Portions excluding magnetic elements of a laminate film of magnetic films or the like constituting magnetic elements (1) are oxidized/nitrided or oxynitrided to be insulated by a plasma processing using a conductive mask (17), whereby a plurality of magnetic elements are separated. This laminate film comprises a magnetic element region (18) formed with magnetic elements (1) and an insulated region (19) consisting of oxides/nitrides or oxynitrides. Upper wiring such as a bit line (3) is formed later. Since the conductive mask used in forming the insulated region is made part of the upper wiring, the magnetic elements and the upper wiring can be disposed in contact with each other.

In this type of semiconductor storage device, for example, a magnetoresistive element has heretofore been used as a storage element. As an example of the magnetoresistive element, an element referred to as a tunneling magnetoresistance element (hereinafter referred to as TMR) will be described. In this element, a tunneling insulation film is held between two magnetic layers, and information is stored by resistance of the tunneling insulation film, which changes with a state of magnetization of the magnetic layers.
FIG. 15 shows an example of the TMR reported in 2000 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference DIGEST OF TECHNICAL PAPERS (pp. 128 and 129). As shown in FIG. 15, an antiferromagnetic layer (thickness of 10 nm) 101 formed of FeMn, a pinned layer (thickness of 2.4 nm) 102 formed of CoFe, a tunneling insulating layer 103 formed of Al2O3, and a free layer (thickness of 5 nm) 104 formed of an NiFe are stacked, and the TMR is formed. The antiferromagnetic layer 101 and the free layer 104 are connected to conductor wirings (not shown), respectively, in order to apply a voltage to the TMR. The magnetization of the pinned layer 102 is fixed in a certain direction by the antiferromagnetic layer 101. The free layer 104 is formed in such a manner that the layer is easily magnetized in a certain direction, and the magnetization direction can be changed by application of a magnetic field from the outside. In a direction in a horizontal plane of a laminate film (direction along the film surface), an easily magnetized direction is referred to as an easy axis, and a direction vertical to this easy axis and difficult to magnetize is referred to as a difficult axis. When a voltage is applied between the free layer 104 and the pinned layer 102, a current flows through the tunneling insulating layer 103, but an ohmic value changes with a relation between the directions of the magnetizations of the free layer 104 and the pinned layer 102. That is, resistance is low in a case where the magnetization directions are the same, and the resistance increases in a case where the magnetization directions are opposite to each other.
Next, an example using the TMR as a storage element of a nonvolatile memory will be described with reference to FIG. 16. This example has been reported in the 2000 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference DIGEST OF TECHNICAL PAPERS (pp. 130 and 131). In the example of FIG. 16, two systems of wirings nonparallel to each other (i.e. crossing each other) are disposed above/below TMRs 107 arranged in an array. An upper wiring (referred to as the wiring B (B1, B2, . . . )) 108 is connected to the free layer of the TMR 107, and an antiferromagnetic layer of the TMR 107 is connected to a drain of a transistor 110 formed in a lower layer via a third wiring 109. An insulating layer (not shown) is disposed between the third wiring 109 and a lower layer which is a lower wiring (referred to as the wiring D (D1, D2, D3, . . . ) 111. To store data, when currents are passed through two wirings B, D, a synthetic magnetic field is generated in the vicinity of a region where these wirings cross each other, and the magnetization of the free layer of the corresponding TMR 107 is set in accordance with the direction of the current. Accordingly, the ohmic value of the TMR 107 can be changed. To read the data, the transistor 110 connected to the TMR 107 to read is brought into an on-state by a read word line (referred to as the wiring W (W1, W2, W3, . . . ) 112, the voltage is applied to the TMR 107 from the wiring B, and the ohmic value of the TMR is evaluated by the flowing current.
As methods in which the TMR is separated into elements to connect the upper wiring to an upper electrode for each TMR, there are lifting-off, heading by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), a method using a via-hole and the like. In the lifting-off method, after forming a TMR material into a film, a lifting-off material is formed into a film, the TMR material film and lifting-off material film are processed into desired shapes, a TMR is formed and separated into elements, thereafter an insulation film is formed on the whole surface, thereafter the lifting-off material film is etched to remove the insulation film on the lifting-off material film, and an opening is formed above the TMR. Thereafter, an upper wiring material is formed into a film, and processed. In the heading by the CMP, instead of the lifting-off material, an upper electrode material is used, and similarly processed into a desired shape, the TMR and upper electrode are formed, and separated into elements, thereafter the insulation film is formed on the whole surface, and the surface is polished by the CMP to expose the upper electrode. Thereafter, the upper electrode material is formed into a film, and processed. In the method by the via hole, after a TMR having a desired shape is formed and separated into elements, an insulation film is formed on the whole surface, a resist mask which opens above the TMR is formed, and the insulation film is partially etched/removed to form an opening above the TMR. As another element separating method, there is a method in which an upper magnetic body is oxidized, and a TMR is processed into a desired shape. This will be described hereinafter.
FIGS. 17 to 20 are sectional views showing a method of producing a semiconductor storage device described in JP(A)-2000-353791 in order of steps, and FIG. 21 is a sectional view along line Z-Z′ of FIG. 20. This semiconductor storage device has a circuit including an NMOS switching transistor 121 formed on the surface of a P-type silicon substrate 120, and is prepared by a CMOS process which has heretofore been known. First, an N+ region 122 is formed in a surface portion of the P-type silicon substrate 120, and an insulating region 123 for element separation is formed. A polysilicon layer 124 forming a gate region is deposited, and a metal layer 125 is formed on the N+ region 122 and the polysilicon layer 124. A conductive layer 126 and a plug conductor 128 are formed on the metal layer 125, and thereafter a dielectric material 127 is charged. A lower-layer wiring is constituted of a conductive metal layer 132 and a digit wire 133 surrounded with a high-permeability layer 131, buried in an etching stop layer 129 and a silicon dioxide layer 130, and flattened. A dielectric layer 134 is deposited in such a manner as to cover the digit wire 133 and the silicon dioxide layer 130, and a conductive layer 135 is deposited in such a manner as to cover the dielectric layer 134 and the conductive metal layer 132. The dielectric layer 134 is disposed between the digit wire 133 and the conductive layer 135 to electrically separate the wire from the layer. The dielectric layer 134 is partially etched in order to form a window 136 for use in electrically connecting the plug conductor 128 to the conductive layer 135 via the conductive metal layer 132 in the conductive metal layer 132. After forming the window 136, the conductive layer 135 is deposited in such a manner as to cover the dielectric layer 134 and the conductive metal layer 132 by a thickness of about 50 nm. The surface of the conductive layer 135 is flattened by the CMP or the like in order to form a magnetic memory element on the conductive layer 135 (FIG. 17).
Next, a plurality of magnetic memory element blanket layers or magnetic memory blanket layers for forming a magnetic memory element are deposited on the surface of the conductive layer 135 by one of a physical deposition process, a chemical deposition process, or an ion beam deposition process. Magnetic materials such as alloys of Ni, Fe and/or Co are used in a bottom magnetic layer 140 and an upper magnetic layer 142 constituting the magnetic memory element. On the other hand, materials such as Al2O3 and Cu are used in a nonmagnetic layer 141 disposed between the bottom magnetic layer 140 and the upper magnetic layer 142. The bottom magnetic layer 140 functions, for example, as a hard magnetic layer, the direction of the magnetization thereof is fixed, and the direction of the magnetization of the upper magnetic layer 142 is free. The nonmagnetic layer 141 is formed by the following method. An aluminum film is deposited to cover the bottom magnetic layer 140, and thereafter the aluminum film is oxidized by an oxidation source by an RF producing oxygen plasma. In another method, aluminum is deposited together with oxygen on the nonmagnetic layer 140, and thereafter an oxidation process is executed in a heated or non-heated oxygen atmosphere. The layers in the magnetic memory element are very thin, for example, the thickness of the magnetic layer is 0.3 to 20 nm, and the thickness of the nonmagnetic layer is 0.3 to 10 nm. Next, a masking layer 143 is deposited to cover the upper magnetic layer 142 (FIG. 18).
A mask pattern obtained by patterning this masking layer 143 is formed on the upper magnetic layer 142, and the dielectric layer 134 is etched using this pattern as a mask. The conductive layer 135 electrically connects the magnetic memory element to the transistor 121 via the plug conductor 128. The conductive layer 135 is separated from the digit wire 133 by the dielectric layer 134. Next, a new mask pattern is formed on the masking layer 143. Moreover, this is used as a mask, the masking layer 143 and the blanket layers 140 to 142 are etched using a reactive ion etching process, a plurality of magnetic memory elements 144 are electrically defined, and further a plurality of contact metal pads (or conductive wires) 145 are formed. Following the formation of the plurality of contact metal pads 145, a part of the upper magnetic layer 142 is changed into a material having dielectric characteristics using one of an oxidation process and a nitriding process. In further detail, a selected region of the upper magnetic layer 142 is changed into an insulating material to form an inactive portion 142b. In a process of changing the upper magnetic layer 142 into a dielectric insulator, the contact metal pads 145 function as masks. As a result, after oxidation or nitriding, a plurality of active regions 142a are defined, and a new insulating portion (inactive portion 142b) is disposed (FIG. 19). The oxidation or nitriding process is used to change exposed portions of the blanket layers 140 to 142, accordingly these portions are changed to insulating materials, and the portions are set to be inactive.
After completing the oxidation or the nitriding of the upper magnetic layer 142 for forming the magnetic memory elements or the cells 144 as shown, a dielectric layer 146 is deposited in such a manner as to cover the magnetic memory elements 144 and the inactive portion 142b of the upper magnetic layer 142. Next, an etching stop layer 147 is deposited on the dielectric layer 146, and further a silicon dioxide layer 148 is deposited on the etching stop layer 147. Next, a mask (not shown) is patterned and formed on the silicon dioxide layer 148, and a trench for forming a bit line 149 is formed. The silicon dioxide layer 148 is etched to the etching stop layer 147 in accordance with the mask, and a trench for burying the bit line 149 is formed. Next, a Permalloy layer 150 is deposited on the silicon dioxide layer 148 and in the trench. The Permalloy layer 150 is etched by anisotropic etching, the Permalloy layer 150 is left on the side wall of the trench, and the Permalloy layer 150 is also left on the silicon dioxide layer 148 and a bottom part of the trench. After forming the Permalloy layer 150, an electrically conductive layer constituting the bit line 149 is deposited on the surface of a conductive line (contact metal pad 145) via the Permalloy layer 150. That is, a metal such as Al, W, or Cu is charged into the trench in order to form the bit line 149. Next, an unnecessary material on the silicon dioxide layer 148 is removed, and the surfaces of the silicon dioxide layer 148 and the bit line 149 are polished into flat surfaces. Finally, a Permalloy layer 151 is deposited and patterned on the silicon dioxide layer 148 and the bit line 149 (FIGS. 20, 21). The Permalloy layers 150, 151 envelop the bit line 149, accordingly a magnetic field produced by a bit current in the bit line 149 is concentrated on the magnetic memory elements 144, and other magnetic memory elements are shielded to protect information therein.
An operation method using two system wirings and transistors is similar to the above-described method.
However, with the above-described conventional memory structure, it has been difficult to enlarge a capacity, a large writing current has been required, and it has been difficult to reduce power consumption. Reasons for this will be described hereinafter.
A current is passed through a wiring to produce the magnetic field in order to change a magnetized state of the TMR. A magnitude of the magnetic field is inversely proportional to a distance from the wiring. Therefore, the wiring is brought as close to the TMR as possible. In the lifting-off method, they can be approached, but miniaturization is difficult in this technique, and it is difficult to enlarge the capacity. In the method of making the via-hole, since the distance is increased by the thickness of the insulation film on the TMR, it is difficult to reduce a writing current. In the method of heading the TMR by the CMP, the upper electrode needs to be left in a certain thickness so that the TMR itself is not polished in consideration of fluctuation of a polishing amount in a wafer plane. Therefore, the wiring is distant from the TMR by the thickness, and it is difficult to reduce the write current. In the method shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, the distance between the wiring and the TMR is increased by the thickness of the contact metal pad 145, and it is difficult to reduce the write current. Although the dielectric layer 146 and the etching stop layer 147 are formed after forming the contact metal pad 145, in FIG. 20, these layers are removed only on the contact metal pad 145. In actual, it is presumed that methods such as CMP and etching after deposition of the dielectric layer 146, and CMP after deposition of the etching stop layer 147 are used. However, when the methods are used, the contact metal pad 145 needs to be formed in a sufficient thickness.
Thus, there has been a problem that it is difficult to increase the capacity and decrease power consumption in the conventional techniques.

