription instructions. The device is automatically reset in response to removal of the cap from the pill bottle or by use of a reset button.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,016 (Zoltan) discloses a timer device that can be attached to a cap of a pill container and reused with fresh containers. The device includes an LCD that identifies the time when the pill container was last opened and the elapsed time since the cap was last off. A "cap-on" sensor is used to reset each time the cap is taken off.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,390 (Cardoza), U.S. Pat. No. 5,751,661 (Walters), U.S. Pat. No. 6,545,592 (Weiner), U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,571 (Wirtschafter), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,939,705 (Hamilton et al.) each disclose a timer device built into the cap of a pill bottle. These timer devices have automatic resets that are actuated when the cap is compressed or twisted.


The present invention relates to a method of forming an interlayer dielectric film in a semiconductor device. More particularly, the present invention selectively forms an insulating film spacer only at a region where a plug is formed between metal lines and removes the insulating film spacer at a region where the plug is not formed to lower the aspect ratio between the metal lines, in a process of burying an insulating material between the metal lines to electrically insulate them. Therefore, the present invention can easily bury the insulating material even between the metal lines having a narrow gap without voids.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to a method of forming an interlayer dielectric film in a semiconductor device, and more particularly to, a method of forming an interlayer dielectric film in a semiconductor device capable of easily burying an insulating material even between metal lines having a narrow gap without voids, in a process of burying the insulating material between the metal lines in order to electrically insulate them.
2. Description of the Prior Art
As a next-generation DRAM is developed, the length of a MOSFET channel used is significantly reduced and the minimum pitch size of word lines and bit lines is also gradually reduced. In a multi-layer metal structure system such as DRAM, further, a method by an insulating spacer is formed on the sidewall of a metal line using nitride or oxide in order to insulate the metal line and a metal plug, has been widely used, which further reduces the distance between the metal lines. In this case, upon deposition of IMD (inter metal dielectric), a gap filling comes to the front as a serious problem.
FIG. 1 shows a layout of a general 8F2 DRAM after the word lines and the bit lines are formed, FIGS. 2A˜2C are cross-sectional views of the device taken along lines A–A′, B–B′ and C–C′ in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 3A˜3C are cross-sectional views of the device taken along lines A–A′, B–B′ and C–C′ in FIG. 1.
Referring now to FIG. 1, FIGS. 2A˜2C and FIGS. 3A˜3C, a word line 13, a word line spacer 14, a first interlayer dielectric film 15, a bit line plug 16, bit lines 17, bit line spacers 18, second interlayer dielectric films 19 and a contact plug 20 are sequentially formed on a semiconductor substrate 11 in which a device isolation film 12 is formed, through a common process.
As mentioned above, in a multi-layer metal structure system such as DRAM, a method of a formation of an insulating spacer (word line spacer or bit line spacer) on the sidewall of a metal line using nitride or oxide has been widely used in order to insulate the metal lines (bit lines or word lines) and a metal plug (bit line plug or contact plug), which thus requires a higher intergeration of the device and further reduces the distance between the metal lines.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the device for explaining a gap filling problem depending on an increased aspect ratio;
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4A, in order to manufacture a DRAM, a word line 13, a word line spacer 14, a first interlayer dielectric film 15, a bit line plug 16, bit lines 17 and bit line spacers 18 are formed on a semiconductor substrate 11 in which a device isolation film 12 is formed, through a common process.
At this time, the distance "W" between the bit lines 17 is reduced by the width "L" of the bit line spacer, so that an actual distance "W′" between the bit lines is "W-2L".
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4B, with the bit lines 17 and the bit line spacer 18 formed, a second interlayer dielectric film 19 is formed on the entire surface for an electrical insulation with upper elements.
At this time, as the aspect ratio between the bit lines 17 is increased by the bit line spacer 18 and the speed where the second interlayer dielectric films 19 are formed below between the bit lines 17 is therefore further faster than that where the second interlayer dielectric films 19 are formed over the bit lines 17, voids A are generated below between the bit lines 17. This degrades an electrical characteristic of the device and reliability of the process.

