Programs having a given instruction-set architecture are executed on a multiprocessor system comprising a plurality of processors, for example of a VLIW type, each of said processors being able to execute, at each processing cycle, a respective maximum number of instructions. The instructions are compiled as instruction words of given length executable on a first processor. At least some of the instruction words of given length are converted into modified-instruction words executable on a second processor. The operation of modifying comprises in turn at least one operation chosen in the group consisting of: splitting the instruction words into modified-instruction words; and entering no-operation instructions in the modified-instruction words.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to processors and methods for processing signals that can be implemented using said processors.
2. Description of the Related Art
In cell-phone systems of the second generation (for example GSM) or of a more advanced type (GPRS, EDGE, UMTS), the most widely used architecture consists of a system made up of two processors. The first processor, which is specialized in handling the part with the largest computational burden, typically consists of a Digital Signal Processor or DSP. The other processor, with tasks of control, synchronization and execution of high-level applications, is typically configured as a CPU.
An example of architecture of this sort is illustrated in FIG. 1, where the aforesaid processors, designated respectively by DSP and CPU 1, are illustrated together with the cache memories associated thereto, namely together with instruction cache memories I$ and data cache memories D$, respectively.
Designated by CMC are the interface modules, referred to as Core Memory Controllers, which enable two sub-systems coming under the two processors DSP and CPU 1 to interface with one another by means of a main bus B with the main system memory MEM and with the various peripheral units PI, P2, P3, P4, . . . associated to the system.
The specific application in the telephony sector is, on the other hand, referred to herein purely in order to provide an example and consequently does not imply, even indirectly, any limitation of the altogether general character of the invention described in what follows. The said invention may, in fact, be applied in all those fields in which it may be useful or advantageous to employ a microprocessor.
With reference to the diagram of FIG. 1, the CPU 1 is typically a 32-bit pipelined scalar microprocessor. By "pipelined scalar" is meant that its internal architecture is made up of different logic stages, each of which contains an instruction in a very specific state. The said state may be that of:                fetching of the instruction from the memory,        decoding of the instruction,        addressing of a register file,        execution,        writing/reading of data from the memory.
The number of bits on which the CPU 1 operates is related to the width of the data on which the machine is operating. The instructions are generated and executed in turn, in a specific order defined by compiling.
The other processor, designated by DSP, is typically a superscalar microprocessor or 128-bit pipelined VLIW (acronym for Very Long Instruction Word) microprocessor.
"Pipelined superscalar" means that its internal architecture is made up of different logic stages, some of the which are able to execute instructions in parallel, for example in the execution step. Typically, the parallelism is of four instructions each (equal to 128 bit) whilst the data are expressed in 32 bits.
The processor is said to be superscalar if the instructions are re-ordered dynamically in the execution step in order to supply the execution stages which can potentially work in parallel, also altering the order generated statically by compiling of the source code, if the instructions do not present any mutual dependence. The main disadvantage of this approach lies in the complexity of the resulting machine, in which the logic of scheduling of the instructions may prove one of the most important parts in terms of number of gates.
The term VLIW processor is used if the instructions are re-ordered statically in the compiling step and executed in the pre-set order, which is not modifiable in the execution step. The advantage of the said approach is that it eliminates all the logic of management of the scheduling since this task is performed during compiling.
The main disadvantage lies in the fact that the compiled code is strictly dependent upon the implementation of the machine on which it is executed. For example, given the same instruction-set architecture (ISA), a machine with N execution units cannot execute a compiled code for a machine with K execution units if K is not equal to N. From this it follows that there is no "binary compatibility" between different generations of processors with the same ISA.
It is to be recalled that by "binary compatibility" is meant the property existing between a group of processors each of which is able to execute one and the same binary machine-code datum.
Likewise, it is not possible to create multiprocessor systems (each with a different number of execution units), which can change processes in the course of execution.
In the diagram of FIG. 1, each processor possesses its own data cache D$ and its own instruction cache I$, so as to be able to load from the main memory MEM both the data on which to operate and the instructions to be executed in parallel. Since the two processors CPU 1 and DSP are connected to the main memory MEM through the system bus B, the two processors are typically found competing for access to said memory when an instruction and/or the data on which they are to operate must be located in the main memory, the said instruction or data not being available in their own caches.
A system based upon the architecture represented in FIG. 1 has a sharing of work and of processes that is rigid and not modifiable, such as to render asymmetrical the workload and the software programs to be executed.
By way of reference, a processor such as the CPU 1 usually possesses 16 Kbytes of data cache and 16 Kbytes of instruction cache, whereas the DSP usually possesses 32 Kbytes of data cache and 32 Kbytes of instruction cache.
The flowchart of FIG. 2 illustrates the logic diagram of the CPU described from top to bottom. The first stage, designated by 10, generates the memory address to which the instruction to be executed is associated, the said address being referred to as program counter. The stage 10 is hence configured typically as a fetch stage, whilst the instruction thus loaded is decoded in the stage 12 separating the bit field which defines its function (for example, addition of 2 values contained in two registers located in the register file) with respect to the bit fields which address the operands. The said addresses are sent to a register file from which (in a stage designated by 14) are read the operands of the instruction. The operands and the bits which define the function to be executed are sent to the execution unit which, in a stage 16, performs the desired operation, for example the operation of addition referred to previously. The result can thus be re-stored in the register file in a stage 18 currently called write-back stage.
The process schematically represented in FIG. 2 operates in combination with a load/store unit which enables reading/writing of any possible data in memory with the aid of specific instructions dedicated to the purpose.
It may be readily appreciated that the set of instructions is in biunique correspondence with a given microprocessing CPU architecture.
The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows, instead, the logic diagram of the DSP. Also in this case, there is envisaged an initial fetch stage 20, associated to which there is logically cascaded a stage 20a for issuing instructions. The reference number 22 designates, instead, a decoding stage whilst the reference number 24 designates a register file (see the stages 14 and 16 of FIG. 2). The reference number 28 designates a stage for re-storage in the register file, which is in general akin to the stage 18 of FIG. 1. In the diagram of FIG. 3 the reference number 26 designates collectively a plurality of execution stages that can be executed in parallel.
Both in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3 the reference CW designates the branching lines of the control words.
It will be appreciated that the main difference between the diagram of FIG. 2 and the diagram of FIG. 3 is provided by the fact that the diagram of FIG. 3 envisages the possibility of working in parallel on different sets of instructions. Another difference lies in the fact that the diagram of FIG. 3 envisages the use of a greater number of execution units available, which can operate in parallel in a superscalar and VLIW processor. In both cases, the set of instructions is in biunique correspondence with a given microprocessing architecture.
Assuming that the two sets of instructions designed to be executed by the processors CPU 1 and DSP are different from one another (as is commonly the case with the architecture of wireless processors) it is understandable that instructions (and hence tasks to be executed), which can be executed the processor CPU 1 cannot be executed by the DSP, and vice versa.
For the above to be possible, it is necessary to compile each process for each processor, thus increasing the memory of the program. Whenever a process is to be executed by a specific processor, it is then necessary to load and execute the code of the particular task that has been compiled for that processor. There is moreover encountered the problem linked to the fact of having to correlate the different points of partial execution of the programs when they are to be shifted from one processor to another (i.e., re-map the program counters correctly) and of having to convert all the processing data from the representation system of one processor to the representation system of another (for example, the contents of the state and general-purpose registers).
The above problems are difficult to solve, so that in general a process is compiled and executed on a single processor.
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, it is possible to consider a sequence of sets of instructions of said processes.
In general, two types of processes are distinguished, namely:                those corresponding to the operating system and to applications that use calls to functions of the operating system, and        those regarding the processing of multimedia (audio/video/graphic) contents.
Specifically, in the diagram of FIG. 4 the references OsTask 1.1, 1.2, etc. illustrate processes which can be executed by the processor CPU 1. The processes designated by MmTask2.1, MmTask2.2, MmTask2.3, identify, instead, processes compiled so as to be executed by the DSP.
Starting from the diagram of FIG. 4, which illustrates a possible assignment of the task to two processors, it is immediately possible to return to the diagram of FIG. 5, which illustrates the corresponding flow of instructions.
Setting equal to one hundred the total time of execution of the processes, it is noted that the first processes typically last 10% of the time, whilst the second occupy a much greater part, corresponding to 90%.
Again, the first processes contain instructions generated by the compiler of the processor CPU 1 and hence can be executed by the latter, but not by the DSP. For the latter processes the situation is exactly complementary, in the sense that they contain instructions generated by the compiler of the DSP and can hence be executed by the said processor, but not by the other processor CPU 1.
It is moreover to be noted that the processor CPU 1 is characterized by a compiling flow of its own, which is independent of and distinct from that of the DSP.
Given the modest workload, it may be appreciated that the processor CPU 1 could even be turned off when not in use, so enabling a considerable energy saving.
The above hypothetical solution (switching-off of the processor CPU 1 when it is not being used) comes up, however, against the fact that the corresponding switching-off or powering-down procedures introduce additional processing latencies and these are added to the value of 10% mentioned previously. The aforesaid procedures envisage in fact:
switching off the processor CPU 1, except for the respective register file by gating the clock signal which supplies all the internal registers;
switching off the processor CPU completely, except that power supply is maintained for the cache memories; and
switching off the CPU as a whole, including the data and instructions caches.
However, given that the state of the individual processor must be restored when the latter is turning back on following upon one of the operations referred to previously, the latencies introduced vary from tens of microseconds to tens or hundreds of milliseconds. The above latencies prove particularly costly, both from the energy standpoint and from the computational standpoint.
Finally, the DSP is forced to work at approximately 90% of its computational capacity. This implies an evident asymmetry in the workload of the processor CPU as compared to the workload of the DSP, an asymmetry which is revealed also in the power-management algorithms, which are distinct for the two processors.