Semiconductor storage device and production method therefor


A method for making an aluminum foil anode for an aluminum electrolytic capacitor. This invention also relates to an aluminum anode foil for use in an electrolytic capacitor as well as an aluminum electrolytic capacitor having increased capacitance and substantially uniform pore size distribution.

Aluminum electrolytic capacitors have several important commercial uses. For example, they are used: (a) for general purpose smoothing of signals (ripple current); (b) for energy storage in power supplies; (c) in pulse applications that release large bursts of energy in a short period of time (e.g., flash attachments for cameras, strobes and implantable defibrillators); and (d) specialty applications such as in starting motors for automobiles.
Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are typically fabricated from two strips of aluminum foil (99.99% purity), about 50 μm in thickness with a sheet of porous electrolytic paper interposed between them and wound in the form of a cylinder. One of the aluminum strips is coated with an aluminum oxide layer that acts as the dielectric on the anode. The surface of the other strip is maintained in the metallic state and functions as the cathode. The completed winding is inserted in an aluminum can where the porous paper is vacuum impregnated with the electrolyte (e.g. adipic acid, ammonium pentaborate or ethylene glycol/ammonia). After the capacitor has been sealed in the can, it is re-formed by subjecting it to a DC potential that is sufficient to repair any damage to the oxide layer created during fabrication. Patent application 20030223178, which is incorporated herein by reference teaches an aluminum electrolytic capacitor suitable for use in defibrillators.
The capacitance of an aluminum electrolytic capacitor can be determined from the following relationship:
  C  =            κ                                              ɛ        o                  A        d  where C is the capacitance, κ and ∈o are the dielectric constant and permittivity, respectively for alumina, A is the surface area of the anode and d is the thickness of the alumina layer. It is evident from inspection of this equation that most of the parameters are constant and that in order to increase capacitance, one must enhance the surface area of the anode.
The main approach to increasing the surface area of the anode is by electrochemical etching in a chloride solution with alternating or concurrent DC and AC currents. It has been found that by following this protocol it is possible to enhance the surface area of the aluminum foil by almost two orders of magnitude. Unfortunately, the electrochemical etching technique generates an undesirable wide pore size distribution and it is impossible to create the desired surface architecture to give the optimum capacitor performance. Ideally, one would like to produce a surface having pores of about 1 μm in diameter with a nearest neighbor spacing of about 10 μm. It is possible to achieve this goal by using laser or lithography/etching techniques, however, these tend to be very expensive approaches. There is therefore a need in the art for a method for producing aluminum electrolytic capacitors with an anode having increased capacitance and a substantially uniform pore size.

Aluminum electrolytic capacitor having an anode having a uniform array of micron-sized pores


A flexible sheet of material forms an integral airbag module housing enclosing an inflator and inflatable airbag, which cover also acts as a deployment chute guiding the deployment of the inflating airbag to the desired deployment location in a motor vehicle.

Side impact airbag modules have been provided in vehicles for protecting vehicle occupants in the event of a side oriented collision. Such side impact airbag modules have been installed in a variety of locations in the vehicle, including, for example, in the door, roof, A or B--pillars and also in the seats of the vehicle. When placed in seats of vehicles, such side airbag modules are generally anchored or secured to an internal structural member of the seat. Such seat mounted side airbag modules generally include a rigid plastic or an extruded or drawn or cast metal container-type housing which houses an inflator and an inflatable folded airbag cushion.
Typically, such rigid housing will have some type of deployment door which bursts open to permit deployment of the airbag out from the seat. While the airbag module is generally placed in a recess in the seat back, usually in a recess in the foam cushion portion of the seat back, the module cannot be located too close to the outer trim cover of the seat due to the hardness and rigidity of both the housing and its associated door since these can undesirably alter the smooth contour of the outer trim cover of the seat and also can produce hard or stiff areas that can cause discomfort to the seat occupant. However, when the airbag module is located in the recess in a location remote from the outer trim cover of the seat, deployment of the airbag through the desired deployment opening in the seat becomes problematic and unpredictable.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an integral housing or cover for a side airbag module that also acts as a deployment chute to consistently guide and direct the inflating airbag to the desired deployment location in the seat outer trim cover along a predetermined deployment path. A further object of this invention is to provide such a housing or cover for a seat mounted airbag module that is a unitary, single component cover that is easy to produce and is lightweight and is soft and flexible so as not to produce stiff points in the outer trim cover of the seat.

Integral cover-deployment chute for side airbag module


A theme is to prevent the generation of noise due to damage in a photodetecting portion in a mounting process in a photodiode array, a method of manufacturing the same, and a radiation detector. In a photodiode array, wherein a plurality of photodiodes (4) are formed in array form on a surface at a side of an n-type silicon substrate (3) onto which light to be detected is made incident and penetrating wirings (8), which pass through from the incidence surface side to the back surface side, are formed for the photodiodes (4), the photodiode array (1) is arranged with a transparent resin film (6), which covers the formed regions of the photodiodes (4) and transmits the light to be detected, provided at the incidence surface side.