Method of forming inter-dielectric layer in semiconductor device


An apparatus and method for reducing, preventing, lessening and treating the incidence and severity of Repetitive Strain Injuries ("RSI") comprising a combination of computer software and hardware that provides a "prompt" and system whereby the computer operator exercises their upper extremities during data entry and word processing thereby maximizing the excursion (range of motion) of the joints involved directly and indirectly in computer operation. In summary, the apparatus and method of the present invention includes 1) specialized target means with optional counters which serves as "goals" or marks towards which the hands of the typist are directed during prolonged key entry, 2) software that directs the movement of the limbs to and from the keyboard, and 3) software that individualizes the frequency and intensity of the exercise sequence.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to repetitive strain injuries and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for lessening the incidence and severity of repetitive strain injuries for those who frequently utilize a computer keyboard and mouse.
2. Description of the Background Art
Repetitive Strain Injuries (hereinafter "RSI") is an umbrella term which refers to strain injuries of the neuromusculoskeletal system. This syndrome may also be referred to as cumulative trauma disorder, repetitive use injuries, repetitive motion injuries, repetitive movement injuries or occupation overuse syndrome. RSI presumably result from fine fast repetitive activities which adversely affect the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, arms and shoulders of one or both upper extremities. For instance, it is believed that repeatedly twisting and turning the wrist and pronating and supinating the forearm may result in this type of injury. While the exact nature or cause of this syndrome is not known, repeated keystrokes, long periods using peripheral computer devices such as mice, trackballs etc. are felt to damage the soft tissues of the extremities. In short, any activity that puts repeated or prolonged strain on the hands and wrists is thought to be cumulative and harmful. Static holding or fine hand tracking is also harmful.
Carpal tunnel syndrome or compression/injury of the median nerve in the wrist carpus! is the most publicized RSI but not the only one. Tendinitis, tenosynovitis, capsulitis, myositis, neuritis, bursitis and epicondylitis are other related terms used interchangeably with the condition. In the past RSI has been frequently seen in musicians, scanners, splicers, meat cutters, sheep shearers and in other trades which employ fine repetitive movements of the hands for long periods. However, the explosion of the "information age", with the attendant increase in keying and data entry, has focused many health problems on the computer workstation.
The incidence of RSI is believed to increase when a computer operator (i.e., a secretary or data entry personnel) repeats the same movement countless times a day. For instance, if during typing a computer operator keys an average of five (5) keystrokes per word.times.60 words per minute this equals approximately 300 keystrokes per minute which on average equals roughly 18,000 keystrokes per hour.
Major symptoms include pain anywhere in the limb, numbness and tingling in the hands, clumsiness, heaviness, loss of coordination and strength in the hands, night pain and numbness, and tightness and stiffness in the upper limb(s). Physical signs included tender muscles and joints, loss of sensibility, increased coolness and sweating, decreased strength, motion and dexterity. For the most part, there is an absence of gross and microscopic inflammatory findings and characteristically most of the signs and symptoms fail to improve with conventional treatments. RSI may temporally respond to rest, splints, exercises and changes in position but the syndrome often returns quickly with the resumption of activity. End stages of the condition may be associated with symptoms which fail to improve with rest.
The cost associated with RSI in the workplace is significant. There is loss of productivity, compensated time out of work, bills for direct and indirect medical care, legal expenses for administering claims, expenses for employee retraining, increased indemnity and worker's compensation insurance.
Continued efforts are being made to change computer keyboards, peripherals and methods to reduce RSI. Consider background patents which illustrate, for example, the large number of keyboard and "mouse" devices designed to reduce and lessen the incidence of RSI such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,277 to Tajiri; U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,067 to Amborse which teaches a keyboard positioning system;
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,161,760 and 5,398,896 to Terbrack teach keyboard forearm, wrist and hand support devices for use in conjunction with the keyboard of a computer which are designed to reduce stress on the user's shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Using an external mouse or input device may remove at least one hand from the keyboard at a time, however, the fine status control required to manipulate these devices mimics the original injurious environment.
In addition, "ergonomic" devices designed to decrease repetitive strain injuries are disclosed in a number of patents. By way of example, note U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,384 to Spencer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,323 to Richard; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,210 to O'Brien et al. Furthermore, many large computer companies ship printed and/or on-line user guides which describe RSI symptoms and suggest alternatives including ergonomic changes.
Another grouping of background patents are those which disclose treatment methods and apparatus for treating common RSI such as carpal tunnel syndrome. By way of example, note U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,933 to Washburn; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,366,436 and 5,492,525 to Gibney; U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,058 to Fareed; U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,553 to Downes; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,657 to Feero. The patent to Feero teaches a method of alleviating carpal tunnel syndrome that is directed to a therapeutic manipulative method that in part reduces the inflammation and increases circulation about the flexor cavity.
There is software currently available, which through use of sound or screen messages monitors key activity and reminds the computer operator to take a break or stop data entry. Some of these software programs even "suggest" and illustrate exercises that a computer operator should perform at their station. Additionally, there are programs and company policies which strongly urge or mandate that computer operators periodically exercise and stretch after a given duration (usually after a half or full hour of input). Additionally, these software programs usually impose a break based upon either entry time or work. However, tracking work/clock time is not constant and influenced by many factors (i.e. comfort adjustments and telephone breaks). Additionally, none of the available software is designed to be utilized in conjunction with a specialized target mounted to a computer monitor.
There are many ergonomic devices available, and ergonomic consulting services which recommend flexing the wrists slightly with pads or slants which are affixed to or proximal to the keyboard, however, these devices rarely help because the computer operator continues to statically position their limbs.
While these programs and policies may aid somewhat in lessening the likelihood of RSI they do not address the root of the problem, specifically, compelling the computer operator to regularly remove their hands from the keyboard and carry out a series of exercises designed and timed to alleviate and prevent RSI.
Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,642 to Brown teaches a monitoring device that detects muscle strain and triggers an acoustic signal to indicate when an undesirable strain condition exists. U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,431 to Dempter teaches typing and mouse manipulation techniques and the methods for teaching these techniques which are designed to avoid repetitive strain injuries. The techniques taught by this patent are very complex and require the typist to constantly monitor and self-adjust the positioning of their hands, wrists and arms. Specifically, the second step of this method is that the typist strikes individual selected keys using coordinated finger, hand, wrist and arm movements approximately in the midrange of joint articulation, including, as required to strike a selected key. The patent to Dempster names these "leap frog type hand and arm", "swinging arm" or "in and out hand and arm" movements. However, the techniques taught by this patent are complicated and would not only require a great deal of instruction but in all likelihood would be readily abandoned by an individual typist because they require a typist to relearn typing skills and essentially start from square one. Also, the efficiency of these patents is directed to joint position at key impact rather than mobilizing the joints to improve their biological environment.
Efforts to improve the methods and apparatus to reduce RSI continue. The method and apparatus of the present invention is based upon the assumption that continuous and static hand and limb positioning at the computer terminal produces an unhealthy physiological environment for the upper anatomy. The apparatus and method of the present invention emphasizes the beneficial effects of active movement of human upper joints in conjunction with cessation of input activities. Specifically, the apparatus and method of the present invention prompts the computer operator to increase the mobility of their upper joints. Joint motion requires active muscle contraction. This physiologically mobilizes all para-articular soft tissues especially peripheral nerves which without such stimuli become static, abnormally sensitive and produce pain, numbness and hypersensitivity. These upper joint movements are needed continually and regularly during key input. Hourly breaks and daily exercise programs are far from ideal and are generally used as rest periods without proper active exercises.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improvement that overcomes inadequacies of the prior art devices and provides an improvement, which is a significant contribution to the advancement of the art.
Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method to reduce the incidence of RSI in computer operators.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method to prevent RSI in computer operators.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method to lessen RSI in computer operators.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method to treat RSI in computer operators.
A further object of the invention is to provide a new apparatus and method which direct the computer operator to exercise both upper extremities during data input.
A further object of the invention is to provide and apparatus and method which prompts the computer user to physically remove their hands from the computer keyboard and execute a sequence of exercises designed to maximize the mobilization of the joints of the upper extremities.
A further object of the invention is to provide a new apparatus and method which may be utilized in conjunction with already available commercial products and ergonomic adjustments.
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method for reducing the incidence of RSI which does not greatly reduce employee productivity, require a great deal or training or deviate from known methods of data entry.
A further object of the invention is to provide a method which can be readily modified to prevent, alleviate and improve RSI symptoms in all age groups.
The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objets of the invention. These objects should be construed to merely be illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention and the detained description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Apparatus and method for reducing repetitive strain injuries