Process for running programs on processors and corresponding processor system


A portable frame-mounted training apparatus for removable installation on a door frame or other structure having at least one horizontal trim, the apparatus having a mounting member having a front wall with a receiver for selective removable receipt of a grip member and further having a top wall extending rearwardly from the front wall, the top wall configured to engage the door frame first trim, and a capture member extending rearwardly from the mounting member and having an upper face configured to contact the door frame or other structure somewhat opposite of the first trim, whereby engagement of the top wall with the first trim serves as a pivot point for the apparatus to rotationally bring the upper face of the capture member into contact with the door frame or other structure and thereby secure the apparatus on the door frame or the like.

The subject of this patent application relates generally to training devices, and more particularly to specialized portable training devices configured for being non-permanently mounted on a door frame or other structure to facilitate body weight exercises.
The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patents and published patent applications cited or referred to in this application, to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
By way of background, in sports such as rock climbing and other high performance athletic activities, repetitive training and strengthening of the arms, hands, and fingers is highly valued. One classic form of body weight exercise for such training and strengthening is pull-ups, which typically requires a bar or other fixed equipment overhead for an athlete to grasp and pull themselves up by their arms and hands and then repeat. Particularly in the sport of rock climbing, it is preferred that any such exercise equipment be configured with grips or holds of various kinds so that the hands and fingers can be appropriately trained and strengthened as well.
Existing devices again require a fixed anchor point above the user, such as a bar or other hardware that is permanently installed often on a wall. Other equipment may be free-standing but is not easily portable. Some pull-up bars that are available are even configured to be mounted non-permanently on or over a doorway or top door frame, but those still are relatively bulky and so not easily transported and also provide no means for securing and using rock climbing grips or holds. What has been needed and heretofore unavailable is a relatively small and easily portable training device that can be non-permanently mounted on a door frame or other structure while providing for rock climbing holds for a user to grasp while engaging in training and strengthening body weight exercises such as pull-ups.
Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide further related advantages as described in the following summary.

Portable frame-mounted training apparatus and method of use


An anti-rattle device (10) for a receiver trailer hitch (30) for reducing undesirable movement, nose, vibration and shock between the shank (40) of a hitch mount (34) and the tubular receiver (32) in which the mount (34) is removably secured by a cross pin (36) includes an elastomeric deformable member (14) deformed into frictional engagement with the shank (40) and the receiver (32) by a slidable plate (12) tensioned against the deformable member (14) by threaded eyebolts (16, 18) anchored to the cross pin (36).

Receiver-type trailer hitches employ a removable ball mount which is slidably received into a hitch receiver with a somewhat loose fit therebetween necessary to facilitate insertion and removal of the ball mount. The ball mount is secured in the hitch receiver by a cross pin and clip. The most common form of a receiver trailer hitch employs a ball mount with a square shank formed from tubing or solid bar stock which is sized and configured to be inserted into a complementary receiver tube. The ball mount may be removed when it is not going to be used. Various ball mount configurations may be used with a given receiver to accommodate trailers of various heights or various ball mount lengths.
Receiver-type hitches are also used with bicycle carriers, ski carriers and other devices having a mounting member adapted for insertion into a receiver-type hitch.
In receiver-type hitches it is necessary to provide clearance between the outer surface of the shank of the ball mount and the complementary inner surface of the receiver to facilitate easy insertion and removal of the shank. Also clearance must be provided between the cross pin and corresponding holes in the receiver and shank to facilitate insertion and removal of the crosspin. The clearance between the shank and the receiver permit relative movement vertically, laterally and rotationally. The clearances between the crosspin and the holes in the receiver and shank permit relative fore and aft movement. While the clearances are necessary, such erratic movements are undesirable in that they may result in unwelcome rattle noise, vibration and shock.
It would be very advantageous if a means could be provided that eliminates the free play movement between a mount shank, hitch receiver and crosspin in all directions. The instant invention provides such a device.


There is disclosed a hand-held labeler for printing and applying labels and for printing tags. The labeler has a keyboard, a display, a scanner, and a battery-containing handle. The labeler is user-friendly and compact. The labeler can be easily loaded with label and tag webs of different widths. The labeler has a discharge chute for the carrier web which can be slid to a position outside the labeler for easy cleaning.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the art of printing and applying labels.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
The following U.S. Pat. Nos. are made of record: 4,191,608 of Charles B. Bussard et al; 4,199,392 of Paul H. Hamisch, Jr.; 4,264,396 of Donald S. Stewart; 4,544,434 of John D. Mistyurik; 4,556,442 of Daniel J. Torbeck; 4,561,926 of Paul H. Hamisch, Jr. et al, 4,624,733 of Paul H. Hamisch, Jr.; 4,652,317 of Frank E. Seestrom; 4,668,326 of John D. Mistyurik; 4,956,045 of Brent E. Goodwin et al; 5,107,100 of Howard M. Shepard et al; and 5,227,617 of Amy S. Christopher et al.


An apparatus configured to be removably attached to a tire/hub assembly of a vehicle via lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly is used to determine imbalance forces of the tire/hub assembly during motion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a disk and a plurality of cup-shaped objects fixed at one end to the disk and extending perpendicularly outward from the disk. The plurality of cup-shaped objects are arranged a fixed radial distance from a radial center of the disk in a pattern that matches the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus is mounted to the vehicle's tire/hub assembly by fitting the plurality of cup-shaped objects over the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus further includes one or more inertial measurement units (IMU's) mounted to the disk to measure parameters that are used for calculating the imbalance forces during motion of the vehicle.

"Tire balance" refers to distribution of mass within a vehicle tire or the entire wheel, including the rim, on which the vehicle tire is mounted. Tire balance may also be referred to as "tire unbalance" or "tire imbalance." As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,053 (Parker), which is incorporated by reference herein, the balancing of vehicle wheel assemblies is most often accomplished by removing the tire/wheel assemblies from the vehicle and mounting each of the tire/wheel assemblies on an off-car-balancer. The off-car balancer rotates the tire/wheel assembly, measures the imbalance forces and displays the amount and location of weight to add to the wheel to bring the tire/wheel assembly into a balanced condition. One example of an off-car balancer is The Road Force® Elite wheel balancer, which is commercially available from Hunter Engineering Company, Bridgeton, Mo.
As also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,053, a tire/wheel assembly may be balanced so that it produces negligible forces when rotated on the off-car balancer, but the same assembly may cause significant imbalance forces when mounted on the vehicle and rotated using the vehicle's bearings and axle. The imbalance forces of a tire/wheel assembly will remain constant between the off-car balancer and the vehicle only if the relationship between the tire/wheel assembly and the axis of rotation is the same for the two mountings. Achieving the desired on-car wheel balance with only an off-car balancer involves both accurately mounting the wheel on the balancer and then accurately mounting the tire/wheel assembly on the vehicle's hub. Possible causes of wheel-to-vehicle mounting inaccuracy include clearance between the balancer hub and the rim pilot hole, runout of the hub pilot diameter or mounting face, rust or grime between rim and vehicle hub, runout in studs and runout in lug nuts.
As further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,053, on-car balancers can eliminate some of the mounting accuracy problems by performing the balance measurements after the tire/wheel assembly is in its final mounted position on the vehicle. Although on-car balancers are available, they are not very popular because of setup difficulties, operational limitations, and safety issues.
Despite the many efforts made by the industry, including those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,053, there still remains an unmet need for an on-car balancer that is inexpensive, convenient to use, and which can capture parameters necessary for calculating imbalance forces when the vehicle is actually in motion. The present invention fulfills such a need.

