When an abnormality detecting means 41 has detected an abnormal state of a system, an abnormal position determining means 42 determines the abnormal position in accordance with the received total address. Then, an degree-of-importance determining means determines whether or not a degree of importance exists. If the degree of importance exists, a process is performed in accordance with the degree of importance. An icon display means 45 displays a plurality of icons. A link-line display means 46 displays a link line indicating the connection between the icons. An abnormal-state alarm output means 44 determines the status to change the display in accordance with the contents of the status so as to display the changed display. The actual display is performed by a display means 48. If necessary, output to an alarm sound producing means 49 is performed.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a status display unit using icons for expressing changes of a variety of apparatuses among a plurality of statuses by using real-time change in the colors and shapes of icons and/or indicating relationship by using connection lines (hereinafter sometimes called xe2x80x9clink linesxe2x80x9d) between icons and a method therefor.
2. Description of the Related Art
A method using icons for operating application software has widely been used. For example, a method relating to display of icons has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-227646. FIGS. 9A to 9G show examples of icons for use in the foregoing conventional structure. The foregoing conventional structure is able to express the states of a plurality of parameters by using change in the color, the expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes or the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols. The disclosed structure is applied to a car navigation system. In this case, a positioning operation is performed which is a combination of the GPS navigation system for receiving an electric wave emitted from a satellite to measure the position of the vehicle and an autonomous navigation system for measuring the position of the vehicle. Then, the statuses of the positioning means based on the GPS navigation system and the positioning means based on the autonomous navigation system are classified into seven statuses below:
(1) two means are normal and the two means are being operated (status 1);
(2) two means are normal and only the positioning means based on the GPS navigation system is being operated (status 2);
(3) two means are normal and only the positioning means based on the autonomous navigation system is being operated (status 3);
(4) two means are normal and the two means are not being operated (status 4);
(5) the positioning means based on the autonomous navigation system is abnormal and only the positioning means based on the GPS navigation system is being operated (status 5);
(6) the positioning means based on the GPS navigation system is abnormal and only the positioning means based on the autonomous navigation system is being operated (status 6); and
(7) the two means are abnormal and the two means are not being operated (status 7).
Therefore, the state of the operation and whether or not each means is abnormal can easily be recognized by the user by observing the displayed screen shown in FIGS. 9A to 9G. The display is performed by using change in the color of the mark of the vehicle, the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes and the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols (for example, a frame enclosed by a circle).
The conventional display of the status using the icon has been performed as described above. The conventional example simply relates to the method of expression of the icon. Therefore, a range which can be expressed is limited and thus there arises a problem in that a complicated state of the operation cannot easily be expressed.
There arises another problem in that the hierarchical relationship such as the parenthood and change in the status of the relationship among units belonging to a group having a given meaning of the relationship cannot be expressed.
To solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which enables a user to easily recognize real-time change in the status by using change in the shape and the color of a plurality of icons, presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols and change in the expression of the relationship among the icons and a method therefor.
A status display unit using icons according to a first aspect of the present invention is a status display unit using icons for displaying the status of a subject to be displayed by using icons or link lines each of which connects icons to each other, the status display unit using icons comprising: icon display means for displaying the icons; link line display means for displaying the link lines; status display means for changing display of a plurality of icons or link lines in accordance with the contents of the subject to be displayed so as to display the changed icons or link lines, wherein expression forms of the plural icons are changed to display the status.
A status display unit using icons according to a second aspect of the present invention is a status display unit using icons for use in a network supervisory apparatus, comprising: abnormal-state detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the network; abnormal-position determining means for determining an abnormal position; icon display means for displaying icons; link-line displaying means for displaying link lines indicating the connection between icons; and abnormal-state displaying means for changing and displaying display of the icons or the link lines in accordance with the contents of the status of the network, wherein expression forms of the plural icons are changed to display the status.
A status display unit using icons according to a third aspect of the present invention has a structure that the expression forms of the plural icons are changed by changing the colors of the icons.
A status display unit using icons according to a fourth aspect of the present invention has a structure that the expression forms of the plural icons are changed by changing the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes.
A status display unit using icons according to a fifth aspect of the present invention has a structure that the expression forms of the plural icons are changed by changing the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols.
A status display unit using icons according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a status display unit using icons for displaying the status of a subject be displayed by using icons or link lines each of which connects icons to each other, the status display unit using icons comprising: icon display means for displaying the icons; link line display means for displaying the link lines; status display means for changing display of a plurality of icons or link lines in accordance with the contents of the subject to be displayed so as to display the changed icons or link lines, wherein expression forms of the link line are changed to display the status.
A status display unit using icons according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a status display unit using icons for use in a network supervisory apparatus, comprising: abnormal-state detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the network; abnormal-position determining means for determining an abnormal position; icon display means for displaying icons; link-line displaying means for displaying link lines indicating the connection between icons; and abnormal-state displaying means for changing and displaying display of the icons or the link lines in accordance with the contents of the status of the network, wherein expression forms of the link line are changed to display the status.
A status display unit using icons according to an eighth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the link lines for connecting the icons to each other are changed by changing the colors of the link lines.
A status display unit using icons according to a ninth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the link lines for connecting the icons to each other are changed by changing the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes.
A status display unit using icons according to a tenth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the link lines for connecting the icons to each other are changed by changing the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols.
A status display unit using icons according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is a status display unit using icons for displaying the status of a subject to be displayed by using icons or link lines each of which connects icons to each other, the status display unit using icons comprising: icon display means for displaying the icons; link line display means for displaying the link lines; status display means for changing display of a plurality of icons or link lines in accordance with the contents of the subject to be displayed so as to display the changed icons or link lines, wherein expression forms of the plural icons and link lines are changed to display the status.
A status display unit using icons according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is a status display unit using icons for use in a network supervisory apparatus, comprising: abnormal-state detecting means for detecting an abnormal state of the network; abnormal-position determining means for determining an abnormal position; icon display means for displaying icons; link-line displaying means for displaying link lines indicating the connection between icons; and abnormal-state displaying means for changing and displaying display of the icons or the link lines in accordance with the contents of the status of the network, wherein expression forms of the plural icons and link lines are changed to display the status.
A status display unit using icons according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the plural icons and link lines between the icons are changed by changing the colors of the icons and link lines.
A status display unit using icons according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the plural icons and link lines between the icons are changed by changing the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes.
A status display unit using icons according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the plural icons and link lines between the icons are changed by changing the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols.
A status display method using icons according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a status display method using icons such that the status of a subject to be displayed is displayed by using icons or link lines each of which connects icons to each other, the status display method comprising: an icon display step for displaying the icons; a link line display step for displaying the link lines; a status display step for changing display of a plurality of icons or link lines in accordance with the contents of the subject to be displayed so as to display the changed icons or link lines, wherein expression forms of the plural icons are changed to display the status.
A status display method using icons according to seventeenth aspect of the present invention is used in a network supervisory apparatus, comprising: an abnormal-state detecting step for detecting an abnormal state of the network; an abnormal-position determining step for determining an abnormal position; an icon display step for displaying icons; a link-line displaying step for displaying link lines indicating the connection between icons; and an abnormal-state displaying step for changing and displaying display of the icons or the link lines in accordance with the contents of the status of the network, wherein expression forms of the plural icons are changed to display the status.
A status display method using icons according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention has a structure that the expression forms of the plural icons are changed by changing the colors of the icons.
A status display method using icons according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention has a structure that the expression forms of the plural icons are changed by changing the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes.
A status display method using icons according to a twentieth aspect of the present invention has a structure that the expression forms of the plural icons are changed by changing the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention is a status display method using icons such that the status of a subject to be displayed is displayed by using icons or link lines each of which connects icons to each other, the status display method comprising: an icon display step for displaying the icons; a link line display step for displaying the link lines; a status display step for changing display of a plurality of icons or link lines in accordance with the contents of the subject to be displayed so as to display the changed icons or link lines, wherein expression forms of the link lines are changed to display the status.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention is a status display method using icons for use in a network supervisory apparatus, comprising: an abnormal-state detecting step for detecting an abnormal state of the network; an abnormal-position determining step for determining an abnormal position; an icon display step for displaying icons; a link-line displaying step for displaying link lines indicating the connection between icons; and an abnormal-state displaying step for changing and displaying display of the icons or the link lines in accordance with the contents of the status of the network, wherein expression forms of the link lines are changed to display the status.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the link lines for connecting the icons to each other are changed by changing the colors of the link lines.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the link lines for connecting the icons to each other are changed by changing the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the link lines for connecting the icons to each other are changed by changing the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is a status display method using icons such that the status of a subject to be displayed is displayed by using icons or link lines each of which connects icons to each other, the status display method comprising: an icon display step for displaying the icons; a link line display step for displaying the link lines; a status display step for changing display of a plurality of icons or link lines in accordance with the contents of the subject to be displayed so as to display the changed icons or link lines, wherein expression forms of the plural icons and link lines are changed to display the status.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention is a status display method using icons for use in a network supervisory apparatus, comprising: an abnormal-state detecting step for detecting an abnormal state of the network; an abnormal-position determining step for determining an abnormal position; an icon display step for displaying icons; a link-line displaying step for displaying link lines indicating the connection between icons; and an abnormal-state displaying step for changing and displaying display of the icons or the link lines in accordance with the contents of the status of the network, wherein expression forms of the plural icons and link lines are changed to display the status.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the plural icons and link lines between the icons are changed by changing the colors of the icons and link lines.
A status display method using icons according to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the plural icons and link lines between the icons are changed by changing the number of expression dimensions of planes or three-dimensional shapes.
A status display method using icons according to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention has a structure that expression forms of the plural icons and link lines between the icons are changed by changing the presence or absence of peripheral decoration symbols.

