Charged-particle-beam optical systems are disclosed for transferring patterns from a mask to a wafer using a charged-particle beam ("CPB"). In an embodiment, a mask-illumination lens system forms a demagnified image of an illumination aperture on a mask subfield. A first and a second projection lens receive the CPB from the crossover and form a demagnified image of the selected subfield on the wafer. One or more deflectors are provided to deflect the CPB to the selected mask subfield. A magnetic field satisfying conditions of a moving objective lens or a variable axis lens is provided by a deflector so that a principal ray from the illumination aperture to the mask subfield coincides with an effective optical axis produced by the deflector. The focal lengths of the mask-illumination lens system and the first projection lens satisfy conditions so that the CPB optical system is compact.

Charged-particle-beam ("CPB") pattern-transfer apparatus have been developed for transferring patterns from a mask to a sensitized substrate, typically a semiconductor wafer that is coated with a thin layer of a suitable resist. One such apparatus using an electron beam is described in Japanese Kokai patent document no. Hei 5-160012. This apparatus illuminates a mask with an electron beam and then forms a demagnified image of patterns on the mask on a sensitized wafer using a two-stage projection lens.
Electron-beam optical systems exhibit unacceptable levels of aberrations when used to illuminate large fields. Therefore, a pattern from an entire mask cannot be transferred to the wafer in a single exposure using such an optical system. Instead, the mask is divided into a plurality of small "subfields" and the pattern portion defined by each subfield is sequentially transferred to the wafer. One system that transfers subfields in this manner is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,151, incorporated herein by reference.
In CPB pattern-transfer apparatus in which the mask is divided into subfields, the lens downstream of the mask generally has a focal length that is approximately equal to the focal length of a condenser lens that focuses the CPB on the subfield. If these two focal lengths are approximately equal, then spherical aberration is reduced. In addition, a simple lens design can be used for both lenses. However, if these two lenses have approximately equal focal lengths, then the distance from the CPB source (e.g., an electron gun) to the wafer tends to be long and the CPB pattern-transfer apparatus tends to be correspondingly large. In some cases, the apparatus is too large to fit inside an ordinary clean room.
These apparatus generally limit the mask area illuminated by the CPB to a selected subfield by trimming the CPB using an aperture to appropriately limit the transverse area of the CPB. The aperture defines an illumination region that is projected onto the mask with a magnification greater than unity. Because an enlarged image of the aperture is projected onto the selected subfield, the aperture must be small. The manufacture of an aperture plate defining a small aperture is difficult. In addition, the edges of the aperture plate receive intense illumination by the CPB causing large temperature variations. These large temperature variations cause unacceptable thermal variations in the dimensions of the aperture.
In addition, in conventional CPB pattern-transfer apparatus, the CPB propagates through the optical system at different angles for on-axis and off-axis mask subfields. This leads to increased aberrations that are especially serious for off-axis subfields.


A control circuit of a memory system including a dynamic random access memory may include a first integrated circuit formed on a common substrate. The first integrated circuit may include a circuit responsive to an external memory access request signal for generating a control signal for controlling an operation timing of the dynamic random access memory to supply the control signal to the dynamic random access memory and a circuit for generating an address signal for specifying an address of the dynamic random access memory to be accessed to supply the address signal to the dynamic random access memory. A second integrated circuit includes a read/write circuit for reading data from the dynamic random access memory and for writing data in the dynamic random access memory.

The present invention relates to a control circuit of a memory system including a dynamic random access memory (hereinafter referred to as a DRAM) as a memory element, and more particularly to a circuit configuration of an integrated circuit suited for a case in which the control circuit of the DRAM is constituted of a plurality of integrated circuits.
Generally, in order to make access to a desired address of the DRAM, a memory address signal includes a row address signal and a column address signal. That is, an address is specified by the row address and the column address. A row address strobe (RAS) signal and a column address strobe (CAS) signal are generated by a control circuit with a predetermined time relation to the address signal. The row address strobe signal indicates a read-out timing of the row address signal and the column address strobe signal indicates a read-out timing of the column address signal. The control circuit also generates a write enable (WE) signal for indicating whether a memory access request signal supplied externally to the control circuit indicates the writing or reading operation.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication JP-A-62-252591 filed Apr. 24, 1986 by Seiko Electronic Industry Co., Ltd. discloses that RAS, CAS and WE signals of the control signals are generated by a timing controller and a memory address is generated by an LSI circuit different from an LSI circuit including the timing controller in response to an instruction of the timing controller.
Further, the DRAM is connected to a data bus through a bus gate for transmission and reception of data. When detection and correction of error in data are made, a circuit for the detection and correction of errors is additionally provided between the DRAM and the bus gate.
In the technique disclosed in the above publication, the timing controller and the address controller of the DRAM control circuit are constituted of different LSI chips, respectively. Thus, differences in a signal propagation time occur between the RAS signal and the CAS signal of the control signals in the timing controller circuit and the row address signal and the column address signal in the address control circuit due to scattered characteristics in the manufacture of the LSI chips. Accordingly, in order to absorb the variations of signal propagation time between the different LSI chips, it is necessary to add sufficient margins to the respective time relations between the RAS signal and the row address signal and between the CAS signal and the column address signal. This causes increased access time and cycle time of the memory by the added margin. At the same time, there is a problem that a rising of the RAS signal and the CAS signal is retarded due to delay of the control signal in a signal path between the LSI chip for the timing control and the LSI chip for the address control.
When a memory bank is increased, the number of components is greatly increased so that a reduction in reliability occurs.
In order to solve the above problems, one may consider incorporating all functions of the control circuit of the DRAM into a single LSI chip. However, this is not practical in view of the remarkably increased number of pins of the LSI chip and a cost thereof.

Control circuit of dynamic random access memory


A control device for a vehicle network, having a microprocessor and a transceiver. The control device can be switched off or switched to a sleep mode during a previously defined state or event during the operation of the motor vehicle and/or the control device can be awakened from the sleep mode during a previously defined state or event during the operation. The disclosed embodiments also relate to a method for operating a vehicle network.

Control devices for a vehicle network such as, for example, CAN, FlexRay or LIN have been known for a long time. The control devices have in common the fact that they have a microprocessor and a transceiver and are suitably connected to the corresponding bus lines. Switching on an operating signal causes all the control devices to be switched on here. This operating signal is usually terminal 15 (KL 15) in the case of a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine, that is to say the means of switching on the ignition. Furthermore, control devices are known which, when the ignition is switched off, are switched into a sleep mode in order to wake up, and if appropriate to awaken or switch on further control devices, when a specific signal occurs. Such a control device is, for example, the control device for a central locking system. A problem in modern motor vehicles is the increased electrical energy requirement which also brings about an increased fuel consumption in vehicles with internal combustion engines.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Switching a control device in a vehicle network to sleep mode when velocity is above a threshold and switching to an operating mode after a number of received messages


A combined alarm test and drain device for a fire protection sprinkler system is disclosed. The apparatus is based on a globe valve and has certain specific modifications for the purposes of draining the system and allowing for flow through a specifically sized orifice under conditions simulating the flow through a sprinkler head having the same orifice size. Fluid flow through the apparatus occurs alternatively under a first set of conditions in a system alarm test mode of operation of the apparatus, and under a second set of conditions in a system fluid drainage mode of operation of the apparatus. A combination of mechanical and hydraulic forces are utilized to control opening and closing of the valve in both the alarm test and system fluid drainage modes of operation. The mechanical force is provided by a spring and the hydraulic force is provided by a fluid pressure differential.

