The present invention provides a method and apparatus for selectively updating an adaptive element in a communications receiver based on a determination that the received data is accurate. When inaccurate data is received, the system determines that using that data to update the adaptive element will not be beneficial and excludes the data from being sent to the adaptive element. One mechanism for determining that data has been incorrectly received is the calculation of syndromes as part of a Forward Error Control (FEC) system. Detection of errors through use of the syndrome calculation can be supplemented through windowing to make a determination as to whether a number of received bits should be used or disregarded by the adaptive element. The adaptive element can comprise any number of decision-directed loops including adaptive processors and carrier and timing recovery loops.

The present invention relates to digital communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for providing reliable decision directed adaptation (such as adaptive equalization) in systems that employ Forward Error Control (FEC).
In a digital communications system employing forward error control, the receiver is generally set to correct amplitude, phase and filtering distortions caused by the transmission channel. Such channel phenomena introduce intersymbol interference (ISI), carrier offsets and other effects that must be compensated by the receiver.
A well-known means for correcting channel distortions is to use an equalizer which performs filtering operations to remove the intersymbol interference resulting from the channel. The equalizers that are used for these applications are frequently adaptive in nature, allowing for unknown or time varying changes in the channel characteristics by adapting the equalization to compensate for the channel distortions. An equalization technique that is frequently used in communications systems is the decision-directed adaptive equalization, in which decision estimates are used by the adaptive equalizer. The decisions used by the adaptive equalizer are typically from a hard decision quantizer that does not realize the benefit of coding gain that is achieved through error control. When the pre-decoded Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is relatively low the decision and decision error values are generally unreliable. For this reason, equalization techniques using decision-directed adaptation have previously had limited success. Another approach to equalization is to use the decision and decision error values obtained from the FEC decoder, since these values are in general more accurate than the values from the quantizer. A difficulty with this approach is that the decoding delay of the FEC decoder interferes with an effective and robust method of adaptation. The introduction of any substantial delay in an adaptation loop renders such methods ineffective.
To compensate for other channel effects such as carrier offsets, a method known as a decision directed phase-locked-loop (PLL) is often employed. Again, the relatively low SNR before the FEC decoder and the delay of the decoded data coming from the output of the decoder lead to problems in updating the carrier tracking method.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a method and apparatus for reliable decision-directed adaptation that takes direct advantage of the error detection of the FEC components of a system. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide such a method and apparatus that directs the updating of an adaptive element using a decision-directed adaptation scheme, and that provides for the reliable updating of the coefficients of the adaptive elements.

Reliable decision directed adaptation in a communication system employing forward error control


In one embodiment a memory controller is provided. The memory controller comprises a predictive logic circuit to predict an increase in a current operating temperature of a memory device coupled to the memory controller, based on memory cycles to be issued to the memory device; and a temperature control circuit to perform a temperature control operation wherein if the sum of the current operating temperature and the predicted increase in temperature is greater than a threshold temperature associated with the memory device, then the number of memory cycles issued to the memory device is reduced.

For reliable operation a memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device, a synchronous random access memory (SRAM) device, or a double data rate dynamic random access memory (DDR DRAM) device) must operate below a certain threshold temperature, above which failure of the memory device may occur. For example, if the threshold temperature is exceeded, then a memory device may lose data because of increased capacitor leakage due to the increased temperature. Further, the device may experience timing failures above the threshold temperature. Thus, the operating temperature of a memory device should be controlled to ensure that it does not exceed the threshold temperature.

Method and apparatus to control the temperature of a memory device


A method and apparatus for template matching to find a predetermined pattern in an image is disclosed. A first visual boundary is detected in the captured image, and a second boundary concentric with the first boundary is calculated. The first and second boundaries define a portion of the captured image. The portion of the captured image is incrementally scanned about the center of the second boundary for a predetermined pattern having a predetermined orientation within the portion that match a template image. Alternatively, the portion of the captured image is unwrapped into a linear band image such that the first and second boundaries form a linear top and linear bottom of the linear band image, and the linear band image of the portion of the captured image is scanned for a predetermined pattern that matches a template image.

Cartridges for use with beverage forming machines are well-known, and may include one or more filters as well as a beverage medium, such as ground coffee beans, tea leaves, etc. In many cases, the cartridges are specifically designed for the beverage forming apparatus, with the vendors of the cartridges and/or beverage medium being authorized to produce the cartridges and/or beverage medium. However, in other cases, unauthorized vendors of cartridges may also design cartridges for use with the beverage forming apparatus. It is in the interests of the vendor of the beverage forming apparatus and/or authorized vendors of cartridges to ensure that only authorized cartridges are utilized with the beverage forming apparatus.
In many cases, a vendor of the cartridges will provide a logo or label on the cartridge identifying the vendor. Within the logo, there is provided an authentication symbol that verifies the cartridge is from an authorized vendor. However, placement of the cartridge in the beverage forming machine and/or the orientation of the logo is not known by the beverage forming machine, thereby requiring the beverage forming machine to scan the entire logo at all possible orientations in order to find the authentication symbol.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for verification of an authentication symbol in a beverage forming machine.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Method and apparatus for verification of an authentication symbol


An achrathermalized reimager includes a front objective defining an optical axis and a relay optic arranged on the optical axis downstream of the front objective. The front objective is both achromatic and athermalized and includes precisely one negative lens made of a material selected from the group consisting of ZnSe and ZnS and one positive lens made of chalcogenide glass.

A reimager of this kind is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,891. In this reimager, the lenses are made of chalcogenide glass, zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS) and germanium (Ge). The front objective must have at least three lenses made of different materials which lie close one next to the other. In all examples, at least six lenses are arranged forward of the exit pupil.