Status display unit using icons and method therefor


A novel method for producing thick composite parts based upon photopolymerizable compositions is disclosed. The constituents of the photopolymerizable mixture comprise a monomer or monomers capable of polymerizing by free radical or cationic mechanisms, and a photoinitiator system which possesses an absorbance characteristic which is effectively reduced, or self-eliminating, upon initiation of the polymerization reaction. Parts having thicknesses up to 2 cm and thicker for varying end use applications are made by photopolymerizing such compositions. In addition, using such compositions composite parts can be made using a reinforcement material such as a glass fiber mat present in an amount by weight of from about 5 to about 70%.

In general, a composite material may be defined as any material containing a reinforcement material which is supported by a binder material. Composite materials thus comprise a two-phase material having a discontinuous reinforcement material phase that is stiffer and/or stronger than the continuous binder (matrix) phase.
Composite materials having a resin binder phase offer substantial advantages over other materials such as metals, alloys and wood. Parts made from composites are thus often much lighter than parts made from steel or other materials, producing tremendous advantages for such composites in terms of the strength to weight ratios. Also, such composites often offer significant advantages over other materials as regards chemical and corrosion resistance and superior physical performance properties such as, for example, tensile properties.
Because of the advantages that may be derived from using composites, such materials have been proposed, and used, for a variety of end use applications ranging from various household products (e.g., bathtubs and shower enclosures) to the transportation industry (e.g., boat hulls and structural components of automobiles). Many of such end use applications require that the part be thick, i.e., at least one-half centimeter in thickness. Parts that can be produced in thicknesses of 0.1 cm or more will satisfy most applications.
Several different fabricating techniques have been developed that may be used to produce composites. One such fabricating technique is resin transfer molding (RTM). RTM may be described, in general, as a process which uses a mechanical pumping apparatus to transfer catalyst and a reactive resin from holding tanks into a closed mold containing a reinforcement material. A variety of reinforcement materials have been used as have various resins, including, for example, unsaturated polyesters, epoxies and vinyl esters. Often, to allow the reinforcement to fit into the mold quickly, the reinforcement is shaped into the desired geometry in a separate operation. The use of such preforms can result in faster cycle times because this eliminates the need for time-consuming placement of the fibers or other reinforcement material at the production press where the composite part is actually fabricated. In addition, these preforms allow for precise control of the fiber placement.
Fabricating composites using RTM has widespread potential because this technology can draw upon the vast amount of technology developed over many years for reaction injection molding (RIM) techniques. Thus, RIM fabrication has been in widespread use for a variety of commercial applications over many years.
However, while RTM has already found extensive application for the low volume production of a variety of specialty products, further developments are required to develop suitable high volume production techniques using RTM. The two fundamental requirements of high volume or mass production are low cost and high speed.
Because the resins actually begin to cure before they enter the mold in RTM fabricating techniques, such resins must meet some rather stringent requirements. The curing resin should exhibit a moderate viscosity plateau while it is still flowing into the mold, but should cure rapidly once the mold is filled.
The fact that the resins in RTM techniques begin to cure before they enter the mold make meeting the requirements of low cost and high speed very difficult. One traditional method to attempt to increase the speed of RTM is to operate the system with increased mold pressures to accommodate more rapid curing rates. Unfortunately, however, the increased operating pressure seems to inevitably result in increased costs due to the more expensive molds and pumping systems that are required to achieve such rapid curing rates.
In addition, there are many technical problems in RTM which arise in the step of filling the mold and impregnating the reinforcement material, such as a preform. The mold filling step can become very complicated since a reacting liquid is being forced through a porous medium (i.e., the preform or other reinforcement material). As this liquid reacts, it becomes more viscous (actually viscoelastic). Indeed, thermoset systems typically exhibit a tremendous increase in viscosity as such systems cure due to branching and cross linking in the system. Due to the moderately high initial (uncured) resin viscosities that increase during reaction, most current RTM processes exhibit significant mold filling problems associated with high operating pressures required to fill the mold and poor resin impregnation into the preform or other reinforcement material.
Even further, displacement and/or compression of the reinforcement material may often occur as the curing resin flows into the mold. Such displacement and/or compression can undermine a major advantage of RTM which is the precise control over the reinforcement material placement. A still further problem which can occur that results in considerable delay and downtime is the gelation of the resin in the transfer lines before entry into the mold. In addition to the problems previously described, further problems in utilizing RTM fabricating methods may arise because the process is typically not isothermal and the mold geometry of the part being fabricated may be highly irregular.
Still further, it has been found that it is important to differentiate flow on the microscale (i.e., within the reinforcement material itself such as a fiber bundle) from flow on a macroscale (e.g., between fiber bundles). It has thus been suggested that microflow improves the wetting and bonding at the reinforcement material (e.g., fiber)--resin matrix interface, and therefore improves the strength of the final composite. The time required for microflow depends upon the viscosity of the penetrating fluid (the reacting resin in RTM), but may be on the order of hours for large parts using commercial resins.
In summary, limitations in the use of RTM in high volume production arise from the fact that the resin systems used begin to react before the system enters the mold. This initial reaction thereby creates relatively high viscosities, requires high operating pressures, and results in poor wet-out of the reinforcement material as well as displacement thereof. Additionally, attempts to decrease the cycle time by increasing the operating pressure to accommodate faster reactions may actually exacerbate the problem by decreasing the quality of the composite by affording insufficient time for microflow. Finally, the high capital costs associated with high operating pressures create an inevitable trade-off between high speed and low cost under current RTM technology.
Another technique that may be used for producing thick and complex parts from composites or other materials is hand layup. While quite acceptable for customized applications, this method is obviously extremely labor intensive and offers no potential whatever for high volume or mass production.
Photopolymerizable compositions and technology for using such compositions has been known for many years and has been proposed for a wide variety of applications. As one illustrative example, it has been proposed to utilize certain photopolymerizable compositions including various fillers to form dental compositions. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,762,863, 4,933,376 and 4,977,197 to Sasaki et al. are patents disclosing suitable photopolymerizable compositions and reinforcing fillers.
Utilizing photopolymerizable compositions to fabricate a thick part can be difficult. Thus, with relatively thick parts, light intensity gradients will typically result, and such gradients can prevent satisfactory curing throughout the thickness of such parts. More particularly, what can often occur is the polymerization of thin layers adjacent to the surface where the light source is positioned. The thickness of this layer is determined by the distance the initiating light may effectively penetrate. Perhaps for this reason, the use of photopolymerizable compositions has been largely directed to forming thin films or coatings.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,653 to Noren et al. is one example of a free-radical curable composition used as a coating for various substrates.
One possible exception to the use of photopolymerizable compositions for thin films and coatings is U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,800 to Neckers et al. This Neckers et al. patent concerns forming three-dimensional objects by stereolithography using the general method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,330 to Hull. As is disclosed in the '800 patent, a photopolymerizable monomer and a photoinitiator system for the monomer is used in a method that involves directing a ray of activating radiation for the photoinitiator system to and through a point in a given plane and into the body of the composition in which either the intensity of the activating radiation of the ray or the time during which the ray entering the body is directed through the point is employed to determine the distance through which the ray of activating radiation enters the body to the point of the succession of points to which the ray activates the photoinitiator system that is farthest from the surface.
More particularly, when the three-dimensional polymerizing method is practiced, using a visible light photoinitiator, such as eosin and its derivatives and visible light for activation, it is stated that it is not necessary that the photoinitiator have a peak absorbance at the wavelength of the activating light. All that is required is that there be sufficient absorbance at the wavelength of the activating light to cause the reactions which form the activator and cause the dye to lose its color at the required rates. As is noted, if bleaching occurs too rapidly, by comparison with the rate at which polymer-forming radical formation occurs, radical reactions which do not cause polymerization, e.g., radical coupling, can be expected. It is stated that, if polymerization occurs too rapidly, by comparison with the rate at which bleaching occurs, activating light cannot penetrate the monomer/photoinitiator mixture to a sufficient depth, and polymerization stops on or near the surface through the light enters. Referring to the foregoing working Examples in the '800 patent, Neckers et al. state that the balance was achieved by the selection of certain dyes as photoinitiators, using triethanolamine as an accelerator, and controlling the proportions of the two. In general, it is stated that the photoinitiators are used at extremely low concentrations by comparison with those which have previously been suggested and used, most frequently in curing thin films. On the other hand, it is noted that the concentration of the photoinitiator must be sufficiently high that the induction period is not excessive, and the concentration of the activator and the photon density must both be sufficiently high that the rates of bleaching and polymerization are appropriately matched to achieve polymerization to a desired depth in a photopolymerizable composition. (col. 22, 11. 19-58).
This Neckers et al. patent uses a highly focused light source. Thus, certain lasers were used in the methods disclosed in the working Examples. Also, in describing the reaction using a system including trimethylopropane triacrylate with eosin lactone and triethanolamine, and using a beam of visible light from an argon ion laser having a wavelength of 514 nm, Neckers et al. state that the eosin undergoes a reaction with the triethanolamine, producing two moieties, one of which is a free radical which serves as an activator for the polymerization of the trimethylopropane triacrylate. The loss of the dye color also occurs as a consequence of the eosin reaction with the triethanolamine, enabling subsequent radiation from the argon ion laser to penetrate farther into the composition and to cause reaction of eosin with triethanolamine and activation of the trimethylopropane triacrylate at the level of greater penetration, and still greater penetration by subsequent radiation with consequent reaction and activation at the level of the still greater penetration. (col. 2, 1. 58 to col. 3, 1. 7).
As may be appreciated, producing materials by stereolithography involves rastering a laser beam across the surface of a pool of monomer to form a thin polymeric layer. This polymerized layer is then lowered slightly into the pool of liquid monomer, and fresh monomer flows into its place at the free surface. A second thin layer of polymer is then formed at the free surface, and this second layer adheres to the layer below it. By repeating this process, it is possible to make thick polymeric parts. While stereolithography perhaps may be suitable for some applications such as developing a prototype, the slow process rates make stereolithography unsuitable for large-scale production of polymeric or composite parts.
Despite all of the considerable work in this field, there exists the need for a fabricating method for thick polymeric or composite parts and the like which is amenable to high speed, low cost production. To this end, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a composition suitable for making thick polymeric or composite parts that is amenable to high speed, low cost production and is energy efficient.
A further object of this invention is to provide polymeric or composite parts capable of being made from a variety of monomer/resin systems so as to allow tailoring of the properties to the particular requirements of the end use application.
A still further object is to provide a reactive composition for making thick composites which is characterized by a relatively long shelf life.
Yet another object of the present invention lies in the provision of a facile process which may be utilized to form thick parts by widely varying techniques.
A further object of this invention is to provide an improved process for forming composites utilizing RTM technology and achieving high speed, low cost production capabilities.
A still further object is to provide a method for making polymeric or composite parts which allows decoupling of the mold filling operation from the initiation of the reaction itself together with the attendant advantages thereby achieved. A more specific aspect thus provides an RTM process characterized by the ability to utilize low viscosity monomers, allowing rapid mold filling at low pressures, efficient penetration of the reactive liquid into the reinforcing material without displacement thereof, and the like.
Yet another more specific aspect lies in the elimination of gelation in the respective transfer lines used in a molding system so as to facilitate automation.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

