The activity sensing pacemaker comprises: a heart pulse sensing device for sensing heart pulses; pulse generating circuitry for generating pacing pulses; activity sensing structure and circuitry for sensing activity/movement of a patient wearing the pacemaker in one or more of three directions/dimensions, x, y, z, and for causing the pulse generating circuitry to generate pacing pulses at a rate/frequency related to the movements sensed; and, control circuitry coupled to the heart pulse sensing device, to the pulse generating circuitry and to the activity sensing structure and circuitry for controlling the pulse generating circuitry in response to the heart pulses sensed or in response to the patient movements sensed, the activity sensing structure and circuitry causing generation of control pulses related to the movements of the patient and the control circuitry including frequency sensing circuitry for sensing the frequency of the control pulses generated and for controlling the rate/frequency of the pacing pulses generated by the pulse generating circuitry relative to the frequency of the control pulses generated by the movements of the patient in one or more directions/dimensions, x, y, z, independent of the duration or amplitude of the control pulses.

1. Field of the Invention.
The present invention relates to an activity sensing pacemaker which senses activity or motion along several different axes, such as the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis, utilizing an array of motion sensors or acceleratometers and to pulse generating circuitry for controlling the output of heart stimulus pulses relative to the level of activity sensed.
2. Description of the related art including information disclosed under 37 CFR .sctn..sctn. 1.97-1.99.
Heretofore, various activity sensing pacemakers have been proposed. Examples of these previously proposed activity sensing pacemakers are disclosed in the following U.S. patents:
______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Patentee ______________________________________ 4,140,132 Dahl 4,428,378 Anderson et al. 4,771,780 Sholder 4,846,195 Alt 4,860,751 Callaghan 4,869,251 Lekholm et al. 4,896,068 Nilsson 4,913,145 Stotts 4,940,052 Mann et al. 4,940,053 Mann et al. 5,010,893 Sholder ______________________________________
The Dahl U.S. Pat. No. 4,140,132 discloses a variable rate timer for a cardiac pacemaker including a piezoelectric element, a rectifier for rectifying the signals generated by the piezoelectric element and a capacitor network which receives the rectified pulses from the rectifier and stores those pulses therein. The stored pulses are supplied to the gate of a field effect transistor where a level or charge of voltage stored controls the current to the transistor which is used to control the pacing or timing rate of the pacemaker.
The activity sensing pacemaker of the present invention differs from the Dahl patent by sensing activity or motion along several different axes, preferably three axes, and does not rectify voltage generated by a piezoelectric element and does not have a voltage circuit including a constant timing resistor or a timing capacitor.
The Anderson U.S. Pat. No. 4,428,378 teaches a motion sensor that supplies signals to a level detector and band pass amplifier so that pulses above a certain level and within a certain frequency band only, are integrated to provide a control signal for controlling pacing.
The Sholder U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,780 teaches an activity sensor comprising a moving conducting element within a housing, as does the Lekholm et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,251. In Lekholm et al. there is provided a hollow member with a freely movable member therein, the freely movable member generating a mechanical vibration upon movement by a patient. A transducer senses the vibration and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the mechanical vibrations. The electrical signal is proportionate to the movement and is used to vary the stimulation rate. In Sholder the moving conducting element within the cylindrical housing makes and breaks electrical contacts between at least two of a plurality of electrodes in the housing, the making and breaking of contacts being indicative of motion or activity of the patient.
The Alt U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,195 discloses an implantable position and motion sensor which includes a housing having a circular disc-like wall of electrically insulative material with conductive pins extending therethrough, a lid portion over the circular disc-like wall and a mercury ball within the housing and movable between the pins for effecting conduction between the pins. Movement of the mercury ball between the pins and the lid portion will generate signals indicating activity or movement of the patient and the position of the mercury ball indicates whether the patient is standing or lying down.
The Callaghan U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,751 teaches a passive activity sensor for a pacemaker requiring no power for sensing physical activity and a physical activity threshold detector.
The Nilsson U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,068 teaches the construction of an activity sensor having two individual or inter-related piezoceramic parts arranged side by side which are oppositely polarized and which are secured to a flat wall of a pacemaker housing.
The Stotts U.S. Pat. No. 4,913,145 discloses a cardiac pacemaker which has a sense amplifier for passing signal components lying in a selectively variable pass band.
The Alt U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,863 teaches the use of an accelerometer in a rate responsive cardiac pacemaker for sensing body movement and then selects only a portion of the electrical signal generated by the accelerometer at a frequency rate below 4 Hz to discriminate against signal components arising from other than physical exercise of the patient.
The Mann et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,052 discloses a processor in a pacemaker which converts a raw signal generated by an activity sensor (a piezoelectric sensor) to a sensor-indicator rate signal in accordance with a selectable transfer relationship which defines the sensor-indicator rate signals as a function of a set of discrete sensor level index signals. The selected sensor level index signals is related to the energy content of the raw signal. Then, the selective sensor level index signal is used to control the pacing rate from a pulse generator.
The Mann et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,053 discloses a rate responsive pacemaker having a piezoelectric sensor and a raw signal energy converter which amplifies the raw signal, rectifies the raw signal and then integrates the area of the raw signal in one embodiment of the energy converter.
In another embodiment of the energy converter, the durations of each rectified pulse of the raw signals are counted, individual duration counts are summed over a period of time (integrated) and the sum is utilized as an indication of the energy content of the raw signal. The level of the energy content is used to control the pacing rate of a pacemaker.
The Sholder U.S. Pat. No. 5,010,893 discloses a motion sensor mounted in a pacemaker. The motion sensor includes an enclosed housing having a movable conductive element therein that partially fills the space in the housing and is free to flow or otherwise move around the inside of the housing in response to external forces. As the conductive element moves within the enclosed housing, it makes electrical contact with at least two of three electrodes that are selectively spaced around the periphery of the housing in a manner similar to the movement of a contact in the earlier Sholder patent and the mercury ball in the earlier Alt patent.


A computer readable medium for analyzing images according to specific kinds of features oriented towards detecting subtle branding features (intentional or otherwise) rather than relying on the usual image similarity detection methods. Also disclosed are steps to enhance standard machine learning techniques to identify new types of transformations by partitioning data into measure-countermeasure windows, which may be either/both detected computationally or inputted into a knowledgebase. The invention further incorporates direct and indirect traits of images that were likely to have been promulgated by a particular group or actor of interest, especially those traits that prove to be more invariant over time (including the use of transformations) which have proven to be more resistant to countermeasures applied in different jurisdictions. More generally, almost all embodiments allow individual feature calculations to be toggled on and off, and to define sets of features according to jurisdiction.

