The two channel stereo display system with micro electromechanical systems (MEMS, e.g. DMDs from Texas Instruments) simultaneously generates a right and a left image in two discrete modulation channels, which differ by the polarization of their light beams. More specifically, the invention relates to the chirality (handedness) of MEMS and uncovers solutions for some of the geometric problems associated with this handedness in stereoscopic systems. Unpolarized light is split by a first PBS (5) and directed via two TIRs (3,4) onto two MEMSs (1,2) for spatial modulation. In some embodiments, mirror symmetric, compact light paths and complete superposition of the two subimages with a second PBS (6) are realized with two different MEMSs (1) and (2) which are a pair of stereo isomers. Furthermore we uncover solutions with two identical MEMSs.

The present invention uncovers a two channel stereo display, which simultaneously generates a right and left image in discrete modulation channels, which differ by the polarization of their light beams. The invention relates to display and projection systems using micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) as displays. More specifically, the invention relates to the chirality (handedness) of deflectable micro mirror devices (DMD) and uncovers solutions for some of the geometric problems associated with this handedness in stereoscopic systems.
The human vision does not perceive the polarization of light, nor can it discriminate states of polarization. Polarization does not influence the brightness nor the colors of an image. Therefore, in so called passive stereo display systems in the state of the art, polarization is used for coding left and right eye information in a combined beam. Goggles with "passive" polarizing sheets, decode (separate) these signals so that only light of one plane of polarization reaches the right eye, while light of the other plane of polarization reaches the left eye.
Image generation in digital display systems is achieved with spatial light modulators (SLM). These SLMs comprise a rectangular matrix of N×M electronically addressable discrete pixels. SLMs modulate the constantly bright incident light according to the control signal by removing light from the incident beam to generate darker parts of the image. The type of modulation classifies two groups of modulators: Liquid Crystal—SLMs, (LCD) and micro electro mechanical Systems (MEMS, e.g. DMD).
Liquid Crystal SLMs work either reflectively (e.g. LCoS) or transmissively (LCD). In either case, the modulators require prepolarized light of a certain linear polarization (e.g. "S"-polarized light). Each pixel is "marked" by rotating the plane of polarization (in the example given, the on-modulated beam is turned from "S" to "P"-polarization). "Off"-pixels differ in their polarization from "On"-pixels. In the case of transmissive LCD TFT displays "Off"-pixel light is absorbed (eliminated) by an analyzer. In the case of reflective LC-displays "On" and "Off"-pixel light is separated by a beam splitter downstream of the modulator which reflects light of one state of polarization while transmitting the other.
Two channel stereo projection systems with liquid crystal SLMs according to the state of the art use reflective LCoS SLM (liquid crystal on Silicon). LCoS systems modulate "On" and "Off" state only by modulating their plane of polarization, while the angle of incidence is the angle of reflectance (it is, usually, 0° which is normal to the SLM surface). As a consequence, both polarization states exist in either channel and have to be separated with some effort. For the discrimination of "On" and "Off"-beams additional beam splitters are necessary (U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,650, WO Pat. No. 03/065737). Otherwise channel separation and image contrast are insufficient (U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,396). Using classical MacNeille PBS a contamination of the "S"-channel with 5% "P"-light results in a contrast <=20:1 and a channel separation of less than 1:20. While image contrast in mono systems is generally used as a quality measure channel, separation in two channel systems has hardly been discussed, whereas in acoustic stereo systems this is an acknowledged specification.
MEMSs are SLMs modulating incident light by reflecting "On"-light in a different direction than "Off"-light. DMDs from Texas Instruments (e.g. U.S. Pat No. 5,600,383) achieve this by electronically controlled micro-mirrors which can be deflected in two stable positions, thereby reflecting incident light in two different directions (a "On" and a "Off"-direction).
As MEMSs do not depend on prepolarized light, and work independent of (plane or ratio of) polarization, (mono) MEMS display systems according to the state of the art work with unpolarized light. FIG. 1 shows schematically the operational principle of MEMS. Micro-mirrors (17) can be deflected in two positions (e.g. ±12° off the normal towards the MEMS surface in recent MEMS). If the incident light reaches the mirror under an angle of twice the mirror deflection (24°), it is reflected perpendicularly (18) from the MEMS surface as "On"-light (19) ("On"-position of the mirror). If the mirror is deflected to the alternate, the "Off"-position, the incident beam is reflected with an angle of 48° to the surface normal of the MEMS as "Off"-beam.
Stereo display systems with MEMSs have been described in the state of the art which are based on single channel operation (WO Pat. No. 02/32149A2, WO 02/076107A1). These projector devices generate in an alternating fashion (sequentially) left and right images or left and right image portions with a different polarization. If in these projector systems color is generated sequentially, e.g. using a color wheel (1-Chip DLP systems) each of three primary color components exists in two states of polarization (e.g. left- and right-handed circularly polarized light). 3 Chip DLP systems, which generate color simultaneously (parallel) still alternate right and left image display. In active systems this is achieved by synchronously switching of the light flow to one of the eyes (this is usually handled by an electronic shutter system in the goggles of an observer). In passive systems the polarization is switched by a polarization conversion system (located within or outside the body of the projection system) synchronously to the display of left or right image. Passive stereo goggles with corresponding analyzers alternatively feed right and left eye (e.g. Barco Galaxy Warp, Ref No R599655; www.vr.barco.com; Barco, Kortrijk, Belgium). A disadvantage of alternating polarization stereo displays is a halving of the maximum light flux to each eye and a halving of the maximum image display frequency.
Simultaneous stereo display systems with MEMS according to the state of the art are realized with two separate mono display systems which emit two light beams with different polarization, and which do not superimpose left and right image before the screen. While this approach evades the dynamical disadvantages of single chip MEMS stereo displays, it results in substantial ergonomical disadvantages (adjustment, inaccuracy of zoom and focus, differences in light flux) and in general leads to increased setup efforts. Dependent on the system used it can also lead to a halving of the light output.
As MEMS do not change the polarization state of light, our invention is based on polarization independent image generation with MEMS for 2 channel stereo displays. The present invention is characterized by simultaneous generation of both images for left and right eye and their superposition in a single display system. The presented 2 channel MEMS system feeds the corresponding image information simultaneously to both eyes (thus at least doubling the light flux to each eye) with a high image contrast (MEMS specific) and good channel separation. Our goal is to provide a system with a comprehensive dual channel architecture analogous to the high end stereo audio amplifier in one body. The present invention renders possible the 2 channel projection of images, which are free of flicker and color artefacts at a high image frequency. The invention ensures optimally adjusted superposition within the device and thus a view of high quality 3D images for right and left eye, which comes close to natural vision. This allows the observer to have a relaxed stereo view (in contrast to prior art solutions, where disturbances in image or projection quality may cause discomfort or even nausea); in addition a common beam and a single projection lens guarantee fast installation and ease of use.

2-channel display system comprising micro electro mechanical systems


Higher temperature regenerated dehydrogenation catalyst is mixed with the lower temperature spent dehydrogenation catalyst from a dehydrogenation reaction to heat the spent catalyst. Air or other oxygen containing gas may be introduced to facilitate mixing. The mixing of hot regenerated catalyst with cooler spent catalyst increases the temperature of the spent catalyst and makes the coke on catalyst and in the supplemental fuel gas instantly ready to combust without the delay necessary to heat up the spent catalyst to combustion temperature. The regenerated dehydrogenation catalyst may be mixed with the spent dehydrogenation catalyst before the mixture of catalyst is contacted with the supplemental fuel gas. Combustion with fuel gas should be conditioned to avoid generation of a flame.

