An image processing apparatus transfers scan image data acquired by a document reader to an editing apparatus and receives print data based on the scan image data from the editing apparatus. The apparatus includes a first generator generating first attribute data from the scan image data and a second generator generating second attribute data based on the print data received from the editing apparatus. The first and second attribute data indicate an image attribute constituting the scan image data and an image attribute constituting print image data generated based on the print data, respectively. The image processing apparatus further includes a third generator generating third attribute data for each of the pixels constituting the print image data based on attribute information of the corresponding pixel in the first and second attribute data.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image-processing apparatus for transferring scan image data acquired in a document-reading section to an editing apparatus and receiving print data including the above-described scan image data from the editing apparatus to carry out image processing, and further relates to a method for controlling such an image-processing apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known that image-processing apparatuses having image-reading sections determine image attributes (e.g., photography area and character area) in scan image data acquired by reading a source document and generate attribute information representing such image attributes. By applying predetermined image processing to each of the photography and character areas according to this attribute information, an optimal output for the photographic image and the character image can be acquired (refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-062251).
In general, scan image data acquired by reading a source document on an image-reading section is produced as image data in the bitmap format. For this reason, all characters and line images in the source document are processed as "bitmapped images." This causes such characters and line images to suffer from jaggedness and blurring. To overcome this problem, attribute information as described above is produced and used for image processing.
There are also known systems for generating data on a computer or a server functioning as an image-editing apparatus including an image-generating application or word processor software and printing the generated data on an image-forming apparatus. Also in these systems, the image-forming apparatus generates attribute information including text, graphics, and bitmapped images based on the received data. More specifically, when an application passes data to a printer driver, the application specifies an attribute (e.g., text, graphic, or bitmapped image) for each object in the data. Based on this specification, the printer driver generates an attribute command, attaches it to the print data, and sends it to the image-forming apparatus. In the image-forming apparatus, the print data is interpreted and rasterized into bitmapped data to generate an attribute map by using the attribute command. The attribute map represents data indicating attribute information of each pixel in the rasterized image data. By applying predetermined image processing to the data using the generated attribute map, an output product where each area is subjected to optimal image processing is provided. Even if the application specifies no attribute, attribute information can be generated by applying attribute-determination processing to the rasterized image data, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-284548.
Recently, overall image processing systems also have been introduced where some of the above-described systems are connected via communication networks. Such an image processing system has a function for transmitting image data acquired on an image-reading apparatus to an image-editing apparatus connected thereto via a communication member. Furthermore, the image-editing apparatus has a mechanism for subjecting the transmitted image data to image editing and transferring the edited image data to an image-forming apparatus to print the image data.
In the above-described system, when image data acquired on the image-reading apparatus is transmitted to the image-editing apparatus, no attribute information is transferred to the image-editing apparatus. In general, image data acquired on the image-reading apparatus is produced as an image file in the bitmap format. This bitmapped image file is then transferred to the image-editing apparatus, in which the bitmapped image file is edited. As a result, when an application passes the bitmapped image file to a printer driver as print data, the application specifies the attribute "bitmapped image" for the bitmapped image file. In response, the printer driver generates an attribute command indicating a bitmapped image and sends it to the image-forming apparatus. For this reason, even if the scan image data includes characters or line images, they are assigned the attribute information "bitmapped image" in the attribute map.
To overcome this shortcoming, when bitmapped image data is to be processed in a single image-forming apparatus, it is common that pixels constituting characters and line images in the bitmapped image data are subjected to image processing suitable for characters and line images, thus improving the image quality. Unfortunately, once this bitmapped image data is transmitted to an external image-editing apparatus, the attribute information is ignored. When this bitmapped image data is edited and transmitted to the image-forming apparatus as print data, characters added to the bitmapped image data by the image-editing apparatus are assigned the attribute "text". However, since the original bitmapped image data has the attribute "bitmapped image", characters and line images included in this bitmapped image data are subjected to image processing for the attribute "bitmapped image". Consequently, bitmapped image data that has passed through the image-editing apparatus has often suffered from low image quality, compared with image data that has been processed in a single image-forming apparatus.
It would be possible to transfer attribute. information to the image-editing apparatus together with image data. In this case, if the image data is edited on the image-editing apparatus, the attribute information also needs to be edited. Furthermore, the definition of attribute information generated in the image-forming apparatus may differ from the definition of the attribute command generated by the application via the printer driver. For attribute information generated from scan image data, it is generally determined into which of at least two categories a pixel is classified, namely whether the pixel constitutes a character or a dot. On the other hand, attribute information specified by an application in a computer is often classified into one of text, graphic, and bitmapped image. This is partly because image data manipulated in a computer is based on the idea of "object" of the application. Furthermore, in attribute information generated from an object, the same text may be assigned different attributes depending on the character size. For example, in attribute information generated from an object, different attributes may be specified for a large-size version of a character and a small-size version of the same character. In a structure where attribute information generated in the image-forming apparatus and attribute information generated from an attribute command of print data transmitted from the image-editing apparatus to the image-forming apparatus are both used, it is impossible to determine which attribute information is appropriate information. For example, there may occur a problem such that a pixel identified as a character in attribute information generated from scan data is identified as a bitmapped image in attribute information generated according to an instruction from an application.
As described above, due to differences in the structure or definition of attribute information, it is difficult to perform image processing optimal for each attribute in image data merely by transmitting attribute information to the image-editing apparatus.

Image-processing apparatus and method for controlling image-processing apparatus


A touch screen display having a touch screen directly coupled to a display is described herein. The display may be an interferometric modular display. The touch screen may be directly laminated to a glass substrate in the display, or the touch screen may be directly laminated to a diffuser film in the display. Alternatively, the display can be any type of display that is not sensitive to pressure.

A touch screen is a user interface that covers a display and enables a user to operate a device simply by touching various locations on the touch screen. The touch screen is clear, so the user can view the display through the touch screen. The display shows information that enables a user to control the device by touching various locations on the touch screen. For example, the display may show various buttons that are associated with certain commands. When the user touches an area on the touch screen over the button, the device executes the command associated with that button. The device typically includes custom applications that enable the device to receive inputs from the touch screen. The touch screen may be sensitive to the touch of a finger, stylus, or other pointing device.
Touch screens typically include a laminate of at least two films with conducting internal surfaces and an array of spacers. Pressure on a surface of the touch screen decreases the resistance of the laminate at the point of pressure, thereby enabling the electronic detection of the location of the point of pressure. Thus, the location of a finger or stylus being used to touch the screen can be determined.
A touch screen may be used with display for a personal computer, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. Additionally, a touch screen may be used with a portable device such as a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). Laptop computers and PDAs typically utilize liquid crystal displays. Newer types of displays that may be used with PDAs and other portable electronic devices include organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and electronic ink.
LCDs require that a fixed amount of space be maintained between two glass plates that surround the shell of the liquid crystal. If pressure is applied to either of these plates, the image displayed on the LCD may be distorted. This phenomenon is typically referred to as bruising. Distortion of the image displayed on the LCD is detected around the area where pressure is applied. If sufficient pressure is applied to either of the glass plates, permanent damage to the cell may occur.
Because touch screens typically require an applied pressure to determine the location of a pointing device, and because LCDs are sensitive to applied pressure, a touch screen that is used with an LCD must be mounted on a separate piece of glass that is suspended some distance from the LCD. FIG. 1 illustrates a touch screen display 100 including a touch screen 102 suspended above an LCD 104 according to the prior art. Touch screen 102 includes a glass substrate 106, to which a touch screen system 108 is attached. Glass substrate 106 provides rigidity to touch screen 102. Touch screen system 108 may be laminated to the surface of glass substrate 106. LCD 104 includes a first glass plate 110 and a second glass plate 112. A liquid crystal display element 114 is located between first glass plate 110 and second glass plate 112.
Since liquid crystal display element 112 is sensitive to pressure, an air gap 114 must be maintained between touch screen 100 and LCD 102. Glass substrate 106 prevents touch screen 102 from coming into contact with LCD 104 when pressure is applied to touch screen system 108. However, the presence of glass substrate 104 and air gap 114 results in increased weight and bulk of the device on which the display is used. Furthermore, glass substrate 104 may reduce optical performance due to increased reflections from internal surfaces.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Directly laminated touch sensitive screen