Thick, composite parts made from photopolymerizable compositions and methods for making such parts


An IC socket (2) includes a base (21), a cover (22) engaged upon the base and moveable along a front-to-back direction relative to the base, and a lever (23) for driving the cover to slide on the base. The lever includes a lateral rod (232) and a longitudinal rod (231) connected to the lateral rod, with the lateral rod defining an engagement section (233) adapted to engage the cover for urging the cover to move. The engagement section has a body of flexible material (234) thereon for preventing abrasion of a part of the cover associated with the engagement section and for eliminating damage caused by engagement abrasion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the art of electrical connectors, and more particularly to a lever for use in an IC socket.
2. Description of the Related Art
One conventional IC socket 8 is shown in FIG. 5. The IC socket 8 comprises a base 80. a cover 81 engaged upon the base 80 and moveable along a front-to-back direction relative to the base 80, and a lever 82 for driving the cover 81 to slide on the base 80. The lever 82 includes a lateral rod 820 and a longitudinal rod 821 attached to the lateral rod 820, with application of the longitudinal rod 821 for ease of the user to handle the lever 82 of the IC socket 8. The lateral rod 820 of the lever 82 defines an engagement section 822 adapted to engage the cover 81 for urging the cover 80 to move. Since the lever 82 is typically made of a metal material, and the cover 81 is typically made of an insulative material, repeated engagement of the metal lever 82 against the insulative cover 81 will result in the abrasion of the cover 81, and even do damage to the cover 81 or the IC socket 8. Therefore, there is a need to provide a new IC socket to resolve the above-mentioned shortcomings.


An exposure technology for a semiconductor integrated circuit device which has a pattern as fine as that of an exposure wavelength contemplates to improve the resolution characteristics of the pattern by making use of the mutual interference of exposure luminous fluxes.

The present invention relates to exposure technology and, more particularly, to a technology which is effective if applied to the photolithography process of a semiconductor integrated circuit device.
As the high integration of the semiconductor integrated circuit advances so that the circuit elements and the wiring design rules come to the sub-micron order, the photolithography process for transferring a circuit pattern on a mask onto a semiconductor wafer by making use of a beam of g- or i-line is troubled by a serious problem of a reduction in the precision of the circuit pattern to be transferred onto the wafer. In case, for example, a circuit pattern formed of transparent regions P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 and a shielding region N over a mask 20, as shown at (a) in FIG. 1J, is to be transferred onto the wafer, the phases of the light beams L just after having passed through the paired transparent regions P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 interposing the shielding region N are in phase with each other, as shown at (b) in the same Figure. As a result, the two light beams interfere with each other at that portion on the wafer, which might otherwise be intrinsically the shielding region, so that they are intensified (as shown at (c) in the same Figure). As a result, the contrast of the projected image on the wafer drops with a reduced focal depth, as shown at (d) in the same Figure, so that the pattern transfer precision is seriously degraded.
As means for solving this problem, there has been proposed a phase shift technology for preventing the drop of the contrast of the projected image by changing the phases of the light beams that transmit through the mask. In Japanese Patent Publication No. 59296/1987, for example, there is disclosed a phase shifting technology, in which one of the paired transparent regions across the shielding region is formed with a transparent film to establish a phase difference between the light beams having passed through the two transparent regions at the time of exposure so that the interfering beams may be weakened at that portion on the wafer, which might otherwise be the shielding region. When a circuit pattern formed on a mask 21, as shown at (a) in FIG. 1K, is to be transferred onto a wafer, either of the paired transparent regions P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 interposing the shielding region N is formed with a transparent film 22 having a predetermined refractive index. By adjusting the thickness of the transparent film 22, moreover, the individual light beams having passed through the transparent regions P.sub.1 and P.sub.2 go out of phase by 180 degrees, as shown at (b) in the same Figure, so that they interfere with each other in the shielding region N on the wafer and are weakened (as shown at (c) in the same Figure). As a result, the contrast of the projected image on the wafer is improved, as shown at (d) in the same Figure, to improve the resolution and the focal depth and accordingly the transfer precision of the circuit pattern formed on the mask 21.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 67514/1987, on the other hand, there is disclosed a phase shift technology in which a phase difference is established between a light beam having passed through a transparent region and a light beam having passed through a fine opening pattern, by removing the shielding region of a mask partially to form the opening pattern and by forming a transparent film in either the opening pattern or the transparent region existing in the vicinity of the opening pattern, so that the light beam having passed through the transparent region may be prevented from having its amplitude distribution expanded transversely.
The phase shifting method, by which one mask is formed thereon with an ordinary pattern (or main pattern) and a shifter pattern (or accompanying or complementary pattern) for giving a phase opposed to that of the former, will be called hereinafter the "on-mask phase shifting method" and will be called the "on-mask phase inversion shifting method" especially in case the phase shift is (2n+1).rho. (wherein n: an integer).
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 109228/1985, moreover, there is disclosed a method, in which two masks are simultaneously illuminated to improve the throughput of a projecting exposure so that the portions of one wafer corresponding to different chips may be simultaneously exposed. In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 107835/1985, on the other hand, there is disclosed a technology, in which two masks having an identical pattern can be exposed without any trouble even if one of them is defective, by dividing one exposing line into two halves to illuminate the identical portion of the two masks and by composing them to expose the wafer.
However, these two disclosures are not effective in the least for improving the resolution although they are effective for preventing the defect on the mask pattern from being transferred onto the wafer or for improving the throughput.