Light olefin production is vital to the production of sufficient plastics to meet worldwide demand. Paraffin dehydrogenation (PDH) is a process in which light paraffins such as ethane and propane can be dehydrogenated to make ethylene and propylene, respectively. Dehydrogenation is an endothermic reaction which requires external heat to drive the reaction to completion. Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is another endothermic process which produces substantial ethylene and propylene.
In PDH and FCC reactions with fluidized catalyst, coke can deposit on the catalyst while catalyzing the reaction. The catalyst may be regenerated in a catalyst regenerator by combusting coke from the catalyst in the presence of oxygen. The hot regenerated catalyst may then be transferred back to the reactor to catalyze the reaction. However, the coke produced in the PDH reaction can provide insufficient heat from combustion in the regenerator to promote the endothermic dehydrogenation process. Insufficient heat from regenerated catalyst delivered to the reactor has been observed recently in FCC due to advances in stripping efficiency resulting in less hydrocarbons on spent catalyst transported to the catalyst regenerator. Hence, supplemental fuel such as fuel gas may be fed to the catalyst regenerator to heat the catalyst sufficiently to transfer sufficient enthalpy to drive the endothermic reaction. Conversely, if insufficient heat is provided to drive the endothermic reaction, olefin production can suffer.
Dehydrogenation catalyst may incorporate a dehydrogenation metal with a molecular sieve or an amorphous material. The catalyst must be sufficiently robust and appropriately sized to be able to resist the attrition expected in a fluidized system. FCC catalyst is typically a Y zeolite with an optional MFI zeolite to boost propylene production.
The regeneration process and equipment must be designed to minimize damage to the catalyst and to the regeneration equipment. This can be particularly challenging when fuel gas is added to the regenerator which can promote hot spots in areas where fuel gas combusts with insufficient means to disperse the heat. A high degree of vapor and catalyst mixing ensures complete combustion of the supplemental fuel gas and good heat transfer between vapor and catalyst. The catalyst is a large heat sink, so the supplemental fuel gas should be burned while in intimate contact with the dense catalyst phase to avoid excessively high dilute catalyst phase temperature. The catalyst density in the dense catalyst phase is at least 200 kg/m3 (12.5 lb/ft), and the catalyst density in the dilute catalyst phase is no more than 100 kg/m3 (6.3 lb/ft). Excess dilute catalyst phase temperatures can result in thermal damage to the surrounding catalyst and regeneration equipment because the heat is insufficiently dispersed in the absence of the dense catalyst phase.
Poor mixing between air and the supplemental fuel gas or insufficient contact time between fuel gas, air and catalyst may result in incomplete combustion of the coke on the catalyst or the fuel gas. Un-combusted fuel gas that persists downstream of primary catalyst separation equipment will tend to burn in the dilute catalyst phase resulting in excessively high temperature because most of the catalyst heat sink has already been separated from the gases in a phenomenon known as afterburn. If for some reason the unburned fuel gas exits the regenerator without completely combusting, the vapor exiting the regenerator has the possibility of burning in downstream equipment which is not rated for the high temperatures common in a regenerator or result in unburned fuel gas being released to the atmosphere. Conditions in the regenerator should be selected to minimize flame development which can damage catalyst and equipment due to its intense heat.
In conventional fluidized dehydrogenation catalyst regenerators spent catalyst is heated by the heat of combustion of the coke and supplemental fuel gas. Spent catalyst entering the regenerator is cooler and reduces the temperature of the regenerator. Supplemental fuel gas and coke on catalyst may need to be heated to combustion temperature before they can combust in the regenerator.
There is a need, therefore, for improved methods of contacting dehydrogenation catalyst with fuel gas and air in a catalyst regeneration process.

Process and apparatus for regenerating catalyst with supplemental fuel


Methods and related apparatus are described of operating a transaction proxy to act as a conduit for a structured transaction, such as Transaction Capabilities Application Part (TCAP) structured dialog between a first transaction peer, for instance an Short Message Service Center (SMSC), and a second transaction peer, for instance an Mobile Switching Center (MSC). The method comprises the steps of: receiving a begin message; determining an address of the first transaction peer from the begin message; responding to the begin message by sending a continue message to the first transaction peer; and, if no abort message is received from the first transaction peer, forwarding the begin message to the second transaction peer. Embodiments of the invention employ the techniques for filtering mobile terminating forward Short Message (mt-forwardSM) messages containing spoofed addresses in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) systems.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a transaction proxy, for instance, in a telecommunications and or messaging system, and methods of operating such a transaction proxy.
2. Background Art
Electronic messaging using the short message service (SMS) that is available in GSM networks is being used increasingly to send mobile phone users unsolicited messages known as "spam". This can become an annoyance to users who often blame the operator. In several countries, SMS spam is already a major subject of customer complaints.
One fraud scenario that has been identified, for instance in a document referenced S3-040581 and made public by the 3GPP, consists in a party sending many MAP forward ShortMessages (mt-forwardSM) with the source SMSC address spoofed. The recipient MSC acknowledges the message delivery to the SMSC, and in addition charging information is produced which among other relevant information, captures the SMSC address from which the short message was received. The consequence is a misalignment of the accounting mechanism between the originating network and terminating network. The termination network will request more money from the originating network than justified, resulting in inaccurate interoperator accounting as well as annoyance for the recipients of the messages.

Transaction proxy in a telecommunications or messaging system and related methods

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP


A method and system for monitoring tool performance for processing tools in a semiconductor processing system. The semiconductor processing system includes a number of processing tools, a number of processing modules, a number of sensors, and an alarm management system. A tool health control strategy is executed in which tool health data for the processing tool is collected. A tool health analysis strategy is executed in which the tool health data is analyzed. An intervention manager can pause the processing tool when an alarm has occurred. The intervention manager refrains from pausing the processing tool when an alarm has not occurred.

The cost and tempo of developing new semiconductor devices and building new manufacturing plants is continually increasing. Time-to-market for new semiconductor devices is critical for the profitability and success of a company. Consumers expect the latest products and services instantaneously around the world. The need to quickly install new machines and processes is vital to meet the rapid shifts and changes in the semiconductor device market. Semiconductor manufacturing facilities also face the challenge of maintaining and controlling hundreds of complex manufacturing processes and machines. Meanwhile, the semiconductor manufacturing facilities must allow major changes in devices and processes to be developed and implemented in a relatively short period of time to create customer satisfaction.
Computers are generally used to control, monitor, and initialize manufacturing processes. A computer is ideal for these operations given the complexities in a semiconductor manufacturing plant from the reentrant wafer flows, critical processing steps, and maintainability of the processes. Various input/output (I/O) devices are used to control and monitor process flows, wafer states, and maintenance schedules. A variety of tools exist in a semiconductor manufacturing plant to complete these complicated steps from critical operations such as etching, to batch processing, and inspections. Most tool installations are accomplished using a display screen that is part of the graphical user interface (GUI) of a control computer containing the installation software.
Semiconductor processing facilities require constant monitoring. Processing conditions change over time with the slightest changes in critical process parameters creating undesirable results. Small changes can easily occur in the composition or pressure of an etch gas, process chamber, or wafer temperature. In many cases, changes of process data reflecting deterioration of processing characteristics cannot be detected by simply referring to the process data displayed. It is difficult to detect early stage abnormalities and characteristic deterioration of a process. Oftentimes prediction and pattern recognition offered by advanced process control (APC) is necessary.
Facility control is often performed by a number of different control systems having a variety of controllers. Some of the control systems may have man-machine interfaces such as touch screens, while others may only collect and display one variable such as temperature. The monitoring system must be able to collect data tabulated for the process control system. The data collection of the monitoring system must handle univariate and multivariate data, the analysis and display of the data, and have the ability to select the process variables to collect. Various conditions in a process are monitored by different sensors provided in each of the process chambers, and data of the monitored conditions is transferred and accumulated in a control computer. If the process data is displayed and detected automatically, the optimum process conditions of a mass-production line can be set and controlled through statistical process control (SPC) charts. Inefficient monitoring of a facility can result in facility downtimes that add to the overall operational cost.

