A user friendly method for regulating the media environment of a television viewer by controlling content displayed on the television. The method controls content in response to a viewer's profile, accumulated viewing time and at least one content classification source. A viewer's profile is provided by a user which determines guidelines for an individual viewer. Content classification values for television are received and stored in response to a viewer's request for viewing a program. The content classification values correspond to television program availability and values attributed to viewing time. The content classification values are categorized into desirable content and undesirable content. The viewer profile data associates a viewer with a content classification value. Thereafter, the quantity of time a viewer spends viewing desirable content and the quantity of time a viewer spends viewing undesirable content is determined. In response to a multidimensional user selected censorship structure, the media environment of the viewer is regulated. The censorship structure utilizes variables such as content classification values, rating value, rankings of rating sources and viewing time credits for desirable material and viewing time debits for undesirable material. Additionally, the method down-loads the content classification values from multiple sources utilizing an interconnected computer. Many sources can be queried utilizing the user selected ranking of rating sources and the user can edit the ratings. The present invention controls the television environment in response to past behavior of a viewer.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to a method and system for controlling a television and in particular to a method and system for controlling the content displayed on a television utilizing a computer system implementing multidimensional control having a user friendly interface. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for down loading television ratings and television scheduling from user selected sources, such that a user or an authority figure can automatically control a minor's media environment. More particularly, the present invention can provide a method and system for controlling a minor's media environment utilizing the minor's accumulation of desirable and undesirable viewing time.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is believed by many Americans that television programs are influential in the lives of our nation's children. More particularly, parents are concerned with the negative influence television has on their children's social and physiological development. As a result, special interest groups continue to lobby for greater government regulation of broadcast content. Legislative solutions to television censorship have been attempted; however, first amendment rights continue to block such efforts.
Currently, millions of American families are single parent or dual income. Often, this phenomena places a child alone in a home with the unrestricted availability of a television. In this circumstance a child's television choice cannot be directly supervised. Commercially available systems are expensive, convoluted and time intensive to implement. Working parents do not have the excess time which is required to effectively and satisfactory operate existing censorship systems. However, the amount of time spent by children viewing television, and the amount of time spent by children viewing offensive content is of great concern to parents.
Recent advances in microprocessor controlled televisions has made available more censorship control of television content to parents. However, current technology still falls short of the public's desire. Currently, censorship based on content ratings, supplied by broadcasters, is available if a household is equipped with the proper equipment. New semiconductor devices contained within televisions have been specifically developed for censoring television programs based on broadcaster's supplied received ratings.
Presently, a broadcaster's rating, in conjunction with enhancements in television control, allows a parent or guardian to set a threshold censorship level. In such a system, a broadcast program is displayed if the broadcaster's rating is less than a threshold level set by the parent. For example, a guardian can set a television to censor any program above and including the PG level. If the broadcaster classifies a program as R, it will not be displayed on the television because the threshold classification set by the guardian has been exceeded.
Currently, the most familiar standardized rating system provides audience ratings from G to R. Many problems exist with all current rating systems. Parents must decide what constitutes objectionable material regardless of the network ratings. For example, professional wrestling is unrated, however some parents consider professional wrestling a violent activity.
In an attempt to overcome obvious deficiencies, proposed rating systems have added additional categories within each audience rating. For example, new categories include violence, sexual content, language, nudity and adult subject matter. Every new category has intensity levels defined by a number. For example, violence has five intensity levels. For example, a level one violence rating is comic violence such as found in cartoons. Level five under the violence category is graphic violence, such as decapitation and torture. Greater resolution of content ratings is part of an intense effort to satisfy the public's demand for censorship. However, additional rating systems and censorship devices still have not provided acceptable control to the majority of concerned parents.
A significant drawback to all present and proposed rating systems is that the organization which produces the programs has influence on the actual rating. Additionally, the implementation of the system is dependent on the broadcasting networks and cable companies to insert the ratings into the broadcast signal. Thus, it is the marketing organization of the programs that assigns and controls the ratings. This infrastructure suggests a conflict of interest.
In all known prior art, an effective utilization of broadcast ratings requires the participation of broadcasters. If broadcasters refuse to provide a program classification signal, rating solutions are ineffective. More importantly, even if broadcasters cooperate, establishing uniform and homogeneous standards to satisfy people with diverse values are futile. Certain subject matter may be acceptable to one person but quite unacceptable to another. Currently, parents are limited to a rigid rating system which was created by a committee of bureaucrats.
It is also believed by many experts that television can have negative effects on individuals during adolescence. It is also understood that television can have considerable educational value for children. Many broadcasters offer channels which are purely educational and hence do not require a rating system. Educational broadcasts provide an effective and efficient learning source for children.
Often, a television program will contain morally offensive content amid highly educational subject matter. A rigid rating system can not accurately predict a parent's reaction to the foregoing situation. A big drawback to all prior art censorship systems is whether or not the public in general or a specific viewer agrees with a broadcaster's rating of a particular program. Rating the content of a program is very subjective. Considerable rating disparity can exist between networks. Adding more levels to existing rating systems has not addressed the public's long felt need for a practicable system. Many programs deal obliquely with adult material. In this instance, often a parent is not offended if a child watches such a program. Rating oblique subject matter is debatable and consequently, many parents forego censorship of this type of material. For example, comedies containing innuendo pertaining to sex or other potentially offensive subject matter is rarely comprehended by children. Again, television programs do not fit into neat, clear-cut rating categories.
All prior art censor systems are subjective and unavoidably rigid. Additionally, for a censorship system to perform adequately, a parent or guardian has to spend an inordinate amount of time deciding where every program fits into an imperfectly defined category of acceptability. For example, a PG rated movie can be mild with respect to violence yet contain profanity. A PG rated movie may be non-violent with mild language, although satanical. An issue which is unaddressed in the prior art is, how does a parent measure and regulate profanity or atheist views. Often, the offensive nature of a program can only be attained after observing the program in its totality. Generally, a parent's judgement evolves as he or she views more than one scene. By the time offensive subject matter is observed, it is too late for a parent to censor the offensive material. In summary, a PG rating does not adequately inform a guardian of what will be displayed during a program.
Currently, adequate parental control of a child's television viewing habits are difficult, time consuming and unworkable. Current television ratings systems are vague. The broadcast industry has added new classifications such as TV-14, and TV-M. However, additional ratings do not address parental needs. Often, not enough information about the definition of the new classifications is explained to parents. Further, broadcasters do not have sufficient incentive to help identify objectional material. Due to the lack of incentive, broadcasters have been reluctant to implement an improved rating system.
A variety of proposals have heretofore been made to address the selective viewing needs of the American family. Most of the proposals have either been limited in their focus or they have lacked practicability. Thus, for example, a system for obtaining and viewing a listing of programs scheduled for presentation has been described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,571,578 which was granted to Reiter et al. on Jun. 14, 1988. In addition to down-loading and displaying a listing of programs, it proposed generalized access control. Reiter et al. discloses memory which could be utilized to permit the owner of the invention to control access to the television, or access to particular television channels. In order to control viewer access, the memory could instruct the viewer to input a password for all future utilization of the system and/or television. Although suggesting a form of general access control, there appears to be no teaching or the utilization of content censorship; and the thrust of the Reiter et al. reference is to aid in searching for user desirable programs rather than censoring undesirable ones.
Another approach to providing censorship has been to implement a converter with a feature known as "Parental Control." Some "Parental Control" systems employ a key or code to block one or more selected channels from viewing. An example of one such system is that of U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,107 granted to Hayes. According to the Hayes system, when one or more channels are blocked, all of the programs on a blocked channel are made inaccessible to a viewer. A problem with this approach is that some good or otherwise acceptable programs are blocked along with the unacceptable programs. Thus, a guardian or parent always wishing to exclude a violent or sexy police program from the view of his young children may also be blocking access to his or her favorite baseball program which is subsequently broadcast. Under channel blocking proposals, everything on a channel is either blocked or everything on a channel is available for viewing.
The shortcomings of the channel blocking approach have been recognized by others and there have been attempts to devise ways to block individual programs without disabling an entire channel. Some of these approaches attach a "Material Content Signal" to programs. Examples of this approach are those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,888,796 and 5,172,111 to Olivo, Jr. According to such proposals a receiving device, upon recognizing the "Material Content Signal," blocks the television program unless a secret code or password has been entered into the receiver through a key pad.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,085 to Rew and U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,822 to Choi, have devised similar methods but have differed in the design of their receiving devices. The disclosures rely on an electronic signal accompanying the broadcast program, such signal being recognized by the receiver which automatically deactivates the television or refuses access to the television channel while the electronic signal is present.
While overcoming the all or nothing problem mentioned above, such approaches also have their own shortcomings. First, such solutions are limited because there is but one censor threshold per television set. For example, in a family with a parent, a very young child, a teenage child and grandparent, all members of the household must adhere to one of two choices: either a censored level geared for one member of the household or access to all programs. Additionally, these inventions depend on a broadcaster's subjective and rigid rating system.
An improved program blocking or censorship approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,160 to Vogel. According to the Vogel proposals, program classification signals are encoded in a video or audio portion of the received programs. The user input provisions, while an improvement over other proposals, as described above, also suffers from its limitations. The censorship standards utilized under this proposal come from a central censorship authority. This approach also requires the participation of the broadcasters and parental acceptance of the broadcasters standards to be acceptable.
Although parents desire to control program content, many parents want to control the amount of time children spend watching the television. Thus, it has been observed that excessive viewing time, especially for children, may displace more worthy activities such as school study or physical fitness activity. Here, also, there have been proposals for control. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,566,033 Reidenouer, there is proposed a system in which a token is employed to activate a television set for a predetermined period of time. However, such proposals do not distinguish between different users nor do they provide for user identification. In this "token-operated" system, operation inhibiting power to the television set is the control mechanism. Thus, reprogramming of any pre-programmed features is a considerable drawback in this invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,696 to Beier discloses the utilization of a microprocessor and stored passwords to distinguish between multiple viewers. In addition, it provides for inhibited viewing during selected periods of time during each day. However, it is very complex and suffers from the disadvantage of controlling power application to the television set. It also does not provide for an override capability.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,079 to Rufus-Isaacs discloses an arrangement which utilizes a transportable magnetic medium to activate the television and also provides a readout for viewers so they will know how much time a program has remaining. However, transportable mediums can be exchanged, borrowed or, more likely, lost or misplaced by children. If exchanged, borrowed or altered, children can have access to prohibited programs. On the other hand, if lost, there is no access until another or replacement magnetic medium is provided.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,372 to Sweetser describes a time control system which incorporates a viewing allowance that, if exceeded, interrupts the radio frequency input signal. Viewing times can be set on a daily or weekly basis. In addition, the Sweetser system includes block out times for each of a plurality of designees (e.g. children) during any day of the week. An override feature is included which allows a parent to watch television regardless of existing censorship. The system is also capable of channel blocking. Thus, Sweetser does not control what is seen but only how long it is seen, and the limited channel blocking ability contains the same limitations described above. However, as with others of the foregoing proposals, such proposals are single dimensional in that they do not allow a selection from diverse sources to structure the censorship.
Prior art push button based proposals for entering passwords (personal identification numbers, generally known as PIN codes) have certain disadvantages. By the time children reach school age, they are able to count to ten and read numbers. They also have enough dexterity to operate video games. By limiting passwords to a sequence of four colored buttons, the possibility of password theft becomes substantial. An older child can either watch a sibling enter his/her password or, through simple experimentation, can ascertain another's password.
An additional disadvantage of the Sweetser proposal is that its programming is cumbersome. Programming prompts are in symbols rather than in written words. To program the unit, one must constantly refer to the accompanying literature, and time allowances can be set either daily or weekly but not in combination. Finally, because the unit is not down line activated, it is not suitably designed to be offered as a cable company service. All of the above mentioned prior art still have the problem of viewer diversity and differing moral values as applied to censorship. Television programs that seem harmless to one person are considered totally unacceptable and morally wrong by other. Again, existing censorship methods are too time intensive, complex, and expensive and hence impracticable to be acceptable for most parents.
As suggested above, none of the foregoing proposals include a comprehensive multi-dimensional solution to television control with minimal parental input. All of the proposals are rigid and attempt to address one small problem without addressing an overall solution. The prior art fails to teach of a comprehensive approach and much of the prior art is time intensive to set-up and operate. Therefore, the present systems are less than acceptable.
Additionally, some prior art solutions, while being technically feasible, are not effective because they depended on the participation of the broadcaster and a network controlled subjective rating system. Allowing the participation of broadcasters' censorship is precarious because we are requiring the broadcasters to censor their own creation. Accordingly, in spite of a variety of solutions proposed and patented over many years, effective solutions have yet to be made in the empowering the American family with effective control over their television viewing.