A scoring system is disclosed which allows for safe, accurate scoring during simulated combat situations. The scoring system includes a simulated striking apparatus having a marking means to safely deliver an erasable marking agent when the striking apparatus contacts an opponent. The striking sections of the apparatus are buffered by a soft, resilient material to reduce the impact from a striking type blow. The scoring system further includes an eraser and a body covering allowing marks from the striking apparatus to be easily seen and readily erased.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to hand held simulated weapons such as those used in martial arts and fencing competitions, and more specifically to a scoring apparatus including a simulated edged weapon embodying a marking means that safely delivers an erasable marking agent when the weapon contacts an opponent allowing for the accurate counting of any points (hits) scored and further including a body covering allowing marks from said weapon to be easily seen and readily erased.
2. Background of the Prior Art
For centuries, martial artists have trained and competed with non-projectile hand held weapons. Some examples of such weapons are swords, foils, daggers, nunchaku, bostaff, tonfa, kama, and escrima sticks.
In their original form these weapons are composed of harsh materials such as hard wood, metal and bone, even when sharp edges were dulled and points were blunted, martial artists still found it difficult to safely train and compete with these kinds of weapons without the possibility of serious injury.
The safety issue has been partially solved by several inventions having disclosed simulations of some of these weapons composed of kinder materials such as plastics, rubbers, and closed cell foam. However, while these inventions have provided safer versions of the aforementioned weapons, none have disclosed a simulated edged weapon that combines shock absorption with a retentive/dispersive cord storing a powder marking agent, which would allow for safe, reliable hit confirmation by delivering an erasable linear mark onto an opponent.
Originally, point (hit) confirmation was always subject to human error since a judge or judges were required to observe and record any points (hits) scored when one opponent""s weapon made contact with another opponent""s body (target area) during training or competition. Several inventions have taken various approaches to try to solve the problem of hit confirmation. For example, present systems provide scoring equipment for a sword contest/sport in which the scoring equipment is attached to a user""s arms. The scoring equipment includes a mechanism that immobilizes a user""s arm when a trigger-lever mechanism is hit by a striking weapon. While this system does provide reliable hit conformation it is very expensive to manufacture and not affordable to the average practitioner.
Another current system for hit confirmation includes an electrical fencing point devise attached to the end of a fencing blade. When the electrical fencing point device contacts an opponent""s metallic vest to complete a circuit, an electrical scoring apparatus connected to the electrical fencing point device automatically registers a hit. However, the connecting wires necessary to operate this specific system tend to greatly restrict the mobility of the user and inadequately assess the accuracy of an opponent hit.
An old system from the early nineteen hundreds describes a fencing implement with a padded tip containing a powder dispensing device attached to the end of a staff. When the staff is thrust against an opponent, powder is expelled from a hole in the dispensing device. This system is susceptible to clogging of the powder dispenser and is designed only for thrusting and simulating puncture wounds.
Yet another system provides an apparatus for simulating a sharp edged weapon including a means for holding and applying ink onto an opponent upon a xe2x80x9chit.xe2x80x9d The design of this apparatus suffers from several weaknesses. The instrument""s design does not lend itself to the use of a powder marking agent nor does the invention suggest the use of a powder agent in lieu of ink. In particular, the application of the marking agent depends on capillary action to carry the liquid ink marking agent from the holding section to the application section. Additionally, this system makes no provision for any type of shock absorption for the recipient of the xe2x80x9chit.xe2x80x9d
All the present inventions provide semi-adequate solutions for either shock absorption or hit confirmation. Nevertheless current simulated weapons and scoring apparatuses suffer from a number of disadvantages: Specifically, simulated weapons having a marking means but lacking any form of shock absorption for the sparers are very dangerous in a full contact competition.
Often, where ink is used as a marking agent, its marking consistency is unpredictable, and being liquid, it is vulnerable to drying out prematurely in hot or windy conditions. Moreover, simulated weapons having a marking means which uses a marking agent that is non-erasable can cause confusion when previous marks scored in a past event are still visible in a current event.
Simulated swords with padded striking sections that possess round core rods are limited in flexibility, and offer poor shock absorption when encased by a padded material because the round core rod does not provide equal support for the padded encasement. Therefore, most of any shock absorbing benefit from the padding is lost when the striking section meets with an impact. In addition, simulated swords that provide for only forward shock absorption or only for diagonal shock absorption limit what kinds of strikes a practitioner may perform.
Many present systems for scoring during simulated combat are very expensive and difficult to manufacture and maintain, while making no provision for readily erasing a mark.
The present invention overcomes the above-referenced shortcomings by teaching a system and method for attaching a retentive/dispersive cord using a powder marking agent onto a variety of simulated weapons. The system includes apparel constructed of material, which allows marks from a powdered agent to be easily seen and readily erased.
Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus with a sword embodiment having a padded striking section with a marking means that includes a powder retentive/dispersive cord attached to the striking section allowing a linear mark representing a cut to be safely dispensed upon an opponent.
Another object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus whose marking means includes a porous cotton cord allowing for maximum retention of a powdered marking agent providing multiple marks before requiring more powder.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus with a toy sword embodiment whose marking means includes a means for attaching a powder retentive/dispersive cord to a padded striking section which will allow the flexible cord to remain aligned and raised along the padded striking section even when subjected to repeated impacts.
Another object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus including a vest covered with a material that allows marks from a powdered marking agent to be easily and readily erased.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus with a sword embodiment whose striking section possesses a flat rectangular core attached perpendicular to the handle which gives superior flexibility when met with an impact and also provides equal support and maximum shock absorption when laminated or encased with a padded material.
Another object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus with a sword embodiment that possesses both forward and diagonal shock absorption while retaining lateral stiffness for parrying type actions.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus with a knife embodiment whose marking means includes a rigid blade section having a powder retentive/dispersive cord which can be stretched and secured across the blade section allowing the cord to be easily removed and replaced when worn.
Another object of the invention is to provide a scoring apparatus that is affordable, easy to manufacture and maintain.
A further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a simulated weapon with marking means including an erasable marking agent which can be used by police and military personnel in defensive training drills where only one of two opponents is armed with the simulated weapon while the other utilizes defensive techniques whose success or failure will be made evident by the marks or absence of marks on the defender.
Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a careful consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.


A problem to be solved of the present invention is to provide a diverting agent which gradually dissolves in water. The present invention relates to a diverting agent containing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin and a method of filling a fracture using the diverting agent.

For collecting petroleum or other underground resources, a hydraulic fracturing method in which high-pressure water is injected into an underground shale layer to cause fractures is widely adopted. In the hydraulic fracturing method, at first, a vertical hole (vertical well) with a depth of several thousand meters is excavated vertically by a drill, and then, when the vertical hole reaches the shale layer, a horizontal hole (horizontal well) with a diameter of ten to several tens of centimeters is excavated horizontally. By filling vertical and horizontal wells with fluid and pressurizing the fluid, fractures are generated from the well. Natural gas, petroleum (shale gas/oil), or the like in the shale layer flows out from the fracture, and is collected. According to such a method, a resource inflow cross-section of wells can be increased by generation of fractures and underground resources can be efficiently collected.
In the hydraulic fracturing method described above, prior to generation of fractures due to fluid pressurization, preliminary blasting called perforation is performed in a horizontal well. By such preliminary blasting, borings are made from the well to a production layer. After that, by injecting the fracturing fluid into the well, the fluid flows into these borings, and a load is applied to the borings. Then, fractures are generated in these borings and grow into fractures in a size suitable for resource collection.
In the hydraulic fracturing method, a part of fractures that has already been generated is temporarily filled with an additive called a diverting agent in order to grow fractures that have already been generated larger or to generate more fractures. By temporarily filling a part of the fractures with the diverting agent and pressurizing the fracturing fluid filled in the well in the state, fluid may enter into the other fractures, so that other fractures can grow large or new fractures can be generated.
Since the diverting agent is used to temporarily fill the fractures as described above, a diverting agent which can maintain the shape for a certain period of time and disappears by hydrolysis when a natural gas, petroleum, or the like is collected is used. For example, various techniques in which a hydrolyzable resin such as polyglycolic acid or polylactic acid is used as a divergent agent have been proposed.
Patent Literature 1 has proposed a temporary sealing agent for use in well boring which contains polyglycolic acid having high biodegradability among a biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resin.
Patent Literature 2 has proposed a powder containing particles of polylactic acid which is a biodegradable resin, the powder in which 50 mass % or more of particles do not pass through a sieve having an opening of 500 μm and the particles have an angle of repose of 51 degree or more.
Furthermore, Patent Literature 3 has proposed hydrolyzable particles having a dispersion structure in which fine particles of a polyoxalate having a high biodegradability for adjusting the degree of hydrolysis of the polylactic acid are distributed in polylactic acid, and having an average particle size (D50) of 300 μm to 1000 μm and a roundness in which a minor axis/major axis ratio is 0.8 or more.
Moreover, Patent Literature 4 has proposed a polyoxalate particles having an average particle diameter (D50) in a range of 300 μm to 1000 μm and a roundness in which a minor axis/major axis ratio is 0.8 or more.

Diverting agent and method of filling fracture in well using the same


The invention relates to an apparatus for removing objects (1) which are advanced on a conveyor (2). The apparatus comprises a part of the conveyor (2) on which the objects (1) are advanced and supports (12) for the objects (1) removed from the conveyor (2). The apparatus also includes a pivotal cradle (13) which is placed over the conveyor (2). The pivotal cradle (13) has two through flow channels (8) each with an inlet (5) and an outlet (6). The pivotal cradle (13) is also provided with a stop (9) pivotal between the outlets (6) of the two through flow channels (8).

Many industries employ conveyors for conveying objects between different production stations or between a production station and distribution equipment. Conveyors also occur to a considerable extent within the industry that packs liquid foods in single-use disposable packages. The single-use disposable packages are often manufactured from a packaging laminate containing paperboard with various plastic layers. The single-use disposable packages may, for example, be of parallelepipedic configuration, but they may also be of the gable top type.
The parallelepipedic packages are produced from a continuous web of packaging material. The material web is formed into a tube, in which the product is filled whereafter the material tube is sealed transversely and severed into individual packages. The individual packages are finally formed and thereafter leave the filling machine on a conveyor. The transverse sealing into individual packages often takes place with the aid of a number of transverse sealing jaws which are mounted on a chain.
The industry which packs liquid foods often needs to remove a number of packages from the long row of filled packages departing from the filling machine. For example, it may be desirable to remove one package from each transverse sealing jaw. By taking such samples at uniform intervals, it is possible rapidly to trace possible errors or damage to the filling machine. It is then necessary to be able to remove the packages rapidly and without damaging the removed packages or the packages remaining in place on the conveyor. The intention is also to maintain the packages in the correct number and in the correct sequence. Naturally, there may also be other reasons for removing objects from a conveyor.
Use has previously been made of blow nozzles which have blown off the selected packages from the conveyor in onto one or more lateral supports. But as the filling machines have become increasingly more rapid the demands have also increased on being able to remove a number of packages rapidly and without disturbing the packages which remain on the conveyor.
Modern filling machines may have an output capacity of 15,000 packages per hour. Apparatuses and devices which retard the objects on the conveyor when the selected objects are to be removed can, for such rapid machines, cause a tailback pressure which is so great that the objects, i.e. the packages, which are left on the conveyor are deformed.

Apparatus for removing objects advanced on a conveyor


A web page staging area for construction of web pages hidden from view of the user. Once the web page is constructed, it is displayed to the user based upon timer event information or receipt of a particular command instructing that it be displayed. Use of the staging area provides the user with a more television-like experience in viewing content from the Internet or other source in that the user need not view a web page being constructed on a display device. Use of timer event information for displaying the constructed web page permits synchronization of the web page with associated programming.