Apparatus for measuring imbalance forces of a tire/hub assembly of a vehicle during motion of the vehicle


An upwardly opening, generally rectangular tray for receiving and stacking therein at least one set of generally rectangular disc holders that define formations for receiving and releasably supporting compact discs. Cooperatively interactive guide formations are defined by the tray and by the disc holders 1) for permitting the disc holders to be moved relative to each other so that compact discs can be positioned in and selectively removed from the disc receiving formations of the holders, and 2 for facilitating the orderly stacking of the disc holders so that, when stacked, the disc holders extend juxtaposed one atop another with each disc holder extending substantially parallel to a bottom wall of the tray. An optional cover may be positioned atop an individual tray, or atop the uppermost of a set of stacked trays. Alternatively, a cover that is hinge-connected to the tray may be provided. Label mounting surfaces preferably are provided on the trays, on the disc holders and on the optional cover.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a system for effecting the orderly storage of a plurality of compact discs by utilizing one or more trays that each contain at least one set of stackable disc holders that define receiving formations for receiving and releasably retaining compact discs. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of stackable compact disc holders carried in stackable trays, with each tray containing at least one set of stackable disc holders therein, and with each tray and its disc holders cooperatively defining interactive guide formations 1) for permitting the disc holders to be moved relative to each other so that compact discs can be inserted into and selectively removed from the disc receiving formations, and 2) for facilitating the orderly stacking of the disc holders within their associated trays.
2. Prior Art
A compact disc (commonly referred to as a "CD") is a recording medium from which recorded information can be read out or "played" by means of a laser beam. Each CD typically is formed as a disk-shaped plastic member having opposed, parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces contains a substantially continuous, generally helical groove or "record track," the configuration of which represents a sequence of digitally recorded data, with the data being encoded by utilizing minute variations in track cross-section. The "reading" or "playing" of a CD recording, or of selected portions thereof, is effected by directing a beam of laser light onto a small, selected portion of the record track while the disc is being rotated about the center axis of its "hub" hole to effectively move the laser beam along the record track, and by detecting and interpreting resulting reflections of the beam.
While CDs of various sizes and formats have been proposed, one "standard" has come to be quite widely accepted. This standard utilizes a plastic disc having a thickness of about 1.25 mm, a central diameter "hub" hole of about 15 mm, and an outer diameter of about 120 mm. The hub hole is used to center the disc for rotation, and the record track spirals helically inwardly from near the outer periphery of the disc toward the hub hole. By virtue of being among the first, this particular "standard" has gained wide initial acceptance, has become predominate in the CD marketplace of present day, and is expected to remain in wide use during years to come.
The CD "standard" described above was brought into existence principally for the purpose of providing a highly accurate means of recording and replaying audible subject matter such as voice and/or music. However, the same CD "standard" is rapidly gaining acceptance as a medium of choice for digitally recording a wide variety of information including visible subject matter such as photographs, sequential sets of video images and the like, and other forms of digitally recorded subject matter including programs and data that are meaningful to computers and so-called "multi-media" equipment. Some refer to CDs of this type that are used with computers by the term "CD-ROM," wherein "ROM" is an acronym for the term "read-only memory."
The computer-related uses being made of CDs that conform to the "standard" described above is increasing quite dramatically, especially in conjunction with multi-media systems, for a CD provides an excellent medium for digitally recording audio, video, programs, data and other forms of information, all of which can be utilized during the operation of multi-media equipment. Moreover, inasmuch as portions of the record track of a CD can be selectively "read" or "played back" as needed by multi-media computer equipment, the versatile uses to which CDs can be put in conjunction with the operation of multi-media systems is expected to dramatically increase the use that is made of CDs to an extent that is far beyond the scope of the use that would be made of this recording medium if it were utilized merely as a replacement for phonograph records for recording and playing voice and/or music.
An advantage that the use of CDs brings to computers is that the amount of program and data information that can be stored on a CD is substantially greater than that which can be stored on so-called "high density floppy diskettes" that are in present-day use. While a typical 3.5 inch high density diskette holds less than 1.5 mb of data, a typical CD can hold 600 mb of data, if not more. Thus, a single CD can be used in place of a relatively large number of computer diskettes to contain sizable computer programs and sizable banks of data, etc.
As CDs are increasingly coming into use both as a means for distributing computer programs and data, and as a means for providing information of a variety of types to multi-media capable computer equipment, the number of CDs that computer users have a need to store in a highly organized manner is increasing quite dramatically. Moreover, inasmuch as CDs that contain computer programs and data tend to be quite expensively priced and often are quite difficult to replace, a great deal of importance has come to be associated with the provision of a well organized, expansible, easy-to-use system for facilitating the storage and retrieval of CDs.
While a wide variety of proposals for storing CDs have been put forth, a number of drawbacks have been noted. Few proposals provide solid but lightweight tray-shaped structures that each carry stackable, relatively movable disc holders that permit a relatively large number of CDs to be securely, protectively stored while also permitting the stored CDs to be easily accessed and selectively removed, as needed. Few provide tray-shaped structures that can be stacked one atop another and/or individually supported to serve as drawer-like components of a multi-shelved piece of furniture. Few provide both tray-shaped structures and disc holders contained therein that each can be neatly labeled to facilitate the orderly storage and quick retrieval of CDs. Furthermore, few provide systems of tray-shaped structures containing disc holders that can have trays and/or disc holders that can have their storage capacities enhanced by simply adding identical trays and/or disc holders thereto as may be needed to systematically accommodate the steady acquisition of an increasing number of relatively expensive CDs--whereby substantially equally prompt access can be had to any CD that is stored by the system.
Just as the use that is made of CDs of the aforedescribed "standard" is expected to increase quite dramatically during coming years, there is expected to be a correspondingly significant increase in the degree of urgency that is associated with the yet unsatisfactorily answered need for the provision of a novel and improved system for facilitating the storage of CDs in a suitably organized fashion. Because the loss to a business that can be incurred if an important program-carrying or data-carrying CD has gone missing or cannot be located with ease can be so enormous and so detrimental, the importance of providing a high quality, easy-to-use CD storage and retrieval system that can be expanded as needed to consistently provide ready access to CDs that are securely, protectively stored in an organized manner when not in use is coming to pose a very serious need indeed.


The image scaling processing device distinguishes whether an original image data is a character image or a half-tone image per a pixel unit in the image domain separating portion and scales each image in the character scaling processing portion and the half-tone scaling processing portion. In order to get a desired scale factor L times image data, the character scaling processing is performed by the first scaling processing for enlarging an image data by 2.sup.n times (n is an integer, L<2.sup.n) in each sub scanning direction and main scanning direction and by the second scaling processing for reducing by L/2.sup.n times the image data enlarged by 2.sup.n times and the half-tone scaling processing is made by the first scaling processing for enlarging an image data by 2.sup.n times (n is an integer, L>2.sup.n) in each sub scanning direction and main scanning direction and by the second scaling processing for enlarging by L/2.sup.n times the image data enlarged by 2.sup.n times.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an image scaling processing device and an image processing method of digital data such as facsimile, scanner, digital copy, or the like and more specially, to an image scaling processing device and an image processing method enlarging or reducing an image including half-tone shades at any scale factor.
2. Description of the Related Art
In the previously known image scaling processing device and the image processing method having enlargement and reduction function for this kind of a binary-valued image, a thinning processing is made at intervals corresponding to a reduction ratio at the time of reduction and, at the time of enlargement, after enlarging by integral times, the thinning processing is made at periodic times corresponding to a scale factor and thus enlargement and reduction processing is performed. The technology of this kind is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 164896/1994 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 253140/1994.
However, according to a constitution of the above described art, the thinning processing is periodically made regardless of an input image data. For this reason, irregularity of a character outline part in a character portion of the input image becomes conspicuous and a noise is increased at half-tone data, thereby reproductivity is lost. Again, a lot of memory is required for keeping the data after the image processing is made as large as scale factor is enlarged.
The present invention is made in view of the above described subject and it is the object of the present invention to offer the image scaling processing device, wherein a binary-valued image can be given a enlarging and reducing processing at optional scale factor with the minimum scale of a circuit constitution and the character portion is smoothed when enlarged and a black line is kept when reduced. Further, a noise is not generated in the half-tone portion according to values of enlargement or reduction ratio, thereby reproductivity of gradation in the half-tone is maintained.

Image scaling processing device and image scaling processing method

Matsushita Graphic Communication Systems, Inc.


In an embodiment, a method includes performing a redundancy check to determine if a baseline bit sequence is compliant. When the baseline bit sequence is not compliant, the method additionally includes performing an iterative process until a compliant, candidate bit sequence is identified. The iterative process includes identifying one or more existing branches within a conceptual tree diagram, calculating scores for potential paths branching from the one or more existing branches, and performing a subsequent redundancy check on a next candidate bit sequence, which corresponds to a potential path that has a next lowest score, to determine if the next candidate bit sequence is compliant.