Process for fabricating semiconductor integrated circuit device, and exposing system and mask inspecting method to be used in the process


Embodiments relate to semiconductor device and a method of forming an insulating layer with a low dielectric constant in a semiconductor device. The method may include forming a plurality of metal patterns on a semiconductor substrate, depositing a first insulating layer on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate having the plurality of metal patterns, depositing an etch stop layer on the first insulating layer, depositing a second insulating layer on the etch stop layer, removing the second insulating layer until the etch stop layer formed above each of the plurality of metal patterns is exposed, etching the exposed etch stop layer, and depositing a third insulating layer on the entire surface of the semiconductor substrate.

Semiconductor devices may be required to operate at high speeds with large information processing capabilities. Semiconductor devices may also be required to have large storage capacities. To satisfy such requirements, semiconductor manufacturing technology has improved. For example, semiconductor devices may be faster, more highly integrated, and more reliable.
To increase a level of integration, semiconductor devices may be manufactured by forming a metal interconnection in each layer with a multi-layered structure, or by narrowing an interval between metal interconnections in a given layer.
However, as the interval between metal interconnections becomes narrower, it may be important to reduce parasitic resistance or capacitance formed either between metal interconnections adjacent to each other on the same layer or between metal interconnection in adjacent layers (i.e. above and below).
In very highly integrated semiconductor devices, parasitic resistance and capacitance components formed in a multi-layered metal interconnection structure may degrade electrical characteristics of the semiconductor devices. This may be due to a delay induced by resistance capacitance (RC delay), which may increase a power consumption of semiconductor devices.
Therefore, it may be important to develop a technology for multi-layered metal interconnections having a low RC value in very highly integrated semiconductor devices.
To form a high-performance multi-layered metal interconnections having a low RC value, an interconnection layer may be formed by using a metal having low specific resistance. Alternatively, an insulating layer, for example having a low dielectric constant, may be used.
To reduce capacitance, a material having a low dielectric constant may be used.
In the related art, FSG (Fluorine Silicate Glass) layers having a dielectric constant lower than USG (Undoped Silicate Glass) have been used as interlayer dielectric layers. In such devices, however, the dielectric constant of the FSG layers may be reduced by increasing a density of fluorine. It may be difficult to control properties of the FSG layers in such instances. That is, there may be limitations as to how much the capacitance can be reduced by using only an FSG layer.

Method of forming an insulating layer in a semiconductor device


A self-service terminal has a bin for storing media items. A mechanism is coupled to the bin that has a pathway for selectively conveying a media item from the bin to a dispenser. A heater device is mounted in the pathway for sanitizing the media item as it is conveyed to the dispenser. The heater device has a heating element set to a predetermined temperature and a roller driven by a motor set to move the media item past the heating element at a predetermined rate of speed. By selecting the predetermined temperature to 116° C. and the predetermined rate of speed to 181 mm/sec, 99.9999% of the viral load of a known type pathogen, i.e., SARS-CoV-2, is eliminated from the media item by the sanitization process.

Pathogens such as bacteria, protozoa, and viruses are infectious agents that can cause disease in humans and thus constitute a significant health hazard. A single banknote (e.g., a U.S. dollar bill) may be in circulation for over five years and may be handled by hundreds of people over the course of that time. The fibrous surface of many types of banknotes can harbor many types of pathogens, making each banknote in circulation a potential source of infection, depending on who has recently handled such banknote. These pathogens can also exist on banknotes formed from a polymer. Polymer banknotes are used in a number of countries outside the U.S. and typically can withstand a temperature of 120° C. without becoming deformed.
There are a number of ways to kill such pathogens, including, inter alia, high levels of heat, application of ultraviolet light, and use of disinfectants. Each of these methods presents certain challenges when applied to kill or greatly reduce the incidence of pathogens on banknotes issued by a self-service terminal. For heat, the main challenge involves balancing the amount of heat applied with the duration of application of heat in order to ensure that the level of pathogens remaining on the banknotes is significantly reduced. The application of ultraviolet light has similar challenges, balancing the intensity of the light and timing issues. The use of disinfectants is difficult to implement in the context of a self-service terminal.
Accordingly, there is a need for a sanitizing self-service terminal that sanitizes banknotes as the banknotes are being withdrawn in order to significantly reduce a customer's exposure to any pathogens present on banknotes stored within the self-service terminal.


A method for operating a memory controller is provided. The method includes generating a pseudo random number by using a seed included in a stored seed group corresponding to a page to be currently programmed, wherein the stored seed group is stored among a plurality of seed groups. Data to be programmed into the current page is randomizing by using the pseudo random number and the memory controller outputs the randomized data. A solid state drive (SSD) or other memory storage device such as a memory card includes the memory controller and includes a read only memory (ROM) storing the plurality of seed groups. The memory controller includes a micro-processor and a read only memory (ROM) storing executable code for causing the micro-processor to access the plurality of stored seed groups and to select a seed therefrom corresponding to a page to be currently programmed.

1. Field
Embodiments of the present inventive concept relate to a memory controller, and more particularly, to a memory controller which may reduce seed correlation between a plurality of pages adjacent to each other, an operation method of the memory controller, and electronic devices having the memory controller.
2. Description of the Related Art
Pseudo-random numbers are widely used in a communication system or a data storage system. The pseudo random numbers are used to generate a pseudo random sequence.
Thus, a pseudo random number means a number generated by pre-determined mechanism, e.g., a pseudo random number generator by using an initial value given at first.
Since a generation method of a really random number is not determinate, it is hard to predict the next value to be generated, i.e., a number. However, a number generated by a pseudo random number generator may be calculated from an initial value of the pseudo random number generator, so it is called a pseudo random number to distinguish from a real random number.
A linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is used to generate a pseudo random number sequence. The LFSR may change the pseudo random number sequence by changing an initial value called seed or changing feedback taps.
As described above, a pseudo random number may be calculated by using an initial value, so that the pseudo random number may be calculated.
However, a generation method in which a pseudo random number that may not be calculated easily may be desirable in a communication system or a data storage system. A randomizer in a communication system or a data storage system changes data into randomized data by using a pseudo random number sequence generated by LFSR. In the communication system or a data storage system, a derandomizer changes randomized data into de-randomized data by using the same pseudo random number sequence generated by LFSR. Accordingly, a randomizer or a de-randomizer for a generation method in which a pseudo random number sequence may not be calculated easily is desirable in a communication system or a data storage system.

Memory controller, method thereof, and electronic devices having the memory controller


A prolonged-release unit dosage formulation or pharmaceutical composition, preferably in tablet form, is described. The composition consists essentially of a gel-forming dietary fiber, a biologically-absorbable drug or other active therapeutic agent, and a disintegrant, namely, a mineral salt which releases a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion, preferably carbon dioxide, e g., a mineral carbonate or bicarbonate, and advantageously dextrose or like soluble sugar. A physiologically-acceptable acid may optionally be included in the composition to further facilitate disintegration. The dietary fiber-containing composition, when compressed into a tablet together with the drug and the specific disintegrants, provides a unique and efficient prolonged-action drug-delivery system.