A routing system and method adapted to a SIMA network routes packets of information from a start network node to a target network node. Each node in a SIMA network monitors the allowed priority level of every outgoing link. A monitor gives a route controller information about the allowed priority levels of at least a nodes outgoing links to all other nodes. The monitor may be used to deliver such information to buffers of other nodes. The monitor also may receive other nodes"" allowed priority levels, and based on the allowed priority levels of all nodes, the route controller of each node delivers the information about the current allowed priority level of every link to all other network nodes. The start node calculates the total costs for all reasonable routes to the target node. The calculation takes into account the allowed priority levels and/or the preference value of the outgoing links, such as the length of the path. The route or link with the lowest total costs is selected.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to communication systems, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for managing information communicated over a network.
2. Description of Related Art
The state of communications technology, particularly that which affects the Internet, is currently in flux and subject to rapid and often uncoordinated growth. The ubiquity and diversity of personal computers and set-top boxes has placed significant pressure on the providers of communications system infrastructure to accommodate the alarming increase in the number of new users that demand immediate access to Internet and other network resources. The rapid development of new and sophisticated software made available to users of such services places additional demands on system infrastructure.
Conducting commerce over the Internet and other networks is a practice that is gaining acceptance and popularity. By way of example, traditional on-line services, such as those offered by Internet providers, typical charge customers a monthly fee for access to basic services and resources, such as proprietary and public databases of information. Such traditional service providers also advertise any number of products or services which are purchasable on-line by the user.
Other forms of Internet commercialization currently being considered or implemented include offering of video and audio conferencing services, and a variety of other real-time and non-real-time services. The providers of these services, as well as the providers of communications system infrastructure, are currently facing a number of complex issues, including management of network capacity, load, and traffic to support real-time, non-real-time, and high-bandwidth services, and implementing a viable billing scheme that accounts for the use of such services.
The communications industry is expending considerable attention and investment on one particular technology, referred to as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), as a possible solution to current and anticipated infrastructure limitations. Those skilled in the art understand ATM to constitute a communications networking concept that, in theory, addresses many of the aforementioned concerns, such as by providing a capability to manage increases in network load, supporting both real-time and non-real-time applications, and offering, in certain circumstances, a guaranteed level of service quality.
Although the current ATM service architecture would appear to provide, at least at a conceptual level, viable solutions to the many problems facing the communications industry, ATM, as currently defined, requires implementation of a complex traffic management scheme in order meet the objectives articulated in the various ATM specifications and recommendations currently being considered. In order to effectively manage traffic flow in a network, conventional ATM traffic management schemes must assess a prodigious number of traffic condition indicators, including service class parameters, traffic parameters, quality of service parameters and the like. A non-exhaustive listing of such parameters and other ATM traffic management considerations is provided in ITU-T Recommendation 1.371, entitled Traffic Control and Congestion Control in B-ISDN, and in Traffic Management Specification, version 4.0 (af-tm-0056.000, April 1996), published by the Technical Committee of the ATM Forum.
Notwithstanding the complexity of conventional ATM traffic management schemes, current ATM specifications and recommendations fail to adequately address the need of service providers for a methodology that provides for accurate and reliable charging of services utilized by user""s of the network. Even if one were to assume that a charging scheme that accounts for most or all of the currently defined ATM traffic management properties could be developed, such a scheme would necessarily be complex and would typically require administration by highly skilled operators. The high overhead and maintenance costs to support such a billing scheme would likely be passed on to the network provider and, ultimately, to the network user.
Some commentators have suggested that a solution to these problems may be found by increasing the bandwidth or capacity of the network (e.g., the Internet). Implementing this overly simplistic solution would require an appreciable investment of hardware, software, and, most likely, replacing existing communication lines with high bandwidth transmission lines, such as fiber optic lines. This suggested solution, however, would likely result in undisciplined network expansion and uncoordinated management of network traffic. Also, such a solution, if implemented, would appear to obviate the need for much of the sophisticated traffic management features currently defined in ATM specifications.
Accordingly, there is a need in the communications industry for a network management architecture and method that is simple in concept and in its implementation, yet adequately addresses the quality of service requirements to support a variety of network services, including real-time and non-real-time services. There exists a further need for a system and methodology that provides for the implementation of a simple and effective charging capability that accounts for the use of network services. The present invention fulfills these and other needs which remain unaddressed by prior art traffic management approaches.
The basic objectives of future Internet are to increase the network capacity, to offer a practical real-time service, and to develop a feasible charging scheme. These objectives introduce very strict requirements for the traffic control system. A Simple Integrated Media Access (SIMA) is recently introduced to present a new simple approach for traffic management. According to the SIMA concept, each customer shall define only two issues before a connection establishment: a nominal bit rate (NBR) and a selection between real-time and non-real-time service classes. NBR forms the basis of charging, and it defines how the network capacity is divided among different connections during overload situations. Simplicity of SIMA means that, on one hand, the network operator does not guarantee the continuous availability of nominal bit rate, and on the other hand, the user is allowed to send data with any bit rate independently of the NBR. As a result, the strength of SIMA lies in its wide area of applications. Accordingly, there is no need to build complex systems with several service classes each appropriate to only certain applications.
Generally, there are two main alternatives for the realization of the SIMA service: the first one based purely on packet network, and the second one based on the use of ATM for the switching and transportation. As the basic implementation of these two alternatives does not considerably differ from each other. The main difference is that the ATM makes possible to realize more easily a satisfactory real-time service. The implementation of the SIMA service includes two main parts: access nodes (A) and core network nodes (C) presented in FIG. 1. The traffic measurement of every flow of the network is performed at access nodes (A), whereas at the core network nodes (C), the traffic control functions do not need to know anything about the properties of separate flows. As shown in FIG. 1, one customer equipment (CE) is connected to another customer equipment (CE) through a SIMA network with access nodes (A).
When a network operator offers a SIMA service, a customer first pays for some Nominal Bit Rate (NBR, e.g. kbit/s) and then the customer can trade the speed for Quality of Service (QoS) for the transmission of its data packet. Specifically, the SIMA network, once receiving customer""s NBR, measures actual bit rate of selected connection and determines a priority level (PL) of each data packet at the user/network interface (UTNI). Thereafter, the data packet is transmitted to the SIMA network (from an access node to a core network node) whereby the SIMA network determines the state of buffer(s) of the core network node so as to decide whether the core network node should accept or discard packet based on PL of the data packet and the state of buffer(s).
One principle of a SIMA network is that data packets are discarded only when necessary and not automatically on the network interface. The discarding decision is mainly based on two considerations: 1) the priority of the data packet; and 2) the allowed priority level (PL) in the buffer(s) of the particular core network node.
One of the concerns for the existing SIMA networks is that if the allowed priority level in the buffer(s) varies through the network at a certain moment, some data packets may be delivered through several network nodes, but then discarded near the end of the data packet transmitting path. This kind of behavior is not desired as it can significantly waste network resources.
Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need for a SIMA network to be equipped with a routing system that is able to equalize or substantially equalize the allowed priority levels as much as possible, or in other words, to transmit data packets in such a path that the probability of being discarded is the least.
It can also be seen that there is a need for a method and system for managing information communicated over a network, especially a SIMA network, as well as enhancing the ability of increasing the network capacity, offering a practical real-time service, and developing a feasible charging scheme.
To overcome the limitations in the prior art described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention is directed to a system and method for communicating elements of information over a network, and more particularly, to a system and method for managing information communicated over the network. The network includes access nodes which provide a user access to core network nodes. Each access node or core network node has a buffer with an allowed priority level for data transmission. Each node in network monitors the allowed priority level of every outgoing link. The monitoring device gives the routing device information about the allowed priority level. Each node delivers the information about the current allowed priority level of every link to all other nodes. The first node determines the total costs for all reasonable routes to the target node. The determination takes into account the allowed priority levels and/or the length of the data path or route. The route with the lowest total cost is selected. The selected route has the least probability for the data to be discarded among all the routes. Accordingly, the present invention makes possible the equalization of priority levels in SIMA network, as it preferably routes packets to those links that have the lowest allowed priority level.
The present invention provides a routing system for a SIMA network for transmitting packets of information. In one embodiment, the present invention includes: a first network node transmitting the packets of information; a second network node for receiving the packets of information transmitted from the first network node; at least two routes connected between the first and second network nodes, at least one of the routes having a third network node, the third network node having at least one outgoing link; and the first network node comprising: at least one outgoing link, the outgoing link being a part of one of the two routes; a route controller for transmitting the packets of information from the first network note to the second network node; a buffer, the buffer storing the packets of information and an allowed priority level for each of the outgoing links of the first and third network nodes, the packets of information being transmitted via one of the routes selected by the route controller; a monitor, the monitor coupled to the buffer and the route controller, the monitor monitoring the allowed priority level of each of the outgoing links of at least the first network node and informing at least the first and third nodes the allowed priority level of each of the outgoing links; and wherein the route controller selects one of the routes from the first network node to the second network node, based on the allowed priority levels of the outgoing links of at least the first and third network nodes.
One aspect of the embodiment is that the route controller selects one of the routes with a lowest cost determined by the allowed priority levels of at least the first and third network nodes.
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention includes: a first network node transmitting the packets of information; a second network node for receiving the packets of information transmitted from the first network node; and the first network node comprising: at least two outgoing links for transmitting the packets of information to the second network node, and each of the outgoing links having a predetermined preference value; a buffer, the buffer storing the packets of information and having an allowed priority level for each of the outgoing links, the packets of information being transmitted via one of the outgoing links selected by the route controller; and wherein the route controller selects one of the outgoing links based on the allowed priority level and the predetermined preference value of each of the outgoing links.
One aspect of the alternative embodiment is that the route controller determines a value difference between the allowed priority level and the predetermined preference value of each of the outgoing links and selects one of the outgoing links which has the largest value difference.
The present invention also provides a method of routing packets of information in a SIMA network from a first network node to a second network node, comprising the steps of: providing at least two routes connected between the first and second network nodes, at least one of the routes having a third network node, the first and third network nodes each having at least one outgoing link; monitoring an allowed priority level of at least the one outgoing link of the first network node, at least the one outgoing links being a part of the routes; informing the first and third network nodes the allowed priority level of each of the outgoing links; and selecting one of the routes from the first network node to the second network node based on the allowed priority levels of the outgoing links of at least the first and third network nodes.
One aspect of the method is that the selecting step selects one of the routes with a lowest cost determined by the allowed priority levels of at least the first and third network nodes.
The present invention further provides an alternative method of routing packets of information in a SIMA network from a first network node to a second network node, comprising the steps of: providing at least two outgoing links for the first network node, and each of the outgoing links having a predetermined preference value; monitoring an allowed priority level of each of outgoing links; and selecting one of the outgoing links to transmit the packets of information from the first network node to the second network node based on the allowed priority levels and the predetermined preference value of the outgoing links.
One aspect of the alternative method is that the selecting step includes determining a value difference between the allowed priority level and the predetermined preference value of each of the outgoing links, and selecting one of the routes which has the biggest value difference.
One of the basic ideas of the present invention is to use information of the allowed priority levels at network nodes for data packet routing.
Other embodiments of a system in accordance with the principles of the invention may include alternative or optional additional aspects. One such aspect of the present invention is that other appropriate selecting methods can be used to determine which route should be taken It will be appreciated that other equivalent alternative embodiments of can be used without departure of the present invention.