Method and apparatus for monitoring tool performance


A fault simulator includes a circuit identifying section that selects, as fault generation points, circuit components subjected to a simulation from timing simulation results obtained by a static timing simulation of an LSI circuit; a fault value computing section that generates delay faults corresponding to the fault generation points using information about delay time and timing of signal transmission in the timing simulation result; and a fault simulating section that performs, by using a test pattern of the simulation, a logic simulation of a normal circuit of the LSI circuit and that of a faulty circuit where the delay faults are inserted into the fault generation points, and verifies detectability of the delay faults by the test pattern from the compared results of both the logic simulations. The fault simulator can reduce the time of the fault simulation.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a fault simulator for verifying the reliability of a test pattern used for a delivery test of semiconductor circuits such as LSIs.
2. Description of Related Art
A fault simulator is a quality verification apparatus for verifying the degree to which an input vector (test pattern) for the delivery test can screen faulty LSIs in a preshipment test.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional fault simulator. In FIG. 9, the reference numeral 100 designates a fault simulator for carrying out the quality verification of a test pattern. It includes a CPU for executing programs for implementing the functions of components which will be described later. The reference numeral 101 designates a stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section constituting a main component of the fault simulator 100. It simulates as to whether a test pattern 104 can screen the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault among the causes of faults of an LSI. The reference numeral 102 designates a netlist consisting of logical connection information on an LSI circuit supplied to the fault simulator 100. The reference numeral 103 designates a list file of fault generation points. It describes information specifying a circuit to which a fault model is to be inserted. The reference numeral 104 designates a test pattern to be verified. It consists of input information for causing the LSI circuit to perform specified operation for the test.
The reference numeral 105 designates a fault detection report file that describes the results the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 obtains by verifying the test pattern 104 using the netlist 102 and fault generation point list file 103. The reference numeral 106 designates a fault generator for generating a stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model to be incorporated into the fault generation point. The stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model is a fault model for simulating the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault, one of the causes of faults of the LSI circuit. The stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 and fault generator 106 are implemented by a program executed by a computer functioning as the fault simulator 100.
FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a stuck-at 0 or 1 fault: FIG. 10A illustrates the causes of the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault; and FIG. 10B illustrates output signals in the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault arises when a part of the LSI circuit comes into contact with a power supply or ground. As an example of a normal circuit, an inverter is described here which has an input signal pattern and an output signal pattern as illustrated in FIG. 10B.
When a contact with the power supply takes place at the input side of the inverter as indicated by the symbol A of FIG. 10A, the output signal is stuck at logic level 0 (L level) as indicated by the symbol B of FIG. 10B, which is a stuck-at 1 fault. In contrast, when the input side is grounded, the output signal is stuck at logic level 1 (H level) as indicated by the symbol B, which is a stuck-at 0 fault.
Next, the operation of the conventional fault simulator will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the fault simulator of FIG. 9. The simulation of the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault will be described with reference to FIG. 11.
First, the fault generator 106 in the fault simulator 100 captures the connection information (circuit information) of the LSI circuit from the netlist 102 (step ST101), and extracts from the circuit information a fault generation point to which a virtual fault is to be assigned (step ST102). Subsequently, the fault generator 106 generates the list file 103 of the fault generation point extracted. Here, the fault generator 106 generates a stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model as a fault model that is incorporated into the fault generation point to cause the virtual fault. The conventional fault simulator 100 carries out the test by inserting the fault to the entire LSI circuit (to all the gates and nodes) by using the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model.
Next, according to the input information fed from the test pattern 104, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 in the fault simulator 100 carries out a logic simulation of the normal circuit that will not bring about any fault (step ST103). The stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 keeps the logic simulation results as the expected values of the normal circuit (step ST104).
Subsequently, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 incorporates the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model the fault generator 106 generates into the fault generation point in the LSI circuit read from the fault generation point list file 103, thereby providing a virtual fault (step ST105). Then, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 carries out the logic simulation of the faulty circuit (step ST106), and holds the logic simulation results.
Subsequently, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 compares the logic simulation results of the normal circuit held at step ST104 with the logic simulation results of the faulty circuit held at step ST106 (step ST107). If the compared result indicates the difference, it means that the test pattern to be verified can detect the fault. Thus, it can confirm the quality of the test pattern. Subsequently, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 supplies the compared result to the fault detection report file 105 to be stored (step ST108).
After the foregoing processing has been completed, according to the contents of the fault generation point list file 103, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 makes a decision as to whether any other fault generation point is present in the LSI circuit (step ST109). If any other fault generation point is present, the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault simulating section 101 executes the processing from step ST105 to step ST108 for each fault generation point. Subsequently, when no other fault generation point is present at step ST109, it completes the fault simulation processing. Thus, it makes a decision as to whether the fault simulation of the entire circuit has been completed, and continues the fault simulation if necessary.
Next, the causes of the faults of the LSI circuit will be described.
The causes of the faults of the LSI include besides the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault as illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, a delay fault that causes a malfunction because of abnormal operation timing of a circuit, and other faults such as a bridge fault. In the conventional LSI manufacturing process, most of the faults can be verified using the stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model. However, in the ultrafine process in recent years, the delay fault occurs frequently because of the delay through wiring.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the delay fault, in which a flip-flop (FF) and a timing chart are shown. The flip-flop has a terminal D supplied with a data signal, a terminal T supplied with a clock signal, and a terminal Q producing an output signal. For the convenience sake, the signals corresponding to the terminals D, T and Q are called signals D, T and Q, respectively. FIG. 12 also shows the fluctuations in the input timing of the data signal D along the time axis because of some reasons, which constitute the fault types 1, 2 and 3.
In the timing chart of FIG. 12, the reference symbols S1 and S2 each designate a comparing point of the expected value; and the symbol + designates a normal delay of +5 time units, ++ designates a normal delay of +10 time units, − designates a normal delay of −5 time units, and −− designates a normal delay of −10 time units.
It is unlikely that a semiconductor circuit such as an LSI includes only a flip-flop circuit. Thus, it is natural to assume that the flip-flop is connected to the next circuit. In this case, the signal causing a problem of the entire circuit is the output signal Q. In the example of FIG. 12, it is assumed that no malfunction takes place when the output signal Q operates as in the normal circuit between the time S1 and S2.
Considering these conditions, the fault types will be described. As for the fault type 1, the data signal D arrives with a delay of 5 time units (time unit in the simulation). In this case, the data signal D rises simultaneously with the clock signal T, and hence the operation of the flip-flop circuit is undetermined. Thus, the output signal Q has a problem such as Q(case 1) or Q(case 2). In other words, although the output signal Q(case 1) makes a correct signal transition as in the normal circuit, the output signal Q(case 2) is stuck to the L level.
In the fault type 2, the data signal D arrives with a delay of 10 time units so that the output signal Q has a problem of being unable to make any transition. Finally, in the fault type 3, although the data signal D arrives 5 time units earlier, the output signal Q makes a correct transition between the time S1 and S2, and the circuit operates normally. Thus, it often occurs that the circuit cannot operate normally because of the fluctuations in the timing of the signal transmission. Therefore a fault simulator that can verify the delay fault is necessary.
With the foregoing configuration, the conventional fault simulator lacks the function of generating a delay fault model for considering the effect of the delay. Thus, it has a problem of being unable to verify the test pattern as to whether it can detect a fault due to the timing fluctuations in the signal transmission.
More specifically, semiconductor circuits such as LSIs fabricated through the ultrafine process of recent years have a lot of faults due to the delay through wiring. Accordingly, it is necessary to check whether the test pattern for the delivery test can detect the fault due to the delay correctly or not. However, the conventional stuck-at 0 or 1 fault model, which cannot take account of the timing fluctuations in the signal transmission, cannot verify the test pattern in terms of the fault due to the delay.
In addition, the conventional fault simulator 100 inserts the fault model to the entire LSI circuit (to all the gates and nodes). As a result, the fault simulation time increases enormously with an increase in the circuit scale of the LSI circuit. This offers a problem of being unable to carry out practical fault simulation. In such a case, it is necessary to reduce the points subjected to the fault simulation in the LSI circuit.

Fault simulator for verifying reliability of test pattern

Mitsubishi Electric System LSI Design Corporation


A common voltage driving compensation unit is disclosed, comprising: an operational amplifier and a controller, wherein an in-phase input terminal and a reverse-phase input terminal of the operational amplifier are inputted a common voltage and a feedback voltage respectively. Multiple paths are provided in parallel between the reverse-phase input terminal and a first output terminal, and each path including an analog switch and a resistor. The controller is configured to control a combination of on and off of the analog switches based on a range to which the count value of the CPV signal belongs. The common voltage driving compensation unit is configured to produce corresponding amplification ratios based on the combination, so as to provide common voltages with corresponding amplification ratios for the compensation of the common electrodes in different display areas. For a display panel with a heavy-load, the fluctuation coupling of the common electrodes may be compensated.

As an application field of Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD) becomes much broader, technologies like a large scale LCD, a large aperture opening ratio LCD and Gate Driver on Array (GOA) develop greatly. However, a display panel with the large scale and large aperture opening ratio as stated above also has a problem regarding picture quality.
In order to improve the quality of pictures, it is generally needed to compensate common electrodes. FIG. 1 shows a structural diagram of a display panel implementing the common electrode compensation conventionally. A common electrode bus 01 is arranged peripherally around a display area 00 on the display panel of TFT-LCD to implement common electrode connections on the display panel. Source driver circuits 02 (also referred to as a source driver IC) are provided outside a top portion of the common electrode bus 01. Gate driver circuits are provided outside both side of the common electrode bus 01. Because gate drivers are usually manufactured using the GOA technology, GOA circuits 03 are provided on both sides of the display area 00. On the outside of the GOA circuits 03, a feedback signal line is provided, which is connected to the common electrode bus 01 to input a feedback voltage to the common voltage driving compensation units 05. The common voltage driving compensation units 05 are used to compensate the source driver circuits. FIG. 2 shows a principle diagram of a common voltage driving compensation unit 05, in which the common voltage driving compensation unit 05 includes an operational amplifier, an in-phase input terminal 051 at which a common electrode voltage is inputted, a reverse-phase input terminal 052 at which a feedback voltage provided by the feedback signal line is inputted, and an output terminal 053 at which a compensated common electrode voltage is outputted.
As for a display panel with a heavy-load, a common electrode compensation (i.e. Vcom compensation) with a higher amplification ratio is used in general. However, uniform compensation on the whole display panel can't be achieved with the conventional Vcom compensation manners, and a reddish phenomenon is caused on the display panel at an end near to the source driver circuit (i.e. a near end) due to over-compensation. In contrast, at an end far from the source driver circuit (i.e. a far end), a greenish phenomenon is caused on the display panel due to under-compensation, and thus a picture quality is degraded.

Common voltage driving compensation unit, method and display panel using the same

BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.