Among photodiode arrays, there is known since priorly a front surface incidence type photodiode array, wherein output signals from the photodiode array are electrically connected to the back surface side by means of penetrating wirings (electrodes) that connect a light-incident surface side and a back surface side (see, for example, Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2001-318155). As shown in FIG. 17, with the photodiode array disclosed in this publication, wirings 152 are formed on a front surface of the photodiode array 144 to take out signals from the respective diffusion layers 151 where the photodiodes 144a, 144b, 144c, . . . 144n, which are the main bodies of a photoelectric conversion unit, are formed, and each wiring 152 is extended so as to be connected to the penetrating wiring 154 that passes through from the front to the back of the Si substrate 153. Also at the back surface side of each photodiode 144 is formed the bump 155, connected to the penetrating wiring 154, and the intervals between the Si substrate 153 and the wirings 152 and the penetrating wirings 154 are insulated by the insulating films 156a, 156b, and 156c, which are silicon oxide films.

Photodiode array, method for manufacturing same, and radiation detector


A system and method is provided for use in connection with delivering content that is targeted to users of a broadcast network. In order to select content that is targeted to users of the broadcast network, signals are received from a plurality of customer premise equipment devices (CPEs) of the network users via a broadcast network interface. Based on the received signals, broadcast assets (e.g., programming, advertisements etc.) are selected from a collection of available asset options. Accordingly, at least a portion of the selected assets are inserted into a content stream of the broadcast network. Once the content stream is broadcast over a broadcast network interface, at least a portion of the selected assets area available for receipt by at least a portion of the CPEs. The CPEs generate reports regarding assets delivered such that asset providers can be billed based on guaranteed targeted impressions.

In broadcast networks, content is made available to multiple users, typically in synchronous fashion, without being specifically addressed to individual user nodes in point-to-point fashion. Examples of broadcast networks include cable and satellite television networks, satellite radio networks, IP networks used for multicasting content and networks used for podcasts or telephony broadcasts/multicasts. Content may also be broadcast over the airwaves. Because content is broadcast in these networks, the network operator generally does not know (based on content transmissions) the size or composition of the audience for particular content.
For a number of reasons, it may be desired to estimate the size and composition of an audience on a content segment specific basis. This information may be of interest to programming content providers and network operators in understanding and evaluating their performance in providing a product of interest. More pragmatically, this information is of interest to asset providers such as advertisers who provide assets for dissemination via the broadcast network, typically on a paid basis. Such asset providers generally contract with programming providers or network operators for dissemination of assets with payment based on the size and composition of the expected audience. Accordingly, audience measurement information is important in instilling confidence among asset providers that they will receive sufficient return on their investments and in verifying that billing rates are appropriate.
A number of different audience measurement techniques have been employed including audience surveys and monitoring sample groups. For example, telephone surveys may be conducted in which network users are identified and questioned regarding broadcast network usage. However, this is labor intensive, intrusive with respect to the network users and requires considerable surveying expertise to obtain information that reliably represents usage patterns of the wider audience. Moreover, while users' recollections concerning general usage patterns may tend to be reasonably accurate, recollections regarding particular content segments on particular occasions are questionable.
Monitoring of sampling groups generally involves placing monitoring dedicated equipment at the premises of network users to eavesdrop on broadcast network usage by the user household and reporting that information back to a monitoring system. For example, in the context of television networks including cable television networks, ratings information is generated by the Nielsen Media Research Corporation. In on implementation, Nielsen system involves receiving information regarding which programs were viewed by each household of a sampling group and correlating that information to known demographic information for that household. This information is then used to generate overall ratings for programs as well as ratings with respect to individual demographics groups. That information forms the basis of pricing for advertising contracts for particular advertising time slots associated with particular programs.

Asset delivery reporting in a broadcast network


A computed tomography system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector aligned with the x-ray source, a processor coupled to the x-ray detector, and a display for displaying reconstructed images. The processor is programmed to perform at least one of: generating a partially reconstructed image for display on the display; dynamically reformatting images for display on the display; communicating the partially reconstructed image, the reformatted images, or data associated with the system to a remote facility.

The present invention relates generally to the field of medical diagnostic systems, such as imaging systems. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and technique for enhancing the display of images during CT fluoroscopy scans.
In at least one known CT system configuration, an x-ray source projects a fan-shaped beam which is collimated to lie within an X-Y plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, generally referred to as the xe2x80x9cimaging planexe2x80x9d. The x-ray beam passes through the object being imaged, such as a patient. The beam, after being attenuated by the object, impinges upon an array of radiation detectors. The intensity of the attenuated beam radiation received at the detector array is dependent upon the attenuation of the x-ray beam by the object. Each detector element of the array produces a separate electrical signal that is a measurement of the beam attenuation at the detector location. The attenuation measurements from all the detectors are acquired separately to produce a transmission profile.
In known third generation CT systems, the x-ray source and the detector array are rotated with a gantry within the imaging plane and around the object to be imaged so that the angle at which the x-ray beam intersects the object constantly changes. A group of x-ray attenuation measurements, i.e., projection data, from the detector array at one gantry angle is referred to as a xe2x80x9cviewxe2x80x9d. A xe2x80x9cscanxe2x80x9d of the object comprises a set of views made at different gantry angles during one revolution of the x-ray source and detector. In an axial scan, the projection data is processed to construct an image that corresponds to a two dimensional slice taken through the object.
One method for reconstructing an image from a set of projection data is referred to in the art as the filtered back projection technique. This process converts the attenuation measurements from a scan into integers called xe2x80x9cCT numbersxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cHounsfield unitsxe2x80x9d, which are used to control the brightness of a corresponding pixel on a cathode ray tube display.
To reduce the total scan time required for multiple slices, a xe2x80x9chelicalxe2x80x9d scan may be performed. To perform a xe2x80x9chelicalxe2x80x9d scan, the patient is moved in the z-axis synchronously with the rotation of the gantry, while the data for the prescribed number of slices is acquired. Such a system generates a single helix from a fan beam helical scan. The helix mapped out by the fan beam yields projection data from which images in each prescribed slice may be reconstructed. In addition to reduced scanning time, helical scanning provides other advantages such as better control of contrast, improved image reconstruction at arbitrary locations, and better three-dimensional images.
In CT fluoroscopic systems (xe2x80x9cCT Fluoroxe2x80x9d), sequential frames of images are generated to help, for example, in guiding a needle to a desired location within a patient. A frame, like a view, corresponds to a two dimensional slice taken through the imaged object. Particularly, projection data is processed at a high frame rate to construct an image frame of the object.
With known CT Fluoro systems, the general objective is to provide the physician with as much useful information as quickly as possible to guide the procedure. For example, one important parameter in CT Fluoro systems in the xe2x80x9ctime to first imagexe2x80x9d, i.e., the lag time between x-ray turned on and the first frame. Reducing the time to the first image provides the operator with a better sense of the situation. In addition, the information should be displayed and retrievable in a format definable by the physician.
It would be desirable to improve CT support for interventional procedures. Particularly, it would be desirable to acquire data, reconstruct such data and display an image for such data quickly enough to guide an interventional procedure. It also would be desirable to improve the image display for interventional procedures.
Solutions to the problems described above have not heretofore included significant remote capabilities. Thus, there is a need for a medical diagnostic system which provides for the advantages of remote services and addresses the problems described above. In particular, there is a need for remote upgrades, remote diagnostics, remote servicing, remote viewing, remote file storage, remote control, and remote adjustments to the reformatting and reconstruction methods, parameters, or functions. Furthermore, there is a need for contractual arrangements, such as, per use licenses which lease the medical diagnostic equipment based on use. Additionally, remote services include expert on-line assistance for image scanning techniques, image analysis, pathology detection, imaging unit maintenance, and other expert-aided operations.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a computed tomography system including an x-ray source, an x-ray detector aligned with said x-ray source, a processor coupled to said x-ray detector, and a display for displaying reconstructed images. The processor is programmed to perform at least one of: generating a partially reconstructed image for display on said display; dynamically reformatting images for display on said display; and communicating the partially reconstructed image, the reformatted images, or data associated with the system to a remote facility. The remote facility provides remote services.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a computed tomography system including an x-ray source, an x-ray detector aligned with said x-ray source, a processor coupled to said x-ray detector, and a display for displaying reconstructed images. The processor is configured to generate a partially reconstructed image for display on said display, to weight data to provide a smooth transition from a first image to a next image, and to communicate the partially reconstructed image or data associated with the system to a remote facility. The remote facility provides remote services.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a computed tomography system including an x-ray source, an x-ray detector aligned with said x-ray source, a processor coupled to said x-ray detector, and a display for displaying reconstructed images. The processor is configured to dynamically reformat images for display on said display and to communicate the reformatted images or data associated with the system to a remote facility. The remote facility provides remote services.
Other principle features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

Apparatus and methods for displaying computed tomography fluoroscopy images including data transfer provided over a network

GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC


Devices, kits, and methods for selectively and alternately isolating one of a pair of bronchi or lungs are provided. A main body has proximal and distal ends defining a lumen, a side port and opening formed near the distal end. An insert having first and second ends, and an aperture located near the second end, is configured to have the second end placed in the main body lumen. The insert aperture permits passageway to at least one of the main body side port or distal opening, while an exchangeable insert permits passageway to the other main body side port or opening, or optionally one insert moves between first and second positions to selectively and alternately permit passageway to the one or other main body side port or opening. Kits and methods are provided for selectively and alternately isolating one of a pair of bronchi or lungs.