1. Field of the Invention and Prior Art
The present invention relates to novel prolonged release formulations or compositions, e.g., tablet, granule, lozenge, capsule, or like formulations, containing a gel-forming dietary fiber and a drug or other active therapeutic agent plus certain essential disintegrants.
Many drugs and vitamins must be released in a uniform and/or continuous manner over a period of time. Water-soluble vitamins, for example, unless placed into a time-release form, are almost immediately released into the blood stream once they dissolve in the stomach. Aspirin is frequently coated to minimize gastric upset and release the drug over a period of time. Sustained-release dosage forms also avoid the necessity of frequent administration of the drug while, at the same time, achieving a desired blood level of active ingredient.
Various cellulose derivatives have been used to provide rapid disintegration of tablets, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,266,992, which describes the use of methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose for such purpose. However, in contrast, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in enteric coatings has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,440 to prevent disintegration of a tablet core and delay release of the active ingredients.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,790 discloses a method of preparing a long-acting buccal composition for admini-stering a therapeutic agent using an effective amount of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose which has been subjected to controlled humidity. Other processes for treating cellulose derivatives are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,226,849, 4,357,469, 4,369,172, 4,389,393, 4,540,566, 4,795,327, and 4,849,229, the treated cellulose derivatives then being used in a solid drug dosage unit form to produce a controlled and prolonged release pattern of a drug upon administration thereof.
For purposes of definition in this Specification, the term "dietary fiber" is defined as "remnants of plant cells resistant to hydrolysis by the alimentary enzymes of man, the group of substances that remain in the ileum but are partly hydrolyzed by bacteria in the colon", according to JAMA 262, No. 4, 542,546 (Jul. 28, 1989) in the Council Report entitled "Dietary Fiber and Health", at page 542. This article, moreover, gives considerable information as to what constitutes a "dietary fiber" and is accordingly incorporated herein by reference.
Gel-forming dietary fibers include mucilages, plant gums, pectins or pectic substances, and lignin, all of which are endogenous compounds of plant materials which are resistant to digestion by enzymes in the monogastric stomach or small intestine. Chemically, nearly all of these plant materials are carbohydrates composed of repeating monosaccharide (sugar) units. Disaccharides have two sugar units, oligosaccharides three to twelve, and polysaccharides may contain a million or more. The water-soluble fractions of these substances form gels in the stomach and intestinal tract and are known to lower serum cholesterol.
Gums and mucilages have no common structure but are polysaccharides containing several sugars with alternating monomer structures and may or may not contain uranic acids. There are many gums found in plants and cereal grains. Guar and locust bean gums are galactomannans, whereas gum arabic is an acidic polymer of galactose and rhamnose. Oat and barley contain gums, but are not practical for use in the present application because of the low percentage of active gum per weight volume. Most of the gums in the present application are effective at much lower dosages. Suitable gums include, inter alia, besides guar gum, the following: locust bean gum, acacia gum, gum arabic, xanthan gum, carrageenan gum, karaya gum, tragacanth gum, and ghatti gum.
Pectin substances or pectins are mixtures of polysaccharides of partially methylated and 1,4-D galacturonic acid units with side chains containing arabinose, galactose, xylose, and rhamnose. They are contained in many fruits and vegetables as well as other plants.
Other suitable gel-forming dietary fibers include psyllium husks, algal polysaccharides, glucomannan, and agar, to name a few. Lignin is a non-carbohydrate polymer of aromatic plant alcohols comprising oxygenated phenylpropane units. As a plant matures, more lignin is produced, which acts as a sort of cement as it hardens and holds together other plant cell wall constituents. Lignin passes through the digestive tract with very little change.
As already mentioned, a recent review of dietary fiber which mentions these substances is contained in the following reference: Dietary Fiber and Health, JAMA 262: No. 4, 542-546 (1989), from the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association.
Some gel-forming fibers such as guar gum are used as binders and disintegrators for compressed tablets, but at fairly low levels. At higher levels, these gel-forming fibers and gums are known not to dissolve properly when compressed into tablets.
Various unsuccessful attempts have been made to solve the problem of improper and incomplete dissolution of guar gum tablets. EPA 0080673 describes these problems in detail, and discloses the use of 5 to 30% of highly-dispersed silica gel in guar tablets. Normally used tablet disintegrants or additives such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (crosslinking agent), sodium carboxymethyl-starch, cornstarch, microcrystalline cellulose, and so on, do not lead to satisfactory results. Hard tablets are produced which do not swell properly, and which form an impenetrable layer of gel around a powder core which may pass through the gastrointestinal tract undissolved.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,672 describes the use of mineral carbonates to enhance dispersion of gel-forming dietary fibers in orally-administrable pharmaceutical compositions for use in reducing serum cholesterol levels. Such compositions have proved to be very effective in use for their intended purpose, but do not provide a satisfactory matrix for providing a prolonged-release unit dosage formulation of a biologically-absorbable therapeutic agent or drug.
The foregoing EPA 00808673 mentions the employment of citric acid with guar gum tablets. The citric acid and sweeteners were used, according to that disclosure, to improve the acceptability of the tablets if they were to be chewed. Accordingly, the citric acid was there used only to provide flavor and an aromatic quality to the product.
It is apparent that the prior art has not provided such formulations did not contain any mineral carbonate or bicarbonate and, moreover, when a carboxylic acid such as citric acid was employed in the compositions of that invention, "the acid is coated with 1 to 20% of a water-repellent agent based on the weight of the acid", reportedly to provide increased storage stability of the product.
It is apparent that the prior art has not provided any suitable prolonged-release unit dosage formulation for the prolonged release of an effective dose of a biologically-absorbable therapeutic agent or drug, much less such a prolonged-release unit dosage formulation which employs or embodies a gel-forming dietary fiber as an essential part of the matrix, fundamentally because of the fact that the swelling and balling and plug formation of such gel-forming dietary fibers has heretofore been considered an insurmountable disadvantage, insofar as the acid of the stomach does not readily or uniformly dissolve dietary fiber formulations, especially when in unit dosage form such as a tablet, granule, capsule, lozenge, or the like, for which reason release of any therapeutic agent or drug which may have been combined therewith was unpredict-able and non-uniform and generally insufficiently rapid to cause or permit release of all of the drug or other therapeutic agent content thereof while the unit dosage formulation was present in the gastrointestinal tract.
According to the present invention, however, excellent prolonged-release unit dosage formulations are provided, which consist essentially of an effective dose of the selected biologically-absorbable therapeutic agent or drug, a gel-forming dietary fiber, and optionally a physiologically-acceptable edible acid, preferably a food-grade organic acid or phosphoric acid, and a mineral salt which releases a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion, preferably a mineral carbonate or bicarbonate which releases carbon dioxide upon ingestion. The physiologically-acceptable acid is not necessary to carry out the present invention, although it can be present to assist in providing an improved hydration rate and help to open up the tablet or other selected oral unit-dosage form involved when a quicker release of the drug is desired. According to the invention, when a biological liquid, such as stomach acid, begins to penetrate or wick into the prolonged-release unit dosage formulation, it dissolves mineral salt present therein, which reacts to cause a rapid evolution of gas, e.g., carbon dioxide. This rapid evolution of gas breaks up the prolonged-release unit dosage form, e.g., tablet, granule, capsule, lozenge, or the like, before a surface layer of gel can form around the unit dosage form, especially a tablet, from the normal reaction of the gel-forming dietary fiber, which surface layer of gel would seal the unit dosage form off from further hydration and disintegration. In another embodiment of the present invention, it may be necessary to have a physiologically-acceptable edible acid with the mineral salt to release a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion. The acid would be located inside the tablet, granule, capsule, lozenge, or the like, or dispersed throughout the tablet granule, capsule, lozenge, or other unit dosage form, to increase the speed of hydration of the drug or other therapeutic agent contained in the unit dosage formulation.
According to the invention, the gel produced by the gel-forming dietary fiber modulates the release of the drug, but does not prevent the drug from being biologically absorbed, inhibition of disintegration by formation of a gel coating around the unit dosage formulation by the gel-forming dietary fiber being prevented by the evolution of a physiologically acceptable gas by virtue of the action of the mineral salt within the unit dosage formulation upon contact with biological fluids, e.g., those of the gastrointestinal tract.
It is an object of the invention to provide novel and advantageous prolonged-release unit dosage formulation and a method for prolonging the release of a drug or other active therapeutic agent upon administration to a human being involving the employment of such improved and advantageous prolonged release unit dosage formulation of the invention. Another object of the invention is to provide such formulation and method which involve the employment of a prolonged-release unit dosage formulation consisting essentially of an effective dose of a biologically-absorbable drug or other therapeutic agent, a gel-forming dietary fiber, and a mineral salt which releases a physiologically- acceptable gas upon ingestion. A further object of the invention is to optionally provide the above composition along with a physiologically acceptable acid. A further object of the invention is the provision of such formulation and method wherein the disadvantageous characteristics of the gel-forming dietary fiber matrix are offset by the inclusion of a mineral salt which releases a physiologically-acceptable gas upon ingestion, preferably a mineral carbonate or bicarbonate which releases carbon dioxide upon ingestion and to optionally include a physiologically-acceptable acid to facilitate the release of the gas. Still an additional object is the provision of such a formulation and method wherein the unit dosage formulation also contains a soluble sugar, which greatly enhances the controllable disintegration of the unit dosage formulation upon ingestion in addition to providing a more generally acceptable flavor. Still other objects will be apparent to one skilled in the art and additional objects will become obvious as this specification proceeds.