A metal panel (4) is provided to cover the entire PC card (P). The ground plate (10) has an attaching portion and outer and inner terminals (11) and (12) extending rearwardly from the attaching portion. The attaching portion is attached to the attaching means of the housing (6). The outer and inner terminals (11) and (12) contact the inner face of the panel (4) and the ground circuit (3B) of an inner board (3), respectively.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to PC card socket connector and PC cards having such socket connectors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
PC cards have a front socket connector for connection with a mating connector when it is inserted into equipment. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a conventional PC card 51 have a metal ground plate 53 with a plurality of semi-circular projections 52 provided in the outer face of a front end portion. The semi-circular projections 52 projects from the ground plate 53 so as to make sure contact with a shield plate of the mating connector. Since it is desirous to shield the entire PC card 51, an outer metal panel 54 is provided. However, the panel 54 has a cutout portion 54A in the front end portion so as to expose the semi-circular projections 52.
As shown in FIG. 6, the PC card 51 has a socket connector 55 at the front end for connection with a mating connector 71. The socket connector 55 has a number of female contact elements 56 (of the rectangular cylinder type) arranged in two tiers in a direction perpendicular to the sheet for connection with male connector elements 72 of the mating connector 71. The contact elements 56 have upper and lower tongue portions extending diagonally rearwardly from the front edge to make sure contact with the mating contact element 72. A contact portion 56A extends rearwardly from the rear end of each contact element 56 for contact with a corresponding signal circuit provided on an inner board 58. Ground circuits are provided between the signal circuits arranged on the inner board 58 in a direction perpendicular to the sheet.
The ground plate 53 provided on the upper face of a housing 57 has a ground terminal 53A which is bent diagonally downwardly at the back of the semi-circular projections 52 to make resilient contact with the ground circuit of the inner board 58. The ground terminal 53A runs under the panel 54 from the cutout portion 54A of the panel 54.
A shield plate 73 is provided on the mating connector 71 so as to have a front contact portion folded back into the PC card receiving recess 74.
As shown in FIG. 7, when the PC card 51 is connected to the mating connector 71 by the socket connector 55, the contact elements 56 of the PC card are brought into contact with the contact elements 72 of the mating connector 71 while the semi-circular projections 52 of the ground plate 53 are brought into contact with the contact portion 75 of the shield plate 73 so that the ground circuit of the PC card are grounded through the shield plate 73 and the ground plate 53.
Since the thickness of PC cards is regulated by the standards, it is necessary to provide the panel 54 with the cutout portion 54A where there is the ground plate 53 of the socket connector 55. Consequently, there is no shielding at a gap between the ground plate 53 and the cutout portion 54A of the panel 54. In addition, the cutout portion 54A reduces the strength of the panel 54. Moreover, the cutout portion 54A permits dust and/or water to enter. Also, it makes the appearance poor.

PC card socket connector and PC card with same


A downhole tool string component that includes a tubular body with an inner surface, an outer surface and a shoulder extending from the outer surface at one end of the tubular body, a sleeve disposed about the outer surface having an end face in contact with the shoulder. The downhole tool string component further includes a loading member disposed about the outer surface near the other end of the tubular body and which is adapted for loading the sleeve against the shoulder. The loading member includes an internal threadform that is adapted to threadingly engage an external threadform formed into the outer surface of the tubular body. At least one of the external threadform and the internal threadform includes a plurality of threads with a distal thread having a first thread height and a proximal thread has a second thread height, with the first thread height being greater than the second thread height and a plurality of the threads heights between the first and second thread heights continuously tapering from the first height to the second height.

The current application relates to downhole drilling. During downhole drilling torque acts on downhole drilling tools which if directed towards drilling instrumentation can lead to their failure. These devices may be very expensive to replace and if damaged could lead to drilling delays and other possible failures.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,447,025 to Smith, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains discloses an oilfield tubular member that includes a pin member and a box member, each have a tapered thread. The pin thread has a root, a crest, a pressure flank, and a stab flank. The box thread has a root, a crest, a pressure flank, and a stab flank. The pin crest has a stab flank pin crest radius and a pressure flank pin crust radius which is at least twice the radius. The improved oilfield connection minimizes damage to the connection during misalignment of the pin member and box member.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,375 to Smith, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains discloses a tubular drill pipe having a pin connector at one end and a box connector at the other end has each connector adapted to mate with a connector similar to that at the opposite end of the pipe—but on another pipe, to form a tool joint. The connectors are of the type having two pair of axially abutting make-up faces; a primary annular shoulder formed at the inner end of the base of the pin connector, and an internal secondary shoulder at the inner extremity of the base of the box connector which abuts the end of an outermost nose section of the pin connector.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,678 to Zook et al., which is incorporated by reference for all that it contains discloses a through feed thread rolling die for rolling external threads on a cylindrical work piece has an external thread thereon with relieved starting and finishing sections, the starting relief providing flat crests which form a predetermined angle with the roll axis and taper to a diameter at the starting end less than the mean height of the fully formed threads. A modified version tapers the starting section at the larger angle than the predetermined angle of the crests thereby reducing the length of the starting section. The invention includes the method of metal movement caused by the die in the formation of the thread.


A variable coupled inductor includes a first core, two conducting wires, a second core and a magnetic structure. The first core includes two first protruding portions, a second protruding portion and two grooves, wherein the second protruding portion is located between the two first protruding portions and each of the grooves is located between one of the first protruding portions and the second protruding portion. Each of the conducting wires is disposed in one of the grooves. The second core is disposed on the first core. A first gap is formed between each of the first protruding portions and the second core and a second gap is formed between the second protruding portion and the second core. The magnetic structure is disposed between the second protruding portion and the second core and distributed symmetrically with respect to a centerline of the second protruding portion.

I. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a variable coupled inductor and, in particular, to a variable coupled inductor can improve efficiency in both light-load and heavy-load situations.
II. Description of the Prior Art
A coupled inductor has been developed for a period of time; however, it is not often used in the circuit board. As a more powerful microprocessor needs a high current in a small circuit board, a variable coupled inductor has been gradually used in the circuit board. A variable coupled inductor can be used to reduce the total space of the circuit board consumed by traditional coupled inductors. Currently, a coupled inductor can reduce the ripple current apparently, wherein a smaller capacitor can be used to save the space of the circuit board. As the DC resistance (direct current resistance, DCR) of the coupled inductor is low, efficiency is better in a heavy-load situation. However, as the flux generated by each of the dual conducting wires will be cancelled each other when the dual conducting wires are coupled, the inductance becomes low and the efficiency becomes worse in a light-load situation.


A processing unit and a mobile identity information controlled financial account device may communicate. The processing unit receives at least one digital representation of a biometric, obtains identity information using the at least one digital representation of the biometric, and determines whether or not to transmit an authorization signal to the mobile identity information controlled financial account device that enables use of the mobile identity information controlled financial account device in at least one transaction involving at least one financial account. The mobile identity information controlled financial account device may be usable for the at least one transaction when the mobile identity information controlled financial account device receives the authorization signal. The processing unit may also receive a first digital representation of a biometric for a first person along with at least one permission to assign regarding the mobile identity information controlled financial account device for a second person.

People use a wide variety of different devices. Examples of such devices include desktop computing devices, laptop computing devices, mobile computing devices, wearable devices, smart phones, tablet computing devices, financial account devices, printers, displays, televisions, digital media players, thermostats, kitchen appliances, vehicles, vaporizer devices, navigation devices, entertainment devices, power tools, climate control devices, lighting devices, security devices, smart houses or other smart buildings, electronic devices, and so on.
The use of some devices may be controlled. In some cases, only people with certain identity information associated with their identities (such as age, name, financial status, criminal status, personal history, and so on) may be allowed to operate a device and/or to operate certain functions of a device. For example, in various situations, operation of a vehicle may be restricted to people who are at least sixteen years of age.

Identity information controlled financial account device


A mannequin may include a skin layer, an axis of rotation and a photon transmissive filler. The skin layer may include a contoured surface. The skin layer may have a thickness of less than about 10 mm. The contoured surface may be formed into a three-dimensional shape that substantially matches anatomy of a person or a statistical model representing a group of people. The axis of rotation may intersect the mannequin and may define a center for collection of X-ray images along a substantially circular path. The photon transmissive filler may be at least partially surrounded by the skin layer. The photon transmissive filler may have a an average specific gravity of less than about 0.5 g/cc.

Observing and/or analyzing the interior of various consumer products can provide useful or important information to the product's manufacturer or others. For example, the manufacturer may want to observe the interior of the product, e.g. an absorbent article and its constituents or components or that of its packaging in an actual or simulated use conditions. The interior of absorbent articles may be observed using techniques for obtaining data, such as imaging or scanning techniques such as, for example, MRI, X-ray, computed tomography (CT) imaging (e.g., two-dimensional CT and/or three-dimensional CT).
In the case of X-ray and/or CT imaging, a human analog device may be utilized to "wear" the absorbent article and simulate usage, i.e., transmit a fluid from the analog device into the absorbent article. However, many of the human analog devices such as, for example, toy dolls, are too dense in near the perineum area for CT imaging. Moreover, the human analog devices may comprise non continuous skin and may be not properly scaled to a human. Such devices may cause fluid to flow in unrealistic patterns and ineffectively simulate the wearing of the absorbent article. Additionally, it is noted that human analog devices such as, for example, clothing display mannequins, are generally not intended to accurately simulate human dimensions in unexposed regions or regions intended to be covered by clothing (e.g., clothing display mannequins are generally anatomically inaccurate). Furthermore, clothing display mannequins are generally not capable of transmitting body exudates into an absorbent article. Accordingly, a need exists for alternative mannequins for evaluating absorbent articles and systems including the same.