Animals require a supply of oxygen for cellular respiration, and they must expel carbon dioxide, the waste product of this process. As such, a major function of the circulatory system is to transport and exchange gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide between respiratory organs and other parts of the body.
Most land animals have respiratory organs (a pair of lungs in humans) folded within their body and restricted to a location within a thoracic cavity, also known as the chest wall, where they are protected by the thoracic vertebra. Because the pair of lungs is not in direct contact with the oxygen in the environment, a structure is needed to bring oxygen to the respiratory surface of the lungs and carry carbon dioxide away from the lungs. The structure here includes the mouth and the nose (the pharynx and the nasal cavity, respectively) where air is inhaled, passes through the larynx, and down the trachea commonly referred to as the windpipe.
The trachea is a cartilaginous and membranous tube for carrying gases such as air (hence the name windpipe). It is nearly but not exactly cylindrical, as it is somewhat flattened dorsally while being rounded ventrally. Approximately at the fifth thoracic vertebra, the trachea divides into a pair of bronchi, the right bronchus and the left bronchus corresponding and leading to the right and left lungs, respectively.
The right bronchus is wider, shorter, and less abrupt in its divergence (i.e., more of a straight shot) from the trachea than the left bronchus. The right bronchus gives rise to three subsidiary bronchi: the superior (upper), middle, and inferior (lower) lobes. The left bronchus gives rise to superior and inferior lobes. Each of the lobes of the right and left bronchi divides into still yet further branches. In contrast to the right bronchus, the left bronchus is smaller in diameter but about twice as long as the right, and it has a more abrupt divergence (is more offset) from the longitudinal axis of the trachea.
During lung surgery or other health care procedures, it may be desirable at times for the health care professional to isolate one of the pair of lungs. Here, "isolate" includes but is not limited to any of the following, similar, or related techniques with any one of the pair of bronchi or lungs: intubating, occluding, deflating/collapsing, suctioning, anesthetizing, ventilating, and reinflating. For illustrative purposes only, and not by way of limitation or exclusion, a few medical procedures where health care professionals may be called on to isolate one of the lungs might occur during lung biopsy, pulmonary resection, pneumonectomy, thoracotomy, pulmonary hemorrhage, hemoptysis, bronchopleural fistula, postoperative dehiscence of a mainstem bronchial stump, non-pulmonary thoracic aortic and esophageal surgery, lobectomy, bronchial surgery, and lung transplantation.
For instance, physicians may desire to anesthetize or stop ventilation to the lung that is about to undergo operation, diagnosis, or therapy. Furthermore, physicians may desire to suction either lung in the event of any collection and secretion of bodily fluids, when, for instance, hemorrhage occurs as one example. Additionally, physicians may resuscitate the anesthetized or non-ventilated lung. While the isolated lung undergoes medical procedures, the uninvolved lung is ventilated with oxygen for the patient.
A number of devices have been developed to facilitate lung isolating techniques, including endobronchial tubes, bronchial blockers, and double-lumen tubes. However, present devices and procedures might require a scope for guiding and placing the device. Also, these devices and procedures may be time consuming, difficult to position, require a balloon to be placed carefully in the opening to a bronchus or careful positioning of a slot, resulting in malposition or migration into the trachea, require repositioning as the operator alternates procedures between lungs, and may have a large overall outer diameter. In addition, these devices may require removal of the device or withdrawal of a component of the device from one bronchus to the other bronchus so as to selectively and alternately isolate bronchi or lungs.
Through the present devices, kits, and methods, isolating techniques such as intubating, occluding, deflating/collapsing, suctioning, anesthetizing, ventilating, and reinflating, and the like can be performed. Also, the devices of the present invention can be placed without the need for a scope. In addition, the present invention is easier to position, which saves time for the patient and health care professional. The smaller outer diameter is easier to place and better tolerated by the patient than the double lumen devices. Furthermore, the device goes into one bronchus, such as the left bronchus because it is easier for placing devices than the right, or either bronchus. Blocking of either bronchus is easier with the present device. By exchanging inner cannulas (or rotating/turning an inner member), isolation of either lung selectively and alternately can be achieved without repositioning the device between the bronchi or removal of the device from the patient. Also, swapping inner cannulas (or rotating/turning the inner member) is easier than positioning a balloon to occlude a bronchus.
Therefore, it is desirable to have devices, kits, and methods of isolating lungs or bronchi as taught herein.

Medical devices and methods of selectively and alternately isolating bronchi or lungs


A belt tension adjustment apparatus for vehicles, including a rotational shaft of a rotor; a first coupling pin and a second coupling pin protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotational shaft; an outer pulley penetrating the rotational shaft and having a first coupling part extending toward a front direction, the first coupling part enclosing the rotational shaft and having a first slit penetrating at a point corresponding to the first coupling pin, and the first slit having an arc shape convex in the front direction. An inner pulley is disposed between the rotor and the outer pulley, to penetrate the rotational shaft, and has a second coupling part extending in a rear direction. The second coupling part encloses the rotational shaft and has a second slit penetrating at a point corresponding to the second coupling pin. The second slit has an arc shape convex in the rear direction.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a belt tension adjustment apparatus for vehicles, and more particularly, to a belt tension adjustment apparatus for vehicles providing varied tension to a belt according to situation.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to deliver rotation power generated from a driving motor which is generally a rotor, various methods are used. As one of these methods, a method using belt pulley has a simple functional configuration and easily adjusts the distance in which the rotation power is delivered, is widely used.
Here, although the rotor may be applied to several parts coupled to an engine of a vehicle, the example of a hybrid starter generator (HSG) used in a hybrid vehicle will be shown and described.
Since the HSG, which is the rotor has relatively greater power, the HSG requires a strong belt tension to prevent sliding of the belt. However, in the case in which the belt tension is substantial, a considerable load is imposed on a cooperating bearing or the like and acts as a rotational resistance, thereby degrading fuel efficiency and decreasing durability.
Therefore, in order to adjust tension acting on the belt, if necessary, Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2005-002014 A entitled "Variable Voltage Alternator" discloses a variable voltage alternator including a rotation shaft; a pair of symmetrical bodies having shafts fixed to the rotation shaft and formed to be adjusted at a predetermined interval in a horizontal direction; a pulley installed on symmetrical surfaces formed so that the respective bodies face each other and are configured by a variable unit included to allow an interval between the respective bodies contract or expand according to rotation speed to thereby enable a V belt supported by a V type groove of an external diameter to be vertically moved along an inclined surface of the V type groove.
FIG. 1 is a view showing a belt tension adjustment apparatus for vehicles according to the related art. Here, an electro-mechanical tensioner (E-tensioner) 20 by varying tension according to power of the HSG 10 to improve the fuel efficiency and durability of a belt 80 is installed. However, due to several apparatus such as a motor controller and the like, cost may be expensive and configuration complex.
Therefore, a belt tension adjustment apparatus for vehicles having a simple configuration, improved fuel efficiency, and low cost while being able to adjust tension applied to the belt is desired.
The subject matter described as the related art has been provided only for assisting in the understanding for the background of the present invention and should not be considered as corresponding to the related art known to those skilled in the art.

Belt tension adjustment apparatus for vehicles


A compositions-of-matter in the form of HIPE-templated hydrogels, comprising a crosslinked polymer of zwitterionic monomers, which exhibit unusual antipolyelectrolyte characteristics, dual pH-, and temperature-responsiveness, as well as processes of obtaining the same and using the same.