In a wireless communication system, a source device encodes input data, modulates the encoded data, and transmits a corresponding signal over a channel to a destination device. When a high-quality channel is present between the source device and the destination device, the signal may be received with few or no errors. However, when a low-quality channel is present, a significant quantity of errors may be introduced into the signal prior to its reception by the destination device. Error measurements may be quantified in terms of bit error rates or block error rates.
Some encoding techniques enable a destination device to detect errors in a received signal. For example, some encoding techniques add redundancy bits to the input data, prior to transmission. In order to detect errors, the destination device may evaluate the redundancy bits in light of the other received data. However, encoding techniques that merely add redundancy bits may not enable a decoder to correct the detected errors. Accordingly, when the bit error rate or block error rate is relatively high, communication quality may suffer. These conditions may be present in a noisy or lossy channel.
Other encoding techniques enable a destination device not only to detect errors, but also to correct some or all errors. For example, some encoding techniques use convolutional encoding to encode the input data. When convolutional encoding is applied, a destination device may use a search algorithm (e.g., a Viterbi algorithm) to find the most likely values for the received data. Although convolutional encoding may enable more robust communications, it comes at the expense of decreasing useful data transfer rates. In addition, some search algorithms are computationally costly. Accordingly, efficient data encoding and/or decoding techniques are sought, which enable robust error detection and correction to be performed, while preferably achieving relatively high useful data transfer rates.


A method is disclosed for making a titanium-based compound film of a poly-silicon solar cell. In the method, a ceramic substrate is made of aluminum oxide. The ceramic substrate is coated with a titanium film in an e-gun evaporation system. Dichlorosilane is provided on the titanium film by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. A titanium-based compound film is formed on the ceramic substrate.

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a method for making an inexpensive poly-silicon solar cell and, more particularly, to a method for making a titanium-based compound film of a poly-silicon solar cell and, more particularly, to a method for making a titanium-based compound film on a ceramic substrate in a high-temperature process based on chemical vapor deposition ("CVD").
2. Related Prior Art
Most silicon-based solar cells are made in low-temperature processes based on plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition ("PECVD"). An amorphous-silicon or microcrystalline-silicon film is coated on a glass, aluminum, silicon, stainless steel or plastic substrate. A back contact is made of aluminum, gold, silver or transparent conductive oxide such as indium-tin oxide ("ITO") and zinc oxide.
The primary advantage of the low-temperature processes is the wide variety of materials that can be used to make the substrates. However, they suffer drawbacks such as defective silicon films, low photoelectrical conversion efficiencies and low light-soaking stability.
In the PECVD, while coating the microcrystalline silicon film, a silicon material is highly diluted in hydrogen. For example, [H2]/[SiH4]>15. That is, the concentration or flow rate of H2 is more than 15 times as high as that of SiH4. The problems with the PECVD are a low growth rate of the film, a long process and a high cost.
Regarding the making of the poly-silicon solar cells, there are various techniques such as solid phase crystallization ("SPC") and aluminum-induced crystallization ("AIC"). The SPC is based on the PECVD. An amorphous silicon film is deposited, intensively heated and annealed at a high temperature. Thus, a poly-silicon film with a grain size of 1 to 2 micrometers is made.
In the AIC as shown in FIGS. 14 through 18, an aluminum film 92 is coated on a substrate 91. An amorphous silicon film 93 is coated on the aluminum film 92 based on the PECVD and annealed at a temperature of about 575 degrees Celsius for a long time to form a seeding layer 94. Then, it is subjected to an epitaxial process such as the PECVD or an electron cyclotron resonance chemical deposition ("ECR-CVD") to make a poly-silicon film 95. The AIC however involves many steps and takes a long time. The resultant grain size is about 0.1 to 10 micrometers.
As discussed above, regarding the conventional methods for making poly-silicon film solar cells in the low-temperature processes based on the PECVD, there are many defects in the silicon films, the photoelectrical conversion efficiencies are low, the light soaking stabilities low, the growth rates of the films low, the processes long, and the costs high. Concerning the method for making poly-silicon film solar cells based on the AIC, the processes are long for including many steps and therefore expensive.
The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in prior art.

Method for making titanium-based compound film of poly silicon solar cell

Atomic Energy Council-Institute of Nuclear Energy Research


A portable radio and telephone equipment for transmitting and receiving an electric wave. The portable radio and telephone equipment includes: an antenna for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic wave; a housing connected to the antenna, having a notch therein; and an internal circuit, connected to the antenna by way of the housing, for generating and receiving the electromagnetic wave. The portable radio and telephone equipment includes: an antenna for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic wave; an upper portion of a housing connected to the antenna; and a lower portion of a housing connected to the upper portion of the housing via a conductor wire, so that the housing is divided into two portions in order to vary distribution pattern of the electromagnetic wave.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to portable equipment such as a portable radio or telephone for transmitting and receiving information using electromagnetic wave.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In conventional portable radios, an external electromagnetic wave influence causes an internal system such as a transmitting unit and a receiving unit to malfunction and to deteriorate a transmitting performance. Therefore, in order to avoid such a problem, there is provided an electric shield of a metallic nature in a conducting body of the portable radio equipment so as to cut off the external electromagnetic wave influence.
However, it is confirmed by the inventors of the present invention that a high-frequency current flowing through the electric shield causes an adverse effect on a radiation pattern which is radiated from an antenna of the portable radio. It is presumed that a vertically polarized wave among the electromagnetic wave is relatively large and thus it is likely to be favorable that a gain of the vertically polarized wave in the vertical direction is large.
An example of the conventional portable radio equipment where the electric shield is provided is shown in FIG. 1. In the same figure, the reference numeral 102 shows a housing serving as the electric shield, and the reference numeral 103 shows an antenna. A simulation for the radiation characteristics of the electromagnetic wave in the radio-frequency of an L band is carried out using a model of the portable radio shown in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, dimensions for the housing 102 are that a width thereof is 0.4.lambda., a depth 0.15.lambda. and a height 0.5.lambda., where .lambda. indicates a wavelength. The simulation is carried out using a small-sized model which is equipped with a .lambda./4-monopole antenna and whose antenna can interface with a feeder without a matching circuit. A result of the simulation is shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 shows the calculated result of the radiation pattern of the vertically polarized wave around the antenna being placed In the center with respect to (A) x-z plane, (B) x-y plane and (C) y-z plane. As shown in FIG. 1, an x coordinate is placed in a width direction, a y coordinate is in a depth direction and a z coordinate is in a parallel direction to an axis of the .lambda./4-monopole antenna. The electromagnetic simulator for arbitrary models is made on a super-computer employing a spatial network method. An electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the model was calculated by applying the simulator to an ordinary portable telephone model for the L band. A parameter for three dimensional lattice network is 80.times.70.times.90 (.DELTA.d), where a unit length of the lattice, .DELTA.d, is .lambda./40. A far-field radiation pattern is calculated from the electromagnetic field on a surface of a closed-area over the model.
Referring to a result of the simulation pattern, the radiation pattern for the x-y plane (B) which shows a pattern for a cross section vertical to the antenna is omnidirectional (radiate the same in all directions). On the other hand, in the radiation pattern with respect to the y-z plane (C), a maximum radiation direction is indicated at approximately 50 degrees tilted from a y axis against a z axis and in a negative z-axis direction. As a result of normalization by a maximum radiation gain (a normalized pattern is a dimesionless number with a maximum value of unity), the radiation pattern with respect to the y-z plane (C) indicates a characteristic of deterioration by approximately 5 dB from the maximum radiation gain, compared to the maximum radiation gain on the x-z plane.
FIG. 3 shows respective radiation patterns which are theoretically optimum, corresponding to FIG. 2.
However, in a .lambda./2-dipole antenna, the maximum radiation direction shall theoretically lie in 90 degrees from an antenna axis in the plane including the antenna axis. Therefore, the fact that the maximum radiation direction is deflected as observed in the radiation pattern of the y-z pattern (C) as the above simulation result demonstrates that the radiation pattern of the antenna itself is affected and disturbed by the radio-frequency current flowing through the electrically shielded housing 102.
Since a large radio-frequency current may flow through the housing due to current distribution of the antenna itself, the radiation pattern is much affected in the .lambda./4-monopole antenna. When the height of housing is converted to a corresponding electrical length and the converted electrical length is approximately equal to the electromagnetic wavelength, a current whose phase is opposite to the radio-frequency current flows on the antenna. As a result, the radiation pattern in the horizontal direction in the portable radio is cancelled out against each other, thus causing to deteriorate the radiation gain in the horizontal direction. In this connection, when the portable radio is designed, without considering an effect of the housing, by calculating the radiation pattern with respect to the antenna alone, a desired electromagnetic radiation pattern can not be obtained because of the influence of the housing even if the portable radio is designed such that the maximum radiation shall be obtained in 90 degrees against the antenna axis.
FIG. 4 shows a model of a portable radio equipment employing an inverted F antenna. In the same figure, the reference numeral 103 designates an antenna, the reference numeral 106 is a short-circuit wire, and the reference numeral 106 designates a feeder for a signal. FIG. 5 shows a calculated result of a radiation gain pattern for the model. In this case, too, a maximum radiation direction in a radiation pattern of a (C) y-z plane is deflected from the horizontal direction (y-axis direction), thus indicating that the radio-frequency current flowing through the housing affects to deteriorate the radiation pattern.
As described above, though the electric shield is provided to cut off the influence by the external electromagnetic wave, conventionally there exists a problem where the radiation characteristic of antenna alone is disturbed by the radio-frequency current flowing through the housing and thus the desirable radiation characteristic for the portable radio can not be obtained.