A system and method for identifying, reporting, and evaluating a presence of a solid, liquid, gas, or other substance of interest, particularly a dangerous, hazardous, or otherwise threatening chemical, biological, or radioactive substance. The system comprises one or more substantially automated, location self-aware remote sensing units; a control unit; and one or more data processing and storage servers. Data is collected by the remote sensing units and transmitted to the control unit; the control unit generates and uploads a report incorporating the data to the servers; and thereafter the report is available for review by a hierarchy of responsive and evaluative authorities via a wide area network. The evaluative authorities include a group of relevant experts who may be widely or even globally distributed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates broadly to systems and methods for detecting, identifying, reporting, and evaluating presences of substances. More particularly, the present invention concerns a system and method for identifying, reporting, and evaluating a presence of a solid, liquid, gas, or other substance of interest, particularly a dangerous, hazardous, or otherwise threatening chemical, biological, or radioactive substance. The system comprises one or more substantially automated, location self-aware remote sensing units; a control unit; and one or more data processing and storage servers. Data is collected by the remote sensing units and transmitted to the control unit; the control unit generates and uploads a report incorporating the data to the servers; and thereafter the report is available for review by a hierarchy of responsive and evaluative authorities via a wide area network. The evaluative authorities include a group of relevant experts who may be widely or even globally distributed.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is often desirable to monitor for, identify, report, and evaluate a presence of a solid, liquid, gaseous, or other substance of interest. It will be appreciated, for example, that it has become highly desirable or even necessary, particularly in light of recent terrorist activities, to monitor for, identify, report, and evaluate any presence of threatening chemical, biological, or radioactive substances. Many less sinister substances, however, are also often the subject of monitoring, including, for example, pollutants; illegal or otherwise regulated substances; substances of interest to science; and substances of interest to agriculture or industry.
In the case of threatening substances, for example, detection devices are well-known in the prior art, ranging from the extremely simple to the exceedingly complex. Simple detection devices are typically narrowly capable of detecting and identifying a single substance or group of closely related substances. These extremely limited devices typically combine detection and identification into a single function by using a very specific test that can only detect the presence or non-presence of the specific substance and none other. An expensive and unwieldy collection of these simple devices would be needed in order to monitor or test for the wide variety of substances that might pose threats to health and safety. Unfortunately, providing such a collection of devices on a deployable mobile platform suitable for field testing substances whenever and wherever they may be encountered would be difficult and impractical at best. Furthermore, even if such a large and expensive mobile collection were created, it most likely could not be introduced into a suspect area in a timely manner and without undue risk to its operators. Additionally, unless multiple instances of each device are included in the collection, there is no redundancy to ameliorate failure, such as malfunction or mistake, by any particular device.
Furthermore, because these simple devices are often designed for stand-alone operation, integrating their systems, particularly their disparate operating and reporting systems, would be an exceedingly difficult and costly task. Relatedly, even if such integration were achieved, replacing an older version of a device with a newer version might well require substantial additional integration work, thereby providing a powerful disincentive for upgrading to newer and better devices whenever possible. Additionally, being substantially disparate and designed without concern for integration, these simple devices are unable to communicate or cooperate with one another in performing their respective functions. Thus, a particular detection device of the collection may be engaged in substantial and time-consuming testing while all other devices sit inefficiently idle.
Prior art complex detection devices are generally more broadly capable than the above-described simple devices, but they also suffer from a number of disadvantages. More specifically, increased capability is typically associated with an increase in operational complexity, requiring substantial investments in initial and continued training so that the complex devices can be used properly and effectively. Furthermore, the devices require substantial operational control by and interaction with a human operator either in physical contact or close proximity with the detection device. It will be appreciated that this necessarily exposes the operator to the substance being tested, thereby requiring the operator to wear extremely cumbersome protective gear. This gear, in turn, makes operating any small buttons, dials, or other input or control mechanisms on the device extremely difficult.
Relatedly, a lack of any substantial automation of the device means that testing can only be performed once the necessary human operator arrives on the scene, precluding both continuous monitoring and the fastest possible identification of the substance. Thus, only once there is reason to suspect that the substance is present (possibly as a result of animal or human deaths) might an order be given to deploy the human operator and the detection device. Thereafter, the human operator must travel to the scene and prepare for and perform the appropriate testing while wearing cumbersome protective gear and otherwise avoiding exposing himself or herself to the potentially hazardous substance. Furthermore, though it may be established that the substance is not one of the particular substances being tested for, actual identification of the substance may not be accomplished. During this very inefficient and time-consuming procedure, a large number of additional people may be exposed to the threatening substance depending on such factors as wind, rain, other weather conditions; insect, animal, or human movements; or other vectors.
Once a positive identification has been made or, at least, the presence of certain substances has been ruled out, the results observed by the operator of the device is typically reported to a remote team member using short range two-way radios. The remote team member must then transcribe or enter these reports before they can be relayed to a higher authority. This inefficient process further delays initiation of any response to the threat, and may introduce communication and transcription errors.
Additionally, prior art devices typically do not allow for quick and convenient removal and replacement of malfunctioning or obsolete components. When a malfunction occurs, the device must be taken out of service until appropriate maintenance can be performed by a qualified technician. When improved sensors or other components become available, the entire device must be replaced at substantial cost in order to obtain the benefit of improved performance. Relatedly, the devices are typically not customizable with regard to performance, capability, or cost.
Additionally, prior art devices typically have no capability to identify appropriate local, state, or regional contacts for reporting detection of a threatening substance. Typically, individual detection devices or collections of such devices are deployed by state or federal agencies and report only to a particular high-level authority rather than a local authority (e.g., city or county). Thus, once information has been gathered, it is disseminated, if at all, using a top-down model, which can result in substantial delay between initial notification of the state or federal authorities and notification of the local authorities who are charged with responding to the threatening situation, and can result in substantial confusion if the information is misinterpreted or miscommunicated as it is repeated up and down this chain. Furthermore, local authorities may have particular protocols or policies in place for such reporting that are not available or not followed when notifying them of the hazard or threat, thereby further undermining any possibility of a timely response to the situation.
Due to the above-identified and other problems and disadvantages in the art, a need exists for an improved system and method of identifying, reporting, and evaluating presences of substances, particularly threatening substances.

System and method for identifying, reporting, and evaluating presence of substance

Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC


Various examples are disclosed for placing virtual machine (VM) workloads in a computing environment. Ephemeral workloads can be placed onto reserved instances or reserved hosts in a cloud-based VM environment. If a request to place a guaranteed workload is received, ephemeral workloads can be evacuated to make way for the guaranteed workload.

Enterprises are increasingly utilizing cloud computing environments to run enterprise computing workloads. For example, enterprises are increasingly utilizing virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments and other virtualized computing environments to provide users with a consistent computing environment. Providing a VDI environment requires creating a virtualized version of a physical device, such as a server, a storage device, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or other computing resources that can accessed through a VDI client by a remote user. The enterprise might choose to provide a VDI environment by utilizing hardware provided by a third party cloud computing environment. In this scenario, a third party environment provides the servers, networking connectivity, and other physical resources. The third party environment also handles the task of managing the physical server environment by handling issues such as server redundancy, failover management, data redundancy, and other tasks. An example of a third party environment is Amazon Web Services, which can provide computing resources on an on-demand or on a fixed, reserved basis.
However, enterprise users might not have the capability to set up various types of workloads and deploy them in a third party environment on their own. For example, an information technology (IT) team might have the time or expertise to deploy a VDI environment, database servers, developer infrastructures, and other enterprise applications in a third party cloud computing environment that has its own interfaces, tools, and setup requirements. Accordingly, vendors can perform these services on behalf of enterprise customers. VMware Cloud™ is an example of such a service.
Enterprise customers can have varying types of workloads that they want deployed in a third party environment. Some workloads might be mission critical and they might be willing to pay for a guaranteed service level, such as a VDI environment. Other workloads might be less mission critical and the enterprise customer might want to pay less for a non-guaranteed or best-effort level of service, such as in the case of non-essential data processing application.