Prolonged-release drug tablet formulations


The disclosure depicts and describes flotation device including a deck, and a chaira seat on the deck. A well extends downwardly from the deck, and a ledge extends upwardly from the deck. The deck has an aperture positioned adjacent the ledge; additionally, the invention includes a motor having a power head and tiller positioned above the deck, a shaft passing through the aperture, and a propeller adjacent the terminal end of the shaft.

The invention is a propelled flotation device. The invention includes a deck having a chair positioned on the deck. A well extends downwardly from the deck, and a ledge extends upwardly from the deck. Moreover, an aperture is formed in the deck adjacent the ledge. The invention also includes a motor having a power head and tiller positioned above the deck, and a propeller positioned on a terminal end of a shaft that extends to a second end positioned below the deck. The shaft passes through the aperture in the deck so that the propeller, positioned adjacent the terminus of the shaft, will penetrate the surface of water.
A clamp couples the motor to the deck, preferably by affixing the shaft of the motor to the ledge that is formed on the deck. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the chair has a seat back rotatably coupled to the deck and selectively positionable between a down position wherein the seat back is generally parallel the deck, and an upright position wherein the seat back is generally orthogonal the deck. The chair may also have a bottom positioned on the deck.
In one embodiment, the device includes a cover positionable over the well. However, in another embodiment, the underneath surface of the seat bottom bears ridges extending downwardly from its underneath surface to frictionally engage within the battery well, enabling the seat portion of the chair to serve as a well cover.
The inventive device works well in combination with a standard annular ring, such as a foam (i.e., Styrofoam) ring or a typical inflatable inner tube with a central opening. In this embodiment, the deck and central opening are cooperatively formed such that the deck engages the inflatable ring and covers the central opening. However, other configurations for a flotation device are certainly possible.
The motor has a shaft that extends through the central opening in the in the annular ring and also through the deck as well. The inventive device also preferably includes a clamp affixing the motor (at its shaft) to the deck (at the ledge) such that the motor is selectively positionable between an in-use position wherein the shaft is extends orthogonally downward from the deck and a stowed position wherein the shaft is adjacent and/or parallel the deck.
In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a battery positioned within the well and configured to empower the motor. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of lead cables connect the battery to the motor by passing through apertures formed on the well. Alternatively the device may be propelled by a fuel-driven motor, and a fuel tank may be stowed within the well. In this alternate embodiment, fuel lines will pass through openings in the well and connect the tank in the well to a fuel-driven motor.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Propelling apparatus for a flotation device


A substrate on which cavities having floors and steps is provided. End faces of a light-emitting device, an optical component, and an optical transmission line are abutted on one of the cavity for positioning, and end faces of a light-receiving device, an optical component, and an optical transmission line are also abutted on the other cavity for positioning. Integrated alignment of optical axes facilitates alignment of optical axes, and thus eliminates the need of a CAN package. Accordingly, the size and height of an optical communications module can be reduced.

FIG. 17 shows an entire image of a package including a conventional transceiver module for optical communications. The entire package is configured with optical transmission line 41, CAN Package for transmission (hereafter "package") 24, and CAN Package for reception (hereafter "package") 25. Fixing jig 42 secures optical transmission line 41. Packages 24 and 25 are mounted on printed circuit board (hereafter "board") 34, and enclosed in package 21. The name CAN Package comes from the use of a metal can for the package. Fixing jig 42 and adapter 21A of package 21 are fitted, and the optical axis of optical transmission line 41 and optical axes of packages 24 and 25 are aligned by means of this modular structure.
FIG. 18 shows board 34 enclosed in package 21. Packages 24 and 25, semiconductor device 45, and passive element 26 are mounted on board 34.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of FIG. 18 taken along Line A–A′ on board 34 including the center axes of packages 24 and 25. Light-emitting device 29 is mounted inside package 24, and sealing material 33 hermetically seals this package 24. In addition, optical component 27 such as lens or window is installed in package 24. The light emitted from light-emitting device 29 enclosed in package 24 passes through optical component 27 and enters optical transmission line 41 whose optical axis is aligned by the modular structure. This enables the module to transmit signals.
In the same way, light-receiving device 30 is mounted inside package 25, and sealing material 33 hermetically seals this package 25. In addition, optical component 28 such as lens or window is installed in package 25. The light output from transmission line 41 of the reception side whose optical axis is aligned by the modular structure passes through optical component 28 installed in package 25, and arrives at light-receiving device 30. This enables the module to receive signals. This type of package, including a transceiver module for optical communications, is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H11-345987.
In the above structure, however, the alignment of optical axes of light-emitting device 29 and light-receiving device 30, and respective optical components 27 and 28 depends on packages 24 and 25. Moreover, the alignment of the optical axes of light-emitting device 29, light-receiving device 30, and optical components 27 and 28 and the optical axis of optical transmission line 41 depends on the modular structure of fixing jig 42 and adapter 21A of package 21. For each alignment, the optical axes need to be separately aligned. Furthermore, the size of packages 24 and 25 limits downsizing and height reduction because packages 24 and 25 are mounted on board 34.

Optical communications module and substrate for the same

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A frequency multiplier comprises a phase generator configured to receive an oscillation signal and to provide at phase generator outputs versions of the oscillation signal, which are phase-shifted with respect to each other. An injection-locked ring oscillator comprises a plurality of stages, wherein each of the phase generator outputs is coupled to a different stage of the plurality of stages for multi-point injection. A combiner combines output signals of the plurality of stages of the injection-locked ring oscillator into a signal having a frequency which is a multiple of a frequency of the oscillation signal.

Generally, a frequency multiplier is an electronic circuit that generates an output signal whose output frequency is a multiple of its input frequency. For example, in every communication/radar system, if the frequency of a local oscillator is lower than a desired carrier frequency, a frequency multiplier may be used to generate the carrier frequency from the frequency of the local oscillator. The frequency multiplier generates at its output the desired frequency fout=N·flo, where fout is the desired output frequency, flo is the frequency of the local oscillator and N is the multiplication factor. In some examples, the multiplier produces a harmonic at fout only and suppresses all other harmonics with infinite harmonic rejection. Practically, this may not be true and together with the desired harmonic fout, several or all harmonics multiples of flo are present in the output signal if no further measures for harmonic rejection are taken.
A first common approach to achieve high harmonic rejection in a frequency multiplier is shown in FIG. 7. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 10 generates a differential output signal 12 having an oscillation frequency flo, which may be a variable oscillation frequency. The differential output signal 12 is provided to a frequency multiplier 14. The frequency multiplier 14 generates at its output an output signal 16 having a frequency which is the frequency of the input signal times a multiplication factor N. The multiplication factor N may be a natural number greater or equal to 2. The output of the frequency multiplier 14 is connected to the input of a band-pass filtering stage 18 cascaded with the multiplier. The pass band of the band-pass filtering stage is centered at fout=N·flo and, therefore, the band-pass filtering stage rejects the other harmonics. Thus, an output signal in which the harmonics are suppressed is achieved at the output 20 of the band-pass filtering stage. However, in order to achieve a high rejection of the harmonics, a filter with a high quality factor is desirable. Such a kind of filter is difficult to realize and, even if such a filter is realized, it is difficult to center the pass band at fout over process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations. In addition, at RF/MMW frequencies (RF=radio frequency, MMW=millimeter wave), the band-pass filter would be a LC resonator and, thus, the rejection would be limited by the order of the filter.
FIG. 8 shows another common approach for harmonic rejection. As it is shown in FIG. 8, the output of the frequency multiplier 14 is coupled to an injection locking stage 22 comprising an oscillator running at fout. The oscillator may be a LC-VCO (VCO=voltage controlled oscillator). The positive feedback behavior of the injection locking stage 22 helps in rejecting the harmonics to output an output signal having a frequency fout=N·flo at an output 24 of the injection locking stage 22. However, in order to achieve a proper locking, the free running frequency of the LC-VCO must be as close as possible to fout, which is difficult to achieve due to process, voltage and temperature variations. Moreover, the harmonic rejection behavior of the LC-VCO is high inside the locking range, but limited to the band-pass behavior of the LC-VCO tank outside the locking range. Since the locking range is usually narrow, wherein typical numbers for LC-VCOs are around 15%, the harmonic rejection is limited.

