Methods and systems for providing Intelligent Network services are provided. Signaling probes separate from a switch listen to traffic on a signaling network wherein the switch communicates with other switches and subscriber equipment. Events identified within the signaling traffic are communicated to a Service Contact Point (SCP) via an ancillary network such as a packet switch network. Optionally, the SCP relays a command to the switch in response to the detected event.

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the backbone for providing telephony services to business and individuals in the United States. The PSTN includes a number of switches, generally designated as Service Switching Points (SSPs), for interconnecting a calling party's line to a called party's line. Prior to the 1960's, to complete a call between a calling party and a called party, signaling would occur over the trunk circuits between the switches to ensure that the called party was not busy and to establish a connection between the two parties. This earlier version of the PSTN was rather inflexible in that changes to the PSTN could only occur with the replacement of the hardware in the PSTN. For instance, at this time, the SSPs were hard-wired and had to be replaced with a new SSP in order to update the switch's capability. The switches, however, could not be quickly updated since the standards and specifications had to be well-defined for the various switch vendors. To address the delays in updating switches, these hard-wired SSPs were ultimately replaced with SSPs that had stored program control (SPC). As a result, rather than replacing an entire SSP, the SSP could be modified to enable a new feature simply by updating the software in the SSP. Even with SPC in the SSPs, the PSTN was still limited in the services that the PSTN could provide.
A major advancement to the PSTN occurred in the mid-1970's with the introduction of Signaling Transfer Points (STPs) and Signaling System number 7 (SS7) protocol. With the addition of SS7 and STPs to the PSTN, call setup information is routed over a signaling network formed between the STPs and no longer occurred directly over the trunks. For instance, a calling party's SSP would send a data query from one of its associated STPs to an STP associated with the called party. The called party's STP would then determine whether the called party's line was idle and would perform the necessary signaling over the SS7 data network to connect the call. Thus, whereas before call setup signaling would occur over the voice trunks, the STPs and SS7 signaling bypass this traffic away from the voice trunks and onto dedicated data lines. As a result, the capacity of the PSTN to carry voice calls was greatly increased.
In the mid-1980's, demand for additional services from the PSTN resulted in the Intelligent Network. In general, the Intelligent Network provides service logic external to the SSPs and places this logic in databases called Service Contact Points (SCPs). To accommodate in the Intelligent Network, the SSPs have software to detect service-specific features associated with the Intelligent Network. The software in the SSPs define hooks or "triggers" for the services that require use of an SCP. In response to a trigger, an SSP queries an associated SCP for relevant routing information. For instance, the Intelligent Network permits 800 service and calling card verification service, both of which require a query from the SSPs to the SCP through an STP and the return of routing information to the SSP through an STP. A Service Management System (SMS) was also introduced into the PSTN with the Intelligent Network and provides necessary support in service creation, testing, and provisioning. The SMS communicates with the SCPs and provides software updates to the SCPs.
The demand for increased capabilities has more recently transformed the Intelligent Network into an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). The AIN differs from the Intelligent Network in that the AIN provides service independent capabilities whereas the Intelligent Network was limited to service-specific capabilities. AIN provides a high level of customization and builds upon basic services of play announcement, digit collection, call routing, and number translation. Some examples of AIN services include abbreviated dialing beyond a central office, do not disturb service for blocking calls from certain numbers or at certain times, and area number calling service which allows a company to have one advertised telephone number but to have calls routed to a nearest business location.
In recent years, the explosive growth of the mobile industry as well as new products such as prepaid services have placed ever increasing demands on the Intelligent Network. Examples of services for which there is a need to implement in the Intelligent Network include Location Based Services such as location based advertising or wireless 911, prepaid wireless and wireless callbacks.
FIG. 1 provides a simplified diagram of the architecture of an exemplary Intelligent Network. Subscriber Equipment SE 110, such as a telephone, a mobile station, a computer, or a fax, for example, is connected via a first signaling network 118 to a SSP 102 or via a Network Access Point NAP. The SSP 102 provides the user with access to the network and attends to all necessary dialing functions. The SSP is also able to detect the need for an Intelligent Network service request. In functional terms, the SSP includes call management, routing, and service dialing functions. Furthermore, SSPs are capable of communicating with other SSPs 112 across the first signaling network 118. It is noted that appropriate switching network protocols include SS7 protocols, such as global system for mobile communications (GSM) and code division multiple access (CDMA), or data network protocols, such as general packet radio service (GPRS), universal mobile telephone system (UMTS) and 1XRTT (also known as CDMA2000). The SSPs 102 communicate using a second signaling network 104 with at least one of the SCPs 106, which include Service Logic Programs SLP, which are used to produce network services. Thus, the SCPs 106 are capable of communicating with switches in appropriate protocols (e.g. INAP, WIN) for setting up triggers, accepting trigger events, and responding with instructions. It is noted that the second signaling network 104 is also used to switch calls.
Each SCP is optionally connected to one or more Service Data Points (SDP) 108. The Service Data Point SDP 108 is a database containing such data about the subscriber and the Intelligent Network which the SCP service programs use for producing individualized services. The SCP uses SDP services directly by way of a signaling or data network.
The optional Intelligent Peripheral IP 114 provides special functions, such as announcements, and voice and multiple dialing identification.
One exemplary protocol commonly used in the second signaling network is SS7, a known signaling system described in the Specifications of Signalling System No. 7 of the CCITT (nowadays ITU-T), Melbourne 1988.
Thus, in the course of operations a SCP 106 routes a plurality of requests to establish triggers over the second signaling network 104 to one or more SSPs 102. Triggers correspond to specific or general event detected at the switch 102, including the dialing of a toll-free number such as a '800' number, a call reaching subscriber with a particular number, the dialing of a specific number starting with '011' by a particular subscriber, an off-hook event, a mobile subscriber entering a specific cell region, and so on. Whenever an event matching the conditions of the trigger is detected at the switch 102, the switch 102 stops, sends a message over the second signaling network 104 informing an SCP 106 of the event, and awaits instructions, which are routed back to the SSP 102 over the primary signaling network 104. Examples of instructions that the SCP 106 sends to the switch 102 include commands to continue as normal, terminate the call, transfer the call to a particular subscriber, transfer the call to an "Intelligent Peripheral" (IP)—which may play a prompt, collect dialed digits, etc.
FIG. 2 provides a simplified flow chart describing the aforementioned event handling mechanisms from the perspective of the switch 102. In general, the switch (SSP) 102 operates 206 according to a set of triggers which have been set 204 according to instructions 202 received over the second signaling network 104 from an SCP 106. When, in the course of operation an event transpires, the SSP must handle the event 208. Block 210 indicates that if the event does not match any of the triggers, the switch 102 proceeds to operate 204 as before, but if the event does match a trigger, the switch 102 must inform 212 the SCP 106 of the event, where this information is communicated over the second network 104. The switch 102 then waits 214 for a response from the SCP 106, which is sent to the switch 102 over the second signaling network 104. Upon receiving the instructions 216, the switch 102 responds to the event 218, and reverts to normal operating mode 206.
This aforementioned architecture presents a myriad of possible problems. First of all, it is noted that the SCP 106 and the switch (SSP) 102 communicate through the second signaling network 104, which is part of the primary signaling network (mostly the SS7 network). This network is a most critical network inasmuch as it is responsible for the most basic services of the network: switching calls. When Intelligent Network communication is excessive, it can harm or even overwhelm the signaling network. This is considered risky, and potential outages are unacceptable.
Furthermore, the need for the switches 102 (SSP) to handle triggers imposes an additionally processing load on the switch itself. Once again, this is unacceptable because the switch 102 is also responsible for switching calls. If these triggers are few or only pertain to a small number of events, then this load is insignificant. But, many applications require setting up triggers for large groups of subscribers, and for widespread events. For example, pre-paid wireless subscribers applications require a trigger for each and every call the subscriber makes, as well as a periodic trigger in order to verify at each stage that the subscriber has the appropriate positive balance to proceed with the call. Location based services, which require the location of each subscriber of a cellular network, are implemented by setting up a trigger for the event of a subscriber moving from one cell to another. As the volume is Intelligent Network services offered subscribers increases, the number of triggers increases, concomitantly increasing the load imposed upon the SCP 106 which creates the triggers, the switching network 104 which communicates the triggers, and the switch 102 which identifies events that satisfy the conditions imposed by the triggers, and handles the responses to the triggered events.
It is noted that the aforementioned problems are exacerbated by the current trends wherein carriers are continually extending the portfolio of specific services they offer to customers, especially mobile services.
One approach for handling overloaded switches and/or signaling networks is simply to add extra network capacity, including switches with more CPUs, more powerful CPUs and more memory, as well as switching equipment to bolster the primary switching network. One diagnostic approach is the deployment of load measuring means, usually signaling probes capable of passively observing switches as well as other primary signaling network components in order to detect the load on the switch and/or signaling network. Knowledge of component overload is then relayed to the appropriate authorities in order to repair and/or upgrade overloaded networks.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,972 discloses a monitor probe for a communications signaling network, such as an SS7 network, arranged to determine its own location on the signaling network by watching for a particular type of message which carries the required information in its routing label.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,295,351 discloses method and system to invoke a check of a service package application (SPA) with respect to a communication as the communication is routed through the telecommunications system.
U.S. published patent application 2001/0019606 discloses a method of controlling service execution in an Intelligent Network, including at least one switching point (SSP) and several service programs (SLP).
U.S. published patent application 2002/0034190 discloses a system that uses Idle cellular resources for voice and data services.
U.S. published patent application 2004/0013251 discloses a communication interface between pc's and auxiliary platforms in an Intelligent Network There is an ongoing need for apparatus and methods for enabling the SCP and SSP to provide Intelligent Network services using fewer system resources, obviating the need for expensive switch upgrade or capacity expansion in order to provide more Intelligent Network services. Preferably, the apparatus and methods also enable a load reduction on the primary signaling network which is responsible for switching calls. There is an ongoing need for a more robust Intelligent Network architecture, where more Intelligent Network tasks are performed using components not responsible for primary network functioning.