Cost-savings using ephemeral hosts in infrastructure as a service environments based on health score


A handoff implementing method in a mobile communication system having a planar structure, in which at least two BSCs are connected to at least two BTSs through a RAN. An MT transmits a first Handoff Request message containing its information and information about its anchor BSC to a target BTS when it moves to a handoff zone. Upon receipt of the first Handoff Request message, the target BTS transmits a second Handoff Request message containing the MT information and its information to the anchor BSC. Upon receipt of the second Handoff Request message, the anchor BSC transmits a traffic signal directed to the MT to the target BTS.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a handoff in a BTS (Base Transceiver System) in a mobile communication system, and in particular, to a method of implementing a handoff in a mobile communication system having a planar structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, an MT (Mobile Terminal) is connected to a BTS via a radio link and the BTS is connected to its higher layers via wired links in a mobile communication system. Existing mobile communication systems are connected to the Internet to deliver information on a larger scale, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
FIG. 1A illustrates the network configuration of a conventional mobile communication system. Referring to FIG. 1A, a PDSN (Packet Data Serving Node) or AGW (Access Gateway) 20 interconnected with an Internet 10 is located in the highest layer. A RAN-CN (Radio Access Network-Core Network) 30 is connected to the PDSN/AGW 20. BTSs (Base Transceiver Systems) 60-1 to 60-m are connected to a BSC 40-1 through a RAN-Access Network 50. Each BTS is connected to a BSC in its higher layer and BSCs are matched with BTSs in a 1-to-N correspondence. Hence, one BTS cannot be connected to two or more BSCs simultaneously.
FIG. 1B illustrates a network configuration under consideration for the future generation mobile communication system. Referring to FIG. 1B, all components are connected over a single network. Also in this mobile communication system, BSCs are matched with BTSs logically in a 1-to-N correspondence. From a physical aspect, the system has a planar structure but a hierarchical structure in effect like the system illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, each BSC is connected to at least two BTSs.
FIG. 2 illustrates the logical hierarchical network structure of the mobile communication having a planar structure. In this network, an inter-BSC handoff may be implemented in the same manner as in the above-described hierarchical network structure. This will be described with reference to FIG. 3.
FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict a handoff in the mobile communication system having a planar structure from an outward perspective but a hierarchical structure from an operational perspective.
Referring to FIG. 3A, an MT 80 is communicating with a source BTS #c 60-3. As the MT 80 roams, a handoff may occur. Referring to FIG. 3B, a handoff occurs when the MT 80 moves to a target BTS #b 60-2. At a conventional hierarchical handoff, a BTS is fixed to a specific higher-layer BSC. Therefore, the target BTS #b 60-2 is connected to a BSC #n 40-n which is in turn connected to the anchor BSC #1 40-1 of the MT 80 via a RAN 70.
The above hierarchical handoff will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a signal flow for performing an inter-BSC handoff in the conventional mobile communication network having a logically hierarchical structure.
Referring to FIG. 4, the MT 80 transmits a Handoff Request message containing its ID (i.e. its temporary number assigned for communication or its telephone number) to the target BTS #b 60-2 in step 100. In step 110, the target BTS #b 60-2 transmits a Handoff Request message containing the IDs of the MT 80 and the target BTS #b 60-2 to the target BSC #n 40-n. The target BSC #n 40-n transmits a Handoff Request message containing the IDs of the MT 80 and the target BSC #n 40-n to the anchor BSC#1 40-1 in step 120. Then the anchor BSC establishes connections to other devices connected to the MT 80 in step 130 and exchanges traffic with the MT 80 in step 140.
As illustrated in FIG. 3B, two paths are established for the MT 80, from the MT 80 to the anchor BSC #1 40-1 via the source BTS #c 60-3 and from the MT 80 to the target BSC #n 40-n through the target BTS #b 60-2. The target BSC #n 40-n is connected to the anchor BSC #1 40-1. Since the two BSCs operate together for the MT 80, unnecessary load is imposed on them. Moreover, the target BTS #b 60-2 transmits a signal to the anchor BSC #1 40-1 via the target BSC #n 40-n, which adds to the load of the RAN 70. As a result, time required for the handoff is prolonged.
When the handoff is completed as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the target BSC #n 40-n transmits a signal to the MT 80 via the target BTS #b 60-2. Since the target BTS #b 60-2 is connected to the target BSC #n 40-n which transmits traffic via the anchor BSC #n 40-1, the capacity load of the RAN 70 is increased and a data flow is delayed. Consequently, the inter-BSC handoff decreases the capacity of the RAN 70 and increases a transmission delay in the network of a planar structure.

Mobile communication system and method for implementing handoff


An interactive presentation system uses a presentation computer, a computer-controlled image projector and a projection screen, in which control of the presentation computer is accomplished by using a wireless optical pointer that projects an encoded control cursor onto the projection screen. The projected screen images are monitored by a video camera, and the control cursor is scanned, detected and decoded for emulating various keyboard commands and/or pointing device (mouse, touch pad, track ball) position-dependent cursor operations. The control cursor is reliably detected and its coordinate location is accurately determined on the basis of one or more primary image attributes, for example image intensity and image repetition rate, both of which are independent of monitoring angles and pointing device projection angles, and one or more secondary image attributes, for example image size, color and pattern. Neither of the primary attributes can be masked or obscured by the presence of background screen images or objects. Although the secondary attributes of the control cursor may be identical with the attributes of background images, reliable decoding of a computer command is assured since analysis and decoding of the secondary attributes are conditionally performed only after the control cursor image has been detected and captured (stored in memory for determination of coordinate location) on the basis of one or more of the independent attributes.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related generally to interactive presentation systems using a display computer, a computer-controlled image projector and a projection screen, and in particular to an interactive display system in which computer control is accomplished by using a wireless optical pointer to project an encoded control cursor onto the projection screen. The projected images are monitored by a video camera, and the control cursor is scanned, detected and decoded for initiating various keyboard commands and/or pointing device (mouse, touch pad, track ball) position-dependent cursor operations.
2. Description of the Related Art
Interactive image projection and display systems use technologies including ultrasonic, infrared and radio frequency (RF) techniques to provide increased user mobility relative to the computer processor and/or display screen. These technologies typically employ a transmitter and receiver to communicate control and status information between the operator and the computer. Display systems have been developed for remotely initiating various computer keyboard commands and/or pointing device (mouse, touch pad, track ball) position-dependent cursor operations, e.g., select, move, left click, right click and double click.
Conventional display systems use sensors positioned on the operator or on the computer, and/or on a display screen to detect movement of the user and/or a wireless pointing device relative to the sensors. While generally acceptable for some applications, these techniques may be subject to proximity or distance limitations. Likewise, these systems require complex and often expensive equipment that may not be readily adaptable to different facilities and may not meet the specific needs of large as well as small viewing audiences.
Portable laptop and notebook computers are now being used for graphical presentations and/or demonstrations, and large display screens are used for slide show presentations and computer generated images to large audiences. Many presentations, such as slide shows and the like, require relatively simple control of the computer during presentation. Commands that advance or reverse slides or initiate a display sequence require only a basic user interface or remote control to communicate with the computer.
More sophisticated presentations, for example computer generated web images containing browser-searchable on-line content, require a complex remote controller interface to effectively operate the computer and position the cursor on the presentation screen for browser control. At the display computer, either the presenter or an assistant controls the projected image by means of key strokes or pointing device (mouse, touch pad, track ball) manipulations to produce position-dependent cursor operations that position a cursor in the appropriate area of the computer monitor display screen, thus exercising control over content selection.
Improvements have been proposed in which an external control cursor is projected by an optical pointer and displayed on the presentation screen. The control cursor is monitored by a remote video camera, and an attribute of the control cursor, e.g., pattern, color, or pixel area size, is decoded and used to emulate a particular keyboard or pointing device operation for input as a command signal to the computer. One limitation of this arrangement is the difficulty in reliably differentiating and detecting the control cursor relative to background images, graphical content and objects projected onto the presentation screen.
Another limitation is that the shape or profile of the projected image of the control cursor may not be reproduced faithfully on the presentation screen unless the optical viewing axis of the monitoring camera and the projection axis of the optical pointer are in alignment. The positioning of the video camera and the optical pointer to provide ideal projection and monitoring angles is unlikely to occur in practice, since the projection orientation of the hand-held pointer will be constantly changing as the presenter moves about, resulting in distortion of the image shape and pixel area size.
There is a continuing interest in providing a system for remotely controlling the computer of an interactive image projection display system that will simplify command and control, while providing reliable execution of remote commands while using an optical pointer at various projection angles, especially in connection with the selection and display of rich content browser images, while giving the presenter improved mobility, thus allowing the presenter to focus his attention on the presentation while minimizing the actions needed to exercise control over content selection and computer operation.

