A method, system, and article of manufacture that provide latency hiding, high bandwidth message passing protocols used for data communication between nodes of a parallel computer system are disclosed. A source node transmits a request to send message to a receiving node. Prior to receiving a clear to send message, the sending node continues to send deterministically routed (or fully described) data packets to the receiving node, thereby hiding the latency inherent in the request to send—clear to send message exchange. Once the sending node receives the clear to send message, any remaining portion of the message may be sent using partially described packets which may be routed dynamically, thereby maximizing bandwidth.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to parallel computing. More specifically, the present invention relates to a low latency, high bandwidth, message passing protocol for use in a parallel computer system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Powerful computers may be designed as highly parallel systems where the processing activity of hundreds, if not thousands, of processors (CPUs) are coordinated to perform computing tasks. These systems are highly useful for a broad variety of applications including, financial modeling, hydrodynamics, quantum chemistry, astronomy, weather modeling and prediction, geological modeling, prime number factoring, image processing (e.g., CGI animations and rendering), to name but a few examples.
For example, one family of parallel computing systems has been (and continues to be) developed by International Business Machines (IBM) under the name Blue Gene®. The Blue Gene/L architecture provides a scalable, parallel computer that may be configured with a maximum of 65,536 (216) compute nodes. Each compute node includes a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with 2 CPU's and memory. The Blue Gene/L architecture has been successful and on Oct. 27, 2005, IBM announced that a Blue Gene/L system had reached an operational speed of 280.6 teraflops (280.6 trillion floating-point operations per second), making it the fastest computer in the world at that time. Further, as of June 2005, Blue Gene/L installations at various sites world-wide were among five out of the ten top most powerful computers in the world.
IBM is currently developing a successor to the Blue Gene/L system, named Blue Gene/P. Blue Gene/P is expected to be the first computer system to operate at a sustained 1 petaflops (1 quadrillion floating-point operations per second). Like the Blue Gene/L system, the Blue Gene/P system is scalable with a projected maximum of 73,728 compute nodes. Each compute node in Blue Gene/P is projected to include a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with 4 CPU's and memory. A complete Blue Gene/P system is projected to include 72 racks with 32 node boards per rack.
In addition to the Blue Gene architecture developed by IBM, other highly parallel computer systems have been (and are being) developed. For example, a Beowulf cluster may be built from a collection of commodity off-the-shelf personal computers. In a Beowulf cluster, individual systems are connected using local area network technology (e.g., Ethernet) and system software is used to execute programs written for parallel processing on the cluster of individual systems.
The compute nodes in a parallel system communicate with one another over one or more communication networks. For example, the compute nodes of a Blue Gene/L system are interconnected using five specialized networks, and the primary communication strategy for the Blue Gene/L system is message passing over a torus network (i.e., a set of point-to-point links between pairs of nodes). This message passing allows programs written for parallel processing to use high level interfaces such as Message Passing Interface (MPI) and Aggregate Remote Memory Copy Interface (ARMCI) to perform computing tasks and to distribute data among a set of compute nodes. Other parallel architectures (e.g., a Beowulf cluster) also use MPI and ARMCI for data communication between compute nodes. Low level network interfaces communicate higher level messages using small messages known as packets. Typically, MPI messages are encapsulated in a set of packets which are transmitted from a source node to a destination node over a communications network (e.g., the torus network of a Blue Gene system).
A "message passing protocol" is a set of instructions specifying how to construct a message from a packet stream. Message passing protocols can transmit packets in different ways depending on the desired communication characteristics. Additionally, packets may be "fully described" in which part of the packet payload stores metadata describing the message or "partially described" in which most packet metadata is omitted from individual packets. Fully described packets may be transmitted at any time, and may be routed dynamically. In contrast, partially described packets require a communication context to be previously established between a message sender and receiver.
On both a Blue Gene system and other parallel computing systems, low latency messaging is often implemented using a low latency protocol (sometimes called eager messages) and high bandwidth messaging is implemented using a high bandwidth protocol (sometimes called rendezvous messages). Which message passing protocol is used may depend on cutoffs based on message size.
To achieve low message latency, a low latency protocol may specify to send a fully described initial packet followed by partially described data packets and to route all packets deterministically to maintain packet order. Alternatively, such a protocol may specify to send only fully described packets and to route the packets dynamically. In either case, the low latency protocol provides a low bandwidth due to the requirement that all packets be fully (or partially) described. This requirement limits the amount of message data that may be included in each individual packet. Further, because deterministically routed packets each take the same route form a source to a destination, there is no opportunity to "route around" any congested network segments.
In contrast, to achieve high message bandwidth, a message passing protocol may specify to transmit partially described packets and to have packets routed dynamically. This protocol maximizes both the amount of data to be transmitted as well the number of packets transmitted per unit time. However, the high bandwidth protocol requires a communication context be initialized between a source and destination node before the high level message (e.g., an MPI message) is sent. Typically, to establish the communication context, a source node transmits a "request to send" packet to destination node. In response, the destination node sets up a communication context for the message and returns a "clear to send" message to the source node. During this initialization, no data packets are sent. Thus, high bandwidth protocols provide limited latency, as the communication context needs to be initialized before any data packets containing the actual message are transmitted.
While each of these message passing protocols function as intended, maintaining both protocols requires separate code bases, multiplying the code that must be created, debugged and maintained. Further, it is often desirable to have messages transmitted in both a low latency, high bandwidth manner, particularly in a highly parallel computing system where even very small amounts of overhead can have a substantial impact on program performance.
Accordingly, there remains a need for a latency hiding message passing protocol that provides both low latency and high bandwidth characteristics for passing messages between nodes of a parallel computing system.

International Business Machines Corporation


An outboard engine system includes: a casing coupled to a swivel case via a swivel shaft; an engine mounted in an upper part of the casing such that a crankshaft of the engine is vertically arranged and a cylinder block of the engine faces in a direction opposite to the swivel shaft; a torque converter; a vertically arranged output shaft connected to the crankshaft through the torque converter; a horizontally arranged propeller shaft provided below the output shaft; and a forward-reverse shifting gear mechanism for providing a connection between the output shaft and the propeller shaft; the torque converter, the output shaft, the propeller shaft and the forward-reverse shifting gear mechanism being disposed in the casing. The crankshaft and the torque converter which is coaxially connected to a lower end of the crankshaft are disposed above the swivel shaft; and the torque converter and the output shaft which is disposed behind the swivel shaft are connected to each other via a transmission device. Thus, it is possible to minimize a bending moment which the swivel shaft receives due to the weight of the engine and the torque converter, in the case where the torque converter is used in the outboard engine system, thereby providing an excellent steering performance.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an outboard engine system comprising: a casing coupled to a swivel case via a swivel shaft; an engine mounted in an upper part of the casing such that a crankshaft of the engine is vertically arranged and a cylinder block of the engine faces in a direction opposite to the swivel shaft; a torque converter; a vertically arranged output shaft connected to the crankshaft through the torque converter; a horizontally arranged propeller shaft provided below the output shaft; and a forward-reverse shifting gear mechanism for providing a connection between the output shaft and the propeller shaft; the torque converter, the output shaft, the propeller shaft and the forward-reverse shifting gear mechanism being disposed in the casing.
2. Description of the Related Art
U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,600 discloses a propulsion system for ships in which power of an engine is transmitted to a vertically arranged output shaft through a torque converter capable of torque amplification.


An assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle roof and a vehicle floor spaced from the vehicle roof. The assembly includes a post elongated from the vehicle floor to the vehicle roof. The post being slidable along the vehicle roof and the vehicle floor in a vehicle-longitudinal direction. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the post.

Passenger vehicles are not typically designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Therefore, accommodations for wheelchairs in vehicles are typically installed with aftermarket modifications to a production vehicle. For example, a vehicle may be modified with a lift or the like to load a wheelchair onto a vehicle. Production vehicles typically do not have the ability to accommodate the wheelchair of an occupant in a manner allowing the occupant to sit in the wheelchair in the vehicle, or if they do, significant aftermarket modification is required.
Additionally, vehicles are equipped with airbags. In the event of an impact, an inflator activates and provides inflation medium to the airbags, and the airbags pressurize and act as supplemental restraints for occupants during the impact. The airbags are located at various fixed positions in passenger compartments of vehicles. Vehicles may include airbags supported on a dash, side air curtains mounted to the roof rails, side airbags mounted to seats, etc.


A system and method include acquisition of projection data from a scanned object, the set of projection data comprising a plurality of projection measurements. The system and method also include calculation of a set of modified statistical weights from the projection data, wherein a respective modified statistical weight of the set of modified statistical weights comprises a deviation from an inverse variance of a corresponding projection measurement of the projection data. The system and method further include reconstruction of an image of the scanned object using the set of modified statistical weights as coefficients in an iterative reconstruction algorithm.