This invention relates generally to the field of sprinkler systems for fire protection systems. More particularly, this invention relates to alarm test and drain devices for fire protection sprinkler systems, and specifically to dual-function devices in which the alarm test and drain functions are combined.
Some alarm test devices for sprinkler type fire protection systems combine, into a single device, both a system test function, for testing to ensure that the system is activated and will respond to a real triggering event, namely, a fire, by delivering extinguishing fluid, usually water, to the sprinkler heads; and a system drain function, for draining all of the extinguishing fluid from a xe2x80x9cwetxe2x80x9d, or normally fluid-filled type sprinkler system, such as occurs when the system must be temporarily taken out of service for repairs; or in either a xe2x80x9cwetxe2x80x9d or a xe2x80x9cdryxe2x80x9d system, after the system has been actuated in response to a fire and the system piping is still at least partially filled with residual extinguishing fluid, so as to be able to drain the remaining fluid in order to reset the system. Some apparatus also incorporates gauge glasses or similar observation devices to enable visual inspection of the status of the liquid flow through the system. These combination devices, also known as inspection, test and drain devices, are used to provide a connection for testing the system""s alarm equipment, and are also used to drain sprinkler type fire protection systems.
Certain such combined devices are already known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,361 to McHugh for xe2x80x9cValve and Arrangement for Fire Suppression Water Sprinkler Systemxe2x80x9d, U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,078 to Johnson for xe2x80x9cSprinkler Drain and Test Valvexe2x80x9d, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,224 to Rung et al for Alarm Test Device for a Sprinkler System, all disclose combined alarm test and drain apparatus.
In the apparatus of both McHugh and Johnson, the sealing element and drain connection are effected by means of a rotary member in the form of a ball, incorporating modifications to a conventional ball valve design. In contrast, the apparatus of Rung et al, although enclosed in a single housing, incorporates two separate valves, one for the purpose of draining the system and the other for allowing flow through a separate test orifice to test for fluid flow as if to a sprinkler head when actuated. Generally, previously known apparatus, especially that requiring two separate valves, has the disadvantage of being bulky or requiring a special orientation or configuration when placed in the system piping, thereby occupying a considerable amount of space, where typically space is very limited.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a combined alarm test and drainage apparatus for use in sprinkler fire protection systems, wherein a single modified valve is used for both the test and drain functions, and which occupies very little space and can easily be connected to the piping of a sprinkler type fire protection system. The apparatus is based on a globe valve and has certain specific modifications for the purposes of draining the system and allowing for flow through a specifically sized orifice under conditions simulating the flow through a sprinkler head having the same orifice size. Fluid flow through the apparatus occurs alternatively under a first set of test actuation conditions in a system alarm test mode of operation of the apparatus, and under a second set of fluid drainage actuation conditions in a system fluid drainage mode of operation of the apparatus. A combination of mechanical and hydraulic forces are utilized to control opening and closing of the valve in both the alarm test and system fluid drainage modes of operation. The mechanical force is provided by a spring and the hydraulic force is provided by a fluid pressure differential. When the apparatus is performing the system alarm test function under the first set of test actuation conditions, the valve opens a first size outlet opening, and when the apparatus is performing the system fluid drainage function under the second set of drainage actuation conditions, the valve opens a second size outlet opening, larger than the first size opening. When the apparatus is in the system alarm test mode of operation, a valve actuation member is positioned to seal the second size opening of the valve, and fluid flows into a fluid chamber through a fluid chamber inlet opening, a fluid chamber outlet opening is unsealed, and fluid flows out through the fluid chamber outlet opening; and when the apparatus is in the system drainage mode of operation, the valve actuation member is moved to unseal the second size opening of the valve.

Sprinkler alarm test and drainage device for fire protection systems


A serial and parallel data communication system utilizing a data forwarding element and a data forwarding multiplexer; providing a method of data conversion having an overlap in the operation of parallel and serial I/O modes. The present invention thus enables continuous and simultaneous serial to parallel and parallel to serial conversion.

This invention generally relates to data communication, and more specifically to the efficient conversion between parallel and serial data communication, and conversion between serial and parallel data communication.
Data communication requiring conversion between serial and parallel data formats, and circuits performing that conversion, are used extensively in modern electronics. Conventional methods of conversion require that a circuit operate in two modes: a first mode in which the circuit receives data in serial bit form and outputs data in parallel bit form; and a second mode whereby the circuit receives data in parallel bit form and outputs data in serial bit form. While the first and second modes can operate concurrently, there is a time when the serial input of the first mode must be suspended to allow for the parallel input of the second mode.
Conventional conversion designs often employ a serial input/parallel output, parallel input/serial output N-bit register. The register receives mode and control input which regulates its operation. In operation, the register receives mode and control input to simultaneously load N data bits from the parallel inputs, then sequentially shift each of the data bits out via the serial output (parallel input/serial output mode). While shifting out the N parallel data bits on the serial output, the register shifts in N serial data bits from the serial input to be output on the parallel data outputs. During a parallel load operation, the N register bits are configured by the mode and control input to accept data from the parallel data inputs. Consequently, during a parallel load operation the first bit of the register is not available to load serial data (that will eventually be supplied to the Nth parallel output) from the serial input. Thus, serial operations cannot occur during parallel load operations and must be suspended.
It is therefore desirable to provide a method of serial and parallel data communication that overcomes the aforementioned limitation of the prior art.
The present invention provides a method of data conversion having an overlap in the operation of parallel and serial I/O (input/output) modes that improves upon the results obtained with the prior art previously described.

Circuitry and method of transferring parallel and serial data


Systems and methods to automatically provide emergency information to emergency responders operate responsive to an incoming emergency call being placed to an emergency call center. Based on geographical information associated with an emergency call, a determined set of emergency responders is alerted and/or notified as soon as possible, e.g. before the call is answered and/or before the call is completed.

Conventionally, emergency phone calls are answered by an emergency call center, such as, e.g., a public safety answering point (PSAP). Operators at emergency call centers, also referred to as dispatchers or emergency dispatchers, may gather information during emergency calls, including, but not limited to, the name of the caller, the nature of the emergency, the location of the emergency, and/or other emergency information. Operators may determine the appropriate type of first response, including but not limited to police, fire, medical, and/or other types of first response. Operators may contact a dispatcher for the determined type, e.g. a police dispatcher, fire dispatcher, medical dispatcher, and/or other type of dispatcher. In turn, the police dispatcher may contact appropriate emergency responders, such as one or more police officers that are on duty and, e.g., near the location of the emergency.

Automatic location-based emergency response system


A fixation device and method for retaining a graft. The device including: an elongate body having a first end and a second end; a transverse passage for retaining a graft retainer element; a first aperture located in the first end, and a second aperture in the second end; the first aperture and second aperture defining respective ends of a longitudinal through path. The method using the fixation device for drawing a graft through a first tunnel defined in a first bone and reining the graft when through.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.
The present disclosure will be used with reference to an anterior cruciate ligament ("ACL") reconstruction, but it will be understood that the technology and methods of the present invention may have other applications for reconstruction of other parts of body
The ACL reconstruction can be performed in numerous ways. All common methods involve drilling holes or tunnels in the femur and tibia. These can be drilled using a variety of techniques. Grafts such as autografts, allografts or artificial biomaterials may be used to extend between the femoral tunnel and the tibial tunnel. The graft is then fixed to the appropriate bone structure, again numerous techniques being suitable. The replacement graft is fixed to the femur and tibia, most commonly by a screw into the adjacent bone, it being understood that staples, pins and similar devices may also be used.
A known device for retaining a graft proximal to the aperture to a femoral tunnel is an EndoButton™, as described in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,802 (issued 18 Mar. 2003). Similar devices are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,588 (issued 8 Jul. 1997) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,301 (issued 26 Apr. 1994).
The EndoButton™ includes an integrally formed continuous ring of polyester tape for fixation of soft tissue. The EndoButton can be drawn through the femoral tunnel through manipulation of a pair of suture loops each taken about and through one of respective pair of through apertures located at the ends of the device. When the device exits the through the femoral tunnel the pair of suture loops are manipulated to lay the device flat across the aperture to the femoral tunnel. Use of the EndoButton requires both pairs of suture loops to be manipulated and appropriately tensioned.


A method and a system for conducting a static timing analysis on a circuit having a plurality of point-to-point delay constraints between two points of the circuit, in which two conservative and two optimistic user defined tests are derived for all types of the point-to-point delay constraints. The method shows that when a conservative test is performed without introducing any special tags, then it is found that the point-to-point constraint is satisfied. On the other hand, when the optimistic test fails without any special tags, it is determined that the point-to-point constraint is bound to fail if special tags are introduced, in which case, they are to be introduced only when an exact slack is desired. Finally, for anything in between, a real analysis with special tags or path tracing is required. Based on the topology of the graph, arrival time based tests may be tighter in some situations, while the required arrival time based tests, may be tighter in others.