Use allowed priority level for routing decision in SIMA networks


A lower electrode and an adhesive layer made of an insulator are formed on a back surface on the ion implantation layer side of a piezoelectric single crystal substrate. A supporting substrate in which sacrificial layers made of a conductive material have been formed is bonded to the surface of the adhesive layer. By heating the composite body including the piezoelectric single crystal substrate, the lower electrode, the adhesive layer, and the supporting substrate, a layer of the piezoelectric single crystal substrate is detached to form a piezoelectric thin film. A liquid polarizing upper electrode is formed on a detaching interface of the piezoelectric thin film. A pulsed electric field is applied using the polarizing upper electrode and the sacrificial layers as counter electrodes. Consequently, the piezoelectric thin film is polarized.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric device that includes a piezoelectric single crystal thin film.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many piezoelectric devices obtained by thinning a piezoelectric single crystal body have been developed. In such a piezoelectric device, an electric field for polarization is applied to stabilize the polarization of the piezoelectric single crystal body that defines a piezoelectric thin film. For example, for a piezoelectric device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 5-90859, a pair of metal films are formed on the front and back surfaces of a flat piezoelectric base material, and an electric field for polarization is applied using the pair of metal films as opposed electrodes. For a piezoelectric device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-43054, a lower electrode utilized to drive the piezoelectric device is used as an electrode for applying an electric field for polarization.
However, in the manufacturing method described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 5-90859, an electric field is applied to the entire piezoelectric base material. Therefore, an electric field has to be applied to the composite substrate including the piezoelectric thin film and the supporting substrate, despite the fact that an electric field only needs to be applied to a piezoelectric thin film in a structure in which the piezoelectric thin film is supported by a supporting substrate. This requires the application of extremely high voltage. Consequently, breakage of a substrate occurs due to abnormal electric discharge or large-scale equipment for ensuring safety when performing high electric field application needs to be installed.
In the manufacturing method described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-43054, since a lower electrode of a piezoelectric device is used as an electrode for applying an electric field for polarization, an electric field for polarization cannot be applied to a piezoelectric device having no lower electrode.

Method for manufacturing piezoelectric device


A radome adapted to reduce backlobes of an associated reflector antenna via application of a conductive ring with an inward facing edge about the periphery of the radome. The conductive ring may be applied extending around the radome periphery to an inside and or outside surface of the radome. The conductive ring may be formed upon the radome by metalising, electrodaging, over molding or the like. Further, the conductive ring may be a metal, metallic foil, conductive foam or the like which is coupled to the radome. An absorber in the form of a ring or a surface coating applied to the radome and or the distal end of the reflector may also be added between the radome and the reflector.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to reflector antenna radomes. More particularly, the invention relates to a reflector antenna radome with a backlobe suppression ring around the radome periphery.
2. Description of Related Art
The front to back (F/B) ratio of a reflector antenna indicates the proportion of the maximum antenna signal that is radiated in any backward directions relative to the main beam, across the operating band. Rearward signal patterns, also known as backlobes, are generated by edge diffraction occurring at the periphery of the reflector dish. Where significant backlobes are generated, signal interference with other RF systems may occur and overall antenna efficiency is reduced. Local and international standards groups have defined acceptable F/B ratios for various RF operating frequency bands.
Prior reflector antennas have used a range of different solutions to maintain an acceptable F/B ratio. For example, conical RF shields which extend forward of the reflector may be applied. However, shield structures increase the overall size, wind load and thereby structural requirements of the antenna, increasing overall antenna and antenna support structure costs. Edge profiling, chokes and or reflector edge notching/serration patterns have been formed in and or applied to the reflector dish periphery. However, these structures, in addition to significantly increasing the manufacturing costs of the resulting antenna, increase antenna wind loading and are typically optimized for a specific frequency band which limits the available market segments for each specific reflector dish design, decreasing manufacturing efficiencies.
F/B ratio is especially significant in modern shield less deep dish reflectors. Deep dish reflectors, by having a low focal length to reflector dish diameter ratio, may be formed with increased aperture efficiency and low side lobes without requiring peripheral shielding. However, to achieve these radiation patterns, the edges of the deep dish reflectors are designed to have higher signal illumination levels relative to shallow dish designs, increasing reflector edge diffraction and thereby generating significant backlobes.
Competition within the reflector antenna industry has focused attention on RF signal pattern optimization, structural integrity, as well as materials and manufacturing operations costs. Also, increased manufacturing efficiencies, via standardized reflector antenna components usable in configurations adaptable for multiple frequency bands is a growing consideration in the reflector antenna market.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes deficiencies in the prior art.