This invention relates to certain peptides and linear and cyclic analogs thereof that bind to the mu (morphine) opiate receptor with higher affinity, selectivity and potency than currently available peptides. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical preparations containing an effective amount of the peptides or salts thereof, and methods for providing analgesia, relief from gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, and therapy for drug dependence containing a pharmaceutically effective amount of the peptides.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to peptides that bind with high affinity and selectivity to the mu (morphine) opiate receptor; pharmaceutical preparations containing an effective amount of the peptides or salts thereof; and methods for providing analgesia, relief from gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, and therapy for drug dependence containing an effective amount of the peptides.
2. Description of Related Art
Many peptides have been found that exhibit opiate-like activity by binding to opiate receptors. Three different types of opiate receptors have been found: delta (.delta.), kappa (.kappa.) and mu (.mu.). The major putative function for opiates is their role in alleviating pain. Other areas where opiates are well-suited for use in treatment are conditions relating to gastrointestinal disorders, schizophrenia, obesity, blood pressure, convulsions, and seizures. Although the .delta. and .kappa. receptors may also mediate analgesia, activation of .mu. receptors is the primary and most effective means of inducing analgesia, and is the primary mechanism by which morphine acts.
To date, opiates, opioid peptides, and analogs thereof, have demonstrated a limited degree of specificity and selectivity for the receptor or receptors to which they may bind. The less selective and specific an opiate may be, the greater the chance that increased side effects from the administration of the material will be observed. When an opiate activates more than one receptor, the biological response profile for each receptor is affected, thereby potentiating a spectrum of side effects which may or may not be adverse. Such adverse side effects include heaviness of the limbs, flush or pale complexion, clogged nasal and sinus passages, dizziness, and depression. Compounds that activate .kappa. receptors frequently induce dysphoria.
Peptides have been identified in mammalian brain that are considered endogenous agonists for .delta. (enkephalins) and .kappa. (dynorphins) opiate receptors, but none show clear preference for the .mu. receptor. Tyr-W-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Trp-Gly-NH.sub.2) (SEQ ID NO:27) is an endogenous peptide isolated from human (1) and bovine (2) brain with opiate-related activity in the guinea pig ileum (1,2,3) and in tests of analgesia (4,5,6). It is highly selective for .mu. over .delta. and .kappa. receptors (>200- and 300-fold), but its .mu. receptor affinity (Ki=70 nM) is relatively low (7). Numerous analogs have been made, most of which are based on modifications of the naturally occurring enkephalins that prefer the .delta. opiate receptor, or dynorphins that prefer the K receptor. In addition, most of these analogs are relatively hydrophilic, limiting their access to the central nervous system.
Because morphine and other compounds with clinical usefulness act primarily at the .mu. receptor, endogenous peptides with high affinity and selectivity for this site would be of considerable importance. These peptides, and analogs based on such peptides, that have a natural selectivity for the .mu. receptor would be advantageous for activating the .mu. receptor. It would also be desirable to synthesize these peptides in a simple, efficient, and economical manner to facilitate the preparation of suitable quantities for toxicological studies and commercial suppliers while retaining the optical integrity of the desired materials.

Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund


The present invention relates to regulation of lymphocyte activation. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding PAK2, which is involved in modulation of lymphocyte activation. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents, including small organic molecules, peptides, circular peptides, antibodies, lipids, antisense nucleic acids, and ribozymes, that modulate lymphocyte activation via modulation of PAK2; as well as to the use of expression profiles and compositions in diagnosis and therapy related to lymphocyte activation and suppression.

The immune response includes both a cellular and a humoral response. The cellular response is mediate largely by T lymphocytes (alternatively and equivalently referred to herein as T cells), while the humoral response is mediated by B lymphocytes (alternatively and equivalently referred to herein as B cells). Lymphocytes play a number of crucial roles in immune responses, including direct killing of virus-infected cells, cytokine and antibody production, and facilitation of B cell responses. Lymphocytes are also involved in acute and chronic inflammatory disease; asthma; allergies; autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, pernicious anemia, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, IDDM, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Crohn's disease; and organ and tissue transplant disease, e.g., graft vs. host disease.
B lymphocytes produce and secrete antibodies in response to the concerted presentation of antigen and MHC class II molecules on the surface of antigen presenting cells. Antigen presentation initiates B cell activation through the B cell receptor (BCR) at the B cell surface. Signal transduction from the BCR leads to B cell activation and changes in B cell gene expression, physiology, and function, including secretion of antibodies.
T cells do not produce antibodies, but many subtypes of T cells produce co-stimulatory molecules that augment antibody production by B cells during the humoral immune response. In addition, many T cells engulf and destroy cells or agents that are recognized by cell surface receptors. Engagement of the cell surface T cell receptor (TCR) initiates T cell activation. Signal transduction from the TCR leads to T cell activation and changes in T cell gene expression, physiology, and function, including the secretion of cytokines.
Identifying ligands, receptors, and signaling proteins downstream of TCR, as well as BCR, activation is important for developing therapeutic regents to inhibit immune response in inflammatory disease, autoimmune disease, and organ transplant, as well as to activate immune response in immunocompromised subjects, and in patients with infectious disease and cancer (see, e.g., Rogge et al., Nature Genetics 25:96–101 (2000); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,518,911; 5,605,825; 5,698,428; 5,698,445; 6,013,464; and 6,048,706).

PAK2: modulators of lymphocyte activation


An acceleration sensor detects an acceleration. A timer measures elapsed time. A calculation means calculates jerk J of a remote controller on the basis of an acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. A factor determination means determines whether a user is holding the remote controller in his/her hand on the basis of the change of the jerk J that is obtained from an index value calculated by the calculation means and an amount of time measured by the timer. A sleep control means turns on display of a display if the factor determination means determines that the user is holding the remote controller in his/her hand.

A household electrical appliance such as an air conditioner or a television is provided with a remote controller, as an accessory, for remotely operating the household electrical appliance. A remote controller generally includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a backlight to display a temperature and humidity if the remote controller is for an air conditioner, for example.
In a conventional remote controller, if the temperature and humidity are always displayed, the battery power is wasted and the frequency of battery replacement and charge increases, increasing the work burden on the user.
Given that, a remote controller with a vibration sensor is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). In this remote controller, once the vibration sensor detects a vibration caused by a user holding the remote controller in his/her hand, the LCD display is turned on, and then once a predetermined amount of time has passed after the user completes his/her operation, the LCD display is turned off. This reduces power consumed by the remote controller. Since the LCD display is turned on immediately after the vibration sensor detects that a user is holding the remote controller in his/her hand, operability is not impaired.
Meanwhile, a mobile terminal device that can differentiate the vibration caused by a user's running and walking and a dropping of the mobile terminal device is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Literature 2).