Symbols send powerful messages, both direct and subconscious. As the Internet has become more and more awash in propaganda, political content, and social commentary, the methods for generating and manipulating images have grown greatly in sophistication. It thus becomes increasingly valuable to understand and track how exactly such content is created and transformed by its distributors. This is especially true in the case of highly tech-savvy actors creating and disseminating content so as to deliberately game current content monitoring systems, while still consistently delivering the intended message to real people. The invention described here augments existing approaches to more correctly and quickly identify the intent of digitally disseminated images—even if those images are modified by human operators hoping to disguise their intent to those very same systems.
State and other types of sophisticated actors (such as terrorist groups) wish to reuse specific (and effective) visual elements in their propaganda campaigns, even though they must frequently inject some variety, both to keep things interesting and to try to evade detection. Thus whatever key properties made the initial image appealing enough to reuse are very likely to be retained for as long as possible—at least in some form. Assuming this is the case, in an abstract sense the same image component(s) are being distributed, rather than N many images that share a large number of features in common. As we will demonstrate, this assumption enables a new computational approach.
We will assert that what is actually important to track and analyze are image components and that the container image itself is of lesser importance. There are two high level types of image components. Direct image components (DIC's) are images or objects inserted in other images in some clear way while logical image components (LIC's) are transformations of different kinds that relate different images that may be subtle and/or unexpected in nature.
While there has been much work with various machine learning approaches to identify specific direct image features of interest (such as beheadings used by terrorists to demoralize opponents and encourage their followers), such techniques fail to take into account the inevitable need for the actors who post such content to respond to countermeasures designed to detect and deter the spread of these messages. With current technology, even the best feature detector will only be useful for a limited time. Indeed, the better it works the less long it will last. Those posting objectionable content quickly become aware of these countermeasures since these usually take the form of blocking, de-platforming, or some type of law enforcement action. They are very likely to decide to switch to other imagery, or at least take some kind of evasive action.
Further, currently many machine learning approaches that effectively target specific ancillary traits such as an unusual choice of font aren't likely to work well when content providers make simple yet effective changes to their propaganda, such as when they switch to a different font/background combination that likewise has a low OCR-ability co-efficient. Otherwise put, the bad actors are looking to optimize for a specific result, while ML approaches focus on detecting specific features.
The difficulty is that there's often not a clear or unique mapping between features and results. For example, there are many different methods of making OCR'ing text embedded in an image more error-prone and difficult, and they don't all involve use of the same or similar features. And a feature that is obfuscating in some contexts may not be in others, and/or may simply be artistic license, especially in the case of what is known as text-as-art or art-as-text. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the amount of data in question in such scenarios generally does not rise to the definition of "big data", or often anywhere close.
We will refer to the "results"—that is computable or derivable features as "indirect" features. We propose that many of these indirect features are likely to be more persistent than direct ones, since producing images with such derived characteristics wouldn't by itself be proof positive of anything, may require some computational sophistication to detect, and because there is significant motivation for the promulgators to keep using the technique or imagery so long as it remains at all viable.
However, often such persistence will involve significant transformation of the prior object or technique. In other words, any kind of recognizable reference to a lion on any kind of media is still nonetheless a lion, and will generally be understood as such by the target audience. (And at any rate, there is rarely a canonical "lion" even initially. It is rather a concept that is being symbolically conveyed.) Many such transformations are machine-learnable, especially if assisted by supervised learning, even without the usual very large amounts of data being available. As with anything else, transformations that prove successful once are likely to be reused.
We propose to analyze images according to specific kinds of features oriented towards detecting subtle branding features (intentional or otherwise) rather than relying on the usual image similarity detection methods. We further propose to enhance standard machine learning techniques in order to help identify new types of transformations by partitioning data into measure→countermeasure windows, which may be either/both detected computationally or inputted into a knowledgebase. This is important to do since such transformations are likely to mostly occur in reaction to a countermeasure. And because the initiation of each new window reduces the ability to correctly predict the future based on the past.

System and method for detecting and analyzing digital communications


A method for operating a gas turbine engine, including a first compressor, a second compressor, a combustor and a turbine, coupled together in serial flow arrangement, and an intercooler coupled between the first compressor and the second compressor, the intercooler including a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger. The method includes channeling compressed airflow from the first compressor to the first heat exchanger, extracting energy from the compressed airflow using a first working fluid flowing through the first heat exchanger to facilitate reducing an operating temperature of the compressed airflow and to facilitate increasing an operating temperature of the first working fluid, and channeling the first working fluid to a process heat exchanger, and channel the compressed airflow form the first heat exchanger to the second compressor.

This invention relates generally to gas turbine engines, and more specifically to methods and apparatus for operating gas turbine engines.
Gas turbine engines generally include, in serial flow arrangement, a high-pressure compressor for compressing air flowing through the engine, a combustor in which fuel is mixed with the compressed air and ignited to form a high temperature gas stream, and a high pressure turbine. The high-pressure compressor, combustor and high-pressure turbine are sometimes collectively referred to as the core engine. Such gas turbine engines also may include a low-pressure compressor, or booster, for supplying compressed air to the high pressure compressor.
Gas turbine engines are used in many applications, including in aircraft, power generation, and marine applications. The desired engine operating characteristics vary, of course, from application to application. Accordingly, at least one known gas turbine includes a booster compressor to facilitate increasing the pressure of the air entering the high pressure compressor, which results in increased power output and efficiency of the gas turbine engine. An intercooler heat exchanger may be positioned between the booster compressor and the high-pressure compressor to facilitate reducing the temperature of the air entering the high-pressure compressor. Using an intercooler facilitates increasing the efficiency of the engine while reducing the quantity of work performed by the high pressure compressor. Moreover, at least one known intercooler heat exchanger uses water as a cooling medium to cool the air flow exiting the booster compressor. When water is used as the cooling medium, heat from the water is rejected using water cooled cooling towers. The intercooler system rejects substantially all of the heat generated from the intercooler into the atmosphere. Accordingly, the heat rejected by the intercooler is not captured and thus not utilized for any beneficial purpose.

Methods and apparatus for operating gas turbine engines


A semiconductor device includes a first ridge and a second ridge extending from a first main surface of a semiconductor substrate. The first and second ridges run in a first direction. The semiconductor device further includes a body region disposed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate between the first ridge and the second ridge, and a gate electrode adjacent to the body region. The first and second ridges are connected with the body region. A plurality of further ridges are formed in the body region, the further ridges extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The gate electrode runs in the first direction, and the gate electrode is disposed at at least two sides of the further ridges.

Power MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) are examples of high breakdown voltage semiconductor devices which are used for switching power sources, inverter devices or the like. For example, power MOSFETs are considered to switch high voltages at low-ohmic loads so as to have a very small switching and conduction loss. Power MOSFETs having a small on-resistance (Ron) and a high breakdown voltage when being switched off are desirable. For example, a power MOSFET should withstand a drain to source voltage Vds of some tens to some hundreds of volts when being switched off. As a further example, power MOSFETs conduct a very large current which may be up to some hundred of amperes at a gate-source voltage of about 10 to 20 V at a low voltage drop Vds.


A compressor is provided including a housing having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet. A compression mechanism within the housing is configured to receive a vapor at the suction inlet and to provide a compressor vapor to the discharge outlet. A volume index valve is arranged near the discharge outlet. The volume index valve includes a piston positioned within a hollow chamber and configured to move between a closed position and an open position to provide a bypass flow path from an intermediate portion of the compression mechanism to the discharge outlet. The piston is configured to move within the chamber automatically in response to the operating pressure of the vapor within the compressor.

The invention relates generally to compressors and, more particularly, to a valve for varying the volume index of a compressor.
Screw compressors are commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. In such a compressor, intermeshed male and female lobed rotors or screws are rotated about their axes to pump a working fluid, such as refrigerant, from a low pressure inlet end to a high pressure outlet end. A screw compressor having fixed inlet and discharge ports built into the housing are optimized for a specific set of suction and discharge conditions and pressures. However, the system in which the compressor is connected rarely operates under constant conditions, especially in an air conditioning application. Nighttime, daytime, and seasonal temperatures can affect the volume ratio of the system and the efficiency with which the compressor operates. Volume ratio or volume index Vi is the ratio of the volume of vapor inside the compressor as the suction port closes to the volume of vapor inside the compressor as the discharge port opens. Screw compressors, scroll compressors, and other similar machines generally have a fixed volume index based on the geometry of the compressor.
In a system where the load varies, the amount of heat being rejected in the condenser fluctuates causing the high side pressure to rise or fall, and resulting in a volume index different from the compressor's fixed volume index. To improve efficiency, the pressure inside the compressor should be generally equal to the pressure in the discharge line from the compressor. If the inside pressure exceeds the discharge pressure, over compression of the gas occurs, and if the inside pressure is too low, back flow occurs, both resulting in a system loss. Therefore, the volume index of the compressor should vary to maximize the efficiency of the compressor at non-uniform operating conditions.

Compressor comprising a variable volume index valve


The present invention concerns a power cable, comprising a tension member (1), placed in the centre of said power cable; a first insulation layer (3), the tension member (1) being embedded in the first insulation layer (3); and an outer protective sheath (9); wherein said power cable further comprises one or more first aluminum conductors (4), embedded within the first insulation layer (3). The present invention also concerns a process for producing the inventive power cable, the process comprising the step of extruding a first polymeric insulation layer (3) onto the tension member (1) and the one or more conductors (4) in one single step. Finally, the present invention concerns the use of the inventive power cable, in medium-voltage to high-voltage subsea applications, such as an offshore windmill cable infrastructure or driving of subsea pumps.

Over the last decades, unexpected breakdowns of subsea high-voltage (HV) power cables have increased. In most cases such breakdowns seem to be caused by the use of crosslinked polyethylene (PEX), a high-complexity material. PEX was first introduced as a HV cable manufacturing material in response to a change in design requirements for onshore cables, accommodating conductor operating temperatures up to 90° C., instead of temperatures up to 70° C. This temperature requirement seems to be irrelevant in the generally cold subsea ocean environments, where ambient temperatures hardly reach more than a few degrees above 0° C.
From a materials perspective, there is no reason why non-crosslinked polymers such as ethylene, polyethylene and ethylene propene rubber cannot be used in HV cables operating up to 66 kilo Volt, especially when conductor electric field stresses are maintained at a reduced level. However, in order to reduce electric field stresses in HV cables to an acceptable level, the outer diameter of the conductor must be increased, which, in turn, increases the costs of the external cable armoring to prohibitive levels and comes at a severe weight penalty, while further reducing the ease of handling of the HV cable.