Reflector antenna radome with backlobe suppressor ring and method of manufacturing


A planar differential aperture antenna that has a high gain and wide bandwidth at a millimeter wave band is provided. The differential aperture antenna has a cavity within it that has a height of roughly a quarter of a wavelength of the desired transmission band. The cavity is H-shaped, and has a cross shaped patch within the cavity that is fed differentially by two grounded coplanar waveguides. Two ends of the patch extend towards the ports on either side of the differential aperture antenna, and the other two ends of the patch extend into the cavity lobes, perpendicular with respect to the ports.

Conventional high gain aperture antennas, such as a parabolic reflector antenna, are widely used for millimeter-wave bands in different areas, because of their high gain, wide bandwidth and simple structure. However, these antennas have a large profile with regards to the beam direction, large size and relatively high cost. To overcome the drawbacks of conventional millimeter-wave high gain aperture antennas, different millimeter-wave planar aperture antennas, e.g., horn and horn-like antenna, using different planar circuit technologies have been proposed, but these designs suffer from either low gain or high cost.


A test apparatus and method in which a compressible housing is used to retain an electronic component having conductors thereon. The compressible housing is lowered onto a suitable base member having upstanding probes which are also compressible and which physically engage respective ones of the conductors at one end thereof and an appropriate conductor (e.g., conductive pads on a printed circuit board) on the other when the test apparatus is fully assembled and testing occurs.

Clearly, miniaturization is a main object of all electronic packaging developers and manufacturers. Accordingly, various electronic packages have been introduced within the past few (e.g., ten) years which accomplish this objective, examples being defined and illustrated in detail in the following U.S. Patent Numbers:                U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,707—McBride et al        U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,969—Ameen et al        U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,535—Desai et al        U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,732—Angulas et al        U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,936—Andros et al
Typically, such packages utilize extremely small conductive members such as spherically-shaped solder balls as the connecting medium. Such solder balls may possess a diameter of only about 0.025 inch to about 0.035 inch, and in the final product for incorporation within a larger electronic structure (e.g., a microprocessor), are typically arranged in compact, highly dense arrays (e.g., those with the balls positioned apart on only 0.050 inch centers). The electrical circuitry for such packages is also highly dense, and may possess line widths as small as about 0.002 inch, with 0.002 spacings between lines. Even smaller elements are presently being contemplated for future products.
An excellent example of one such product is the HyperBGA® electronic package sold by the assignee of this invention. (HyperBGA is a registered trademark of the assignee, Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc.). This structure includes a laminate substrate with exceptional thermal compensating properties capable of effectively coupling at least one semiconductor chip thereon to an underlying substrate (e.g., printed circuit board), using such solder balls as mentioned above for both connections.
It is readily understood that testing of such substrates is a critical and necessary step during the manufacture thereof, in order to prevent subsequent failure when the package is utilized in a larger (and very expensive) assembly such as a microprocessor or the like. It is also understood that such testing can be a difficult, complex and time-consuming operation.
Examples of various means for testing electronic structures are illustrated in the following U.S. Letters Patents. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,970 (Katz), a test pin with a jagged edge is utilized, while in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,464 (Elsasser), buckling beam connectors are used. A printed circuit board tester using a plurality of apparently spring-loaded pin contacts is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,765 (Driller et al) and an electrical circuit test probe, also spring-loaded, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,533 (Coe). U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,787 (Johnston) describes an elongated test probe with a spring-loaded plunger which is rotated during movement to make contact with the desired object being tested, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,615 (Richards et al) describes a module claimed to be able to test "linear high density" test site arrays. U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,995 (Johnston) describes a spring-biased test probe having an end configured to make frictional pressure contact with the test site (e.g., a board). And, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,804,984 and 6,051,982, there are defined two test apparatus also using spring-biased contacts for testing such electronic packages as exemplified above (e.g., the HyperBGA® package). Both patents are co-authored by the inventor of the instant invention. In IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin (TDB) Vol. 25, No. 1, B (April, 1983), there is defined a spring-loaded probe with a rotational wiping feature, the probe having a jagged tip portion. In IBM TDB vol. 37, no. 02B (February, 1994), another example of the aforementioned buckling beam connectors is defined.
When simultaneously testing pluralities of conductive members such as the above-described extremely small solder balls arranged in a highly dense array, it is quickly understood that precisioned alignment and proper pressure application of each test contact probe member are critical. Clearly, these contacts must maintain a spaced relationship from one another (or shorting can occur during test), and must also allow ease of movement of the individual probes toward and away from the object being tested. Equally important, these cannot exert excessive pressure onto the solder balls and/or the pads on which these are positioned because doing so could harm the underlying pad or dielectric layer supporting same. It is not believed that the test apparatus described in the above patents and published documents (TDBs) can provide such connection and movement in an effective and cost-efficient manner capable of meeting many of today's demanding production schedules.
It is believed, therefore, that a test apparatus capable of effectively testing highly dense arrays of conductive members such as small diameter solder balls in a precise yet expedient manner utilizing the optimum forces necessary on the balls such as taught herein would constitute a significant advancement in the art.


A radiation system for generating a beam of radiation that defines an optical axis is provided. The radiation system includes a plasma produced discharge source for generating EUV radiation. The discharge source includes a pair of electrodes constructed and arranged to be provided with a voltage difference, and a system for producing a plasma between the pair of electrodes so as to provide a discharge in the plasma between the electrodes. The radiation system also includes a debris catching shield for catching debris from the electrodes. The debris catching shield is constructed and arranged to shield the electrodes from a line of sight provided in a predetermined spherical angle relative the optical axis, and to provide an aperture to a central area between the electrodes in the line of sight.

A lithographic apparatus is a machine that applies a desired pattern onto a substrate, usually onto a target portion of the substrate. A lithographic apparatus can be used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs). In that instance, a patterning device, which is alternatively referred to as a mask or a reticle, may be used to generate a circuit pattern to be formed on an individual layer of the IC. This pattern can be transferred onto a target portion (e.g. comprising part of, one, or several dies) on a substrate (e.g. a silicon wafer). Transfer of the pattern is typically via imaging onto a layer of radiation-sensitive material (resist) provided on the substrate. In general, a single substrate will contain a network of adjacent target portions that are successively patterned. Known lithographic apparatus include so-called steppers, in which each target portion is irradiated by exposing an entire pattern onto the target portion at one time, and so-called scanners, in which each target portion is irradiated by scanning the pattern through a radiation beam in a given direction (the "scanning" direction) while synchronously scanning the substrate parallel or anti-parallel to this direction. It is also possible to transfer the pattern from the patterning device to the substrate by imprinting the pattern onto the substrate.
In addition to EUV radiation, radiation sources used in EUV lithography generate contaminant material that may be harmful for the optics and the working environment in which the lithographic process is carried out. Such is especially the case for EUV sources operating via a plasma produced discharge source, such as a plasma tin source. Such a source typically comprises a pair of electrodes to which a voltage difference can be applied. In addition, a vapor is produced, for example, by a laser beam that is targeted to, for example, one of the electrodes. Accordingly, a discharge will occur between the electrodes, generating a plasma, and which causes a so-called pinch in which EUV radiation is produced. In addition to this radiation, the discharge source typically produces debris particles, among which can be all kinds of microparticles varying in size from atomic to complex particles, which can be both charged and uncharged. It is desired to limit the contamination of the optical system that is arranged to condition the beams of radiation coming from an EUV source from this debris. Conventional shielding of the optical system primarily includes a system comprising a high number of closely packet foils aligned parallel to the direction of the light generated by the EUV source. A so-called foil trap, for instance, as disclosed in EP 1491963, uses a high number of closely packed foils aligned generally parallel to the direction of the light generated by the EUV source. Contaminant debris, such as micro-particles, nano-particles and ions can be trapped in walls provided by the foil plates. Thus, the foil trap functions as a contamination barrier trapping contaminant material from the source. Due to the arrangement of the platelets, the foil trap is transparent for light, but will capture debris either because it is not travelling parallel to the platelets, or because of a randomized motion caused by a buffer gas. It is desirable to improve the shielding of the radiation system, because some (directed, ballistic) particles may still transmit through the foil trap.