The goal of static timing analysis (STA) is to determine the latest and earliest possible switching times of various signals within a digital circuit. STA may generally be performed at the transistor level or at the gate level, using pre-characterized library elements, or at higher levels of abstraction, for complex hierarchical chips.
STA algorithms operate by first levelizing the logic structure, and breaking any loops in order to create a directed acyclic graph (timing graph). Modern designs can often contain millions of placeable objects, with corresponding timing graphs having millions, if not tens of millions of nodes. For each node, a corresponding arrival time, transition rate (slew), and required arrival time are computed for both rising and falling transitions as well early and late mode analysis. An arrival time (AT) represents the latest or earliest time at which a signal can transition due to the entire upstream fan-in cone. The slew value is the transition rate associated with a corresponding AT, and a required arrival time (RAT) represents the latest or earliest time at which a signal must transition due to timing constraints in the entire downstream fan-out cone.
AT's are propagated forward in a levelized manner, starting from the chip primary input asserted (i.e., user-specified) arrival times, and ending at either primary output ports or intermediate storage elements. For single fan-in cases,
AT sink node=AT source node+delay from source to sink.
Whenever multiple signals merge, each fan-in contributes a potential arrival time computed as
AT sink (potential)=AT source+delay,
making it possible for the maximum (late mode) or minimum (early mode) of all potential arrival times to be retained at the sink node. Typically an exact delay value for an edge in a timing graph is not known, but instead only a range of possible delay values can be determined between some minimum delay and maximum delay. In this case, maximum delays are used to compute late mode arrival times and minimum delays are used to compute early mode arrival times.
RATs are computed in a backward levelized manner starting from either asserted required arrival times at the chip primary output pins, or from tests (e.g., setup or hold constraints) at internal storage devices. For single fan-out cases,
RAT source node=RAT sink node−delay.
When multiple fan-outs merge (or when a test is present), each fan-out (or test) contributes a prospective RAT, enabling the minimum (late mode) or maximum (early mode) required arrival time to be retained at the source node. When only a range of possible delay values can be determined, maximum delay are used to compute late mode required arrival times and minimum delays are used to compute early mode required arrival times.
The difference between the arrival time and required arrival time at a node (i.e., RAT−AT in late mode, and AT−RAT in early mode) is referred to as slack. A positive slack implies that the current arrival time at a given node meets all downstream timing constraints, and a negative slack implies that the arrival time fails at least one such downstream timing constraint. A timing point may include multiple such AT, RAT, and slew values, each denoted with a separate tag, in order to represent data associated with different clock domains (i.e., launched by different clock signals), or for the purpose of distinguishing information for a specific subset of an entire fan-in cone or fan-out cone.
In addition to asserted required arrival times at primary outputs, designers may also specify maximum and minimum path delay constraints between pairs of nodes (a "from" node, and a "to" node) in the timing graph. These path delay constraints are called point-to-point delay constraints or point-to-point delay assertions. Such constraints may be required to ensure correct operation of asynchronous timing interfaces, or to measure the cumulative path delay (e.g., from a hard-core output to a chip primary output pin), or even as a guide to help enable delay/slack apportionment techniques during optimization.
Prior art approaches to the aforementioned problem are described, for instance, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,127 B1 to Craven et al., in which, a method for handling path-delay constraints is set forth either employing exhaustive path tracing between the source and sink points that is well-known to have exponential computational complexity, in order to ensure that all possible paths meet the required constraint or, alternatively, to rely upon inserting additional tags in the timing graph. Tags permit differentiating an arrival time and associated slew value at the "to" node due to signals propagated from the specified "from" node, from an arrival time and associated slew value at the "to" node due to all other signals. Similarly, tags permit differentiating a required arrival time "from" node due to signals propagated backward from the specified "to" node, from a required arrival time at the "from" node due to all other signals. In essence, with tags an independent STA is performed in parallel for each point-to-point constraint (i.e., once for each tag value). Due to its exponential complexity, the path tracing method is expensive to execute incrementally and is therefore not easily usable by automated optimization methods which make numerous changes to the timing graph in order to correct for timing, power, and/or noise violations. Even when used non-incrementally, application of such point-to-point assertions may be highly time consuming due to the need to identify all possible paths between specified from and to points. Methods which use additional tags may avoid the need for explicit path tracing and therefore can be incremental; however, these techniques typically incur a large memory and runtime overhead due to the need to introduce additional tagged timing values in the entire fan-out cone of the "from" node of every such point-to-point assertion, or at all points in the intersections of the fan-out cone of the "from" node and the fan-in cone of the "to" node of the point-to-point assertion. In particular, whenever such fan-out cones interact, multiple corresponding tags will propagate in the overlapping regions of fan-out. For each such tag, a unique version of AT/RAT/slew values is computed and stored, significantly increasing the memory overhead. Furthermore, since each tag has a different slew value, and delay and slew calculation for an edge in a timing graph generally depend on the slew at the source of that edge, a unique corresponding delay and sink slew calculation is required, increasing the runtime overhead as well.
To further appreciate the use of fan-out cones, a representative example is shown in FIG. 1, illustrating an instance where such a situation occurs. In the example, two point-to-point delay constraints are present. The first is between nodes "From #1" and "To #1", and the second is between nodes "From #2" and "To #2". Nodes A, B, C are in the fan-out cones of both "From #1" and "From #2" and unique tags for each of the two point to point constraint will propagate to each of the nodes A, B and C.
In another instance, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,658 to Ginetti et al., special timing constraints are specified, including multi-cycle timing constraints specifying clock based timing constraints for the transmission of data between sequential data elements. Other constraints are based on timing path specifications, each indicating signal paths through the integrated circuit chip to which specified ones of multi-cycle timing constraints are applicable and signal paths to which the specified ones of the multi-cycle timing constraints are not. The system then verifies that the integrated circuit satisfies the specified timing constraints. The method is restricted to the stated special path constraints and propagation of timing information associated thereto.
Thus, there is a need in industry of a system and a method for performing STA in the presence of point-to-point delay constraints to minimize the need for exponential path tracing and/or the application of additional tags to the timing graphs.

System and method for efficient analysis of point-to-point delay constraints in static timing

International Business Machines Corporation


A wireless communication system, a method, and a tangible machine-readable medium thereof for transmitting data based on a frame structure of a multi-hop relay standard are provided. The wireless communication system comprises a base station (BS), a relay station (RS), and a mobile station (MS). The frame structure comprises a relay station map (RS-MAP) frame and an MS sub-frame. The RS-MAP frame describes the frame structure. The MS sub-frame is used for transmitting the first data between the BS and the MS and is used for transmitting a second data between the RS and the MS according to the content of the RS-MAP frame. A part of the second data is the same as the first data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system, a method, and a tangible machine-readable medium thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wireless communication system, a method, and a tangible machine-readable medium thereof for transmitting data based on a frame structure of a multi-hop relay standard.
2. Descriptions of the Related Art
With the rapid development of computer networks, various broadband information services are becoming more essential for the information industry. However, due to high costs, only a fraction of all computer users can afford high speed wired broadband services, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable broadband access services. In addition, network telecommunication service providers are looking to expand the coverage range of their wired broadband networks. However, the relevant infrastructure costs for building these wired network prevents them doing so. As a result, many broadband wireless techniques have, hence, become an important alternative. In terms of communication distance, current wireless networks can be classified as follows: wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), local area network (LAN), and personal area network (PAN).
To set up a radio transmission standard for MAN to provide wireless broadband connection as "the last mile" for the telecommunication industry, the IEEE 802.16, a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), was developed as a wireless transmission standard. After continuous improvement, the IEEE 802.16 has been able to address more market demands, such as various mobile and high speed broadband applications. Moreover, in comparison to other communication techniques, such as Wi-Fi and the third generation mobile communication (3G) technique, the IEEE 802.16 has a larger network bandwidth, lower construction costs, better service quality, better expansibility, and extended usage modes at Wi-Fi hot spots.
Even with its advantages, the communication range and signal quality provided by the IEEE 802.16 are still limited. As a result, the IEEE 802.16j standard Working Group established a mobile multi-hop relay study group in July 2005 for building a mobile multi-hop relay standard (MMR-RS), to establish a multi-hop relay standard (MMR-RS) under the existing IEEE 802.16j standard.
A conventional two-hop relay wireless communication system 1 based on the MMR-RS defined in IEEE 802.16j is illustrated in FIG. 1. The two-hop relay wireless communication system 1 comprises a base station (BS) 101, a relay station (RS) 103, and a plurality of mobile stations (MSs) 105, 107. For brevity, the MSs will be denoted hereinafter as the first MS 105 and second MS 107. One type of frame structure 2 utilized in the aforesaid two-hop relay wireless communication system 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The frame structure 2 is allocated by a wireless communication apparatus, such as the BS 101, the RS 103, the first MS 105, or the second MS 107. The frame structure 2 is adapted for data transmission.
The frame structure 2 of the two-hop relay wireless communication system 1 comprises an MS downlink sub-frame 211, an RS downlink sub-frame 213, an MS uplink sub-frame 221, and an RS uplink sub-frame 223. Each of these sub-frames can be used for downlink or uplink data transmission in the two-hop relay wireless communication system 1. The x-axis in FIG. 2 represents the time axis of the frame structure 2, while the y-axis represents the frequency axis.
The MS downlink sub-frame 211 further comprises a pilot message 2111, a frame control header 2113, a downlink MAP 2115, an uplink MAP 2117, and a downlink data allocation 2119. The pilot message 2111 is configured for synchronization between the BS 101 and the second MS 107 or synchronization between the RS 103 and the first MS 105. The frame control header 2113 is configured to describe various parameters of the frame structure 2. The downlink MAP 2115 is configured to broadcast some parameters used for downlink data transmission in the two-hop relay wireless communication system 1, such as connection identifications (CIDs), sub-channel offsets, or time offsets, Similarly, the uplink MAP 2117 is configured to broadcast some parameters used for uplink data transmission in the two-hop relay wireless communication system 1. The downlink data allocation 2119 is configured to transmit data from the BS 101 to the second MS 107 or to transmit data from the RS 103 to the first MS 105. After data transmission of the downlink data allocation 2119, there is a BS/RS-transmission transition gap (BS/RS-TTG) 23 that occurs thereafter.
The RS downlink sub-frame 213 is configured to transmit data from the BS 101 to the RS 103. After transmission of the data of the RS downlink sub-frame 213, there is an RS-receive transition gap (RS-RTG) 24, which occurs after the data transmission.
The MS uplink sub-frame 221 is configured to transmit data from the second MS 107 to the BS 101 or from the first MS 105 to the RS 103. After transmission of the data from the MS uplink sub-frame 221, there is a BS/RS-receive transition gap (BS/RS-RTG) 25 that occurs thereafter.
The RS uplink sub-frame 223 is configured to transmit data from the RS 103 to the BS 101. After transmission of the data of the RS uplink sub-frame 223, the BS-RTG 26 occurs thereafter.
With the frame structure described above, data transmission can proceed successfully in accordance with the IEEE 802.16j standard. For example, the BS 101 and the RS 103 can transmit data respectively via the MS downlink sub-frame 211 and the RS downlink sub-frame 213. However, because data transmission may interfere with other frequency bands at any time, data transmission may be interrupted and thus, not transmitted correctly.
Accordingly, it is important for the mobile communication providers and the mobile communication apparatus manufacturers to find a solution for improving signal immunity against interference and ensuring correct data transmission to extend the communication range of networks using the multi-hop relay standard under IEEE 802.16j.