Portable radio and telephones having notches therein


An digital-analog converter uses at least 2.sup.N -1 identical current sources capable of being calibrated to convert a number encoded on N bits and an additional current source designed to replace one of the 2.sup.N -1 current sources during the calibration of one of said sources. The additional current source is connected to the output by means of a sole additional commutator.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a digital-analog converter with self-calibration current sources. These converters are commonly used in integrated circuits made by CMOS technology but may also be used in other types of technologies.
Digital-analog converters can be made in several ways. For reasons of technology and precision, there are converters using parallel-connected current sources whose output is directed either towards an output of the converter or towards a reference terminal.
The current sources are generally formed by a multiple current mirror whose output transistors are either all identical or proportional by powers of two. When it is sought to have very precise converters, i.e. when it is sought to convert more than 10 bits, then it is necessary to calibrate the sources constantly. Furthermore, combined systems are often used in which a first technique is used for the most significant bits and a second technique is used for the least significant bits.
2. Description of the Related Art
For a clearer understanding of the problem solved by the present invention, reference may be made to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows n identical sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n where n=2.sup.N -1. These n sources are connected to commutators C.sub.1 to C.sub.n that connect the output of each source either to the output of the converter to give a current Iout or to a reference voltage, for example the ground. The different connections set up by the commutators C.sub.1 to C.sub.n are controlled by a thermometrical type decoder that validates the number of sources, among the sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n, that are to be connected to the output of the converter as a function of the number present at the input of the converter, encoded on N bits that have to be converted.
For combined systems, there is added, for example, a source S.sub.n+1 to which there is connected a current divider 1 that is slightly less precise but far more compact than the device described here above. The current divider 1 is generally used to convert the M least significant bits and the n sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n are used to convert the N most significant bits present at the input of the converter.
If fixed sources are used, the precision of the sources is related to the dimensions of the transistors used and is limited to approximately one per thousand. If it is sought to make conversions of numbers with more than 10 bits, it is necessary to use sources that are calibrated during the working of the converter. The sources used may for example be those described in the article by D. Wouter and J. Groeneveld, "A Self-Calibration Technique for Monolithic High-solution resolution D/A Converter", in IEEE Journal of Solid State Circuits, Vol. 24, No. 6, 6th Dec. 1989. So as not to interrupt the operation of the digital-analog converter, an additional source S.sub.n+2 is added to replace each of the sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n+1 when one of them gets calibrated. The additional source S.sub.n+2 is connected to the output of each of the sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n+1 by means of the switches I.sub.1 to I.sub.n+1.
The operation of the device of FIG. 1 is relatively simple. A shift register, associated with the converter or common to several converters present in one and the same chip, selects one source among the sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n+2. A branch on the calibration command of the sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n+1 is connected to the switches I.sub.1 to I.sub.n+1 in such a way that when one of the sources S.sub.1 to S.sub.n+1 gets calibrated, it is automatically replaced by the source S.sub.n+2.
As described here above, problems appear. A first problem arises out of the switch-over noise at the output of the converter which is generated by automatic action on at least one of the switches I.sub.1 to I.sub.n, a second problem comes from the cumbersome nature of the wiring of the n switches I.sub.1 to I.sub.n and of the control wires associated with these switches. A third problem is that, whatever the calibrated source, there is at least one commutation on one of the switches I.sub.1 to I.sub.n+1 which tends to produce current variations on the additional source S.sub.n+2.
The invention proposes to overcome the three problems raised here above by using a commutator that will directly connect the additional source of the output.

Digital analog converter with self-calibration current sources


A connector, for attachment with a hose, having a generally tubular shaped longitudinal nipple with a proximal and distal end and a bore extending therethrough. The nipple has an exterior surface that defines an outwardly extending annular protuberance located between both ends. The connector also includes a clip, for attachment with the nipple, having a base portion connected with at least two longitudinally extending legs. The base portion has an axial opening, a radial opening, a support bar with a first and second end, a first and second arm portion attached to the support bar first and second end respectively, both arm portions including a set of locating fingers and one of the at least two longitudinally extending legs. Each locating finger has an inner surface is adapted to mate with the annular protuberance. The at least two longitudinally extending legs are radially outwardly distanced from the nipple and have an outer surface adapted to receive a compressible clamp.

Couplings that are used as connectors in order to attach one fluid conductor to a second fluid conductor are well known in the art. A specific form of such a coupling is one that connects tubing to hose. This type of coupling is comprised of a coupling nipple that is inserted into the inner bore of a conduit and a coupling shell or bracket that fits over the outer surface of the conduit. The shell/bracket is inwardly deformed in order to compress the conduit between the nipple and shell, thus retaining the conduit relative to the coupling.
The coupling shell/bracket can take many forms depending on the type of conduit attached, the pressure of the fluid being conducted, the size of the conduit, and the use of the coupling/conduit assembly. A common form of shell is a cylindrical socket having an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the conduit. Shells can be permanently inwardly deformed so that a portion of the shell, namely its internal teeth, digs into the conduit. An example of such a shell is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,016 to Joseph et al. Shells can also be threadedly attached to the conduit so that an internal thread of the shell digs into the conduit. Both of these forms of shells are used for higher-pressure applications that require a portion of the shell to physically dig into the conduit in order to retain the connection.
Many connections only required a compression of the conduit between the outer shell/bracket and the nipple in order to hold the conduit in place relative to the coupling. The bracket can be a simple circumferential band that is tightened over the conduit, thus compressing the conduit between the band and the nipple. An example of this form of bracket, or clamp, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,614,304 to Oetiker and European Patent EP 0760920B1 to Manuli. This type of bracket must be positioned accurately and does not distribute the compressive forces over the length of the nipple.
Another bracket form, which provides a simple type of attachment, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,867 to Jansen and U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,162 to Grau et al. This bracket is comprised of elongated strips that run parallel with the longitudinal axis of the conduit and a series of clamps that are placed over the elongated strips. The clamps are tightened so that the conduit is compressed between the nipple and the strips. The elongated strips in these prior art references are flat which causes the abutting contact between the strips and the outer surface of the conduit to be at a point rather than a surface contact.
It is desirable to have the bracket affixed to coupling nipple in order to avoid attaching multiple components of the connector to the conduit. It is also desirable to have the bracket centered relative to the nipple. The above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,162 to Grau et al. and European Publication EP 0499819 A1 to Oetiker show the bracket affixed to a shoulder on the nipple. The bracket has a vertical portion that contacts a surface on one side of the shoulder. Since the bracket contacts the shoulder on only one side, the bracket can move, longitudinally, in the same direction as the conduit when the conduit is being inserted between the nipple and the bracket. The Grau patent provides a shoulder clip having two vertical sides that contact both vertical surfaces of the shoulder. The bracket can still move relative to the nipple during the installation of the conduit since only one shoulder clip is used. Another shoulder clip is needed to center the bracket on the nipple and counteract any forces from the conduit that may cause the bracket to move. The above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,867 to Jansen affixes its elongated strips to the nipple with the use of clamps. Specifically a circumferential groove is machined into the outer surface of the nipple and receives a portion of the bracket, but only after a clamp is used to inwardly compress the bracket end.
Another method of attachment of a shell/bracket to a nipple is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,016 to Joseph et al. A vertical portion of the shell is placed adjacent to a raised portion of the nipple prior to the formation of an annular bead in the nipple that compresses the vertical portion between the bead and raised portion. This attachment process requires multiple steps and permanently affixes the shell to the nipple, thus eliminating any repeated use of the coupling with another conduit. It is advantageous to have a shell/clamp that can be reused, or is field attachable. The above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,162 to Grau et al. supplies a bracket that can be easily attached at the location of use. The shortcoming of this style of bracket is that it can be permanently deformed when clamps inwardly compress the bracket.