Visual input pointing device for interactive display system


A method and a system in the classification of objects occupying a seat, in particular for the reliable control of the triggering of restraint systems in motor vehicles. Utilized are the dynamics of a person seated on the seat, based on the acceleration forces acting on the person. Using the variables of these forces and the force exerted on the seat cushion of the seat by the mass of the person and its change, there is a determination, as a redundant variable, the mass, the location of the center mass and other physical variables and these are used for the reliable classification.

To protect the occupants of a motor vehicle in accidents, seats of the motor vehicles have been provided not only with reversible restraint arrangements such as safety belts, but also with irreversible restraint arrangement such as airbags, which are triggered, for example pyrotechnically fired, when a collision is detected.
However, faulty firing or firing at the wrong time, even if an accident has occurred, may result in serious injuries that would not occur if the airbag were not fired or, in the case of multistage airbags, were fired in some other way. Furthermore, unnecessary firing must be avoided, especially when the seat is not occupied or is occupied only by an object and not a person.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,903 discusses systems for detecting child seats by sensors arranged in the seat surface, for example, or to detect the occupation state, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,147, by video monitoring, for instance.
However, this is still not sufficient. Instead, to avoid disadvantageous and sometimes even dangerous triggering in particular situations, it must be ascertained whether a person occupying the seat is tall or short, heavy or light, is close to the instrument panel or is leaning back in the seat. Depending on the individual situation, the restraint arrangement must be triggered in a variety of ways once an accident occurs, which applies in particular to an airbag able to be fired in several stages, again especially in the case of an airbag for a front-seat passenger. A division into groups, i.e., a classification, has shown to be sufficient.
For this purpose, the so-called OC system (occupant classification system) has been developed. This system is based on an empirically determined correlation between the body weight and the spacing of the ischiadic tubers of a person. As a result, a pressure profile may be acquired and analyzed with the aid of pressure sensors, which are arranged in a matrix-like manner in a seat. This analysis, first of all, also allows or provides for detecting whether or not the seat is occupied. Furthermore, a distinction may be made whether a child seat or some other object or a person is in an occupied seat.
If a person has been detected as object, a further classification may take place by a corresponding analysis of the pressure profile on the basis of empirical findings that correspond to the body size and the body weight of the seated person. Furthermore, using suitable sensors, the absolute weight of the object in the seat may be detected. For example, the weight of the seat with the object may be measured with the aid of foil strain gauges, for instance. On the other hand, the pressure differential between an occupied and an unoccupied seat using a sensor such as a pressure foil, installed in the seat itself, may be detected, thereby detecting the absolute weight of the object.
The conventional classification utilizes empirical findings, which in individual cases, which are of interest here, may provide wrong results in the control of the triggering of the restraint arrangement, however.