Wireless communication system, method, and tangible machine-readable medium thereof for transmitting data based on a frame structure of a multi-hop relay standard


A module for synthesizing image-sensing signals comprises a first image-sensing element, a second image-sensing element, and an analog adder. The first and the second image-sensing elements are connected in parallel to an input port of the analog adder. The module provides an AD converter whose input port connects an output port of the analog adder. An output port of the AD converter connects a scanner controller. The scanner controller provides a first driving signal and a second driving signal to the first and the second image-sensing elements respectively. The first driving signals and the second driving signals respectively command the first and the second image-sensing elements to alternately output image signals during clock cycle. The image signals outputted from the first and the second image-sensing elements are composed by the analog adder.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a method and module for synthesizing image-sensing signals, and more particularly to a module which utilizes a single Analogy/Digital (AD) converter to receive and deal with two groups of image signals outputted from two image-sensing elements, and a method for synthesizing image signals outputted from two image-sensing elements.
2. The Related Art
Please refer to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 that show the solution of a kind of high speed two-sided scanner. This solution adopts two independent image-sensing element I and image-sensing element II which acquires the image signals of double sides of a page separately, and matches a corresponding AD converter for each image-sensing element, namely image-sensing element I matches AD converter I, and image-sensing element II matches AD converter II, therefore, the AD converter I and AD converter II receive analogy optical signals outputted from the image-sensing element I and image-sensing element II respectively, and convert the analogy optical signals into the digital signals, then transfer the digital signals to the scanner controller for further handling. Image-sensing elements utilized in this solution may be Charged-Coupled Device (CCD), Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or Contact Image Sensor (CIS), etc.
Therein, the image-sensing elements that are controlled by the driving signal (include Clock signal PHi1, PHi2, Reset signal RS and Clamp signal CP) outputted from the drive circuit send a pixel in series into the AD converter during a clock cycle T.
However, this solution must adopt extremely complicated scanner controller that is very expensive to deal with two groups of digital image signals at the same time. This causes the cost of the high-speed two-sided scanner at present to remain high, therefore the high speed two-sided scanner is difficult to popularize.
Besides, the resolution of scanners generally is 600 dpi (dot/inch) or more, however, the resolution of 300 dpi is accurate enough for scanners to scan figures of texts and documents. For a scanner of 600 dpi resolution, the output time of the image pixels in every inch of the scanned object will last 600 clock cycles. Therefore, if the demanded resolution for processing is 300 dpi, each side of the scanning page just need to output half pixels of the 600 dpi resolution, namely the total output pixels of two sides scanning from the image-sensing element is equal to the amount of output pixels of single side scanning. It is possible to use the present common scanner controller to realize two-sided scanning functions.

Method and module for synthesizing image-sensing signals


Metallic, ash-producing residues which remain in poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer after its preparation by hydrolysis of poly(vinyl acetate) are removed by a process which involves contacting a slurry of the poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer with ion-exchange resin particles, followed by removal of the ion-exchange resin particles from the poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer particles utilizing size or weight differences between them. The poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer remains in the solid state throughout, avoiding dissolution and the need for reprecipitation.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a process for removing metallic-salt, ash-producing residues from poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers. More particularly, it relates to a slurry process which utilizes an ion-exchange resin to separate the ash-producing residues from the polymer.
2. Description of Related Art
Poly(vinyl alcohol) homopolymer and poly(vinyl alcohol) coploymers, (collectively referred to hereinafter as poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer, or by the abbreviation PVA) are produced from the corresponding poly(vinyl acetate) homopolymer and poly(vinyl acetate) copolymers by acid or base catalysis. The process may be catalyzed by either strong acids or strong bases, and is known as saponification, hydrolysis or alcoholysis, depending on the catalyst. Base catalysis is generally preferred due to greater efficiency and reaction rate. Unfortunately, any unremoved remaining base tends to destabilize the PVA.
Bases are difficult to wash out of PVA completely, since they tend to be quite strongly absorbed. Base instability may be countered by neutralization of any trace base remaining using weak acids. This produces weakly basic salts such as sodium acetate which are somewhat more amenable to washing out. Such salts themselves, while less destabilizing are, however, still somewhat destabilizing, particularly vis a vis recent more demanding uses of PVA. In addition they are ash precursors, in that ash results on subsequent thermal processing of PVA derived products. (Ash, as used here, is the oxide, hydroxide or related complex that results from heating such salts).
Acid catalysis, does not, of course, result in metallic residues. However, trace acid also destabilizes PVA. Trace acid is also more difficult to wash out than salts. Bases may be used to neutralize the trace acid. Once again however, metal salts will remain.
Residual salts, which can amount to up to 1 weight percent, in addition to producing thermal and color stability problems, albeit less than base itself, lead to ash which has its own associated problems. In transparent PVA derived products, such as butyrated poly(vinyl alcohol) or poly(vinyl butyral), which is used as a windshield interlayer, ash produces haze at levels above about 0.2 weight percent, and even below this level, can affect weatherability. There is therefore a strong incentive to reduce ash-producing residues in PVA to very low levels.
The water-soluble ash precursors, the metal salts, can be removed by extensive washing with water or other solvents, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 2,642,419. However low salt levels are only achieved by the use of large amounts of solvent, which is inefficient.
Ion-exchange resins (IERs) are known in the removal of metal salts from PVA. However, their use has involved solution of the PVA. U.S. Pat. No. 2,940,948 discloses a process where the PVA and salts are dissolved in water, and the metal cations removed with an acidic, cationic IER. Solid PVA must then be regenerated from the PVA solution.
It would be highly desirable to have a process to remove ash-precursor metal salts by an economical process which involved neither use of large amounts of solvent, nor the need to dissolve and reprecipitate the PVA.

Process for removal of ash from poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers


Embodiments of an inductive charge pump are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Applications may require circuits that can boost up an input power supply direct current (DC) voltage to a higher DC voltage. One reason for the voltage boost up is that often only standardized power supply voltages are available for supplying power to electronic circuits. However, a circuit may need a higher voltage than is available from the associated power supply. One example of such a circuit is a "flash memory" such as an electrical erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
A flash memory may include an array of memory cells each typically storing a plurality of bits of digital information. A memory cell may include a field effect transistor (FET) that includes a gate that holds a charge that corresponds to a bit of digital information (termed herein as a "bit charge"). More specifically, a memory cell FET may include a drain, a gate, and a source. The gate may include a control gate for enabling reading, writing, and erasing operations on the cell, and a floating gate for storing the bit charge of digital information. In addition to these gates, some memory cells may include an erase gate for removing the bit charge from the floating gate, thereby erasing the memory cell.
In a flash memory circuit, a majority of the circuit operations may require a voltage on the order of 1.5 volts, for example. Thus, the design of the power supply for the flash memory circuit may include a 1.5 volt power supply. However, to generate a higher voltage for writing and erasing operations, a DC voltage boost circuit may be used that takes the normal power supply voltage of 1.5 volts and boosts it up to about six (6) volts, for example, to perform these higher voltage operations. Other voltage values may also be provided.

Regulation circuit for inductive charge pump


A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for forecasting a meteorological parameter. The method includes analyzing geographically distributed sensor network data to assess spatial and temporal variation of a meteorological parameter in real-time, correlating at least two portions of data from the sensor network to identify a temporal and spatial evolution of the meteorological parameter, and forecasting the meteorological parameter based on the temporal and spatial evolution of the meteorological parameter.

Weather forecasting, cloud movement prediction and gaseous contaminations distribution from a localized source are most commonly acquired using satellite data. In existing approaches, the spatial resolutions of the acquired data are of the orders of tens of miles and data localization on a map grid can be shifted from the real geographical locations. Complex models commonly take the high spatial resolution satellite data and combine it with first principle modeling to achieve a local prediction. Based on physical models the weather, solar radiation or contamination is estimated and predicted locally and projected over the long term.
Satellite based models may work on the time scales of hours up to days but would be highly inaccurate for prediction on short term time scale such as minutes. In such cases, local measurements and predictive models are developed for attempted accuracy of short term predictions. Multiple forecasting methods have to be employed to extend the prediction from seconds up to days. The forecasts rely on different information and the degree of physical information that is embedded in such a model changes from one method to another. Forecasting at a timescale, from seconds up to days in advance, the long term (satellite) and short term (local sensors) measurement and prediction has to be combined. To bridge the gap between different data sets and establish a smooth transition from prediction based on different data sets requires physical models to establish the coupling parameters between the two observational models.
Distributed sensor networks are commonly encountered today on large scale geographical areas, such as, for example, solar panels mounted nearby roads and highways systems used for monitoring traffic, solar panels on the roofs of houses that are distributed over large geographical areas, air quality measurement by government agencies that monitor sets of parameters in many cities across the world, satellite based observations or mobile sensor networks such as sensors that are integrated in cars or cell phones such as light sensors for turning on headlights at dusk or locations based on global positioning system (GPS) signals.
Local sensors that can be employed for short term forecasting include, for example, sky cameras to observe cloud movement, pyronometers to measure solar radiation, and corrosion sensors to predict the gaseous contamination of the atmosphere.