Power cable, method for production and use thereof


The object of the present invention is a patient's nursing apparatus (2), which comprises reminding devices (4) for transmitting a predetermined reminding signal to a user of the apparatus at a predetermined point of time. In order that the carrying out of the activities, relating to the nursing of the patient, at the right time would be more efficient, the nursing apparatus comprises a storage space (7) for storing medication (8) needed for nursing the patient, feeding device (9) for feeding at least one medication items (8), located in the storage space, from the storage space (7) into a space of use (11) and detecting device (10) for detecting the at least one of the medication (8) located in the space of use, whereupon the reminding devices (4) are responsive to the detecting devices (10) for transmitting said predetermined reminding signal to the user of the apparatus (2) at a determined point of time, the detecting device (10) indicating that said at least one medication (8) is located in the space of use. The nursing apparatus is portable and it has been combined with a mobile station (1) for communicating information relating to the nursing apparatus. The nursing apparatus can be combined with a battery and be adapted to be connected to the battery space of a mobile station.

This invention relates in particularly to the medication of a patient and, more accurately, to a nursing apparatus, which helps the patient to remember when he should take his medicine. However, it will be appreciated that the nursing apparatus and system, according to the present invention, can also be utilised for other reminding purposes than merely reminding of the point of time when medicine should be taken. For example, a diabetic can utilise the nursing apparatus, according to the invention, to make it easier for him to remember the points of time when he should measure the glucose content of his blood. However, the invention will be discussed in the following, by way of example, particularly by means of a patient's medication.
A solution is previously known for reminding a patient of the time when he should take his medicine, wherein a paging device is placed at the patient's disposal. By means of the paging device in question, information on the point of time when he should take his medicine is transmitted to the patient. In other words, at a predetermined point of time the paging device gives an audio signal, whereupon the patient understands that he should take his medicine.
The most significant weakness in the known solution mentioned above is that if the patient does not happen to be in the immediate vicinity of the paging device at the medication time, the patient will not hear the audio signal of the paging device, whereupon he may forget to take his medicine. Another weakness of this known solution is that the paging device adds to the number of things the patient has to carry with him. In other words, in addition to medicine bottles and similar things, the patient should also carry the paging device with him.
In addition, different kinds of medicine dispensers are previously known, which comprise compartments so that, for example, there is a separate compartment for each medication time, wherein the medicine intended to be taken at that particular point of time has been stored. The medication times in turn appear from the text marked in connection with the compartments (e.g., Tuesday: morning/afternoon/evening). Thus, the patient can see with one glance at the dispenser the next time when he should take his medicine. Correspondingly, the danger that the patient would take his medicine twice is avoided because when the patient has once taken his medicine at the determined medication time, the compartment in question is empty and, thus, no medicine can again be taken therefrom.
One of the most significant weaknesses of the known medicine dispenser presented above is that the patient has to remember, on his own initiate, to control the times when he should take his medicine. Naturally, this causes a danger that the medicine is not taken at the predetermined medication time, and it may happen that the medicine is taken considerably later than intended.
Another prior known dispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,327, which has been arranged to be kept on a table, having trays for pills, and actuators for moving a pill from a tray into a pill hopper and activating a flashing light and a buzzer, which are deactivated when the pill hopper is opened for removing the pill. If the pill is not removed within a predetermined time a remote signal, e.g. a telephone call is activated. Also as an accessory to the dispenser is a remote alarm unit, which the user may carry with him/her. The dispenser includes a radio transmitter transmitting to the remote alarm unit, and it is deactivated when the pill hopper is opened. The drawback with this solution is that the range of the transmitter is limited and by the time the user gets a signal on his remote unit, his pills are in the dispenser.

Patient's nursing apparatus and nursing system


An integrated lancet and testing striplet for measuring a body analyte level in a health care regimen includes a skin piercing member and an analyte sensor coupled together.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of medical diagnostic devices.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
The prevalence of diabetes is increasing markedly in the world. At this time, diagnosed diabetics represent about 3% of the population of the United States. It is believed that the actual number of diabetics in the United States is much higher. Diabetes can lead to numerous complications, such as, for example, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
The most important factor for reducing diabetes-associated complications is the maintenance of an appropriate level of glucose in the blood stream. The maintenance of the appropriate level of glucose in the blood stream may prevent and even reverse some of the effects of diabetes.
Glucose monitoring devices known in the art have operated on the principle of taking blood from an individual by a variety of methods, such as by means of a needle or a lancet. The individual then contacts a strip carrying reagents with the blood, and finally inserts the strip into a blood glucose meter for measurement of glucose concentration by optical or electrochemical techniques.
Medical devices of the prior art for monitoring the level of glucose in the blood stream have required that an individual have separately available a needle or a lancet for extracting blood from the individual, test strips carrying reagents for bringing about a chemical reaction with the glucose in the blood stream and generating an optical or electrochemical signal, and a blood glucose meter for reading the results of the reaction, thereby indicating the level of glucose in the blood stream. The level of glucose, when measured by a glucose meter, is read from the strip by an optical or electrochemical meter.
It is desired to simplify the systems, devices, and methods for determining the level of an analyte such as glucose in a body fluid such as blood. In particular, it is desired to integrate the operations of extracting a sample of blood by means of a needle or a lancet, applying the sample of blood to a reagent-bearing test strip, reading the result of a glucose monitoring test, and discarding the used needle or lancet and test strip in a safe and efficient manner.
Certain patents describe devices that can perform steps for determining the concentration of glucose in the blood stream. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,410 discloses a sensor-dispensing instrument for handling a plurality of fluid sensors (i.e., test strips). However, this patent fails to include a lancing device for puncturing the skin of a patient in order to extract a sample of blood. U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,008 discloses an apparatus that includes a dispenser comprising a housing having a chamber; a means for retaining a plurality of test strips in a substantially moisture-proof, air-tight first position; and a means for opening the chamber and moving one of the plurality of test strips translationally from a first position inside of the chamber to a second position at least partially outside of the chamber, wherein the opening of the chamber and the moving of the one test strip is achieved by a single mechanical motion; and an electrochemical analyzing means for analyzing a biological fluid. However, like, U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,410, this patent fails to simplify the testing process, e.g., this patent fails to include a lancing device for puncturing the skin of a patient in order to extract a sample of blood.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,704 discloses a blood sampling mechanism including a test pad of a predetermined thickness set-off between opposite relatively closely spaced surfaces imparting a thin configuration to said test pad, said test pad carrying a dermis-piercing member having a pointed end, said pointed end being disposed inboard of said opposite surfaces, means for applying a force to said dermis-piercing member in a direction to move said pointed end beyond one of said opposite surfaces to pierce the dermis and thereby obtain a blood sample, means for testing the blood sample, means for defining a blood sampling station at which the blood sample is obtained, means for defining a blood testing station at which the blood sample is tested by said blood sample testing means, and means for conveying said test pad from said blood sampling station after the blood sample has been obtained to said blood testing station. The dermis-piercing member and test pad are, however, entirely separate components in this system (see also WO 03/082091). U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,941 discloses a blood sampling apparatus for sampling blood from the skin of a patient for analysis. The apparatus includes a cartridge and a housing with a driver. The cartridge has a cartridge case, lancet, and a compartment associated with the cartridge case for receiving blood. The lancet is housed in the cartridge case and operatively connected thereto such that it is drivable to extend outside the cartridge case through a lancing opening for lancing the skin to yield blood. The housing has a driver for urging the lancet to extend outside the cartridge case. During lancing, the cartridge may be detachably held in the housing such that the cartridge can be disassociated from the driver after sampling blood. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,941 patent discloses that material around a lancet aperture in a cartridge case soaks up blood after lancing (see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,294). This does not bring the absorbent material to the center of the sample, and when only a small amount of blood is available such as is often the case in alternate site testing away from fingertips, then testing may be unreliable, may need to be repeated far too often, or may simply require testing at the fingertips. Application of sample fluid to a capillary end leading to reagent material involves careful manual alignment. A manual actuation step is also involves in getting the lancet to protrude from the cartridge.
WO 2004/041082 discloses a device for use with a body fluid sampling device for extracting bodily fluid from an anatomical feature. The device comprises a cartridge having a plurality of cavities. The device may include a plurality of penetrating members each at least partially contained in the cavities of the cartridge wherein the penetrating members are slidably moved to extend outward from openings on the cartridge to penetrate tissue. The device may also include a plurality of analyte detecting members and a plurality of chambers. Each chamber may be associated with one of the cavities, the chambers positioned along an outer periphery of the cartridge, wherein at least one of the analyte detecting members forms a portion of one wall of one of the plurality of chambers.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,514 discloses a body fluid sampling device that includes a lancet and a test strip. The lancet is disposed on a lancet carrier, while the test strip is disposed at the end of a capillary tube. Body fluid exposed at a lancing site is drawn up into a capillary tube which is placed into contact with the body fluid. At the end of the capillary tube is a test strip. Once the body fluid is drawn up the capillary tube, it may be applied to the test strip to determine an analyte level. The lancet and the capillary tube and test strip are contained within a same sampling device housing, although they are configured as two separately disposable items and not integrated together as a single item. These items are separately manipulated into, within and out of the housing before, during and after use, respectively.
It would be desirable to develop a test sensor that also serves as a lancet for forming an opening in the skin of a patient to enable a sample of biological liquid to emerge from the patient, so that the sample of bodily fluid may be collected from the patient emerging from the opening in the skin by a test strip, and analyzed to determine a characteristic of the bodily fluid. It would also be desirable to develop a medical diagnostic device that is small in size, reliable to use, and provides accurate results, even when only a small volume of sample of biological liquid is collected.