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to diagnostic imaging and, more particularly, to a system and method of iterative image reconstruction for computed tomography.
Typically, in computed tomography (CT) imaging systems, an x-ray source emits a fan-shaped beam toward a subject or object, such as a patient or a piece of luggage. Hereinafter, the terms "subject" and "object" shall include anything capable of being imaged. The beam, after being attenuated by the subject, impinges upon an array of radiation detectors. The intensity of the attenuated beam radiation received at the detector array is typically dependent upon the attenuation of the x-ray beam by the subject. Each detector element of the detector array produces a separate electrical signal indicative of the attenuated beam received by each detector element. The electrical signals are transmitted to a data processing system for analysis which ultimately produces an image.
Generally, the x-ray source and the detector array are rotated about the gantry within an imaging plane and around the subject. X-ray sources typically include x-ray tubes, which emit the x-ray beam at a focal point. X-ray detectors typically include a collimator for collimating x-ray beams received at the detector, a scintillator for converting x-rays to light energy adjacent the collimator, and photodiodes for receiving the light energy from the adjacent scintillator and producing electrical signals therefrom.
Typically, each scintillator of a scintillator array converts x-rays to light energy. Each scintillator discharges light energy to a photodiode adjacent thereto. Each photodiode detects the light energy and generates a corresponding electrical signal. The outputs of the photodiodes are then transmitted to the data processing system for image reconstruction. Alternatively, x-ray detectors may use a direct conversion detector, such as a CZT detector, in lieu of a scintillator.
CT systems typically use analytical algorithms such as a filtered back-projection algorithm to reconstruct images from the acquired image data. Alternatively, an iterative technique may be used for reconstruction to improve image quality. For example, a model-based iterative reconstruction algorithm may be used to estimate an image based on pre-determined models of the CT system, the acquired projection data, and the reconstructed image such that the reconstructed image best fits the image data.
A typical model-based iterative reconstruction framework reconstructs an image of the scanned object from projection data according to the general equation:
                                          x            ^                    =                      arg                                                      min                                  x                  ∈                  Ω                                                                          {                                                      D                                                              (                                              y                        -                                                  F                                                                                (                            x                            )                                                                                )                                                        +                                      U                                                              (                      x                      )                                                                      }                                                    ,                            (                  Eqn          .                                                    1                )            where x is the discrete vector of reconstructed values (for instance a 3D image), y is the discrete vector of measurement values (e.g., a CT projection dataset), Ω is a constraint set for the space of solutions (e.g., the set of non-negative solutions in x), D(·) is an convex scalar valued function (e.g., a log-likelihood function used as a metric for relating the measurement vector y to the reconstructed vector x), U(·) is a scalar value regularization term (e.g., a function that penalizes local differences between voxel elements in x), and F(·) is a transformation of the image space x in a manner similar to the scanning system (e.g., a CT scanner).
An iterative optimization algorithm is used to solve Eqn. 1. The quantity F(x) may be modeled as a discretized linear relationship of the form F(x)=Ax, where A is the system matrix for the forward projection of x according to the imaging system. The negative log-likelihood function D(·) is derived from the Poisson distribution of the measurements y via a Taylor series expansion to arrive at a quadratic component of the overall regularized cost function or Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) estimation:
                                          x            ^                    =                      arg                                                      min                                  x                  ≥                  0                                                                          {                                                                            1                      2                                                                                (                                              y                        -                        Ax                                            )                                                                                W                                                                    (                                                  y                          -                          Ax                                                )                                                                              +                                      U                                                              (                      x                      )                                                                      }                                                    ,                            (                  Eqn          .                                                    2                )            where W is a diagonal conventional statistical weighting matrix whose elements are approximately inversely proportional to the variance in the projection measurements y over the range of weights within the matrix.
The elements of the conventional statistical weighting matrix W are used to control the influence of each individual projection ray during the iterative image reconstruction. Statistical weighting plays a large factor in the quality of the reconstructed results and defines ones of the unique properties of model-based iterative reconstruction relative to standard analytical reconstruction methods such as filtered back-projection.
Conventional statistical weights are calculated from the inverse variance in the actual projection data. In the absence of electronic noise, the inverse variance in projection measurements is calculated to be proportional to the photon count λ:
                                          w            i                    ∝                      1                          σ                              y                i                            2                                      ,                            (                  Eqn          .                                                    3                )            where y is the projection data. The value a may be calculated using the raw photon count measurements X alone or in combination with the known electronic noise in the data acquisition system.
While conventional statistical weighting techniques such as those described above may be used to reduce image noise, the coefficients used in these standard models are highly spatially-variant for reconstructing complex objects. The resulting large dynamic range in the weights can slow down the convergence of the iterative optimization algorithm and be associated with image artifacts. For instance, in the case of a data inconsistency between the model used for reconstruction and the real projection data, such as when the scanned object moves during the scan and the model assumes no motion is present, large local changes in the conventional statistical weights may increase the magnitude of image artifacts.
Statistical weights are also associated with image texture by controlling the correlation in the noise of the reconstructed image pixels. For medical imaging in particular, image texture is an important consideration when attempting to represent tissue as realistically as possible.
Therefore, it would be desirable to design a system and method of iterative image reconstruction that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional statistical weighting techniques.

System and method of iterative image reconstruction for computed tomography


A selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), a compound 3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-[4-[(E)-3-[3-(fluoromethyl)azetidin-1-yl]prop-1-enyl]phenyl]-4-methyl-2H-chromen-7-ol, and its S enantiomer, (2S)-3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-2-[4-[(E)-3-[3-(fluoromethyl)azetidin-1-yl]prop-1-enyl]phenyl]-4-methyl-2H-chromen-7-ol, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also provided are processes for their preparation. Also provided for is the use of these compounds for the treatment of diseases which are related to modulation of estrogen receptors, such as ER-positive breast cancer.

Endogenous estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), shows a wide variety of biological activities in reproductive systems, bone development and turnover, and cardiovascular systems, as well as the central nervous system through interactions with Estrogen Receptors (ERs). ERs have been found to have two isoforms, ER-α and ER-β. The link between estrogen and breast cancer growth and development has been well established.
A number of strategies to inhibit the action of endogenous estrogen in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer are in practice. These include: selective ER modulators (SERMs) such as tamoxifen, which act as selective tissue-specific antagonist of ERs in the breast; selective ER degraders (SERD) such as fulvestrant, which promote ER turnover; and aromatase inhibitors (AI) such as exemestane (steroidal), anastrozole and letrozole (nonsteroidal) which inhibit estrogen biosynthesis and are primarily used for postmenopausal women with ER-positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, many women with breast cancer initially respond well to tamoxifen or AI therapy but develop resistance over a period of time during treatment. In the resistant form of breast cancer there is evidence that pro-growth signaling pathways downstream of estrogen receptors still play a significant role. Recently, there has been increasing clinical evidence that following treatment with AIs, resistance develop due to mutations in the ligand-binding domain of ER-α, rendering it constitutively active even in the absence of ligand, thus leading to resistance.
Fanning reported that the most prevalent ER-α point mutations were Y537S and D538G, while several others were identified at significantly reduced frequencies. Importantly, breast cancer cell-based studies revealed that the Y537S and D538G mutations conferred hormone-independent activation of ER-α and reduced the inhibitory potency and efficacy of clinically prescribed SERMs and SERDs (Fanning et al. eLife 2016; 5:e12792).
Currently, fulvestrant is considered as a first-in-class SERD. Unfortunately, significant pharmaceutical liabilities of fulvestrant, namely its requirement of an intramuscular injection of a large volume, its poor solubility, and its lack of oral bioavailability limit its widespread use. Therefore, the development of an orally bio-available ER-antagonist, especially one with ER degrading properties, would be beneficial to patients who have developed resistance to currently available therapies targeting ER activity. Several novel SERDs have been recently developed which are currently in different phases of clinical trials, for example, SAR-439859 (Phase II), LSZ-102(Phase I), AZD-9496 (Phase II), GDC-810 (currently discontinued), GDC-927 (currently discontinued), and others. Many non-steroidal ER antagonists are reported in prior art. For instance, the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,395,842 and 6,060,503 disclose anti-estrogenic compounds and compositions.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,389,646, 5,407,947; European Patent No. EP470310B1 and WIPO Publication No. WO9902512A1 disclose benzopyran compounds useful for treatment or prevention of conditions modulated through the estrogen receptor.
United States Patent Application Publication No. US2004034017 (assigned to Schering Aktiengesellschaft) discloses 4-fluoroalkyl-2H-benzopyran derivatives as anti-estrogens.
WIPO Publication Nos. WO2011156518A2 and WO2013090829A1 (both assigned to Aragon Pharmaceuticals Inc.) disclose a large genus of 2H-chromene derivatives as estrogen receptor modulators.
WO2013090836A1 (Assigned to Aragon pharmaceuticals, Inc.) discloses 2H-chromene derivatives having a fluorinated azetidine or pyrrolidine ring in the side chain as estrogen receptor modulators/ER degraders.
WO2014205136A1 and WO2014205138A1 (both assigned to Seragon pharmaceuticals, Inc.) disclose 4-methyl-2H-chromene derivatives and stereoisomers thereof having a fluoromethylazetidine group in the side chain as estrogen receptor modulators/ER degraders.
WO2016097073A1 (assigned to F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG/Genentech, Inc.) discloses 2H-chromene derivatives having a fluoromethylazetidine group or a fluoromethylpyrrolidine group in the side chain as estrogen receptor modulators/ER degraders.
WO2016189011A1 (assigned to F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG/Genentech, Inc.) discloses 2H-chromene derivatives having a fluoromethylazetidine or a pyrrolidine group in the side chain as estrogen receptor modulators/ER degraders.
WO2013090921A1 and WO2014203132A1 (both assigned to Olema Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) disclose benzopyran derivatives having methylpyrrolidine in the side chain as antiestrogens.
WO2016174551A1 (assigned to Pfizer Inc.) discloses 2H-chromene derivatives having N-alkylated azetidine in the side chain as anti-estrogens.