Radiation system and lithographic apparatus


An heat treatment (anneal) process is provided that reduces stress in a metal layer structure having ARC TiN layer overlaying an aluminum layer formed in a high temperature process. An metal layer 32 composed of Al/Cu/Si is sputtered at a temperature of about 505.degree. C. on a semiconductor structure 10. Next, an ARC TiN layer 34 is deposited over the metal layer 32. In an important process, a heat treatment (anneal) is performed on the metal layer 32 and the ARC TiN layer 34. The heat treatment comprises three steps. First, a ramp up step is performed wherein the temperature is increased from room temperature to a temperature of about 450.degree. C. at a rate of about 40.degree. C./sec. Second, a temperature hold step is performed where the temperature is held at about 450.degree. C. for a time of about 30 seconds. Third, a ramp down step is performed where the temperature is ramped down at rate in a range of between about 8 and 10.degree. C./sec to room temperature. The heat treatment anneal of the present invention reduces the stress between the ARC TiN and Al layers which eliminates any peeling and blemishing of the ARC TiN layer.

1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the fabrication of metal layers and interconnects for semiconductor devices and more particularly to a heat treatment for interconnects comprising a titanium nitride Anti-Reflection Coating (ARC) layer over an aluminum layer.
2) Description of the Prior Art
Metal layers and interconnects are important technologies in semiconductor manufacturing. Interconnects electrically connect together different conductive wiring layers in a semiconductor chip. The conductive layers can be layers formed on a substrate surface, such as source/drain contacts or gate structures, or overlying metal wiring layers. It is important that these interconnects, vias, and conductive wiring layers be reliable, be as small as possible to miniaturize the circuit and have wide process windows for high yields.
Often metal layers are formed having overlying anti-reflective coating (ACR layers. These anti-reflective coating layers (such as titanium nitride anti-reflective coating (TiN ACR) layers improve photolithographic processes by providing a dull surface overlying the reflective metal lines.
In addition to the overlying ARC layers, metal layers are formed having underlying barrier layers, such as Ti:W, TiSi.sub.2, TiN, etc. These layers are critical in helping the metal layers, usually aluminum, to adhere to various surfaces, such as oxides. The layers also block aluminum metal from spiking out and reacting with other surfaces, such as silicon. The combination of layers is called a metal stack (for example, a bottom TiN layer, a middle aluminum layer and a top TiN layer).
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, we have found that current processes for forming metal layers and interconnects have problems related to stress. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a Ti layer 44, an Al layer 48, an ARC TiN layer 50 (a metal stack) formed over an insulating layer 40. The stress can cause peeling and delamination of the metal stack. More particularly, a top Anti-Reflection Coating TiN layer 50 delaminates from an underlying aluminum layer 48 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Also the stress can cause blemishes, slits, voids, silicon precipitates (nodules) and hillocks. The void/blemish problem appears to be worse on higher temperature aluminum formation processes.
Others have attempted to solve similar problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,298,436 (Radosevich) shows varying the deposition rate to give lower stress. U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,508 (Dodt) shows the use of annealing by RTA for annealing irradiation induced damage. However, these methods can be further improved.
Therefore, there exists a need to develop processes that relieve stress in metal/TiN ARC layers that are tailored to the deposition processes used to form these layers. There exists a need for a process that eliminates the peeling and blemishing of a TiN Arc layer over an Al layer.

Post metallization stress relief annealing heat treatment for ARC TiN over aluminum layers

Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.


A multi-energy radiation detector may include an array substrate including a plurality of unit circuits, and/or a photoelectric conversion layer on the array substrate. The photoelectric conversion layer may include a plurality of regions having thicknesses different from each other. A method of manufacturing a multi-energy radiation detector may include forming gate and first electrodes by forming and patterning a first metal layer on a substrate; forming an insulating layer on the gate and first electrodes; forming a channel layer by forming and patterning a semiconductor layer on the insulating layer; forming source, drain, and second electrodes by forming and patterning a second metal layer on the channel layer; forming a passivation layer to cover the source, drain, and second electrodes; forming a first photoelectric conversion layer on the passivation layer; and/or forming a second photoelectric conversion layer on part of the first photoelectric conversion layer.

1. Field
Example embodiments relate to multi-energy radiation detectors capable of detecting radiation of different energy bands from each other and/or performing imaging processes. Example embodiments also relate to methods of manufacturing multi-energy radiation detectors.
2. Description of Related Art
Radiations such as X-rays or γ-rays (gamma-rays) are highly transmissive, and thus inside of an object may be observed by using the radiation. Due to the above property, radiation has important uses in fields such as non-destructive inspection and medical treatment. Transmission amounts of radiation may vary depending on the density or densities of the object, and the inside of the object may be imaged by measuring difference between the transmission amounts.
Many radiation imaging systems are used regardless of the energy of radiation irradiated to a detector. However, if radiation images of different energy bands are separately obtained and imaging processes are performed, objects having different degrees of absorption, reflection, and refraction of the radiation may be distinguished from each other. Tissues of different components, such as a general tissue and cancer tissue or hard tissue and soft tissue, may be distinguished from each other and may be imaged by using a multi-energy radiation imaging technology that is capable of obtaining images of different energy bands. In order to perform the multi-energy radiation imaging, X-rays of different energies may be used with a filter in an X-ray source or a photon counting method may be used in a detector. However, according to methods of using the filter on the X-ray source, X-rays have to be irradiated a plurality of times to the same object, and thus the image may be distorted due to fine movements of the object, and radiation amounts of the object may be increased. In addition, according to the photon counting method, a complex digital/analog circuit is necessary, and thus it is difficult to obtain a large-sized detector.

Multi-energy radiation detectors and methods of manufacturing the same


A data communications system is overlaid on a voice-based trunked radio system. Digital data packets are transmitted over available radio channels, thereby enabling data communication between a host dispatch system and mobiles and a base station in the trunked radio system. Radio channels associated with trunked channel groups are accessed when available by a communications controller. The communications controller is configured to communicate with various mobile units of the trunked radio system over available radio channels through multiple radio communication links. Radio channels are monitored to detect when the radio channels are presently unused for voice transmission and thereby accessible for data overlay. In particular, when the data overlay system detects that the transmission of analog voice information ceases over a particular radio channel, the trunked channel group association of that particular radio channel is caused to be switched from a voice group to a data group. Data packets are then transferred over the available radio channel.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to trunked radio communication systems, particularly to data-overlaid trunked radio communication systems.
2. Description of the Background Art
Trunked radio communication systems provide simplex or half-duplex mode radio communication, typically of analog voice information, between base and mobile units over a particular geographical area through a group, or "trunk," of associated radio channels. Thus, when a transmission is made over a radio channel associated with a given trunk, base and mobile units that are tuned to other radio channels also associated with that trunk may receive the same transmission.
Due in part, however, to the intermittent nature of transmitted voice conversations, significant voice channel capacity sometimes remains unused during normal operation of trunked radio systems. Moreover, because trunked radio systems are designed primarily for handling analog voice data, trunked radio systems are not well-suited for communicating digital data, particularly data packets, frames or datagrams, according to standard digital communications protocol.
Therefore, it would be desirable to improve existing voice-based trunked radio infrastructures by overlaying thereon a data communication system for sending and receiving digital data information over unused radio channel capacity.