Instructions and logic provide pushing buffer copy and store functionality. Some embodiments include a first hardware thread or processing core, and a second hardware thread or processing core, a cache to store cache coherent data in a cache line for a shared memory address accessible by the second hardware thread or processing core. Responsive to decoding an instruction specifying a source data operand, said shared memory address as a destination operand, and one or more owner of said shared memory address, one or more execution units copy data from the source data operand to the cache coherent data in the cache line for said shared memory address accessible by said second hardware thread or processing core in the cache when said one or more owner includes said second hardware thread or processing core.

Modern processors often include instructions to provide operations that are computationally intensive, but offer a high level of data parallelism that can be exploited through an efficient implementation using various data storage devices, such as for example, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) vector registers. The central processing unit (CPU) may then provide parallel hardware to support processing vectors. A vector is a data structure that holds a number of consecutive data elements. A vector register of size M may contain N vector elements of size O, where N=M/O. For instance, a 64-byte vector register may be partitioned into (a) 64 vector elements, with each element holding a data item that occupies 1 byte, (b) 32 vector elements to hold data items that occupy 2 bytes (or one "word") each, (c) 16 vector elements to hold data items that occupy 4 bytes (or one "doubleword") each, or (d) 8 vector elements to hold data items that occupy 8 bytes (or one "quadword") each.
Another technique for increasing performance by exploiting parallelism is seen in multicore and/or multithreaded processors that incorporate multiple cores or hardware threads onto one or more dies. Multicore and/or multithreaded processors are a boon to throughput driven applications such as web servers, but the applicability of exploiting nearly independent code regions to run on separate processors does not always help general purpose applications, which may have a large number of significantly serialized tasks to perform.
An alternate approach, which has recently been explored, is to use pipeline parallelism wherein each loop iteration may be split into stages, and hardware threads may operate concurrently on different stages from different iterations. In this approach, a prior stage of an iteration, i, acts as a producer to a consumer, next stage of the iteration, i, and while one hardware thread operates on the next stage of iteration, i, another hardware thread operates concurrently on the prior stage of iteration, i+1. Thus a serial software process is queued from hardware thread to hardware thread and may exploit the parallelism of multicore and/or multithreaded processors.
One of the drawbacks to pipeline parallelism is that sharing data between multiple cores that is being queued in the multilevel cache hierarchies of modern multicore processors may incur significant performance delays, and cause expensive increases in coherency traffic, power use and energy consumption.
Some proposed solutions introduce a kind of message passing architecture, and/or software-managed memories without coherency support, to avoid the built-in cache coherency increases in traffic, power requirements and energy consumption, by putting the burden onto software. One drawback may be that considerable development and maintenance effort is added to the responsibilities of the software programmers.
To date, potential solutions to such performance limiting issues, high energy consumption worries, and other bottlenecks have not been adequately explored.

Instruction and logic to provide pushing buffer copy and store functionality


An apparatus is disclosed for testing portable devices. The apparatus includes a base upon which the portable device is mounted, and a top mold which fits over the base to immobilize the portable device. Templates can also be formed on the top mold or base. The templates contain test patterns that are defined by a plurality of apertures. A stylus is used to test the portable device by engaging or contacting different locations through the apertures in the test pattern.

An emerging trend in today's society is the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets, portable gaming units, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, etc. Additionally, the mobile phone can be a smartphone, cellular phone, wireless phone, radiophone, satellite phone, etc. These devices often include sufficient computing power to allow users to perform tasks well beyond basic telephone calls, task management, and calendar maintenance. For example, modern mobile telephones allow users to do more than communicate by voice. Users can access various networks such as, for example, the Internet and home/public Wi-Fi. Once connected to the network, users are able to access substantially the same information available through a desktop or laptop computer. Additionally, users have access to significant libraries of applications (or apps) that include games, utilities, etc. Tablets are also available with significant computing power and connectivity to allow users to perform numerous tasks which traditionally required a desktop or laptop computer. These tablets also run operating systems that are the same as, or similar to, mobile phones, thereby providing access to numerous apps as well.
Modern portable devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, typically include a user interface consisting of buttons, touch responsive surfaces, and a touch responsive screen. These features allow a user to quickly and easily operate the device using their hands. For example, certain navigation, selection, and control features can be provided on the face and sides of the portable device to control power, volume, application launch, immediate return to a particular screen, etc. Portable devices such as gaming units can further include control buttons and/or pads to play different games. Thus, an individual portable device can include various combinations of such features.
As these portable devices are continually operated, problems can sometimes begin to develop with the interface, thereby requiring replacement. These problems can result from extended and repeated use, as well as manufacturing defects. Portable devices that are returned to a manufacturer are often subjected to tests in order to reproduce the failure which resulted in return of the portable device. One of the problems associated with testing the portable device is the inconsistency of the results that can be obtained by different operators. For example, a particular button may fail only if engaged in a specific manner. Similarly, a touch responsive control may have damage that is limited to a small portion of the portable device. Consequently, variations in test results can occur based on, for example, the size of an operator's hand, the amount of pressure applied, etc. Based on the foregoing, there is a need for an approach to achieve consistent results when testing a portable device, regardless of the operator.

Apparatus and method for testing portable devices


The invention is related to a novel biologically pure Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) strains active against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests which produces a bipyramidal crystal consisting essentially of at least two delta-endotoxins having a molecular weight of about 130,000 daltons and a rhomboidal crystal consisting essentially of two delta-endotoxins, each having a molecular weight of about 33,000 daltons, as well as spores, crystals, delta-endotoxins and/or mutants thereof. The invention also relates to insecticidal compositions obtainable therefrom. The invention further relates to methods of using the insecticidal compositions to control an insect pest(s) from the order Lepidoptera and/or Coleoptera. The invention also relates to isolated DNA sequences encoding the delta-endotoxins.

Every year, significant portions of the world's commercially important agricultural crops, including foods, textiles, and various domestic plants are lost to pest infestation, resulting in losses in the millions of dollars. Various strategies have been used in attempting to control such pests.
One strategy is the use of broad spectrum pesticides, chemical pesticides with a broad range of activity. However, there are a number of disadvantages to using such chemical pesticides. Specifically, because of their broad spectrum of activity, these pesticides may destroy non-target organisms such as beneficial insects and parasites of destructive pests. Additionally, these chemical pesticides are frequently toxic to animals and humans, and targeted pests frequently develop resistance when repeatedly exposed to such substances.
Another strategy has involved the use of biopesticides, which make use of naturally occurring pathogens to control insect, fungal and weed infestations of crops. Biopesticides are naturally occuring organisms that produce a toxin(s), a substance toxic to the infesting agent which is generally less harmful to non-target organisms and the environment as a whole than chemical pesticides.
The most widely used biopesticide is Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.). B.t. is a widely distributed, rod shaped, aerobic and spore forming microorganism. During its sporulation cycle, B.t. produces a protein(s) known as a delta-endotoxin(s), that forms crystalline inclusion bodies within the cell. The delta-endotoxins have molecular weights ranging from 27-140 kD and kill insect larvae upon ingestion.
Delta-endotoxins have been produced by recombinant DNA methods (see, for example, Tailor et al., 1992, Molecular Microbiology 6: 1211-1217; toxin is active against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests; Payne et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,469; toxin is active against lepidopteran pests). The delta-endotoxins produced by recombinant DNA methods may or may not be in crystal form.
A number of B.t. strains have been isolated that have been found to be active against insect pests of the order Lepidoptera. B.t. subsp. kurstaki HD-1 produces bipyramidal and cuboidal crystal proteins in each cell during sporulation (Luthy et al., in Microbial and Viral Pesticides, ed. E. Kurstak, Marcel Dekker, New York, 1982, pp. 35-74); the bipyramidal crystal was found to be encoded by three cryIA genes (Aronson et al., 1986, Microbiol. Rev. 50: 1-50). B.t. subsp. kurstaki HD-73 crystal delta-endotoxin contains the CryIA(c) protein (Adang et al., 1985, Gene 36: 289-300). B.t. subsp. dendrolimus HD-7 and HD-37 contain a CryIA and a CryII protein; B.t. subsp. sotto contains an alkaline soluble protein that differs from the holotype CryIA(a) protein by 24 amino acids; B.t. subsp. subtoxicus HD-10 contains CryIA and CryIB proteins; B.t. subsp. tolworthi HD-121 contains CryIA and CryII proteins; and B.t. subsp. aizawai HD-68 contains CryIA proteins (Hofte and Whiteley, 1989, Microbiol. Reviews 53: 242-255). Payne, U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,332, issued Feb. 5, 1993, discloses an isolate of B.t., PS85AI, and a mutant of the isolate, PS85AI, which both have activity against Plutella xylostella, a lepidopteran pest, and produce alkaline soluble proteins having a molecular weight of 130,000 and 60,000 daltons. Payne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,045,469, issued Sep. 3, 1991 discloses a B.t. isolate designated PS81F which also produces alkaline soluble proteins having a molecular weight of 130,000 and 60,000 daltons and has activity against Spodoptera exigua and T. ni; the toxin gene from PS81F appears to have little homology to the toxin gene from B.t. subsp. kurstaki HD-1. Payne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,166, filed Jun. 25, 1992, issued Apr. 27, 1993, discloses B.t. isolates PS81A2 and PS81RR1 which produce 133,601 and 133,367 dalton alkaline-soluble proteins; both have activity against Trichoplusia ni, Spodoptera exigua and Plutella xylostella and are different from B.t. subsp. kurstaki HD-1 and other B.t. isolates. Bernier et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,489 and WO 90/03434 discloses strain A20 producing a delta-endotoxin encoded by at least three genes: 6.6-, 5.3-, and 4.5-type genes (cryIA(a), cryIA(b), and cryIA(c)). Chestukhina et al., 1988, FEBS Lett. 232: 249-51, disclose that B.t. subsp. galleriae produces two delta-endotoxins, both of which are active against lepidopteran pests.
Other strains, e.g. Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis (Krieg et al., 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,203), have been found to be specific for Coleoptera. The isolation of another coleopteran toxic Bacillus thuringiensis strain was reported in 1986 (Hernnstadt et al. Bio/Technology vol. 4, 305-308, 1986, U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,372, 1988). This strain, designated "Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. san diego", M-7, has been deposited at the Northern Regional Research Laboratory, USA under accession number NRRL B-15939. However, the assignee of the '372 patent, Mycogen, Corp. has publicly acknowledged that Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. san diego is Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. tenebrionis.
Other isolated strains have been found to be active against two orders of pests. Padua, 1990, Microbiol. Lett. 66: 257-262, discloses the isolation of two mutants containing two delta-endotoxins, a 144 kD protein having activity against a lepidopteran pest and a 66 kD protein having activity against mosquitoes. Bradfish et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,017, discloses B.t. isolates PS86A1 and PS86Q3 which produce alkaline soluble proteins having a molecular weight of 58,000 and 45,000 daltons and 155,000, 135,000, 98,000, 62,000, and 58,000 daltons, respectively and which have activity against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. PCT Application No. WO 90/13651 and Tailor et al., 1992, Molecular Microbiology 6: 1211-1217, disclose a B.t. strain which is toxic against Lepidoptera and Coleoptera and which produces a toxin having a molecular weight of 81 kd.
It is advantageous to isolate new strains of Bacillus thuringiensis to produce new toxins so that there exists a wider spectrum of biopesticides for any given insect pest.