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to composite polymeric materials and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to zwitterionic hydrogels in the form of a polyHIPE, process of preparation and uses thereof.
Zwitterionic polymers, also referred to as polyzwitterions, are specialty polymers with low production volumes so far. Although known at least since the late 1950s, they were considered to be rather exotic compounds. They found a certain interest as ionomers, used in fibers due to strong interactions with charged dye stuffs, and as rheology modifiers in aqueous solutions, due to their high tolerance of highly saline environments. A continuously increasing interest in polyzwitterions began in the 1980s, when they were recognized to be analogs of important biological structures, such as the phospholipids that are the major constituents of cell membranes. Apart from certain alkaloids and hormones such as trigonelline or homarine, other important zwitterionic biological structures are compatible solutes, which are crucial for the osmotic regulation of organisms, such as ectoine or betaine. As a pars pro toto, the name of the latter compound is even frequently used synonymously for polyzwitterions, namely polybetaines.
Zwitterionic hydrogels, hydrogels containing both positive and negative charges on a same pendent group, have drawn considerable attention owing to their widespread practical application including wound dressings, drug delivery, supercapacitors and acid-resistant reactors, wherein the uptake of aqueous solutions, one of the fundamental and principal properties of hydrogels, is essential. The presence of both positive and negative charges on the same repeat unit endows zwitterionic hydrogels with "anti-electrolyte" behavior, behavior which enables them to absorb large amounts of highly concentrated electrolytic solutions. The presence of both positive and negative ionic groups allows zwitterionic hydrogels to interact with the H+ cations at low pH or with the OH− anions at high pH, making their uptakes highly pH-responsive. The strengths of the intramolecular and intermolecular interactions are influenced by the temperature in zwitterionic hydrogels and can enable temperature-responsive water uptakes.
Despite these advantages, the fabrication of zwitterionic hydrogels with high magnitudes of response and high rates of response remains a challenge. Conventional methods for tuning the properties of zwitterionic hydrogels are based on the copolymerization of different comonomers, the synthesis of new zwitterionic monomers, and the formation of novel physical or chemical networks.
PolyHIPEs (PHs) are emulsion-templated macroporous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), emulsions containing over 74 vol % dispersed internal phase. The original development of PHs focused upon hydrophobic, crosslinked, amorphous, highly interconnected porous polymers that were templated within the external phases of water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions. Recent work, however, has shown that emulsion templating can be used to synthesize a wide variety of materials systems whose polymerization chemistries, macromolecular structures, and properties are quite different. These very different PH systems include step-growth polymers, semi-crystalline polymers, interpenetrating polymer networks, organic-inorganic hybrids, and closed-cell encapsulating elastomers. Hydrophilic PHs can be generated through the surface functionalization of hydrophobic PHs or through the synthesis of hydrophobic-hydrophilic bicontinuous PHs.
Hydrogel polyHIPEs (HG-PHs), usually generated within oil-in-water (o/w) HIPEs, are of interest for a large number of practical applications ranging from absorption, controlled release, tissue engineering, and enhancing water efficiency in fighting fires. The presence of the highly interconnected, highly porous structure significantly enhances the mechanical properties, the water uptake, and the mass transfer. HG-PHs have been fabricated from non-ionic monomers (including 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, acrylamide, N-isopropyl acrylamide, 1-vinyl-5-aminotetrazole, 2-[3-(6-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-yl) ureido]ethyl methacrylate, functionalized glycidyl methacrylate, functionalized biopolymer, and a urea-based deep eutectic) and ionic monomers (including styrene sulfonate, methacrylic acid, sodium acrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride), with recent work reporting HG-PH copolymers with pH-responsive uptakes. The uptakes in HG-PHs were demonstrated to be significantly enhanced by a hydrogel-swelling-driven void expansion mechanism.
Additional prior art documents include "Polymerized Pickering HIPEs: effects of synthesis parameters on porous structure" [Gurevitch, I.; Silverstein, M. S., J. Polym. Sci. A: Polym. Chem., 2010, 48, 1516-1525], "One-Pot Synthesis of Elastomeric Monoliths Filled with Individually Encapsulated Liquid Droplets" [Gurevitch, I. and Silverstein, M. S., Macromolecules, 2012, 45(16), pp. 6450-6456], "Emulsion-templated porous polymers: A retrospective perspective" [Silverstein, M. S., Polymer, 2014, 55(1), pp. 304-320], "Emulsion-templated polymers: Contemporary contemplations" [Silverstein, M. S., Polymer, 2017, 126(22), pp. 261-282], Israel Patent Application No. 247302, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,668,916 and 9,062,245, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20090215913 and 20030097103.

HIPE-templated zwitterionic hydrogels, process of preparation and uses thereof

Technion Research & Development Foundation Limited


A rate based model predictive controller for air path control for a diesel engine regulates turbine lift and EGR valve flow rate to specified set points by coordinated control of intake manifold air pressure and EGR valve flow rate. The controller utilizes a rate-based reduced order linear model for model predictive control.

The present description relates, in general, to methods and controls for internal combustion engines and, more particularly, to methods for controlling diesel engines.
Modern diesel engines uses variable geometry turbines (VGT) to increase the amount of air supplied to the engine cylinders. The VGT varies the angle of the turbine stator inlet vanes to change the amount of air supplied to the engine cylinders.
In addition to providing optimum performance and fuel economy, modern diesel engines must also meet stringent federal regulations on emissions, particularly, particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. In order to meet all of these requirements, diesel engines with a VGT also use an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve that has a variable controlled position to recirculate varying amounts of engine exhaust gases back into the engine cylinders for more complete combustion and reduced engine emissions.
As the engine operates over a large range of operating conditions, including engine speed, fuel usage, engine load, etc., one and typically multiple controllers are embedded in the engine control unit (ECU) to control various engine actuators in response to sensors detecting engine performance in order to optimize engine performance, emissions, etc,.
The use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) is growing for engine control. A standard MPC approach incorporates integral type action to guarantee zero state-to-state error that adds additional integral states to the predictive control model. The MPC model uses a number of different engine operating ranges (fuel rate and engine speed), and develops a controller for each range to control the engine actuators.
In a specific example of model predictive control applied to diesel engine airflow, the flows in the engine are controlled using the variable geometry turbine (VGT), EGR throttle, and an EGR valve actuator. These systems are strongly coupled and are highly, non-linear.
However, prior applications of model predictive controllers to internal combustion engines and, in particular to diesel engines have utilized multiple operating ranges of engine performance, each of which has required a separate predictive controller. Further, each predictive controller uses integral type action that presents problems with overshoot restraints of controlled engine variables.
It would be desirable to provide model predictive controller for use with an internal combustion engine, which has a minimal number of operating ranges for reduced computation time, and memory storage requirements, while at the same time providing zero state-to-state tracking error of engine controlled performance variables.

Rate-based model predictive control method for internal combustion engine air path control

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

The Regents of the University of Michigan


A method for managing a defect in an optical disk employed in a recording/reproducing apparatus. The optical disk includes a data area and a preliminary area. Further, the data area includes sectors for storing data and the preliminary area includes alternate sectors for defective sectors occurring after initialization of the optical disk. In the optical disk, physical addresses are assigned to all of the sectors of the data area and the preliminary area in an ascending order. In contrast, logical addresses are assigned to the sectors in an ascending order skipping the defective sectors detected at the time of the initialization and the sectors of the preliminary area. The method for managing a defect in an optical disk comprises the steps of constructing a table in which a cumulative number of defective sectors detected at the time of the initialization of the optical disk and being present between a starting physical address of the optical disk and a sector subsequent to a defective sector is used as the logical address of the sector subsequent to the defective sector and of converting the logical address of a sector into the physical address thereof by using the table. Thereby even when a defective sector occurs in the optical disk, the logical address of a sector can easily be converted into the physical address thereof.