A display device is disclosed. The display device includes display unit and a negative refractive index functional layer on the display unit. The negative refractive index functional layer has a negative refractive index with respect to light from the display unit. A method for fabricating the display device is also disclosed.

A liquid crystal display device has been widely applied due to its advantages like light weight, small size, radiation-less. Since the liquid crystal does not emit light by itself, the display device is provided with a backlight unit, which provides light for a display module to realize the display function. The low utilization efficiency of light in the backlight unit is one of the important factors which impede a low power consumption of the liquid crystal display device.

Display device and method for fabricating the same


An exemplary method includes a remote support management system 1) receiving a television support request from a user of a television, 2) generating, in response to the television support request, a ticket identifier associated with the television support request, and 3) facilitating, in accordance with the ticket identifier, remote control of the television by a support technician by way of a computing device associated with the support technician. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.

Modern televisions are often network enabled and hence may be used in a variety of different ways. For example, in addition to presenting television shows, movies, and other types of media content programs, a television may be capable of executing applications (commonly referred to as "apps"), presenting network content (e.g., web content), and performing a host of other functions. Unfortunately, a user may occasionally have problems with one or more of the television's functions. For example, the user may need help interacting with a particular application (e.g., a video streaming application) being executed by the television. To this end, the user may communicate with a support technician employed by a provider of the application. Unfortunately, it is often difficult for the support technician to help the user without being able to view what is being presented by the television.

Methods and systems for facilitating remote control of a television by a support technician


The disclosure herein describes securing access to a service resource within a security boundary. A security gateway instance receives a request from an edge deployment outside the security boundary. The request includes identity data identifying the edge deployment. The identity data is validated based on allowed identity data of the security gateway instance and based on a validation handler associated with the service resource. Based on validating the identity data and validating the request, the identity data is transformed using security data specific to the security gateway instance. The transformed identity data indicates the request has been validated by the security gateway instance. Based on transforming the identity data of the request, the transformed identity data and the request are forwarded to the service resource via a network link within the security boundary, wherein the service resource is configured to process the request based on identifying the transformed identity data.

In modern distributed and cloud computing systems, ensuring the safety of service resources within security boundaries while enabling infrastructure of the services to be deployed outside the boundaries and to enable access to the service resources by the infrastructure through secure processes presents substantial challenges. In some systems, the implementation of such processes requires separate sets of identities of entities for both sides of the security boundaries, and managing such sets of identities may require extensive changes and coordination across multiple components of the system, including edge deployments and associated agents that are outside the security boundaries.

Handling requests to service resources within a security boundary using a security gateway instance


Disclosed is a method for the adjusting of the detection threshold of a radar receiver for a distance zone called a search zone surrounded by distance zones called adjacent zones, fitted out with a module enabling the computation of the mean value as a function of the distance of the ambient noise along an axis starting from the receiver wherein, for each search distance zone, the detection threshold is raised by a zero value when the ambient noise is low and by a value that increases monotonically with the level of the noise measured when the ambient noise is greater than a pre-determined threshold.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention is that of methods designed to reduce the rate of false alarms in a radar receiver, especially when there is sea clutter present.
It is known that a radar receiver comprises a detector constituted by a comparator which compares the level of the received signal with a reference level known as a detection threshold. In principle, a level of signal above this threshold corresponds to the reception of an echo coming from a target.
It is also known that since the level of ambient noise is a random factor, it may happen that a signal containing only noise is strong enough to exceed the detection threshold, thus prompting what is called a false alarm. The known methods used to limit the probability of having a false alarm consist in raising the detection threshold as a function of the noise.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The problem then is to raise the threshold sufficiently so as to avoid a false alarm rate that is higher than a set rate, but not to raise this threshold excessively, in order that the echos may continue to be detected.
In particular, as regards clutter, and more particularly clutter due to the sea for onboard surface radars, it has been sought to make use of the spatially stationary state of these noises. In this type of application, it is considered that, in a given zone, defined by its elevation angle, the noise of the clutter is fairly constant. The mean value chosen may be either the maximum value of the partial mean values according to a pre-set partitioning of the distance zones, or the value according to the Kth greatest sample. According to this method, which is applicable to video signals digitally converted by sampling, it is assumed that the n-k smaller .samples contain only noise, and it is these samples that are chosen for the computation of the noise.
It has also been sought to exploit the temporally stationary state in a zone from antenna rotation to antenna rotation. It is considered in this case that, for a given zone, defined by its distance and its elevation angle, the noise can vary only slowly so that its mean may be considered as the mean value recorded on a certain number of antenna rotations.
Whether it is the stationary spatial state or the temporal spatial state that is considered, there are existing variants of implementation. Thus, with regard to the magnitude characterizing the signal, the mean value of which will be computed, we may consider:
the modulus of the signal (its amplitude) PA1 the modulus squared of the signal (its power) PA1 the logarithm of the modulus
With regard to the zones, the mean values can be computed on sliding window type zones that overlap one another partially or, on the contrary, on block type zones that exclude one another.
Finally, with regard to the adjusting of the threshold for a given zone, it is possible to take into consideration either the mean value obtained on this zone or the mean value obtained on one or more immediately adjacent zones, excluding the zone under examination.
The prior art methods that have just been described are satisfactory only inasmuch as the clutter actually has a spatially or temporally stationary state. However, measurements made by the applicant show that the assumed stationary state does not exist, especially when there are rough seas.
In rough seas, the echos obtained are not stationary in distance. There are peaks of sea clutter that appear in a distance cell as compared with the neighboring cells. Nor are they more stationary in time, for the peaks do not occur at the same positions from one antenna rotation to another. Consequently, methods of regulating false alarms that are based on temporally or spatially stationary states are not totally efficient.
One of the aims of the present invention is to provide greater efficiency to the regulating of false alarms by raising the detection threshold. It does so by proposing a method to raise this threshold by the precise quantity needed to attain a value above the value of the extreme peaks, especially when the sea is rough. The aim pursued by the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 shows a curve A, a curve B and a curve B.sub.2.
The curve A shows a fictitious but realistic example of the noise level on a distance axis, the nearby zones being noisier than the distant zones. The curve B.sub.1 shows the value, the threshold of which has to be raised according to the criteria of stationary states of the noise.
The curve B.sub.1 is obtained by the smoothing of the curve A and the addition of a constant level value. It can be seen that this procedure leaves peaks of noise 1, 2, 3 which will give rise to a false alarm. The aim of the present invention is to replace the curve B.sub.1 by the curve B.sub.2 which, for the low levels of noise, is merged with the curve B.sub.1 and moves away from it in such a way that it increases monotonically with the level of the clutter measured on the zone. The measurement of the clutter continues to be done according to one of the known methods. The aim of the invention, therefore, is to avoid the desensitizing of the radar receiver which would result from an excessive raising of the detection threshold.
An aim of the invention is also to achieve an easy adaptation of the invention to existing radars.

Method to reduce false alarms in a radar


A device for parallel-serial conversion of several evaluation parameters determined respectively by a detector from detected signal values. The device includes a primary buffer memory for the synchronized buffering of each determined evaluation parameter, a synchronization unit for the generation of a synchronization signal for the synchronized buffering and a unit for the serial readout of the evaluation parameters stored in a synchronized manner in the primary buffer memory. A synchronization signal generated by the synchronization unit is derived from a release signal which provides the highest data rate of all the release signals associated respectively with the determined evaluation parameters.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a device for the parallel-serial conversion of several signal parameters each detected by a detector.
2. Discussion of the Background
In measuring instruments and systems, especially in spectrum analyzers and network-analyzers, several signal parameters of an electrical or communications signal are generally detected by means of detectors and evaluated in a subsequent processing stage. The signal parameters of the signal can be, for example, the amplitude or the phase of the signal. Evaluation parameters, for example, the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value, the root mean squared values etc. are determined from the sampled values of the signal parameters in a subsequent processing stage.
Since the individual signal parameters and evaluation parameters are detected and processed in different measuring channels, in which functional units, for example, filter stages, with different group-delay times, are realized, these signal parameters and evaluation parameters provide different data delay times and are not synchronized with one another.
A device and a method for balancing the different data delay times of several data occurring in a quasi-parallel manner are already known from DE 199 61 131 A1. The individual, mutually-non-synchronized input signals are synchronized via a synchronization unit, stored in a buffer memory—RAM—and output as serial output signals in a mutually-synchronized manner. In this context, the synchronization unit consists of a variable shift register, into which the respective input signal is read in a serial manner, and a state machine, which controls the throughput time of the input signal through the respective shift register dependent upon the previous data delay time of the input signal. In order to guarantee the synchronization of the individual input signals with one another, the state machines associated with the individual shift registers are referenced with one another by means of a common synchronization signal.
This time referencing of the individual state machines and the associated variable shift register by means of a common synchronization signal with a given clock-pulse rate restricts the synchronization of the individual input signals to signals with an identical data rate. A device of this kind and a method of this kind according to the prior art cannot be used for applications in measurement technology, because the detection and signal processing of the individual signal parameters of the signal to be measured in measuring instruments and systems can be parameterized at different data rates by the user.