Method and system in the classification of objects occupying a seat


The invention allows providing a fixed access point for a terminal device. One of multiple access points is assigned to serve as a fixed access point for a terminal device based on a received identifier of the terminal device. A notification about the assignment of the fixed access point is transmitted to at least one of the terminal device and a gateway node serving the terminal device. As a result, Mobile IP based handover between GPRS and WLAN will be seamless. Furthermore, the invention allows using a dedicated gateway for infected terminals to provide quarantined access to network services.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to telecommunications. In particular, the invention relates to providing a fixed access point for a terminal device communicating with a packet data network via a mobile access system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years mobile access systems, i.e. systems which allow mobile access to packet switched data communication networks or packet data networks, have emerged. The access provided by mobile access systems is typically, although not necessarily, wireless. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or Wireless LAN) is an example of a mobile access system. A Wireless LAN allows a mobile user to connect to a packet data network through a wireless connection. A standard, IEEE 802.11, specifies the technologies for Wireless LANs.
Another example of a mobile access system is General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). GPRS also allows packet data transmission for mobile communication networks. GPRS is designed to support e.g. digital mobile telecommunication networks based on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. However, GPRS is not restricted to only GSM networks but supports also for example 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) based digital mobile telecommunication networks, or 3GPP systems for short.
Since the packet data networks typically utilize Internet Protocol (IP), Mobile Internet Protocol (Mobile IP) is typically utilized to provide mobility. Mobile IP is an extension to Internet Protocol aimed to provide mobility support for Internet Protocol. Using Mobile IP allows a terminal device to move from one link to another without changing its IP address (as seen by the layers above Internet Protocol) and yet be reachable by other terminal devices. Mobile IP is being developed by IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) and full specifications may be obtained e.g. from http://www.ietf.org.
Mobile IP basically implements a forwarding system. When a mobile terminal device, or mobile node, is on its 'home' network, it functions normally. When it moves to a different network, data packets are forwarded from its home network to its new location. This allows normal hosts and routers that do not implement Mobile IP to continue to operate as if the mobile node had not moved. The router on the home network that is responsible for catching data packets intended for the mobile node and forwarding them to the mobile node when it is moving is called a home agent. The mobile node is assigned a permanent or semi-permanent IP address called a home address. When the mobile node is moving, it is also assigned a new, temporary address called a care-of address. The mobile node, being away from home, informs its home agent of its current care-of address with a process called registration after which the home agent will be able to forward the data packets addressed to the home address of the mobile node on to the care-of address of the mobile node.
Mobile access systems interface with packet data networks via access points. In other words, the access point is a network entity providing an interface via which a mobile access system may access a packet data network. For example, in the case of General Packet Radio Service, a network node called a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) typically comprises one or more access points serving as interfaces to external IP networks such as the Internet, other mobile service providers' GPRS services, or enterprise intranets. In the case of Wireless LAN, a network node called Packet Data Gateway (PDG) typically comprises one or more access points serving as interfaces to packet data networks. In the case of GPRS, the interface is referred to as Gi interface, whereas in the case of Wireless LAN, the interface is referred to as Wi interface. It should be noted that the term 'access point' is sometimes used in prior art, particularly in relation to Wireless LAN, to refer to a base station to which a mobile terminal device connects over a radio link. However, herein the term 'access point' is strictly used to refer to the above described network entity providing an interface via which a mobile access system may access a packet data network.
A current object on the field of telecommunications is to enable interworking between various mobile access systems, such as between GPRS systems and Wireless LANs so that e.g. resources and services within a GPRS system may be accessed by Wireless LAN users and vice versa. As part of this object, it is intended to integrate access points associated with various mobile access systems into one network node. For example, it is intended to implement the functionalities of a Gateway GPRS Support Node, a Packet Data Gateway and a home agent in one network node.
However, while the integration of the functionalities of the Gateway GPRS Support Node, the Packet Data Gateway and the home agent into one network node facilitates interworking between various mobile access systems, it also creates further problems of its own.
One of these problems relates to handovers between GPRS and WLAN not being seamless. This problem is illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1b. FIGS. 1a-1b disclose a packet data network 101, a first gateway 102, a second gateway 103, a GPRS mobile access system 104, a WLAN mobile access system 105, a terminal device 106, a first home agent 107, a first WLAN access point 108, a first GPRS access point 109, a second home agent 110, a second WLAN access point 111 and a second GPRS access point 112. FIG. 1a illustrates a situation before a handover, whereas FIG. 1b illustrates the situation after the handover. As illustrated by arrow 113 in FIG. 1a, the terminal device 106 has GPRS access to the packet data network 101 via the GPRS mobile access system 104 and the first GPRS access point 109 at the first gateway 102. Furthermore, the terminal device 106 has registered itself with the first home agent 107 at the first gateway 102. Therefore, all the IP traffic to and from the terminal device 106 will be routed via the first home agent 107 at the first gateway 102, as illustrated by arrow 113.
A need may arise for the terminal device 106 to switch its mobile access from GPRS to WLAN. For example, the terminal device 106 may move to an area where GPRS reception is unacceptably poor but where WLAN reception is acceptable. The problem with prior art in such a situation is the randomness of the selection of the subsequent access point. When the terminal device 106 wants to create a WLAN or GPRS connection, it uses an Access Point Name (APN) to specify to which external packet data network it requires to establish a connection. In the example of FIGS. 1a-1b, the terminal device 106 uses an Access Point Name specifying the packet data network 101. When, as is often the case in real life implementations, there are multiple suitable access points corresponding to the specified Access Point Name, a Domain Name System server selects one of the multiple suitable access points. The selection by the Domain Name System server is typically random, due to e.g. load balancing issues. The Domain Name System server may utilize e.g. round robin in selecting the access point.
Therefore, in our example, the second WLAN access point 111 at the second gateway 103 will be selected by chance during the handover from GPRS to WLAN. Yet, at the same time, the IP traffic will still need to be routed via the first home agent 107 at the first gateway 102 since that is the home agent the terminal device 106 registered itself with. The result is illustrated in FIG. 1b. All the IP traffic to and from the terminal device 106 will be routed via both the second gateway 103 and the first gateway 102, as illustrated by arrow 114.
Obviously, in order to optimize routing it would have been desirable to be able to specifically select the first WLAN access point 108 which is located in the same gateway 102 as the home agent 107 used. However, due to the random nature of the prior art access point selection by the Domain Name System server, this is not possible. As a result, Mobile IP based handover between GPRS and WLAN is not seamless.
Yet another problem associated with prior art relates to isolating mobile terminal devices infected with viruses and other malicious software. As the mobile terminal devices are getting more software capabilities, they are also becoming more vulnerable to viruses. If a network can detect a misbehaving mobile terminal device, it should be able to either disconnect the terminal device from the network or it should be able to make sure that the misbehaving terminal device is not causing any additional damage to other terminal devices and network elements. In the latter case, one way is to use a dedicated gateway for infected terminals to provide quarantined access to services. However, since in prior art the Domain Name System server randomly selects the gateway, the terminal device access cannot be anchored to any dedicated gateway.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is to alleviate the problems described above and to introduce a mechanism that allows providing a fixed access point for a terminal device.

Fixed access point for a terminal device


When detecting that an other cellular phone device 1 is present in the vicinity of a local cellular phone device 1 through a short-range wireless communication unit 24, a CPU 11 receives and acquires a communication-partner ID from the other cellular phone device 1 through the short-range wireless communication unit 24. Next, the CPU 11 creates a e-mail indicating that the communication partner is present in the vicinity of the local cellular phone device based on the communication-partner ID. Further, the CPU 11 sends a predetermined communication terminal 4 of the created e-mail from a telephone communication unit 15 through a public mobile communication network 2.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device having a short-range communication unit which performs short-range communication with an other communication terminal and a long-range communication unit which performs long-range communication with another communication terminal through a network, a remote notification method and a recording medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, in a case where a child or an elderly goes out, if the child or the elderly does not contact the family, the family worries about the safety and the location where the child or the elderly is. Therefore, as disclosed in Unexamined Japanese Patent Application KOKAI Publications No. 2004-185329 and No. 2004-272330, conventionally known are technologies of regularly detecting a location where, for example, a child is present, and notifying a parent of information to that effect that the location where the child is present is a location other than, for example, an expected location when the child is at the unexpected location.
According to the technologies disclosed in the foregoing publications, a parent away from a child can figure out where the child is. However, it was difficult for the parent away from the child to figure out in what situation the child is and a situation around the child, such as whether or not the child is alone, whether or not the child is with a friend, and whether or not the child is with a stranger, even in using the foregoing technologies.
A family feels at an ease when a child goes out with a person whom the family knows well, but let us suppose that the child is separated from that well-known person at anywhere along the outgo. In such a case, even in using the foregoing technologies, the parent cannot figure out the current situation of the child if the child or the like does not make a contact with the family.
Such an inconvenience similarly occurs in a case where an observation target is a disabled person or an elderly.
In general, a child or an elderly is unfamiliar with operation of a cellular phone device. Accordingly, even in a case where the child or the elderly tries to notify a family of the current situation through an electronic mail, the child or the elderly often does not know how to operate the cellular phone to do notification. Further, the child or the elderly himself/herself even forgets making a contact with the family.

Mobile terminal device, remote notification method and recording medium

Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.


Methods, systems, and techniques for federating operations, in an optimized way using wide area networks are provided. Example systems provide an API for generating and handling federated requests as an aggregation. In one example Wide Area Network Aggregation System, WANAS provides an API, a connection manager, and connection iterators to manage inter-site connections and requests, and inter-pod requests and messaging. These components cooperate to distribute a task across multiple physically disparate sites using a representative connection to the site and fan out of requests to other pods within the site.