1. Field of The Invention
This invention relates to a method for managing a defect in a storage medium (for example, an optical disk (or optical disc)), by which a logical addres is converted into a physical address when the defect occurs in the storage medium.
2. Description of The Related Art
Generally, a storage region in a storage medium such as an optical disk is composed of a user area to be used by an user of a host system, a spare area (or preliminary area) to be used instead of a defective sector other than an initially defective sector which has already been defective at the time of forwarding the storage medium (e.g., an optical disk) and a management area to be used for managing information to be stored in an alternate area. Further, there are the following conventional methods for managing defects in a storage medium: Sector slipping Defect Management method (hereunder abbreviated as SDM); and Linear replacement Defect Management method (hereunder abbreviated as LDM).
SDM is a method for removing a defective sector from an optical disk before a user uses the storage medium for the first time. With this method, logical addresses to be used for accessing the optical disk by the host system are assigned to track numbers of tracks and sector numbers of sectors physically managed in the optical disk other than defective sectors determined by Certification and spare sectors (i.e., preliminary sectors). Incidentally, Certification is an operation of detecting initially defective sectors and correcting defective areas by performing a deletion operation, a write operation and a verification operation on all storage areas of an optical disk.
LDM is a method for removing a defective sector from an optical disk when the defective sector occurs therein after SDM has been performed thereon.
Hereinafter, an example of a defect management operation effected by applying LDM to an optical disk will be described by FIGS. 14 and 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate algorithms for managing a defect in what is called a full-RAM optical disk which is erasable and re-writable and is now under discussion in International Standardization Organization (ISO). FIG. 14 shows a state of a storage region of an optical disk on which SDM is of a storage region of an optical disk on which SDM is performed.
In FIG. 14, each reference numeral (i.e., 0, 1, . . . or 177) corresponding to a combination of a physical track number (hereunder sometimes referred to as a physical track address) and a physical sector number (hereunder sometimes referred to as a physical sector address) indicates a logical number (hereunder sometimes referred to as a logical address) assigned to a location of a storage region. For instance, a logical address 25 is indicated at and assigned to a location corresponding to the combination of a physical track address 2 and a physical sector address 1. As is seen from this figure, no logical address is assigned to a a defective sector which is represented by St. Andrew's cross x (for example, a sector indicated by the combination of a physical track address 2 and a physical sector address 2), a logical address is assigned to the next sector (namely, a logical address 26 is assigned to a sector indicated by the combination of a physical track address 2 and a physical sector address 3 which is next to this defective sector in the example).
FIG. 15 illustrates a state of an optical disk on which LDM is performed. As is shown in FIG. 15, data to be written to a sector R1 corresponding to the combination of a physical track address 5 and a physical track address, which becomes defective after SDM is performed, is stored in a sector corresponding to a physical track address (hereunder sometimes referred to simply as a track address) 8 and a physical sector address (hereunder sometimes referred to simply as a sector address) 0 of a spare area together with a logical address 65. This results in that when a sector having the logical address 65 is accessed by a host computer or system, the sector indicated by the combination of the track address 8 and the sector 0 is practically accessed. Further, when an alternate sector for a defective sector R2 indicated by the combination of the track address 7 and the sector address 7 is allotted to a sector of a spare area, a defective sector corresponding to a track address 8 and a sector address 1 is not used as the alternate sector and a logical address 89 is assigned to the next sector corresponding to the track address 8 and the sector address 2.
It is necessary for effecting such a defect management method to convert a logical number (i.e., a logical address) into a physical number (i.e., a physical address). Therefore, in case of performing SDM in a conventional device, a defect area table as illustrated in FIG. 16 is used for conversion of logical addresses into physical addresses. Further, in case of performing LDM in a conventional device, a replacement table as illustrated in FIG. 17 is used for conversion of logical addresses into physical addresses.
FIG. 16 illustrates the defect area table in which physical addresses of defect sectors detected at the time of initialization of an optical disk are arranged in ascending order thereof. FIG. 17 shows the replacement table in which physical addresses of defect sectors detected at the time of initialization of an optical disk, as well as physical addresses of alternate sectors of a spare area for these defect sectors, are arranged in ascending order thereof. When converting logical addresses into physical addresses by using these tables, comparison of each of physical addresses (i.e., serial numbers respectively assigned to sectors arranged from left to right and from top to bottom in cases of FIGS. 14 and 15) of defective sectors recorded in the defect area table with a given logical address is started from Row or Cell 1 of the defect area table. Thus it is detected or determined how many defect sectors of which the physical addresses are less than the given logical address are present. Then, a physical address corresponding to the given logical address is calculated by adding the determined number of the defective sectors to the given logical address. Simultaneously, the replacement table is retrieved, considering whether or not a sector corresponding to the calculated physical address is replaced with an alternate sector.
In case of read and write operations of a conventional device employing such a conversion method, when a starting logical address and a transmission block number (i.e., the number of blocks to be transmitted) are given, there is the necessity of performing the above described conversion within the range of the number of blocks to be transmitted (hereunder sometimes referred to as transmission blocks). Moreover, in case where user areas are divided into zones, the number of spare areas contained in each zone and defects contained in each spare area should be taken into consideration. Consequently, the process of the conversion becomes very complex.
The present invention is accomplished to eliminate the above described drawbacks of the prior art.
It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a method for managing a defect in a storage medium, which can easily convert a logical address into a physical address.

Method for managing a defect in an optical disk by assigning logical addresses based upon cumulative number of defects in the disk

Matsushita Graphic Communication System, Inc.


A digital wireless telecommunication device for reduced interference with hearing aids includes an assistive listening device detector. The assistive listening device detector identifies the presence of different types of assistive listening device signals. In response to such a signal, the assistive listening device detector generates a reduced interference demand signal. Reduced interference digital wireless telecommunication output signals are generated in response to the reduced interference demand signal. The reduced interference digital wireless telecommunication output signals are typically in the form of full rate transmitter output signals. A variety of techniques are disclosed to produce the full rate transmitter output signals. The reduced interference digital wireless telecommunication output signals minimize disruptions to hearing aids in the vicinity of the digital wireless telecommunication device.

Wireless telecommunication systems utilize analog and digital transmission techniques. The use of digital methods offers several advantages over analog methods, including: increased immunity to channel noise and interference, flexible operation of the system, common format for the transmission of different kinds of message signals, improved security of communication through the use of encryption, and increased capacity. In view of these advantages, digital transmission techniques are growing in popularity.
The growing prevalence of digital wireless telecommunication devices such as telephones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, and other wireless devices is resulting in difficulties for individuals that use hearing aids. When an individual with a hearing aid uses or is close to another individual using a digital wireless telecommunication device, the hearing aid picks up and amplifies the digital signals associated with the device. For example, the hearing aid may pick-up the amplitude modulation inherent in the on-off gated transmitter output signals produced by a wireless telephone using the time division multiple access (TDMA) standard. In a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, transmitter output signals are gated on-off as a function of voice activity. In either system, the gating of the transmitter output signals causes the hearing aid to produce annoying interference in the form of a low frequency buzz accompanied by harmonics and inter-modulation. In some hearing aids, the problem cannot even be eliminated by turning down the volume control. Thus, there are ongoing efforts to reduce the impact that digital wireless telecommunication devices have on individuals using hearing aids.
The difficulties that individuals with hearing aids have experienced as a result of the emerging prevalence of digital wireless telecommunication devices is somewhat offset by the development of Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs). ALDs are designed to reduce the ill-effects of noise, distance, and reverberation on hearing. ALDs consist of a transmitter that is used in a large room or building and a group of receivers that are held by individuals. Typically, the receivers can be connected to a hearing aid to improve sound reception.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specified conditions wherein ALDs are to be used. Businesses are currently installing ALDs to comply with the ADA. In addition, many consumers are purchasing personal ALDs for their homes and offices. Also, more and more organizations, such as churches, that are not covered by the ADA, are still responding to the needs of their constituents by installing ALD technology. ALDs are implemented in a number of ways. Presently, frequency modulation, infrared, and audio induction technologies are prevalent.
Since ALDs are commonly installed in locations where there are a relatively large number of individuals wearing hearing aids, the problem of interference caused by digital wireless telecommunication devices is especially problematic in these locations. Consequently, it would be highly desirable to develop a technique, operative in the presence of assistive listening devices, that reduces hearing aid interference caused by digital wireless telecommunication devices.

Digital wireless telecommunication device for reduced interference with hearing aids


In a message notification apparatus, message-type information defining one or more types of messages of which an operator is to be notified, and notification-manner information defining at least one manner in which the operator is to be notified of reception of each of the one or more types of messages are defined and stored. The message notification apparatus receives user-situation information indicating a situation of the operator. When the message notification apparatus receives a message, the message is compared with the one or more types of messages, and at least one notification manner is determined based on the notification-manner information and the user-situation information when the message is one of the one or more types of messages. Then, the message notification apparatus notifies the operator of reception of the message in the at least one notification manner.

1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a message notification apparatus for notifying an operator of reception of a message which contains information obtained by monitoring a system. For example, the monitored system is a multiserver system in which a plurality of computers operate.
2) Description of the Related Art
In the conventional multiserver systems in which a plurality of servers are used for a business, a management server which manages the plurality of servers are provided for managing messages indicating status of usage, operating status, work load, intervention events, and the like in a centralized manner. The messages are collected by the management server and displayed on a screen of a client (computer) in chronological order, where the client is connected to the management server. The client user of the above client is an operator or a system administrator of the multiserver system.
Conventionally, the client user is required to continuously monitor the screen of the client so that the client user can immediately address a problem when the problem is indicated on the screen. Therefore, the client user cannot leave the seat and do jobs other than the monitoring of the screen of the client. Even when the client user is present at the client, the client user may not notice or may overlook the messages displayed on the screen of the client. Thus, the system monitoring work imposes heavy load on the operator or system administrator.