Electrical device, control method, and program


A method includes receiving, at a first wireless device, from a second wireless device, content and an identification of the second wireless device, over a peer-to-peer wireless communication link. The received content is rendered and verification information containing the identification of the second wireless device and an identification of the received content is generated at the first wireless device. The verification information is then encrypted at the first wireless device using an encryption key. Apparatus and a computer program product counterparts to the method are also disclosed.

The development of fixed and mobile broadband technologies and more powerful mobile handsets have boosted popular usage of content distribution services on mobile handsets.
Mobile broadcast solutions have been standardized by different organizations, such as the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS). 3GPP multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) enables resource-efficient delivery of multimedia content to the mobile users. A multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) client can receive content via download delivery, streaming delivery, a combination of streaming delivery and download delivery, and/or other delivery methods.
Multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) is a 3GPP Release 6 (Rel-6) feature, which may be deployed by network operators where it is cost efficient to have the broadcast/multicast distribution of content. When multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) subscribers move to other areas, where there is no multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) coverage, the network operator may distribute the multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) content in a unicast mode.
Multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) introduces the concept of a point-to-multipoint service into a 3GPP system. A requirement of a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) user service is to be able to securely transmit data to a given set of users. In order to achieve this, there needs to be a method of authentication, key distribution and data protection for a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) user service. This means that multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) security is specified to protect multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) user services, and it is independent on whether multicast or broadcast mode is used. A similar concept is used by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) in their OMA Broadcast specifications.
With the explosive growth of media content consumption, the number of media servers to provide streaming services is required to be increased almost linearly with the number of users. In addition, centralized streaming media servers require considerable demands towards the bandwidth of the backbone IP network. So it is required to deploy more and more edge servers close to user equipments (UE) to guarantee service quality with the increasing number of users.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) technology can be used between edge servers and user equipments (UE) to relieve the above problem with regard to coverage area and network load. Not only the edge servers handle the requests from its locally served user equipments (UE), but also they can handle the requests transferred from the neighboring edge servers. Similarly, if the user equipment's (UE) capabilities permit, the user equipment (UE) can offer spare uplink bandwidth and storage space while obtaining data, and uploads data to other requested destinations. Content is transmitted in a segmented manner, and most of the traffic can be spread across the edge of the network, which helps reduce the storage and bandwidth demands of centralized servers. Therefore, the system capability is improved along with the increasing number of edge servers and user equipments (UE). To utilize peer-to-peer (P2P) technology efficiently, a proper interaction between the peers is needed. Such interaction can be controlled by the network but a user may have verification for participating in the peer-to-peer (P2P) content distribution.

Verification of peer-to-peer multimedia content


A system for and method of determining and compensating for the effect of a field influencing object on a field sensor, preferably a coil, that is within a navigational domain. The navigational domain contains navigational magnetic energy and disturbing magnetic energy, and the field influencing object produces the disturbing magnetic energy in response to the navigational magnetic energy. The correction system includes a first transmitter for projecting into the navigational domain field energy in a first waveform sufficient to induce a first signal value in the sensing coil. The system also includes a second transmitter for projecting into the navigational domain field energy in a second waveform sufficient to induce a second signal value in the sensing coil. The system further includes a signal processor for receiving the first signal value and for receiving the second signal value to determine the effect of the electrically conductive object on the field senior. In other embodiments, the correction system may utilize a second sensing coil to receive and process an alternate aspect of the field energy from a position that is different from the first field sensor, or the system may utilize a storage device that contains information relating to the effect of the field influencing device within the navigational domain.

Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The following United States patent applications, which were concurrently filed with this one on Oct. 28, 1999, are fully incorporated herein by reference: Patient-shielding and Coil System, by Michael Martinelli, Paul Kessman and Brad Jascob; Navigation Information Overlay onto Ultrasound Imagery, by Paul Kessman, Troy Holsing and Jason Trobaugh; Coil Structures and Methods for Generating Magnetic Fields, by Brad Jascob, Paul Kessman and Michael Martinelli; Registration of Human Anatomy Integrated for Electromagnetic Localization, by Mark W. Hunter and Paul Kessman; System for Translation of Electromagnetic and Optical Localization Systems, by Mark W. Hunter and Paul Kessman; Surgical Communication and Power System, by Mark W. Hunter, Paul Kessman and Brad Jascob; and Surgical Sensor, by Mark W. Hunter, Sheri McCoid and Paul Kessman.
The present invention relates to a navigation system for medical devices based on the use of magnetic fields. More particularly, this invention relates to a method and system for determining the position and orientation of a catheter probe being used during a surgical procedure in the presence of extraneous objects that may introduce extraneous magnetic fields.
Systems and methods for determining the position and orientation of surgical probes based on the use of magnetic fields are known. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,939, herein incorporated by reference. Such systems and methods generally rely on the ability to solve a known equation for a known field strength in order to obtain the unknown position and orientation variables. Although the focus here is a rigid catheter probe of known length, width and depth, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the techniques discussed here are equally applicable to other types of probes; for example, the techniques discussed here may be adapted to the use of a flexible probe.
In general, if the position in three-dimensional space of two points within the rigid probe is known, then the position and orientation of the probe itself is known. Each unknown point P in space corresponds to three unknown variables as shown in FIG. 1. These variables can be what are commonly called x, y, and z in a Cartesian system as is shown in FIG. 1, or they can be the variables r, xcex8, and xcfx86 as are commonly used in spherical coordinates also as shown in FIG. 1. Two unknown points in space correspond to 6 unknown variables. However, when the two points are on a rigid catheter, and when the separation of the two points is known, one unknown variable is removed. Thus, the position and orientation of a rigid catheter probe in three-dimensions is a function of 5 unknown variables. These variables can be expressed in a form that utilizes both Cartesian and spherical coordinates. For example, the position of sensor coil 14 can be defined by three Cartesian coordinates x, y, and z as is shown in FIG. 2, and the orientation of sensor coil 14 along coil axis 21 is defined by the variables xcex8 and xcfx86, also as shown in FIG. 2.
In order to solve for 5 unknown quantities, one typically requires 5 known linearly independent equations. One can obtain known equations that are linearly independent of each other by exposing a detector located on the catheter in an unknown position and orientation to known independent navigation fields. Thus, to obtain 5 known linearly independent equations requires a sampling of at least 5 known independent navigation fields. Nevertheless, current systems that utilize magnetic fields in order to determine position and orientation frequently sample more than 5 independent fields. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,939, herein incorporated by reference. One of the reasons for sampling more than 5 independent fields is to perform a self-consistency check. Ideally, every sampling above 5 should provide such a system with redundant information regarding position and orientation. However, in an operating room in practice, every sampling of a known navigation field beyond 5 yields slightly different results as to the position or orientation of the catheter probe. One of the reasons for this is the nearby presence extraneous objects that are conductive or ferromagnetic. Such objects respond to the known navigation field and introduce errors that can be large depending on the nature and relative position of the object.
For example, a conducting object within the area of influence of the known navigation field can develop what is known as an eddy current in response to the known navigation field. These eddy currents can, in turn, generate an extraneous magnetic field of unknown strength and orientation in the vicinity of the catheter. Depending upon the size of the object, this effect can be large.
In addition, an object with a ferromagnetic core will act to focus magnetic field flux lines through the core and thus distort the known navigation field, again, in an unknown manner. Often, objects with ferromagnetic and conductive cores are used in surgical settings, such as tools used to drill, ream and tap holes in the vertebrae of a patient.
In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to account for the effects of conducting objects that introduce eddy currents in response to a known navigation field.
It is further desirable-to account for the effects of objects with ferromagnetic and conductive cores that introduce fluctuations in a known navigation field and that are often moved about near the periphery of the navigation field, such as surgical tools.
It is further desirable to account for the effects of objects that introduce arbitrary fluctuations in a known navigation field.
The foregoing and other objects are achieved by the invention which in one aspect comprises a correction system for determining the effect of an interfering object on a field sensor within a navigational domain. The system includes a first transmitter configured to project, into the navigational domain, field energy in a first waveform sufficient to induce a first signal value in the field sensor, where the first signal value is influenced by the interfering object. The system further includes a second transmitter configured to project, into the navigational domain, field energy in a second waveform sufficient to induce a second signal value in the field sensor, where the second signal value is also influenced by the interfering object. The system further includes a signal processor configured to receive the first signal value and the second signal value, and to determine the influences of the interfering object on the field sensor, to thereby permit a substantially precise location of the field sensor to be determined despite the presence of the interfering object.
In another embodiment of the invention, the field energy is magnetic field energy.
In another embodiment of the invention, the interfering object is an electrically conductive object.
In another embodiment of the invention, the field sensor includes an electrically conductive sensing coil.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first waveform is a sinusoidal waveform at a first frequency, and the second waveform is a sinusoidal waveform at a second frequency.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first transmitter and the second transmitter include three unidirectional coil sets, where each set is driven by a drive unit capable of driving the unidirectional coil set at the first frequency and at the second frequency. Further, the first and second transmitters include six delta coil sets, where each the set is driven by a drive unit capable of driving the delta coil set at the first frequency and the second frequency. In this embodiment, the three unidirectional coil sets and the six delta coils sets produce the field energy at the first and second frequencies.
In another embodiment of the invention, the three unidirectional coil sets include a first unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in an x direction, a second unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in a y direction, and a third unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in a z direction. In this embodiment, the x, y and z directions are substantially mutually orthogonal.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first unidirectional coil set has a first coil pair including a first coil element and a second coil element, and a second coil pair including a third coil element and a fourth coil element. The first coil element and the third coil element are disposed in a major surface of a platform, the second coil element is disposed in a first lateral wall of the platform, and the fourth coil element is disposed in a second lateral wall of the platform. In this embodiment, the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall are substantially normal to the major surface and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the second unidirectional coil set has a first coil element and a second coil element disposed within a platform. The coil elements are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the third unidirectional coil set has a first coil pair including a first coil element and a second coil element, and a second coil pair including a third coil element and a fourth coil element. The first coil element and the third coil element are disposed in a major surface of a platform, the second coil element is disposed in a first lateral wall of the platform, and the fourth coil element is disposed in a second lateral wall of the platform. In this embodiment, the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall are substantially normal to the major surface, and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the six delta coil sets include a first pair of coil elements, a second pair of coil elements, and a third pair of coil elements. The coil elements are disposed so as to be substantially mutually coplanar within a major surface of a platform.
In another embodiment of the invention, each of the pairs of coil elements includes a long coil and a short coil, and the pairs of coils are disposed at equal angles on a circle about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the major surface. In this embodiment, for each of the pairs of coils, a radius of the circle extends perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the pair, proceeding from the long coil to the short coil.
In another embodiment of the invention, each of the pairs of coil elements further includes at least one compensation coil, constructed and arranged to modify at least one termination point of the coil elements, so as to provide relatively a high spatial field gradient along two orthogonal axes, and substantially zero field amplitude along a third orthogonal axis.
In another embodiment of the invention, the signal processor includes a first sequencer configured to sequentially activate each of the three unidirectional coil sets and the six delta coil sets at the first frequency, and to measure the first signal value corresponding to each of the unidirectional and delta coil sets at the first frequency. The first sequencer further sequentially activates each of the three unidirectional coil sets and the six delta coil sets at the second frequency, and measures the second signal value corresponding to each of the unidirectional and delta coil sets at the second frequency. The signal processor further includes a processor configured to calculate, for each of the unidirectional and delta coil sets, and adjusted signal value as a predetermined function of the first signal value and the second signal value, so as to produce nine adjusted signal values, each corresponding to field energy from one of the unidirectional coil sets and the delta coil sets.
Another embodiment of the invention further includes a third transmitter configured to project into the navigational domain a third waveform sufficient to induce a third signal value in the field coil, where the third signal value is influenced by the interfering object. In this embodiment, the signal processor is further configured to receive the third signal value.
Another embodiment of the invention further includes a fourth transmitter configured to project into the navigational domain a fourth waveform sufficient to induce a fourth signal value ins aid field coil, the fourth signal value being influenced by the interfering object. In this embodiment, the signal processor is further configured to receive the fourth signal value.
Another embodiment of the invention further includes N-4 transmitters configured to project into the navigational domain N waveforms sufficient to induce N signal values in the field coil. The N signal values are influenced by the interfering object. The signal processor is further configured to receive N signal values.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a correction system for determining an effect of an interfering object on first and second field sensors in a navigational domain. The system includes a transmitter configured to project into the navigational domain, field energy sufficient to induce a first signal value in the first field sensor, and to induce a second signal value in the second field sensor. The system further includes a signal processor configured to receive the first signal value and the second signal value, and to determine the effect of the interfering object on the first field sensor, to thereby permit a substantially precise location of the first field sensor to be determined despite the presence of the interfering object.
In another embodiment of the invention, the field energy is magnetic field energy.
In another embodiment of the invention, the interfering object is a ferromagnetic and electrically conductive object.
In another embodiment of the invention, the field sensor includes an electrically conductive sensing coil.
In another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter includes three unidirectional coil sets. Each unidirectional coil set is driven by a unit capable of driving the unidirectional coil set at a first sinusoidal waveform at a first frequency. The transmitter further includes six delta coil sets, each of which is driven by a drive unit capable of driving the delta coil set at the first sinusoidal waveform at the first frequency, such that the three unidirectional coil sets and the six delta coil sets produce the field energy at the first frequency.
In another embodiment of the invention, the three unidirectional coil sets include a first unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in an x direction, a second unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in a y direction, and a third unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in a z direction, such that the x, y and z directions are substantially mutually orthogonal.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first unidirectional coil set has a first coil pair including a first coil element and a second coil element, and a second coil pair including a third coil element and a fourth coil element. The first coil element and the third coil element are disposed in a major surface of a platform, the second coil element is disposed in a first lateral wall of the platform, and the fourth coil element is disposed in a second lateral wall of the platform. The first lateral wall and the second lateral wall are substantially normal to the major surface and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the second unidirectional coil set has a first coil element and a second coil element disposed within a platform, and the coil elements are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the third unidirectional coil set has a first coil pair including a first coil element and a second coil element, and a second coil pair including a third coil element and a fourth coil element. The first coil element and the third coil element are disposed in a major surface of a platform, the second coil element is disposed in a first lateral wall of the platform, and the fourth coil element is disposed in a second lateral wall of the platform. The first lateral wall and the second lateral wall are substantially normal to the major surface and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the six delta coil sets include a first pair of coil elements, a second pair of coil elements, and a third pair of coil elements. The coil elements are disposed so as to be substantially mutually coplanar within a major surface of a platform.