Dynamic regulation of television viewing content based on viewer profile and viewing history


A memory module electrical connector is comprised of an insulative housing and a plurality of electrical terminals. The terminals are stamped and formed from conductive material to include resilient contact portions for interconnection to the module, and compliant pin portions for interconnection to the printed circuit board. The compliant pin portions of the connector are laterally staggered, with some compliant pin portions being positioned adjacent to a slot in the housing for receiving the memory module, and alternate contacts are positioned distant from the slot, thereby staggering the compliant pin portions. The compliant pin sections include an upstanding, rigidifying section to rigidify the compliant pin portion during the insertion of the electrical connector and the plurality of compliant pin portions into the printed circuit board.

Many different types of memory modules are provided for use in computer technology, such as DIMMs and SIMMs, which must be interconnected to a motherboard or other printed circuit board. Typically such connectors include a plastic housing having a plurality of electrical contacts mounted on one or both sides of a slot which receives the memory module, the connector further including electrical contacts which interconnect traces on the memory modules with traces on the printed circuit boards. Many different types of memory module connectors are provided, some of which include edge-stamped contacts, that is, where the entire contact is stamped or etched in a plane from a blank of conductive material, where the plane of the material is disposed transverse to the slot in the housing. Another type of electrical terminal is the stamped and formed terminal, where the terminal is also formed from a blank of material where the plane of the original material is parallel to the slot receiving the memory module, but the terminals are stamped and formed to form the various contact portions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,459 shows a representative socket, where the contacts are edge-stamped and where the contacts include alternative printed circuit board receiving contact positions, such that alternate contacts can have staggered printed circuit board contact portions so as to increase the side-to-side density of the contacts as well as the position of the throughholes on the printed circuit board. As mentioned above, such edge-stamped contacts are stamped in a single plane of the material, where the edge which is stamped or etched is the contact surface.
Alternatively, another style of contact is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,744, where the contacts are stamped and formed, where the contacts include both a memory module contact and a printed circuit board contact. Some of the contacts are stamped and formed so as to lie substantially in a single plane, whereas other contacts are formed with a printed circuit board portion staggered laterally away from the slot so as to stagger the electrical terminals.
It is the latter design, that is, the design as substantially shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,744, which is incorporated in its entirety herein, to which the present invention relates. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,744, the printed circuit board tine portions are profiled for receipt in printed circuit board throughholes, and are adapted for a soldered connection to the throughhole. While this design has proven quite adequate for such soldered connections, in the case of a compliant pin portion, that is, where the printed circuit board contact portion includes a configuration for interferingly fitting within a plated throughhole of a printed circuit board, the contacts having the staggered printed circuit board contact can be damaged.
The damage does not occur in the contacts where the printed circuit board portion is in the same plane as the memory module contact, because the column strength of the memory module contact itself is sufficiently rigid to withstand the force of the insertion of the terminal into the throughhole. However, when the contacts are staggered, the compliant pin portion does not have sufficient rigidity in the plane of the compliant pin portion to allow a force on that portion of the terminal and yet be inserted without damage to the contact and/or connector.
It is this problem which the present invention addresses.


Cleaning compositions containing C8-C10 alkylpolyglucosides, have low filming and streaking when combined with C2-C4 alcohols and propylene glycol ethers. The low filming and streaking occurs even in the presence of quaternary ammonium biocides.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a composition and method for reducing residue left by wet cleaning substrates used for cleaning hard surfaces, such as a kitchen, bathroom or other hard surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
When cleaning wipes are impregnated with cleaning compositions containing cationic biocides for disinfection, the cleaning operation typically leaves a residue on glossy surfaces. This may be the case because the saturated wipes leave substantial liquid on the surface. When using a spray cleaner, the residue problems are reduced since the consumer typically wipes off the spray cleaner with a dry paper towel. It is the combination of the cleaning substrate saturated with the cleaning composition that makes it difficult to leave a surface free from filming and streaking.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,580 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,805 to Sherry et al. discloses alkylpolyglucosides with hydrophilic polymers and propylene glycol propylether on nonwoven substrates. U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,844 to Jones et al. discloses alkylpoly-glucosides, ethanol, and isopropanol on nonwoven substrates. U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,534 to Skrobala et al. discloses alkylpolyglucosides and ethanol on nonwoven substrates. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 2005/0121054, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,951 to Barnabas et al. discloses alkylpolyglucosides with citric acid and PHMB.
The present invention surprisingly has found a liquid cleaning composition containing a quaternary biocide that when absorbed onto a nonwoven substrate provides surface disinfection with low residue (low filming and streaking) and low foaming during use. The low foam translates to lower filming and streaking and thus significantly improves consumer acceptability for a disinfecting wipe. While not intending to be bound by theory, the premise for achieving low filming and streaking is to have a cleaning composition that does not bead up (i.e. having no increase in contact angle as the composition dries). The choice of surfactant and solvent significanly affects the properties of the formulation as it dries. Most quat based disinfecting wipes products leave significant residue that is particulary noticeable on smooth glossy surfaces. The inventive formulation provides surface disinfection and cleaning while providing low foaming and low residue (i.e. low filming and streaking), thus eliminating the need of a follow up wiping step. The problems associated with residue left after cleaning with wet substrates of the prior art can be avoided by the low residue compositions of the present invention. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an antimicrobial cleaning composition in a cleaning substrate that overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with prior art examples.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Low residue cleaning solution comprising a C8-C10 alkylpolyglucoside