Apparatus for notifying a system administrator or an operator of reception of a message containing monitored information in a manner selected according to user situation


An automatic focusing apparatus comprises a stage holding a substrate, an objective lens disposed facing the substrate surface, an illumination optics illuminating the substrate surface with a spotted light beam from an oblique direction, a photodetector detecting reflected light from the substrate surface, a position detection circuit detecting a vertical position of the substrate surface from an electric signal obtained from the photodetector to output a position signal, a correction circuit monitoring the position signal in real time and subtracting a surplus exceeding a signal change corresponding to a surface shape change of the substrate from the position signal, when a change amount per unit time of the position signal exceeds a predetermined level and outputting a corrected position signal, and a stage control circuit controlling the vertical position of the stage based on the corrected position signal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an automatic focusing apparatus for use in a semiconductor lithography system, a semiconductor inspection system and the like, and particularly to an automatic focusing apparatus for focusing an objective lens on the surface of substrates to be inspected, such as a semiconductor substrate or a glass substrate.
2. Description of the Related Art
A resolution which is equal to or less than a circuit pattern size is required in optical systems such as a lithography system which transfers a circuit pattern onto a semiconductor substrate, and a defect inspection system which inspects a pattern of a semiconductor integrated circuit. In an optical apparatus in which a light source in a range of visible light to ultraviolet light is used, in order to increase the resolution, in general, it is necessary to shorten a light source wavelength or to increase a lens numerical aperture (N/A). However, since a depth of focus of the optical system is proportional to the light source wavelength, and is inversely proportional to a square of NA, a short-wavelength/high-NA optical system has a problem that the depth of focus is small. Therefore, an automatic focusing apparatus is indispensable which keeps a distance between substrates to be inspected such as a semiconductor substrate and an objective lens to be constant, and enhancement of precision of the automatic focusing apparatus is required.
As a conventional automatic focusing apparatus, there is an oblique light incident method disclosed, for example, in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 6-102011. In this method, the surface of the substrate is irradiated with light from an oblique direction, a reflected light from the substrate is detected by a photosensor, and a detection output of the photosensor is converted to positional deviation information of a vertical direction to measure a vertical position. Moreover, when a measurement signal is fed back to a control circuit of a stage, a relative distance between the substrate and a main optical system can be maintained with high precision.
Moreover, as another method, there is a double pinhole method described in Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 5-297262. In this method, the light reflected by the surface of the substrate is converged by a lens, and is also branched into two light paths by a beam splitter, a pinhole and a photosensor are disposed before a focal point of the lens in a first light path, the pinhole and photosensor are disposed after the focal point of the lens in a second light path, and an electric difference/sum of signals obtained by the two photosensors is calculated. Accordingly, the position of the substrate surface in the vertical direction can be measured.
However, in this type of automatic focusing apparatus, there is a possibility that the following problem is generated. That is, when the vertical position of the surface of the substrate is detected while moving a stage including a substrate laid on the stage in a horizontal direction, a steep change exceeding a change of an original surface shape of the substrate is caused.
With respect to this problem, the present inventors have found that a phenomenon in which a reflection spot position of reflected light shifts with respect to a fine pattern having a line width of the same degree as that of a light source wavelength, when an incident angle θ between a pattern surface and incidence light exceeds a certain value. This is caused by resonance, which occurs when a spatial period of a pattern and an incident angle and a wavelength satisfy a specific relation. The shifting of the reflection spot is regarded as movement of a focal position in a photosensor plane. Therefore, an output of a position detection circuit changes in proportion to a movement amount of a spot position, and a large error is made when the vertical position of the substrate surface is measured.
When a light beam is incident upon a fine pattern on the substrate having the same degree of line width as that of the light source wavelength in the conventional automatic focusing apparatus in this manner, the spot position of the reflected light changes, and accordingly there has been a problem that a measurement error is generated.
Therefore, there has been a demand for realization of an automatic focusing apparatus capable of suppressing the measurement error caused by the spot position change of the reflected light and capable of enhancing reliability of focusing, when the light beam is incident upon the fine pattern having the same degree of line width as that of the light source wavelength of the substrate.


A mobile communication system using an Enhanced Uplink Dedicated transport Channel (EUDCH) for uplink data transmission, wherein a user equipment (UE) receives cell group information from a radio network controller (RNC), and soft-combines scheduling signals or acknowledge/negative-acknowledge (ACK/NACK) signals received from cells belonging to the same cell group according to the cell group information, thereby improving detection performance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for efficiently transmitting/receiving scheduling information in a mobile communication system supporting an uplink packet data service. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing soft combining on scheduling signals or ACK/NACK signals received from a plurality of cells in the case where a user equipment (UE) is located in a handover region.
2. Description of the Related Art
A Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system uses an Enhanced Uplink Dedicated transport Channel (EUDCH). A EUDCH service has been proposed to improve transmission performance of uplink packet data in the WCDMA system. In the EUDCH service, transmission approval/disapproval of uplink packet data and a possible upper limit of a data rate for each UE are determined by a Node B. The information determined by the Node B is transmitted to the UE as a scheduling command. In response, the UE determines a rate of EUDCH data according to the scheduling command, and transmits data to the Node B through an uplink at the determined data rate. Further, in the EUDCH service, a Hybrid Automatic Retransmission Request (HARQ) technique is used. Therefore, the Node B determines whether it has succeeded or failed in decoding data received from the UE, and transmits an acknowledge (ACK) signal or a negative acknowledge (NACK) signal to the UE depending on the determination result.
FIG. 1 is a concept diagram for a description of a scheduling operation performed by a Node B in a mobile communication system supporting a EUDCH service. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 represents a Node B supporting the EUDCH service, and reference numerals 110 to 116 represent UEs transmitting EUDCH data.
If a data rate of a UE increases, reception power at which the Node B receives data from the UE increases. Therefore, a Rise over Thermal (RoT) of the UE occupies a larger portion of the total RoT. However, a decrease in data rate of a UE reduces reception power at which the Node B receives data from the UE. In this case, a RoT of the UE occupies a lesser portion of the total RoT. Therefore, the Node B performs scheduling on EUDCH packet data by taking into consideration a relation between the data rate and radio resources, and a data rate requested by the UE. The Node B limits the amount of uplink signal that it can receive while guaranteeing its reception performance. Equation (1) below illustrates the amount of uplink signal that the Node B can receive while guaranteeing its reception performance.RoT=Io/No  (1)
In Equation (1), Io denotes the full reception band's power spectral density of the Node B, and No denotes a thermal noise power spectral density of the Node B. Therefore, the RoT indicates available radio resources that the Node B can allocate for the EUDCH packet data service in an uplink.
As described above, the Node B allocates data rates to UEs such that a measured RoT of the Node B should not exceed a target RoT. That is, the Node B can allocate a lower data rate to a UE located at a long distance and a higher data rate to a UE located at a short distance.
The UEs transmit packet data with different uplink channel transmission power according to their distances from the Node B. That is, the UE 110 that is located the farthest from the Node B 100 transmits packet data with the highest transmission power 120 for uplink channels, and the UE 114 that is located the nearest to the Node B 100 transmits packet data with the lowest transmission power 124 for uplink channels. Transmission power and packet data rates applied in the UEs can be changed according to a scheduling algorithm applied in the Node B.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a basic procedure needed between a Node B 200 and a UE 202 for packet data transmission through a EUDCH. Referring to FIG. 2, in step 204, a EUDCH is set up between the Node B 200 and the UE 202. The step 204 includes a process of transmitting/receiving messages over a dedicated transport channel. Thereafter, in step 206, the UE 202 transmits information on a needed data rate and other information, based on which an uplink channel condition can be determined, to the Node B 200. The information, based on which an uplink channel condition can be determined, includes transmission power of an uplink channel that the UE 202 transmits, and a transmission power margin of the UE 202.
Upon receiving information on the uplink channel transmission power, the Node B 200 can estimate an uplink channel condition by comparing the transmission power with the reception power of the uplink channel. If a difference between the uplink channel transmission power and the uplink channel reception power is small, the Node B 200 determines that the uplink channel condition is good. However, if the difference between the transmission power and the reception power is large, the Node B 200 determines that the uplink channel condition is bad.
In the case where the UE 202 transmits its transmission power margin, the Node B 200 can estimate an uplink transmission power by subtracting the transmission power margin from the possible maximum transmission power of the UE 202 that is already known to the Node B 200. The Node B 200 then determines a possible maximum data rate for an uplink packet channel of the UE 202 or determines whether to increase or decrease a next data rate of the UE 202, using the estimated uplink channel condition of the UE 202, information on a data rate needed by the UE 202, and information on the total power of an uplink interference signal received from the UE 202. The information on the determined possible maximum data rate and increase/decrease in the next data rate is provided to the UE 202 as a downlink scheduling signal in step 208.
The UE 202 then determines a data rate for its transmission packet data according to the notified possible maximum data rate or rate increase/decrease command, and transmits the packet data to the Node B 200 at the determined data rate in step 210. The Node B 200 then receives the packet data and decodes the received packet data. If the Node B 200 succeeds in decoding the packet data, it transmits an ACK signal to the UE 202 in step 212, and the Node B 202 then transmits new packet data to the Node B 200 in the manner described in the step 210. However, if the Node B 200 fails in decoding the packet data, it transmits a NACK signal to the UE 202 in step 212. In this case, the UE 202 retransmits the data transmitted in the step 210.
As described above, when a UE is located in a soft or softer handover region, power control for the UE is achieved through pilot signals on dedicated physical control channels (DPCCHs) received from cells in an active set. That is, the power control is performed based on a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) determined after soft-combining the pilot signals.
As a result, a scheduling signal and an ACK/NACK signal transmitted by each cell for a EUDCH packet are transmitted at a lower power as compared with the case where the UE is not located in a handover region. Therefore, the UE cannot guarantee reliability for a scheduling signal and an ACK/NACK signal from each cell.
Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for receiving cell group information, and combining scheduling signals or acknowledge/negative-acknowledge (ACK/NACK) signals to improve performance.