Bacillus thuringiensis strains active against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests


A visual inspection apparatus includes: a first substrate holding portion that holds a substrate so that a top surface is observable; a second substrate holding portion that holds the substrate so that a bottom surface is observable; a first substrate holding portion moving mechanism that moves the first substrate holding portion; a second substrate holding portion moving mechanism that moves the second substrate holding portion; and a control device that controls the first substrate holding portion moving mechanism and the second substrate holding portion moving mechanism so that the position of the substrate when observing the top surface of the substrate in the first substrate holding portion substantially matches the position of the substrate when observing the bottom surface of the substrate in the second substrate holding portion.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus that inspects top and bottom surfaces of a substrate, such as a wafer.
Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-130196, filed May 16, 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. Description of Related Art
In a semiconductor manufacturing process in the related art, it is known that visual inspection is performed by visual observation or imaging using an imaging device in order to check foreign matter adhering to a surface of a substrate, such as a wafer, film unevenness at the time of application of a resist, failure in exposure performed by an exposure apparatus, and the like. Examples of visual inspection include macro inspection for performing macroscopic inspection and micro inspection for performing enlarged observation using a microscope.
Here, an example of a visual inspection apparatus that performs macro inspection is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-170622. The visual inspection apparatus has a substrate holding unit, and a mechanism for performing rotation and rocking of a substrate is provided in the substrate holding unit. An illuminating device that illuminates a substrate is provided above the substrate holding unit. An inspector observes the substrate surface illuminated by the illuminating device by visual observation or using an imaging device. The visual inspection apparatus is used to record a result of visual inspection or share information on defects and the like in the case when a plurality of inspectors are present and is disposed such that an optical axis of an imaging device is substantially equal to the observation position of an inspector. Accordingly, observation and recording corresponding to an observer's observation may be performed.
Moreover, in recent years, it has also been desired to inspect a bottom surface of a substrate. An example of a visual inspection apparatus capable of observing a bottom surface of a substrate is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-92887. The visual inspection apparatus includes a holding arm for holding the peripheral edge of the substrate, and a rotary shaft is provided at a base end of the holding arm. When the holding arm is disposed in the substantially horizontal direction, an observer can inspect a top surface of a substrate visually. When observing a bottom surface of the substrate, the holding arm is made to move upward by rotation of the rotary axis until the bottom surface of the substrate faces the observer.


An apparatus for retaining a computer card in a computer having a riser card has a bracket for receiving the computer card and a retaining member. The retaining member engages the computer card and provides a preload force on the computer card.

The present invention relates to a computer system, and more particularly to an apparatus for retaining a computer card.
In computer technology, computer cards, such as expansion cards, are generally used on motherboards to connect to external equipment and exchange data. In 1 U and 2 U rack systems, subject to the limitation of the system height, riser cards are usually used to connect to various expansion cards. Referring to FIG. 1, a connector 104 is mounted on a motherboard 100. A riser card 108 is mounted on the connector 104. The riser card 108 and a bracket 116 are connected by fasteners. The riser card 108 has a riser card connector 112. An expansion card 120, such as a PCI card, is connected to the riser card connector 112 in a direction substantially parallel to the motherboard 100. Since the expansion card 120 is connected to the riser card 108 through the riser card connector 112, it is easy for the expansion card 120 to break away from the riser card connector 112 under an external force (such as vibration or shock) during transportation.
FIG. 2 shows a riser card 208, a low profile expansion card 200 and a full height bracket 216. The full height bracket 216 receives the low profile expansion card 200 and is fastened to the riser card 208. The low profile expansion card 200 has connectors for connecting with the connectors of the riser card 208. During the transportation of the system, vibration will cause an end 220 of the expansion card 200 to move toward the direction 226. The connector of the expansion card 200 will break away from the connector of the riser card 208.


The present invention relates to the identification of novel oral cancer and periodontal disease biomarkers. Further, the present invention provides novel methods of diagnosing and for providing a prognosis for oral cancer and periodontal disease. The present invention additionally provides novel methods of distinguishing between oral cancer and periodontal disease. Finally, kits are provided that find use in the practice of the methods of the invention.