Today, the capabilities of computers to provide massive amounts of educational and entertainment information has exploded with the Internet. The Internet has the power to transform society through unprecedented levels of information flow between members. Currently, on-line systems offer a variety of different services to users, including news feeds, electronic databases (either searchable by the user directly on the on-line system, or downloadable to the user's own computer), private message services, electronic newsletters, real time games for play by several users at the same time, and job placement services, to name a few. However, today, most on-line communications occur merely through text. This currently stands in great contrast to the audio/visual presentation of the alternative electronic medium, television. However, it is expected that as multi-media's incessant growth continues, audio/visual programs will proliferate and text will become less and less dominant in the on-line environment. Even though these programs will be introduced, the Internet, will remain essentially user unfriendly due to its very massiveness, organization, and randomness. Simply stated, there is no order or direction in the Internet. Specific pieces of information are many times hard to find, and harder yet, is the ability to put that piece of information into a meaningful context.
Television, on the other hand, has been criticized for being a passive medium—"chewing gum for the eyes," as Fred Allen once observed. Television has always been something you watched, not something you do. Many social critics believe that the passivity television depends on has seeped into our entire culture, turning a nation of citizens into a nation of viewers. While interactive television systems have increased the level of user interaction, and thus, provided greater learning and entertainment opportunities, vast information resources such as databases are inaccessible from such a medium.
What is needed is a means to close the gap between video programming and the information superhighway of the Internet. What is needed is a wider, richer experience integrating audio/visual and textual database elements into an organized unique interactive, educational, entertainment experience. Currently, the Internet is a repository of information on virtually any subject. However, what is needed is a mechanism for combining the user-friendly visual experience of television with the vast information resources of the Internet.

Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing a web page staging area


A system and machine-implemented method for ranking cookies. A plurality of cookies associated with accessing web content is identified. For each cookie of the identified plurality of cookies, one or more attributes of the cookie are determined, and a weight is assigned to the cookie based on the determined one or more attributes of the cookie. The plurality of cookies are ranked relative to each other based on the their respective assigned weights.

The present disclosure generally relates to accessing web content and, in particular, to ranking plural cookies associated with accessing web content.
A cookie is a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user's web browser while a user is browsing a website. When the user browses the same website in the future, the data stored in the cookie can be retrieved by the website to notify the website of the user's previous activity. However, some users accessing web content may not understand how cookies work. These users may not understand what cookies are needed for their applications to work, or how often cookies are used.


An inkjet head inspection device inspects an inkjet head including plural nozzles that eject ink droplets, plural ink reservoirs that contain the ink to be ejected from the plural nozzles, and plural piezoelectric elements that exert pressure on the ink reservoirs to force the ink droplets out of the nozzles. The inkjet head inspection device has a differential amplifier section that amplifies a differential voltage between respective ground-side electrodes or opposite-side electrodes of the piezoelectric elements corresponding to two nozzles to be inspected, when a drive voltage application section applies a drive voltage to each of the piezoelectric elements, and a decision section that decides whether an ink jet malfunction occurs in the two nozzles to be inspected, based on the differential voltage furnished from the differential amplifier section.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an inkjet head inspection device and, in particular, to the inkjet head inspection device that inspects for ink jet malfunctions in an inkjet head.
2. Description of the Related Art
Diverse types of printer heads are used for printers; e.g., an inkjet head is known in which a piezoelectric element presses a pressure chamber to eject ink existing in the pressure chamber from a nozzle.
To eject ink droplets from the inkjet head, an external driving power supply applies an electric signal to an individual electrode and a common electrode, which distorts the piezoelectric element. The distortion of the piezoelectric element changes the volume of the pressure chamber via a vibrating plate and increases the pressure exerted on the ink filled in the pressure chamber. By this increased pressure, the ink is ejected from the nozzle as ink droplets.
The number of nozzles of an inkjet head tends to multiply as print media become larger and with faster printing. With the multiplication of the nozzles, the number of nozzles to experience an ink jet malfunction increases.
The ink jet malfunction takes place mainly because of piezoelectric element failure or air bubbles intruded into the pressure chamber, the bubbles impeding transmission of the displacement of the piezoelectric element to the pressure chamber. The piezoelectric element failure includes its electrical connection fault as well as its physical fault. When an ink cartridge is replaced, air is liable to enter an ink passage and the entered air stays as bubbles in the pressure chamber, which is liable to cause an inkjet malfunction of a nozzle.
Since lack of ink ejection degrades print quality, it is needed to detect ink jet malfunctions.
In Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 11-64175, a technique for detecting ink jet malfunctions is described. In this technique, an impedance analyzer is connected to each piezoelectric element per nozzle to measure its proper frequency and a piezoelectric element that vibrates at a different frequency from the proper frequency in its normal contact state is judged to be a faulty contact.
In Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-318183, a relevant technique is described. This technique acquires a profile of a piezoelectric element's resonance point and electrically detects the state of ink charged in a recording head in order to prevent air bubble intrusion into the ink passage, which is caused on account of insufficiently charged ink in the recording head.
In Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-355100, a nozzle inspection technique is described. This technique applies a voltage with a predetermined frequency to a piezoelectric element, as an input for measurement, to inspect for an ink jet malfunction due to air bubble intrusion, a clogged nozzle, etc. Based on the thus input voltage and an output voltage measured on the piezoelectric element after being driven, a phase lag and the measured value of output voltage are compared with prepared reference data.
In Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2004-9501, a technique for detecting a piezoelectric element failure occurring or air bubble intrusion into the pressure chamber is described. This technique measures a piezoelectric element's resonance frequency when being driven and compares the thus measured resonance frequency with a reference resonance frequency data to determine a change in the resonance frequency.
However, the technique described in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 11-64175 has a problem in which its implementation requires a very complex structure including impedance analyzers connected to each piezoelectric element per nozzle and a cost increase. To implement the techniques described in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application Nos. 2000-318183, 2000-355100 and 2004-9501, it is inevitable to perform complex processing, which poses a problem that restraining cost is impossible.


A precursor delivery system includes a flow path from a precursor container to a reaction space of a thin film deposition system, such as an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. A staging volume is preferably established between the precursor container and the reaction space for receiving at least one dose of the precursor material from the precursor container, from which a series of pulses is released toward the reaction space. The precursor material is typically vaporized after loading it in the precursor container by heating or reducing the pressure inside the precursor container. A vacuum line is preferably coupled to the precursor container and bypasses the reaction space for reducing pressure inside the precursor container without drawing particles into the reaction space. A high conductivity particle filter having inertial traps may be included, preferably between the precursor container and a staging volume, for filtering particles from the precursor material.