A WDM (Wavelength Divisional Multiplex) device is provided in which a client signal having a band that is greater than a band of a wavelength used for wavelength-division multiplexing is allocated a plurality of wavelengths and is transmitted as a wavelength-division multiplexed signal. The WDM device includes a used-band detecting part for detecting a used-band that is used by the client signal supplied from a client device. The used-band is detected from a path layer of the client signal using set-up information contained in the path layer of the client signal. The WDM device also includes a mapping part for mapping the detected used-band onto wavelengths used for wavelength-division multiplexing.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a WDM device and a client device, and particularly relates to a WDM device, a client device, a system and a method for allocating wavelengths to a client signal.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are various techniques for transmitting client signals, such as SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) and GbE (Giga-bit Ethernet) signals, via a WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) network. Client signals can be mapped onto wavelengths for the WDM network in accordance with one of the schemes described below. It is to be noted that a connection rate (line band) of client signals is provisioned when installing additional client signal lines and the wavelengths are reserved corresponding to the line band of the client signals.
In a first mapping scheme, a single client signal is allocated a single wavelength. As shown in FIG. 1, an input client signal is supplied to a signal converting part 10. In the signal converting part 10, the input signal remains in its original format or is converted into a Digital Wrapper format or a format conforming to a wrapping technique defined by ITU-T G.709. The converted signal is transmitted on a wavelength that is unique within a WDM line 13. A multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) 12 multiplexes the plurality of wavelengths corresponding to a plurality of client signals to produce a wavelength-division multiplexed signal and transmits the wavelength-division multiplexed signal on the WDM line 13.
A multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) 14 demultiplexes the wavelength-division multiplexed signal from the WDM line 13 into a plurality of wavelengths, each of which corresponding to a single client signal. An inverse conversion is carried out in a signal converting part 16. The inverse conversion is an inverse of the conversion carried out at the signal converting part 10 of the sending side (i.e., to the original format, or, if Digital Wrapper format is used, the Digital Wrapper format is unformatted). The inverse converted signal is transmitted in the format of the original client signal.
In a second mapping scheme, a plurality of client signals is allocated a single wavelength. The second mapping scheme applies when the band of a client signal is sufficiently narrower than the band of a wavelength in the WDM network. As shown in FIG. 2, input client signals are supplied to a signal converting part 20 where the input client signals are time-division multiplexed or converted into a Digital Wrapper format or a format conforming to a wrapping technique defined by ITU-T G.709. The converted signal is allocated to a wavelength that is unique within the WDM line. A multiplexer 22 multiplexes the plurality of wavelengths corresponding to the converted signal to produce a wavelength-division multiplexed signal and transmits the wavelength-division multiplexed signal on the WDM line 23.
A multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) 24 demultiplexes the multiplexed signal from the WDM line 23 into a plurality of wavelengths. An inverse conversion is carried out in the signal converting part 26. The inverse conversion is an inverse of the conversion performed at the signal converting part 20 of the sending side (i.e., the time-division multiplexed signal is time-division demultiplexed, or, if Digital Wrapper format is used, the Digital Wrapper format is unformatted). The inverse converted signals are transmitted in a format of the original client signals.
In a third mapping scheme, a single client signal is allocated a plurality of wavelengths. The third mapping scheme applies when the band of a client signal is sufficiently broader than the band of a wavelength of the WDM network. As shown in FIG. 3, an input client signal is supplied to a signal converting part 30. In the signal converting part 30, the input client signal remains in its original format or is converted into a Digital Wrapper format or a format conforming to a wrapping technique defined by ITU-T G.709. In the signal converting part 30, the converted input client signal is further divided. The divided and converted signals are allocated a plurality of wavelengths that are unique within the WDM line. A multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) 32 multiplexes the plurality of wavelengths to produce a wavelength-division multiplexed signal and transmits the wavelength-division multiplexed signal on the WDM line 33.
A multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) 34 demultiplexes the wavelength-division multiplexed signal from the WDM line 33 into a plurality of wavelengths. An inverse conversion is carried out in the signal converting part 36. The inverse conversion is an inverse of the conversion performed at the signal converting part 30 of the sending side (i.e., the original format is left as it is, or, if Digital Wrapper format is used, the Digital Wrapper format is unformatted). The inverse conversion is carried out while synchronizing signals of each wavelength. The inverse converted signal is transmitted with a format of the original client signal.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a signal converting part of the related art. The signal converting part shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the signal converting parts 10 and 16. In FIG. 4, a SONET/SDH client signal is received at a signal receiving part 40. A wrapping process part 41 converts the received signal into a Digital Wrapper format or a format conforming to a wrapping technique defined by ITU-T G.709. Then, in a wavelength allocating part 42, the converted signal is allocated a wavelength that is unique within a WDM line and then supplied to the multiplexer/demultiplexer 12 on the WDM line side.
On the other hand, a signal receiving part 45 receives signals that have been demultiplexed in the multiplexer/demultiplexer 14 of the WDM line side. The received signals undergo an unwrapping process (a conversion that is an inverse of the transform performed at the wrapping process part 41) in an unwrapping process part 46. Then, the signals are output from a SONET/SDH signal process part 47 as client signals of a SONET/SDH type.
Recent technical innovation provides an ever increasing capacity of a client signal (e.g. 40 Gbps) and an ever increasing capacity of a WDM line (increased number of wavelengths and increased capacity per wavelengths). However, since the rate of increase of the capacity of a wavelength of the WEM line is less than the rate of increase of the capacity of the client signal, a plurality of wavelengths will be allocated to a single client signal having a large capacity. As a result, the number of client signals that can be accommodated in the WDM line becomes less.
For example, when a client signal (OC768) of a SONET type with a line capacity of 40 Gbps is connected to the signal converting part 30 shown in FIG. 1, four 10.7 Gbps-wavelengths are allocated for transmitting all of the 40 Gbps capacity. However, when only two 10 Gbps SONET paths (OC192c) are actually used in the client signal line of 40 Gbps, only two of the allocated 10.7 Gbps-wavelengths are used and the remaining two wavelengths will be unused. The unused allocated wavelengths cannot be used for other lines. Therefore, there is a problem that wavelengths in the WDM line are not used in an efficient manner.

WDM device, client device, network, system and method for allocating wavelength of WDM to a client signal


A Brahmi phonemics based keyboard that enables user to provide textual inputs in any of the Indian Languages has been envisaged. The keyboard can be incorporated into any computer based system capable of handling Unicode compliant inputs. The layout of the keyboard includes a plurality of input keys corresponding to the characters of an Indian language, and the input keys, especially the character input keys are grouped into a plurality of clusters. The keyboard acts as a multimodal device by enabling a user to provide textual input in a plurality of Indian languages. The layout of the keyboard includes diacritic markers, formatting commands, numeric keys and functional keys being grouped into different clusters for ease of accessibility.

Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to the field of input devices. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to electronic input devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of multilingual keyboards that provide Unicode compliant instructions. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of non roman, Asian languages complaint keyboards.
Description of Related Art
Keyboard is an input device having a plurality of keys performing predetermined functions. The keys are arranged in a layout so as to be user-friendly. A keyboard is also described to be the Human Machine Interface (HMI) device, as a portable supplemental keyboard, as a device which functions as an interface point through which the human language input is passed on to the operating system and applications of a computer. A Keyboard layout includes a mapping of human language-elements in an organized format so as to enable facilitation of human language input. For example: QWERTY, Dvorak are specific named types of PC-Keyboard layouts which enable roman alphabet characters to be input tor processing and generate output that is ASCII/Unicode compliant.
Human Language-elements cover the following: Text character and their conjuncts (the visual shape of sound, the language script elements), numerals, arithmetic operators, punctuation, tonal modifier like diacritics, formatting symbols, special symbols, and the like which may be language specific (such as religious symbols, cultural shapes-outlines and signs). The language-elements of Languages of India (LOI) have multiple structural and processing commonalities, even though the script of characters do have distinct individual shapes and conjoining contour behaviors. The official keyboard layout for languages of India is approved in the standard ISCII-91/IS 13194: 1991. ISCII is the short form for Indian standard code for information interchange. Inscript, the short name for Indian Scripts, is the name for the keyboard layout.
Keyboard models other than the 'Inscript' of keyboard layouts, for example, 'Baraha' needs a software installation, and custom fonts. Certain other software such as 'Webdunia', 'Taalapatram', 'Nudi', 'Bhasha' work with the limitations of Browser plug-in, using an internal software key mapping. Certain software's such as 'Srilipi', 'I-leap', 'GIST card', use special hardware keyboards, dangle locks, locking of standard keyboards by use of a lock-key (Scroll lock or num lock/caps lock) and custom layouts to achieve the end result, i.e., providing an Indian language keypad layout. Certain software keyboards use the online soft-screen and transliteration models such as 'Google' transliteration working within the Browser. Certain other software's such I-translator (Omkarananda) which uses again key maps by transliteration on English PC keyboard layout.
The scripts of languages of India are covered under the scope of two major standards: ISCII and Unicode. Thus, each character of languages of India, as rendered visually, can be linked to one unique Unicode value/Unicode sequence value/link to ISCII. The prior art InScript layout uses the design philosophy of positioning 'LOI language elements' in a secondary way in relation to the roman alphabet/English language-elements. This is the overlay approach where LOI phonemes are mapped to the proximate phonemic value of English alphabets. Further, the prior art Inscript layout involves designing the LOI-Keyboard layout within the constraints of a keyboard-layout primarily designed for Roman alphabet character usage environment. This is reflected in the QWERTY-Overlay design for LOI and upper ASCII anchored LOI code positioning, of the Inscript keyboard layout. The ASCII Standard is primarily bound to Roman alphabet character centric approach and is not adequate to meet the needs of Non-roman script languages/LOI.
Another prior art solution was to use of the alphanumeric keypad mapped multiple tapping on the same key to generate scripted characters and numerals/symbols in languages of India. This is deployed in mobile devices, where in there are several operational constraints and the volume of document is miniscule compared to the volume of texts to be handled in other routine work-environments. This is still a cumbersome process limited to the small volume text messaging services on the mobiles. With the advancements in computer technology, the reach of computers has extended to several large segments of social, economic, governmental, judiciary and executive, media and archives, educational and national work environments. As a result, the density of non-technical users of computers has increased multifold over the technical programmers. Several of the functions that have been integrally anchored on the QWERTY keyboard, keeping the needs of the programming community and English speaking society were not of any practical use for this new group of users. Contra, new user-friendly, culturally and linguistically appropriate language interface on the keyboard has become a critical desirable functionality. This scenario has ushered in the demand for development of a 'different, native user friendly, method for inputting of language visuals-symbols in to digital devices.
The available devices for inputting the languages of India on to digital devices are still being designed and delivered by making an overlay of the 'Indian language characters' on the standard 'QWERTY' layout design. Even though many modifications and upgrades/embellishing application oriented expansions have been made available for the keyboards, thereby raising the density of keys from early 84 to current 122 on the keyboards, the QWERTY area and upper-ASCII code dependency models have not been modified. These aforementioned modifications have not made any impact on the method of inputting Indian language characters in to digital devices' which is linguistically and culturally appropriate, user friendly and contemporary. There has been a several fold increase in the user population seeking a solution for inputting languages of India in to digital devices, applications like mail, banking and browsing. This summarizes the need to seek a new model of keyboard device for inputting script and phonemic elements of languages of India for processing in digital devices.
Provided herein below is a comparison between the features of languages of India (LOI) and Roman alphabet character set. With reference to the 'total number of characters', the LOI character set varies from 49 to 64, whereas the Roman alphabet character set count is 52. Further, the LOI character set includes 36 vowels and 33 consonants whereas the Roman alphabet character set includes 5 vowels and 21 consonants. Further, the scripting feature in case of LOI is agglutinating in nature, i.e., a single final visual unit represents unique conjoined phonemes and accent modifiers, whereas in case of Roman alphabet character set, the scripting feature is non-agglutinating, i.e., multiple characters are required to represent the conjoined phonemes. Further, the characters corresponding to LOI are written using a variety of schema, i.e., Devanagari models hang from the top line whereas south Indian languages have curling rolling glyphs and conjuncts going all round the shape-body of primary character. But in contrary, the characters of the Roman character set are written in a similar manner across the corresponding languages. Further, in case of characters corresponding to LOI, in a given Indian language, a symbol carries the same phonemic value irrespective of its position in the word and context. The total word needs to be learnt in one single way and represented in only that way, whereas, in case of Roman character set, a character carries different phonemic values depending on the position where it occurs, the context, the language convention related to silent letters, the surrounding characters and the language factor. The total word needs to be learnt In two modes: Scripted spelling mode for writing accuracy and pronunciation mode—for speaking a proper language. The systems and methods proposed by the below mentioned patent: documents also aim to simplify the process of proving character inputs via a HMI.
US Patent Application Publication No. 20090179780 describes a hand held thumb touch type-able ASCII/UNICODE keyboard that has an alphanumeric keypad having multiple quad keys and multiple dual keys, and a navigation keypad having multiple dual keys and single-function keys. Each corner of the dual keys of the alphanumeric keypad allows a user to type separate characters. In addition, a homing key is located at the center of the alphanumeric keypad. The goal is to provide capability of typing all the ASCII characters through a hand-held mobile device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,488 describes an ergonomically condensed QWERTY reduced size keyboard having a QWERTY-keyboard layout that allows maintenance of the same typing speed and accuracy associated with conventional keyboards. U.S. Pat. No. 7,420,543 describes another model of layout on QWERTY Keyboard for making input of characters of LOI.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,252 describes a downsized keyboard for use with the Japanese language. One vowel is assigned to each key of a first key group. Two consonants are assigned to each key in a second key group. An unvoiced consonant is input with a single key-pressing operation while a voiced consonant is input with a double key-pressing operation.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,216 describes a keyboard for entering characters tor the Japanese language. One embodiment of the keyboard executes inputting of a character by zero, one, or a plurality of strokes of a code key and sequential stroke of a separator key for selecting a letter.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,884 describes a user-definable keyboard apparatus for use with the Chinese language. A key may correspond to one or more Chinese characters and a character may be assigned to one or more keys. The apparatus may automatically verify that a user-defined keyboard is rational by reference to a character sound grouping rules table.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,647 describes a "user-friendly and efficient keyboard" for the English language. The keyboard layout places punctuation marks in the center of the keyboard with letters arranged alphabetically on either side of the punctuation marks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,928 describes a keyboard for the Korean Language. Keys on a keyboard are assigned a plurality of characters. A word processor software analyzes key sequences to resolve ambiguities and determine which characters are intended.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,999,950 describes an on-screen keyboard for the Japanese language. An array of Japanese based Kana characters are displayed. The first selection of a character key causes the display of the character in base kana form. The second consecutive selection of the same key causes the display of the character in a variant form Subsequent consecutive selections cause the display of the character in further variant forms.
U.S. Pat. No. 207,559 is for the Standard QWERTY-PC layout. This is to be accommodated in any multilingual keyboard, for working with the standard functions of the computer keyboards for data formatting and useful compilations.
Hence there is a need to develop a Brahmi derived common phonemic Unicode generator keyboard layout for languages of India (LOI). Further there is a need to develop a keyboard layout that enables a user to input the characters in a plurality of Indian languages. Still further there is a need to develop a keyboard layout that is extended to other languages of the world, without compromising the input model for the LOI language elements.
The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

Brahmi phonemics based keyboard for providing textual inputs in indian languages


A global and local read control synchronization method and system are provided for a memory array configured with multiple memory subarrays. Address signals are decoded to activate based thereon subarray select signals and a cumulative subarray select signal. The cumulative subarray select signal goes active whenever a subarray select signal goes active, and therefore, each pulse of the cumulative subarray select signal is synchronous with one pulse of the subarray select signals. Local read control signals for the multiple memory subarrays are obtained employing the subarray select signals, and at least one global read control signal for the memory array is obtained employing the cumulative subarray select signal. In one example, the memory array has a hierarchical bitline architecture.