Apparatus and method for supporting soft combining of scheduling signals for uplink packet data service in a mobile communication system


The occurrence of fluctuations in liquid chemical during the discharge and intake thereof in a device that employs a liquid chemical supply pump 10 that discharges liquid chemical taken in by means of a change in volume inside a pump chamber 16 that accompanies the displacement of a bellows type partition 14. The amount of fluctuation in the bellows type partition member 14 that accompanies the operation of a discharge side valve 32 will be detected by a displacement sensor 58. The amount of fluctuation is a parameter that indicates a correlation with the abrupt flow of liquid chemical that accompanies the opening of the discharge side valve 32. Thus, the amount of fluctuation will be reduced, and the pressure inside a pump chamber 16 prior to the opening of the discharge side valve 32 will be controlled.

For example, in the semiconductor manufacturing process, a liquid chemical supply device is employed in order to drip a predetermined amount of liquid chemical such as photo resist fluid or the like onto a semiconductor wafer. More specifically, as shown for example in Japanese Published Patent Application H10-54368, a device is proposed that comprises volume varying members (bellows) that each partition a pair of pump chambers, motors that cause each bellows to expand and contract, and check valves arranged in each discharge port and intake port of a pair of pumps. In this way, the check valve on the intake port side will be mechanically opened and liquid chemical will be taken into the pump chamber when the bellows contract. In contrast, the check valve on the discharge port side will be mechanically opened and liquid chemical will be discharged from the pump chamber to the exterior when the bellows expand. Then, by sequentially expanding and contracting the pair of bellows, the liquid chemical can be continuously discharged.

Liquid chemical supply system and liquid chemical supply control device


Determining a geo-location estimate of a mobile device determined based on detected radio transmitters needs to uniquely identify at least one of the visible cellular towers. The estimate may be improved if multiple cellular towers can be uniquely identified. However, mobile devices may not determine unique identifiers for each visible cellular tower based upon configuration of the cellular radio protocol stack implementation. It is possible to disambiguate non-unique parameters detected at a mobile device to unique IDs of the cellular towers to aid in geo-location. The disambiguation is accomplished using disambiguation information that is associated with the cellular tower the mobile device is currently camped on.

The location of cellular towers, or base-stations, can be used in determining a mobile devices location. A mobile device may receive or detect signals from multiple cell towers at a time, although the mobile device is only in communication with a particular cell tower at a time. The mobile device will camp on a cell tower, that is the mobile device is associated with the particular cell tower, and can communicate using that cellular tower.
FIG. 1 depicts a simplified environment for depicting how cellular tower locations may be used in determining the location of a mobile device. The environment 100 comprises a plurality of cellular towers 102a, 102b, 102c that transmit and receive radio frequency signals. Each cell tower 102a, 102b, 102c has an associated unique identifier depicted as T1, T2, T3 respectively and a location A, B, C respectively. A mobile device 104 may receive radio frequency (RF) signals from one or more of the cellular towers 102a, 102b, and 102c. If the mobile device 104 is able to identify the unique identifiers associated with each of the cellular towers the mobile device sees, the locations associated with the visible towers may be retrieved, for example from a network service, and used to determine an estimate of the location of the mobile device 104. The location of the mobile device 104 is depicted in FIG. 1 as being a simple centroid, or average of the position of the three visible cellular tower 102a, 102b, 102c. Although it is possible to estimate the mobile device's location as a simple centroid, it is possible to estimate the location using different techniques. For example the strength of the signals received from the cellular towers may be used as a weighting value in determining the location estimate. Further, the location of the mobile device may be estimated using fingerprint based techniques that use the radio scene, that is the towers that are visible and their signal strengths, detected at the mobile device and compares it to previously captured radio scenes that are associated with known locations. Regardless of how the location of the mobile device is estimated, it is beneficial if all of the cellular towers that a mobile device sees, that is the cellular towers from which RF signals are detected at the mobile device, can be uniquely identified.
A mobile device only needs to know the unique cellular tower identifier (ID) of the cell tower it is currently camped on. Although it is possible for a mobile device to determine the unique cellular tower identifier of all visible cellular towers, doing so requires additional power consumption, and as such it is typically avoided in mobile devices in order to increase battery life. Although the mobile device does not detect the unique cell tower ID of all visible towers, it does detect non-unique tower parameters of the other visible towers. For example, the non-unique tower parameters may comprise UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (UARFCN) and a Primary Scrambling Code (PSC). Both the UARFCN and the PSC are non-unique parameters that are re-used throughout the network. However, the network architecture typically requires that the UARFCN and PSC of neighboring towers, that is cellular towers that are within the reception area of a mobile device at some location, do not overlap.
Although the unique tower ID of the tower the mobile device is camped on as well as the non-unique tower parameters of the other visible neighboring towers may be used to provide an estimate of the mobile device's location, it would be desirable to be able to uniquely identify the visible neighboring cell towers for use in determining the mobile device's location without requiring the mobile device to expend additional power.

Cellular tower disambiguation for use in geo-location of mobile devices


A method for computer security. A gallery comprising a first identity of a first human person is maintained, the first identity associated with a plurality of tags, with first properties, useful for identifying the first human person. A first Internet search for facial images of the first human person is performed using the plurality of tags. A first facial image is selected from the results of this search. A second Internet search is performed for facial images of other human persons based on second properties that are generated by modifying the first properties of the plurality of tags. A plurality of additional facial images of the other human persons retrieved by the second Internet search is selected. A palette of randomized facial images including the first facial image together with the plurality of additional facial images is presented. Access is denied unless the correct facial image is selected.

1. Field
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for creating special purpose computers whose hardware and programming enable more secure and rapid authentication for purposes of computer security.
2. Background
Constantly evolving threats to computers and data give rise to a desire for improved computer and data security and improved user authentication techniques. However, as with any other form of security, a trade-off is often necessary between convenience of access to a secured computer resource and the security of such secured computer resource. Thus, security and authentication techniques which are both secure and convenient are highly desirable.
As used herein, the term "secured computer resource" refers to any computer resource that is secured. "Secured" or "security" means that one or more challenges must be passed in order to access some or all of the desired computer resources. Examples of computer resources include access to a computer's hardware, access to a computer's software, access to data stored a computer, access to software or data on a remote computer connected via a network, and the like. Examples of security include passwords, physical keys, biometric locks, and the like. These examples are not exhaustive and thus do not necessarily fully limit the term "secured computer resource."


A multi-layer container having at least layer A comprising a polyolefin resin having an MFR of from 0.001 to 0.5 dg/min, layer B (adhesive layer) comprising an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid (or anhydride)-modified polyolefin resin, and layer C comprising polyamide, polyphenylene ether, a compatibilizer, and an impact modifier, in which the polyphenylene ether is finely dispersed in the polyamide matrix. The container has excellent impermeability to hydrocarbon solvents and low-temperature impact resistance and is useful particularly as a gasoline tank.

The present invention relates to a multi-layer container made of thermoplastic resins, having excellent low-temperature impact resistance, gas barrier properties, and impermeability to hydrocarbon solvents. The container of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as a gasoline tank, an oil tank, or a reserve tank for automobiles, an oil tank for electric or electronic FA equipment, a food container, a drum for an industrial reagent, a storage tank, or a kerosene tank.


A position lamp for watercraft or for placing ashore, in particular a multicolored lamp, having light to be emitted in at least two different directions and at least one light source per direction, the light passing optically refractive elements, and in which a dedicated optically refractive element is provided per light source, the optically refractive elements being held on a common housing body, the housing body also accommodating the light sources.

1. Technical Field
The invention relates to a position lamp for watercraft or for placing ashore, in particular a multicolored lamp, having light to be emitted in at least two different directions and at least one light source per direction, the light passing optically refractive elements. Position lamps are also called navigation lamps in Germany.
2. Prior Art
It is known to use 2-color lamps or 3-color lamps, at least for smaller watercraft, green light being emitted front right in the direction of travel, red light being emitted front left in the direction of travel, and white light being emitted rearwards (3-color lamp). The light sources and optically refractive elements must be arranged and aligned precisely relative to one another, in order to be able to illuminate accurately the angular ranges prescribed by statute. The present invention aims to facilitate and/or improve the said arrangement of the light sources and optically refractive elements.

Position lamp for use with watercraft and ashore and having multiple light sources