Mannequins for use in imaging and systems including the same


The invention is directed to an endoscope having an especially simple optical system within an endoscope tube 22. The imaging system of the endoscope tube includes a front group 25 having a negative refractive power and an inner group 28 having a positive refractive power. The front group 25 and the inner group 28 conjointly define a telescope system which permits the object plane 24 to be imaged in the intermediate image plane 32 without intermediate imaging at a distance of 200 mm to 600 mm from the distal end of the endoscope tube 22. Otherwise, only glass rods having planar-parallel end faces are mounted within the endoscope tube. A field optic is preferably a part of the viewing component. An adequate transmission and correction with respect to chromatic and monochromatic imaging errors is possible notwithstanding the simple optical configuration. The front group and inner group can also be configured as aspherical individual lenses. The endoscope is especially useable as a disposable endoscope because of the simple configuration of the optic.

Disposable endoscopes are used once and then discarded. Disposable endoscopes are becoming increasingly significant for medical applications because the repeated sterilization of the critical components, which come into direct contact with the patient, is eliminated. An important criterion for disposable endoscopes is that a simple and low-cost optic be provided in the endoscope tube. At the same time, however, a high imaging performance of the endoscope system is required. Above all, this is characterized by the transmission or brightness and an optimal correction of aberrations. At the same time, and depending upon the area of application, tube lengths of between 200 and 600 mm with a tube diameter of less than 10 mm are desirable.
Disposable endoscopes are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,188,092 and 4,964,710 as well as in PCT publication WO 93/15647. For low-cost optics, plastic lenses are used exclusively in the endoscope tube as described in PCT publication WO 93/15647. Very considerable limitations occur with respect to the correction of imaging errors in this context because the selection of available materials is minimal at the present time. Furthermore, plastic lenses do not yet satisfy the requirements with respect to the quality of the refracting surfaces and the homogeneity of the medium. In the endoscope disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,092, these present-day problems are avoided by utilizing pressure molded glass lenses. Furthermore, a simplified assembly technique is suggested.
These known optical systems are, however, very complex. Several multi-lens intermediate imaging systems are always required in order to achieve the tube length desired for medical applications. In one embodiment of the endoscope disclosed in PCT publication WO 93/15647, a double-lens objective is, for example, provided at the distal end of the endoscope tube and three intermediate imaging systems are arranged within the endoscope tube. Each of the intermediate imaging systems includes six lenses. Even when each individual lens itself is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the glass lenses classically produced by grinding and polishing, the total number of the lenses mounted in the endoscope tube lead, however, to a considerable cost of the exchangeable component.
Endoscopes have already been proposed wherein a CCD-camera chip is mounted at the distal region of the endoscope tube directly behind the endoscope objective. The viewing field is then imaged on the CCD-camera chip without previous intermediate imaging. In this way, a significantly simpler optical configuration is achieved because the optical image does not have to be guided over a longer path. Such an endoscope is, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,757,805. This apparatus concept is, however, unsuitable for a disposable endoscope because the rather expensive CCD chip is included in the disposable parts.
Published German patent application 4,207,092 discloses an endoscope containing the following in the endoscope tube: a double-lens objective, two intermediate imaging systems each of which is configured as a rod lens and an image collimating lens. This published patent application, however, provides no optical data whatsoever or information as to the length of the endoscope tube.
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/100,276, filed Jul. 28, 1993, discloses a stereoendoscope including a distal front group having a negative diffractive power. The stereoendoscope, together with an intermediate group having a positive diffractive power, generates a real image of the object. However, here too the first real intermediate image of the object lies already at a distance of approximately 150 mm behind the front group. In order to achieve a tube length desired for endoscopy, it is here therefore also necessary to still provide at least a second intermediate image within the endoscope tube.

Endoscope including a front lens group and an inner lens group forming a telesystem


A method for mounting the micro spring structures onto cables or contact structures includes forming a spring island having an “upside-down” stress bias on a first release material layer or directly on a substrate, forming a second release material over at least a portion of the spring island, and then forming a base structure over the second release material layer. The micro spring structure is then transferred in an unreleased state, inverted such that the base structure contacts a surface of a selected apparatus, and then secured (e.g., using solder reflow techniques) such that the micro spring structure becomes attached to the apparatus. The spring structure is then released by etching or otherwise removing the release material layer(s).

Photolithographically patterned micro spring structures (sometimes referred to as "microsprings") have been developed, for example, to produce low cost probe cards, and to provide electrical connections between integrated circuits. A typical spring structure includes a spring finger having an anchor portion secured to a substrate, and a free (cantilevered) portion extending from the anchored portion over the substrate. The spring finger is formed from a stress-engineered film (i.e., a (e.g., metal) film fabricated such that portions closer to the underlying substrate have a higher internal compressive stress than its portions located farther from the substrate) that is at least partially formed on a release material layer. The free portion of the spring finger bends away from the substrate when the release material located under the free portion is etched away. The internal stress gradient is produced in the spring by layering, e.g., different metals having the desired stress characteristics, or by using a single metal by altering the fabrication parameters. Such spring structures may be used in probe cards, for electrically bonding integrated circuits, circuit boards, and electrode arrays, and for producing other devices such as inductors, variable capacitors, and actuated mirrors. For example, when utilized in a probe card application, the tip of the free portion is brought into contact with a contact pad formed on an integrated circuit, and signals are passed between the integrated circuit and test equipment via the probe card (i.e., using the spring structure as a conductor). Other examples of such spring structures are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,842,189 (Southgate) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,861 (Smith).
A problem associated with the manufacture of various products including micro spring structures is that the conventional micro spring fabrication processes require either physically locating the product into the associated micro spring structure manufacturing tool (e.g., a sputter deposition chamber), or pre-fabricating the micro spring structures on a substrate, and then securing the substrate to the product (i.e., such that the substrate is located between the spring structures and the product). For example, in order to produce a flexible cable having micro spring structures located on the cable's conductors, the flexible cable must either be inserted into the manufacturing tool, or the micro spring structures must be pre-fabricated on a conductive substrate that is then mounted onto the exposed conductors of the cable. Placing the flexible cable in the manufacturing tool increases production complexity (i.e., the flexible cable must be able to survive the fabrication process), and significantly decreases production efficiency due to the large amount of space needed to accommodate the flexible cable. Conversely, pre-fabrication requires releasing the micro spring structures, and then transferring the released spring structures to an assembly point, this process greatly increasing the risk of damaging the relatively fragile micro-spring structures. Further, because the substrate on which the spring structures are formed is mounted on the selected product, either the substrate must be formed with integrated conductive and/or insulated regions, or the substrate must be diced into very small pieces prior to the mounting process. In either case, the cost and complexity of producing products having micro spring structures is greatly increased, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing efficiencies and greatly increasing manufacturing costs.
What is needed is a method for transferring pre-fabricated micro spring structures that both protects the relatively fragile spring structure, and facilitates a relatively simple and reliable process for mounting the spring structures onto a selected product.


A refrigerant recovery device is provided with a pressure sensing means, liquid sensing means, fluid flow measuring means, telephone dialer for dialing a telephone number, telephone signaler for transmitting a signal over a telephone line to a telephone communication device, and a controller for receiving a parameter value indicative signal indictive of pressure liquid or fluid flow in a predetermined range causing the telephone dialer to dial a telephone number and establish telephone communicaton with the telephone communicaton device and transmit a signal, indicative of pressure liquid or fluid flow, to the telephone communication device.

Traditionally, when refrigerant charged refrigeration systems were repaired, the refrigerant charge was simply loosed to the atmosphere as necessary to accomplish the repairs. Recently, it has become increasingly desirable to capture and reuse the refrigerant charges for a number of reasons; refrigerant pollution of the atmosphere is perceived as environmentally destructive, government regulations now limit the release of fluorocarbon refrigerants to the atmosphere, and the cost of refrigerant materials has increased making the disposal and replacement of the refrigerant charge increasingly costly.
Refrigerant recovery devices generally compress and cool refrigerant storage cansiters. Many of these systems have refrigerant storage canisters. Many of these systems have purification elements, such as filters, to remove contaminants from the used refrigerant during the removal-compression-cooling process.
Removal and purification of a refrigerant charge from a large refrigeration system can be a lengthily process. However, if the operator of recovery and purification apparatus of the present art leaves the apparatus unattended, a system failure may occur resulting in a shutdown of the recovery operation which will not be discovered until the operator returns. This will result in a longer overall time to complete the recovery operation than had been anticipated. This is of particular concern where time is of the essence in completing refrigeration system repairs, as when perishable commodities are at risk. Further, in such operations, should completion of the recovery operation occur more quickly than had been anticipated, the advantage of earlier completion will be lost.