Connections across wide area networks are typically slow and may incur high latency or, even in some cases, be unreliable. Often times it becomes important to communicate with one or more systems across such networks while minimizing latency and maximizing bandwidth. For example, in large datacenter installations, each of which may support thousands of virtual remote desktops, it may be important to locate resources across many, perhaps even physically disparate sites, which are connected by wide area networks.
For example, a request from a first datacenter at one site to find a resource in another datacenter at a physically disparate second site connected over a wide area network (a WAN) may cause performance issues simply because the target server is connected via a WAN connection. In order to successfully find a server at the second site that can access the required resource, multiple WAN operations may be incurred, which are inherently slower compared to local area network operations typically used within the datacenter. This latency ultimately may not be acceptable in certain situations, such as to connect a user to his/her virtual desktop, especially when the user might be used to apparent immediate access (or close to immediate access) when attempting to connect to a desktop that resides within the user's "home" datacenter (at the first site).


A semiconductor device has a substrate and an electrode layer formed on the substrate, and the electrode layer includes a plurality of conductive layers and an insulating layer which are stacked, the insulating layer being interposed between two of the conductive layers adjacent each other, a through-hole being formed in each of the conductive layers lower than an uppermost conductive layer among the conductive layers, and the through-hole being filled with an insulating material.

The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional stacking type semiconductor device, a circuit board, and an electronic instrument. More particularly, the present invention relates to a semiconductor device having a configuration suitable for a three-dimensional stacking technology.
In order to reduce the size and weight of a portable electronic instrument such as a portable telephone, a notebook-type personal computer or a personal data assistant (PDA), various electronic parts such as a semiconductor chip provided in the electronic instrument have been reduced in size. Moreover, the space for mounting the electronic parts is extremely limited. Therefore, the package form of the semiconductor chip has been developed, and an extremely small package called a chip scale package (CSP) has been proposed.
Since the mounting area of the semiconductor chip manufactured by using the CSP technology is approximately equal to the area of the semiconductor chip, high-density mounting can be achieved.
However, since the electronic instrument is expected to be further reduced in size and increased in function in the future, it is necessary to increase the mounting density of the semiconductor chip.
In view of the above situation, a three-dimensional stacking technology as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2002-50738 has been proposed. This three-dimensional stacking technology achieves high-density mounting of semiconductor chips by stacking semiconductor chips having the same function or by stacking semiconductor chips having different functions, and interconnecting the semiconductor chips.
In the above-described three-dimensional stacking technology, the technology for interconnecting the semiconductor chips is extremely important. In order to allow the semiconductor device including a plurality of semiconductor chips to exhibit expected functions, interconnects must be formed conforming to the design, and reliability of the semiconductor device must be secured by securing the connection between the semiconductor chips.
A semiconductor chip used for the three-dimensional stacking technology has an electrode structure in which electrodes are formed on the upper and back surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, a through-hole is formed through the upper and back surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, and the upper and lower electrodes are electrically connected through the through-hole. The electrode formed on the back surface of one semiconductor chip is connected with the electrode formed on the upper surface of another semiconductor chip by stacking the semiconductor chips having such an electrode structure, whereby the semiconductor chips are interconnected.
In such a semiconductor device, the connection state, that is, the electrical connection state between the electrodes, is an important factor in securing reliability of the semiconductor device. In the case where an electrical connection failure occurs, malfunction may occur in the semiconductor device.
Therefore, in the case of stacking a plurality of electrode layers through insulating layers in order to prevent removal of the electrode, a through-hole must be formed in the electrode layers and the insulating layers, and a connection terminal must be inserted into the through-hole. However, the etching step of the electrode layers and the insulating layers is complicated, in which the etching conditions may be changed for each layer.

Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing three-dimensional stacking type semiconductor device, circuit board, and electronic instrument


An image formation system includes: a first image forming apparatus; a sheet inversion section; a second image forming apparatus; an image density detection section configured to detect a density of a first pattern image for a highest density adjustment and a density of a second pattern image for a half-tone density adjustment, each of the first and second pattern images being formed on a sheet in each of the first image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus; and an inter-apparatus density adjusting section. The inter-apparatus density adjusting section corrects a density control point and a light exposure energy on a basis of detection results of the first and second pattern images of the image density detection section, respectively. The first and second density control sections correct the density control point or the light exposure energy in accordance with a coverage rate of an image.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tandem-type image formation system including two electrophotographic image forming apparatuses connected together in tandem, in which an image is formed on a first surface (front surface or rear surface) of a sheet in the image forming apparatus disposed on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, and an image is formed on a second surface (rear surface or front surface) of the sheet in the image forming apparatus disposed on the downstream side. The present invention also relates to an density controlling method in the image formation system.
2. Description of Related Art
In general, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (such as a printer, a copy machine, and a fax machine) is configured to irradiate (expose) a uniformly-charged photoconductor (for example, a photoconductor drum) with (to) light based on image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor. The electrostatic latent image is then visualized by supplying toner from a developing device to the photoconductor on which the electrostatic latent image is formed, whereby a toner image is formed. Further, the toner image is directly or indirectly transferred to a sheet through an intermediate transfer belt, followed by heating and pressurization for fixing, whereby an image is formed on the sheet.
In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an image density control (also called "image stabilization control") is performed to stably maintain desired image quality. To be more specific, a toner pattern for density detection is formed on an image bearing member such as an intermediate transfer belt, and the density of the toner pattern (toner adhesion amount) is detected using a light sensor of a reflection type or a transmission type. Then, the image formation conditions such as the light exposure energy (light exposure time or light exposure output), charging voltage, developing bias voltage, rotational frequency of a developing roller are controlled based on the detection results such that the density of the toner pattern matches the target control density. The target control density is set in accordance with the level of density control points which are set in a stepwise manner. The light sensor used in the image density control is called "IDC (Image Density Control) sensor."
Furthermore, techniques have been proposed in which the image formation condition is controlled in accordance with the tendency of the coverage rate (coverage) in the case where image formation is continuously performed on a plurality of sheets (PTL 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 4995123 and PTL 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 4949672).
In recent years, in the field of the production print in which a high throughput is demanded, the tandem-type image formation system in which two electrophotographic image forming apparatuses in tandem are connected with each other is put in practical use. In general, in a tandem-type image formation system, a sheet inversion apparatus is disposed between an image forming apparatus on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction (hereinafter referred to as "upstream apparatus") and an image forming apparatus on the downstream side (hereinafter referred to as "downstream apparatus"). When duplex image formation is performed, first, an image is formed on a first surface of a sheet (front surface or rear surface) by the upstream apparatus, and then the sheet is inverted by the sheet inversion apparatus, and thereafter, an image is formed on a second surface of the sheet (rear surface or front surface) by the downstream apparatus.
Also in the above-described tandem-type image formation system, the image density control is performed in each of the two image forming apparatuses. However, the output performances of the IDC sensors of the image forming apparatuses may be different from each other. Therefore, even when the image density control of the same density control point is performed, the densities of the images actually formed on the sheet may not be the same. This may results in a difference in the density between the front and rear surfaces of the sheet, and a difference in the image quality between the front and rear surfaces.
In addition, in the case where two-component developer is used, a difference in the consumption amount of toner, or in other words, a difference in the amount of toner to be supplied, is caused due to a difference in the coverage rate of the original image data even when the density control point of the IDC sensor is corrected such that the image densities on a sheet are identical to each other between the upstream apparatus and the downstream apparatus at an initial stage of the image formation. In this manner, the development performance is changed, and consequently, a density difference between the front and rear surfaces may possibly be gradually caused.