Oral cancer, predominantly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is a high impact disease in the oral cavity, affecting more than 34,000 people in the United States each year (American Cancer Society, 2007). Oral cancer is one of the cancers with the worst prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of 40-50% (Greenlee, R. T. et al., CA Cancer J Clin, 50:7-33 (2000); Parkin, D. M. et al., CA Cancer J Clin, 55:74-108 (2005)). OSCC tumors arise through a series of molecular mutations that lead to uncontrolled cellular growth from hyperplasia to dysplasia to carcinoma in situ followed by invasive carcinoma. Major risk factors for OSCC include tobacco and alcohol consumption along with environmental and genetics factors (Brinkman, B. M. N. and Wong, D. T., Curr Opin Oncol, 18:228-233 (2006); Figuerido, M. L. et al., Drug Discov Today: Dis Mechan, 1:273-281 (2004); Hu, S. et al., Arthritis Rheum., 56:3588-600 (2007); Turhani, D. et al., Electrophor, 27:1417-1423 (2006)). OSCC is usually detected at late stages when the cancer has advanced and therefore results in poor prognosis and survival. Every individual has a unique prognosis due to the aggressiveness of their tumors therefore they do not behave similarly under the TNM staging system, which classifies tumors by size, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Presently, surgery and radiotherapy are the primary treatments, but due to OSCC's location in the head and neck; this usually results in postoperative defects and functional impairments in patients (Thomson, P. J. and Wylie, J., Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 31:145-153 (2002)). Therefore, early disease detection is imperative because it can result in a more effective treatment with superior results.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity and oropharynx is the 6th most common cancer, with approximately 350,000 new cases worldwide annually. The overall 5-year survival rates for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have remained low at approximately 30-40% for the past decades. Delayed detection is one of the main reasons for the high morbidity rate of oral cancer, suggesting an imperative need for developing biomarkers to improve early detection of oral cancers. Proteomic analysis of body fluids (e.g., saliva and serum) over the course of oral cancer progression holds promise to identify early detection biomarkers for human oral cancer.
Biomarkers are measurable biological and physiological parameters that can serve as indices for health-related assessments. Protein biomarkers are particularly powerful because they are amenable to simple blood or saliva tests and, once successfully developed, can benefit the cancer patients as simple clinical tools. In terms of identifying protein markers for cancer detection, a body fluid approach (e.g., saliva or blood) appears to be very attractive because it is easy to collect and process these body fluids as compared to tissue biopsies.
Saliva has gained notable attention as a diagnostic fluid because of its simple collection and processing, minimal invasiveness and low costs. Many researchers have studied salivary proteins as potential diagnostic markers for various diseases such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, Sjögrens syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma, leukoplakia and oral cancer (Ryu, O. H. et al., Rheumatol, 45:1077-1086 (2006); Streckfus, D. et al., Cancer Invest, 18:101-109 (2000); Rhodus, N. L. et al., Cancer Detect Prev, 29:42-45 (2005); Brailo, V. et al., Oral Oncol, 42(4):370-373 (2006); Yio, X. et al., Ann Clin Biochem, 29:519-522 (1992); Gorelik, E. et al., Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 14:981-987 (2005); Hu, S. et al., Arthritis Rheum., 56:3588-600 (2007)). These potential disease markers, if successfully developed, can lead to simple clinical tools for early detection and the monitoring of disease prognosis and treatment in saliva, a non-invasive body fluid (Kingsmore, S. F., Nat Rev Drug Discov, 5:310-321 (2006)).
Currently there are no reliable saliva biomarkers in the clinic for OSCC, however, some recent studies have suggested signature proteins in saliva from OSCC patients can be used for the disease detection. For instance, salivary proteins such as TNF-alpha, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-8, CD44, fibronectin, defensin-1, cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1), tissue polypeptide antigen, and cancer antigen CA125, were found overexpressed in OSCC patients (Mizukawa, N. et al., Oral Dis, 5(2):139-142 (1999); Franzmann, E. J. et al., Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 14(3):735-739 (2005); Rhodus, L. et al., Cancer Detect Prev, 29(1):42-45 (2005); Lyons, A. J. and Cui, N., J Oral Path Med, 29(6):267-270 (2000); Nagler, R. et al., Clin Cancer Res, 12(13):3979-3984 (2006); St. John, M. I. et al., Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 130:929-935 (2004); Rhodus, N. L. et al., Cancer Detect Prev, 29(1):42-5 (2005); Brailo, V. et al., Oral Oncol, 42:370-373 (2006)). These proteins, if successfully validated in a large patient cohort, could be potentially useful for OSCC detection.
Analysis of the proteomic content in human saliva is important because it will not only contribute to understanding of oral health and disease pathogenesis but also form a foundation for the discovery of saliva protein biomarkers for human disease detection. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics has been successfully applied to identification of proteins and their PTMs in human whole and ductal saliva (Wilmarth, P. A. et al., J. Proteome Res., 3(5):1017-1023 (2004); Hu, S. et al., Proteomics, 5(6):1714-1728 (2005); Xie, H. et al., Mol. Cell. Proteomics, 4(11):1826-1830 (2005); Yates, J. R. et al., Anal. Chem., 78(2):493-500 (2006); Guo, T. et al., J. Proteome Res., 5(6):1469-1478 (2006); Hu, S. et al., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci, 1098:323-329 (2007)). Many of these studies were performed using shotgun proteomics, which is based on multidimensional separation, tandem MS (MS/MS) and database searching algorithms. Shotgun proteome analysis is very efficient in cataloguing and profiling of proteins, whereas 2-D gel electrophoresis coupled with MS (2-DE/MS) allows mapping out the proteome at protein level and visualization of protein modifications and isoforms (Hirtz, C. et al., Proteomics, 5(17):4597-4607 (2005); Walz, A. et al., Proteomics, 6(5):1631-1639 (2006)).
Profiling of salivary glycoproteins and proteins in distinct families has been demonstrated lately. The selective enrichment of glycoproteins followed by liquid chromatography-tandem MS (LC-MS/MS) profiling may appear to be a promising approach for finding biomarker and therapeutic targets in cancers (Ramachandran, P. et al., J. Proteome Res., 5(6):1493-1503 (2006)). Analysis and characterization of cystatins, histatins, proline-rich proteins and their fragments in saliva provides further insight in assessment of their functions in the oral cavity (Inzitari, R. et al., Proteomics, 6(23):6370-6379 (2006); Inzitari, R. et al., Proteomics, 5(3):805-815 (2005); Messana, I. et al., J. Proteome Res., 3(4):792-800 (2004); Castagnola, M. et al., J. Biol. Chem., 279(40):41436-41443 (2004); Lupi, A. et al., Proteomics, 3(4):461-467 (2003)). In addition, a salivary proteome database (http://www.hspp.ucla.edu) has been established to centralize the acquired proteomic data and annotate the identified saliva proteins. These databases are fully accessible to the public for query of the identified proteins, which are linked to public protein databases. With the data deposited and centralized, the processes of integrating large-scale datasets from a variety of laboratories and conducting comparative analysis of saliva proteome to other body fluid proteomes can now begin.
Early diagnosis of oral cancers is imperative, as successful treatment of these cancers often depends on early detection. Considering that approximately 10% of the general population have oral mucosal abnormalities, and that precancerous and early cancerous lesions rarely demonstrate distinct clinical characteristics, there is a growing realization that some premalignant and early cancerous lesions are not readily detectable by visual inspection. Therefore, the integration of early detection and screening based on protein biomarkers, in conjunction with a conventional oral examination, is extremely important. This clearly requires comparative proteome analysis of oral pre-cancer and cancer samples in order to achieve protein markers for truly early detection of OSCC.
The present invention fulfills a need in the art for both salivary oral cancer protein biomarkers and practical methods of detecting these saliva-based biomarkers. The present invention provides saliva-based diagnostic biomarkers of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and periodontal disease. The present invention also provides methods of diagnosing and distinguishing both periodontal disease and OSCC.

Salivary protein biomarkers for human oral cancer

The Regents of the University of California


There are provided an outputter provided in a vehicle and configured to output information, a controller configured to execute driving support for the vehicle, and an output controller configured to provide a notification for requesting an occupant of the vehicle to perform a predetermined action when the driving support is being executed by the controller, cause a form of the notification to be changed so that the notification is emphasized in accordance with a passage of time from a start of the notification, and cause the outputter to output the notification.

Conventionally, there is provided a vehicle control device in which switching from automated travel of a vehicle to manual travel is enabled by a driver, including: a driver state detector configured to detect a driver state of the driver of the vehicle; a calculator configured to calculate a degree of manual driving adaptation (a degree of wakefulness) of the driver during the automated travel of the vehicle on the basis of the driver state detected by the driver state detector; and a notifier configured to provide an automated travel end notification to the driver before the vehicle arrives at an automated travel ending point set in advance, wherein the notifier provides the automated travel end notification at an earlier timing when the degree of manual driving adaptation becomes lower (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Vehicle control system, vehicle control method, and vehicle control program


A photodetector is formed in a semiconductor body. A hard mask grating is photolithographically formed on a surface of the semiconductor body. The semiconductor body is etched using the hard mask grating as a mask. The etching is performed down to a predetermined depth. An implantation is performed such that an anode or cathode of the photodetector that has been interrupted during the etching is re-formed.

Photodetectors of this type, such as PIN photodiodes, comprise a cathode (n-region), an insulation (i-region) and an anode (p-region). This structure is produced on a substrate, for example a silicon substrate, by means of a first implantation, epitaxy and a second implantation.
In order to achieve good light absorption in a desired wavelength range, simple ARC layers (anti-reflecting coating) are deposited on the photodiode, or the integrated photodetectors. The disadvantage of these layers, however, is that they are optimized for a specific wavelength and are thus unsuitable for multispectral applications.
It is possible within limits to achieve a broadened absorption maximum by realizing a corresponding ARC layer construction through multiply deposited thin dielectric layers. However, this method has particular disadvantages in combination with the photodiode integrated into a chip technology.
In particular, the realization of multiple layers means that process costs are multiplied correspondingly in comparison with a single layer deposition. Moreover, this increases the throughput time in production, thereby causing an obstructive build-up at the respective coating installations (bottleneck effect). Moreover, it is difficult to realize the required accuracy of the layers to layer thicknesses of a few nanometers.
Furthermore, in semiconductor fabrication, the required refractive indices of light cannot be realized or are not available. In the case of ARC layers, in particular in the case of multilayers, a certain attenuation of the incident light is unavoidable.
In order to compensate for, or to avoid, this disadvantage and to be able to absorb as much light as possible, it is known to form patterned micropyramids on the surface of the photodetector. By virtue of these micropyramids, the absorption behavior becomes independent of the wavelength of the light radiated in. As a result, the light is also predominantly absorbed in the upper part of the photodetector, which has the consequence that the required epitaxial thickness can be reduced during the production of the photodetector.
Examples of ARC layers and micropyramids are described in "Silicon Solar Cells, Advanced Principles and Practice," Martin A. Green, published by the Centre for Photovoltaic Devices and Systems, University of New South Wales, Sydney, printed by Bridge Printery Pty. Ltd, March 1995.
These micropyramids on the surface of the photodetector may be realized by selective etching by uncovering the (111) crystal planes, thus giving rise to pyramids with square base areas. Furthermore, this document also describes the use of inverted pyramids (that is to say pyramids standing on their vertex) in order to improve the absorption of light in the photodetector. However, the production of inverted pyramids of this type is associated with a considerable complexity, so that this variant is not suitable for a practical application.

Method for the production of an anti-reflecting surface on optical integrated circuits


A crustbreaking assembly comprising elongated rails supported on a frame and a carriage moveable along the length of the rails. A slide assembly pivotally mounted on the carriage for rotation about an axis which is substantially parallel to the rails. A hammer assembly mounted on the slide assembly with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the rails and including a reciprocable cutting bit which reciprocates along the longitudinal axis of the hammer assembly.