Memory arrays with hierarchical or "segmented" bitline architectures have been developed in recent years in order to increase the integration density of memory chips. This architecture allows for a reduced number of space-consuming sense amplifiers for a given number of memory cells, thus reducing chip size or increasing memory capacity for a given sized chip.
In a hierarchical bitline architecture, each column within a memory cell array includes a number of equal length local bitlines (LBLs), directly connected to the memory cells, and to global bitlines (GBLs), for example, composed of a high conductivity metal disposed at a higher fabrication layer than the local bitlines. By way of example, each local bitline may connect to several hundred memory cells, while each global bitline is connected directly to a sense amplifier and is selectively coupled to a number of local bitlines in a common column by a number of switches. To access (e.g., read) a memory cell connected to a particular local bitline, the switch connecting that local bitline to the global bitline is closed, while the other switches in the column are open.
In order for a hierarchical bitline memory array, such as a static random access memory (SRAM) array, to maintain functionality and high speed performance over a range of power supplies, temperature and process variations, global read control signals that maintain timing relationships (tracking) to local read control signals of the respective memory subarrays are desirable. Prior attempts at synchronization have employed programmable delays based on a grid clock or system clock to generate the global read control signals. With such implementations, however, there is no inherent tracking between the global and local control signals.
Thus, provided herein are novel techniques for synchronizing global and local read control signals for a memory array configured with multiple memory subarrays, such as a hierarchical bitline SRAM architecture.

Global and local read control synchronization method and system for a memory array configured with multiple memory subarrays

International Business Machines Corporation


A portable small mine detecting device for detecting a mine by transmitting a radio wave and detecting the NQR of nitrogen 14 atoms (14N) contained in the mine using a high-sensitivity, high-temperature superconducting SQUID magnetic sensor. The mine detecting device can be applied to non-metal mines and can detect different kinds of explosive substances simultaneously.

A number of Patent Publications on the technique of detection/removal of a mine have been applied not only in Japan but also in foreign countries, for instance References 1 to 4. However, not only the techniques described in the above-specified publications but also the techniques as described in many publications thus far published for detecting/removing a mine are detection methods for recognizing the mine as a foreign substance from the soil around it, in which the mine is buried, by employing an underground radar or a metal detector.
Publication 1: JP-A-2001-74387,
Publication 2: JP-A-2001-153597,
Publication 3: JP-A-06-506295, and
Publication 4: U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,208B1.
The mine detecting method thus far developed is roughly divided into two kinds. One is a method detecting the difference in physical properties between the mine and the soil around that, in which the mine is buried, and the other is a method for detecting the physical properties of the mine (or the explosive substance) itself directly.
The methods classified among the former include an electromagnetic induction method (metal detection), an electric wave method (dielectric rate), an electric survey method (specific resistance), a thermal survey method (heat capacity), an ultrasonic method (substance density), and so on. The methods classified among the latter include a nuclear magnetic resonance method (magnetic characteristics), a neutron method (radioactivation characteristics), a chemical method (bonding state of atoms), a biological method (with an antibody bio-film) and so on.
The nuclear magnetic resonance NMR method classified among the latter generally uses a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, as is utilized at present in medical devices.
This NMR method, detecting a mine by means of the nuclear magnetic resonance, does not detect the differences in the physical properties such as the electric conductivity or the dielectric constant between the mine and the soil in which the mine is buried, as does the electromagnetic induction method (metal detector) or the electric wave method (underground radar). The NMR method directly detects the intrinsic nuclear magnetic field of the atoms composing the mine (or the explosive substance). The NMR method is accepted as excellent mine detecting means because it can detect the explosive substance of the detection target directly.
For the NMR method, however, a large-sized magnet is indispensable for generating an intense magnetic field. Thus, this NMR method utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance has a fatal defect when it is desired to reduce the size of the device. Therefore, the chemical substance detecting device according to the NMR method has been limited in practice to the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for medical diagnosis, because the NMR method is viewed as not suited for a portable mine detecting device.
Therefore, the invention described in this application is presented to solve the problems identified in the prior art and to provide a mine detecting device, which is made so portable that it can be conveniently employed even outdoors.


The present invention is intended to provide a sealing material for a light emitting device, which is able achieve both the adhesiveness and the crack resistance, have the high sulfurization resistance and the wet heat resistance, and seal the light emitting element. The sealing material for a light emitting device for sealing a light emitting element is characterized in that in a solid Si-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, a peak has a peak top in a chemical shift within a range of −120 ppm or more and −90 ppm or less, and a half width of 5 ppm or more and 12 ppm or less; in the solid Si-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, a peak has a peak top in a chemical shift within a range of −80 ppm or more and −40 ppm or less, and a half width of 5 ppm or more and 12 ppm or less; and a silanol content ratio is 11% by weight or more and 30% by weight or less.

In recent years, there has been a widely used technology for obtaining a white light emitting device in which a phosphor, such as YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) phosphor, or the like, is arranged in the vicinity of a gallium nitride (GaN) based blue LED (Light Emitting Diode) chip. In such the white light emitting device, white light emission is provided by mixing blue light emitted from the blue LED chip and yellow light emitted by secondary light emission from the phosphor which has received the blue light. It has also been used a technology for providing white light emission by mixing the blue light emitted from the blue LED chip and red light along with green light emitted by secondary light emission from each phosphor which has received the blue light.
There are various applications for such the white light emitting device, and for example, there is a demand for the device as a substitute product of a fluorescent lamp or an incandescent lamp. Further, the device tends to be used for light emitting devices, such as an automobile head light, and the like, requiring extremely high luminance.

Sealing material for light emitting device, light emitting device using the same, and manufacturing method for light emitting device


A package case is structured by a plurality of substantially identical and flat frames stacked on one another. Flat laminate cells (accumulator cells) are individually accommodated in the frames and stacked on one another, so that the number of flat laminate cells (accumulator cells) can readily be changed simply by increasing/decreasing the number of frames to be stacked to meet energy needs and the like. The accumulator device is segmented using the plurality of flat frames, so that externally applied impacts can readily be dispersed and the impact transmitted to the flat laminate cells (accumulator cells) can be reduced without reinforcing the accumulator device 1 with more than necessary strength.

The present invention relates to an accumulator device including a plurality of connected accumulator cells such as a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, and a generator module.
As an accumulator device for a vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and a fuel-cell vehicle (FCV), a battery pack which is relatively easy to handle and structured by connecting a plurality of small sized accumulator cells (such as a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, and a generator module) is extensively used.
A main part of the accumulator device (battery pack) of this kind is generally structured by integrally accommodating a predetermined number of accumulator cells (element cells) set depending on voltage and capacity specifications in a package case. (see JP-A-2003-157813).
However, in the prior art as described above that the accumulator device is structured by integrally accommodating a number of accumulator cells in a package case, dedicated package cases must be individually prepared for each specification (e.g. the number of accumulator cells to be accommodated) of a vehicle or the like for mounting the accumulator device thereto on the basis of energy needs of the vehicle. Furthermore, new cases will be necessary every time the specification of the vehicle is changed.
Further, the package case for integrally accommodating the plurality of accumulator cells as described above must have strength over a prescribed level in general so as to protect the accumulator cells from externally applied impacts or the like. However, on the contrary, when the strength of the package case is thus secured, the structure could be complicated or the weight could be increased.


An intake manifold is provided for inducting combustion air for a compressor of a gas turbine. The intake manifold includes a plurality of walls that delimit against the environment. Devices are provided for controllable change of the mechanical rigidity of the walls to reduce noise which is generated or is emitted in an air intake region during operation of the gas turbine. A gas turbine is also provided and includes an air intake to which air to be compressed is fed via an intake manifold. The intake manifold having a plurality of walls that delimit against the environment. Devices are provided to controllably change a mechanical rigidity of the walls to reduce noise which is generated or emitted in an air intake region during operation of the gas turbine.