In another embodiment of the invention, each of the pairs of coil elements includes a long coil and a short coil, and the pairs of coils are disposed at equal angles on a circle about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the major surface. For each of the pairs of coils, a radius of the circle extends perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the pair, proceeding from the long coil to the short coil.
In another embodiment of the invention, each of the pairs of coil elements further includes at least one compensation coil, constructed and arranged to modify at least one termination point of the coil elements, so as to provide relatively a high spatial field gradient along two orthogonal axes, and substantially zero field amplitude along a third orthogonal axis.
In another embodiment of the invention, the signal processor further includes a first sequencer configured to sequentially activate each of three unidirectional coil sets and six delta coil sets at the first frequency, and to measure the first signal value and the second signal value corresponding to each of the unidirectional and delta coil sets at the first frequency. The signal processor also includes a processor configured to calculate, for each of the unidirectional and delta coil sets, an adjusted signal value as a predetermined function of the first signal value and the second signal value, so as to produce nine adjusted signal values, each corresponding to field energy from one of the unidirectional coil sets and the delta coil sets.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a correction system for determining an effect of a field influencing shield device on a field sensor in a navigational domain. The correction system includes a transmitter configured to project into the navigational domain field energy sufficient to induce a signal value in the field sensor. The correction system further includes a storage device containing information corresponding to the field energy in the navigational domain at selected locations within the navigational domain. The information includes shield information incorporating the effect of the field influencing shield device at the selected locations. The correction system further includes a processor for accessing the storage device and the signal value to determine the effect of the shield device on the field sensor, to thereby permit a substantially precise location of the field sensor to be determined despite the presence of the field influencing shield device.
In another embodiment of the invention, the field energy is magnetic field energy.
In another embodiment of the invention, the field sensor includes an electrically conductive sensing coil.
In another embodiment of the invention, the transmitter includes three unidirectional coil sets, each unidirectional coil set being driven by a unit capable of driving the unidirectional coil set at a first sinusoidal waveform at a first frequency. The transmitter further includes six delta coil sets, each the delta coil set being driven by a drive unit capable of driving the delta coil set at the first sinusoidal waveform at the first frequency, such that the three unidirectional coil sets and the six delta coil sets produce the field energy at the first frequency.
In another embodiment of the invention, the three unidirectional coil sets include a first unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in an x direction, a second unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in a y direction, and a third unidirectional coil set oriented so as to produce a substantially uniform amplitude field directed in a z direction, such that the x, y and z directions are substantially mutually orthogonal.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first unidirectional coil set has a first coil pair including a first coil element and a second coil element, and a second coil pair including a third coil element and a fourth coil element. The first coil element and the third coil element are disposed in a major surface of a platform, the second coil element is disposed in a first lateral wall of the platform, and the fourth coil element is disposed in a second lateral wall of the platform, wherein the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall are substantially normal to the major surface and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the second unidirectional coil set having a first coil element and a second coil element disposed within a platform, the coil elements being spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the third unidirectional coil set has a first coil pair including a first coil element and a second coil element, and a second coil pair including a third coil element and a fourth coil element. The first coil element and the third coil element are disposed in a major surface of a platform, the second coil element is disposed in a first lateral wall of the platform, and the fourth coil element is disposed in a second lateral wall of the platform, wherein the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall are substantially normal to the major surface and substantially parallel to one another.
In another embodiment of the invention, the six delta coil sets include a first pair of coil elements, a second pair of coil elements, and a third pair of coil elements. The coil elements are disposed so as to be substantially mutually coplanar within a major surface of a platform.
In another embodiment of the invention, each of the pairs of coil elements includes a long coil and a short coil, and the pairs of coils are disposed at equal angles on a circle about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the major surface. For each of the pairs of coils, a radius of the circle extends perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the pair, proceeding from the long coil to the short coil.
In another embodiment of the invention, each of the pairs of coil elements further includes at least one compensation coil, constructed and arranged to modify at least one termination point of the coil elements, so as to provide relatively a high spatial field gradient along two orthogonal axes, and substantially zero field amplitude along a third orthogonal axis.
In another embodiment of the invention, the processor further includes a first sequencer for sequentially activating each of the three unidirectional coils and the six delta coils at the first frequency, and measuring the signal value corresponding to each of the unidirectional and delta coils at the first frequency. The processor also includes a data manipulating device for manipulating, for each of the unidirectional and delta coils, the storage means as a predetermined function of the shield device, so as to produce nine sets of manipulated magnetic field values, each corresponding to navigational magnetic energy from one of the unidirectional coils and delta coils.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of determining a substantially precise location of a field sensor within a navigational domain influenced by a field interfering object. The method includes inducing within the field sensor a first signal value at a first waveform, the first signal value being influenced by the field interfering object. The method further includes inducing within the field sensor a second signal value at a second waveform, the second signal value being influenced by the field interfering object. The method also includes determining a correction to the first signal value for the effects of the field interfering object.
In another embodiment of the invention, determining a correction further includes calculating an adjusted signal value as a predetermined function of the first signal value and the second signal value.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of determining a substantially precise location of a first field sensor within a navigational domain influenced by a field interfering object. The method includes inducing within the first field sensor a first signal value, the first signal value being influenced by the field interfering object. The method further includes inducing within a second field sensor a second signal value, the second signal value being influenced by the field interfering object. The method also includes determining a correction to the first signal value for the effects of the field interfering object.
In another embodiment of the invention, determining a correction further includes calculating an adjusted signal value as a predetermined function of the first signal value and the second signal value.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of determining a substantially precise location of a field sensor within a navigational domain influenced by a field influencing shield device. The method includes inducing within the field sensor a first signal value, the first signal value being influenced by the field interfering object. The method further includes accessing information from a storage device, the information including shield information incorporating the effect of the field influencing shield device at selected locations. The method further includes determining a correction to the first signal value for the effects of the field influencing shield device.
In another embodiment of the invention, determining a correction further including manipulating the storage device as a predetermined function of the shield information, so as to produce a set of manipulated magnetic field values corresponding to the effects of the field influencing shield device.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of determining a substantially precise location of a field sensor within a navigational domain influenced by a field interfering object. The method includes sequentially projecting into the navigational domain, via three unidirectional coils and six delta coils, navigational energy at a first frequency, and measuring a first signal value in the field sensor corresponding to each of the three unidirectional coils and the six delta coils, so as to produce nine of the first signal values. The method further includes sequentially projecting into the navigational domain, via three unidirectional coils and six delta coils, the navigational energy at a second frequency, and measuring a second signal value in the field sensor corresponding to each of the three unidirectional coils and the six delta coils, so as to produce nine of the second signal values. The method further includes calculating, for each of the unidirectional and delta coils, an adjusted signal value as a predetermined function of the first signal value and the second signal value, so as to produce nine adjusted signal values, each corresponding to navigational magnetic energy from one of the unidirectional coils and delta coils. The method also includes forming three independent equations including three adjusted signal values corresponding to the unidirectional coils, three predetermined field magnitude values due to each of the unidirectional coils and corresponding to the navigational energy at a last navigational point of the sensing coil, and unknown orientation variables, and simultaneously solving the independent equations to determine the orientation variables corresponding to the compensated orientation of the sensing coil. The method also includes generating three lines and determining an intersection of the three lines. The intersection corresponds to the compensated position of the sensing coil. Each of the lines is generated from adjusted signal values corresponding to a pair of the delta coils, and predetermined field magnitude values due to the pair of delta coils and corresponding to the navigational energy at the last navigational point of the sensing coil while oriented according to the compensated orientation.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a method of determining a substantially precise location of a first field sensor within a navigational domain influenced by a field interfering object. The method includes sequentially projecting into the navigational domain, via three unidirectional coils and six delta coils, the navigational energy at a first frequency, measuring a first signal value in the field sensor corresponding to each of the three unidirectional coils and the six delta coils, so as to produce nine of the first signal values, and measuring a second signal value in a second field sensor corresponding to each of the three unidirectional coils and the six delta coils, so as to produce nine of the second signal values. The method further includes calculating, for each of the unidirectional and delta coils, an adjusted signal value as a predetermined function of the first signal value and the second signal value, so as to produce nine adjusted signal values, each corresponding to navigational magnetic energy from one of the unidirectional coils and delta coils. The method also includes forming three independent equations including three adjusted signal values corresponding to the unidirectional coils, three predetermined field magnitude values due to each of the unidirectional coils and corresponding to the navigational energy at a last navigational point of the sensing coil, and unknown orientation variables, and simultaneously solving the independent equations to determine the orientation variables corresponding to the compensated orientation of the sensing coil. The method also includes generating three lines and determining an intersection of the three lines, the intersection corresponding to the compensated position of the sensing coil. Each of the lines is generated from adjusted signal values corresponding to a pair of the delta coils, and predetermined field magnitude values due to the pair of delta coils and corresponding to the navigational energy at the last navigational point of the sensing coil while oriented according to the compensated orientation.
Another aspect of the invention comprises a method of determining a substantially precise location of a field sensor within a navigational domain influenced by a field influencing shield device. The method includes sequentially projecting into the navigational domain, via three unidirectional coils and six delta coils, the navigational energy at a first frequency, and measuring a first signal value in the field sensor corresponding to each of the three unidirectional coils and the six delta coils, so as to produce nine of the first signal values. The method further includes forming three independent equations including three adjusted signal values corresponding to the unidirectional coils, three predetermined field magnitude values due to fields from each of the unidirectional coils and corresponding to the navigational energy at a last navigational point of the field sensor, the predetermined field magnitude values being manipulated so as to account for the shield device, and unknown orientation variables, and simultaneously solving the independent equations to determine the orientation variables corresponding to the compensated orientation of the sensing coil. The method also includes generating three lines and determining an intersection of the three lines, the intersection corresponding to the compensated position of the sensing coil. Each of the lines is generated from adjusted signal values corresponding to a pair of the delta coils, and predetermined field magnitude values due to the pair of delta coils and corresponding to the navigational energy at the last navigational point of the sensing coil while oriented according to the compensated orientation, the predetermined field magnitude values being manipulated so as to account for the effect of the shield device.