SUN PHARMA ADVANCED RESEARCH COMPANY LIMITED


A progressive multifocal lens is provided with a near part N, a defined vision part F, and an intermediate part P along the main meridian curve MM'. The near center B of the lens is separated from near eyepoint E by a distance of substantially 2 mm to 8 mm in the lower part along the main meridian curve. The refractive power K.sub.E at the near eyepoint, refractive power K.sub.A at the defined center A, and refractive power K.sub.B at the near center B satisfy the condition: EQU 0.6<(K.sub.E -K.sub.A)/(K.sub.B -K.sub.A)<0.9.

Progressive multifocal lenses are spectacle lenses which assist a person's vision when the eye's accommodation ability weakens and seeing nearby objects becomes difficult. In general, progressive multifocal lenses are provided with a distance vision correction zone (hereinafter "distance part") located in the upper portion of the spectacle lens when being worn; a near vision correction zone (hereinafter "near part") in the lower portion; and a progressive zone (hereinafter "intermediate part") between these two zones where the refractive power changes progressively or continuously. Furthermore, in the apparatus incorporating the principles of the present invention, "upper part," "lower part," "horizontal," "vertical," etc. indicate positional relationships when the spectacle lenses are being worn by an individual person. The difference between the refractive power for near vision and the distance vision is called the addition.
In general, if a wide clear vision zone (astigmatic difference in the range of 0.5 diopters or less) is ensured in the distance part and in the near part of a progressive multifocal lens, and they are linked by a progressive zone (progressive corridor), lens aberration is concentrated in the side zones of this progressive band. As a result, imaging failure (blurred image) and image distortion occur in the side zones of the progressive corridor. Also, when the line of sight moves to a side zone, the eyeglass wearer becomes aware of image distortion and image swim and image blurring which leads to an uncomfortable and negative feeling when wearing the eyeglasses.
In order to resolve these vision characteristics problems, known progressive multifocal lenses have been designed and evaluated based on various perspectives. For the shape of the lens surface, the intersection (main meridian) of a cross-section along a meridian running vertically through substantially the center of the lens surface from the upper part to the lower part with the lens surface object side is used as a reference line for establishing the specifications of the lens addition, etc., and is also used as an important reference line in lens design.
Progressive multifocal lenses with the near part asymmetrically arranged (hereinafter "asymmetric progressive multifocal lenses") have been proposed. Their near part is slightly shifted from the center toward the nose side when a lens is being worn.
The centerline consisting of the intersection of a cross-section running through the distance center and the near center with the lens surface object side is also used as a reference line in this sort of asymmetric progressive multifocal lens. In the apparatus incorporating the principles of the present invention, this reference line is generally referred to as the "main meridian curve."
The progressive multifocal lens disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application S62-10617, which is for both intermediate and nearby use, is central to the type of technical background described above. This progressive multifocal lens for both intermediate and near use is a progressive multifocal lens based on a design which emphasizes intermediate vision to nearby vision. Compared to progressive multifocal lenses for both distance and near vision, image swimming and distortion are minimal, and the field of vision is relatively wide from a near distance to intermediate distances. It is said that such an arrangement provides eyeglasses that are relatively easy to use, particularly indoors.
However, as the eye's accommodation ability becomes weaker it is necessary to wear lenses with larger addition. In general, the larger the addition the more noticeable the defects of the progressive multifocal lens described above. That is to say, the larger the addition, the narrower the clear vision zone at the distance part and at the near part. As a result, it is not possible to move the line of sight and have comfortable side vision in the distance part and the near part. Accordingly, it is necessary to swing the entire head to provide proper side vision. The larger the addition, the greater the lens aberration in the side zone of the progressive band linking the distance part with the near part. As a result, when the line of vision moves to the side zone of the progressive corridor, image swimming, distortion and image blurring increase. In such case the sensation of wearing eyeglasses becomes very troublesome.
Also, conventional progressive multifocal lenses are designed to permit an eyeglass wearer to try to see well from a long distance as well as a short distance regardless of the extent of weakening of the eye's accommodation ability. Thus, the progressive band is relatively long. Therefore, when a lens is inserted into the eyeglass frame, the near vision zone is positioned at the lowest portion of the frame, and the line of sight must be greatly lowered when looking at a short distance (for reading, for example). As a result, seeing is difficult and moreover the greater lowering of the line of sight causes eyestrain. Therefore it is hard to use conventional progressive multifocal lenses continuously for relatively long periods of time when doing close-up activities such as deskwork, for example.
However, the conventional progressive multifocal lens for both intermediate and near use disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application S62-10617 has a relatively long progressive corridor so to some extent it solves defects such as image swimming and distortion which are seen in ordinary progressive multifocal lenses. Nevertheless, as described above, the progressive band is long, so to see an object at a short distance, the line of sight must be greatly lowered. Accordingly, such an arrangement has the problem that seeing at short distances is difficult and causes eyestrain.


Disclosed is a wafer level testing method for testing a plurality of singulated 3D-stacked chip cubes by utilizing adjustable wafer maps to adjust the pick-and-place positions of the cubes on a carrier wafer. The wafer maps have a plurality of probe-card activated regions each including a plurality of component-attaching regions. Two wafer-level testing steps are performed on the cubes disposed on the carrier wafer according to the wafer maps. By analyzing the electrical testing results of the trial-run wafer-level testing step from the original wafer map, some prone-to-overkill component-attaching regions are confirmed and to create a corrected wafer map which the prone-to-overkill component-attaching regions are excluded from probe-card activated regions. Then, according to the corrected wafer map, cubes are disposed on the carrier wafer without disposing in the prone-to-overkill component-attaching regions. Accordingly, the real-production wafer-level testing step can be run smoothly without unnecessary shut down of adjustment or repair leading to the maximum productivity without overkill issues.

3D-stacked chip cubes include vertically stacked multiple chips in a package to achieve chip assemblies with higher density as revealed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,448,661, 7,151,009, and 6,916,725. The existing processes are to singulate the chips from wafers first, then vertically stack multiple chips, then followed by package-level electrical testing. However, the pitch of the external micro terminals of the 3D-stacked chip cubes is much smaller than the pitch of conventional semiconductor packages such as smaller than 100 μm which can not be tested by conventional package-level testing tooling and testers for electrical test.
An interposer to test 3D-stacked chip cubes was proposed where 3D-stacked chip cubes were soldering onto an interposer to realize a temporary bonding firstly and followed by electrical testing by package probing at larger-pitch terminals on the interposer. However, the extra cost of an interposer plus the testing cost will be high and the testing results will not be accurate enough due to the interference of the interposer.
Moreover, another electrical testing method was proposed where 3D-stacked chip cubes were disposed on carrier wafers with adhesive to simulate un-singulated chips integrated on a wafer so that 3D-stacked chip cubes could be loaded into a wafer tester to perform wafer-level testing to meet the fine pitch requirements of chip probing. However, "overkill" would be encountered due to disposing tolerance of 3D-stacked chip cubes and the shifting of adhesive which can not align with the probes of a probe cards during chip probing, i.e., some "OK" 3D-stacked chip cubes will be judged as "NG". The only way to overcome "overkill" issues is to frequently stop wafer testers to debug, repair, and maintenance to correct probe card misalignment issues leading to poor testing efficiency and lower productivity.