Refrigerant recovery and purification apparatus with telecommunication monitoring facilitation device


The invention provides an improved method for producing halftone images with digital halftone cell dimension and orientation to match a desired ideal halftone cell in an ideal halftone grid by choosing a reference ideal halftone cell size having a predetermined number of pixels and comparing the number of pixels in the newly selected halftone cells to the reference, thereby making the number of pixels in all ideal cells to be equal. Methods are provided for controlling the assignment of pixels on the boundary line between ideal halftone cells while avoiding pixel clustering.

Continuous tone images do not print well on most printing devices, so the image is usually printed as pattern of dots based on a grid. The grid consists of an array of halftone cells, each of which represents one section of continuous tone in the original image. When reproducing a halftoned image in this way using a digital recording device, a halftone cell consists of a plurality of device pixels. A portion of the display pixels of each halftone cell are turned black to form dots relatively larger or smaller to represent darker or lighter portions of the original continuous tone image. A dark halftone cell will have most of the pixels turned black, while a light halftone cell will have most of the pixels turned white. A complete grid of the original image is composed of many such halftone cells, each of which has an independent density of displayed pixels and therefore a different apparent darkness when viewed from a distance.
A common prior art method of selecting which dots in each halftone cell to turn black works as follows. For a given halftone cell, the original image is sampled at each display pixel location in the halftone cell to obtain a gray value. This gray value is represented digitally as a number in a fixed range, typically 0 to 255. The gray value is then compared to a threshold value in the same range and the display pixel is turned white if the gray value is greater than the threshold value, or otherwise black. The threshold values, in turn, are supplied by means of a threshold array which contains a separate threshold value for each pixel in the halftone cell, and is computed ahead of time prior to processing the image. This process is carried out for each halftone cell of the image.
This prior art method works best when the same threshold array can be used for all halftone cells in the image. One advantage is that only one threshold array need be calculated and stored for the entire image. Another advantage is that a gray area of a given intensity will produce the same size and shape dots no matter where it occurs in the image. However, in order for this method to work, the set of display pixels corresponding to each halftone cell in the image must be exactly the same size and shape as the set of display pixels corresponding to any other halftone cell. This requirement is most often met by requiring the halftone cells to be parallelograms whose corners all fall exactly on integral coordinates in display pixel space. U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,304, incorporated herein by reference, shows one embodiment of this method.
One problem with the above method is that the number of different halftone screens that can be reproduced is limited by the requirement that the corners of the halftone cells must fall on integer coordinates in display pixel space. For example, screens rotated through the 15.degree. or 75.degree. commonly used in color printing cannot accurately be reproduced by this method. This shortcoming is addressed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/846,754, incorporated herein by reference, assigned to the same assignee as this invention, where it is shown how a threshold array that consists of multiple halftone cells can be used to increase the number of available halftone screens to the point where any arbitrary screen can be approximated to within adequate tolerances.
Unfortunately the multiple halftone cells in such a threshold array generally have to be of differing shapes and sizes when those halftone cells are represented by display pixels. This means that the dots produced by the different halftone cells may also be of different shapes and sizes even when they represent the same gray value. Depending on the degree of difference in the size and shape of halftone dots, these differences may or may not be visible to the human eye. When these differences are visible, one sees a mottled variation in gray intensity in the form of repeating spots or bands where the original image contained only a constant gray. Such patterns do not faithfully reproduce the original image and are thus undesirable.
The following terms are defined for clarity. An ideal halftone cell, or ideal cell for short, will be a halftone cell, such as is discussed above, which is an element of the halftone grid consisting of an area bounded by a rotated square or a parallelogram. In contrast, a digital halftone cell, or digital cell for short, will be a set of pixels used to approximate an ideal halftone cell. Thus, each digital halftone cell is associated with the specific ideal halftone cell which it approximates. Also, in keeping with the above mentioned co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/846,754, incorporated herein by reference, a threshold array that consists of multiple halftone cells will be referred to as "supertile".
In the above prior art method of generating a supertile, a digital halftone cell consists of all the pixels in the supertile whose geometric centers fall within the associated ideal cell. This method creates digital halftone cells of satisfactory consistency for certain halftone screens, but for other screens an unsatisfactory variation in digital cell size resulted. These variations occur because, although each ideal cell has the same shape, its placement with respect to the pixel grid varies by fractional amounts of pixels so that in some cases, more pixel centers would fall inside an ideal cell and in other cases fewer pixel centers would fall inside an ideal cell. The resulting variations in the size of the digital halftone cells cause corresponding variations in the size of halftone dots when certain values of gray are reproduced. This will be known as the "unequal cell size problem".
It is an object of the present invention to correct the unequal cell size problem.
The present invention describes a method for the creation of digital halftone cells from among the pixels in a supertile so as to make all such digital halftone cells as nearly the same size as possible, while at the same time still faithfully approximating the shape of the associated ideal cells.

Methods of assigning pixels to cells of a halftone grid


This invention includes a platform support structure having a support extension and a fastening device extending from the support extension. The support extension has a surface to support a platform adjacent a structure. The fastening device is configured to secure the support extension to the structure. Moreover, the fastening device includes a slide bar and a clamp in sliding engagement with the slide bar.

Support platforms, support structures, platform support structures and support frames are used to form platform assemblies, such as in one example, scaffolding. Scaffolding is routinely used for supporting personnel and materials during construction, repair and maintenance of buildings and other erect structures. Some designs and configurations of platform assemblies are provided to rest upon a substrate adjacent an erect structure or building such as the ground or sidewalk. Alternative designs and configurations of platform assemblies are hung upon the erect structure or building.
However, there is a need to improve the designs and structure configurations for platform assemblies to increase the safety of personnel during use. Moreover, there is a need to improve the designs and structure configurations for platform assemblies to increase efficiency and simplicity of use. Still further, there is a need to improve the methods of constructing and supporting platform assemblies adjacent buildings and other erect structures.

Platform support structures and platform assemblies


A server system includes a determination unit, a setting unit, a transmission unit, and a service for performing predetermined processing on data from an external server, wherein the service provides a client with a function of displaying a data preview. The determination unit determines a data type to be subjected to the predetermined processing. The setting unit sets, where it is determined, based on the determined data type, that the client can preview the data, a URL of a specific save location in the server system, and sets, where it is determined, based on the determined data type, that the client cannot preview the data, a URL that allows a data preview and includes an external server URL. The transmission unit transmits, to the client, a data operation screen on which the URL has been set for a preview instruction unit that can receive an instruction to preview the data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a server system for acquiring a document saved in a cloud, a method for controlling a server system, and a storage medium.
2. Description of the Related Art
A form of managing business data and documents and performing various types of processing in a cloud platform is beginning to be prevalent. A representative example of the cloud platform is Salesforce CRM® from salesforce.com, Inc. A user accesses a web page in a cloud platform via the Internet through a browser on a client computer. If a user gives an instruction to print a document through the web page, the browser is redirected to a document generation server, and the user selects a document to be printed, on a screen returned from the document generation server. Then, the document generation server acquires the document in the cloud platform and transmits the document to the document generation server. The user can confirm (preview) the content of the document before actually giving an instruction to print the document. The de facto standard of a document format handled in the cloud is Portable Document Format (PDF). To preview a PDF document, the user needs to give an instruction to display a preview of the PDF document, on a screen returned from the document generation server. The document generation server downloads the PDF document to the browser on the client computer, and a PDF viewer application installed in the client computer displays a preview of the PDF document.
Additionally, documents other than a PDF document can also be saved in the cloud platform. There is a demand for printing such documents. Examples of the documents that can be saved in the cloud platform include Office documents such as a Microsoft® Word document and a PowerPoint® document and image documents such as a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) document and a Portable Network Graphics (PNG) document.
A conventional cloud platform provides a preview display function for displaying a preview of the content of a saved document on a browser. For example, if a browser has accessed a web page in the cloud platform in which Microsoft® Word documents or PowerPoint® documents are saved, the document is displayed on the browser so that the document can be previewed. At this time, the document automatically converted by the cloud platform into a format that can be previewed on the browser, such as the Flash format or the PNG format, is displayed.
Meanwhile, mobile terminals such as tablets and smartphones represented by iPad®, iPhone®, and Android® have been rapidly prevalent. A user increasingly accesses a cloud platform using a mobile environment and prints a document. To preview an Office document, an Office application needs to have been installed in the client environment. An Office application, however, has not necessarily been installed particularly in a mobile environment. In response, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-015837 discusses a conventional method for displaying a document so that the document can be previewed regardless of the client environment. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-015837 discusses a technique for converting a document into a predetermined format (an image file) and then displaying the document on a browser.

