The present invention is directed to bidirectional promoter complexes that are effective for enhancing transcriptional activity of transgenes. The bidirectional promoters of the invention include a modified enhancer region with at least two core promoters on either side of the modified enhancer in a divergent orientation.

Gene expression is composed of several major processes, including transcription, translation and protein processing. Among these processes, transcription not only dictates the precise copying of DNA into mRNA but also provides sophisticated mechanisms for the control of gene expression. There are a number of fundamental steps involved in transcription: promoter recognition and binding by transcription factors and RNA polymerase components, nascent RNA chain initiation, RNA transcript elongation, and RNA transcript termination (Uptain et al., Ann. Rev. Biochem. 66:117–172 (1997)). Promoters are an essential component for transcription, effecting transcription both quantitatively and qualitatively. A promoter contains numerous DNA motifs or cis-elements that can serve as recognition signals and binding sites for transcription factors. Working together with transcription factors, these cis-elements can function as architectural elements or anchoring points for achieving promoter geometry (Perez-Martin et al., Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 51:593–628 (1997)).
Numerous promoters have been isolated from a wide variety of organisms ranging from viruses to animals. They have become the subjects of intensive studies in efforts to characterize their molecular organization and the basic mechanisms regulating transcriptional control of gene expression. In recent years, a number of well-characterized promoters have been successfully adopted for use in the genetic transformation of plants. These promoters control transgene expression in transgenic plants and have been used in efforts to improve agronomic performance and to incorporate value-added features. However, in spite of the availability of these promoters, there is currently a shortage of promoters for use in genetic transformation research with plants. In most instances, use of existing plant promoters isolated from a specific species to effect transformation in a different species results in reduced promoter activity and/or altered patterns of gene expression, reflecting the variation of genetic background between different species (Ellis et al., EMBO J. 6:11–16 (1987); Miao et al., Plant Cell 3:11–22 (1991)). Recently, a constitutive actin gene promoter isolated from Arabidopsis (An et al., Plant J. 10:107–121 (1996)) failed to support desired levels of transgene expression in grape cells. To date, the promoter most commonly used to effect transformation in crop plants is the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV 35S) promoter and its derivatives (Sanfacon, Can. J. Bot. 70:885–899 (1992)). The CaMV 35S promoter was originally isolated from a plant virus.
Successful genetic transformation of plants frequently requires the use of more than one promoter to adequately drive expression of multiple transgenes. For instance, at least three promoters are normally needed in order to express a selectable marker gene, a reporter marker gene and a target gene of interest. Multiple promoters are required because almost all the mRNAs in eukaryotes are monocistronic (single polypeptide-encoding transcript). Hence, expression of complex traits controlled by more than a single target gene in plants has been thought to require the use of additional promoters.
Recent studies have showed that foreign DNA integrated into the plant genome can be recognized by host factors and that the foreign DNA may be subsequently subjected to modifications that lead to transgene silencing. Mechanisms involved in this process include; DNA methylation, chromatin structural modification and post-transcriptional mRNA degradation (Kumpatla et al., TIBS 3:97–104 (1998)). In general, foreign DNA containing repeated sequences, including sequences homologous to host DNA, is more prone to gene silencing modifications (Selker, Cell 97:157–160 (1999)). Accordingly, the repeated use of the same promoter in transformation vector may increase the probability of gene silencing and unstable transgene expression in transgenic plants. As more transgenic crop plants are developed for release to the farmers, transgene silencing is likely to become a major concern. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new promoters that will efficiently drive transgene expression, especially in transgenic plants.
Over the years, several strategies have been adopted for use to improve the performance of various promoters. These strategies can be classified into two categories, namely 1) modification of homologous promoters and 2) construction of heterologous promoters.
Modification of homologous promoters is accomplished by manipulating the enhancer region of a particular promoter in an effort to achieve higher transcriptional activity without altering existing expression patterns. Kay et al. (Science 236:1299–1302 (1987) first demonstrated that approximately ten-fold higher transcriptional activity was achieved by tandem duplication of 250 base pairs of the upstream enhancer region of the CaMV 35S promoter, as compared to the transcriptional activity of the natural promoter. Mitsuhara et al. (Plant Cell Physiol. 37:49–59 (1996)) further showed that other forms of tandem repeats of the upstream enhancer region of the CaMV 35S promoter were also capable of producing 10 to 50 fold higher levels of transgene expression in rice and tobacco without altering the constitutive expression pattern of the promoter.
Modification of promoters using heterologous enhancer sequences is also commonly practiced to achieve higher transcriptional activity and desired expression patterns. For example, a CaMV 35S promoter upstream enhancer fragment was fused to the nopaline synthase promoter (NOS) and the resulting fusion promoter reportedly increased the transcriptional activity, as compared to the weaker NOS promoter (Odell, et al. PMB 10:263–272 (1988)). The upstream enhancer regions of the CaMV 35S promoter and the octopine synthase promoter were used to fuse with the maize Adhl promoter to enhance transcription activity, while retaining the anaerobic regulation pattern of the Adhl promoter (Ellis et al. EMBO J.6:11–16 (1987) and 6:3203–3208 (1987)). The achievement of transcriptional enhancement by using heterologous enhancers is primarily attributable to the unique characteristics of enhancers, which could exert its functions to regulate transcriptional activity in an orientation- and position-independent fashion.