In gas turbines, noises develop on account of the rotational movement of the rotor and the blades in conjunction with fluidic effects and are emitted to the outside via the turbine casing, for example. The air intake region of the gas turbine emerges as a particularly powerful source of noise because provision is made there for devices such as the intake manifold (see U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,480 B2) which introduces large air flows into the intake region of the compressor of the gas turbine, and which are equipped with large-area walls, usually constructed from metal sheets, which radiate the internally developed sound easily and effectively to the outside.
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary air intake region of a gas turbine 10 which drives a generator 11 (shown only in outline). The gas turbine 10 has a machine axis 16 around which the rotor (not shown) of a compressor rotates. The compressor has an air intake 12 in the form of an annular intake nozzle ("bell mouth") into which air 15—which may be additionally processed beforehand, e.g. filtered, or provided with an atomized spray—is directed by means of an intake manifold 13.
The intake manifold 13 is delimited on the outside by means of large-area walls 14 which are customarily constructed from metal sheets and are provided with a frame structure and possibly with stiffening struts. The walls 14 can especially be of a double-walled design. The large-area metal sheets in this case act as loudspeaker membranes and emit the sound which propagates inside the air intake region to the outside, largely without being damped.
An active intake silencer for an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine is known from printed publication EP1717433A2, having sensors which are connected to a control unit which actuates a converter. Provision is made for a special heat-resistant and moisture-resistant membrane which is acoustically coupled with the intake air flow in the air intake duct, wherein the surface of the membrane facing the intake air flow is made to flexurally oscillate by means of the converter for producing structure-borne sound which is attuned to the intake air sound. Such an arrangement is only suitable for small flow cross sections and requires a special, additionally installed membrane.
GB2204916A proposes a combination of a passive silencer and an active silencer, operating with loudspeakers, for the intake or exhaust of a gas turbine for noise reduction. The high equipment cost and the fluidic influence of the arrangement are disadvantageous in this case.
For an aircraft power plant, printed publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,658 proposes an active silencing system in which the resonance frequency of the sound-radiating structure is tuned so that the sound can be optimally quenched over a large frequency range. For tuning the resonance frequency, provision is made for a multiplicity of actuators which tune the resonance frequency of the metal sheets of the casing in the desired manner. The metal sheets are then made to oscillate by means of attached oscillation transducers in order to create the necessary compensating countering sound. A disadvantage is the comparatively high cost of equipment and control engineering as a result of the actuators and oscillation transducers.
An actively controlled acoustic wall, which is provided for the casings of gas turbines, is known from printed publication U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,230 A. The wall consists of a rear wall, which consists of a planar matrix of individually controllable elements which are arranged side-by-side and in each case comprise a transducer in a honeycomb-like chamber, and an attached front wall. Such an acoustic wall, on account of its small-sized, complicated construction, is extremely costly in production, especially if it involves larger areas.

Gas turbine air intake manifold controllably changing a mechnical rigidity of the walls of said intake manifold


A technique of editing a plurality of structured documents is disclosed. A plurality of structured documents are inputted in a document edit system. Thereafter, a plurality of elements are extracted from each of the plurality of structured documents using an element edit statement which indicates element to be extracted. The extraction of the elements is implemented while the relationship of the elements extracted is maintained.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to document editing techniques. More specifically, the present invention relates to document editing techniques for extracting elements of structured documents and generating a desired output document.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known in the art to extract necessary elements from a plurality of documents and deal with them for generating an output document. A conventional editing technique for obtaining such an output document is disclosed in Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 6-259421. According to this conventional technique, the elements of the structured input document are extracted using matches of character sequences with the elements in the document, a sequence connector, a hierarchy connector, etc.
However, the aforesaid conventional technique is not provided with an element connector and thus, it is undesirably required to use one character pattern for establishing a match with the element in the document and extracting the matched element. In other words, if a plurality of different elements are to be extracted, the same number of different character patterns are necessary.
Further, the aforesaid conventional technique is unable to extract a plurality of elements while maintaining relationship of the elements extracted. This is because the elements extracted using different character patterns are independent with one another.
The conventional technique in question is provided with a sequence connector for extracting a plurality of elements in sequence. However, the conventional technique is not provided with any connector via which a plurality of elements are extracted in parallel in any order. Therefore, it is difficult to extract a plurality of elements from input documents if the arrangement order of elements is

Method of searching for and retrieving information from structure documents


Systems and methods for delivery of user profile data are disclosed. An exemplary method includes detecting a request for a full copy of a user profile data package maintained by a user profile data source subsystem, creating an illusion that the request has been fulfilled, and copying on demand a portion of the user profile data package from the source subsystem to a target location for access by a data consuming subsystem. In certain embodiments, the method further includes utilizing the copied portion of the user profile data package for execution of a computing operation, without fully copying the user profile data package from the source subsystem. In certain embodiments, the portion of the user profile data package is streamed from the source subsystem to the target location over a network connection.

Many computer operating systems are configured to support multiple recognized users. In such systems, a unique user profile including user profile data is typically created and maintained for each user. User profile data may include system files, display preferences and images (e.g., display settings, screen colors, screen background images, icons, desktop shortcuts), permissions settings, application data, user-specific registry keys, network and printer connection settings, hardware (e.g., keyboard and mouse) settings, and any user files (e.g., photos, audio files, text documents, etc.) included in a user's profile directory. It is not uncommon for a user profile to be quite large and require significant computing resources to store and copy.
When a user logs on to such an operating system, a conventional copy process is called and executed to copy the user profile data associated with the user's profile from where it is maintained to one or more target locations (e.g. a local computing device, cache, or other data store) to make the user profile data available to the operating system, applications running on the operating system, and/or the user. Traditionally, the operating system, applications running on the operating system, and/or the user are forced to wait for the copy process to fully copy all of the user profile data associated with a user profile before certain computing operations can be performed. For example, a desktop view associated with the user profile will not be displayed until the copy process has finished copying all of the user profile data in a user profile and signaled that the copying is completed. Unfortunately, fully copying the user profile data can lead to slow and significantly delayed user logon experiences, especially when the user profile includes a large amount of user profile data and/or when copying the user profile data includes transmission over a network connection.
When the user logs off of the operating system, the previously copied user profile data and any changes to the copied user profile data are copied in the reverse direction in order to propagate any updates made to the copied user profile data to the stored user profile data. Again, the conventional copy process will fully copy all of the user profile data before other computing operations can be performed. This can cause slow and delayed user logoff experiences, especially when the user profile includes a large amount of user profile data.

Systems and methods for user profile data delivery


A laser light barrier system for measuring or checking tools or workpieces on machine tools has a support which can be fastened to the machine frame. The support has an elongate base housing and two block housings, which at a mutual longitudinal distance project transversely from the elongate base housing and one of which contains a transmitter and one a receiver. The laser beam extends at a distance from and approximately parallel to the elongate base housing. An elongate stop element which is held in position by means of a latching arrangement, extends, in the space between the laser beam and the base housing, in the longitudinal direction from one block housing to the other block housing, and wherein the elongate stop element snaps off in the event of a collision with a moving tool or workpiece and, as a result, actuates an electric switch which, by acting on the emergency stop device of the machine stops the latter.

The invention relates to a laser light barrier system for measuring or checking tools or workpieces on machine tools. It includes a support housing which can be fastened to the machine frame and comprises an elongate base housing and two block housings, which at a mutual longitudinal distance project transversely from the base housing and one of which contains a transmitter and the other a receiver, the laser beam extending at a distance from and approximately parallel to the base housing. The laser beam may also have the form of a narrow ray bundle which is focused on the center of the beam path and then diverges. In this case, the axis of the ray bundle follows the same course as the abovementioned laser beam. Systems of this kind are used, for example, for setting rotating tools, for checking for tool breakage, for measuring the trajectory diameter of rapidly rotating tools and for length measurement, in particular for compensating for the thermal expansion of the measuring arbor.
Since all the important functioning parts are mounted on a common support, the system forms a structural unit which is ready for connection and can be used as an accessory to machines from a very wide variety of manufacturers and designs.
An important practical requirement of such a structural unit consists in protecting the sensitive transmitter and receiver components against the coolant spraying around in the machining space of a metal-working machine and against other environmental influences, but nevertheless allowing the laser beam an unimpeded opening for entry and exit. In the case of known systems, this is accomplished using blocking air and by means of mechanical closures for the opening.
The signal which is generated if the laser beam is interrupted usually acts directly on the NC system of the machine by stopping the feed as soon as the tool interrupts the laser beam. The reliability of this operating circuit is of particular importance, since otherwise there is a risk of damage to the machine and possibly of injury to the operator. However, since on the other hand, as mentioned, these systems are accessories not built in the factory, experience has shown that faults cannot be ruled out during adapting to the machine's own control system. The faults may arise on the laser light barrier system itself, in the signal processing (owing to computer errors) or as a result of incorrect programming, and therefore still constitute a considerable risk factor.

Laser light barrier system for measuring tool and work pieces


A slide apparatus includes two members and two slide modules. A second member is movable between a first position and a second position in relation to a first member, with a central position therebetween. The first and second slide modules are disposed on the first member and each includes a rotating structure and an elastic element. When the second member is between the first position and the central position, the first rotating structure is rotatable to generate or release a first torque in the first elastic element. When the second member is between the central position and the second position, the second rotating structure is rotatable to generate or release a second torque in the second elastic element.

The invention relates to a slide apparatus and a slide module and electronic device utilizing the same.
In recent years, portable electronic devices, such as digital cameras, cellular phones, and electronic dictionaries have become widely popular.
Frequently, portable electronic devices have an integral cover structure, often in configuration, hinged or sliding. An example of an electronic device, here a sliding cover cellular phone, is shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The sliding cover cellular phone in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B has a body 510 and a sliding cover 520. When the cellular phone is not in use, the sliding cover 520 assumes a closed position as shown in FIG. 1A to cover and protect at least part of the body 510. To use the cellular phone, the sliding cover 520 slides to an open position as shown in FIG. 1B to expose the body 510. When not in use, the sliding cover 520 returns to the closed position as shown in FIG. 1A.
In the above-mentioned electronic device, however, the sliding cover is manually operated, with external force required to move the sliding cover to the open or closed position. Thus, the electronic device is not convenient.