1. Field of the Invention
Crustbreaking in electrolysis cells can be performed manually with jackhammers and other manually operated impact devices. However, manual operations are hazardous to the workers and are both slow and expensive. Pneumatically operated crustbreaking equipment has been used but such mechanical crustbreakers are not capable of removing crust formed along the edges and in the corners of electrolysis cells.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Known crustbreakers have been designed to remove slag along cell edges and corners by using an articulated impact tool. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,946 discloses a crustbreaker supported on a semiportable trolley carriage which has a swingable beam with a pneumatic impact tool hinged to the free end of the beam. Although this crustbreaker permits contacting crust located at the extremities of an electrolysis cell, it is complicated and relatively slow and cumbersome to operate. Also, it is not suited for working in a corrosive environment, and due to the pivot arrangement of the impact tool, it does not always cleanly break the crust.

Crustbreaking assembly for aluminum electrolysis cells


Disclosed herein are a resin composition for a porous film or sheet, comprising:. 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin (A) having a density of not more than 0.930 g/cm.sup.3 and a melt index of not more than 2 g/10 min; PA1 100 to 400 parts by weight of a filler (B); PA1 1 to 100 parts by weight of a plasticizer (C) composed of a compound having an ester linkage or an amide linkage in a molecule, and having a molecular weight of not less than 100, a boiling point of not lower than 200.degree. C. and a melting point of not higher than 100.degree. C. under an ordinary pressure; and PA1 0.0001 to 0.1 part by weight of a radical generator (D); PA1 a porous film or sheet therefrom; and PA1 a process for producing the same.

The present invention relates to a resin composition for a porous film or sheet, a porous film or sheet, and a method of producing the same.
Porous synthetic resin films having minute pores which do not pass water drops therethrough but allow gas such as vapor to pass therethrough, have recently been come to use in the clothing field, the medical field, etc. Such films have a function of preventing from becoming stuffy and passing through no liquid. They are used for throwaway diapers, raincoats, throwaway sheets, etc.
One of the typical methods of producing such a porous film having air permeability (breathability) is a method comprising the steps of mixing an inorganic filler such as calcium carbonate, talc and clay with a synthetic resin, forming a film therefrom and stretching the thus-obtained film to form fine cracks on the film.
A porous film or sheet obtained in the said method has a problem in which physical properties such as anisotropy, the balance between tensile strengths in the machine direction and in the transverse direction, and the surface strength are inferior.
To solve these problems, a method of producing a porous film or sheet comprising extruding a composition containing a specific amount of linear polyethylene, branched low-density polyethylene, radical generator and filler, and stretching the obtained film or sheet (U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,521).
However, a porous film or sheet which has a more excellent tear strength in addition to a good balance between tensile strengths in the machine direction and in the transverse direction and an excellent surface strength, and in which the unevenness of stretching and the nonuniformity in film thickness are ameliorated, is further demanded.
As a result of various studies undertaken by the present inventors in order to meet such demand, it has been found that by forming a film or sheet by an inflation method from a composition containing as a plasticizer a compound having an ester linkage or an amide linkage in a molecule and having a molecular weight of not less than 100, a boiling point of not lower than 200.degree. C. and a melting point of not higher than 100.degree. C. under an ordinary pressure, and a radical generator, and uniaxially stretching the resultant film or sheet in the machine direction, the obtained porous film or sheet has more excellent tear strength and surface strength, and scarcely suffers from the unevenness of stretching and the nonuniformity in film thickness. The present invention has been achieved on the basis of this finding.


A capillary tip for a wire bonding tool has a chamfer provided with at least one annular groove. The annular groove is generally oriented in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the capillary. In a sectional view through the capillary axis, the groove profile may be generally part-oval or part circular, such as semicircular or half-oval; or generally rectangular; or generally triangular. In some embodiments the width of the groove profile at the face of the chamfer is at least about one-tenth, more usually at least about one-fifth, the length of the chamfer face; and less than about one-half, more usually less than about one-third, the length of the chamfer face. In some embodiments two or more such grooves are provided. The grooved chamfer can improve the transmission of ultrasonic energy to the wire ball during formation of the bond.

This invention relates to wire bond interconnection in semiconductor packaging.
Fine wires are commonly used to make electrical interconnections between contact sites in semiconductor packages. The contact sites may be, for example, an interconnect pad on a die and a bond finger on a lead frame or a bond site on a substrate. Typically a ball is formed at one end of the wire and the ball is bonded to a first contact site. Then the wire is carried to a second contact site, forming a loop, and is stitch bonded (wedge bonded) at the second site to complete the interconnection. The wire is then broken at the end of the wedge bond, forming a new free end on which a ball can be formed to repeat the process to form interconnections between another pair of contact sites.
Wire bonding is an automated process, employing a wire bonding tool that operates robotically according to programmed instructions. In a conventional wire bonding tool a bond wire, which is typically gold, is run off a spool and threaded through the lumen of a hollow, pointed ceramic capillary. A free end of the wire projects beyond the tip of the capillary. A molten ball is formed at the free end of the wire (a so-called free air ball), typically by employing an electrode near the wire to strike a high voltage electric arc. The bonding site and the capillary are heated, and the capillary is maneuvered to press the free air ball against the bonding site, and ultrasonic energy is applied through the capillary and the ball as the ball hardens and the bond is formed. Typically the ultrasonic energy is supplied to the capillary from an ultrasound source by way of a transducer.
The quality of the interconnection depends upon suitable combinations of materials constituting the wire and contact site, and upon suitable combinations of temperature, pressure, ultrasonic energy, and the timing of events during bond formation. In particular, it is important to apply an effective amount of ultrasonic energy in a controlled manner.


An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier; a transferring unit; a fixing unit; a conveying unit; and a sheet shape detecting unit as defined herein, and a discharge position where the sheet is discharged from the conveying path, a feed position where the sheet is fed to the sheet conveying path and a detection position where the shape of the sheet is detected by the sheet shape detecting unit are arranged in this sequence along a sheet conveying direction to be close to one another, immediately downstream in the sheet conveying direction from a fixing position where the toner image is fixed to the sheet.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.
2. Related Art
A color image forming apparatus is known in which toner images of a plurality of colors are sequentially formed on a photosensitive member, and the toner images of a plurality of colors are transferred and fixed to a sheet to form a multi-color image.


Stream object SOB is made up of one or more stream packs S_PCK, each of which is made up of a pack header and stream packet S_PKT. The pack header includes predetermined time information SCR, and the stream packet includes one or more application packets AP_PKT appended with predetermined time stamps ATS. The application packet which is input to a streamer upon recording such stream object is time-stamped by a local reference clock corresponding to the predetermined time information.

The present invention relates to a data structure suitable for recording/playing back video data sent in digital broadcast or the like or stream data sent with a packet structure, a method of recording stream data using this data structure, and a method of playing back stream data recorded with this data structure.
(Description of Prior Art)
In recent years, TV broadcast has come into the era of digital broadcast. Accordingly, an apparatus for saving digital data of digital TV broadcast as they are irrespective of their contents, i.e., a so-called streamer, has been demanded.
The current digital TV broadcast uses an MPEG transport stream. In the future, an MPEG transport stream is projected to be used as a standard one in the field of digital broadcast using moving picture.
In such digital broadcast, the contents (mainly, video information) to be broadcasted are time-divided into groups of data each having a predetermined size (e.g., 188 bytes) called transport packets, and broadcast data is sent in units of transport packets.
As a streamer for recording digital broadcast data, a home digital VCR such as D-VHS (digital VHS) or the like is currently commercially available. A streamer using D-VHS directly records a broadcasted bitstream on a tape. For this reason, a plurality of programs are multiplexed and recorded on a video tape.
Upon playback, all data are output from the VCR to a set-top box (digital TV reception apparatus; to be abbreviated as an STB hereinafter) when they are played back either from the beginning or the middle of the tape. In this STB, a desired program is selected from the output data by user operation or the like. The selected program information is transferred from the STB to a digital TV receiver, and is played back (playback of video+audio and the like).
Since this D-VHS streamer uses a tape as a recording medium, it cannot attain quick random access, and it is difficult to quickly jump to a desired position of a required program so as to play it back.
As a promising candidate that can combat such shortcoming (difficulty of random access) of the tape, a streamer that uses a large-size disc medium such as a DVD-RAM or the like has been proposed. In this case, management data must be inevitably recorded together with broadcast data in consideration of random access, special playback, and the like.
(Problem)
Digital TV broadcast adopts an MPEG transport stream as a transmission method of stream data containing video information, and video information is sent while being combined in units of application packets each having, e.g., 188 bytes. By contrast, when a recording medium such as a DVD-RAM disc or the like that belongs to a DVD family is used, recording must be done in units of sectors, the minimum recording unit of which is 2,048 bytes. However, the following problems remain unsolved.
(1) A method of efficiently recording information of 188-byte application packets in units of 2,048-byte sectors is not settled yet.
(2) A method of playing back stream data recorded on an information storage medium while holding the reception timing of digital TV broadcast is not settled yet.
Furthermore, there is also a need for recording digital data which is transferred with a packet structure in a local area network (LAN) or a digital telephone line such as ISDN or the like using a streamer.
However, the following problem also remains unsolved.
(3) No versatile recording method that can record digital data other than digital TV is available.
(Object)
It is an object of the present invention to provide a data structure (recording format) on an information storage medium, which can efficiently record stream data on an information storage medium, and can play back stream data from an information storage medium while holding transfer timings between application packets received in digital TV broadcast.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method of recording stream data using the data structure.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method of playing back stream data recorded with the data structure.

Data structure of stream data, and recording and playback method thereof