Server system, method for controlling server system, and storage medium


An information processing apparatus (2000) detects that a customer (30) takes up a product from a display area (20), using a captured image (12). The information processing apparatus (2000) generates information (customer information) indicating the acquisition count by the customer (30) in a manner that is associated with an identifier of the customer (30). The information processing apparatus 2000 sets the acquisition count, which is indicated by the customer information on the customer (30), in a case where the customer (30) makes payment for the products, to zero.

In some cases, a product is illegally carried out of a store in which products are handled. Accordingly, systems that detect such illegal carrying-out have been developed. For example, a system that is disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a system that determines whether or not there is a likelihood that a product will be illegally carried out. This system determines each displayed product that a customer takes up, compares the determined displayed product and a product that is registered as a target for payment with each other, and thus determines whether or not payment is made for all displayed products that are carried out. Then, in a case where a product for which payment is not made is present, the system determines there is a likelihood that the product will be illegally carried out.

Information processing apparatus, control method, and program


A system, method, and computer program product are provided for compiling a computer program comprising arithmetic operations having different requirements with respect to numeric dynamic range, numeric resolution, or any combination thereof. The method comprises generating a transformed graph representation of the computer program by applying propagation rules that provide for relaxed numeric requirements, where applicable, and generating output code based on the transformed graph representation. Relaxing numeric requirements, such as dynamic range and resolution requirements, may advantageously lower power consumption during execution of the computer program.

A conventional processing unit, such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a central processing unit (CPU), typically provides floating-point arithmetic instructions having a large dynamic range and a large numeric resolution (precision) that are each more than sufficient to support a wide range of applications. For example, a GPU conventionally provides thirty-two bit floating-point arithmetic instructions that may be executed by a shader program to perform mathematical functions specified by the shader program. In general, a thirty-two hit floating-point arithmetic representation provides more than adequate dynamic range and numeric resolution. However, in many common scenarios shader programs are configured to generate data for display buffers comprising eight-hit to twelve-bit color channels that are conventionally used to drive display devices.
In such scenarios, thirty-two bit floating-point instructions are typically executed by the GPU to generate data associated with the color channels. A majority of bits associated with numeric resolution for resulting thirty-two bit floating-point data may be discarded because only eight bits or twelve bits of numeric resolution are actually required by each color channel. Furthermore, exponent bits associated with the thirty-two hit floating-point data may be discarded because the color channels are configured to operate within a narrow, predefined dynamic range. The process of computing unused data hits and subsequently discarding the unused data bits wastes power and results in lower overall GPU power efficiency. In other scenarios, GPUs often perform computations using normal vectors, three-component vectors whose vector magnitude is unity. Even though the individual components of these vectors may have high dynamic range, the exponent bits of each component may be discarded because the vector as a whole has limited dynamic range. Thus, there is a need for addressing this issue and/or other issues associated with the prior art.

System, method, and computer program product for improved power efficiency during program code execution


A new Anthurium plant particularly distinguished by 5 to 6 flowers with dark-pink, glimmering spathe, lilac-purple spadix, dark glimmering leaves that are narrowly below the flowers, and a compact growth habit, is disclosed.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Anthurium, botanically known as Anthurium andreanum, and hereinafter referred to by the cultivar name 'Barmodu'. The new cultivar originated from a hybridization made in January 2000 in Massland, The Netherlands. The female parent was the proprietary Anthurium plant '20040101-01' (unpatented), while the male parent was the proprietary Anthurium plant '20040501-05' (unpatented).
The new cultivar was selected from the results of the hybridization in 2001 and has been asexually reproduced repeatedly by tissue culture in Lochristi, Belgium and Massland, The Netherlands over a five-year period. The present invention has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive asexual propagations.
Plants Breeder's Rights for this cultivar were applied with the European Union on Nov. 15, 2005.


A multi-ladar sensor system is proposed for operating in dense environments where many ladar sensors are transmitting and receiving burst mode light in the same space, as may be typical of an automotive application. The system makes use of several techniques to reduce mutual interference between independently operating ladar sensors. In one embodiment, the individual ladar sensors are each assigned a wavelength of operation, and an optical receive filter for blocking the light transmitted at other wavelengths, an example of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Each ladar sensor, or platform, may also be assigned a pulse width selected from a list, and may use a pulse width discriminator circuit to separate pulses of interest from the clutter of other transmitters. Higher level coding, involving pulse sequences and code sequence correlation, may be implemented in a system of code division multiplexing, CDM. A digital processor optimized to execute mathematical operations is described which has a hardware implemented floating point divider, allowing for real time processing of received ladar pulses, and sequences of pulses.

Field of the Invention
The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to 3-D image generation and the identification and tracking of objects, and more particularly to LADAR sensors for mobile applications such as road hazard avoidance, collision avoidance, and autonomous navigation. The invention compensates for the issues arising from the operation of a multiplicity of ladar sensors operating simultaneously in a common environment allowing for a great number of LADAR sensors to be operated independently, and in close proximity.
References to Related Art
The 3-D imaging technology disclosed in Stettner et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,446,529, 6,133,989 and 6,414,746 provides with a single pulse of light, typically pulsed laser light, all the information of a conventional 2-D picture along with the third dimensional coordinates; it furnishes the 3-D coordinates of everything in its field of view. This use is typically referred to as flash 3-D imaging in analogy with ordinary digital 2-D cameras using flash attachments for a self contained source of light. As with ordinary 2-D digital cameras, the light is focused by a lens on the focal plane of the LADAR sensor, which contains an array of pixels called a focal plane array (FPA). In the case of a LADAR sensor these pixels are "smart" and can collect data which enables a processor to calculate the round-trip time of flight of the laser pulse to reflective features on the object of interest.
Many systems have been proposed to meet the challenge of using optical imaging and video cameras in a vehicle system to create 3-D maps of scenes and models of solid objects, and to use the 3-D database to navigate, steer, and avoid collisions with stationary or moving objects. Stereo systems, holographic capture systems, and those which acquire shape from motion, have not been able to demonstrate adequate performance in this application, but 3D LADAR based systems have shown the ability to rapidly capture 3-D images of objects and roadway features in the path of a moving vehicle, or travelling on an intersecting path, with sufficient speed and accuracy to allow the host vehicle to avoid collisions and road hazards, and steer the best path. In an environment where many such vehicles are operating on the same roadway, it is foreseeable there will be many light pulses from many LADAR sensors mounted on the vehicles operating in the common operating space. It is therefore highly probable there will be light pulses impinging on LADAR receivers which did not originate from the associated laser transmitter. These spurious light pulses from other LADAR sensors could cause serious confusion, and false range measurements, unless means are developed to eliminate or reduce this probability. A layered approach to reducing this form of interference is detailed, including the use of a number of discrete laser wavelengths and receiver optical filters to prevent spurious transmissions from entering the LADAR receiver optical detectors, an assignment of discrete laser pulse widths and a pulse width discriminator, and a system of pulse encoding and pulse decoding to separate out spurious pulses. It is anticipated there will be a great number of LADAR sensors manufactured and installed on automobiles, and some laser transmitter wavelengths may have to be reused, and some laser pulse widths may also have to be reused. Therefore, it is a remote, yet finite possibility there will be spurious laser pulses which have passed through the receiver optical filter and pulse width discriminator.
It is therefore desirable to provide a LADAR system capable of operating in a "dense" environment to avoid computations based on improper laser pulses.

Continental Advanced LIDAR Solutions US, Inc.


A method of transmitting a control signal in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a control signal on an uplink channel, determining whether an unrecoverable error, which cannot be corrected in a specific layer, is detected during the transmission of the control signal and if the unrecoverable error is detected, transmitting a message which informs that the unrecoverable error is detected. A deadlock due to an unrecoverable error in the specific layer can be prevented.

Third generation partnership project (3GPP) mobile communication systems based on a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) radio access technology are widely spread all over the world. High-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) that can be defined as a first evolutionary stage of WCDMA provides 3GPP with a radio access technique that is highly competitive in the mid-term future. However, since requirements and expectations of users and service providers are continuously increased and developments of competing radio access techniques are continuously in progress, new technical evolutions in 3GPP are required to secure competitiveness in the future. Reduction of cost per bit, increase of service availability, flexible use of frequency bands, simple structure and open interface, proper power consumption of a user equipment (UE), and the like are defined as requirements.
In general, layers of a radio interface protocol between a UE and a network can be classified into L1 layer (a first layer), L2 layer (a second layer), and L3 layer (a third layer) based on the lower three layers of the open system interconnection (OSI) model that is well-known in a communication system.
Each layer operates independently. When errors occur, each layer can independently perform a basic operation for correcting the errors. However, some errors may not be able to be independently recovered in a specific layer. Such an error is called an unrecoverable error. When the unrecoverable error occurs, the specific layer is continuously in an error condition, which leads to a deadlock.
Accordingly, there is a need for a method of correcting an unrecoverable error that occurs in a specific layer.