Atomic layer deposition ("ALD"), formerly known as atomic layer epitaxy ("ALE"), is a thin film deposition process that has been used to manufacture electroluminescent ("EL") displays for over 20 years. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,430 of Suntola et al., incorporated herein by reference. The films yielded by the ALD technique have exceptional characteristics such as being pinhole free and possessing almost perfect step coverage. Recently, ALD has been proposed for use in the semiconductor processing industry for depositing thin films on semiconductor substrates, to achieve desired step coverage and physical properties needed for next-generation integrated circuits. ALD offers several benefits over other thin film deposition methods commonly used in semiconductor processing, such as physical vapor deposition ("PVD") (e.g., evaporation or sputtering) and chemical vapor deposition ("CVD"), as described in Atomic Layer Epitaxy (T. Suntola and M. Simpson, eds., Blackie and Son Ltd., Glasgow, 1990).
In contrast to CVD, in which the flows of precursors are static (i.e., flow rates are steady during processing), precursor flows in ALD processing are dynamic. There are many precursor delivery system components, such as mass flow controllers and particle filters, that can be used in CVD processing in which flow resistance and switching speed are not especially important. However, the inventors have recognized that such delivery system components have limited utility in ALD processes and equipment, due to the dynamic precursor flows and fast switching needed in ALD.
Successful ALD growth typically requires the sequential introduction of two or more different precursor vapors into a reaction space around a substrate. ALD is usually performed at elevated temperatures and pressures. For example, the reaction space may be heated to between 200° C. and 600° C. and pumped down to a pressure of approximately 1 Torr. In a typical ALD reactor, the reaction space is bounded by a reaction chamber sized to accommodate one or more substrates. One or more precursor material delivery systems (also known as "precursor sources") are typically provided for feeding precursor materials into the reaction chamber.
After the substrates are loaded into the reaction chamber and heated to a desired processing temperature, a first precursor vapor is directed over the substrates. Some of the precursor vapor chemisorbs on the surface of the substrates to make a one monolayer thick film. For true ALD, the molecules of precursor vapor will not attach to other like molecules and the process is therefore self-limiting. Next the reaction space is purged to remove excess of the first vapor and any volatile reaction products. Purging is typically accomplished by introduction of an inert purge gas into the reaction space. After purging, a second precursor vapor is introduced. Molecules of the second precursor vapor chemisorb or otherwise react with the chemisorbed first precursor molecules to form a thin film product of the first and second precursors. To complete the ALD cycle, the reaction space is again purged to remove any excess of the second vapor as well as any volatile reaction products. The steps of first precursor pulse, purge, second precursor pulse, and purge are typically repeated hundreds or thousands of times until the desired thickness of the film is achieved.
A key to successful ALD growth is to have the first and second precursor vapors pulsed into the reaction chamber sequentially and without overlap. An ideal set of ALD precursor pulses would be a pair of Delta functions, as illustrated in FIG. 1, which is a simplified timing diagram representing two cycles of a simple ALD process. With reference to FIG. 1, alternating pulses of a first precursor 12 and a second precursor 14 are separated by intervals 16, which can be made small compared to the duration "d" of each of the pulses 12 and 14. For simplicity of illustration, the pulses 12 and 14 are shown in FIG. 1 as having equal duration, but unequal pulse durations would also be feasible.
As noted above, FIG. 1 illustrates an ideal set of precursor pulses. However, in practice, imperfections in the precursor delivery system, precursor adsorption on the walls of the delivery system and reaction chamber, and fluid flow dynamics cause the concentration of precursor material in the ALD reaction space to have a leading edge slope and an exponential decay during purge. FIG. 2 is a simplified timing diagram illustrating respective first and second pulses 22 and 24 in an ALD reactor, each with a leading edge slope 26 and exponential decay 28. With reference to FIG. 2, because the actual pulses 22 and 24 are not Delta functions, they will overlap if the second precursor pulse 24 is started before the first precursor pulse 22 is completely decayed, as illustrated by overlap region 29. If substantial amounts of both of the first and second precursor chemicals are present in the reaction space at the same time, then non-ALD growth can occur, which can generate particles, non-uniform film thickness, and other defects. To prevent the problems caused by non-ALD growth, the pulses 22 and 24 are desirably separated by a purge interval that is long enough to prevent overlap 29.
FIG. 3 illustrates a purge interval 32, between respective first and second precursor pulses 34 and 36, that is sufficiently long to prevent overlap. For simplicity, the purge interval 32 is illustrated as having a duration similar to the duration of the pulses 34 and 36. However, in practice, it is common for purge times in an ALD process to be 10 times longer than the pulse times, due to long exponential decays of precursor pulses caused by flow restrictions and cold spots in the flow path. For example, a ALD process including precursor vapor pulses having a duration of 50 milliseconds (ms) may require pulse intervals of 500 ms or longer to prevent overlap and achieve good film thickness uniformity. Long purge intervals increase processing time, which substantially reduces the overall efficiency of the ALD reactor. The present inventors have recognized that reducing the rise and decay times also reduces the overall time required for each ALD process cycle without causing non-ALD growth, thereby improving the throughput of the ALD reactor.
Conventionally, precursors have been stored and vapors delivered from glass tubes placed inside the reactor, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,389,973 of Suntola et al., incorporated herein by reference. The flow of each precursor vapor is controlled by so-called "inert gas valving," which involves controlling the direction of an inert gas flowing through the tube containing the precursor chemical. Conventional inert gas valving has been employed for about 20 years for the fabrication of EL displays, including its use with certain solid precursors like ZnCl2 and MnCl2. However, the present inventors have found that the particle requirements for other applications, particularly semiconductor processing, are far more stringent than those required for EL display manufacturing. Conventional precursor delivery methods and inert gas valving do not provide a barrier to prevent particles present in powdered precursors from being carried into the reaction space with the pulses of precursor vapor. Further, the conventional methods cannot accommodate certain highly reactive precursors useful for semiconductor processing, which cannot be loaded in an open tube due to their reactivity with air and/or moisture.
For most films grown by ALD, unwanted particles in or on the film will reduce the manufacturing yield. It is therefore important that the precursor delivery system does not emit particles. Preventing particles is especially difficult when one or more of the precursors exist in powdered form at room temperature and pressure. CVD systems commonly include a high efficiency particle filter that can block up to 99.99999% of particles smaller than 0.003 microns. However, the present inventors have found that CVD-type high efficiency particle filters are unsuitable for use in ALD processing because they are highly resistive to flow, which leads to long precursor rise and/or decay times. High efficiency particle filters also have a tendency to become blocked by coarse particles emanating from a supply of precursor material, which can cause system failures and yield losses in manufacturing. A new type of ALD-oriented particle filtering is therefore needed.
The inventors have also recognized a need for improved control of unwanted precursor migration between pulses (during purging).
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0042523 A1 of Kesala discloses a reactant gas source contained in a vacuum shell. Liquid or solid reactant matter is held in an ampoule having an opening covered by a high efficiency particle filter. The ampoule is enclosed within a gas-tight container that defines a gas space around the ampoule. An outlet of the gas-tight container leads from the gas space through a second high efficiency particle filter and into the reaction chamber. Pulses of reactant gases are switched by a backflow of inert gas in a line between the second high efficiency particle filter and the reaction chamber. Flow resistance of the second high efficiency particle filter and a capacitance effect of the gas-tight container can cause long decay times for the pulses of reactant.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,839 of Onoe at el. discloses a precursor source for a CVD system that does not include a mechanism for pulsing, as required in an ALD system.
Thus the inventors have recognized a need for improved methods and devices for storing precursor materials in a thin film deposition process, conditioning such precursor materials in preparation for deposition, and introducing pulses of vaporized precursor material into a reaction space of a thin film deposition system.

Precursor material delivery system for atomic layer deposition


If a warning display about a matter of which warning is to be given has not yet been displayed when the matter occurring in an imaging apparatus has been detected, the imaging apparatus displays the warning display in response to detection of the matter, irrespective of whether a moving image is being recorded. If the warning display has already been displayed when the matter occurring in the imaging apparatus has been detected, the imaging apparatus does not display the warning display when the moving image is being recorded, and displays the warning display if the matter has still been detected when the moving image has stopped being recorded.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a control method for the imaging apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique adapted to be used for a warning display control operation executed by an imaging apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Imaging apparatuses such as digital video cameras are becoming increasingly advanced in the quality and the number of functions. Accordingly, there is an increased need for detecting apparatus abnormalities in various scenes. Generally, when an imaging apparatus detects an abnormality, the imaging apparatus notifies the user of the abnormality by displaying a warning on a display device such as a liquid crystal panel.
When the imaging apparatus detects an abnormality, the apparatus needs to display information to notify the user of a warning as soon as possible. In addition, when the apparatus detects an abnormality that prevents a normal apparatus operation or that causes damage to the apparatus, it is important that the user be continuously notified of the abnormality.
From these viewpoints, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-236702 discusses a technique in which a warning display timing is controlled based on a point of variation in the apparatus operation. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-236702, particular information is displayed at various timings, such as when the power supply is turned on/off, when the battery is changed, and when a mode is changed. In this way, the apparatus status can be accurately grasped and checked.
However, many imaging apparatuses use a single display device for displaying an image being captured and for notifying the user of an abnormality. Thus, in particular, if a warning is displayed during recording of an image, since the displayed warning obstructs the view of the user, the user finds the warning troublesome.
Therefore, a warning display technique that meets the following three demands is needed. First, when an abnormality is detected, a warning needs to be promptly displayed. Second, when an abnormality remains, the user needs to be continuously notified of a warning. Third, a warning needs to be displayed when an image is not being recorded.

Imaging apparatus and control method for imaging apparatus for warning display control operation


Device with integrated electronic components, that comprises a board forming a support for the said components, a cover mounted on the said board to cover the said components, and a separating partition which extends from the cover to the board substantially perpendicularly to the latter, the said partition separating two distinct zones of the board, wherein it comprises an overcover covering the cover and defining an internal space between the cover and the overcover in which are provided cooling gas division means delimiting two distinct secondary spaces in the internal space, an upstream secondary space into which cooling gas is able to be injected and a downstream secondary space into which cooling gas is able to be discharged so that cooling gas injected into the upstream zone of the board is directed toward the downstream secondary space of the internal space and that cooling gas injected into the upstream secondary space of the internal space is directed toward the downstream zone of the board.