Bi-directional dual promoter complex with enhanced promoter activity for transgene expression in eukaryotes


A method and system for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) processes per transmission time interval (TTI) are disclosed. A transmitter and a receiver include a plurality of H-ARQ processes to transmit and receive multiple transport blocks (TBs) simultaneously per TTI. The transmitter generates a plurality of TBs and assigns the TBs to multiple H-ARQ processes. The transmitter sends control information for the TBs and H-ARQ processes associated with the TBs to the receiver. The transmitter then sends the TBs using multiple H-ARQ processes simultaneously per TTI. After receiving the TBs, the receiver sends feedback to each of the TBs indicating successful or unsuccessful receipt of each of the TBs to the transmitter. The control information and the feedback may be sent via a layer 1 or layer 2/3 control part.

The third generation partnership project (3GPP) is currently considering a long term evolution (LTE) of the 3GPP to provide a new radio access network for a high-data-rate, low-latency, packet-optimized, improved system with high capacity and better coverage. The LTE is an evolution of the radio interface, (i.e., evolved universal terrestrial radio access (UTRA)), and the radio network architecture, (i.e., evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN)). Currently, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) and single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) are proposed as air interface technologies to be used in the downlink and uplink transmissions respectively.
Meanwhile, 3GPP high speed packet access evolution (HSPA+) is also being proposed to improve the 3GPP radio access network capacity and coverage. In HSPA+, an evolution of the radio interface and the radio network architecture is being considered. In HSPA+, the air interface technology will still be based on code division multiple access (CDMA), but with a more efficient physical layer architecture including independent channelization codes, (distinguished with respect to channel quality), and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO).
H-ARQ has been adopted by several wireless communication standards including 3GPP and 3GPP2. Besides the radio link control (RLC) layer's automatic repeat request (ARQ) function, H-ARQ provides improved throughput and performance with respect to link adaptation errors and rate control. Asynchronous H-ARQ is used in high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) and synchronous H-ARQ is used in high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA).
The conventional H-ARQ scheme is a single H-ARQ scheme in which a transmitter transmits only one transport block (TB) per TTI via one H-ARQ process. With the introduction of physical resource dependent link adaptation mechanism in LTE or HSPA+, the conventional H-ARQ signaling mechanism, (i.e., signaling mechanism for single H-ARQ), is not sufficient for transmitting multiple TBs per TTI via multiple H-ARQ processes.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method and system for supporting multiple H-ARQ processes for transmitting multiple TBs simultaneously per TTI.