Method and system for navigating a catheter probe in the presence of field-influencing objects


The present disclosure relates to an electronic device which is sensitive to touch, and an electronic note system using the same. An electronic device according to one exemplary embodiment includes a wireless communication unit to receive color information from an external touch tool via a wireless communication, a display unit to output an image object displayed with a color corresponding to the received color information, and a controller to activate an electronic note function in response to a touch input applied onto the image object, wherein the controller controls the display unit to display information with a color corresponding to the color information, the information being input by a touch input applied onto the display unit.

1. Field of the Invention
This specification relates to an electronic device which is touch-sensitive, and an electronic note system using the same.
2. Background of the Invention
With rapid development of the information age, an information input/output function and a data storage function become more important in electronic devices. The electronic devices having such functions may be divided into a portable electronic device such as an electronic device and the like, and a stationary electronic device such as an image display device and the like.
As it becomes multifunctional, the electronic device can be allowed to capture still images or moving images, play music or video files, play games, receive broadcast and the like, so as to be implemented as a multimedia player. Also, such complicated functions may be applied to the stationary electronic devices for user's convenience.
In recent time, various new attempts have been made for the multimedia devices by hardware or software in order to implement such complicated functions. As one example, a user interface environment is provided in order for users to easily and conveniently perform a voice (audio) recording or retrieve or select a voice (audio) file.
Owing to such development, the electronic device may have an electronic note function. This electronic note function may allow a user to input and store (save) information (for example, text, or an image which is drawn using touch inputs) in the electronic device.

Electronic device and electronic note system using the same


A microprocessor provides a bus state referred to as "loop-back". This state holds the data bus at valid logic levels, without use of resistors, after a read transaction has been completed and there are no pending bus transactions. When this state is entered, the data just read from the data bus is driven back onto the data bus, and the device which had provided the data is placed in the tri-state (high-impedance) condition. This loop-back feature, combined with the fact that all other outputs are held at their previous values, provides for near-zero power dissipation on the bus. The inventive technique avoids the use of pull-up resistors, which are provided on prior art tri-state busses to ensure that the busses do not float and enter the threshold region where high power dissipation occurs.

Description of the Prior Art
Integated circuits (ICs) typically communicate with one another by means of one or more multi-conductor busses. For example, a 32-bit microprocessor IC may use 32 conductors to send a 32-bit data word to another integated circuit, or to an external input/output device. Several busses may be required, with the use of separate busses for data and addresses often being used. In other cases, a given bus may be multiplexed so that it may perform two or more functions at different times. In some cases, the output buffers that drive the bus are always active, so that either a valid logic "1" or "0" is always present on the bus. However, in other cases, the output buffers are capable of being placed in the "tristate" (high output impedance) condition. In that case, neither a high nor low logic state is provided by the output buffer. Therefore, the bus voltage is free to float when all of the integated circuits connected to the bus are in the tri-state condition. It is frequently the case that resistors are connected from the bus conductors to a given power supply voltage, in order to prevent the bus from floating. This is especially true in busses that connect to devices having field effect transistor input stages. For example, CMOS input buffers having serially connected p-channel and n-channel input transistors which have their gates coupled to the input node may draw a large current when the input node floats in the vicinity of the buffer switching point (typically about 1/2 V.sub.DD).
An illustrative prior art bus is shown in FIG. 1, wherein the resistors R.sub.l. . . R.sub.n pull the bus conductors l . . . n to the V.sub.DD power supply voltage level when all the output buffers O.sub.l. . . O.sub.n connected to the bus are placed in the tristate condition. As noted above, it is desirable to avoid allowing the conductors to float at an intermediate state between power supply voltage levels, as that could allow the field effect transistor input buffers I.sub.1. . . I.sub.n to draw excessive currents. However, the pull-up resistors R.sub.l. . . R.sub.n themselves cause some power dissipation to occur when the bus is active. That is, when an output buffer places a "0" (i.e., low voltage) on a given conductor, current flows through the corresponding resistor. (Alternatively, the resistors could connect the bus to V.sub.ss, in which case the current flow would occur when a "1" is driven onto the bus). Since the value of the resistors are typically in the range of from about 1 k ohm to 10 k ohms, several milliamps of current may flow when the bus is active.
It has become especially desirable to minimize the current drain associated with integrated circuits that are used in battery-powered devices. These include, for example, laptop and notebook computers, cellular phones, video terminals, etc. In many cases, the amount of power dissipated in the bus resistors (R.sub.l. . . R.sub.n) is a significant portion of the total power dissipation. Furthermore, as the size of on-chip cache memories increase, the number of bus transactions to external memories tends to be reduced. Therefore, the idle time on the external bus tends to increase, and power dissipation on a floating bus (due primarily to current flow in input buffers) would also increase. Hence, the necessity of using resistors in an attempt to limit the dissipation also tends to increase in prior art bus schemes.


A D flip-flop circuit has two current paths supply the output signal of this flip-flop. A push-pull circuit including an inverter and a transmission gate clocked in a first phase supplies the output of the D flip-flop in a first output path. A slave latch connected to the transmission gate having an output clocked in a second phase opposite to the first phase serves as the second path to the output. In one alternative embodiment the master latch includes a transmission gate clocked in the second phase serving as input and a pair of cross coupled inverters serving as latch. The master latch may include a feedback P-type MOSFET. The slave latch may includes two slave latch inverters and a transmission gate clocked in the second phase connected to the output of the D flip-flop output. In a second alternative, an appropriately clocked tri-state inverter replaces the second slave latch inverter and the transmission gate. The master latch and the push-pull circuit may be combined and include two inverters, two transmission gates and a feedback P-type MOSFET. In a third embodiment the push-pull circuit consists of an appropriately clocked tri-state inverter.

D flip-flops perfrom one of many major functions in finite state machines, which is typically a critical part of control logic. It is known that the control logic of a microprocessor can consume 20% of the processor's power. As more advanced architecture concepts, such as register renaming and out-of-order execution are implemented in a superscalar microprocessors, the control logic will likely become more complicated and its power dissipation will likely grow beyond the current level. In addition, to boost processor clock frequency, modern microprocessors typically adopt superpipelined execution which heavily utilise D flip-flops. Enhancing the speed of D flip-flops can enable a higher clock rate or allow more logic depth between two pipeline registers. These two objectives of low power and high speed provide a need in the art for circuits, such as D flip-flop circuits, which are energy efficient.