Such devices are found in many fields, and more particularly in aviation, a field in which the problems associated with this type of device have been posed to the inventors.
Specifically, these devices are routinely used for controlling various functional portions of aircraft or helicopters, and particularly the automatic pilot control.
In this particular field, it is essential to ensure a permanent operating security of the electronic components of the device, in order to ensure the security and precision of the automatic pilot.
Some electronic devices designed for the automatic pilot control comprise, implemented on the supporting board, two distinct control electronic circuits capable of taking over from one another in the event of a failure.
Because of the extreme heat conditions to which the components are subjected, it is necessary to provide uninterrupted ventilation of the device. Usually, this ventilation is provided by a current of cooling air that flows parallel to the surface of the supporting board.
A disadvantage of this arrangement is that, when a component of one of the circuits explodes, the current of cooling air risks carrying the debris of the component in question and spreading it over the parallel circuit. Because of the sensitivity of certain components of the latter, the debris risks damaging the parallel circuit, not to mention that, if this debris is conductive, it may create short circuits in the parallel circuit.
In order to solve this problem, document FR 2 864 423 has proposed a device with integrated electronic components provided with a meshed separating partition. More precisely, document FR 2 864 423 proposes a device with integrated electronic components, that comprises a board forming a support for the components, and a cover mounted on the board to cover the components, and a meshed partition which extends from the cover to the board substantially perpendicularly to the latter, the partition separating two distinct zones of the board in which electronic components are placed.
More precisely, FIG. 1 represents a plan view of a board forming a support for the electronic circuits, and notably described in document FR 2 864 423, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view in perspective of the zone protection device described in this same document FR 2 864 423.
FIG. 2 also illustrates a device 1 with integrated electronic components 2, that comprises a board 3, represented in plan view in FIG. 1, forming a support on which the components 2 are implemented, and a cover 4 designed to be mounted on the board 3 to cover the components 2 and thereby protect them from the consequences of a possible destruction of some of them.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the components 2 are grouped into two distinct adjacent zones 5, 6 which form two distinct control electronic circuits. These are in practice control circuits for an automatic pilot system of an aircraft or of a helicopter. In the rest of the description, these circuits are respectively called CHANNEL A and CHANNEL B.
As appears in FIG. 1, the channels A and B are slightly separated from one another, an interstice 7 being arranged between them on the board 3. The details of producing the circuits 5, 6 will not be described. Note however that the board 3 comprises a substantially rectangular plate 8 made of an insulating material that forms the support on which the components 2 are implemented.
Note also that the board 3 has a front edge 9 onto which are mounted a primary connector 10 for plugging in a test cable and debugging channel A and a secondary connector 11 adjacent to the primary connector 10 for plugging in a test cable and debugging channel B. The board 3 also has a rear edge 12, at the other end from the front edge 9, on which are mounted, on the side of channel A, a backplane primary connector 13 for plugging in a power supply bus and connecting channel A to the controlled system (in this instance, the automatic pilot) and, on the side of channel B, a secondary backplane connector 14 for plugging in a power supply bus and for connecting channel B to the controlled system.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the board 3 has, on the side of its front edge 9, two auxiliary zones 15, 16 in which filtering capacitors 17, 18 are implemented associated with channels A and B respectively.
The board 3 may also comprise a partition 19 that separates the auxiliary zones 15, 16 of the respective channels A and B in order to isolate the capacitors 17, 18 from the other components 2 of the corresponding channel. According to a preferred embodiment, this partition consists of a front edge of the cover 4.
In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the board 3 has, along two lateral edges 20, 21 joining the front edge 9 and rear edge 12, two walls 22, 23, namely an upstream wall 22 bordering channel B and a downstream wall 23 bordering, at the other end, channel A, walls in which openings 24 are made to allow a current of cooling air to pass through which, sweeping through the upstream wall 22 (arrows F1), is discharged through the downstream wall 23 (arrows F2) after having sustained a heat transfer with the components 2 of channels A and B. In this instance, the lateral partitions 22 and 23 are formed by radiators fixed to the board 3, which allow high calorific dissipation electronic components to be mounted on the latter. If such radiators are unnecessary, the lateral partitions 22, 23 could be formed by lateral edges of the cover 4.
The cover 4 for its part comprises a substantially flat bottom wall 25 of substantially rectangular shape, designed to jointly cover channels A and B and having a front edge 26 and a rear edge 27 designed to be placed in line with the front edge 9 and rear edge 12 of the board 3 respectively, connected by two parallel side edges 28, 29 designed to be placed between and against the upstream wall 22 and the downstream wall 23 of the board 3.
However, the Applicant has been able to ascertain that the device described in document FR 2 864 423 does not allow sufficient and equivalent ventilation and cooling of channels A and B of the board 3.
Specifically, before cooling channel A, the ventilation current has already passed through channel B. The air reaching the level of channel A has therefore already been heated and cannot cool channel A in an equivalent manner.
The object of the invention is in particular to solve this problem by producing a device allowing cooling that is identical between channel A and channel B of the board 3.
It is a known practice according to the prior art to provide in this case a double ventilation circuit, namely a ventilation circuit for channel A and a ventilation circuit for channel B. To do this, in order to allow the formation of two identical ventilations for the two channels A and B, it is necessary to provide a thermal channel passing through channel A and a thermal channel passing through channel B. This solution requires a vertical placement of channels A and B: for example, channel A in a front zone, and channel B in a rear zone. But then, if the idea of boards that can be plugged into a backplane is maintained, to retain the access of channel A to the backplane rear connectors, and where necessary the access of channel B to the front face test connectors, it becomes necessary to define, through each of the channels, a transit zone for the power supplies and signals of the opposite channel.
In addition, this solution is unsatisfactory in terms of cost and space requirement.
The object of the invention is therefore to solve the aforementioned disadvantages by proposing a device of the aforementioned type, which allows an identical or equivalent ventilation of two channels of a plug-in board by forming a thermal segregation of the two channels while preventing any thermal coupling between the two channels.
The aim of one of the subjects of the invention is also to avoid the failure of one circuit board leading to the failure of the other, and to guarantee an increased operating security of the electronic components.
The aim of one of the subjects of the invention is also to form a fire-preventive segregation, namely to form an electromagnetic interference shield between two identical channels of a plug-in board.

Device with integrated electronic components provided with a partition for separating ventilated zones


Disclosed embodiments relate to transposing vectors while loading from memory. In one example, a processor includes a register file, a memory interface, fetch circuitry to fetch an instruction, decode circuitry to decode the fetched instruction having fields to specify an opcode, a destination vector register, and a source vector having N groups of elements, N being a positive integer, the opcode to indicate the processor is to fetch the source vector, generate write data comprising one or more N-tuples, each N-tuple comprising corresponding elements from each of the N groups of elements, and write the write data to the destination vector register, and execution circuitry to execute the decoded instruction as per the opcode, the execution circuitry has a shuffle pipeline disposed between the memory and the register file, the shuffle pipeline to fetch, decode, and execute further instances of the instruction at one instruction per clock cycle.

An instruction set, or instruction set architecture (ISA), is the part of the computer architecture related to programming, and may include the native data types, instructions, register architecture, addressing modes, memory architecture, interrupt and exception handling, and external input and output (I/O). An instruction set includes one or more instruction formats. A given instruction format defines various fields (number of bits, location of bits) to specify, among other things, the operation to be performed and the operand(s) on which that operation is to be performed. A given instruction is expressed using a given instruction format and specifies the operation and the operands. An instruction stream is a specific sequence of instructions, where each instruction in the sequence is an occurrence of an instruction in an instruction format.
N-tuples are frequently used in the context of computing applications such as speech recognition, machine learning, and deep learning. As used herein, an N-tuple is an ordered sequence of N integer elements. There is no upper limit on N, and N-tuples with N equaling 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 may be referred to as monads, duads, triads, tetrads, and pentads, respectively.
A group of M instances of an N-tuple may be represented as a packed data vector, either interleaving the elements of each of the M instances, one after another, or segregating the elements of the M instances into N groups, each group having M elements.
Applications often need to transpose, by permuting elements of the packed data vector, a group of M instances of an N-tuple from the segregated representation to the interleaved representation. Sometimes, applications need to transpose one, two, or more of the M instances of the N-tuple from the segregated representation to the interleaved representation, and broadcast the one, two, or more N-tuples across an entire vector register. Although such transposes and broadcasts could be realized using existing vector instructions, doing so is often slow, results in a large code size, and frequently requires complex software tuning.