Device for the parallel-serial conversion of several signal parameters each detected by a detector


A semiconductor device includes; gate layers stacked on a substrate, a channel layer extending through the gate layers, a string select gate layer disposed on the channel layer and a string select channel layer extending through the string select gate layer to contact the channel layer. The string select channel layer includes a first portion below the string select gate layer including a first protruding region, a second portion extending through the string select gate layer, and a third portion above the string select gate layer including a second protruding region.

The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor devices.
Contemporary semiconductor devices are increasing required to provide high-speed, advanced data processing capabilities while further reducing their already compact size. Accordingly, it is necessary to continuously increase the integration density of constituent elements and components of semiconductor devices. One technique for increasing the integration density of semiconductor devices is to employ a vertical transistor structure rather than a conventional planar transistor structure.

Semiconductor devices with string select channel for improved upper connection


A process, apparatus, and kit for horizontally assembling a cryogenic pump with an apparatus generally including a workstand, a plurality of support stands longitudinally spaced apart from the workstand and a roller transport structure. The kit includes the apparatus and a beam crane for attachment to the apparatus for assembling and disassembling the cryogenic pump at the point of use.

The present disclosure relates to cryogenic pumps and more particularly, to processes, apparatuses, and kits for assembling cryogenic pumps.
Cryogenic liquids such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, liquefied hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, natural gas), and the like, are normally stored in well-insulated, temperature-controlled containers, such as underground storage tanks, to reduce fluid evaporation losses. The cryogenic temperatures of these liquids are generally considered to range from about 125° Kelvin (K) to 0° K.
To transfer such cryogenic fluids between containers or from one container to a point of use, reciprocating- or centrifugal-type mechanical pumps are often employed. These types of cryogenic pumps basically consist of a vertically extending column having an intake, and one or more stages of impellers mounted about a shaft at the lower end of the column. The impellers are driven by the shaft, which extends coaxially upward through the column to a drive motor mounted on top of a discharge head, which is mounted on top of the vertical column. During operation, the pump intake is located at the bottom of the pump and is submerged into the cryogenic liquid. Rotation of the impellers causes the liquid to be drawn into the pump intake and to an outlet conduit in fluid communication with another container, a conduit, or its point of use. Depending upon the particular application, these pumps are normally of substantial size with typical column lengths of about 15 to about 20 feet or more, and column diameters ranging up to about 3 feet or more. The cryogenic pump is thus made up of several major components, each of which may weigh several hundred pounds, wherein the total weight of the cryogenic pump can be in excess of about 10,000 to about 20,000 pounds or more.
Assembly or disassembly of cryogenic pumps is relatively complicated. Many of the components are extremely bulky, and require precise coaxial alignment of separable parts. A drive shaft of about 18 to about 20 feet in length or larger which, in operation, will be driven at several hundred to thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm), must be installed with some degree of precision. Current assembly and disassembly processes include vertically assembling or disassembling the various components that form the cryogenic pump.
FIG. 1 (A–L) illustrates one such prior art process for vertically assembling or disassembling a cryogenic pump. The vertical assembly process typically requires building a special pit area 12 to accommodate the diameter of the pump and staging for use by the assemblers. The pit area 12 is necessary to accommodate a portion of the pump height as it is being assembled as well as for safety considerations associated with vertically stacking the various components to assemble the pump. For example, a suitable pit area for fabricating an 18-foot long cryogenic pump weighing about 8500 pounds is about 4 feet in width, 10 feet in length, and about 9 feet deep. As shown in FIG. 1A, the motor and shaft assembly components 16 are first lowered into the pit area 12 and positioned onto a telescoping workstand 14 located at the bottom of the pit area 12. The motor and shaft assembly 16 are oriented "upside down" and are typically disposed in the pit area 12 by means of an overhead crane, fork truck fitted with an overhead boon, a combination of the crane and fork truck, or the like. Additional component modules 18, 20, 22 of the pump are each then vertically fitted to the motor and shaft assembly 16 in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 1B. Fitting the additional component modules require the assemblers to be able to freely move up and down the staging to access the pump for guiding, mating, and attaching the various component modules as the cryogenic pump is assembled. With regard to the one or more stages of impellers, each impeller as it is fitted to the shaft is offset from the previously fitted impeller by about 30 to about 90 degrees. The orientation of each additional impeller is maintained due to the effect of gravity as the impeller blades are being fitted to the shaft.
Referring now to FIGS. 1D through 1H, once all of the major component modules 16, 18, 20, and 22 of the pump are assembled, it is necessary to rotate the entire pump assembly 180 degrees, such that the pump is in its normal operating position, i.e., the motor and shaft assembly 16 is positioned at the top of the pump 10, the impellers at the bottom of the pump. Again, an overhead crane, fork truck, or the like, is required for rotating the assembled pump into the normal operating position within the pit area 12. Final connections and assembly of secondary or minor components are then made by an assembler to complete the cryogenic pump as shown in FIG. 1I. Referring now to FIGS. 1J through 1L, the pump is now readied for testing, which involves transporting the cryogenic pump to a testing facility for connection to a container of cryogenic liquid, wherein it will be installed in the vertically oriented, normal operating position.
Once the pump has been tested, the cryogenic pump is typically brought back to the pit area 12 for disassembly. Disassembly is required to determine wear patterns and to replace any pump components damaged during testing. The pumps are then reassembled and readied for shipment to the customer. Typically, a cryogenic pump will be assembled, tested, disassembled, and reassembled two or three times prior to shipment to a customer site.
The vertical assembly process is time intensive requiring frequent interaction with overhead cranes, fork trucks with overhead boons, and the like, for assembly, disassembly, and for orienting the pump for testing purposes. Moreover, the known cryogenic pump assembly processes require the use of a special pit area 12 and staging for access to the pump as it is assembled in the vertical direction.

Process, apparatus, and kit for assembling and disassembling a cryogenic pump


A silicon wafer is thermal-annealed in an atmosphere to form new vacancies therein by thermal annealing and the atmosphere in the thermal annealing contains a nitride gas having a lower decomposition temperature than a decomposable temperature of N2 so that the thermal annealing is carried out at a lower temperature or for a short time to suppress generation of slip and to provide satisfactory surface roughness.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a production method for silicon wafers including forming vacancies in a silicon wafer by thermal annealing in atmosphere and forming a denuded zone (DZ) layer just under the surface of the silicon wafer by further thermal annealing, and to silicon wafers produced by this method.
2. Description of the Related Art
Silicon wafers produced by processing single crystal silicon which is obtained by pulling up and growing by Czochralski (CZ) method contain many oxygen impurities, and the oxygen impurities generate oxygen precipitates (BMD: bulk micro defect) causing dislocation, defects, or the like. When the oxygen precipitate is on the surface on which a device is to be formed, the oxygen precipitate causes increase in leakage current, decrease of dielectric breakdown voltage of oxide films, and the like, and as a result, characteristics of a semiconductor device are remarkably degraded.
Conventionally, thermal annealing (RTA: rapid thermal annealing) with rapid heating at high-temperature of 1250° C. or higher for a short time and rapid cooling is carried out on silicon wafers in the predetermined atmosphere to form vacancies with high concentration in thermal equilibrium in the silicon wafer. Subsequently, since the silicon wafer is frozen by rapid cooling while vacancies are out-diffused on the surface by thermal annealing, a DZ layer (a non-defect layer) is uniformly formed (for example, as disclosed in WO 98/38675). After forming the DZ layer, thermal annealing at lower temperatures than the above temperature, which allows formation and stabilization of oxygen precipitated nuclei, is carried out in order to form a BMD layer which has a gettering effect as a defect layer in the silicon wafer.
Furthermore, as another conventional technique (for example, disclosed in WO 98/45507), thermal annealing in an oxygen atmosphere is carried out on the silicon wafer, and subsequently, the thermal annealing in a non-oxidizing atmosphere is carried out, to form a DZ layer near the surface and a BMD in the silicon wafer.
In the thermal annealing for forming vacancies, conventionally, N2 (nitrogen) has been mainly used as the atmosphere. Vacancies are injected into the silicon wafer by decomposing N2 at high temperature and forming SixNy (nitride film) on the surface of the silicon wafer.
However, using the above-described thermal annealing for silicon wafers cannot solve the following problems.
Conventionally, the thermal annealing for forming vacancies is carried out in the atmosphere mainly containing N2 after covering the surface of the silicon wafer with an oxide film. To obtain sufficient thermal annealing effects, thermal annealing at 1250° C. or higher for 10 seconds or more is necessary. As a result, slips are generated from parts being in contact with a susceptor, supporting pins, or the like, by the thermal annealing at high temperature in the silicon wafer. These slips may cause cracks or the like.
Furthermore, a natural oxide film is formed on the surface of the silicon wafer before thermal annealing. The natural oxide film on the surface of the silicon wafer sublimates during the above thermal annealing at high temperature, so that the surface of the silicon wafer becomes rough.