Wafer-level testing method for singulated 3D-stacked chip cubes


Improving image sticking of a liquid crystal display (LCD) including a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a first subpixel and a second subpixel, includes driving the first subpixels of the pixels with a first optimized common voltage, driving the second subpixels of the pixels with a second optimized common voltage, and driving the LCD with a panel voltage. The panel voltage is between the first and the second optimized common voltages.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to methods for improving image sticking of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and more particularly, to a method of utilizing a residual voltage to improve the image sticking of the LCD.
2. Description of the Prior Art
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a liquid crystal display (LCD) according to the prior art. The LCD 100 is formed of two glass substrates: an upper layer UL and a lower layer LL. A liquid crystal layer LCL is infused between the two glass substrates. The liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystals LC. A top of the glass substrate LL comprises a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scan lines, and a plurality of pixel regions are formed by intersections of the plurality of scanlines and the plurality of data lines. However, the structure described above is not ideal in practice, thus the liquid crystal layer LCL is not only filled with the liquid crystals LC, but also contains impurities P. As shown, the impurities P may be positively charged or negatively charged.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of the LCD of the prior art when displaying an image. As shown, when displaying the image, a voltage difference is generated across the glass substrates UL and LL to cause the liquid crystals LC to turn. In other words, an electric field E is established across the glass substrates UL and LL. As the liquid crystals LC turn, the impurities P will also move with the electric field according to their individual electric charges.
FIG. 3 is a diagram of the LCD of the prior art after having displayed the image for a period of time. As shown, after displaying the image for the period of time, the electric field E established across the glass substrates UL and LL makes shifting of the impurities P more thorough. Thus, the impurities P charged positively congregate on one side, whereas the impurities P charged negatively congregate on another side. In this situation, because the impurities P shift slowly, after the electric field E disappears, the impurities P will not immediately return to the original state. Thus, the impurities P will generate another electric field in the liquid crystal layer LCL, such that the liquid crystals LC, which were supposed to return to their predetermined positions, are affected, such that they are unable to return to their predetermined positions. In other words, if the originally preset electric field is E1, the impurities P congregate to generate an electric field E2. Under perfect conditions, the electric field that the liquid crystals LC experience is E1, and the liquid crystals LC are able to return to their predetermined positions according to the electric field E1. However, due to the effect of the electric field E2 caused by the impurities P, the electric field experienced by the liquid crystals LC becomes E1+E2 in practice. Thus, the liquid crystals LC are unable to return to predetermined positions easily, causing an image sticking phenomenon.
FIG. 4 is a second diagram of the image after displaying the image for a period of time with a conventional LCD. The direction of the shift in the impurities P is not only affected by the electric field E, but also by the turning of the liquid crystals LC. As shown in FIG. 4, because the liquid crystals are slanted slightly by the electric field E, the impurities P will not only shift in the vertical direction, but will also shift in the horizontal direction. The movement of the impurities P will result in trapping of the impurities P between a certain few pixels of the LCD 100 (trapping is related to the image displayed), such that the influence of the impurities P on pixels where more of the impurities P are trapped is greater, and the influence of the impurities P on pixels where fewer of the impurities P are trapped is less. When this happens, the electric field experienced by the liquid crystals of the pixels with more trapped impurities P will have a marked difference from the electric field experienced by the liquid crystals of the pixels with fewer trapped impurities P. This causes a non-uniform condition when displaying the image, and is also known as line image sticking.

Method for improving image sticking of liquid crystal displays


A dynamic range constraint is defined that has one or more limits that are computed from data residing in the database. In a first embodiment, a dynamic range constraint is defined for a database column that includes at least one limit that is computed from data within that column. In a second embodiment, a dynamic range constraint is defined for a database column that includes at least one limit that is computed from data in a different database column. The limits may be computed using any suitable heuristic or criteria, including statistical analysis of the data in the database. In this manner a range constraint for a column may evolve automatically as the data in the database changes.

1. Technical Field
This invention generally relates to computer systems, and more specifically relates to database constraints.
2. Background Art
Since the dawn of the computer age, computers have evolved and become more and more powerful. In our present day, computers have become indispensable in many fields of human endeavor including engineering design, machine and process control, information storage and retrieval, and office computing. One of the primary uses of computers is for information storage and retrieval.
Database systems have been developed that allow a computer to store a large amount of information in a way that allows a user to search for and retrieve specific information in the database. For example, an insurance company may have a database that includes all of its policy holders and their current account information, including payment history, premium amount, policy number, policy type, exclusions to coverage, etc. A database system allows the insurance company to retrieve the account information for a single policy holder among the thousands and perhaps millions of policy holders in its database.
Database constraints are known in the art, and are used to limit data that may be entered into a database column. For example, a range constraint for a column that includes the age of people may have a range constraint that limits the entries to integer values from 1 to 99. If someone tries to enter a negative number, or zero, or 110, the database manager will detect that the data specified for the age column does not satisfy the limits specified in the range constraint for the age column. In this manner, data may be limited to expected ranges.
Known range constraints are static. Fixed numerical limits are selected (e.g., 1-99 in the example above). If the numerical limits for a range constraint need to be changed later on, the database administrator will have to manually change the limits as required. In many database systems, the natural evolution of the database requires manual adjustment of the fixed numerical limits for range constraints. For example, if a database table specifies a price range today, that same price range will likely need to be higher ten years from now, or even next year. Without a way for limits of range constraints to be adjusted based on data in the database table, the computer industry will continue to suffer the high overhead of having a database administrator change each fixed limit for range constraints that needs to be changed.

Database range constraint that is dynamically limited by data in the database


A capillary system for performing surface assays comprising a capillary pump containing at least two zones having different capillary pressures for obtaining controlled flow rate of liquids. The different pressure zones may be created by various means such as by creating posts in the walls of the capillary pump, by having different sized capillary of the different zones, by changing the wetting properties, by defining friction at the walls of the pump or by combinations of any of the above. The capillary system finds use in various surface assays and can be programmed for defining the volume and rate of liquid flowing through the test sites. A microfluidic chip containing assembly of programmed capillary systems for performing need based specific assays and modifications thereof.

Microanalysis for detection of analyte molecules is routinely employed in various analytical, bio-analytical and clinical applications. It is desirable that such assays have high specificity, use small volumes of reagents and samples, are performed as rapidly as possible and have high-sensitivity.
Assays are optimized to comprise a specific number of steps of standardized duration, along with various reagents, rinsing liquids, and other solutions of well-defined volumes. Once an assay is optimized, it can be routinely performed using standard conditions. An optimized assay may be sold as a kit, which means that a user runs the assay using a well-defined protocol and is ensured of having results within the specifications of the assays. Alternatively, an optimized assay may be integrated to a clinical analyzer or to other automated instrumentation.
An important limitation with assay technologies is that they address very different applications and different users. Ideally, assays should have maximum flexibility with respect to the number of steps and volumes of sample and reagent. Ideal assays have a large number of independent tests zones for calibrations and reproducibility purposes, and the best possible sensitivity. The technology around the assay such as the signal reader, pipetting system and other peripherals in general, are preferred to be versatile, inexpensive and compact. In contrast, the assays for diagnostic applications should be as simple to use as possible.
Surface assays, which involve the accrual of analytes on a surface, are widely used because they are convenient and sensitive. The analyte from a sample is singled out and accumulated on the surface with the help of a receptor specific for the analyte allowing washing off the remaining sample and interfering molecules. A classic example of surface assays would be an immunoassay wherein following steps are involved:                a "capture" antibody is placed on a surface        the surface is exposed to the sample and the capture antibody binds to its specific analyte        the surface is rinsed to remove the sample and interfering molecules        a second antibody conjugated to a reporter molecule (dye, fluorophore, radioactive isotope, enzyme . . . ) is provided and binds to the captured analytes        the excess of detection antibody is removed with a washing step        the signal associated to the detection antibody is measured. This signal is related to the concentration of analyte in the sample.
The assays thus consist of multiple steps where samples, rinsing fluids, and reagents are successively employed. Microfluidic surface assays either are set for too specific applications, or require some peripheral equipment.
The receptors on surfaces and analytes in solution can be of various chemical or biological nature, such as cells, cell surface receptors, peptides, pathogens, chemicals, pesticides, pollutants, metals, metallic complexes, proteins, enzymes, antibodies, and antigens. To be utilized in an assay, a receptor and an analyte need to have a specific binding interaction. Cells immobilized on surfaces can for example be used to screen for specific analytes in solution. Conversely, ligands immobilized on surfaces can be used to screen for specific types of cells present in a solution. The receptors and analytes are sometimes called receptors and ligands. Existing devices and methods for performing microfluidic surface assays either are set for too specific applications, or require some peripheral equipment.
The known technology without using peripheral equipment for surface assay is based on the principle of lateral flow. In a lateral flow assay, a sample is added at the extremity of a device and capillary forces move the sample across zones where reagents have been placed and reach a zone with test sites. FIG. 1 depicts such a device where a capillary pump (10) is connected to the flow channel (30) and the test site (20) is located on the flow channel (30) where the assay reaction takes place. The rate of flow of the fluid in the flow channel (30) is defined by the capillary pressure. The technology based on lateral flow assay has been developed for specific applications where only one aliquot of sample (blood sample) is added to the device. This technology is not flexible and is not suited for typical assays in biology where multiple solutions and reagents must be employed for the assay.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,040 B1 uses the lateral flow approach for point-of-care testing applications. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,040 B1, the flow of the fluid is delayed by forming a hydrophobic three-dimensional pressure barrier at a region where the fluid should delay flowing. It can be used only when reagents are predisposed on the flow path of the sample. The device is sealed and the flow characteristics are determined for only one type of diagnostic application. Moreover, the pressure barrier should be formed in three-dimensional and hydrophobic surface modification, the fabrication process of which is complicated.
Another approach as depicted by FIG. 2 is the use of membrane to provide the capillary pressure needed to move liquids. The membrane also serves as a substrate for the assay. This approach is commonly used for point-of-care testing such as for pregnancy testing. The hydrodynamic flow properties of membranes are limited and difficult to optimize making each application cumbersome to develop. The membranes have to be synthesized to have appropriate porosity and hydrophilicity, must be able to incorporate reagents, and must not promote the non specific deposition of analytes of reagents in unwanted locations, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,001. The degree of miniaturization that can be achieved using microfabrication techniques is not accessible to technologies based on membranes. In case cells are to be analyzed it would be difficult to analyze or detect cells using membranes because membranes hinder the motion of cells and particles and behave like filters.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,901,963 discloses a microfluidic device utilizing a capillary phenomenon comprising a flow channel for flowing fluid, the flow channel being formed between a top substrate and a bottom substrate; a flow blocking surface for stopping a flow of the fluid in the flow channel temporarily; and a hump for delaying the flow formed in the line of continuity with the flow blocking surface. This device utilizes capillary pressure to flow the fluid or applies additional pressure from the outside to the fluid. The flow of fluid is delayed by a capillary pressure barrier, which is generated by an aspect ratio of the flow channel at the flow blocking surface and a flow delay angle between the flow blocking surface and the hump for delaying the flow. The delay time of the flow is adjusted delicately by adjusting the length of the hump. The flow channel is formed with the top and bottom substrates formed of hydrophilic materials, hydrophobic materials, and/or a combination thereof. This device requires precise configuration, particularly on selecting and coating the flow channel substrates.
Technologies that are more versatile however need peripheral equipment such as the microfluidic devices using electro-kinetic flow principles, which need high voltage power supplies or pumps. Microfluidic technologies using acceleration forces to move liquids inside microconduits are emerging but they require a spinning platform and controlling circuits.
Elastomers have been proposed to be used as a pump to provide external pressure to allow the flow of the liquids. The elastomer has to be degassed and its refilling by air creates a pressure that can be used to draw liquids inside a microchannel. This approach is limited by the possibility of having leaks that could supply air to the elastomer and does not seem applicable for varying the flow conditions of a liquid in microstructures.
Capillary systems have recently been used with chip receivers to detect analytes with picomolar sensitivity and sub-microliter volumes of sample (Cesaro-Tadic et. al. 2004 Lab-on-a-chip, 2004, in press). To reach such sensitivity and miniaturization, the assays need extensive optimization and careful control of the flow rates of the various solutions. The flow rates are controlled by a heating element on surface of a chip receiver where the chip is placed. Pumps need to be actuated simultaneously using heat. In addition to needing peripheral equipment, the user needs to be an expert in setting the proper flow rates for his assay by actuating the heating element timely and accurately. Further, these devices are fabricated in Silicon [Si], which is an expensive material for fabricating chips with large capillary pumps. The precipitation of salts and proteins from solution in small capillary pumps due to evaporation is also an associated problem.