Systems and methods to transpose vectors on-the-fly while loading from memory


A module assembly (100) comprises a module body (2) with a plurality of conductive pads (210) thereof, a FPC (3) with a plurality of conductive strips (310) in one end and a metal shell (1). The shell has a planar bottom wall (11) and sidewalls (12,13,14) approximately extending from edges of the bottom wall forming a room to receive the FPC and the module body. Sidewalls define arms of two types extending therefrom. The arms (123,131,141) of first type slant into the room to retain the module body and the arms (122) of second type slant outwards and away from the room to retain the module assembly. And the module assembly is fitted into an electronic equipment (300).

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a module assembly having a module body such as a camera module and a Flat Printed Circuit (FPC) electrically connected together, and an equipment to which the module assembly is firmly fitted.
2. Description of Related Arts
With development of electronic equipments, such as cellular mobile phones, PDAs or the likes, a lot of additional functions such as taking pictures etc. are added to the equipments. In the beginning, camera modules generally are furnished on the PCB or FPC by directly soldering, which make the camera module unchanged and might damage the camera module. Therefore, a module connector connecting the camera module and a PCB appears, which overcomes said questions.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,862,804 discloses a module connector, which is used to connect a camera module to a FPC. The connector includes a dielectric housing of a hollow solid structure and a plurality of contacts received in corresponding upright passageways on four inner side walls of the housing. First, solder tails of the contacts are soldered to strips on the FPC, and then the camera module is assembled to the dielectric housing with its conductive pads electrically connecting to another ends opposite to the solder tails of the contacts. Thus, electrical connection is established between the camera module and the FPC. But, the dielectric housing will occupies space of the equipment and make against miniaturization of equipment.
Hence, an improved module assembly is required to overcome the aforesaid disadvantages of the prior art.

Module assembly and equipment for fitting the same


A system (10) for programming and performing applications programs in computer systems (70) using data in Structured Query Language ("SQL") data bases (32). Formulas (16) representing user defined tasks are constructed out of a formula sequence (18) of formula steps (20). Individual formula steps (20) are defined out of operand tokens (22 and 26), operation tokens (24), and result tokens (28). Operand tokens (22, 26) and result tokens (28) represent constants, variables, or SQL business objects, while operation tokens (24) represent precompiled members of a code modules library (36) that are capable of carrying out basic mathematical and data transfer operations on such operands (22, 26). Executing a formula (16) programmed with the system (10) in a computer system (70) is accomplished by dynamic allocation of resources such as memory work area (42), and loading operand token (22, 26) represented data along with the operation token (24) represented pre-compiled code of formulas (16) into the work area (42) where a processor (72) in the computer system (70) executes on the work area (42) contents and places the results into variables or into the SQL data base (32).

Software for most applications is created by software specialists, rather than by specialists in the respective applications which the software is ultimately used to perform. Two reasons for this are that programming tools are both difficult to learn and to use, thus creating heavy educational and intellectual burdens for prospective computer programmers. Today, many software users begrudgingly accept that software development is too difficult and too expensive to undertake unless one specializes in it. Further, paralleling this software creation problem has been a software maintenance problem, where often even the simplest of software modifications to accommodate a change in business practices is typically too expensive and time consuming to be practical.
Most computer users purchase packaged software, rather than develop it themselves. The vendors that supply such packaged software are generally "middle people," obtaining their stock of merchandise from "software houses" which employ teams of specialist programers, who actually write and debug the software "code." To benefit from economics of scale, consistent with standard marketing practice in most industries, the parties along this software chain of supply strive to create or stock generic sets of programs, and code modules for creating programs, to sell to the broadest possible customer base while incurring the lowest possible operating expenses, of which customer service is generally acknowledged to be one of the highest.
For software users the result of the current software creation and supply system has been pressure to standardize their computerized business practices around what is available in generic software packages, or what is easily built from generic code modules. In this environment, specialized software tasks such as one-off "what if" market analysis and filling specialized customer requests that require unusual data analysis typically have strong expense and time disincentives.
Of course, there have been attempts to change this system. Perceiving lucrative opportunities, a marketing approach by some software houses to the problem has been specialization in providing software "tools" (i.e., the software used to create software). Another impetus for change has been reducing the time to completion and the complexity of very large computer projects. Of particular note here are academic and government groups which have adopted a "we are big enough that we can do anything" organizational approach, and have attempted to either create better software tools themselves, or to pseudo-legislate better tools into existence (often by imposing "procurement" standards on their suppliers). Unfortunately, almost all of these software improvement efforts have focused on supplying tools more suitable for existing software specialists, than for end software users. The previously mentioned code modules are usually examples of this. Further, such organizational efforts to date are generally conceded to be marginal successes, at best. Examples include once greatly hailed programming advances such as structured programming, in the 1970's, and object-oriented programming, in the 1980's. Third generation languages from these eras, such as C and C++, are not being replaced by later generations. Fourth generation languages today remain something inflicted on university Computer Science majors for one semester, and the only major fifth generation language development project, to date, has become an embarrassment to the government that funded it. The ultimate critics, however, are software end users, and in their general perception even notable successes like spreadsheets and structured query language ("SQL") data bases remain too expensive, too inflexible, and too unmodifiable, when all the hardware, software, and personnel factors are summed up.
Software users want tools which they can use to easily write and modify software themselves. Complex programming languages, regardless of how powerful they are, are simply not acceptable. Users want the mathematical power of spreadsheets and the data access power of SQL, without the generally high "learning curve" that even these software tools often carry today.

Interactive formula processing system for SQL databases


A signal processing apparatus includes a decoder for decoding a stream signal so as to generate a digital audio signal of a low frequency effect channel and digital audio signals of first through n'th (n≧2) channels; an adder section for adding the digital audio signal of the low frequency effect channel and the digital audio signal of a specified channel among the first through n'th channels, so as to generate an addition signal; an n number of D/A conversion sections for converting the digital audio signals of the first through n'th channels, excluding the digital audio signal of the specified channel, and the addition signal into n types of analog audio signals; a first signal processing section for generating a digital audio signal of the low frequency effect channel; and a second signal processing section for generating an analog audio signal of the specified channel.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus and a signal processing method for converting multi-channel digital audio signals Into analog audio signals and outputting the analog audio signals; a program for executing signal processing; and a recording medium used for recording the program.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional signal processing apparatus 300 for converting multi-channel digital audio signals into analog signals and outputting the analog signals will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. The signal processing apparatus 300 is incorporated in, for example, a DVD-Video player. The DVD-Video standards support reproduction of multi-channel audio signals up to 5.1 channels. FIG. 10 shows the arrangement of a 5.1 channel speaker unit. 5.1 channels means, as shown in FIG. 10, 5 channels including a left forward (L: left) center forward (C: center), right forward (R: right), left surround (LS), and right surround (RS) channel, and one channel of a low frequency effect channel (LFE).
FIG. 9 shows a structure of the signal processing apparatus 300. According to the DVD-Video standards, a 5.1 channel audio bit stream signal 40 is input to the signal processing apparatus 300. A decoder 6 receives the audio bit stream signal 40 and decodes the audio bit stream signal 40 into a digital audio signal (linear PCM). Then, the audio bit stream signal 40 separates the digital audio signal into a digital audio signal 31 of a first channel (a first channel digital audio signal 31), a digital audio signal 32 of a second channel (a second channel digital audio signal 32), . . . a digital audio signal 3n of an n'th (n≧2) channel (an n'th channel digital audio signal 3n), and a digital audio signal 30 of an LFE channel (an LFE channel digital audio signal 30). In the case of the 5.1 channel system, n=5. A down-mixing signal processing section 3 receives resultant digital audio signals 30, 31, . . . 3n and performs down-mixing signal processing.
Down-mixing signal processing can be performed in various manners. In the case of the 5.1 channel system, down-mixing signal processing can be performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. The down-mixing signal processing section 3 down-mixes the digital audio signals of 5.1 channels of L, R, C, SL, SR and LFE channels to 2.1 channels of L, R and LFE. In FIG. 11, digital audio signals of the SL, L, C, R, SR and LFE channels are indicated by reference numerals 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 50. The down-mixing signal processing section 3 includes multipliers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8f and adders 9a and 9b. Multiplication coefficients of the multipliers 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e and 8f are respectively m1, m2, m3, m4, m5 and m6. The multiplier 8a multiplies the SL channel digital audio signal 51 with the multiplication coefficient m1. The multiplier 8b multiplies the L channel digital audio signal 52 with the multiplication coefficient m2. The multiplier 8c multiplies the C channel digital audio signal 53 with the multiplication coefficient m3. The multiplier 8d multiplies the R channel digital audio signal 54 with the multiplication coefficient m4. The multiplier 8e multiplies the SR channel digital audio signal 55 with the multiplication coefficient m5. The multiplier 8f multiplies the LFE channel digital audio signal 50 with the multiplication coefficient m6. The digital audio signals 51 through 55 and 50 respectively correspond to the digital audio signals 31, 32, . . . 3n and 30 shown in FIG. 9.
The adder 9a adds output signals from the multipliers 8a, 8b and 8c, and outputs a digital audio signal 56 of an L channel (an L channel digital audio signal 56). The adder 9b adds output signals from the multipliers 8c, 8d and 8e, and outputs a digital audio signal 57 of an R channel (an R channel digital audio signal 57). The multiplier 8f outputs a digital audio signal 58 of an LFE channel (an LFE channel digital audio signal 58).
An exemplary general ratio of the multiplication coefficients is m1:m2:m3:m4:m5:m6 0.7:1.0:0.7:1.0:0.7:1.0. The ratio of the multiplication coefficients is changeable in accordance with characteristics of the input signal or the system. In the case where a signal which is to be input to the down-mixing signal processing section 3 is level-adjusted so as to avoid an overflow, the ratio of the multiplication coefficients can be the above-mentioned ratio. In the case where there is a possibility that down-mixing signal processing causes an overflow, the multiplication coefficients m1 through m6 need to be regulated in advance. In the case where the LFE, SL, L, C, R and SR channel digital audio signals 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 are not processed against an overflow, all the multiplication coefficients m1 through m6 further need to be regulated with 1/(2.4).
The L, R and LFE channel digital audio signals 56, 57 and 58 obtained by down-mixing signal processing are given to D/A converters 63, 64 and 65 shown in FIG. 9. The D/A converter 63 converts the L channel digital audio signal 56 into an analog audio signal 56′ of an L channel (an L channel analog audio signal 56′) and outputs the L channel analog audio signal 56′. The D/A converter 64 converts the R channel digital audio signal 57 into an analog audio signal 57′ of an R channel (an R channel analog audio signal 57′) and outputs the R channel analog audio signal 57′. The D/A converter 65 converts the LFE channel digital audio signal 58 into an analog audio signal 58′ of an LFE channel (an LFE channel analog audio signal 58′) and outputs the LFE channel analog audio signal 58′.
One D/A converter is required for each channel. Therefore, the signal processing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 9 requires three D/A converters 63, 64 and 65. In most of the actual products, however, two D/A converters are packaged into one LSI. Where two such LSIs are incorporated into the signal processing apparatus 300, one D/A converter is not used. In addition, the D/A converters used for DVD players are mostly expensive in order to provide high quality sound.
When a user reproduces video or audio data using a DVD player, he/she often uses a speaker unit which is not of a surround system. Often times, he/she does not use the LFE channel. In a portable DVD player, a headphone speaker is often used for outputting the audio data, in which case, the LFE channel is not used. Furthermore, the output from the DVD player is often reproduced by a general TV receiver. A speaker unit of most of the TV receivers have only an L channel and an R channel and is not of a surround system. The LFE channel is not used.
In the conventional signal processing apparatus, one D/A converter is provided for each channel for converting a digital signal into an analog signal although often times the LFE channel is not used. In the case of a 2.1 channel output system, three D/A converters are required, which unnecessarily increases the cost.