Integrated sensor for analyzing biological samples


In one aspect of the method of programming a nonvolatile memory device, memory cells selected for a program are determined to belong to a first memory cell group or a second memory cell group based on address information and a program command. According to this determination, to-be-programmed data are input based on information about the number of set data bits, and programming and verification are performed.

The present invention relates to an operation of a nonvolatile memory device and, more particularly, to a method of programming a nonvolatile memory device, which can reduce an interference phenomenon by storing different numbers of bits in neighboring memory cells.
A NAND flash memory device, which is one of the well-known nonvolatile memory devices, includes a memory cell array, a row decoder, and a page buffer. The memory cell array includes a plurality of word lines arranged along rows, a plurality of bit lines arranged along columns, and a plurality of cell strings, each corresponding to a respective bit line.
A row decoder, connected to a string select line, word lines, and a common source line, is disposed on one side of the memory cell array. A page buffer connected to the bit lines, is disposed on the other side of the memory cell array.
Recently, in order to further increase the level of integration of a flash memory device, active research has been performed on multi-bit cells that are able of storing plural data in one memory cell. This type of the memory cell is called a multi-level cell (hereinafter referred to as an 'MLC'). A memory cell of a single bit corresponding to the MLC is called a single level cell (hereinafter referred to as an 'SLC').
The MLC has wider threshold voltage distributions as it can store an increased number of bits. Further, the MLC experiences an interference phenomenon in which, while a program is performed, the threshold voltage of neighboring memory cells is changed undesirably.

Method of programming nonvolatile memory device


A conveyor system and associated method for conveying tires received from a multiplicity of tire presses. The conveyor system shown comprises a main, or trench, conveyor flanked on opposite sides by opposing groups of tire presses. Discharge conveyors deliver tires from the tire presses to the main conveyor at multiple positions along the length of the main conveyor. The tires are delivered from both sides of the main conveyor, which conveys them downstream. An open-loop sequencer activates each discharge conveyor to deliver tires to the main conveyor according to a schedule including the sequence of activating each of the discharge conveyors so as to avoid collisions between tires on the main conveyor.

The invention relates to power-driven conveyor systems generally and, more particularly to apparatus and methods for conveying tires delivered from opposing rows of tire curing presses onto a central conveyor.
One of the last steps in the manufacture of a tire is molding and curing. In this step, the external rubber surfaces on a "green tire" are shaped under pressure and cured at elevated temperature in a tire press. A typical tire plant has many tire presses operating simultaneously to mold a variety of tires. The tires exiting the presses are discharged onto short discharge conveyors, such as gravity-roller conveyors, which deliver the tires onto a long main conveyor at various positions along its length. Because there may be many tire presses and many discharge conveyors feeding tires to the main conveyor along its length, collisions between tires delivered to the main conveyor from different tire presses are common. Sometimes the collisions can cause the flexible tires to jam within the confines of the main conveyor, which may result in deformation of the tires. Releasing a jam requires manual intervention, which is time-consuming and may be too late to avoid permanent deformation of the tires. Closed-loop controls that sense the positions of the tires and control the speed of the main conveyor or the discharge of tires onto the main conveyor are sometimes used to prevent jams. But closed-loop controls are complex with a multitude of sensors.
Thus, there is a need for a simple jam-free conveyor system for conveying tires received from a multiplicity of tire presses.


A computer system having a hibernation-type resume function which is performed by using an HDD. Provided on the hard disk of the HDD are storage area for storing ordinary data. Also provided on the hard disk is a resume storage area which is large enough to save resume data required to perform a resume operation. The resume storage area is controlled by a BIOS provided for performing the resume operation, not by the operating system (OS) of the computer system. The BIOS accesses the resume storage area when the power supply to the system is switched off, thereby saving the resume data in a resume data memory.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer, such as a personal computer, which has resume function of hibernation type.
2. Description of the Related Art
Battery-driven, portable personal computers have resume function. When a personal computer of this type is switched off, or more precisely when its power switch is turned off, the data items representing the conditions the display panel, the computer and the application program assume immediately before the power switch is turned off are saved in a memory which is driven by the battery. When the power switch is turned on, the display panel, the computer and the application program resumes the conditions represented by the data items saved in the battery-driven memory. Thus, the personal computer can be operated again in exactly the same conditions it assumed when the power switch was turned off. Saving these data items in the memory when the computer is turned off is known as "suspend operation." Thanks to the resume function, the information and the status data respectively stored in the main memory and the CPU internal resister can be saved when the power switch is turned off and can be restored when the power switch is turned on.
The backup power supply for the memory required to achieve the resume function is a rechargeable battery one or an auxiliary dry cell. If the power remaining in the chargeable battery or auxiliary dry cell is not enough to complete the resume function, the data items to be saved in the memory will be erased when the resume function is performed.
To prevent such erasure of data items, new type of resume function called "hibernation" has been developed. Hibernation-type resume function saves the data items the computer requires to resume its operating conditions, on the hard disk incorporated in the hard disk drive (HDD) of the personal computer. The hibernation-type resume function can be performed with no backup power supply for a memory. Hence, the power supply to the computer is completely stopped when the power switch is turned off.
Portable computers recently developed and known as "notebook type" incorporate a small, large-capacity HDD. A notebook-type portable computer is provided with hibernation-type resume function, so that the data items representing the operating conditions of the computer and application program may be saved on the hard disk incorporated in the HDD. The HDD requires no backup power supply, because it is a nonvolatile memory. The HDD stores data almost eternally after the power supply to the computer is completely stopped.
Therefore, it can serve to accomplish a reliable resume function.
A computer having hibernation-type resume function has some problems, as will be explained below.
First, for the following reason, the computer may fail to resume the last operating conditions when it is switched on again. A great amount of data is stored exclusively in the HDD, unlike in a computer having normal-type resume function achieved by the use of a memory and a backup battery. In some cases, the HDD which is designed as an external memory device for storing a large amount of data may have no empty storage areas or insufficient empty storage areas when it is necessary to perform the resume function. Assume that the computer is turned off in this condition, whereby the resume function is performed. Then, the data items representing the operating conditions of the computer cannot be saved in the HDD, disabling the computer to resume the operating conditions when it is turned on again.
Since the HDD is controlled on the basis of the file-control scheme of the operating system (OS) installed in the computer (e.g., the FAT control of MS-DOS), the storage area of the HDD, provided for the resume function, is controlled as a resume-function file. Hence, the resume function cannot work if set by any other operating system.
Second, since the access speed of the HDD is lower than that of an IC memory or the like, some time is required to write the data items stored in the main memory, onto the hard disk when the computer is turned off, and to read the data items from the hard disk when the computer is turned on. A considerably long time inevitably lapses until the data items saved on the hard disk is written back into the main memory, particularly when the power switch is turned on immediately after it is turned off to write the contents of the main memory onto the hard disk by virtue of the resume (suspend) operation. Hence, if the hibernation-type resume function is applied to a portable personal computer (e.g., a notebook-type computer), it will impair the operability of the portable personal computer.
Third, the data items stored in the HDD by the resume operation will be erased if the HDD is detachable one and removed from the personal computer to be replaced with an HDD having a larger storage capacity. If the HDD is set in the computer of another user, the data items saved in the HDD can be accessed by the other user. Here arises a so-called security problem.
Fourth, hibernation-type resume operation consumes far more power than normal-type resume operation. This is because much power is required to drive the HDD in the hibernation-type resume operation, whereas a small amount of power is sufficient to save the data items in a battery-driven memory in the normal-type resume operation. The battery loaded in a portable personal computer has but a small capacity. The amount of power it accumulates by a single recharging is much limited. The power remaining in the battery may not be sufficient to drive the HDD when the computer is turned off. In this case, the data items which the computer needs to resume its last operating conditions cannot be saved in the HDD. In other words, the hibernation-type resume function cannot work at all.
Fifth, the data items cannot be saved on the hard disk, making it possible to carry out the hibernation-type resume operation, when the discontinuous empty storage areas found on the hard disk fail to provide a storage area large enough to store the data items. Even if the discontinuous empty storage areas constitute a sufficient storage area, it takes much time to access all these empty storage areas, inevitably lengthening the time for performing the hibernation-type resume function. In this regards, it should be noted that the storage areas on the hard disk, allocated to the hibernation-type resume function, are controlled by, for example, FAT (File Allocation Table) scheme.