Production method for silicon wafers and silicon wafer


An apparatus for image conversion includes a processor configured to classify a reference region representing a predetermined feature into a shadowed region and an unshadowed region, the reference region being in an aerial image represented in RGB color space; determine a tone correction factor so that a difference between an average luminance of the shadowed region and an average luminance of the unshadowed region in the aerial image represented in predetermined color space to which the color space of the aerial image is converted from RGB color space is less than a difference between an average luminance of the shadowed region and an average luminance of the unshadowed region represented in RGB color space; correct tones of the aerial image with the tone correction factor; and convert the color space of the aerial image from RGB color space to the predetermined color space to generate a color conversion image.

A technique has been proposed to generate a map from an image representing a satellite or air photograph (see, e.g., Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-509441). For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-509441 discloses a method for displaying map information in which a display of areas representing a top view of a map detail in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional view is at least partially based on an aerial and/or satellite photograph.

Apparatus, method, and computer program for image conversion


A self-sealing male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer connector. The male Luer connector includes a housing having a distally-projecting tubular male body and a surrounding cuff interconnected by a proximal wall in which is formed at least one activation opening. A valve plug is slidably installed within the housing and formed with a distal end configured to sealingly engage the distal end of the male body's interior flow passage and with at least one activation arm at its proximal end configured to extend through the activation opening into the cavity formed between the male body and the cuff. An elastomeric device is sealingly configured within the activation opening about the activation arm to secure the valve plug in position and bias it distally. The proximal end of the male Luer connector may be configured as a conventional female connector, a blood collection device, or other such device.

The present invention generally relates to medical connectors used in conducting fluids and more specifically to self-sealing male Luer connectors.
The self-sealing Luer connectors presently known and used in the art are generally designed to be connected to a patient's intravenous ("IV") or gas sampling line, drug or solution source, or other medical device such that the connector's seal operates to trap all fluid on the side of the connector toward the patient in the case of an IV line or other device such as a fluid bag in the case of a fluid source. In the case of some connectors, the connector has an unsealed male Luer connector on one end that remains connected to the patient's IV line, fluid source or other device and a self-sealing female connector on the opposite free end of the connector through which a syringe or other such device may be engaged. In the case of other connectors, the connector does not have a separate male connector end but is instead a permanent part of the line or source.
In use, the syringe or other device having a male connector is connected to the female end of the connector to push or pull fluids through the connector, as when medications are dispensed within a patient's IV line. The syringe or other device is configured with a male Luer connector so as to engage the self-sealing female connector and cause the male Luer's central boss to contact the female Luer's seal membrane, opening the slit formed in the membrane and creating a fluid path through the connector. After the necessary fluids have been dispensed or withdrawn, the syringe is removed and the slit in the needle-free connector's seal membrane closes to reseal the female connector and trap all bodily fluids, including any just-dispensed medications, on the patient side of the connector.
Therefore, the bodily fluids are sealed off within the self-sealing Luer connector toward the patient and away from the care giver, preventing any escape of the fluids and protecting both the patient and the care giver from possible dangerous contamination. However, the free end of the syringe and any residual fluids remaining therein are unsealed and exposed. Rather than the self-sealing, needle-free connectors known in the art remaining attached to the syringe to trap any and all residual fluids within the syringe, they remain on the destination or source connector to trap all residual fluids there instead.
While these prior art self-sealing, needle-free Luer connectors generally adequately serve their intended purpose of providing a sealed, needle-free connection that remains on a patient interface or the like and allows for the connection of a syringe or other such device to dispense or extract fluids, it is clear that these connectors are not designed to remain on and seal off the syringe itself before and after use and are not used for such a purpose. Moreover, while this function is not necessarily required in the typical drug dispensing application, there are other applications in which the fluid being dispensed from or drawn into the syringe must itself be at all times sealed off and exposure to such fluid by a care giver or patient prevented or at least minimized. For this purpose, a different self-sealing, needle-free Luer connector design is necessary.
Specifically, in the area of nuclear medicine where radioactive isotopes are administered to patients, it is critical that exposure to the isotopes be minimized for the safety of both the care giver and the patient. Yet, with the existing connectors known and used in the art, the isotope may be sealed off while still in its vial or other container prior to administration and may be sealed off on the patient side by the typical self-sealing, needle-free connector after administration, as discussed above, but the syringe or other device used to transfer the isotope from its container to the patient during administration is unsealed and allows exposure to the isotope.
Similarly, in collecting blood from a patient, the typical blood collection device known and used in the art has on one end an unsealed male Luer connector for attaching to the conventional female Luer connector on a patient's IV line. On the device's opposite end there is configured a needle having a resilient sleeve and surrounded by an elongate tubular shield. In use, the blood collection device's male Luer connector is connected to the IV line's female Luer connector, which starts the flow of blood through the connectors and into the needle. The sleeve covering the needle prevents the unwanted escape of any blood until a vacuum blood collection tube is inserted into the blood collection device's tubular shield. The collection tube is formed at its free end with a rubber stopper or septum that, upon insertion into the shield, pushes back the resilient sleeve covering the needle while the needle itself penetrates the septum and enters the tube, allowing the flow of blood through the blood collection device and into the vacuum collection tube. When the desired quantity of blood has been collected, the collection tube is removed from the device, allowing the resilient sleeve to expand back over the needle in covering relationship and to, again, prevent the further flow of blood from the patient through the connectors. As such, the blood collection device remains connected to the IV line and thereby seals off any residual blood remaining therein.
However, it is likely that at some point it will be desirable to remove the blood collection device from the IV line female connector, as when medicines are to be administered through the connector as discussed above. In this case, because the male Luer connector end of the conventional blood collection device is not self-sealing, the residual blood within the device will then be exposed to the care giver and others at the male Luer end when the device is disconnected. Moreover, there are other blood collection applications known in the art in which it is desirable to be able to leave the vacuum collection tube connected to the blood collection device, or even have the collection tube permanently mounted in the device, in which case, after the required quantity of blood has been collected, the male Luer connector end of the blood collection device must be disconnected from the female Luer connector of the patient's IV line. Again, with the typical blood collection device, this presents a hazard to the care giver, as the collection device's male Luer is unsealed and disconnection may expose the care giver to blood remaining within the device.
Yet a further example is in the oncology area where certain drugs have great beneficial effect when confined to the circulatory system of a patient, yet are harmful to the skin or other tissue of a patient. Such drugs must be carefully controlled so that they do not reach tissues that may be harmed. Transferring such drugs from one container to another or to the patient's fluid line can be hazardous if seals are not present.
Hence, those skilled in the art have recognized a need for a self-sealing male connector that may be connected to a syringe or other such device or formed on a blood collection device to seal off residual fluids therein before and after connection to a female connector. The present invention fulfills this need and others.

Self-sealing male Luer connector with biased valve plug


Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for enabling improved cancellation of self-interference in full-duplex communications, or the transmitting and receiving of communications in a single frequency band without requiring time, frequency, or code divisions. The system estimates the signal strength and phase of a self-interference signal, generates a cancellation signal based on this estimate, then uses the cancellation signal to suppress the self-interference before sampling received analog signal. After applying the cancellation signal, the system samples and digitizes the remaining analog signal. The digitized signal is then subjected to additional digital cancellation, allowing for extraction of the desired signal.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to full duplex communications and more specifically to cancelling transmission interference in full duplex communications.
2. Introduction
Currently deployed wireless communications systems cannot transmit and receive on the same frequency at the same time, i.e., networks do not operate in a full-duplex fashion. As a result, networks are either time-division duplex (e.g., WiFi) or frequency-division duplex (e.g., cellular). The challenge in achieving true full-duplex communication is a large power differential between the "self-interference" created by a node's own radio transmission and the signal of interest. This large power differential exists because the self-interference signal has to travel much shorter distances compared to the signal of interest. The large power differential swamps the signal of interest due to finite resolution of analog-to-digital conversion.
Previous efforts to suppress self-interference have reported success for only very short range line-of-sight (LOS) channels, none more than 8 meters, like those encountered in personal area networks such as Bluetooth and Zigbee. Such small range abilities continue to remain the bottleneck for including full-duplex in practical wireless networks. By overcoming the limitations associated with previous solution, full-duplex communications can extend communication range while increasing bandwidth.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

System and method for full duplex cancellation