Capillary system for controlling the flow rate of fluids


The present invention provides a chat information system having a voice recognition device for recognizing voices, a voice synthesizer, a humanoid robot, a microphone for receiving the voices and a speaker for pronouncing synthesized voices. The system comprises a headline sensor capturing news from the Internet, a news database for storing the captured news, and a conversation database including at least a general conversation database storing a set of inquiries and responses. The system also includes a chat engine configured to extract one or more keywords from a user's speech that has been recognized by the voice recognition device, to search at least one of the news database and the conversation database with the extracted keywords and to output via the speaker the contents that have been hit by the search.

The following schemes are known in the art for carrying out a daily conversation between a system and a person.
The first one is a task oriented system for having a robot carry out a specific task, as discussed in "Nakano". A simple system in this category is one that makes a robot produce a predetermined response in response to an oral command. For example, to a user's speech (command) "Tell me today's weather", a robot responds by orally telling the day's weather forecast. Generally, commands and responses such as this are uniquely defined.
In a sophisticated chat system, a robot carries out a predetermined action after exchanging chat with a user, as discussed in Nakano, identified below. This type of chat systems utilize oral chat technology. A characteristic part of this type of chat system is that the robot carries out a task involving a movement or an action such as to move to call for a designated person.
Another scheme is called a chat system, an example being "Valerie". A user may enjoy conversation with a robot rather than having the robot to carry out tasks. This system utilizes a known chatbot system. A chatbot (chat robot) may give a user a feeling that the user is talking with a person by having the robot perform gestures in the real space.
The chatbot system is a system for carrying out a daily conversation with a user. As discussed in "Akiyama", predetermined chat patterns are stored in a database, which is searched responsive to chat input from the user for producing a system response. For example, when a user enters with a keyboard or a microphone "What do you like?", the system searches response data which meets the word sequence of what-do-you-like-?. A large number of possible user speech entries and system responses thereto are stored in the database. The chat system searches the database and retrieves a response for presenting it to the user through a speaker or a monitor display. The system response may be designed to incorporate a portion of user speech entry into the response.
For example, when a user enters "I was scolded by Dad, yesterday" with a keyboard or a microphone, the chat system may return "What is 'Dad' to you?". This response is produced by inserting a word used by the user into the ' . . . ' part of a response template "What is ' . . . ' to you?", which has been stored in the database.
In any event, the chatbot system is a system that stores a sort of inquiries and answers into a database for producing system responses to user entries.
Prior Art References
1. [Nakano] M. Nakano, Y. Hasegawa, K. Nakadai, T. Nakamura, J. Takeuchi, T. Torii, H. Tsujino, N. Kanda, H. G. Okuno, "A two-layer model for behavior and dialogue planning in conversational service robots," in Proc. IROS-2005. 2005.
2. [Valerie] Valerie Web Site: http://www.roboceptionist.com/
3. [Akiyama] Tomotoshi Akiyama, "A program in love ˜ a chatbot made with Ruby" Mainichi Communications, 2005.
In order to make robots, particularly humanoid robots diffuse in the society, robots need to be friendly so that users may use them without having a feeling of congruity. The character and performance of a chat system to be incorporated into the robot are important factors in this respect. The prior art as described above have the following shortcomings.
It is possible to prepare a chat database for a short time usage. However, a large and complicated database would be needed to cope with various situations taking place in daily use of the robot in a long period of time. Such a database can hardly be established beforehand. Further, the scheme of producing a response by extracting a keyword from the user's speech and by inserting the keyword into a predetermined template would hardly develop new chat contents. The chat system short of development possibility is not satisfactory from the standpoint of developing and continuing natural conversation with users.
One way to resolve the above identified problems is to incorporate external information at appropriate timing and present it to the user in conversation. However, mere use of a known information retrieval system that searches information designated by the user and present it to the user is not satisfactory for development and continuing of a natural conversation because, in such a system, the user needs to take a positive action for "requesting or searching information". This is because the prior art system is a passive system. With such a prior art system, the user will be bored and feel a stress, and will not use the system in a daily life for a long period of time.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a chat information system capable of developing and continuing a natural conversation with a user.


An intravenous catheter inserter device comprising a catheter threader body on which is slidably attached a septum activator, a catheter threader, and a needle hub. Some embodiments further include a safety bar that is configured to assist in coordinating the movement of the various components of the device during a catheterization procedure. In general, the septum activator provides a pathway through a septum of a Luer adapter. The Luer adapter comprises a wedge seal that is configured to receive a base portion of a catheter that is inserted into the Luer adapter by the catheter threader. Accordingly, the device of the present invention simultaneously accesses the vasculature of a patient while assembling the catheter into the Luer adapter. The final configuration provides an integrated unit that is attached to the patient and in fluid communication with patient's vascular system.