Frequency multiplier and method for frequency multiplying


An integral air vent and lamp assembly for a vehicle passenger cabin includes a rotary vent housing and a hub defining an opening centered on a center axis of the vent housing having vent doors which open and close to admit or block airflow into the cabin. A lamp subassembly is disposed within the opening. The lamp subassembly may include a push-button micro-switch and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A light diffusing lens and LED board may be positioned within a recess of an elongated T-shaped housing, which may include an axial member received by and rotating in conjunction with a gear element. The diffusing lens and LED board may be circumscribed by a bezel. A vehicle includes a power source, a body defining a passenger cabin, an air circulation device configured to move air to the passenger cabin, and the integral air vent and lamp assembly positioned in the passenger cabin.

Passenger cabins of modern vehicles may include an array of devices, each of which is intended to improve passenger enjoyment or ride comfort in a particular manner. Typical passenger cabin devices include front and rear air vents, overhead reading lamps, ambient lighting strips, USB ports, electrical charging ports, DVD players, and the like. The various devices, which are typically separate from each other, may be grouped together in a single overhead panel in close proximity to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork.


A method for controlling a displayed user interface for accessing content provided by a multimedia content delivery network is disclosed. A plurality of user interface events, representing user actions during operation of the user interface, are recorded for one or more end users. The recorded user interface events include user actions that do not result in a command or transaction received by the service provider of the network. The recorded user interface events may be stored in a data warehouse and mined for business purposes.

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to multimedia content delivery networks and, more particularly, user interfaces for accessing such networks.
2. Description of the Related Art
Subscribers to multimedia content delivery services frequently access content and other services by interacting with a user interface via a remote control device. Much of this interaction is not tracked or monitored by service providers, which have historically been primarily interested only in an end result of a typical interaction, namely a content selection or purchase.

User interface monitoring in a multimedia content distribution network


A transmission cable provides communication between a computer and an electronic device. The transmission cable includes a first plug and a second plug. The first plug connects with the electronic device. The second plug connects with the computer. The first plug includes a data receiving socket, a data transmission socket, and a grounding socket. The grounding socket is positioned between the data receiving socket and the data transmission socket. The second plug is a D-sub connector.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a transmission cable providing communication between a computer and an electronic device.
2. Description of Related Art
A D-sub connector is often used for RS-232 serial communications, attached to a transmission cable, providing communication between a computer and an electronic device during a testing procedure. The D-sub connector includes a data receiving socket and a data transmission socket on specific locations of the D-sub connector.
A commonly used electronic device includes a data receiving pin and data transmission pin. The communication is effective when the data receiving socket electronically connects with the data transmission pin, and the data transmission socket electronically connects with the data receiving pin. If the data transmission pin and the data receiving pin of the electronic device do not correspond to the data receiving socket and the data transmission socket of the D-sub connector in connection, the communication between the electronic device and D-sub connector will be ineffective.
Therefore, there is room for improvement within the art.