The invention relates to a quasi-resonant push-pull converter and the method for controlling the same, said push-pull converter comprising: a direct current (DC) input power supply configured to supply DC input for the converter; a first power input unit and a second power input unit, connected to said DC input power supply, respectively and configured to supply input for the converter in different periods, comprising a first power switching tube and a second power switching tube, a first primary winding and a second primary winding; a power output circuit, configured to supply output of the converter, comprising secondary windings and full-bridge rectification circuits; a first output capacitor and a second output capacitor connected to said power output circuit and configured to store DC electric energy output by the power output circuit in which a resonant element is arranged to achieve a quasi-resonant switching circuit through voltage feedback; and a switching circuit being controlled through voltage feedback, whereby turns ratio of the primary windings and the secondary windings of the push-pull converter is controlled.

Currently, the development in power electronics technology requires electronic products to be smaller and lighter, and makes a higher requirement on efficiency and electromagnetic compatibility. In a power electronics device, a filter inductor, a capacitor and a transformer account for a large proportion, so taking measures to reduce the size and weight of those components is a major means for the concept of being smaller and lighter. Improving switching frequency can accordingly improve cut-off frequency of a filter, and thus comparatively smaller inductors and capacitors can be chosen to reduce the size and weight of a filter. Improving switching frequency can reduce the size and weight of a transformer similarly.
However, while switching frequency is improved, switching losses will be increased and the problems of inductive turn-off, capacitive turn-on and diodes reverse recovery will be aggravated, which will give rise to reduction of circuit efficiency and increase of electromagnetic interference. In response to these problems, soft switching technology appears and it can solve the problem of switching losses in a converter, and meanwhile, solve the problem of EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) caused by hard switching. Soft switching technology usually refers to ZVS (Zero Voltage Switch) and ZCS (Zero Current Switch), or similar ZVS and ZCS.
Soft switching converter of a DC-DC converter comprises: a plurality of soft switching technologies, such as, Resonant Converter, Quasi Resonant Converter, Multiple Resonant Converter, Zero Switching PWM Converter and Zero Transition PWM Converter and the like.
A Resonant Converter, actually a DC switch power supply loading a resonant converter, is obtained by the method of simply adding resonant elements to a standard PWM Converter. Resonant converts can be categorized into series resonant converter and parallel resonant converter in terms of resonant modes of resonant elements, and can be categorized into series load resonant converter and parallel load resonant converter in terms of the connecting relations between loads and resonant circuits. The working principle of the load resonant converters is that the current or voltage flowing through a switching element is reformed into a sinusoidal waveform through the resonance of resonant elements with loads; the switching elements are closed or opened at the zero-crossing of current or voltage; and a process of soft switching is achieved.
A Quasi Resonant Converter is so called because the time for its circuit working under resonance only is part of a switching period. A quasi resonant converter enables the current or voltage in a switching element to vary quasi-sinusoidally through resonance, thus to create a switching condition of zero current or zero voltage, which greatly reduces switching losses and switching noises of the converter.
A Multiple Resonant Converter is so called because there are not only one resonant topology and parameters in the circuit and it can achieve a switching tube's switching under zero voltage but only by the method of frequency controlling. A multiple resonant converter of zero voltage is usually used in practices mainly because it absorbs junction capacitor of a switching tube and a rectifier diode and achieves zero voltage switching of a switching tube and a rectifier diode.
A Zero Switching PWM Converter includes zero voltage PWM converter and zero current PWM converter which achieve PWM control by adding an auxiliary switching tube on the basis of a quasi resonant soft switch to control resonant process of resonant elements. Because only resonance is used for phase commutation and PWM working mode is still used after the phase commutation, the defect of hard switch PWM in the switching process is overcome and the advantage of low-steady-state losses and low-steady-state stress of hard switch PWM converter.
A Zero Transition PWM Converter includes ZVS-PWM converter and ZCS-PWM converter. Such a converter, combining a quasi resonant converter with a conventional PWM converter, interrupts a resonant process by an additional auxiliary active switch, causing a circuit to operate in ZCS or ZVS quasi-resonant mode in part of the time within a week and operate in PWM mode in the remaining part of the time within a week. It has both the characteristics of a soft switch and characteristics of PWM constant frequency duty ratio adjustment.
In ZVS-PWM converter and ZCS-PWM converter, a resonant inductor is cascaded in a main power return circuit, so there is a lot circulating energy in the circuit, which inevitably increases closing losses of a circuit. In addition, inductive energy storage is much related to input voltage and output load, which makes the soft switching condition of the circuit largely depend on the changes of the input power supply and output load.
The wide application of soft switching technology brings about revolutionary changes to the design of power electronics converter. The application enables the power electronics converter to have a higher efficiency—dramatic reduction of its own losses, to have a higher power density—dramatic decrease of its own size and weight, and to have a higher reliability. The application can also efficiently reduce the magnetic and environmental pollution caused by electric energy conversing devices and provide an efficient way and method for greatly developing green power electronics products.

Quasi resonant push-pull converter and control method thereof

LIAN ZHENG ELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.


An image forming apparatus includes an open/close member is provided to be movable to a main frame between an open position and a closed position. A sensitive image forming element is provided to be placed in an exposed condition when the open/close member is moved to the open position. A protection unit is provided to be movable to the sensitive image forming element between an active position and a retracted position, the protecting unit being moved to the active position when the open/close member is set at the open position, so that the protection unit protects the sensitive image forming element so as to prevent the sensitive image forming element from being erroneously touched, and the protection unit being moved to the retracted position when the open/close member is set at the closed position, so that the protection unit does not restrain an operation of the sensitive image forming element.