Apparatus and method for overlaying data on trunked radio


Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the use of surface modified biocompatible materials to promote the attachment of bone or bone-like cells to an implant surface. The surface of the biomaterials, which may include hydrogels, when modified in accordance with the description herein, directs the cells that migrate to the implant site to differentiate into cells that attach and lay down bone or bone-derivative material, or cartilage or cartilaginous material further enhancing the biocompatibility of the implanted device.
2. Background Art
Materials used in the construction of implantable medical devices must be nontoxic, nonantigenic, and noninflammatory. Hydrogels are a preferred type of polymeric material for implantable devices. Because of their high water content, analogous to living tissue, they are superior in biocompatibility to non-hydrous polymeric materials.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,826, issued to Ku et al., describes the preparation of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels (PVA-H) by physically crosslinking an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to produce a gel. The crosslinking is accomplished by subjecting the aqueous PVA solution to multiple cycles of freezing and thawing. One limitation of the prior art is that the hydrogels produced are relatively nonporous and the pore size and degree of porosity, that is the density of the pores within the hydrogel, cannot vary independently of the mechanical properties or stiffness of the hydrogel.
Methods for producing certain porous hydrogels also exist in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,405 issued to Yao et al., describes methods for creating porous PVA-Hs by including immiscible materials in the polymerization process. After the hydrogel is polymerized, the included immiscible materials are washed out of the hydrogel by an appropriate solvent, yielding pores which are broadly distributed throughout the hydrogel. Controlling the size and density of the pores is accomplished by varying the molecular weight of the immiscible materials. A disadvantage of Yao et al. is that the range of attainable pore sizes is limited. Moreover, the invention of Yao et al. is limited in that it can only produce hydrogels whose pores extend throughout the hydrogel. The pores in Yao et al. are intended to create vascularization of the hydrogel in soft or non-load bearing tissue. A further disadvantage of Yao et al. is that the pore sizes are broadly distributed about the average pore size.
In addition to crosslinking by physical means, hydrogels may be chemically crosslinked using, for example, methods similar to those described by Müller in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,464. Similarly, chemical crosslinking or polymerization methods may also be used to adhere hydrogels to surfaces, including biological tissues. U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,245, issued to Sawhney et al., describes applications of these techniques. These and other methods for the crosslinking or further polymerization of hydrogels are derived from methods used in the polymer industry and are well known in the art.
Artificial discs intended for the replacement of a damaged intravertebral disc have been described. These are typically articulated devices comprising two rigid metal plates adhered to opposite ends of an elastomeric core. In use, the artificial disc is placed in the intervertebral space and the metal plates are secured to the surfaces of adjacent vertebrae. Various embodiments of artificial discs of this type are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,674,296 and 6,156,067, issued to Bryan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,094, issued to Serhan et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,785, issued to Zdeblick et al. More recent embodiments, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,704, issued to Ferree and U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,234, issued to Weber et al., include descriptions of elastomeric cores that may be formed from materials with different elasticities to better mimic the native structure of spinal discs.
The disadvantages of the artificial disc devices of the prior art are numerous. These prior art devices require the mechanical attachment of rigid artificial materials, such as titanium, directly to the bone with screws, staples, nails, cement, or other mechanical means. These rigid materials are only minimally compatible with natural, living bone and separation of the implant from the bone is often observed over long-term implantation. In addition, materials used in artificial discs of the prior art have physical and mechanical properties distinctly different from those of natural spinal, discs and thus, inadequately duplicate the desired properties of native spinal discs.
Vertebral fusion is still the most commonly performed procedure to treat debilitating pain associated with degenerative spinal disc disease or disc trauma, despite the fact that the procedure has many drawbacks. Vertebral fusion increases stress and strain on the discs adjacent to the fusion site, and it is now widely accepted that fusion is responsible for the accelerated degeneration of adjacent levels. Current multicomponent spinal disc prosthesis designs, elastomeric cores with metal plates on both the upper and lower surfaces, are susceptible to problems with interfacial bonding and wear. These designs have shown spontaneous device detachment due to retraction of bone tissue from the metal surface.
Bone ingrowth and attachment in the art has often required the use of bone promoting growth factors. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,436, issued to Chu et al., describes using a porous implant for use in load bearing bone replacement which is used in combination with an osteogenic factor such as TGF-β.
Biomedical devices which are implanted in or around bone often fail because of fibrinogen encapsulation of the implant instead of cellular attachment to the implant itself. This encapsulation is a defensive reaction attempting to minimize contact between the body and the implant and is considered a sign of implant incompatibility.
Moreover, the art of bone ingrowth to implantable surface contains a multitude of examples relating to porous directed ingrowth where bone essentially grows into and around channels of the implant. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,720, issued to Collier et al., discusses the ingrowth of bone into interconnecting pores which essentially locks bone into place. This method is disadvantageous in that bone does not actually attach to the material, instead bone attaches to other bone around the implant. In the unfortunate event that an implant must be removed, this type of Collier ingrowth results in large amounts of disruption to the surrounding bone tissue.
The present invention describes a biomaterial for implantation into the body. The biomaterial, which can be a hydrogel, possesses a textured surface which is comprised of superficial surface pores. As used herein, the term pores shall include cavities, indentations, holes and openings. Stated differently, the pores on the surface of the hydrogel substrate do not extend throughout the hydrogel but instead remain within a region near the surface. The hydrogel substrate can be comprised of two or more pore sizes. Specifically, the pores of the first size each have a diameter of between 3 and 1000 micrometers, preferably between 10 and 300 micrometers, and preferably between 30 and 100 micrometers. Further, the pores of the second size would each have a diameter of between 0.5 to 20 micrometers, preferably between 1 to 10 micrometers, and preferably between 2 and 5 micrometers. One embodiment of the present invention provides the second, smaller pores disposed within the first, larger pores. The superficial pores of the present invention extend into the hydrogel substrate less than 1 millimeter, preferably 500 micrometers, and preferably 200 micrometers, from the surface. The hydrogel substrate of the present embodiment can comprise polyvinyl alcohol having a water content of at least 5% and preferably at least 30%.
The present invention is also drawn to a hydrogel substrate comprising a hydrogel surface having thereon a plurality of first substantially uniform superficial pores and a unique plurality of second substantially uniform superficial pores. This hydrogel can possess two different yet substantially uniform superficial pore sizes grouped into a first, larger pore size and a second, smaller pore size. The pores of one size are substantially uniform in diameter relative to the other pores of the same size. Specifically, the first pores have an average diameter of between 2 and 600 micrometers, preferably between 5 and 200 micrometers, and preferably between 20 and 60 micrometers. Further, the second pores have an average diameter of between 0.1 and 10 micrometers, preferably between 0.2 to 5 micrometers, and preferably between 0.5 to 2 micrometers. The superficial pores of the present invention can be arranged so that the smaller, second pores are within the larger, first pores. The superficial pores of the present invention extend into the hydrogel substrate less than 1 millimeter, preferably no more than 500 micrometers, and preferably no more than 200 micrometers. The hydrogel substrate of the present embodiment can be made up of polyvinyl alcohol having a water content of at least 5% and preferably at least 30% w/w of the overall hydrogel.


A surface forming method for electronic component includes: forming a body that has at least one waveguide, with two ends of the waveguide exposed on a front end surface and a back end surface of the body; forming a photoresist film to cover on the front end surface of the body; irradiating a light from the back end surface of the body to remove a part, of the photoresist film, that covers at least a part of an end surface of the waveguide, thereby forming an exposed area on the end surface of the waveguide; etching the exposed area of the waveguide to form a recess; and removing the photoresist film. The position and size of the pattern could be controlled accurately and efficiently, instead of inefficient complex procedures of alignment.

Waveguides served as a device for transmitting electromagnetic wave in microwave or visible light wave band are commonly included in electronic components such as thermally assisted magnetic heads in information storage devices.
In performing the thermally assisted magnetic writing, near field light is generally used for applying heat to a magnetic recording medium. In this technology, light propagating through a waveguide (guided light) is not directly applied to a plasmon generator, but the guided light is coupled to the plasmon generator through evanescent coupling, and surface plasmon polaritons generated on a surface of the plasmon generator are utilized.
As the waveguide is functioned as guiding light, thus a temperature rise of the surface of the writing element is occurred, and heat will be congregated on the surface of the waveguide or its neighbors to damage the elements. For solving this problem, people tries to study to improve the surface performance, by changing and improving the material of the waveguide, or adding a film on the waveguide, etc.
A conventional surface forming method is to form a film 104 to cover the end surface of the small area on the main portion 103, as shown in FIG. 1a-1c. Commonly, the photoresist film 101 covered on the front end surface (which is to be formed as an air bearing surface 10) of the writing element 100 is partly exposed by UV light 12 emitted to the front end surface directly. Concretely, this position to be removed must be aligned to the end surface of the small area on the main portion 103. Due to the UV light 12 is emitted to the front end surface of the writing element 100, from top to bottom, thus it's necessary to align the light 12 with the right position of the end surface of the main portion 103, so as to prevent the main portion 103 of the writing element being exposed. As a result, such a UV exposure process must be performed accurately and patiently, which leads to a time-consuming process for a plurality of writing elements to be machined. All appearance, it's inefficient to use this surface forming method to production in batches.
Thus it is desired to provide a surface forming method for electronic component, to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above.