Transmission cable for a computer and an electronic device


A multi-level information recording-reproducing apparatus can accurately determine multi-level information even if recording density is increased. A multi-level information recording-reproducing apparatus radiates a laser beam to an information recording medium by switching a radiation energy level of the laser beam in a multi-level fashion and records a recorded mark in the information recording medium. The multi-level information recording-reproducing apparatus reproduces a multi-level data sequence recorded as a test pattern in the information recording medium, sets a reproduction signal level of a recorded mark based on an immediately-before cell located immediately before a cell to be reproduced, and corrects the radiation energy level of the laser beam so that the reproduction signal level can have a separate distribution from a distribution of another reproduction signal level.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a multi-level information recording apparatus, a multi-level information recording method and a multi-level information recording medium for using multi-level recording techniques to record information in an information recording medium such as an optical disk and a multi-level information recording-reproducing apparatus for using the multi-level recording techniques to record and reproduce information in an information recording medium such as an optical disk, and more particularly to a multi-level recording apparatus, a multi-level recording method, a multi-level recording medium and a multi-level recording-reproducing apparatus that can determine a multi-level with accuracy even if a recording density is increased.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recent development of computer-related arts and information technologies has accelerated a movement to digitize various types of information such as image information and audio information. In fact, such image information and such audio information are widely distributed as digital information at present. In this circumstance, the larger amount of contents digital information has, the higher recording density an information recording medium for recording the digital information such as an optical disk is required to have. There are various types of optical disks, for instance, CD (Compact Disk), CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), CR-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and so on. In a recordable and readable recording medium such as CD-R and DVD-RAM (Digital Versatile Disk Random Access Memory), information is recorded therein as binary information, that is, 2-level information. In order to increase the recording density along this approach, some conventional methods intend to reduce the pit size of an optical disk or form smaller recorded marks on an optical disk. However, a recording-readable apparatus has limits on wavelength of an illuminant thereof and NA (Numerical Aperture) of an objective lens thereof. Consequently, there are limits on the sizes of pits and recorded marks.
There is another approach for increasing storage capacity of an optical disk without changing the numbers of illuminants and NA of an objective lens. Multi-level information recording methods have been presented in some conferences such as ODS (Optical Data Storage) along this approach. In these multi-level information recording methods, information is recorded as multi-level information, that is, as more than or equal to three-level information rather than binary information.
However, the multi-level information recording methods have some disadvantages in that the level of a multi-level signal for recording multi-level information, which is referred to as a multi-level, is erroneously determined due to inter-symbol interference from adjacent recorded marks.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2001-084592 discloses a multi-level information recording method that intends to reduce multi-level determination errors due to the inter-symbol interference when multi-level information is reproduced. In this multi-level information recording method, when multi-level information or multi-level data is recorded, the average of adjacent recorded marks of a recorded mark is computed. Then, recording power is corrected in proportion to a difference between the average and the recorded mark. According to the multi-level information recording method, the larger difference between the average and the recorded mark is, the more largely the recording power is corrected. In general, the inter-symbol interference is largely caused in proportion to differences between adjacent recorded marks and the recorded mark to be recorded. Therefore, according to the multi-level information recording method, the correction offsets the inter-symbol interference.
However, the above-mentioned multi-level information recording method has some cases where the recording power cannot be successfully corrected.
A description will now be given, with reference to FIG. 1, of the problem on the above-mentioned multi-level information recording method wherein multi-level information is recorded as 8-level information. FIG. 1 shows an observation result of recorded marks according to the 8-level information recording method in a case where a multi-level data sequence "0, 1, 7, 1, 0" is recorded in a phase-change optical disk.
In the conventional 8-level information recording method, it is supposed that each multi-level data "0", "1", "7", "1" and "0" of the multi-level data sequence "0, 1, 7, 1, 0" are recorded in individual cells Se of a track Tr of the phase change optical disk. Regarding a first pattern "0, 1, 7" and a second subsequence "7, 1, 0", the conventional multi-level information recording method assigns same recording power to the both multi-level data "1"s because the two multi-level data "1"s are in the same condition according to the conventional multi-level information recording method. As is shown in the observation result in FIG. 1, however, the multi-level data "1" and "7" of the first pattern are properly recorded as the recorded marks "m1" and "m7", respectively, in the cells Se whereas the multi-level data "1" of the second pattern are not successfully recorded as the recorded mark "m" in the cell Se. Through similar experiments on other multi-level data patterns, it is observed that formation of a recorded mark often ends in failure if the recorded mark is located immediately behind a long recorded mark having a higher level than 5-level data in the 8-level information recording.
The above-mentioned problem is mainly caused in the following reason. FIGS. 2A and 2B show waveform diagrams of variations of the recording power under the conventional multi-level information recording method with respect to the first pattern and the second pattern, respectively. When the first pattern is recorded, a laser beam is radiated by varying the recording power or the laser power as radiation energy of the laser beam in a multi-level fashion in accordance with the waveform as shown in FIG. 2A. Similarly, when the second pattern is recorded, a laser beam is radiated by varying the laser power in accordance with the waveform as shown in FIG. 2B.
As is shown in FIG. 3, there are three levels of recording pulses, write power Pw (a top pulse), bias power Pb (a cooling pulse) and erase power Pe (an erase pulse).
When the multi-level data "1" are recorded for the second pattern "7, 1, 0", a cumulative amount of the laser beam corresponds to the shaded portion shown in FIG. 2B. At this time, the laser beam has the cumulative amount smaller than that of the first pattern with respect to the erase power Pe by the range X shown in FIG. 2B. As a result, the laser beam cannot sufficiently increase the temperature of a recording layer of an information recording medium, and a recorded mark for the multi-level data "1" is not successfully formed.
A detailed description will now be given, with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, of 4-level distributions before and after the recording power correction, respectively, according to the above-mentioned conventional multi-level information recording method.
FIG. 4A shows four multi-level distributions before the recording power correction according to the above-mentioned conventional multi-level information recording method. As is shown in FIG. 4A, the multi-level distributions have overlapped areas in the bottom between adjacent multi-level distributions due to inter-symbol interference. When the amplitude of reproduction signals varies in the overlapped areas, the multi-level is erroneously determined, that is, a determination error occurs. If the recording power is corrected in consideration of such amplitude variations of the reproduction signal so that the inter-symbol interference can be offset, deviations of the multi-level distributions becomes smaller as shown in FIG. 4B. As a result, it is possible to suppress the determination errors.
However, if the recording density is further to be increased, the above-mentioned conventional recording power correction method has difficulty of the accurate multi-level determination. The difficulty is explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B in the case where 4-level information is recorded.
FIG. 5A is a plan view of a groove where recorded marks are formed for a 4-level data sequence "3, 0, 3", and FIG. 5B is a-diagram illustrating an RF (Radio Frequency) signal for forming the recorded marks.
Here, the recording power is set such that no recorded mark can be formed for the multi level 0 (Lv0). The recording power is set for the multi-level 0 so as to offset the inter-symbol interference. In this recording power correction, a reference signal level for the 4-level information recording power correction is set as the maximum signal level of the inter-symbol interference, that is, the signal level in the case where the multi level 0 is recorded between the multi levels 3.
Therefore, a threshold of the multi-level determination is determined by dividing a difference DR′ between the multi level Lv0 and the multi level Lv3 by 3. It is noted that the difference DR′ is smaller than a difference DR between the groove level GL and the multi level Lv3. If the interval between recorded marks is narrowed in the conventional multi-level information recording method so as to increase the recording density, the difference DR′ becomes smaller due to greater influence by the inter-symbol interference. In this case, since the level determination threshold has a shorter interval, the differences between multi-levels decrease and the margins become smaller. As a result, the multi-level determination becomes less accurate, that is, there is higher probability that the determination error occurs. As the number of multi-levels increases, the margins become smaller. Therefore, this problem becomes more serious.
In order to overcome the above-mentioned problem, a multi-level information recording method according to the present invention mainly intends to properly form a recorded mark in an information recording medium even if multi-level data are recorded in high density.
Furthermore, the multi-level information recording method intends to achieve other purposes. When recorded multi-level data are reproduced, a conventional multi-level recording method performs the following signal processing for removing inter-symbol interference.
FIG. 6 shows an example of recorded marks formed in a predetermined interval between adjacent recorded marks in a case where multi-level data "1", "m" and "n" are recorded in the (i−1)-st cell through (i+1)-st cell in a track Tr, respectively. FIG. 7 shows waveforms before and after a waveform equalizing process for a reproduction signal of the recorded marks in FIG. 6. When the track Tr is played back, a reproduction signal s(i) of an i-th cell is supplied to a waveform equalizer as shown in FIG. 7. The waveform equalizer performs an operation based on the following equation (1) for the reproduction signal s(i),EQ(i|l, m, n)=C1{s(i)−s(i−1)}+s(i)+C2{s(i)−s(i+1)}  (1),where C1 and C2 are waveform equalizing coefficients. Then, the waveform equalizer outputs the waveform-equalized signal EQ(i|l, m, n). For instance, when a track including multi-level data "m" in the (i−1)-st cell through (i+1)-st cell is played back, the waveform equalizer outputs the waveform equalized signalEQ(i|m, m, m)=s(i)  (2),because the equations s(i)=s(i−1)=s(i+1) are satisfied for the equation (1) in this case.
In the equation (1), the waveform equalizing coefficients C1 and C2 are set so that the following formula
                              ∑                      l            ,            m            ,                          n              =              0                                7                                                                                {                                          EQ                                                  (                                                            i                      |                      l                                        ,                    m                    ,                    n                                    )                                            -                              EQ                                                  (                                                            i                      |                      m                                        ,                    m                    ,                    m                                    )                                                      }                    2                                    (        3        )            can have the minimal value for all combinations of three 8-level data. If m-level information is recorded, the formula (3) is computed for all m3 combinations of m multi-level data. According to the above-mentioned waveform equalizing process, even if a reproduction signal has a waveform without sharpness due to the inter-symbol interference, it is possible to produce a sharp waveform signal by performing the waveform equalizing process.
However, there is a combination such that the equation EQ(i|l, m, n)=EQ(i|m, m, m) is not satisfied, because a recorded mark is not formed in a predetermined size due to thermal interference generated at recording time. In order to correct this problem, laser energy is adjusted for each combination of multi-level data.
A degree of the inter-symbol interference varies depending on the recording density, a shape of a laser beam and a type of an information recording media. In some cases, the above-mentioned conventional multi-level information recording method cannot properly correct the laser energy by simply using the difference between recorded multi-level data and the average of adjacent multi-level data.
In addition, since the conventional multi-level information recording method does not determine whether or not the recording power correction has succeeded, it is impossible to obtain certainty regarding appropriate reproduction of recorded multi-level data. Furthermore, while the correction is adjusted based on a recorded multi-level data sequence, it is determined whether or not recorded multi-level data are properly played back based on a reproduction signal. Thus, the recording power correction should be performed based on the reproduction signal rather than the recorded multi-level data sequence.
Accordingly, a multi-level information recording method according to the present invention further intends to achieve the following purposes. The first purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording method that can determine an optimal level of the laser energy with respect to combinations of multi-level data as small iteration times, that is, less computation as possible. The second purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording method that can prepare test patterns for determining laser energy corresponding to the combinations of multi-level data. The third purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording method that includes a laser energy setting method. The fourth purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording method that can easily control laser energy. The fifth purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording method that has broader tolerance with respect to multi-level data determination errors. The sixth purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording medium suitable to the multi-level information recording method according to the present invention. The seventh purpose is to provide a multi-level information recording-reproducing apparatus that can determine an optimal level of the laser energy with respect to combinations of multi-level data as smaller iteration times, that is, less computation as possible.

Multi-level information recording apparatus, multi-level information recording method, multi-level information recording medium and multi-level information recording-reproducing apparatus


The color difference and/or chromaticness difference between target objects and background objects can be enhanced. Different colors with different color attributes mean different objects. In some cases, different chromaticness, such as saturation and hue, mean different two- or three-band ratio. The light from the surface of objects is filtered by optical system integrated with two- and three-band mixing method so that only the light in the wavelength range of the pass bands can reach optical sensors for opto-electronic sensing devices. With this kind of opto-electronic sensing devices, two- and/or three-band ratio criteria widely used in remote sensing and machine vision applications can be calculated in terms of color attributes. Multi-spectral imaging system can be replaced by this kind of sensing devices. This kind of two- or three-band mixing illumination can be used to identify, classify, and detect objects for human visual application, remote sensing, and machine vision application.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a novel and improved method and apparatus for filtering the light, or enhancing color difference and/or chromaticness difference, or obtaining two- or three-band ratio criteria widely used in remote sensing applications, or acquiring two or three bands multi-spectral imaging.
2. Description of the Prior Art
For applications of band ratio criteria, including two- and three-band ratio, multi-spectral imaging system, hyper-spectral imaging system, and spectral system are used in order to get different band spectral information. Then, two- or three-band ratio criteria with different indices, which are playing a very important role in the remote sensing application due to its invariant to some geometrical factors, such as distances between imaging system and objects, angle between the optical axis of optical system and normal lines to object surfaces, and the intensity change of illumination, can be calculated with mathematic processing.
Conventional multi-spectral imaging systems are used to get two or three bands imaging in applications, such as machine vision and remote sensing.
Several separate different band illuminations were adopted for some multi-band applications of color discrimination or object identification through color discrimination. In these kinds of applications, the lights from several separate different band illuminations illuminated the object's surface.
However, all the above sensing systems that can be used to obtain two- or three-band ratio criteria or to get two or three bands imaging are complicated and expensive to some extent due to their structure, manufacture, and calibration. For the beam-splitter multi-spectral imaging system, the multi-channel beam splitter, multi-optical-paths, the respective one-band filters, and the respective optical sensors are necessary for acquiring multi-spectral imaging. In the application of several separate different band illuminations, this illumination method for color discrimination is complicated and costly, and doesn't have a good illumination performance, and is not suitable for some applications.