Slide apparatus, slide module and electronic device utilizing the same


A buffer circuit has a first transistor and a second transistor in a cascode, and a buffer switch coupled from an output of the buffer to a gate of the second transistor. The buffer circuit is bootstrapped by a bootstrap capacitor, a diode circuit, and a bootstrap switch. The bootstrap capacitor is coupled from the output to the gate of the second transistor through the bootstrap switch. A potential difference is set up across the bootstrap capacitor through the diode circuit. When a low input is given to the buffer circuit, the second transistor turns off and the output goes to a high bias voltage through the first transistor. When a high input is given, the first transistor turns off, the second transistor turns on, and as the output goes low, the gate of the second transistor is bootstrapped to drop the output completely down to a low bias voltage.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to thin-film transistor (TFT) video processing circuits, and more particularly, the present invention discloses a level shifter circuit that uses a bootstrap circuit to decrease power consumption and decrease shifting time.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Logic circuitry for the LCD display typically comprises a vertical shift register and a level shifter. The vertical shift register enables one column of pixels at a time in succession. The level shifter increases a voltage range of a signal from the vertical shift register. For example, the level shifter may take an input ranging from 0V to 10V and convert the input to an output ranging from −5V to 10V. Please refer to FIG. 1, which shows a level shifter according to the prior art. The level shifter 10 comprises a first transistor M1 and a second transistor M2. The second transistor M2 is a diode-connected transistor. In this example, the first transistor M1 and the second transistor M2 are both p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) transistors. The input to the level shifter 10 is at a gate of the first transistor M1, and the level shifter 10 is powered by a 15V bias voltage source comprising an upper voltage bias VDD (10V) and a lower bias voltage VEE (−5V). When the input is 0V, the first transistor M1 turns on, and the output becomes approximately 10V. When the input is 10V, the first transistor M1 turns off, and a current flowing in the second transistor M2 begins to pull the output voltage down. To maintain the current flowing in the second transistor M2, a source-gate voltage Vsg must be greater than a threshold voltage Vth of the second transistor M2. Because the gate of the second transistor M2 is coupled to the lower bias voltage VEE, the output will never drop below a low output voltage VEE+Vth. This presents three disadvantages to the prior art architecture. First, the output cannot be pulled fully to the lower bias voltage VEE. In other words, the output has a limited range from the upper bias voltage VDD to the low output voltage VEE+Vth. Second, because the low output voltage is dependent on the threshold voltage Vth of the second transistor M2, process variation will make the low output voltage inconsistent. Third, because the second transistor M2 is diode-connected, the second transistor M2 is always on, which wastes power.

Level shifter with reduced power consumption


Techniques are provided to automatically generate and apply policy rules for IoT devices. Historical data associated with IoT behaviors is obtained, where the historical data describes the file systems and behavior trends for multiple different IoT devices. Groups of the IoT devices are generated by grouping together devices identified as being common with one another based on similarities between their identified behaviors. Policies are then automatically generated for each group, corresponding to the detected behavior trends. Each policy determines how to subsequently monitor any device categorized as belonging to that policy's group and also how to respond when a device is operating abnormally. After a device is characterized as belonging to a group, that device is monitored to determine whether it conforms with the group's policy. Optionally, mitigation operations may be performed when the device is non-conforming.

Computers and computing systems have affected nearly every aspect of modern living. For instance, computers are generally involved in work, recreation, healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. Even household and business operations are now being managed via computers, such as through the use of Internet of Things ("IoT") devices.
In fact, IoT devices are becoming more and more common, with estimates reaching into the billions of devices worldwide. As used herein, the term IoT device should be interpreted broadly to mean any type of standard or nonstandard computing device that is either connected via a wire or wirelessly to a network. Furthermore, such devices include the ability to both transmit and receive data. IoT devices are often used to connect vehicles, homes, appliances, or any other type of electronic device to the Internet or even to another computing device. In this regard, as used herein, any type of standalone computing device can be considered an IoT device. In some cases, an IoT device may have a complex computing architecture/configuration and may perform multiple complex processes in parallel or in series with one another. In other cases, an IoT device may have a simplified computing architecture/configuration and may perform only a few simplified tasks or perhaps only one task repeatedly. Notwithstanding this vast diversity in how IoT devices may be structured, most, if not all, IoT devices include at least a rudimentary type of file system which is used to store and manage the IoT device's operational framework.
Unfortunately, with the widespread prevalence of IoT devices, malicious parties are actively trying to exploit this emerging technology. In response to these exploitations, a few new security techniques have been developed in an effort to protect different types of IoT devices. However, such security measures have been unsuccessful across all IoT devices due to the wide diversity of IoT devices and lack of standardization. Accordingly, there exists a substantial need to improve how IoT devices are preemptively protected against malicious attacks as well as a substantial need to improve how attacks against IoT devices are identified and then corrected or mitigated.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Protecting IOT devices by behavioural analysis of their file system


The invention relates to a method for the automatic configuration of an IP telephony device and/or data from a data transmission network with packet switching, which enables the device to obtain a lease on a virtual sub-network while it is physically connected to another virtual sub-network. In this way, for example, another device can share the same physical access port to the networks via a switch, without the two devices necessarily receiving a lease on the same sub-network.