Method of transmitting control signal in wireless communication system


An image inputting equipment wherein the images of the document are displayed on the transmission thin type display so that the images of the document may be visually superposed on the document corresponding to the images in according with the image information of the document and the positional information of the image inputting portion, and the images of the document to be displayed on the region where the image inputting portion in the transmission thin type display has already passed can be compared with real time with those of the document to be seen with the transmission of the region where the image inputting portion has not passed.

The present invention generally relates to an image inputting equipment to be used in office automation apparatus for handling the images of facsimile, hand fax, personal information terminal, image reader, image recognizing apparatus, optical character reader (OCR), digital duplicating machine or the like.
Generally, an image scanner, a television camera (electronic camera) are now used as a means for converting image information into electric information. Also, an optical character reader or a bar code reader is provided for outputting figures and characters with image inputs and processing being combined with each other. They are adapted to process the read digital image data to convert them into figures and character codes, which are outputted. The conventional image inputting equipment will be described hereinafter by way of an image.scanner which can handle multivalue images.
The above described image.scanner is provided with an exposure portion for illuminating the document, a photoelectric converting portion for converting light to electricity, a document scanning portion for decomposing a document into picture elements, and so on. The image scanner is adapted to convert into electric signals with a photosensor the reflection light from the document or the brightness of the transmission light so as to output them as digital image data for each picture element. Various types of image.scanners such as a simple hand scanner, a printer mounted scanner, a facsimile type scanner, an electronic type scanner, a cylinder type scanner and a duplicator type scanner and so on are provided as such image.scanners
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a representative image reader of the above described duplicator type scanner. A reader 4 is composed of a light source 1, a lens.eye 2 and an image sensor.array 3 being integrally installed. The reader portion 4 has the light source 1, the lens array 2 and the image sensor.array 3 arranged respectively in one row, which form a so-called line scanner. Light radiated from the above described light source 1 is reflected from the surfaces of the document 5 and becomes incident into the image sensor.array 3 through the lens.array 2 so that the digital image data of one scanning line portion are read. By the parallel movement of the reader portion 4, in the arrow direction, along the document, the image information of one sheet of the document is read.
After the reading operation is effected by the above described reading portion 4, the digital image data are variably processed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In accordance with the digital image data, the read images are displayed on the CRT (Cathode.Ray.Tube) and/or printed by a printer.
But in the image.scanner such as the conventional duplicator type scanner or the like, the above described reader portion 4 and a display portion for a printer, CRT or the like are respectively composed as a separate unit. Since the reader portion 4 and the display portion are positioned away from each other, the comparison between the document and the reading images of the document cannot be effected with real time. Accordingly, the same document often has to be read for resolution comparison, the light, shade level adjustment, and so on.


In one embodiment, a method implemented on a computing device includes: receiving one or more video mosaic source services, each of the one or more video mosaic source services comprising a plurality of cells, each cell being associated with a content source; receiving signaling data, the signaling data comprising at least one attribute defining a current content available on a content source; receiving a request specifying an attribute to use for producing a mosaic presentation screen; and upon receiving the request, compositing cells extracted from the received one or more video mosaic source services into a mosaic presentation screen, the composited cells being associated with content sources whose current content attribute corresponds to the specified attribute.

A video mosaic channel is a television channel divided into a plurality of video mosaic elements providing an end user with a split screen view of multiple source channels as they are broadcast. In common digital television (DTV) systems, one or more video mosaic channels are transmitted from a headend to multiple DTV decoder devices thereby enabling the end users to have a global view of the on-going TV programs available on different linear television channels.
Nowadays, many TV operators have started to provide different ways to customize the presentation of such video mosaic channels. Examples of video mosaic channel customization include: composing a video mosaic channel in real time on the headend side after receiving a request from a user and subsequently, delivering the composed video mosaic channel; or pre-composing on the headend side multiple theme-based video mosaic channels for later delivery.


A baffle facilitates the flow of air from a first side of a data center rack into an intake on the opposite side of the data center rack. The baffle may be configured to couple to the bottom side of the rack. The rack itself may be located in a data center with at least one cold aisle and at least one hot aisle, such that cold air from the cold aisle may flow through the baffle and into an air intake of the rack facing the hot aisle. The baffle may additionally include fans to pull air into and through the baffle, and may include an air conditioning unit or a chiller system to cool air flowing through the baffle.

This invention relates generally to the cooling of data center components, and more particularly to providing a baffle for a data center rack configured to redirect air flow from a first side of a data center rack to an intake on a second side of the data center rack opposite the first side.
Data centers are configured to allow for the operation and co-location of computing and networking equipment, often on a large scale. Data centers include various data center components configured to allow for the operation of the data centers, such as servers, switches, hard drives, processors, power supplies, memory, and the like. These data center components may produce extensive amounts of heat in operation. Often, the amount of heat produced by these components can, if unaddressed, cause damage to the data center components. Data center components are often placed in racks providing a common power and networking interface for the components during operation. The close proximity of the data center components within the data center racks compounds the heat produced by the data center components. The problem is further complicated by the generally closed structure of the data center racks, which often prevents heat from effectively escaping the data center racks. As used herein, "rack" refers to any enclosure configured to house data center components.
In order to prevent harm to the data center components from the heat generated by the data center components, racks are designed with air intakes and outlets, allowing air from outside a data center rack to pass through the data center rack from the rack intake to the rack outlet. Such a design allows the air flow to transport the heat generated by the data center components inside a rack to outside the rack, resulting in a cooling of the data center components. Some racks are designed such that air intakes are located on opposite sides of the racks. Air flows into such a rack from the opposite sides of the rack and through the rack. Such a rack may have one or more air flow outlets on the same side of the rack, resulting in air flowing into the rack from both sides of the rack but flowing out of the rack on the same side of the rack.


A capping device includes a capping member releasably attached to an ink cartridge by cooperation of holding portions formed on resilient arms of the capping member and retaining grooves formed in the ink cartridge. When the ink cartridge is attached to an ink jet head part in an ink jet printer, wedge portions of the capping member engage in slits formed in the head part, and when the ink cartridge is removed from an ink supply part of the ink jet head part, the holding portions are released from the retaining grooves by separating the ink cartridge from the ink jet head part while the wedge portions are retained in the slits. At the same time, the ink supply part is capped by a packing rubber on the cap portion of a spring arm portion of the capping member.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a capping device for an ink jet head installed in an ink jet printer, the ink jet head being arranged on a carriage and having ink jet orifices at one end thereof and an ink supply part at the other end thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a capping device through which the top of the ink supply part can be easily and certainly capped at the same time that an ink cartridge is removed from the ink jet head when an operator exchanges an empty ink cartridge with a new ink cartridge.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, there are proposed various types of ink jet printers. Among such ink jet printers, there exist, in general, two types according to whether the ink jet head is fixed on the carriage or not. One is a disposable type in which both the ink jet head and the ink cartridge are exchangeable at the same time against the carriage in case of maintenance of the ink cartridge, etc. The other is a fixed type in which the ink jet head is fixed on the carriage and only the ink cartridge is exchangeable.
In the disposable type, since both the ink jet head and the ink cartridge are simultaneously exchanged in case of maintenance of the ink cartridge, there is no need for considering problems inducing bad effects that the ink orifices of the ink jet head or the ink supply part thereof are dried due to removing of the ink cartridge from the ink jet head, thus viscosity of the ink in the ink jet head becomes high, and that fine dust is adhered to the ink orifices or the ink supply part of the ink jet head.
On the contrary, in the fixed type, since only the ink cartridge is exchanged in case of maintenance of the ink cartridge, the ink orifices of the ink jet head are exposed to the atmosphere and dried, as a result, the ink orifices are blocked by the dried ink when the ink cartridge is removed from the ink jet head. In response to this problem that the ink orifices are blocked, the ink can be dissolved by contacting a wet sponge or the like with the ink orifices while printing is not conducted. On the other hand, there occurs bad effects at the ink supply part of the ink jet head such as dust adhering or high viscosity of the ink mentioned above. In this case, the conventional ink jet printer deals with as follows. That is, the empty ink cartridge is maintained to be installed to the ink supply part of the ink jet head so that the ink supply part is not exposed to the atmosphere, when the empty ink cartridge cannot be immediately exchanged with the new ink cartridge even if the ink in the ink cartridge is fully consumed, and thereafter at the time that the empty ink cartridge can be exchanged with the new ink cartridge, the empty ink cartridge is removed from the ink supply part.
However, in case that the ink in the ink cartridge is consumed and becomes empty, it is conceivable that an operator (user) falsely removes the empty ink cartridge from the ink supply part of the ink jet head and leaves the ink jet head without immediately exchanging with the new ink cartridge. In this way, if the ink supply part of the ink jet head is left to be exposed to the atmosphere, the viscosity of the ink in the ink supply part becomes high and the dust adheres to the ink supply part. As a result, it will be probable that the ink jet head itself cannot be used thereafter.

Capping device for ink jet head in ink jet printer