Method and system for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request processes per transmission time interval


A subpixel interpolator includes an input memory capable of storing video information formed from full pixels. The subpixel interpolator also includes at least one interpolation unit capable of performing subpixel interpolation to generate half-pixels and quarter-pixels in parallel. Multiple half-pixels and multiple quarter-pixels are generated concurrently during the subpixel interpolation. In addition, the subpixel interpolator includes an output memory capable of storing at least some of the full pixels, half-pixels, and quarter-pixels. In some embodiments, the at least one interpolation unit includes a horizontal half-pixel interpolation unit, two vertical half-pixel interpolation units, and a quarter-pixel interpolation unit, all of which may operate in parallel. In particular embodiments, the interpolation units are formed from adders and shifters and do not include any multipliers.

Image compression systems are becoming more and more useful in various applications. For example, video compression is often used to compress video information for storage on a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). As another example, video compression is often used during real-time streaming of video information over a network or communication channel, such as the Internet, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) system, multimedia services over packet networks (MSPN), and cable television (CATV) networks. In addition, video compression is used in many other applications, such as computer games, video games, videoconferencing systems, videophones, interactive storage media (ISM), and remote video surveillance (RVS) systems.
Several video compression standards have been developed in the last two decades. One of the latest standards is the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunications (ITU-T) H.264 standard. The H.264 standard is also known as Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or Moving Picture Experts Group 4 (MPEG-4) Part 10. The H.264 standard provides many benefits over previous standards, including improved rate distortion and lower bit rates. Among its features, the H.264 standard supports subpixel motion compensation.
Subpixel motion compensation is often computationally complex and computationally intensive. Because of this, the use of subpixel motion compensation, as part of the H.264 standard or other standard, often requires large amounts of processing time and resources. As a result, its use typically slows the performance of video compression and/or decompression systems.

Method and system for fast implementation of subpixel interpolation


A manual actuator is attached to a conventional gate valve commonly used in the drainage line of a recreational vehicle. The actuator includes a handle which turns through an arcuate slot moving a link member around the slot in such a manner as to open or close the valve.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention herein pertains to a gate valve actuator and particularly to an actuator for manually opening the gate valve on a drainage pipe of a recreational vehicle (RV).
2. Description of the Prior Art and Objectives of the Invention
Manual gate valve actuators such as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,455,190 are standard, but are cumbersome to build and difficult to attach properly to drainage pipes on RV's. Also, under adverse conditions the linkages may bind, or fail to operate properly. In prior devices with multiple links connecting the support member to the valve stem, it has been difficult to hold each link in place as the coupling was connected to the valve stem. Parts could tarnish or corrode, making movement between such parts difficult and uneven. Likewise, standard manual gate valve actuators utilized many components and manufacturing steps.
Thus, with the problems associated with prior art gate valve actuators, the present invention was conceived and it is an object herein to provide an improved actuator which eliminates the need for excess couplings for attachment to the gate valve.
It is a further object of this invention to create an actuator from molded plastic requiring fewer manufacturing steps.
It is another object of this invention to make a gate valve actuator which is relatively low in cost to produce so that such savings may be passed on to the consumer.
It is a further object of this invention to make a gate valve actuator which has a smooth action so that relatively little manual strength is required to open a gate valve.
It is still a further object of this invention to make a gate valve actuator which is long lasting despite the harsh road and weather conditions to which it may be exposed.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as a more detailed analysis of the illustrations is undertaken below.


A variable vane includes a variable vane body that has an airfoil portion. The variable vane body is formed of a first material. A trunnion is attached at one end of the variable vane body. The trunnion includes a pivot formed of a second, different material.

This disclosure relates to a multi-material variable vane for use in a turbomachine.
Turbomachines typically include a compressor section, a combustor section and turbine section. An aircraft turbomachine can additionally include the fan section for propulsion. Airfoil arrays in the compressor section rotate to compress the air, which is then mixed with fuel and combusted in the combustor section. The combustion products are expanded over the turbine section to rotationally drive airfoil arrays in the turbine section. The rotation of turbine section drives rotation of the fan, if used, and compressor section.
Some turbomachines, such as gas turbine engines, include variable vanes that can be pivoted about their individual axes to influence how airflow moves through the turbomachine. For example, the first few stages of the compressor section may include variable vanes stages. Typically, the variable vanes are robustly designed to handle the stress loads that are applied to change the position of the vanes.