(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a sensitive image forming element is placed in an exposed condition when an open/close member is set at an open position.
(2) Description of the Related Art
There is known an image forming apparatus, such as an electrophotographic copier, a printing press, a printer, a facsimile or a composite system having two or more such image forming capabilities. Such an image forming apparatus is provided with an open/close member which is retractable. During a normal operation of the image forming apparatus, the open/close member is set at a closed position. When any image forming element of the image forming apparatus needs replacement or repair, or when a jam or the like occurs, the open/close member is set at an open position, so that an operator can look into the inside of the image forming apparatus and can perform the replacement or the repair.
Generally, the image forming apparatus includes sensitive image forming elements which are sensitive to dirt and oil and should not be touched. For example, a photoconductive medium and an intermediate transfer medium, which serve as an image support for supporting a toner image thereon, are sensitive to dirt or oil and should not be touched. If the operator touches the photoconductive medium or the intermediate transfer medium, the fingerprint or oil sticks to the surface of such image supports. The quality of an image which is subsequently formed with the affected image forming elements is considerably degraded.
When the image forming apparatus is configured such that the sensitive image forming element is placed in an exposed condition when the open/close member is set at the open position, it is difficult to avoid that the operator erroneously touches the sensitive image forming element which is placed in the exposed condition.
In addition, the image forming apparatus includes sensitive image forming elements which are subject to dirt or oil and affect an operability of replacement or repair of the operator. For example, a toner case is subject to the toner and affects the operability of replacement or repair of the operator. When the image forming apparatus is configured such that the sensitive image forming element is placed in an exposed condition when the open/close member is set at the open position, it is difficult to avoid that the operator erroneously touches the sensitive image forming element which is placed in the exposed condition. Hereinafter, the image forming elements which are sensitive to dirt or oil and the image forming elements which are subject to dirt or oil are collectively called the sensitive image forming elements.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 5-72910 discloses an image forming apparatus which utilizes the intermediate transfer medium. When a jam of a recording sheet occurs in the image forming apparatus, a region of a sheet transport path near resist rollers can be placed in an exposed condition so that removal of the recording sheet can be done by the operator. A side surface of the intermediate transfer medium is covered by a cover member so as to prevent the operator from erroneously touching the side surface of the intermediate transfer medium during the removal of the recording sheet. However, in the image forming apparatus of the above publication, it is difficult for the cover member to protect an image transfer area of the intermediate transfer medium in which the recording sheet and the intermediate transfer medium contact each other.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 8-272229 discloses an image forming apparatus which utilizes the intermediate transfer medium. In the image forming apparatus, the intermediate transfer medium is placed in an exposed condition when an open/close member is set at an open position. When a jam of a recording sheet occurs, the open/close member is rotated to the open position, so that removal of the recording sheet can be done by the operator. A cover member is provided to cover an image transfer area of the intermediate transfer medium. In accordance with the rotation of the open/close member to the open position, the cover member is moved to cover an image transfer area of the intermediate transfer medium in which the recording sheet and the intermediate transfer medium contact each other. Hence, the cover member protects the intermediate transfer medium so as to prevent the operator from erroneously touching the intermediate transfer medium during the removal of the recording sheet.
In the image forming apparatus of the above publication, an intermediate transfer unit including the intermediate transfer medium and the cover member is provided, and the intermediate transfer unit is removable from a main frame of the apparatus when the intermediate transfer unit needs replacement or repair. When a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus, the entire surface of the intermediate transfer medium, confronting the sheet transport path inclusive of the image transfer area, is covered by the cover member. The operator can safely remove the jamming recording sheet from the image forming apparatus without affecting the toner image on the intermediate transfer medium.
In the image forming apparatus of the above publication, after a toner image is transferred to a recording sheet, the recording sheet with the toner image on the back side of the recording sheet is transported to a fixing unit through a sheet transport path above the intermediate transfer medium. In order to produce a good-quality image on the recording sheet, it is necessary to avoid subjecting the toner image on the back side of the recording sheet to friction or vibration when the recording sheet is passed through the sheet transport path from the image transfer area to the fixing unit.
However, in the image forming apparatus of the above publication, the cover member is located to cover the image transfer area of the intermediate transfer medium which interferes with the sheet transport path. When the recording sheet is passed through the sheet transport path, the toner image on the back side of the recording sheet may be subjected to friction or vibration by the interference with the cover member. Also, the recording sheet when it is being passed through the sheet transport path tends to be lowered by the gravity. However, the image forming apparatus of the above publication is not provided with a holding unit which effectively holds the recording sheet at a lifted position against the gravity when the recording sheet is being passed through the sheet transport path.
In the image forming apparatus of the above publication, if the toner image on the back side of the recording sheet is subjected to friction or vibration when the recording sheet is passed through the sheet transport path from the image transfer area to the fixing unit, the quality of an image which is formed from the affected toner image on the back side of the recording sheet is considerably degraded.

Image forming apparatus having a protection unit to protect a sensitive image forming element which is exposed when an open/close member is open


A system for reducing moisture in a burner pressure sensing line in a gas turbine engine. A water trap is mounted on the burner pressure sensing line with an inlet for receiving burner pressure air and an outlet for transferring burner pressure air to the sensor. A heat sink is positioned inside the water trap for condensing moisture contained in the burner pressure air. Finned tubes are used to passively control the temperature of the burner pressure line. A deadheaded chamber provides an alternative location for the moist air to condense when the gas is compressed at higher pressure.

Gas turbine engines often channel hot/warm moist air to cold/freezing compartments within the engine. The warm moist air is likely to condense into liquid or freeze solid. As a result, both liquid and solid cause blockage of passages preventing correct channeling of the air if steps are not taken to prevent condensation.
The burner pressure sensing line is a pneumatic line that runs from the diffuser case port or burner pressure source to a pressure sensor associated within the electronic engine control housing. When this pneumatic line is blocked with moisture or ice, the burner pressure signal used to control engine thrust is erroneous. In some cases, this could result in a loss of thrust control which may be a significant safety issue. The cause of burner pressure sensing line blockage is the accumulation of moisture in the presence of freezing ambient conditions. This results in blockage of burner pressure passages, preventing the burner pressure from reaching a pressure sensor diaphragm.
Prior art methods have used water traps and weep holes to remove moisture, but have not been completely successful. Many burner pressure sensing systems include screens to protect the sensor from contaminates in the burner pressure air. However, the screens themselves can become contaminated, and are also more prone to freezing because the contamination absorbs and holds the moisture.
What is needed is a system for removing moisture from the burner pressure sensing lines, as well as a way to prevent the accumulation of moisture in a location that could block the lines.

Burner pressure transducer thermal management design


A field programmable gate array (FPGA) with pass gates included in configurable logic block (CLB) circuitry to enable look up tables (LUT) inputs to be selectively tied together when a larger LUT is desired, or simply if it is desirable for particular LUT inputs to be identical. Since LUT inputs may be tied together, circuitry is also included to more effectively utilize configuration block multiplexers (CBLOCK MUXs) no longer needed to provide LUT inputs. In one embodiment, with LUT inputs tied together to form a larger LUT, circuitry is provided so that the select input of a MUX in the larger LUT is provided from one of the CBLOCK MUXs which is freed up. In another embodiment, the gates of pass gates connecting LUT inputs together, as well as the gates of other pass gate used for configuring other circuitry in the LUTs may be controlled from a single memory cell.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). More particularly, the present invention relates to the configuration of resources connected to look up tables in an FPGA to enable greater configurability of the FPGA to meet user needs.
2. Description of the Related Art
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating components of a typical FPGA. As shown, the typical FPGA includes input/output (I/O) buffers, an array of configurable logic blocks (CLBs), switch matrix blocks (SBLOCKs) and configuration blocks (CBLOCKs).
The I/O buffers are arranged around the perimeter of the device and provide an interface between internal components of the FPGA and external package pins. Routing resource lines interconnect the I/O buffers, SBLOCKs, and CBLOCKs. The CBLOCKS include multiplexers to selectively provide signals from the routing resources to the CLBs.
As shown in FIG. 2, each CLB includes a series of look up tables (LUTs). The CLB of FIG. 2 in particular includes multiple three input LUTs, with two three input LUTs on each side of the CLB. Inputs to the LUTs are provided from a CBLOCK as shown. Outputs of the LUTs (not shown) may be selectively connected back to routing resources of the FPGA.
FIG. 3 illustrates the components typically utilized in a three input LUT as shown in FIG. 2. The three input LUT of FIG. 3 includes a 3 input decoder and 8 memory cells. The three input decoder decodes a signal provided to the LUT inputs to enable one of the 8 memory cells. The 8 memory cells have outputs connected to form a single LUT output. The memory cells can be programmed in any arbitrary manner to provide a desired LUT output based on inputs to the LUT. The table beneath the LUT illustrated in FIG. 3 illustrates programming of the memory cells of the LUT to provide a three input AND gate where only all "1" inputs to the LUT generate a "1" output.
FIG. 4 shows circuitry included in a CBLOCK section of FIG. 1 as connected to a 3 input LUT. As shown, the CBLOCK section includes multiple 8 to 1 MUXs, each receiving 8 inputs which are connectable to routing resources. Each of the MUXs of the CLB provide an output to the input of a LUT. Three programmable select bits are provided to each MUX in the CBLOCK to selectively provide one of the 8 inputs at its output.
Although only eight routing resources are shown in FIG. 1 providing possible connections to a single CBLOCK, up to 40 or more of the routing resources are typically provided along a path for connection to a single CBLOCK. The eight inputs of each MUX of the CBLOCK are then arbitrarily connectable to selected ones of the 40 or more routing resources.
FIG. 5 shows components of a 4 input LUT which may be included in a CLB, the 4 input LUT being composed of two 3 input LUTs 501 and 502, as shown in FIG. 2, along with a multiplexer (MUX) 503. As shown, the outputs of the 3 input LUTs 501 and 502 are connected to inputs of the MUX 503. A fourth input of the 4 input LUT provides a select signal to the MUX. The output of the MUX then provides the output of the 4 input LUT. The inputs of the 3 input LUT 501 are provided from the outputs of MUXs 511.sub.0-2 of a CBLOCK, while the inputs of the 3 input LUT 502 are provided by the outputs of MUXs 512.sub.0-2. With a 4 input LUT, the inputs of the 3 input LUT 501 will need to be identical to the input of 3 input LUT 502. Thus, the MUX 511.sub.0 must provide the same output as MUX 512.sub.0. Similarly, MUX 511.sub.1 must provide the same output as MUX 512.sub.1, and MUX 511.sub.2 must provide the same output as MUX 512.sub.2.
Similar to creation of a 4 input LUT from two 3 input LUTs in FIG. 3, two 4 input LUTs may be combined to form a 5 input LUT and will include four 3 input LUTs. With the CLB of FIG. 2 it can be seen that to obtain four 3 input LUTs, LUTs from two sides of the CLB must be utilized. To provide the same input signals to a 3 input LUT on one side of a CLB as are provided to a 3 input LUT on another side, which will be required to create a 4 input LUT, routing resources will need to be connected through an SBLOCK to the other side of the CLB to provide identical signals to MUXs connected on two sides of the CLB. Such an approach is undesirable, however, because routing resources are utilized which might be utilized for other purposes.