An internal combustion engine having variable camshaft timing that incorporates a method of determining the position of the variable cam timing phasing system for controlling the flow of intake and exhaust gases during the combustion process. The method includes the steps of creating a model for estimating a calculated cam position and a calculated rate-of-change of the cam position. The method also includes the step of measuring a measured cam position and a measured rate-of-change of the cam position. The calculated cam position is compared to the measured cam position and calculated rate-of-change of the cam position and measured rate-of-change of the cam position that are blended based upon a comparison of the two values. The engine controller is adjusted dependent upon the blended rate-of-change of the cam position.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to internal combustion engines using variable camshaft timing.
2. Background Art
In conventional engines, the timing between the crankshaft and camshafts is rotationally fixed. Recently, engines have been improved by including mechanisms for automatically advancing or retarding camshaft rotation relative to the rotation of the crankshaft. By providing automatic advance or retard, it is possible to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions in the engine""s exhaust. It is also possible to increase the peak torque and improve fuel economy by optimizing the phase angle relationship of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft.
Phase shift control is provided by a hydraulic coupler that rotationally couples the camshaft drive sprocket to a camshaft flange. An engine control data processor monitors continuously varying engine operating conditions and provides a control signal to the hydraulic coupler to set the desired relative phase angle for the engine operating conditions. Variable camshaft timing systems have been developed with the objective of correcting the air charge drop during camshaft retard that may result in a dip in torque response. One example of this approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,071 which discloses a method for adjusting the variable camshaft timing induced air variation that uses the air bypass valve to compensate for induced air charge variation. The patent also proposes the use of an electronically-controlled throttle that compensates for induced air change variation.
While this approach improves the performance of the variable camshaft timing system in normal circumstances, the use of a measured cam position and cam rate-of-change values is based on a signal that includes oscillations and a high degree of signal filtering. Signal filtering causes delays in response to the continuously varying engine operating conditions that may result in a reduction in torque response or increase in emissions.
To minimize delay caused by filtering measured signals, it has been proposed to use a model of the variable camshaft timing rate-of-change to control engine operation. Under cold-start conditions wherein the engine oil is cold and highly viscous, or if inadequate oil is available to the engine, the hydraulic device rotationally coupling the camshaft drive sprocket to the camshaft flange may be substantially retarded relative to the model. Under these operating conditions, the model of the variable camshaft timing rate-of-change if used to control an engine operating system would be less effective than the measured camshaft timing approach proposed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,071.
There is a need for an internal combustion engine having a variable camshaft timing system that minimizes delays caused by filtering oscillations in a measured camshaft position based system, but that includes a measured camshaft position system for controlling the camshaft position under cold-start or when low-oil pressure is encountered by the engine.
The present invention addresses the above problems and fulfills the need for a system that maximizes the benefits of variable camshaft timing as summarized below.
According to the present invention, a method of determining the position of a variable cam timing phasing system for an engine having an engine controller that controls the flow of intake and exhaust gases during the combustion process is provided. The method comprises the steps of creating a model for estimating a calculated cam position and a calculated rate-of-change of the cam position. The method also includes the step of measuring an actual cam position and an actual rate-of-change of the cam position. According to the method, the calculated cam position is compared to the measured cam position and the calculated rate-of-change of the cam position and measured actual rate-of-change of the cam position are blended based upon the comparison. The engine controller is adjusted dependent upon the blended rate-of-change of the cam position.
According to another aspect of the invention, an algorithm based upon test data and simulations is provided for estimating the calculated rate-of-change of the cam position.
Based upon another aspect of the invention, an algorithm has been developed for blending the estimated and measured actual cam positions and measurement based rate-of-change of the cam position.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the engine controller may be an electronic throttle control. The engine may have a dual equal cam with equal phase intake and exhaust cams that are advanced and retarded equally relative to the crankshaft. Alternatively, the invention could be used in conjunction with an idle speed valve system and other forms of variable cam timing systems including exhaust only or dual independent cams.
The invention also relates to the engine controller using the calculated cam position and calculated rate-of-change of the cam position when the comparison of the calculated cam position to the measured cam position is below a threshold value. The engine controller uses the measured cam position and measured rate-of-change of the cam position when the comparison of the calculated cam position to the measured cam position is above a high threshold value. When the comparison of the calculated cam position to the measured cam position is above the low threshold value and below the high threshold value, the engine controller uses a blended rate-of-change based on the comparison and further based upon the calculated rate-of-change and measured rate-of-change of the cam position.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method of determining a blended rate-of-change of a cam position in an internal combustion engine having a variable phase cam timing system is proposed that includes a first step of determining a reference cam position. The next step of the method is to utilize a model to determine an estimated cam position and an estimated rate-of-change of the cam position. The system measures an actual cam position and determines a filtered rate-of-change of the actual cam position based upon the measurement. The model estimated cam position is compared to the measured actual cam position. The method further includes the step of determining the blended rate-of-change of the cam position based on the comparison, and further based on the estimated rate-of-change of the cam position and the filtered rate-of-change of the cam position.
The invention may also be seen as a system for determining the rate-of-change of a cam position for an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and a camshaft. The internal combustion engine includes a variable phase cam timing system that alters a phase relationship between the camshaft and the crankshaft. The system comprises a data processor having a model for determining an estimated cam position relative to a reference cam position and also estimating a rate-of-change of the cam position. A sensor is provided for measuring an actual cam position and a data processor includes a filtering algorithm for determining the filtered rate-of-change of the actual cam position. The data processor compares the estimated cam position to the measured actual cam position and determines a blended rate-of-change of the cam position based upon the comparison, and further based on the estimated rate-of-change of the cam position and the filtered rate-of-change of the cam position.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood in view of the attached drawings and detailed description of the invention.

Method and system for determining the variable cam timing rate-of-change in an engine


An organism information measuring method and an arm wear type pulse-wave measuring method having a sensor unit having a size that does not cause any inconvenience to a user when the user is doing an exercise, such as jogging, so that information about an organism, such as the pulse rate, is measured. The arm wear type pulse-wave measuring apparatus has a wrist band for putting the body of the apparatus on the arm; and a sensor unit that is put on the root of a finger by a sensor securing band. If the finger is irradiated with light by a LED in the foregoing state, light reaches the blood vessel and is reflected. The reflected light is received by a phototransistor in such a manner that the quantity of received light corresponds to change in the quantity of blood occurring due to pulse waves of the blood. The LED is of a type capable of emitting blue light and has a light emission wavelength peak of 450 nm. The phototransistor has a light receiving wavelength region in a range from 300 nm to 600 nm.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an organism information measuring apparatus, such as a pulse-wave measuring apparatus, that is capable of displaying information about the pulse wave, such as the pulse rate. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus that irradiates an organism with light and detects light reflected by the organism to measure information about the organism, such as the pulse waves. In particular, the present invention relates to an arm wear type pulse-wave measuring apparatus that is capable of measuring information about the organism during an exercise, such as jogging, running or cycling.
2. Description of the Related Art
Apparatuses for measuring information about an organism, such as pulse waves, include, in the category thereof, electronic apparatuses of a type that optically detects change in the quantity of blood to display information about an organism in accordance with results of the detection. In an optical pulse-wave measuring apparatus (an organism information measuring apparatus) of the foregoing type, a light emitting device, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), irradiates the fingertip or the like with light, and light reflected by the organism (the blood vessel) is received by a light receiving device, such as a phototransistor so that change in the quantity of blood occurring due to the pulse waves of the blood is detected as change in the quantity of the received light. In response to a pulse wave signal obtained from the detection, change in the pulse rate or the pulse waves are displayed. As the light to be emitted from the light emitting device, infrared rays have been employed. If external light (sunlight or the like) is made incident upon the light receiving device, change in the quantity of the external light causes the quantity of received light to be changed. Therefore, the conventional pulse-wave measuring apparatus has a light shielding cover to cover the portion to be detected, such as the fingertip, so that influence of the external light is prevented.
However, if the conventional pulse-wave measuring apparatus has a large light shielding cover, use of the apparatus in a place, such as outdoors, that is irradiated with external light results in that a portion of the external light passes through the finger and reaches the light receiving device. Thus, the conventional pulse-wave measuring apparatus has a problem in that the change in the illuminance of external light causes pulse waves to be detected erroneously. Therefore, the conventional pulse-wave measuring apparatus encounters a limitation in that it can be used only in a place that is not irradiated with external light or a place in which the constant illuminance of external light can be attained. To eliminate the foregoing limitation, a larger-scale light shielding structure must be provided to prevent influence of external light. Therefore, the size of the pulse-wave measuring apparatus cannot be reduced, and therefore the conventional pulse-wave measuring apparatus cannot be used as an apparatus that is able to measure information about pulse waves during exercise, such as jogging, running or cycling.
To overcome the foregoing problem, a pulse-wave sensor has been disclosed in Japanese Utility-Model Laid-Open No. 57-74009 which, in addition to the device for detecting pulse waves, comprises an external-light detection device for detecting external light and which compensates influence of external light in accordance with results of the detection of external light obtained by the external-light detection device. However, provision of the external-light detection device and a compensation circuit for the pulse waves sensor prevents size and cost reductions. As described above, any of the conventional countermeasures against external light has been unsatisfactory in view of practical use.
Furthermore, as a pulse-wave measuring apparatus of the foregoing type, there has been a desire for an arm wear type apparatus that is capable of measuring the pulse rate and the like during jogging, running, cycling or a marathon race. To constitute a pulse-wave measuring apparatus of the foregoing type, a small size sensor unit is required which can be put on the root of the finger. If a small sensor is put on the root of the finger, the user is able to lightly clench the fist.
In view of the foregoing, the inventors of the present invention have performed a variety of investigations for the reason why pulse waves are erroneously detected due to change in the illuminance of external light. As a result, it is concluded that infrared rays for use in the detection system of the conventional pulse-wave measuring apparatus have an excessively large transmittance with respect to the organism that causes external light to easily reach the light receiving device through the organism even if a light shielding cover is provided. Thus, if the foregoing problem can be overcome, a practical countermeasure against external light can be provided.