Surface forming method for electronic component


A foamed aqueous dispersion of a mixture of particulate plastics material is formed when the fibers are between 5% and 35% of the volume of the mixture, where no more than about 7% of the volume of the mixture is conductive fibers between about 7 and 20 mm long, and where any other fibers are reinforcing fibers with a high modulus of elasticity and between about 7 and about 50 mm long. A web is formed from the foamed dispersion using a wet laying process. The web is dried and compacted under heat and pressure. The compacted web is cooled to form a consolidated element in which the conductive fibers extend as a conductive lattice. The resulting element can be formed or molded into shielding to provide attenuation of electrical or magnetic fields.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.
2. Description of the Related Art
With much electronic equipment, regulations require shielding to be provided for certain components in order to attenuate the transmission of electrical and magnetic fields which can produce undesired induction currents and static effects. Such shielding is necessarily conductive so that it can be earthed or grounded to prevent a build-up of such currents or static.
Shielding for this purpose has taken the form of covers shaped from an expanded metal sheeting and plastics mouldings coated with metallic paint. It has also been proposed in European Patent Application No. 83401541.4 (Publication No. 100726) to use paper making technology to produce, a web of conductive fibres of up to 6 mm in length and powdered thermoplastics material. The European Patent further proposes the press moulding of a multiplicity of layers of such material into platelets having thicknesses of up to 6 mm which exhibited useful electromagnetic interference shielding properties.
Although European Patent Application No. 83401541.4 (Publication No. 100726) makes reference to the use of metallic fibres of up to 10 mm and of glass fibres of up to 15 mm in length, no example is given of the use of fibres longer than 6 mm or glass fibres longer than 3 mm. This is consistent with the present applicant's experience that it is impossible by conventional wet laying papermaking techniques to produce a satisfactory sheet with fibres longer than about 5 to 6 mm, depending on their thickness. Longer fibres can only be formed into very thin webs from dispersions of very low consistencies (0.1% or less). In forming webs from such dispersions, exceptionally large volumes of water need to be handled in drainage, leading to high capital costs and a very low rate of production. The difficulties in fact make the use of longer fibres impractical using conventional technology.


A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture enables users to collaborate on an actual stored drawing document across a network. A single document is stored on a server who establishes a collaboration session with multiple users that collaborate in real time and dynamically view modifications executed by the users. Users maintain simultaneous write access to the document. Asynchronous commands are received from users, that have a delay of a defined time period, include any modifications made in real time by the user transmitting the asynchronous command, and cause the server to transmit any modifications to all of the multiple users in the collaboration session. The server also maintains a history of all modifications to the actual stored drawing document. The history can be used by a user to undo any user's modifications.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to computer-implemented drawing programs, and in particular, to a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for multiple collaborators to simultaneously work on a drawing.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) application programs is well known in the art. CAD application programs are often expensive, complex, and difficult to learn how to use. Additionally, architects, contractors, engineers, owners, and other parties involved with a project (referred to as project participants or collaborators) are often mobile or at different locations. With new technology and the increased use of the Internet, project participants often have computers, Internet access, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Further, the coordination and exchange of information between project participants can be increasingly complex.
Existing prior art applications allow a user to download a drawing, edit the drawing, and upload the drawing after completing the edits. Alternatively, prior art applications/features may allow the creation of a two-dimensional in-memory document where graphic information is transmitted from one client to another client during a session. However, in such prior art applications, to refer to a document in the future (i.e., to store the document), the document must be saved locally by a client and then uploaded later. Further, since only an in-memory document is used, there is no capability to undo a modification or to restore the document in the event of a network or computer failure. Further, only a primitive set of two-dimensional graphic manipulation tools is often provided.
Accordingly, existing prior art applications do not provide the ability for multiple users to collaborate on an actual stored document with a full set of modeling tools (in two and three dimensions).


An amusement item comprising a container filled with compressed air from a geographic location of interest. Compressed air from a geographic region is collected and transported to a manufacturing facility for the production of novelty containers containing the compressed air. Containers are labeled with the region/location from which the compressed air is obtained. Certification and quality is maintained by obtaining records of the chemical make-up of the air at the source and comparing that electronic record to cylinders of air from the geographic location to ensure accuracy of labeling and filling. The amusement items are sold as souvenirs.

Sales of souvenir amusement items is an important aspect of any vacation or travel. The souvenir industry is large in not only the US but in many countries. There is a constant incentive to come up with souvenir items that are new and that will entice travelers to purchase them. Such factors as novelty and affiliation with the areas in which a tourist might be traveling are factors that will entice a buyer to purchase one souvenir over another.
Although souvenir items are typically associated with inexpensive prices, this does not mean that quality control and accurate representations of the regions from which the souvenir is purchased are not important factors. Souvenir buyers want to be assured that souvenirs they purchase actually represent the areas that they are visiting.
Souvenir items of one region may be made in entirely different region. In such cases, this may, in the mind of the consumer, lessen the souvenir value of that specific item. Thus it would be useful to have a souvenir that is representative of a geographic region and, at the same time, give assurances to the purchaser that it truly represents the region that it purports to do.

Method for creating a souvenir amusement item


An electrical DC-to-AC power conversion apparatus is disclosed that is primarily intended for use with solar photovoltaic sources in electric utility grid-interactive applications. The invention improves the conversion efficiency and lowers the cost of DC-to-AC inverters. The enabling technology is a novel inverter circuit topology, where the bulk of the throughput power, from DC source to AC utility, is processed only once. The inverter does not require an isolation transformer and can be connected directly to a 480/277 Vac utility grid. The invention also allows the power converter to start into photovoltaic array having higher open circuit voltages. The invention also uses active ripple current cancellation to substantially reduce the cost, size and weight of the main filter inductors.

Photovoltaic (PV) cells produce power over a wide voltage range depending on the amount of sunlight and the temperature of the photovoltaic cell. There are National Electric Code and class-of-equipment restrictions that make PV arrays much more cost effective when sized for a maximum of 600 Vdc. In order to source AC power into the electric utility grid, over the expected range of DC voltages, prior art utility-interactive inverters use two power conversion stages.
In all prior art topologies discussed, 100% of the throughput power is processed twice and power is lost in each conversion stage. The invention is an improvement over the prior art because the bulk of the DC-to-AC conversion is done in one direct conversion and only 0% to 25% of the throughput power is processes twice for a worst-case equivalent of 1¼ conversion steps, instead of 2. This translates to at least 38% less complexity, cost and conversion losses over the prior art.


A ground-based system and method of supplying electrical power and temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system during ground support operations uses a throttle valve to control the flow of compressed air flowing through a heat exchanger. An air conditioner module mounted on a wheeled cart removes heat from the compressed air that is supplied to it from an auxiliary power unit (APU), and supplies cooled compressed air at a desired temperature. The temperature of the cooled compressed air is controlled by selectively positioning a throttle valve, which regulates compressed air flow from the compressed air source. The throttle valve position is controlled in response to one or more ambient meteorological conditions and/or the amount of electrical power being supplied from the system.