In order to guarantee good quality communications, the network, and possibly the telephone sets (also called IP telephones) must manage the quality of service (QoS) that is to say the monitoring of the IP packet handling time, of the jitter (i.e. the variation in the packet handling time), and of the loss of packets. This management may be carried out either by implementing a specific protocol such as the DiffServ protocol ("Differentiated Services", RFC 2474 and RFC 2475) which acts at level 3 (network layer of the OSI reference model) by tagging the packets with a priority level, or by implementing a protocol such as the "VLAN Tagging" IEEE 802.1 Q/P standard of the IEEE which acts at level 2 (link layer of the OSI reference model) by tagging the frames with a virtual subnet identifier and a priority level.
Even if the existing devices of the network are compatible with the DiffServ protocol, the tagging of the frames according to the 802.1 Q/P standard is advantageous if the network, for example an Ethernet network (see the IEEE 802.3 standard, taken up at the ISO under the nomenclature ISO 8802.3) already exhibits a structure of virtual subnets, for example of VLAN type ("Virtual Local Area Network"), for the various computer applications. For example, the network can comprise a "data" VLAN for transporting the data streams, and a "telephony" VLAN for transporting the ToIP streams. In this case indeed, each terminal device of the network already tags its frames with a VLAN identifier by employing version 802.1 Q of the standard. It is then sufficient to employ version 802.1 Q/P of the standard in order for an IP telephone to tag its frames with a VLAN identifier and a priority level, this making it possible to guarantee good QoS.
According to the current version of IP (IPv4), in order to operate, a network device requires the following parameters which form what is called a lease and are the subject of a configuration procedure:                a unique address on the network (IP address);        a subnet mask which identifies the IP subnet to which the device belongs from among the whole set of interconnected IP networks; and        the address of the default router with which the device has to communicate ("DeFault Gateway" or DFG).
Other parameters are available for the specific requirements of applications. In total, there are 63 parameters. This is why the configuring of the devices performed manually during the installation of each of them is onerous, especially in respect of IP telephones which have only a telephone keypad for man/machine interface.
A requirement exists which consists in allowing an IP telephone to automatically receive its IP parameters from a configuration server such as a DHCP ("Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol", RFC 3361) server at each boot. The term boot is understood to mean physical and/or electrical connection of the device to the network. This in fact makes it possible to simplify the management of the network, in particular the mass deployment of telephone sets on the existing IP network but also their maintenance. Automatic configuration of the IP parameters in fact avoids the need to enter the IP information and the QoS information (i.e., the information specific to DiffServ or to 802.1 Q/P, for example) into the keypad of each telephone set, this information forming the parameters of the lease thereof. Accordingly, the DHCP client of the telephone set asks the DHCP server for these parameters directly with the aid of the "class identifier" field of a lease request. The DHCP server then sends it the parameters with the aid of the "Vendor Specific information" field of a lease offer.
A user's work environment generally comprises an IP telephone and a computing system such as a general-purpose computer (hereinafter PC, standing for "personal computer"). It is therefore necessary to manage the shared utilization of various protocols and standards which are implemented during the booting of the IP telephone or of the PC, namely DHCP, Relay DHCP, IEEE 802.1 Q/P and/or DiffServ, and IEEE 802.3. It is recalled that DHCP allows any IP system to dynamically receive its network configuration from a DHCP server. Relay DHCP, which corresponds to a chapter of DHCP, is a functionality which, when it is employed on IP routers, makes it possible to relay the requests sent by the DHCP clients to a DHCP server connected to a different network (remote network on different WAN or VLAN link). The IEEE 802.1 Q/P standard makes it possible to define virtual subnets and to assign them different processing priorities. DiffServ is a protocol for tagging the priority of an IP frame. Finally, the IEEE 802.3 standard defines the format of Ethernet frames.
When the IP telephone and the PC of one and the same workstation are connected to the IP network by two separate physical access ports, the processing of the protocols and standards is carried out in a completely distinct manner by the active devices of the network. An automatic configuration and QoS virtual subnet policy can therefore be implemented separately for the IP telephone and for the PC.
On the other hand, when using a switch to connect the two devices to the IP network across a single physical access port, the necessary differentiation between the two devices is no longer achievable with the basic functions of the protocols and standards implemented. Such a switch is for example an Ethernet switch having three ports. It is for example integrated within the IP telephone to make it possible to deploy telephony over IP without needing to modify the architecture of an existing network in order to add a physical access port dedicated to telephony for each workstation. Certain problems related to the sequencing of the operations during the booting of the IP telephone may then occur. These problems are related to the specific manner of operation of the DHCP protocol and of the IEEE 802.1 standard. As a result, the IP telephone and the PC receive a lease which is necessarily on the same VLAN. This signifies that the ToIP stream and the data stream are mixed, and are processed with the same priority.
It is therefore desirable to guarantee transparency of operation of the IP telephone which integrates a switch, vis-à-vis the PC which is connected thereto and which is likewise a DHCP client, during the booting of the IP telephone or of the PC, when these devices perform their lease request and when they receive configuration information.
A technology has been proposed by the constructor of Cisco network devices, which relies on the implementation of an additional protocol called CDP ("Cisco Discovery Protocol"). This protocol is entirely proprietary. It is found only on certain Ethernet switches, certain routers and on the IP telephones manufactured by Cisco.
During its booting, the IP telephone uses the CDP protocol to identify itself on the Cisco Ethernet switch. The latter recognizes this type of client and automatically places the subsequent Ethernet frames on the "telephony" VLAN whose number has previously been configured on each of the Ethernet switches of the network.
If a PC is connected to the same physical access port of the Ethernet network by way of said Ethernet switch, the switch automatically differentiates between the two devices based on the MAC ("Media Access Control") addresses of each of them. The Ethernet frames originating from the PC are directed onto the "data" VLAN, which is typically customized on the port of the switch which receives them, and the frames sent by the IP telephone are broadcast on the "telephony" VLAN. Thus, the whole set of ToIP streams of each IP telephone of the network is located dynamically on a separate VLAN to which the desired priority is applied.
This configuration procedure is admittedly entirely automatic, the priority and VLAN number parameters possibly being configured in a centralized manner by the network administration tool. Nevertheless, the solution is entirely based on a proprietary protocol available only on certain Ethernet switches and Cisco routers (only the most recent ones). In particular the procedure described above no longer operates if the network comprises devices other than those from Cisco.
Moreover, the whole set of IP telephones receives a lease which is necessarily on one and the same "telephony" VLAN. Now, in certain organizations or enterprises, several different "telephony" VLANs are necessary in order to respond to requirements regarding security or isolation of the various telephone subnets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention proposes a method for the automatic configuration of a determined device of a packet switching data transmission network on which are defined at least one first virtual subnet for network devices of a first type and at least one second virtual subnet for network devices of a second type. The device is physically connected to any one of said first and second virtual subnets. It belongs to any one of said first and second types. The method comprises the steps according to which the device performs the steps of:                broadcasting over the virtual subnet to which it is physically connected, a first lease request comprising an identifier of the type to which it belongs;        receiving, in response to said first lease request, a first lease containing an address on the virtual subnet to which it is physically connected, an identifier of the virtual subnet of the devices of the type to which it belongs, and, if it does not belong to the type of the devices of the virtual subnet to which it is connected, a cue for activating tagging of the frames with said virtual subnet identifier;        if said first lease contains said tagging activation cue:        releasing said first lease;        broadcast mode broadcasting over the virtual subnet of the devices of the type to which it belongs, a second lease request tagged with said identifier of the virtual subnet of the devices of the type to which it belongs; and        receiving, in response to said second lease request, a second lease containing an address on the virtual subnet of the devices of the type to which it belongs;        otherwise retaining said first lease.
A second aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising a packet switching data transmission network on which are defined at least one first virtual subnet for network devices of a first type and at least one second virtual subnet for network devices of a second type. The system furthermore comprises a determined device which is physically connected to any one of said first and second virtual subnets. The device belongs to any one of said first and second types. The device is adapted for implementing a method according to the first aspect.
A third aspect of the invention pertains to a device of a packet switching data transmission network on which are defined at least one first virtual subnet for network devices of a first type and at least one second virtual subnet for network devices of a second type. The device belongs to any one of said first and second types. It comprises means for executing a method according to the first aspect.
The concepts of virtual type of devices and of subnets of the devices of a determined type are nonlimiting. They imply a set of devices that the network administrator may wish to group together on one and the same virtual subnet according to a determined criterion or a combination of determined criteria. For example, a criterion may pertain to the nature of the devices (in particular, the terminal devices or the system devices, respectively for telephony or for data, may be grouped together on distinct virtual subnets). Another criterion may be geographical (all the devices situated in a determined building or a determined local area may be grouped together on one and the same virtual subnet). Another criterion still may be functional (the terminal devices of a group of identified users may be grouped together on one and the same virtual subnet, independently of their geographical position), etc.
The main network is for example a local area network (LAN) with an Ethernet network as backbone. The virtual subnets are for example VLANs. The virtual subnets are for example defined and managed according to the IEEE 802.1 Q/P standard. According to this standard, the first lease proposal furthermore contains a priority number associated with the device. In this case, the second lease request advantageously contains this priority number.
The devices of the first and/or of the second type are for example terminal devices. The devices of the first type are for example PCs, and the devices of the second type are for example IP telephones. Nevertheless the invention may also be implemented on network devices such as ToIP gateways or the like.
The configuration server is for example a DHCP server, that is to say it employs the DHCP configuration protocol. The implementation of the invention is compatible with network architectures serviced by one or more configuration servers.
The first lease request is processed by a first configuration server which is or is not physically connected to the virtual subnet to which the device is physically connected. If it is not, the first lease request in broadcast mode is relayed in uni-recipient mode ("unicast") to said first configuration server via one or more appropriate routers, such as routers employing the Relay DHCP protocol in the example.
Likewise, the second lease request is processed by said first configuration server or a second configuration server which is or is not physically connected to the devices virtual subnet to which the device belongs. If not, the second lease request in broadcast mode is relayed in uni-recipient mode to said first or second configuration server via one or more appropriate routers.
If it is the same configuration server (i.e., said first configuration server) which services the first and second virtual subnets and processes the first and second lease requests, this configuration server manages a first and a second address range ("scope") respectively on the first and on the second virtual subnets. In a general manner, it manages an address range for each virtual subnet which it services. Thus, if it is moreover the only configuration server of the network, it manages an address range for each virtual subnet of the network.
The invention is thus advantageously based on the use of normal protocols and standards: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.1 Q/P, DHCP and Relay DHCP. It is therefore completely independent of the existing devices on the network.
Each device is configured entirely, and in an entirely dynamic manner, in accordance with the particulars provided by the configuration server (or servers). No additional intervention by the network administrator is required to configure the QoS. The deployment and especially the maintenance of large telephone over IP networks are therefore easier.
The network administrator can establish as many virtual subnets of each type as necessary, by customizing the configuration server(s) alone. Moreover, the modification of the virtual subnets is easy, by modifying the customization of the configuration server(s) without having to intervene on the terminal devices linked to the main network.
The first device and the second device may operate simultaneously as client of the configuration protocol. Despite being connected to the main network by the same physical access port, they receive configuration leases on different virtual subnets and are thus attached to different virtual subnets. Each type of device's own QoS is thus guaranteed.
The use of the existing cabling with a single physical access port, i.e., a single network socket, per user (by virtue of a switch integrated within one of the devices) is thus made possible by separating each type of device's own information streams on distinct virtual subnets, each of which is dynamically configurable.
The implementation of the invention greatly facilitates the mass installation and the maintenance of IP telephones on network infrastructures such as large Ethernet backbones, of the type of those deployed on university campuses or company sites.
Moreover, devices other than terminal devices, such as for example ToIP gateways or the like of the network, may benefit therefrom. The advantages of the invention are, for them, less than for terminal devices since these devices do not integrate any Ethernet switch allowing them to be strung together in a chain with computing devices.

Method for the automatic configuration of a IP telephony device and/or data, system and device implementing same