This disclosure relates generally to intravenous catheters and Luer devices. More specifically, this disclosure discusses an intravenous catheter inserter that comprises a Luer adapter having a wedge seal disposed therein that is configured to receive a base portion of catheter during a catheterization procedure. The intravenous catheter inserter device includes a catheter inserter body that is coupled to the Luer adapter, wherein the catheter inserter body comprises various components to facilitate simultaneous catheterization of a patient while advancing and securing a base portion of the catheter into the wedge seal of the Luer adapter.
As used herein, the term "Luer" is understood to describe and include any Luer taper or other system of small-scale fluid fittings used for making leak-free connections between a male-taper fitting and its mating female part on medical devices and/or equipment. A Luer device or adapter in accordance with the present invention may further include an integrated septum, whereby to provide selective access between two devices interconnected via a Luer fitting connection. Non-limiting examples of Luer fittings include "Luer-Lok," "Luer-Slip," and "Nexiva Closed IV Catheter" systems produced by Becton Dickenson, Inc.
Infusion therapy involves the administration of a fluid to a patient through a needle or catheter. It is generally prescribed when a patient's treatment cannot be treated effectively by oral medication. Typically, "infusion therapy" refers to procedures where a drug or other fluid is administered intravenously. However, the term also refers to situations where fluids are provided through other non-oral routes, such as intramuscular injections, subcutaneous injections, and epidural routes.
Intravenous infusion therapies are generally used to introduce to or remove fluid from a patient. The infusion process generally requires steady control of the catheter and needle to ensure proper vascular access while avoiding or minimizing injury to the patient. In emergency situations, such as in the back of a moving ambulance, a physician or other caregiver may be incapable of inserting a catheter into a patient due to excessive movement of the patient's surrounding. As such, the ambulance is required to stop to allow the caregiver a steady environment in which to insert the catheter. This creates an inconvenience to the caregiver and wastes valuable time that may be needed to save the life of the patient. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device which overcomes the difficulties and shortcomings associated with currently available technologies. The present disclosure discusses such a device.


Collections of articles or entities are represented on a video display in a manner that allows one to view the relationship, if any, between those articles. One embodiment uses circular representations to model set membership of the entities in one or more of the collections. Another embodiment displays many-to-many and one-to-many relationships between the entities and the collections using two overlapping sets of connective representations with icons displayed at the overlaps to indicate the relationship.

The present invention is directed generally to displaying information on a video display screen. In particular, the invention pertains to a method of modeling and visualizing sets of many interconnected or interrelated elements in an ordered or related fashion--such as entry connections (i.e., ports) of a local area network.
Recent advances in the computing arts have brought with then an explosion in the uses that can be put to computing equipment particularly in the field of information science. Computing equipment available today provide the capability of gathering, manipulation, classification, storage, and retrieval of recorded knowledge of various kinds and types. The speed and capability of today's computing equipment provides a tool for huge amounts of information storage and retrieval. In fact, relative little computing power (using today's standards) may be needed to systematically collect, catalog, and store huge amounts of information for high-speed, selective retrieval in such diverse fields as banking, law-enforcement, jurisprudence, education, and medicine, to name a few. However, with this capability often brings with it the problem of presenting or otherwise displaying the information, which may often include many interrelated sets of constituent knowledge, in some logical and understandable manner that quickly and easily provides the information needed without time-consuming analysis. For example, in the field of education, a university will develop and maintain a record of each of its students, detailing classes in which the student is enrolled, the times of the classes, classes that have been completed by the student, etc. Similarly, records for each of the university's professors may be kept, identifying the class subjects being taught that semester (or quarter), the times of the classes, and how many and what students are in each class. This information may not be for the current period, but for past teaching periods. Now suppose one would like to see what students share what classes, or what professors share what students during any period of time. Certainly, as is done at present, lists of the professors and their students during the time period in question can be presented for viewing, allowing one to sift through the lists to find what is desired. However, this can be a time-consuming task that may become daunting as the number of lists becomes larger.
Another field in which interrelated pieces of information is often needed and used is in networks in which numbers of data processing elements are communicatively connected. Recent advances in the networking art now permit so-called "virtual" networks to be formed, increasing not only the number of "collections" of interconnected elements or devices, but also the elements included in such collections. Further, virtual network technology provides a "mobile" network in that it is easier to move devices from one collection to another. An example of such virtual network technology can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,823,338 and 5,394,402.
Networks, as is well known, are capable of interconnecting and communicating large numbers of individual data communicating devices (workstations, printers, communication devices, etc.) to one another. However, regardless of size, all networks must have some management. Even small local area networks (LAN) need someone to keep the system functional and up-to-date, including troubleshooting the network should problems occur, and/or assigning user passwords and identifications. As networks become larger, the task of network management can become daunting because of the difficulty of a person responsible for network management to visualize the necessary interrelations between the elements and devices of the network. The task is exacerbated by the explosive developments in recent years in the field of local area (and wide area) networks, providing the communicative interconnection between much larger numbers of data communicating devices than previously.
One recent development that further complicates network management tasks has been implementation of the concept of "virtual" networks. Systems implementing this concept are capable of assigning, on a port-by-port basis, groups of one or more ports (and, thereby, the data communication devices connected to each such port) to one or another of a number of virtual networks. For example, picture a network switch having ports a, b, c, and d that respectively connect to groups of data communicating devices A, B, C, and D by corresponding media segments (i.e., communication links). Each port may be assigned to one of a number of virtual networks. Accordingly, assume ports a and c may be assigned to virtual network VN 1 while the ports b and d are assigned to virtual network VN 2. Thereby the data communicating devices of groups A and C become members of VN 1, while those of group B and D are members of VN 2. Data communication from one member of the VN 1 to another member of that virtual network will be filtered so that only members of VN 1 can "see" that communication while members of VN 2 do not. Conversely, communications between member devices of VN2 are withheld from the devices of VN1.
While the ability to assign data communicating devices interconnected via such virtual network architecture may have a number of advantages, it can impose severe responsibilities upon a network manager charged with the task of keeping track of which device is a member of which virtual network, and of re-assigning members from one to another of the virtual networks.
A twist on such virtual network architecture is the ability to subdivide a virtual network into "workgroups." Ports of a device employing this aspect are assigned to one virtual network and one or more workgroups. Members of workgroups can communicate only with other members of that same virtual network and workgroup. A member of one workgroup can also be a member of another workgroup--of that same virtual network. Members of a workgroup can communicate only with members of that same workgroup. A port can also be assigned membership in several workgroups, in which case data communicating devices connected to that port can communicate to communicating devices of the several workgroups.
It can be seen, therefore, that a person charged with managing such a virtual network architecture, particularly one of any size, may be severely tasked to keep track of what devices are situated where. Such a person's tasks can be made easier if they could visualize or be provided with a displayed model of the network, and use that model to conduct assignments and/or reassignments of network device groups to one or more workgroups as the case may be.

Method for modeling assignment of multiple memberships in multiple groups


Water heater with generator comprises a self-heating tankless water system comprising a length of tubing having a plurality of electrical heating cables secured about the piping. As cold water enters the system the flow of the water is diverted through an electrical generator which provides the electricity to heat the water.

With the recent hike in energy costs, many Americans are reexamining their home energy usage in an effort to save on the family budget. One (1) household appliance which many do not think about, but operates all day long, is the hot water heater. Whether electrically operated or gas-fired, these hot water heaters keep a large supply of water at a constant elevated temperature whether anyone is home or awake to use it or not.
Many users resort to the use of instantaneous water heaters that heat the water only as it is being used. While certainly functional, they still require a large amount of power. They also require an electrical power connection nearby wherever hot water is needed. Hot water is lost during any power failure. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which hot water can be generated without any operating cost or the disadvantages as described above. The use of the water heater allows users of hot water to harness the power of the moving water itself in a passive manner so that external energy usage is eliminated and money is saved in a much more effective manner than conventional water heaters.


Disclosed are a polymerizable sugar ester of the formula shown below and a process for the production thereof: EQU S(OH).sub.q-1 --OOC--R--COOCH.dbd.CH.sub.2. wherein S(OH).sub.q-1, represents a sugar residue obtained by removing one hydroxyl group from a sugar compound composed of a sugar skeleton S and q number of hydroxyl groups bonded thereto, and R represents an alkylene group. The polymerizable sugar ester is produced by reacting a sugar compound represented by the following general formula: EQU S(OH).sub.q. wherein S represents the sugar skeleton and q is the number of the hydroxyl groups bonded thereto, with a divinyl ester of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid represented by the following general formula: EQU CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHOOC--R--COOCH.dbd.CH.sub.2. in the presence of a hydrolytic enzyme. The polymerizable sugar ester gives a sugar-based polymer by polymerization.

The present invention relates to polymerizable sugar esters and a process for the production thereof.
One known vinyl group-containing sugar compound is sucrose acrylate (Macromolecules, vol. 24, p3462-2463 (1991); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,915). The sucrose acrylate is produced by reacting a mixture of sucrose and vinyl acrylate in an organic solvent in the presence of an enzyme.
The sucrose acrylate gives a sugar-based polymer by addition polymerization thereof through the double bond thereof. The sugar-based polymer is utilizable as a biodegradable plastic.
The sucrose acrylate is represented by the formula: EQU S--OCOCR.dbd.CH.sub.2
wherein S represents a sucrose residue and R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group. Since the spacer portion (--OCO--) between the vinyl group and the sugar molecule of the sucrose acrylate is short, it is difficult for the polymer obtained by the polymerization thereof to sufficiently function as a sugar.