Aircraft main engines not only provide propulsion for the aircraft, but in many instances may also be used to drive various other rotating components such as, for example, generators and pumps. The main engines may also be used to supply compressed air to the aircraft's environmental control system, which may be used to supply temperature-controlled air to both the aircraft cabin and to electronic equipment within the aircraft.
When an aircraft is on the ground and its main engines are not being used, an alternative power source may be used to supply electrical power to onboard electrical equipment, such as the aircraft avionics suite. In addition, during some ground support operations, an external supply of cooling or heating air may be used to supply temperature-controlled air to the cabin and the onboard aircraft electrical equipment. For some type of aircraft ground support applications, most notably military aircraft ground support applications, a ground power cart may be used to supply electrical power and temperature-controlled air to the onboard electronic equipment and the aircraft cabin.
One particular ground power cart that may be used during aircraft ground support operations includes an auxiliary power unit (APU) that generates and supplies electrical power to onboard electrical equipment, and supplies high temperature (e.g., ≧300° F.) compressed air to an air conditioner module. The air conditioner module conditions the compressed air to a predetermined temperature and supplies the conditioned compressed air to the aircraft. The air conditioner module may be used in at least two modes, a cooling mode, to supply cool air, or a heating mode, to supply warm air. To do so, the air conditioner module may include a primary heat exchanger, a condenser, a moisture separator, and one or more cooling turbines. Typically, this air conditioner module is designed so that when it is operating in the cooling mode it will supply cool air at a specified flow rate and at a predetermined desired temperature for a given, predetermined design ambient temperature and design electrical load. For example, the module may be designed to supply cooling air at 100 lb/min, and at a temperature no higher than 55° F. when the ambient temperature is 125° F. and when a specified maximum electrical load on the aircraft is energized.
When actual ambient temperature is below the design ambient temperature, the air conditioner module may supply cooling air at the 100 lb/min flow rate and at a temperature that is less than 55° F. In some instances, supplying air to an aircraft at a flow rate of 100 lb/min and at a temperature less than 55° F. may not be desirable. In addition, when the actual electrical load being supplied by the APU is below the design electrical load, it may not be needed or desirable, to supply a flow rate of 100 lb/min of cooling air, either above or below 55° F. Nonetheless, current ground power carts are typically configured to supply the full rate of cooling air flow without regard to the ambient temperature or supplied electrical load. Consistently supplying cooling air at such a relatively high flow rate can adversely impact the lifetime of the APU or air conditioner module components. This can also result in increased fuel consumption by the APU.
Hence, there is a need for a system and method of providing temperature-controlled air to an aircraft environmental control system and electrical power to onboard aircraft electrical loads during ground support operations that can increase system component lifetimes, and/or can result in reduced fuel consumption. The present invention addresses one or more of these needs.

Aircraft ground support cart with component life optimization control


A disk array subsystem makes a diagnosis of a memory device while maintaining performance of a normal access to the memory device contained in a controller, thus enhancing reliability of the memory data. In the disk array subsystem having a disk drive and a controller, the controller has a cache unit and the cache unit has a memory device and a memory control unit. The memory control unit monitors status of memory access by means of a memory access state monitoring unit, issues a diagnosis request while normal access is not made to the memory device, makes access to the memory device for diagnosis of the memory data, and checks the data read from the memory device by using ECC and detects a data error.

The present invention relates to a disk array subsystem, which has a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and a controller that controls storing of data for a storage area provided by the storage device, and, more specifically, to a technique for making a diagnosis on a memory device contained in the controller.
The disk array subsystem uses a memory board (memory unit) on which a number of memory devices are mounted in its controller. The memory board typically includes a cache unit. For example, the memory device includes a SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM). The cache unit contained in the controller serves as a main memory of the controller and stores processed data. In a normal access operation of the disk array subsystem, the cache unit in the controller executes a data input/output between a host unit communicably connected to the controller and a HDD, wherein the cache unit is used to temporarily store transfer data. For example, in the normal access, when the controller reads/writes data from/to the storage area in the HDD in accordance with a request from the host unit, an access is made to a memory device in the cache unit to store the read/write data, etc. Note that, in the technique for the disk array subsystem, the memory device of the memory unit provided in the controller and the storage device such as an HDD, which is connected to the controller and is an object of RAID control, are different from each other in role and performance demanded by them.
In order to realize improved performance of the disk array subsystem, enhancement of reliability of data to be stored in the memory device contained in the controller is strongly demanded. Therefore, it is requested to make diagnoses of, by some means, whether data in the memory device is normal without any failures and/or whether input/output signals to the memory device are stable, etc.
Meanwhile, when the disk array subsystems are shipped to factories, there are made tests of confirming normal operations by fluctuating temperatures and/or voltages of the subsystem. In particular, the cache unit is subjected to a margin test of confirming the normal operations by fluctuating a characteristic such as voltage within a range of operational specification.
Japan patent Laid-open No. 8-212145 discloses a memory diagnosis technique in which test data is retained and such data and test data read from memory are compared.


A method enabling a user with an electronic communication device to establish and stabilize his mental, emotional and physical condition in response to stimulation data and then using biometric sensors applied to the user to provide for remote/local gathering of standardized biometric data into a remote database coordinated with remote server software via an electronic network. The method includes initiating a session and selecting a session type by the user. The method also includes loading a track with the stimulation data, establishing links to the biometric sensors, setting the timing tolerances and biometric parameters based on new or existing user rules, stimulating the user with at least one of visual, audio, lyrics, text and vibration tracks to elicit stimulation data from the user, recording time stamps corresponding to key/tap input, deriving sync relationship between the user and the stimulation data, waiting for the variance and biometric parameters to stabilize and displaying a depiction of the stabilized condition on a screen.

The validity of biometric data is affected by the emotional, mental and physical condition of a subject when biometric data is gathered. Data validity is further adversely affected by variables in the subject's surroundings and any recent activity.
Remote, automated gathering of biometric data allows for the creation of large databases at low cost. Such databases have great immediate value to the user by providing the source biometric data and longer term value for the larger medical community for research and reference.
Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a source of biometric data having long term value for the larger medical community for research and reference.

System and methods for the remote measurement of a person's biometric data in a controlled state by way of synchronized music, video and lyrics


The electric press is provided with a main CPU 1 and a sub CPU 3, the main CPU 1 being responsive to a signal from a servo driver 10 to give an detecting signal to a relay 2 when a ram 51 is located in a predetermined position, thereby to give a mute signal to an area sensor 30 and the sub CPU 3 being responsive to a signal from an encoder 9 to give a detecting signal to a relay 4 when the ram is located in a predetermined position, thereby to give a mute signal to the area sensor 30. The main CPU 1 and sub CPU 3 watch each other, that is, the main CPU 1 checks the output of a relay 4 and turns the relay 2 off when the mute signal is not produced from the relay 4. The conditions of sub CPU and main CPU are compared with each other. In case the two conditions are in accord with each other, it is decided that the relay 4 is out of order. The sub CPU 3 makes the same check operation in connection with the relay 2.

The present invention relates to an electric press.
Generally the electric press is provided with an electric motor as a drive source for moving the ram up and down relative to a work which is to be processed with application of pressure. In this connection, the electric press is generally provided with an area sensor for instantly stopping the drive source in case of emergency in order to prevent accidents, for example, in case the operator happens to come into a predetermined area around the electric press while the electric press is driven.
On the other hand, it is required that the operator enters the predetermined area in connection with the electric press to give teaching to the electric press accordingly in case the work to be processed is changed and/or the operation mode is changed. The electric press is, therefore, provided with a device for giving a muting signal to the area sensor to invalidate the same while the electric press ram is in a predetermined condition such as in a standby condition.
JP-A-10-277800 may be referred to as a prior art.
However the CPU (Central Processing Unit) may happen to run in uncontrolled condition. Under such circumstances, the danger is that the area sensor invalidating device may be operated when the electric press is not in the standby condition, and the area sensor is not operated. Therefore, the electric press may be provided with a plurality of CPU's for watching an watchdog signal to detect the uncontrolled running condition of the CPU. However this technique is not so reliable because the watchdog signal is made up by software and it is assumed that the programs may run in uncontrolled condition at the time of uncontrolled running of CPU.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to solve the problems of the prior art.