Image formation system and density controlling method


A programmable logic device has subregions of programmable logic grouped together in logic regions. The subregions in each region share several control signals, which can be selected either from relatively global conductors on the device or from data inputs to the region. The control signals allow synchronous or asynchronous clearing of a register in each subregion. The control signals also allow synchronous loading of the register in each subregion, and the data loaded can be either one of the data inputs to the subregion (so-called lonely register operation) or a signal produced by the logic of the subregion.

This invention relates to programmable logic devices, and more particularly to the organization of the basic logic modules of such devices and the sharing of certain control resources by groups of logic modules on such devices.
The basic logic module of a programmable logic device may include a small random-access memory and a register (flip-flop). The memory may be programmable to produce an output signal which is any logical combination of several inputs applied to the memory. For example, the memory may be a four-input look-up table which is programmable to produce an output signal which is any logical combination of the four inputs to the look-up table. The logic module may also include programmable logic connectors ("PLCs") for allowing the output of the memory to be applied to a register for storage and subsequent output as a registered output of the logic module. Alternatively or in addition, PLCs of the logic module may allow the output of the memory to be output by the logic module without registration by the register (i.e., as a so-called unregistered or combinatorial output of the logic module). If the output of the memory is not applied to the register, then PLCs of the logic module may allow the register to store and output one of the logic module inputs (so-called lonely register use of the register).
From the foregoing it will be seen that a logic module requires various control signals in addition to data signals. These control signals include a clock signal for clocking the register, and they may also include signals for controlling such functions as clearing the register and loading the register. In addition, it may be desirable to perform at least some of these functions synchronously or asynchronously.
If all possible control functions of all logic modules on a programmable logic device are individually controllable, excessive amounts of control circuitry may be required on the device. Moreover, much of that control circuitry will be unused and therefore wasted in the vast majority of uses of the device. It is therefore desirable to find configurations of logic module control circuitry that avoid such excess, but that still provide sufficient capability and flexibility of use that the device can meet the needs of a very wide range of users.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of this invention to provide improved programmable logic devices.
It is a more particular object of this invention to provide improved control circuitry for logic modules and groups of logic modules on programmable logic devices.

Logic region resources for programmable logic devices


To provide an electric potential measuring device which is useful in realizing size reduction, high sensitivity, and high reliability. The electric potential measuring device includes: an oscillating device which includes torsion springs, and an oscillating body axially supported by the springs to oscillate; and signal detecting unit which is located on a surface of the oscillating body. A capacitance between the detection electrode and a surface of an electric potential measuring object is varied by varying a distance therebetween by the oscillating device, whereby an output signal appearing on the detection electrode is detected.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus of, for example, the type which has a photosensitive drum and forms an image by an electrophotographic process, it is necessary to appropriately (typically, uniformly) charge a photosensitive drum in any environmental conditions, in order to always secure stable image quality. To this end, charged potential of the photosensitive drum is measured by using an electric potential measuring device (electric potential sensor), and a feedback control is carried out by utilizing a result of the measurement so as to secure uniform electric potential distribution over the photosensitive drum.
For the conventional electric potential sensor, a non-contact electric potential sensor is known, and especially, the electric potential sensor of the so-called mechanically modulated alternating electric field induction type is frequently used. In this type of potential sensor, electric potential on a surface of a measuring object is a function of the amplitude of current derived from a detection electrode contained in the potential sensor, and the current is mathematically expressed by the following equation:i=dQ/dt=d[CV]/dt  (1)where Q is an amount of charge appearing on the detection electrode, C is a coupling capacitance between the detection electrode and the measuring object, and V is an electric potential on a surface of the measuring object. The coupling capacitance C is given by the following equation:C=AS/x  (2)where A is a proportional constant, which includes the dielectric constant of material, S is an area of the detection electrode, and x is a distance between the detection electrode and the measuring object.
An electric potential V on a surface of the measuring object is measured by using the relation among those items. It is known that to exactly measure a charge amount Q appearing on the detection electrode, it is preferable to periodically modulate the magnitude of the capacitance C between the detection electrode and the measuring object. The following methods for modulating the magnitude of the capacitance C are known.
A first modulating method is to effectively modulate the area S of the detection electrode. As for a typical example of this method, a fork-shaped shutter is placed between the measuring object and the detection electrode. The degree of shutting-off of lines of electric force which reaches the detection electrode from the measuring object is varied by periodically moving the shutter in a direction parallel to a surface of the measuring object. In this way, the area of the detection electrode is effectively varied to realize the modulation of the capacitance C between the measuring object and the detection electrode (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,682).
In another example of the modulating method, a shielding member with an aperture is disposed at a place facing the measuring object. A detection electrode is provided at a tip of a vibrating element shaped like a fork. The detection electrode is displaced just under the aperture in a direction parallel to the measuring object. In this way, the number of lines of electric force reaching the detection electrode is modulated to thereby modulate the capacitance C (see U.S. Pat. No. 3,852,667).
A second modulating method is to periodically vary a distance x between the detection electrode and the measuring object. In a typical example of this method, a detection electrode is provided at a tip of a cantilever-like vibrating element. A distance X between the measuring object and the detection electrode is periodically varied by vibrating the cantilever-like vibrating element, whereby the capacitance C is modulated (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,078).
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,451 discloses an electrostatic measurement apparatus having a single balanced beam.
More specifically, it discloses the following apparatus. That is, there is disclosed an apparatus for measuring the magnitude of an electrostatic field, comprising:                a balanced beam vibratory element;        means for resiliently supporting said balanced beam vibratory element;        drive means for vibrating said balanced beam vibratory element; and an electrode, operatively associated with said balanced beam vibratory element, for sensing a capacitive coupling relationship with the electrostatic field and thereby producing a signal indicative of the magnitude of the electrostatic field during modulation of the coupling relationship.
In the technical circumstances as stated above, recently, with the trend of reduction of the photosensitive drum diameter and increase of the density of the arrangement of related components disposed around the photosensitive drum, the size reduction and the thinning of the electric potential sensor are required. In the currently used potential sensor of the mechanically modulated alternating electric field induction type, an internal volumetric space of the sensor structure is almost occupied by the component parts of the drive mechanisms for driving the fork-shaped shutter or for vibrating the cantilever-like vibrating element, and others. Accordingly, the size reduction of those drive mechanisms is essential for reducing the size of the electric potential sensor.
The current output as an output signal from the potential sensor of the mechanically modulated alternating electric field induction type is obtained from the following equation based on the equations (1) and (2):i=d[AVS/x]/dt  (3)As described above, with size reduction of the electric potential sensor, the area S of the detection electrode becomes small. As a result, the sensor output current "i" also becomes small, and the output signal from the sensor is easily influenced by external noise. The sensor is structured as an assembly of individual component parts. Thus, problem remains unsolved in terms of the size and cost reduction.

Electric potential measuring device using oscillating device, image forming apparatus, and electric potential measuring method