Process for producing polymerization sugar esters

Director-General of Agency of Industrial Science and Technology

Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth


A nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell includes four ferroelectric capacitors and six N channel MOS transistors. When data is to be written or read to or from a certain ferroelectric capacitor, corresponding two word lines are activated.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to semiconductor memory devices, and more particularly, to a semiconductor memory device with a nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell.
2. Description of the Background Art
Prior art related to a nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell using a ferroelectric capacitor for a memory cell is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-34315. This is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell MC0 having a structure in which the electrodes at opposite sides of a ferroelectric capacitor C0 are connected to a first bit line BL and a second bit line /BL via a switching device (here, N channel MOS transistors NT1 and NT2), as shown in FIG. 7.
This conventional nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell MC0 has the advantage that noise and the like do not reach ferroelectric capacitor C0 since both ends of ferroelectric capacitor C0 are isolated from first and second bit lines BL and /BL by N channel MOS transistors NT1 and NT2.
Data is read out in a self-referencing manner in which data stored in ferroelectric capacitor C0 is determined on the basis of the polarization property thereof. Therefore, data can be read out stably even when the polarization property of ferroelectric capacitor C0 differs for each cell.
However, the conventional nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell shown in FIG. 7 requires two N channel MOS transistors NT1 and NT2 and one ferroelectric capacitor C0 to form one memory cell, i.e., to store data of 1 bit. This means that extra area is required in comparison to the case where one memory cell storing 1-bit data is formed of one transistor and one ferroelectric capacitor.

Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device reduced in occupy area of memory cell


A well bias module outputs a voltage used to bias the wells of transistors or other semiconductor components. The well bias module includes a feedback loop having a voltage generation module and a subthreshold leakage sense module that is operable to model the transistors or other semiconductor components so as to sense the subthreshold leakage resulting from a particular well bias voltage output by the voltage generation module. The subthreshold leakage sense module provides a representation of the sensed subthreshold leakage to the voltage generation module, which adjusts the magnitude of the well bias voltage based on this representation so as to reduce or minimize the subthreshold leakage in the transistors or other semiconductor components.

Transistors and similar semiconductor components have been scaled to increasingly smaller dimensions. As a result of this scaling, leakage currents have become a significant source of power consumption in devices. The power consumption resulting from leakage currents is of particular concern in devices having finite power available, such as battery-powered portable devices.
When transistors are in an off state (i.e., when the gate-to-source voltage Vgs is less than the threshold voltage Vth of the transistor), the current flow between the drain and the source of a transistor resulting from the diffusion of minority carriers in the well of the transistor is a substantial source of leakage current commonly referred to as the subthreshold leakage. To reduce the subthreshold leakage, the well of the transistor may be biased by a well bias voltage Vwb provided by a voltage source. However, it will be appreciated that the voltage source consumes power while providing the well bias voltage Vwb. Thus, if the voltage source is operated to provide a well bias voltage so that the voltage source itself operates inefficiently, the reduction in the subthreshold leakage by providing the well bias voltage Vwb may be offset by the excessive power consumption by the voltage source providing the well bias voltage Vwb.
Conventional approaches attempt to solve this discrepancy by maintaining the well bias voltage at a particular voltage value through a voltage monitoring process. However, these techniques fail to account for process and temperature variations which may cause excess power consumption at the preselected well bias voltage. Accordingly, a technique for biasing semiconductor components that improves power consumption would be advantageous.


According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray movable diaphragm and processing circuitry. The X-ray movable diaphragm limits an irradiation field of an X-ray. The processing circuitry sets an FOV size related to the irradiation field, sets a virtual field of view having the FOV size, the virtual field of view being able to include an outside region of an X-ray detection region and at least a part of the X-ray detection region, and controls the X-ray movable diaphragm so as to apply the X-ray to a common region between the virtual field of view and the X-ray detection region.

In general, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus sets a field of view in a discretional range of an X-ray detection region of an X-ray detector and controls an X-ray movable diaphragm so as to apply X-ray only to this range. Thereafter, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus displays an image based on the X-ray detected in the range where the X-ray is applied. Such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus has a function to change a magnification ratio of a display image, with a central focus on a region of interest.
There is no problem when an X-ray diagnostic apparatus as described above is used in normal conditions; however, according to the inventor's consideration, when X-ray is applied to the end of an X-ray detection region, there is a disadvantage that a region of interest is not always positioned in a center portion of a display image. For example, when a region of interest is positioned at the end of an X-ray detection region, the field of view is set so as not to include the outer side of the X-ray detection region from the viewpoint of avoiding applying the X-ray to the outer side of the X-ray detection region. For this reason, when the X-ray should be applied to the end of the X-ray detection region, the region of interest is positioned at the end of the display image.
Also, for example, even when a region of interest is positioned at the center of a display image corresponding to a certain field of view size (hereinafter, referred to as FOV size), if the FOV size is widened to the outer side of an X-ray detection region due to the magnification of the FOV size, the magnified field of view of the FOV size is forcibly set within the X-ray detection region. For this reason, when X-ray is applied to the end of the X-ray detection region, the display image becomes an image where the region of interest is positioned out of the center of the display image, while maintaining the magnified FOV size.
Incidentally, presently, there is a technique of setting a field of view at a field of view position (hereinafter, referred to as FOV position) that is out of the center of an X-ray detector and displaying the set field of view in a magnified state. Specifically, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus sets a field of view by setting an FOV size and then setting an FOV position. Such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus has a function to change the magnifying ratio of a display image by switching the FOV size.
There is no problem when an X-ray diagnostic apparatus as described above is used in normal conditions; however, according to the inventor's consideration, there may be some cases where when the FOV size is switched, the FOV position that was set before is not maintained. For example, it is assumed that in an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a field of view is set at an FOV position which is out of the center of an X-ray detector, and a magnified image having a narrow field of view is presently displayed. At that time, if the FOV size is switched to an entire image of a wide field of view, an entire image having a field of view that is set at the center of the X-ray detector as an FOV position is displayed. If the FOV size is switched to a magnified image again during the entire image being displayed, a magnified image with the center of the entire image set as an FOV position is displayed. In this way, there may be some cases where the FOV position that was set before is not maintained when the FOV size is switched.


The partition wall for commercial vehicles comprises at least one fixed plate (20) and a sliding door (10) able to slide with respect to said fixed wall (20), predisposed to separate the cockpit of the vehicle from the loading compartment. The sliding door (10) is provided, along the upper edge and along the bottom edge, with a plurality of sliding wheels (11, 12) predisposed to slide respectively on an upper guide (13) and on a lower guide (14) associated with the structure of the vehicle. The sliding wheels (11, 12) have a grooved profile predisposed to be coupled with a corresponding rail (19) of said guides (13, 14) having conjugated profile.

It has been known the use of commercial vehicles equipped for specific activities. These commercial vehicles allow the user to move to where his intervention is needed. A particular type of commercial vehicle is equipped for the delivery of articles packaged packs, even of small size, envelopes and the like. The growing diffusion of mail-order channels has made it clear that there is a need for increasing the functionality of commercial vehicles responsible for the distribution of articles.
Particularly known in the specified field is the use of commercial vehicles equipped internally with a sliding wall connecting the cockpit of the vehicle with the rear loading compartment. This allows the driver to access the shelves usually provided in a vehicle to contain the articled to be delivered, without having to get out of the vehicle and open the loading hatch. In this way, picking articles is made easier and faster.
According to a known technique, the sliding door is provided with a sliding carriage associated with an upper rail, essentially consisting of a rail constrained to the structure of the vehicle through a special counter-frame, which increases the space required by the sliding door. This solution, however, makes generally unstable the mounting of the sliding door as it generates vibrations and annoying noises during the driving. This disadvantage is particularly evident when the vehicle is used on roads with imperfect bottom. In this case, the stress to which the vehicle is subjected, transmitted to the counter-frame supporting the sliding door, can more easily determine the above-mentioned vibrations.
A further problem complained with respect to sliding doors is the noise. As a matter of facts, backlash possibly existing between the assembled components, for example between the carriage and the guide, can cause annoying noises to the driver. Such backlash is mostly due to wear and tear of the vehicle over time or to faults possibly present in the assembled components.
It is also complained that, in the known solutions, the protection of the cockpit is not adequately ensured, for example in the case of load movements caused by sudden manoeuvres.


Methods and systems are provided for processing the financial information of a client of a financial institution. One method embodiment includes receiving data from an overdraft data source including at least one overdraft occurrence associated with a transaction performed in association with the client; analyzing the overdraft occurrence in an overdraft application to determine a cause and disposition of the overdraft occurrence in connection with the cause of the overdraft occurrence; and, communicating an overdraft report associated with the analyzing step to a manager associated with the client. Additional system and computer-readable medium embodiments of the present methods are also provided. In another aspect of the present methods and systems, historical overdraft issues are analyzed and reported to the management of a financial institution. System and computer-readable medium embodiments of these analysis and reporting methods are also provided.