Variable vane having body formed of first material and trunnion formed of second material


A work vehicle includes a multiple mode operational system having a work system such as a linkage and associated hydraulic cylinders of a backhoe, a braking system and a multiple mode control system. The multiple mode control system includes a central controller, a mode toggle switch and a work system control device such as an electromechanical joystick. The central controller is capable of entering at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the central controller manipulates the work system based on signals received from the work system control device. In the second operational mode, the central controller controls the braking system based on signals received from the work system control device.

In most conventional loader backhoes, the vehicle is positioned for backhoe work operations and operations are begun. Any subsequent movement of the vehicle to, for example, make fine adjustments as the backhoe operation progresses will, generally, require the operator to disengage the backhoe equipment and manipulate the position of the vehicle through the steering, propulsion and braking systems via the steering wheel, the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, respectively. Such an adjustment method requires the operator to actually turn his seat away from the backhoe operations.

Multiple mode operational system for work vehicle braking


An exemplary liquid crystal display (200) has a liquid crystal panel (240); a gate driving circuit (230) configured for scanning the liquid crystal panel; a data driving circuit (220) configured for providing a plurality of gradation voltages to the liquid crystal panel; a photo sensor (241) configured for measuring a luminance of ambient light and generating a corresponding optical signal; a luminance control circuit (231) for receiving the optical signal from the photo sensor and transferring the optical signal to a measurement signal; a timing control circuit (210) configured for controlling the gate driving circuit and the data driving circuit; and a backlight circuit (270) for driving a light source to emit light beams for illuminating the liquid crystal panel, according to the measurement signal from the luminance control circuit.

An active matrix LCD device has the advantages of portability, low power consumption, and low radiation, and has been widely used in various portable information products such as notebooks, personal digital assistants (PDAs), video cameras and the like. Furthermore, the active matrix LCD device is considered by many to have the potential to completely replace CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and televisions.
FIG. 4 is an abbreviated block diagram of certain parts of a typical active matrix LCD. The LCD 100 includes a liquid crystal (LC) panel 140, a gate driving circuit 130, a data driving circuit 120, and a timing control circuit 110, a power supply 150, and a backlight circuit 170. The backlight circuit 170 drives a light source to emit light beams for illuminating the LC panel 140. The timing control circuit 110 is used to control the gate driving circuit 130 and the data driving circuit 120. The gate driving circuit 130 provides a plurality of scanning signals to the LC panel 140. The data driving circuit 120 provides a plurality of gradation voltages to the LC panel 140 when the LC panel 140 is scanned.
However, the LCD 100 can not automatically adjust the brightness when the ambient brightness is changed. Thus a user may find that his or her eyes easily become tired.
What is needed, therefore, is an LCD that can overcome the above-described deficiency.

Liquid crystal display having a light sensor and driving method thereof for adjusting luminance according to that of ambient light


A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine includes a main fuel pump supplying fuel to a fuel-metering device. The operational flow range of the fuel system is dependent on a minimum net positive suction pressure at the main pump inlet required to prevent pump cavitation. A mixture of fuel and dissolved gases increases the minimum net positive suction pressure required to prevent cavitation. A fuel de-aerator including a permeable membrane removes dissolved gases from the fuel to eliminate formation of dissolved gases. The elimination of dissolved gases from within the liquid fuel reduces the required net positive suction pressure, enabling a greater operational flow range.