Memory bits used to couple look up table inputs to facilitate increased availability to routing resources particularly for variable sized look up tables for a field programmable gate array (FPGA)


The present invention provides a processor capable of carrying out a plurality of operation instructions simultaneously in one cycle which improves utilization of an instruction when carrying out a single operation instruction, and a system equipped with such a processor. In this processor, an operation mode indicating whether or not a coprocessor should be run in parallel is retained in an operation mode register, and in the integer processor operation mode, a value “0” is set in the operation mode register in an operation mode controller of an integer processor, and an instruction register delivers an integer processor instruction to a decoder, so that an execution unit will execute the integer processor instruction, and outputs a no operation instruction to a data processor without embedding an instruction that defines an operation thereof, and puts the data processor in the halt condition. On the other hand, in the parallel processing operation mode, a value “1” is set in the operation mode register in the operation mode controller, and the instruction register delivers the integer processor instruction to the decoder, and outputs a data processor instruction to the data processor to carry out data processing. Because the integer processor operation mode requires the integer processor instruction alone in the instruction string, utilization of the instructions can be improved.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a processor apparatus and a computer system equipped with such a processor apparatus, and more particularly relates to a technique to improve instruction utilization of an instruction in a single operation processing mode, in which a coprocessor is not run in parallel in a parallel processor including a plurality of processors and thereby being capable of processing a plurality of operations in one clock cycle.
2. Background Art
Conventionally, a multiple parallel processor which carries out a plurality of operation instructions in one clock cycle has been put into practical use. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an arrangement of such a multiple parallel processor. A processor apparatus 20 comprises an integer processor 1 which chiefly controls data transfer from a memory and an execution flow, and one or more than one data processor 2 which chiefly carries out data processing defined by an extended instruction. The integer processor 1 chiefly carries out an addition/subtraction instruction, a branch instruction, a load instruction into a data memory, data read/write instructions, etc. On the other hand, the data processor 2 carries out data processing including, for example, an arithmetic operation defined by an extended instruction, such as an SIMD (Single Instruction stream Multiple Data stream), in parallel with the integer processor 1.
By operating the integer processor 1 and data processor 2 concurrently, two or more operation instructions can be carried out simultaneously in parallel in one clock cycle.
The instruction format that operates the processor apparatus 20 comprises, as shown in FIG. 2 for example, an instruction portion 71 that defines an operation of the integer processor 1, and another instruction portion 72 that defines an operation of the data processor 2. Each of these instructions 71 and 72 comprises a 32-bit instruction, for example.
However, the conventional multiple parallel processor apparatus 20 has the following problems. That is, an instruction string of a program to be carried out by the processor apparatus 20 includes a great number of instructions that define a single operation processing, by which the integer processor 1 alone is run even for an extended instruction. For an instruction format corresponding to such a single operation processing, the conventional processor apparatus 20 has to embed an instruction not to run any unit (no operation instruction: NOP instruction) into the portion 72 that defines an operation of the data processor 2 in the instruction format shown in FIG. 2. Consequently, utilization of instructions, especially extended instructions, is reduced, and a capacity of an instruction memory for storing instructions is undesirably increased.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Processor for improving instruction utilization using multiple parallel processors and computer system equipped with the processor


According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a display section, an input section, a control section, and an image forming section. The display section displays a printing target image as a preview. The input section receives designation of an area from a user on a preview image displayed by the display section. The control section distinguishes a region of the printing target image such that a part of a region in the designated area is one of color and monochrome and the other part of the region is the other of the color and the monochrome. The image forming section forms the printing target image on a sheet according to the distinction of the color and the monochrome by the control section.

In charging for printing, charges are sometimes different for two kinds of printing, i.e., color printing and monochrome printing. In this case, the charge for the color printing is higher than the charge for the monochrome printing because of toners and the like used in the printing.
If only a part of colors are included in an original document to be printed, a charge increases when charging for an entire page or an entire job is treated as charging in the color printing. Therefore, if only slight colors are included in one page, low color charging in which a charge between normal charges for the color printing and the monochrome printing is set is provided as a charge structure. In the low color charging, a pixel counter that calculates outputs of toners or inks of respective colors in an image forming apparatus indicates consumption equal to or smaller than a specified amount in one page, the low color charging is applied.
However, in this method, there is a problem in that a user does not see whether the color charging or the low color charging is applied.


A preferred embodiment comprises a dynamic display based on a program image element which will only generate a preprogrammed image. As an example, the image element may comprise electrically-driven MEMS mirrors. This example may be embedded in an ID card. At the time of issue of the ID card, pixels in the mirror array will be permanently programmed as either ‘alive’ or ‘dead’ in a pattern matching the photo of the person in question. When stimulated, only ‘alive’ pixels will actuate, creating an image for comparison to the adjacent printed photo. Due to its dynamic behavior, delicate mechanical structures, and single-time hard-wiring, duplication of, or tampering with, this secondary dynamic image will be nearly impossible. The ID car is but one exemplary application and other embodiments, applications, and methods are described in the specification and claims.