1. Field of the Invention
The present methods and systems generally relate to receiving, processing, communicating and analyzing data related to financial transactions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many financial institutions such as corporate banks, for example, provide clients with a wide range of financial services, including loan services and cash management services. The use of these financial services occasionally results in an overdraft or negative financial position associated with a particular service. The decision by the financial institution on how to address the overdraft occurrence, including whether to assess charges against the client, is dependent on a number of factors. Examples of such factors include the prior history of the client with the financial institution and promised actions by the client to address the overdraft occurrence. In any event, the financial institution needs to analyze the cause of the overdraft in an effective manner.
For example, if an overdraft occurrence in a client account results from a bank error in posting deposits or debiting withdrawals, the bank could extend credit to the client without imposing overdraft charges. However, when the client is a chronic offender of permitting an account balance to fall into a negative position, the bank might decide not to extend credit and impose an overdraft charge on the client. It can be appreciated that the decision by the financial institution for each overdraft situation depends on accessibility of information related to the details of the transaction and any actions of the client that may have caused the overdraft occurrence.
In conventional practice, a manager for a given client has primary responsibility for researching overdraft occurrences and deciding whether to pay or return overdraft items with or without imposing charges on the client. In view of the increasing volume of transactions conducted by various clients, it has been recognized that centralized processing of overdrafts could provide an enhanced degree of risk oversight and promote processing efficiencies. Employment of one or more overdraft representatives has become necessary to review and research overdraft information on a periodic basis. Typically, on a daily basis, a team of overdraft representatives submits written overdraft reports to the manager responsible for a particular client account. The managers review the submitted information and determine how to dispose of the overdraft condition. This approval usually requires a signed paper copy of the overdraft report to be faxed and mailed back to the centralized overdraft representative function for archiving.
It can be seen, however, that this manual process does not value the time of the manager involved with resolving a significant volume of overdraft transactions. Nor does this process sufficiently frustrate efforts by unscrupulous clients conducting "check kiting" schemes, for example, and other similarly fraudulent activities associated with overdraft conditions. Since there is inherent delay in manual processing of information related to the financial status of a client, such schemes can be difficult to detect and halt. Moreover, federal laws and regulations related to financial transactions generally require quick decisions on the disposition of items applied to a client account. All of these factors drive the need for more effective processing and communication of overdraft related data.
It has become evident that an effective centralized overdraft effort can have improved access to client information and more efficient means for communicating overdraft occurrences to managers. This overdraft effort can also have scalability in its processes sufficient to address the needs of the many managers in the financial institution, and not merely service a few select departments. Methods and systems are needed that permit overdraft representatives to communicate their analysis of overdraft occurrences to managers and promptly dispose of those occurrences. Methods and systems are also needed that permit managers and others to view current and historical summaries of overdraft occurrences and identify and address trends that impact the policies of the financial institution.

Methods and systems for processing and communicating financial transaction data


An integrated steering gear and frame structure is designed to modularize a sub-frame as a suspension system and a steering gear as a steering system. Thus, a separate assembly process for the sub-frame and the steering gear is not required, so that a production process can be simplified and an assembly capability can be improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an integrated steering gear and frame structure, and more particularly to an integrated steering gear and frame structure, in which a sub-frame as a suspension system and a steering gear as a steering system are modularized.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, a steering system is a machine by which a vehicle is steered to be turned to follow the desired traveling course of its driver, and is composed of a manipulation mechanism having a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a steering column, etc. so as to transmit a manipulation force caused by a direct steering manipulation of the driver to a steering gear, a linkage and so on, a gearing for decreasing rotation of the steering shaft to increase the manipulation force and simultaneously changing movement direction of the manipulation mechanism to transmit the changed movement direction to a link mechanism. The gearing typically makes much use of a rack-pinion mode, and particularly a rack-pinion steering gear is housed in a steering gear box, which is stably mounted to a vehicular body via mounting brackets.
One of conventional structures for mounting the steering gear to the vehicular body is shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a conventional rack-pinion steering gear mounting structure. As shown in FIG. 1, two upper and lower steel plates are pressed in a specific shape and are welded to form a sub-frame 100 in a tube shape. A steering gear box 200 is fixed to the upper steel plate 110 of the sub-frame 100 by mounting brackets 150 and 170. The steering gear box 200 is provided with a rack bar through-hole through which a rack bar is inserted, a pinion housing 210 into which a pinion is inserted, and a yoke part insertion part 230 into which a yoke part is inserted, as well as is assembled by inserting the rack bar, the pinion and the yoke part. Meanwhile, both ends of the sub-frame 100 are formed with mounting parts 130 for fixture with the vehicular body and are connected to the vehicular body. Further, both ends of the sub-frame 100 are connected with control arms 300, which constitute the suspension system and are adjacent to the mounting parts. In this manner, the sub-frame 100 and the steering gear box 200 are separately prepared and assembled.
Meanwhile, another conventional rack-pinion steering gear is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 2003-0006651. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the conventional rack-pinion steering gear. As shown in FIG. 2, in a steering gear box 1, a pinion 2 mounted to a leading end of the steering shaft is meshed with a rack 3, and thus rotation of the pinion 2 causes the rack 3 to move in a transverse direction. The transverse movement of the rack 3 is transmitted to a steering shaft and a tie rod coupled to both ends of the rack 3 by a ball joint. The coupling of the pinion 2 and rack 3 in the steering gear box 1 is designed to adjust a clearance through a rack guide 6 and a nut 7. The rack guide 6 is recessed in a semi-cylindrical shape on its side so that the rack 3 meshed with the pinion 2 and moving in the transverse direction is supported on the side of the pinion 2. The rack guide 6 is inserted into one end of the steering gear box 1. The nut 7 is threaded on its inner circumferential surface so as to position and fix the rack guide 6, and is formed with a bolt head 8 on its outer side so as to be screwed to one end of the steering gear box 1. Further, the other side of the rack guide 6 is formed with a recess, and endows a damping force to contact surfaces between the rack guide 6 and the nut 7 between which a spring 10 is interposed. Therefore, it is possible to adjust a meshed state of the pinion 2 and the rack 3 either by inserting the nut 7 to cause the rack guide 6 to close contact the rack 3 on the side of the pinion 2 via the spring 10 or by retreating the nut 7.
However, the structure mounting the steering gear to the vehicular body as mentioned above has the following problems.
The sub-frame as the suspension system and the steering gear as the steering system are manufactured separately by their manufacturers, and are supplied to a module manufacturing firm or a vehicular manufacturing firm.
In this manner, the sub-frame and the steering gear are supplied to the module manufacturing firm or the vehicular manufacturing firm, and then are assembled by bolts or in another fastening method. The assembly is mounted to the vehicle.
Because the sub-frame and the steering gear are fastened by bolts or in another fastening method, some portions are overlapped to cause an assembling tolerance. Further, each of the sub-frame and the steering gear incurs a physical distribution cost.
Further, the production process by nature causes the sub-frame and the steering gear to be separately manufactured and assembled, so that a rate of generating manufacturing and assembling tolerances is increased.
Because the sub-frame and the steering gear are counterparts to each other, there is inconvenience in that each must be managed in tolerance, production and quality.

Integrated steering gear and frame structure


A method of configuring an optical network terminal, ONT, of a wavelength division multiplexed passive optical network, WDM PON. Sequentially setting a transmission wavelength of a tunable optical filter at the ONT to one or more wavelengths of a pre-selected plurality of transmission wavelengths until a wavelength is identified for which no downstream optical signal from an optical line terminal of the WDM PON is detected. Determining whether a transmitter operable at said identified transmission wavelength is present at the OLT and is available to be assigned to communicate with the ONT. If a transmitter is determined to be present and available, maintaining the transmission wavelength of the tunable optical filter at transmission wavelength and assigning the ONT to the OLT as a subscriber at said identified transmission wavelength. If a transmitter is determined to be one of not present and not available, recommencing the method.

Wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks, WDM PON, dramatically increase the capacity of fibre links compared to other fibre access techniques. Using dedicated wavelengths for each connection between a subscriber and the central office, the current technology allows 96 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connections to be established on the same optical fibre.
Several WDM PON system architectures and transmission techniques have been proposed to lower the cost or increase the performance of a WDM PON which require the use at the subscriber side of an optical network termination, ONT, that can be operated at any selected wavelength (a "colourless" ONT). There are basically two ways to implement a colourless ONT: sending the optical carrier signal to the ONT from a remote node (typically, the Central Office); and locally generating the optical carrier signal at the ONT by means of a tunable laser.
Many telecom operators are requiring the compatibility of WDM PON equipment with deployed PON infrastructure. A WDM PON ONT which is compatible with deployed PON infrastructure, which has distribution node simply comprising a power splitter, must comprise a tunable filter in order to select the respective working wavelength for each ONT, such as described by Murano et al, "Tunable GPON receivers enable phased migration to 1 Gb/s per subscriber", OFC 2009. The transmission wavelength of the tunable filter must be set to the respective working wavelength for each ONT, which is currently done manually.

Passive optical network optical network terminal apparatus and configuration method