This invention generally relates to a fuel delivery system for an aircraft turbine engine, and specifically to a fuel delivery system including a fuel de-aerator for removing dissolved gasses within fuel prior to entering a main fuel pump.
A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine typically includes a tank boost pump that pumps fuel from a fuel tank to a two-stage main fuel pump. The main fuel pump typically includes a centrifugal stage and a positive displacement stage. In most applications, the main fuel pump and tank boost pump are driven by an engine drive shaft. The main fuel pump centrifugal stage supplies necessary pressure to the inlet of a positive displacement gear stage. Pressure at the inlet of the gear stage is required to fill the cavities of the gear pump with fuel as the gears rotate. Gears rotate at a constant rotational speed to provide a constant flow of fuel to a fuel-metering device. The fuel-metering device receives flow from the main fuel pump at a constant rate independent of system backpressure. The fuel-metering device controls the flow rate of the fuel that is delivered to the engine. At lower flow rates the excess fuel flow at the fuel-metering device is bypassed back to the gear pump inlet.
The fuel system for the turbine engine is limited by the range of fuel flow rates that are capable of supplying a net positive suction pressure required in the centrifugal stage of the main fuel pump. The net positive suction pressure defines the minimum total pressure required at the pump inlet for the pump to operate without cavitating. Cavitation results when the pressure along the pump vane drops low enough for dissolved gases to form vapor bubbles. The pressure increases as the fluid flows along the pump vane causing the vapor bubbles to collapse. Cavitation in the pump is not desirable because the collapsing vapor bubbles can cause excessive noise and vibration at the main fuel pump. De-aerating the fuel delays the onset of cavitation, thereby increasing the range of fuel flows that can be delivered by a fuel system to a gas turbine engine without altering the design of the fuel pump.
Fuel stored in the fuel storage tank is in direct contact with air and accumulates a quantity of dissolved gases that are mostly oxygen and nitrogen. Static pressure of the fuel is reduced as the fuel flows through the system causing dissolved gases to be released from the fuel forming vapors that flow along with the liquid fuel. Disadvantageously, dissolved gases within the liquid fuel increase the net positive suction pressure required at the main pump inlet.
Accordingly it is desirable to design a fuel delivery system that includes a device for removing gases from fuel prior to entering the main pump inlet to reduce the required net positive suction pressure thereby suppressing cavitation and increase the range of operable fuel flow rates.

Extended operability aircraft fuel delivery system


A method to manage the power consumption of a display unit is provided. The method determines if a graphics-intensive event is occurring, uses a first refresh rate if the graphics-intensive event is occurring, and uses a second refresh rate different than the first refresh rate if the graphics-intensive event is not occurring. An apparatus for performing the method, and an article including a machine-accessible medium that provides instructions that, if executed by a processor, will cause the processor to perform the method are also provided.

Originally, computers were rather elaborate constructions, the earliest of which took several rooms to house. Over time, the size of the computer was reduced dramatically, such that a computer capable of being placed on a desktop became commonplace.
Additional developments led to further reductions in the size of the computer, leading to computing devices having greater mobility and portability. In particular, a new type of portable computing device, commonly referred to as a laptop, was developed, together with a host of other portable computing devices, such as the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), the mobile telephone and the like.
However, mobility and portability comes at a cost. Lacking a connection to an external power source, portable computing devices require an on-board power source, typically in form of one or more batteries. While such batteries are usually rechargeable, there is a finite limit on the amount of time that a portable computing device may be used between charging events.
As a consequence, power consumption is a very important consideration in the design of portable computing devices. Power consumption is also an important operational consideration, and the use of power management utilities and screensavers has become commonplace in laptop computers.

Method, apparatus and article for display unit power management


A fluorescent lamp system is provided that facilitates high-brightness in a compact size needed for liquid crystal displays. The fluorescent lamp system comprises a lamp having a plurality of interdigitated legs arranged in multiple planes. By arranging the interdigitated legs in multiple planes, the lamp system efficiently fills the available space, thus maximizing the lamp surface area in general, and the lamp surface area oriented toward the display in particular, all while maintaining relatively small overall dimensions. The lamp system is thus able to provide the high-brightness needed for displays in a compact size.