Signal processing apparatus, signal processing method, program and recording medium

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.


A method of locating an acetabular cup implant (100) in a pelvis comprises locating a plurality of reference points on the pelvis, defining a target location of the implant relative to the reference points, and placing the implant at the target location. A method of locating a femoral head implant (102) is also disclosed, together with associated guidance systems.

The morphology, orientation, and position of the acetabular and femoral components of the hip joint are important determinants of its function. The success of the native hip is based on design parameters of these components that, within a normal range of motion, avoid bony and soft tissue impingement. The native acetabulum is not perfectly hemispherical, and its rim is not simply a circle but rather a 3D shape with a series of prominences and depressions. Similarly on the femoral side, the junction between the head and the neck is not perfectly circular.
Modern hip resurfacing implant designs are based on a hemispherical acetabular cup with a level circular rim. On the femoral side, variable proportions of a sphere have been adopted by different implant manufacturers. It has been shown that acetabular cups that overhang the rim of the acetabulum are associated with impingement, early loosening and accelerated wear. This overhang would be expected when using a hemispherical cup, as part of its rim will be prominent in areas of low acetabular rim profile.
Determination of the 3D position of the acetabulum in the pelvis and the femoral head in relation to the femoral neck has continued to be a challenge. Antero-posterior acetabular position, which is not possible to quantify on plain radiographs, affects the function of the hip muscles. It may also be associated with impingement. Femoral head-neck relationship is similarly difficult to quantify.


A resilient cylindrical seat ring and pocket apparatus for supporting and sealing a valve ball in a valve body.. A method for creating and energizing a seal between an annular valve seat and a valve ball during the assembly of a valve apparatus. The valve body of the valve apparatus includes an annular valve body seat pocket. The annular valve seat is seated within the annular valve body seat pocket as the valve ball is positioned on an inner diameter corner of the annular valve seat. Next, the valve ball is forced on the inner diameter corner causing the inner diameter surface of annular valve seat to contact and conform to the valve ball. As a result, the inner diameter surface of the annular valve seat is sealed to the valve ball. The seal is energized from the resiliency of the annular valve seat. The seal is further energized from the interaction between the annular valve seat and the annular valve body seat pocket.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art assembled valve apparatus 1 having a sealing surface 3a of annular valve seat 2a sealed to a valve ball 4, and a sealing surface 3b of an annular valve seat 2b sealed to valve ball 4. The following discussion, while directed to an annular valve seat 2a, applies equally to an annular valve seat 2b. In order to facilitate a seal between sealing surface 3a and valve ball 4, sealing surface 3a is machined on annular valve seat 2a prior to the assembly of valve apparatus 1. As a result, when valve apparatus 1 is assembled, sealing surface 3a will contact and seal with valve ball 4. FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrative of a design of sealing surface 3a.
Referring back to FIG. 1, when valve apparatus 1 is assembled, pressure applied from valve ball 4 to sealing surface 3a energizes the seal between sealing surface 3a and valve ball 4. In order to maintain an energetic seal between sealing surface 3a and valve ball 4 over the life of valve apparatus 1, it is essential that sealing surface 3a applies an opposing pressure to valve ball 4. To provide sealing surface 3a with such an opposing pressure, valve apparatus 1 further includes an o-ring energizer 5a placed in an annular valve body pocket 7 of valve body 6. O-ring energizers 5a and 5b, and annular valve body pockets 7a and 7b are shown.
The following discussion, while directed to o-ring energizer 5a and annular valve body pocket 7a, applies equally to o-ring energizer 5b and annular valve body pocket 7b.
As valve apparatus 1 is assembled, o-ring energizer 5a is flattened within annular valve body pocket 7a. O-ring energizer 5a is made of resilient material, and as a result, o-ring energizer 5a wants to return to its original shape. The energy used by o-ring energizer 5a in its attempt to return to its original shape is provided to annular valve seat 2a, which in turn applies this energy as an opposing pressure along sealing surface 3a to valve ball 4. Thus, the seal between sealing surface 3a and valve ball 4 is further energized and can be maintained over the life of valve apparatus 1. FIGS. 3 and 4 are illustrative of the pre-assembled position and the assembled position of valve seat 2a, valve ball 4 and o-ring energizer 5a.
FIG. 1 is a generic drawing of a prior art valve apparatus, while U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,794,291, 4,099,705, 4,262,691, 4,718,444, 4,953,587, 5,170,989, and 5,263,685, are specific examples of valve apparatuses including annular valve seats having a pre-designed sealing surfaces and o-ring energizers. In some cases, springs are utilized. While these prior art annular valve seats are effective, such prior art annular valve seats involve multiple components and secondary operations in order to shape a sealing surface on the annular valve seat. The apparatus is highly specialized and directed to specific needs. In addition, the prior art annular valve seats are not designed to be self-energizing. Thus, o-ring energizers and/or springs must be utilized, and this also adds to the cost of the valve apparatus. Therefore, there is a need to provide an economical method for creating and energizing a seal between an annular valve seat and a valve ball.