Organism information measuring method and arm wear type pulse-wave measuring method


Provided is a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor chip which is directly covered with a resin material having a light shielding property as well as a film which is provided on the resin material for shielding the semiconductor device against light. The film may be formed by a seal having a surface which is covered with a metal and a rear surface which is colored black, a layer of a metal or ceramics which is deposited in a vapor phase, or a coating of an insulating material whose refractive index is different from that of the resin material. In another aspect of the present invention, provided is a semiconductor device which is directly covered with a resin material mixed with a light absorbing material. In still another aspect of the present invention, provided is a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor chip, having a surface covered with black polyimide, which is further covered with a resin material having a light shielding property. In a further aspect of the present invention, provided is a package for covering a semiconductor device which is mounted on a wiring board. According to such improvement, a light shielding property is improved particularly in relation to a thin semiconductor device whose thickness is only about 1 mm, and the semiconductor device is prevented from a malfunction caused by light.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a package for a semiconductor device, and more particularly, it relates to an improvement of a semiconductor device for protecting a semiconductor chip against light.
2. Description of the Background Art
In recent years, a semiconductor chip is generally directly housed with a molded resin material, to be applied to a semiconductor device. The semiconductor chip is mainly covered with an epoxy resin material, which is mixed with a coloring agent such as carbon black, a filler and the like at need. In a conventional semiconductor device, such a resin material protects the semiconductor chip against light.
In relation to semiconductor devices having photodetectors, there have been reported various light shielding means, which are adapted to prevent portions other than such photodetectors from irradiation of light. For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 62-205649 (1987) discloses a semiconductor device comprising a photodetector and an IC connected thereto, which are sealed with a light transmitting resin material. The resin material is covered with a light shielding coating material, except for a window for applying light to the photodetector. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 1-147853 (1989) discloses a photodetector module comprising an IC having a photodetector such as a photodiode and an amplifier circuit provided on the same substrate and a photoresist material covering the same, which are housed in a clear mold package. In such a module, a frame covers the IC so that no light is applied to portions other than the photodetector, while the same is provided with a window for applying light to the photodetector. Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 1-152664 (1989) discloses a semiconductor device comprising an integrated circuit pellet containing a photodetector which is housed in a light transmitting resin package. In such a semiconductor device, a plate having a through hole in a position corresponding to the photodetector is brought into close contact with the surface of the resin package. This plate is prepared from aluminum, for example, to intercept light. Thus, it is possible to apply light only to the photodetector through this plate.
With recent prevalence of note-type personal computers and electronic notebooks, ICs are increasingly reduced in size and thickness. Further, packages for dynamic RAMs, One Time Programmable ROMs and the like are also increasingly reduced in thickness and weight. Consequently, TSOPs (thin small outline packages), which are only about 1 mm in thickness, are put into practice in succession.
However, while a conventional resin package for a semiconductor device has a sufficient thickness for intercepting light, the thickness of a resin material forming a TSOP is so small that light may reach a semiconductor chip. If light passes through the resin material to reach the semiconductor chip, the storage contents of a memory may be erroneously erased in the case of the One Time Programmable ROM, while a malfunction may be caused by leakage of a cell charge or a leakage current in a circuit part in the case of a dynamic RAM. The degree of such a malfunction may depend on intensity of the light and the thickness of the resin material.
The aforementioned techniques regarding photodetectors can be applied in order to solve such a problem. However, none of such techniques can guarantee a sufficient light shielding property while maintaining the package in the reduced thickness and weight.

Semiconductor device improved in light shielding property and light shielding package


A sample material is scanned with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) over multiple steps having a predetermined size at a predetermined angle. Each scan at a predetermined step and angle is compared to a template, wherein the template is generated from parameters of the material and the scanning. The data is then analyzed using local mis-orientation mapping and/or Nye's tensor analysis to provide information about local strain states.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to the field of material analysis. In particular the field of the invention is directed to strain mapping of materials.
2. Description of the Related Technology
Measurement of strain in crystalline materials is of interest for several reasons. Local strain can have an effect on the properties and performance of materials, but also, it often serves as a driving force for microstructural evolution. Microstructural evolution is the change in the internal structure of the material, as in the positions of the atoms relative to one another, both in terms of their immediate neighbors and on a longer scale. Increased dislocation densities provide greater strength and hardness, but a decrease in ductility. Thermomechanical processes such as rolling and annealing rely on the stored energy from dislocations to act as the driving force for recovery and recrystallization. By controlling these processes, finely tuned microstructures can be produced to meet specific requirements. Quantifying dislocation densities is crucial to understanding deformation, recovery, and recrystallization and the specific mechanisms that drive them.
In analyzing the strain in materials, a number of techniques exist. A primary technique available for strain measurement on the nanoscale is geometric phase analysis (GPA). GPA is a post-imaging process for mapping of strain in a high resolution TEM (transmission electron microscope). GPA can achieve very accurate results at sub-nanometer resolution. GPA also allows for precise measurement of elastic strain that occurs independently or due to the distortion caused by defects introduced through plastic strain, i.e. dislocations. However, a drawback of GPA is that it requires that the high resolution TEM image being used was taken on a zone axis such that the lattice of the material is directly visible, and that there is a strain-free reference area contained within the image.
GPA may be used for mapping the strain around individual defects in an otherwise perfect crystal. For example the strain fields associated with the dislocations that make up a low angle grain boundary. This limits the usefulness of GPA with respect to polycrystalline materials and thicker specimens where such high resolution is not always attainable. Furthermore, it is difficult to capture a region that is truly free of strain to use for a reference, especially in the same frame as the defect that is targeted.
In addition to GPA, there are other small-scale strain mapping techniques available, such as various post analyses of scanning electron microscope (SEM), EBSD maps, holographic interferometry in TEM, or X-ray diffraction strain imaging.
Despite improvements in resolution, SEMs are limited to a minimum spatial resolution of approximately 40 nm. This drawback, along with its nature as a surface characterization technique, makes SEM less than ideal for measuring dislocations.
Dark-field holographic interferometry is an improvement on GPA because it is capable of capturing a larger field of view with a similar resolution as that of GPA. However, it is limited in terms of what samples it is applicable to; specifically, the sample must consist of a cross-section of unstrained substrate and a strained film such as that produced by molecular beam epitaxy. While this sample geometry may be found in microelectronic devices, it is not possible to achieve this geometry for bulk polycrystalline materials.
The primary drawback to strain imaging using X-ray diffraction (XRD) is that while it is possible to measure average strain with accuracy on a typical XRD instrument, in order to achieve a spatial resolution on a nanometer scale a synchrotron source must be used. Additionally, the resolutions achieved are not as high as those capable of being achieved with existing TEM strain mapping techniques.
There are a number of approaches to measuring the strain using EBSD. Strain in the crystal lattice leads to slight changes in the Kikuchi patterns. However these slight changes are difficult to detect, especially at the low resolutions used for rapid pattern acquisition over a large scan area. EBSD techniques are limited by the resolution of backscatter detectors and the relatively large step sizes used in EBSD scans. In recent experiments performed on copper bi-crystals, the best case lateral and longitudinal resolution for an EBSD scan was determined to be 34 by 45 nm.
Another method is described in the publication WO 2010/052289. This reference describes a method and device for electron diffraction tomography of a crystal sample which employs scanning of an electron beam over a plurality of discrete locations of the sample in combination with a beam scanning protocol, as the beam converges at each discrete location of the sample to obtain a series of electron diffraction patterns, use of template matching is performed to determine crystal orientations and thickness maps to in order to obtain a common intensity scaling factor. The disclosure of WO 2010/052289 is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent that it provides details of electron diffraction tomography and template matching.
While the above described methods for strain mapping are useful, there is still a need for improved methods of producing strain maps of materials.

Strain mapping in TEM using precession electron diffraction


Disclosed are a method and device for wireless communication. The method comprises: a terminal obtains, from first carriers of a cell, operating parameters of second carriers of the cell, the frequency band where the first carriers are located being different from the frequency band where the second carriers are located; the terminal measures the second carriers of the cell according to the operating parameters of the second carriers of the cell to obtain a measurement result for the second carriers of the cell; the terminal determines a target carrier from the second carriers of the cell; the terminal communicates with a base station by means of the target carrier. According to the solution, the first and second carriers are configured in the cell, and the frequency bands where the first and second carriers are located different, and therefore, the characteristics of different frequency bands are utilized flexibly, so as to balance the design of an entire communication system.

In a communication system of a 5th-Generation (5G) mobile communication technology, in order to meet the requirement of the 5G communication system on high bandwidth transmission, a higher frequency band is inevitably used for communication. The existing 5G communication system may be deployed on a frequency band lower than 6 GHz or higher than 6 GHz.
However, when the 5G communication system is deployed on a relatively high frequency band, a cell coverage is greatly reduced compared with that in 4G and 3G communication systems. In order to enable the cell coverage of the 5G communication system to reach the cell coverage of the 4G and 3G communication systems, there is no choice but to deploy more cells in the 5G communication system and thus the complexity of deploying cells in the 5G communication system is increased. In other words, the overall 5G communication system will be unbalanced no matter whether the 5G communication system is deployed on the relatively high frequency band or deployed on the relatively low frequency band.

Method and device for wireless communication

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