Various types of optical displays are commonly used in a wide variety of applications. Included among these various types of displays Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs). LCDs are typically direct view displays or projection displays. In the direct view approach the image is created and viewed directly on the LCD with a light source opposite the view side. In the projection approach, this LCD image is projected through an optical lens system on to a screen. In the case of a rear projection TV the image is projected on to a diffuse screen. In the case of a Head Up Display (HUD), the image is projected on a partially reflective screen.
One important performance parameter in projection displays in general, and HUDs in specific, is the range of luminance that can be provided by a projection display. In many applications it is critical that a display make information clearly visible in a wide variety of ambient light conditions. For example, a display used in an avionics system will need to display information to the pilot under lighting conditions that can range from near total blackness to the extreme glare created by facing directly into daytime sunlight. Thus, a display used in an avionics system must have the ability to provide a high brightness image. Without a sufficiently high brightness, a viewer of the display may be unable to easily read information from the display in high ambient light conditions. An additional challenge for the HUD type displays is the image is only partially reflected on a see-through screen. This partial reflection maybe only 15% of the projected image, hence placing higher brightness requirements on the display backlight.
To achieve high brightness is projection displays previous systems have relied upon high energy lamps such as high pressure arc lamps. While high pressure arc lamps provide high brightness, they can also generate significant heat. This heat must be dissipated away from components or it can interfere with their reliable operation. To dissipate this heat, significant area may be required to provide heat sinks or another heat transfer path away from critical components. Additionally, high pressure arc lamps may have increased explosion potential when seals rupture and have difficulty in dimming over a wide range. Thus, the use of high pressure arc lamps can be undesirable where the size of the display is limited, and where reliability and safety is a primary concern
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved lamp system that can provide high luminance output in a compact size for use in LCD displays. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

Compact high-brightness fluorescent lamp system


Efficient and low-latency cueing means for initiating and updating a process of signal detection and separation in a wideband receiver. The method uses an array of IIR filters that feed an inverted state tree. The inverted state tree provides the directions for separating, detecting, and tracking multiple simultaneous signals that are being received. These signals could be either radar or communications signals and are of widely differing frequencies, bandwidths, and other characteristics. The directions are sent by the cueing system to a set of tunable tracking filters and continuously updated so that the set of tracking filters produce noise-reduced, separated signals on their outputs representing the various simultaneous incoming signals.

The technology disclosed herein generally relates to methods and apparatus for detecting and classifying repetitive signals and, in particular, relates to signal detection, separation, and tracking of repetitive signals in a wideband receiver.
A receiver system is any system configured to receive and process electromagnetic radiation to identify information carried by the electromagnetic radiation. Typically, a receiver system includes a transducer and a receiver. The transducers used in a receiver system are typically configured to convert received electromagnetic radiation into an analog electrical signal (e.g., antennas). A receiver processes the analog electrical signal generated by the transducer to obtain information about an unknown signal carried by the electromagnetic radiation.
Oftentimes, electromagnetic radiation is used to carry repetitive signals. A repetitive signal is a signal that has a time period over which some aspect of the signal repeats. Repetitive signals are used in timing, synchronization, radar, sonar, and other operations. For example, the characteristics of a repetitive signal may be used to synchronize two or more devices.
In some situations, a receiver system may receive electromagnetic radiation carrying an unknown repetitive signal, but may be unable to identify desired information about the repetitive signal. For example, the receiver system may be unable to detect and/or classify the repetitive signal. Classifying a repetitive signal may include estimating the frequency and bandwidth of the repetitive signal.
Some wideband receivers employ a signal cueing system that initiates signal detection, separation, and tracking. Here cueing means detecting and processing received signals to provide information that can help with signal separation and tracking. Previous cueing solutions either scan for signals or use fixed channels with chosen fixed bandwidths. In the first case, the latency can be very long before a signal is found; and in the second case, the channels are typically not matched to the bandwidths of each incoming signal so that detection/separation has suboptimal reliable and poor quality.

Signal cueing using an IIR filter array with inverted state tree


An image capturing device comprises an audio transducer, a processor, and a memory. The memory receives an audio signal produced by the audio transducer and gated by the processor. The memory includes an audio buffer capable of continuously accumulating the audio signal until the buffer becomes full, and thereafter storing a predetermined time amount of the most recent audio signal. The memory further includes one or more audio storage cells capable of storing at least a portion of the audio signal held in the audio buffer. The processor is capable of storing at least a portion of the audio signal from the audio buffer into an audio storage cell of the one or more audio storage cells.