Photographic identification (ID) cards are widely used by government and private institutions to ensure that the bearer (or subject) of said card matches the identity of whom the rights/privileges were originally bestowed by the issuer. Traditionally ID cards contain static photographs, possibly covered with lamination or a hologram. The widespread availability and low-cost of such equipment inherently makes these features easy to replicate. RFID tags or computer chips are attractive for embedding further information, but have limited capacity and may be require power hungry readers with maintained databases in order to access/verify the information. Thus, the last line of defense often remains a simple photo ID which due to recent advances in image quality printing/lamination, is remarkably easy to duplicate/replace. Research by the Washington Times™ (16 May 2008) concluded that even the brand new electronic-passport card can "be copied or altered easily by removing the photograph with solvent and replacing it with one from an unauthorized user." One example of the immediate danger posed by fake/forged IDs took place in Baquabah, Iraq on Aug. 23, 2005. A suicide bomber from Al Qaeda in Iraq used a fake ID to enter a dining facility; the ensuing explosion not only destroyed the building, but also killed 2 US personnel while injuring 6 more.
In view of several incidents of false identification resulting in tragic consequences as well as the rise of identity thief in general, there is a growing need for the development of a portable dynamic photo identification system ID card which contains a tamper-resistant/replication-resistant image or photo. Such cards would have particular appeal in high security and/or military environments. For example, tamper-resistant IDs could prevent unauthorized personnel from using forged IDs to pass checkpoints or to gain access to airports, bases, secured properties, nuclear facilities, etc.
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) (also written as micro-electro-mechanical, or MicroElectroMechanical) is the terminology used to describe very small system devices, which according to Wikipedia, generally ranging in size from 20 micrometers (20 millionths of a meter) to a millimeter. In Japan, MEMS devices are also referred to as micromachines, or Micro Systems Technology—MST (in Europe). As used herein, the word MEMS includes micromachines and micro systems technology.
MEMS mirror arrays have been developed for use in projection displays or TV's, but are typically intended for rendering moving images with high refresh rates and continuous control.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,732 ('732 patent), hereby incorporated by reference as though fully rewritten herein, entitled "Spatial Light Modulator and Method," there is disclosed a spatial light modulator with deflectable metal flaps hinged to conducting posts on a substrate, with the metal flaps and conducting post being connected to addressing circuitry in the substrate. There is no disclosure in the '732 patent of, inter alia, of tamper resistant, single time, hardwired programming circuitry connected to each of the image elements to program the image elements so as to restrict the microelectrical-mechanical device to displaying a predetermined image upon actuation.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,283,112 ('112 patent), entitled "Reflective Microelectromechanical Structure (MEMS) Optical Modulator and Optical Display System," is directed to flat panel displays similar to, for example, liquid crystal displays. The '112 patent discloses a microelectrical mechanical reflector array that includes an array of microelectrical mechanical actuators that support reflectors in alignment with the array of pixel apertures. The array of microelectrical mechanical actuators orient the reflectors selectively to direct the illumination light back through the pixel apertures (to form part of a display image) or against the aperture plate (to be blocked). The illumination light passing back through the pixel apertures pass through the microlens array and a beamsplitter to a display screen. There is no disclosure in the '112 patent of tamper resistant, single time, hardwired programming circuitry connected to the image elements to program the image elements so as to restrict the microelectrical-mechanical device to displaying a predetermined image upon actuation.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,013 (hereby incorporated by reference) entitled "Tamperproof Wireless Article Including an Antenna," discloses, inter alia, a wireless ID bag that includes an electronic device mounted on a substrate and connected to an antenna for receiving and transmitting RF signals for communication with a base unit or reader via a radio-frequency (RF) communication link.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0248827 ('827 Application), hereby incorporated by reference, is directed to, inter alia, flat panel optical display systems with increased image clarity and overall image quality discloses a microelectrical mechanical device comprising (a) a substrate; (b) an arm having a first end anchored to the substrate and a free end extending over the substrate, the arm having a bottom surface facing the substrate and a top surface opposite the bottom surface; (c) a reflector extending over the top surface of the free end of the arm; (d) an electrostatic activation electrode supported by the substrate and facing the bottom surface of the arm, the electrode, when activated by a first voltage, providing an electrical force sufficient to move the free end of the arm; and (e) an electrostatic lock, supported by the substrate and facing the bottom surface of the arm, the lock, when activated by a second voltage, providing an electrical force sufficient to hold the free end of the arm in position. There is no disclosure in the '827 Application of a tamper resistant, single time, hardwired programming circuitry connected to each of the image elements to program the image elements so as to restrict the microelectrical-mechanical device to displaying a predetermined image upon actuation.
As stated in the foregoing, in view of the many security concerns in today's society, there exists a need for a single-time, hard-wire programming, tamper-resistant image device which provides multiple uses including identification.

Dynamic imaging and/or identification apparatus and method thereof

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army


The calibration method preferably comprises the steps of: driving the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with at least one test signal; calibrating the driven ADC over a series of successive ADC calibrations; generating a series of successive ADC figure of merit measurements for respective successive ADC calibrations, the series of successive ADC figure of merit measurements defining at least a portion of a curve having a local minimum/maximum; and stopping calibrating at an ADC calibration corresponding to the local minimum/maximum of the curve defined by the series of successive ADC figure of merit measurements. The step of calibrating preferably comprises incrementally calibrating the ADC over the series of successive ADC calibrations. The method preferably further comprises the step of determining the local minimum/maximum of the curve. In particular, the step of determining preferably comprises fitting an equation to the series of ADC figure of merit measurements; and calculating the local minimum/maximum based upon the equation. Of course, the step of fitting the equation preferably comprises fitting the equation based upon a predetermined number of prior ADC figure of merit measurements. The step of fitting the equation may comprise fitting a polynomial equation, such as a third order equation, to the series of ADC figure of merit measurements. In addition, the step of calculating the local minimum/maximum may preferably comprise calculating a first derivative of the equation.

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are widely used to process electrical signals in many electronic applications. An integrated circuit analog-to-digital converter typically accepts an analog input voltage signal and converts the signal into a digital form as the output. A modern digital communication system, such as for a cellular telephone base station, for example, may often require an ADC with a high resolution of greater than 12 bits, a bandwidth greater than 200 MHz, and low power consumption and low distortion for improved overall system performance.
A pipelined ADC includes a series of subconverter stages with each stage including a flash analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an interstage amplifier connecting the DAC to an adjacent stage. The last stage typically includes only a flash ADC. A multi-step ADC may include one or more similar subconverter stages which are sequentially reused in generating the digital output signal.
There are several potential error sources in the subconverter stages of an integrated circuit analog-to-digital converter. These errors include offset, noise, DAC and flash ADC errors, and errors in the interstage gain amplifier. The subconverter flash ADC error may be readily corrected, for example, by the use of digital error correction logic circuits. The kT/C thermal noise error source caused in a sampled-data system may be reduced by proper choice of the sampling capacitor size.
Two dominant error sources in a high resolution pipelined or multi-step ADC are the DAC and the interstage amplifier gain errors. To reduce these two errors, a conventional method has been to measure the components that contribute to the errors, and then calculate and implement the calibration. However, the effectiveness of the calibration is often judged by the linearity of the analog-to-digital converter. Although the correlation between the converter linearity and the error contributing components is theoretically close, it is still only an indirect method to achieve good linearity through component measurement/calibration.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,177 to Sloane discloses an apparatus and method for exciting the input of an ADC with exponential signals to generate histograms to determine an amplitude probability distribution of each digital output value. The histograms may be processed in a manner which produces the transfer characteristic of the converter under test which is independent of the dynamic characteristics of the excitation signals, thus eliminating the need for accurate knowledge of the parameter values of the testing circuit.
The DAC of an analog-to-digital converter typically includes a resistor ladder network formed by thin film resistors. These resistors may be laser trimmed to reduce the DAC error. However, the interstage gain error is not as readily determined and corrected. In the past, attempts have been made to trim the capacitors or disconnect small value trimming capacitors associated with a switched capacitor interstage amplifier as disclosed, for example, in an article entitled "A 13-b 2.5-MHz Self-Calibrated Pipelined A/D Converter in 3-.mu.m CMOS" by Lin et al. appearing in IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, vol. 26, No. 4, Apr. 1991. Unfortunately, trimming capacitors may be extremely difficult in practice, especially to achieve predictable and accurate results. Predictable results are also very difficult when disconnecting small trim capacitors to calibrate the gain.
Unfortunately, conventional test and calibration circuits, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,951 to Kuegler et al., for example, typically require a predetermined frequency or signal level and also require the calculation of calibration values corresponding to the input signal level and slope. Moreover, a large amount of calibration data has to be processed and stored. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,024 to Evans et al. also discloses a calibration method using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to calculate calibration data with respect to the input level and slope. Both systems require a large number of data calculations and storage which therefore greatly slows the cycle time of the calibration. In addition, a highly linear input source is also often required.

Method and apparatus for calibrating integrated circuit analog-to-digital converters


The present invention relates to a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, a printed circuit board includes a dielectric layer and a conductive trace formed on the dielectric layer. The conductive layer includes a first conductive portion, a connecting portion and a second conductive portion. The connecting portion includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the first conductive portion; the second end is connected to the second conductive portion. A width of the connecting portion gradually decreases from the first end to the second end. Reflection and cross talk of signals transmitted in the presented printed circuit board can be reduced.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to printed circuit boards and, particularly, to printed circuit boards with reduced impedance mismatch.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Typically, printed circuit boards include at least one non-conductive sheet with at least one dielectric layer formed on a surface of the non-conductive sheet. Many types of conductive traces, for example, transmission lines and circuit terminals, can be formed in the conductive layer. The transmission lines and the circuit terminals may be interconnected.
FIG. 6 shows a typical structure of conductive trace, in which a first transmission line 41 and a second transmission line 42 having different widths are directly connected with each other. Generally, the depth of the first transmission line 41 equals to the depth of the second transmission line 42. Due to the difference in widths, the first transmission line 41 and the second transmission line 42 have different impedances. In other words, the different widths cause impedance mismatch between the first transmission line 41 and the second transmission line 42. The impedance mismatch in printed circuit boards, especially in high-speed printed circuit boards may cause various problems, such as signal reflection, cross talk, signal retardance, etc.
Therefore it is desired to develop a printed circuit board that can reduce impedance mismatch between transmission lines and circuit terminals or other transmission lines.

FuKui Precision Component (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.