Ball valve seat and seal apparatus and assembly method


A method for identifying bi-modal data comprises the steps of receiving a plurality of data inputs, constructing a histogram from the plurality of data inputs, computing a range of the plurality of data inputs, comparing the range of the plurality of data inputs to an expected non-repeatability of the plurality of data inputs, calculating a plurality of histogram frequencies if the range is not less than the expected non-repeatability, inputting the plurality of histogram frequencies and a plurality of precomputed weights into a learned vector quantization (LVQ) network, and outputting from the learned vector quantization a bimodal flag indicative of the bimodality of the plurality of data inputs.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for performing a test for bimodulating on a data set. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for using a neural network to empirically discern the modality of a data set.
(2) Description of Related Art
The determination of whether or not a sampled data set exhibits a uni-modal characteristic can be critical to how the data is processed and analyzed. For example, in the area of gas turbine performance diagnostic trending, it is necessary to initialize the process by determining the (initial) performance state of the engine from a sample of engine data. A pivotal requirement to achieve this is to insure that the data sample be homogeneous, i.e., that it does not exhibit a bi-modal feature. In this example, a bi-modal characteristic might arise from a sudden trend shift in the data due to a performance change, degradation, or hardware failure or even a maintenance corrective action. Since the process involves statistical manipulations (averaging, calculating scatter, etc.), it is critical to insure that the sample remains homogeneous. Formal statistical tests for homogeneity are either non-existent or too complex for automatic real-time implementation.
A simple method for determining bi-modality in a given data set is to visually inspect the sample. The construction of a histogram aids greatly in this determination. If the sample histogram 1 is homogeneous, it will yield one mode 3 and appear as illustrated in FIG. 1. Conversely, bi-modal data will produce a histogram as illustrated in FIG. 2.
The distinguishing factor that separates the two histograms 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is the presence of 2 peaks (modes) 3 in the histogram 1 of FIG. 2. Human vision is capable naturally of distinguishing whether or not a data set under consideration possesses a twin peak characteristic. What is therefore needed is a method of automatically accomplishing, by use of a computer, that which human vision accomplishes naturally. Specifically, there is needed a simple empirically based methodology for the purpose of identifying bi-modal data.

Method for performing an empirical test for the presence of bi-modal data


A trapeze conduit support system includes a support bracket, and a moveable retention member, which are configured to be suspended from and carried by a pair of vertically extending support members, such as for mounting of conduits at or near a ceiling, beam, or like supporting structure of an installation. The retention member is moveable between a first, open position, wherein the conduits can be “laid in” to the support bracket, and a second, closed position wherein the retention member retains the conduits in position within the support bracket. Convenient and efficient installation of conduits is thus facilitated.

In the typical building, stadium, factory, or the like, it is frequently necessary to support a large number of tubular conduits from the associated structural components of the building. Frequently, the structure includes a vertically extending supports, typically threaded steel rods, from which suitable brackets can be suspended for holding the associated conduits in parallel relationship to each other. In some applications, the brackets can be provided in a vertically stacked arrangement, whereby plural groups of conduits can be supported, one group above the other, from the ceiling or other location in the structure, as desired.
Heretofore, these types of support arrangements have included support brackets having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, with a web portion of the bracket defining a plurality of laterally spaced opening. For use, the support bracket is mounted at its ends to the typical vertical support elements, and individual conduits inserted and "threaded through" the openings defined by the support bracket.
As will be appreciated, assembly in this manner can be time consuming and difficult. In some instances, the conduits may be a number of feet in length, and thus, inserting and feeding each conduit through the associated support bracket can be cumbersome. Aligning and positioning each conduit through more than one support bracket, as may be necessary for providing proper structural support, can further conplicate installation. Because these type of arrangements are frequently positioned at or near the ceiling of a structure, installation can be further complicated as installers work from a ladder, scaffolding, or platforms.
The present invention contemplates an arrangement for supporting plural conduits such as from the ceiling or the like of an associated structure, wherein installation and secure mounting of the conduits is greatly facilitated.


A method for fabricating highly integrated semiconductor devices with capacitors having a dielectric film comprised of a thin film exhibiting a high dielectric constant to obtain a sufficient capacitance, involving the formation of an under electrode over a wafer formed with an oxide film at a high temperature, and annealing the resulting wafer in a vacuum such that the under electrode has a tight and smooth structure. By virtue of the tight and smooth structure of the under electrode, subsequent processing steps can be easily carried out. It is also possible to achieve an improvement in the reliability and uniformity of semiconductor devices as well as a high integration of such semicoductor devices.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating semiconductor devices, and more particularly to a technique for forming a smooth under electrode with a tight structure in order to form a dielectric film exhibiting a high dielectric constant in the fabrication of capacitors for highly integrated semiconductor devices.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, electrodes of dielectric elements are employed in DRAM's and non-volatile FRAM's as under electrodes for dielectric thin films for the charge storage. They are also used as under electrodes for thin films of display elements in thin film infrared sensors, optical memories, optical switches and optical modulators.
In the case of DRAM's which use such under electrodes and include unit cells each consisting of one MOS transistor and one capacitor, the capacitance C of the capacitor can be expressed by the following equation: EQU C=(Eo.times.Er.times.A)/T
where, Eo represents the dielectric constant in vacuum, Er the dielectric constant of the dielectric film, A the area of the capacitor, and T the thickness of the dielectric film.
As understood from the equation relating to the capacitance C, the capacitance is proportional to the surface area of the storage electrode. In this regard, it is difficult to obtain a sufficient capacitance in highly integrated semiconductor devices because the high integration of semiconductor devices inevitably involves a reduction in cell dimension, thereby reducing the surface area of the storage electrode to which the capacitance is proportional. In the case of DRAM devices, it is important to reduce the cell dimension and yet obtain a high capacitance of the capacitor, for the high integration. As apparent from the above equation, the capacitance C can be increased by forming the dielectric film using a dielectric material exhibiting a high dielectric constant Er while reducing the thickness T of the dielectric film. In this case, however, the surface morphology of an under electrode disposed beneath the dielectric film serves as an important factor in the fabrication of capacitors. For example, where the under electrode has a rough surface morphology, namely, hillocks and pin holes at its surface, a degradation in electrical characteristic such as a short circuit may occur due to the hillocks and pin holes. Such a phenomenon results in a degradation in the stability and uniformity of capacitors. As a result, it is impossible to achieve an improvement in the reliability and productivity of semiconductor devices as well as a high integration of such semiconductor devices.

Method for fabricating semiconductor device

Hyundai Electronics Industries Co., Ltd.


A vertical conveyor comprising a centrally rotatable column having a plurality of spaced apart container pusher bars extending therefrom. A helical container support bed extends around the central column and is positioned outwardly therefrom for supporting the lower ends of the containers being conveyed by the conveyor. A helical guide rail is positioned outwardly of the central column and is positioned above the support bed for preventing the containers from falling from the conveyor and for maintaining the containers in engagement with the pusher bars of the central column. A gate is provided in the guide rail near the lower end of the conveyor which may be manually opened should a line stoppage occur and it is necessary to remove the containers from the conveyor through the opening created when the gate is opened. A removable pin operatively connects the central column with the drive shaft therefor so that when the pin is removed, the central column may be manually rotated to cause the central column to successfully deliver the containers to be positioned adjacent the opening created by the open gate.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a conveyor for raising and lowering containers and more particularly relates to such a conveyor having means for manually removing containers therefrom in the event of a line stoppage.
2. Background of the Invention
Many types of conveyors have been previously provided for raising or lowering cans, bottles, etc. from one location to another. Such conveyors are generally called vertical conveyors. When the conveyors are used to elevate articles from one location to a higher location, they are called elevating conveyors. When the vertical conveyors are used to lower articles from one location to a lower location, they are generally referred to as lowerators. For example, a device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,628,708 relating to an article raising or lowering conveyor. In the conveyor of the '708 patent, a centrally rotating column enclosed within a spiral or helical support bed is provided with the rotating column including an annular series of bars extending longitudinally along the length thereof to accommodate therebetween the inner side portions of containers to be raised or lowered. In the conveyor of the '708 patent, a supporting rail extends around the container support bed to restrain the containers in the conveyor.
Many other types of vertical conveyors have also been provided. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,756,403. The vertical conveyors such as described above are frequently used in canning operations. In most canning operations, a continuous product flow system is utilized beginning with an empty can and ending when the product is cased. The operations such as filling, seaming, coding, washing, cooking and labeling are performed during this time using several machines. It is common for the line to stop because of a breakdown of any one of the machines in the production line.
The product being produced must complete the processing cycle uninterrupted to avoid spoilage. The processor normally has a contingency plan which takes effect in case of line stoppage to advance the product through the system. Such a procedure normally involves the manual removal of the product from the line and process it by other means.
If the production line should shut down, there will be product remaining in the vertical elevator which must be removed to finish the processing of the container. The removal of the containers from the vertical conveyor involves taking each container out of the vertical elevator at varying elevations. The number of containers would vary but normally would be over one hundred and could extend to twenty feet above the floor. Thus, it would be necessary for an operator to remove each of the containers at their varying locations which will obviously be time consuming. It is not possible for the operator to simply manually rotate the vertical conveyor since the conveyors are normally of a direct drive configuration.

Conveyor for raising and lowering containers including means for manually removing containers therefrom