Still image capturing devices are used to visually memorialize scenes, events, or items. Still image capturing devices, such as cameras, include a lens, a shutter, and either a photosensitive film or an electronic image sensor. In addition, most modern cameras include a processor and/or other control electronics that function to control shutter speed, aperture, flash, focus, etc.
It has become increasingly common in image capturing devices to also capture a small audio sequence associated with an image. By capturing audio along with an image, an image capturing device may preserve voices, music, laughter, etc. to enhance the enjoyment of a captured image. This may be very desirable to the user of the image capturing device. In addition, an audio recording may be easily and efficiently used to record data about the captured image, such as date, occasion, people in the image, etc.
In the prior art, an image capturing device typically included audio apparatus that is triggered upon an image capture, i.e., upon a press of a shutter button or upon some other manual input by the user. Therefore, in order to capture audio according to the prior art, the user must press a button and generally gets a fixed audio recording captured over a fixed time period. Often, a separate button is provided to perform audio recording. Recording continues as long as the button is pressed (subject to a time limit), but this can only be done after the image is captured.
The audio capture according to the prior art has several drawbacks. It is either linked to an image capture or is dependent on foresight and preparation by the user. In the prior art approach the user must enable the audio capture at a desired time. This is unfortunate, as a sound may trigger a desire to capture an image (and the associated audio). For example, a child's laugh may trigger a desire to capture both an image and the laugh. This is not possible in the prior art.
Therefore, there remains a need in the art for improvements in image capturing devices with audio capture capability.

Continuous audio capture in an image capturing device

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


A torque limiter for a drive train includes a rotational axis extending in an axial direction, a drive side, an output side, a first friction surface on a one of the drive side or the output side, a second friction surface on the other of the drive side or the output side, and a friction lining. The friction lining has a first material with a first friction coefficient facing the first friction surface and a second material with a second friction coefficient, different from the first friction coefficient, facing the second friction surface. The friction lining is under a preload acting in the axial direction, torque-transmissively connects the output side to the drive side until a limit torque is reached, and is arranged to slip on the first friction surface when the limit torque is exceeded.

In known torque limiters, the friction linings are fixed to one of the drive side and output side via form-fit connections in the circumferential direction between the friction surface and the friction lining (e.g. by riveting or by intermeshing profiling). Alternatively, the friction lining is connected to the friction surface via substance bonding with an adhesive.
This form-fit or substance-bonded fixing of the friction lining to one of the friction surfaces, however, requires increased assembly or production complexity and leads to higher costs.


A computer system includes a first communication unit which communicates with an authentication module storing preset first authentication information, a second communication unit which is connected with a server through a network, the server storing preset second authentication information, a main board unit which implements a preset first operation of a computer, and a controller which receives the first authentication information from the authentication module through the first communication unit, receives the second authentication information corresponding to the first authentication information from the server through the second communication unit, and controls the main board unit to block implementation of the first operation when at least one of the first authentication information and the second authentication information is not received.

1. Field of the Invention
Apparatuses consistent with the exemplary embodiments relate to a computer system connected to a server through a network and a method of controlling a computer, and more particularly, to a computer system having an improved authentication structure for security when a computer is used, and a method of controlling a computer.
2. Description of the Related Art
A computer includes a central processing unit (CPU) to carry out the instructions of a computer program, a memory to store data, and a main board on which option boards corresponding to various functions to assist the CPU are mounted, such as a graphic card, and implements various applications desired by a user in a software operating system (OS). The computer may be configured as various forms, for example a desktop, a laptop, and a pad for ordinary people.
Developments in technology enable a computer to become smaller and light, and thus there are an increasing number of computers easily carried by users. However, as computers having enhanced portability increase, there is a demand for measures to prevent a computer theft, A computer generally stores user's private or important data. An efficient measure for security is preventing an unauthorized person, other than a user, from accessing the data stored in the computer when the computer is stolen.
Conventionally, when an authentication module storing authentication information about a user is mounted on the computer, the computer locked is released to use the computer. However, when the computer is stolen with the authentication module being mounted on the computer, an unauthorized person, other than a user, accesses data stored in the computer without any limitation.

Computer system and method of controlling computer


A method for forming, on a surface of a thinned-down semiconductor substrate, a contact connected to a metal track of an interconnect stack formed on the opposite surface of the thinned-down substrate, including the steps of: forming, on the side of a first surface of a substrate, an insulating region penetrating into the substrate and coated with a conductive region and with an insulating layer crossed by conductive vias, the vias connecting a metal track of the interconnect stack to the conductive region; gluing the external surface of the interconnect stack on a support and thinning down the substrate; etching the external surface of the thinned-down substrate and stopping on the insulating region; etching the insulating region and stopping on the conductive region; and filling the etched opening with a metal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to back-lit image sensors and, more specifically, to a method for establishing a contact, from the rear surface, with a metal track formed on the front surface of a back-lit image capture device.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
In back-lit image sensors, photodiodes and transfer transistors are formed on the front surface of a substrate and an interconnect stack comprising many vias and metal track levels is formed on the front surface of the substrate to connected the photodetection elements together in adapted fashion. A support is attached to the interconnect stack and the substrate is thinned down to enable a lighting of the photodiodes from the rear surface, through the thinned-down substrate.
To connect a metal track formed in the interconnect stack to an element external to the circuit, it is generally provided to contact the metal track from the rear surface of the circuit, through the thinned-down substrate and next to the photodetection areas. Indeed, it would be difficult to contact the front surface of the device due to the thickness of the support on which the interconnect stack is attached.
Many methods have been suggested to contact a metal track present in the interconnect stack from the rear surface of the circuit. However, these methods have several disadvantages. First, they generally provide a succession of several etch steps, which necessitates the forming of several masks. The implementation of such methods is thus relatively long. Further, some at least of the known methods imply the stopping of at least one of the etchings directly on the metal layer of the interconnect stack which is closest to the substrate, which poses problems of corrosion of the material forming this track.

Method of making connections in a back-lit circuit


An on-premise software application (“OPA”) is communicated with according to an action received from outside a firewall. The action concerns user account information maintained by the OPA. The OPA is installed on a device located inside the firewall. The action is received from a management server located outside the firewall. The action includes a portion that adheres to a standardized format. An OPA interface request is generated based on the action. The OPA interface request includes the standardized portion. The OPA interface request is sent to an agent/OPA interface.

1. Technical Field
This application generally relates to the field of user account information and, in particular, to an extensible framework for communicating over a firewall with a software application regarding its user accounts.
2. Background Information
A software application that requires a person to log in to an account maintains information regarding each account. Assuming that each person has a separate account, this account information (sometimes referred to as a "user profile") includes, for example, the person's user name, the person's password (or other authentication information), the person's real name, the person's email address, groups of which the person's account is a member, permissions or settings associated with the person's account, and past activity of the person's account. The account information is accessed to manage the accounts, such as provisioning (e.g., creating or activating) an account, deprovisioning (e.g., deactivating or deleting) an account, modifying a user profile, and performing a mass user import (e.g., provisioning many accounts for many different people in a batch process). The account information is also accessed to perform delegated authentication. For example, a user name and password provided by a user can be sent to the application, and the application can determine whether the user name and password are valid (e.g., whether they match a particular user profile).
A particular corporate device user (e.g., an employee, customer, partner, or contractor) often makes use of several software applications, each of which requires a user to log in to an account. Usage of multiple applications by the same user often requires multiple accounts, leading to a proliferation of user accounts and user profiles. As mentioned above, account information is accessed to manage the accounts and to perform delegated authentication. Often, each software application offers a different interface (e.g., a different application programming interface (API)) for accessing its account information. Communicating with several different applications regarding their account information using the various interfaces is very time-consuming for a company's Information Technology (IT) department.
One solution is to use a third-party service to communicate with the software applications regarding their account information. However, it can be a security risk to allow a machine located outside the company's firewall (executing the third-party service) to communicate with a machine located inside the company's firewall (executing an on-premise application). Also, the machine located outside the company's firewall (executing the third-party service) still needs to use different interfaces to communicate with different on-premise applications.

Extensible framework for communicating over a firewall with a software application regarding a user account


A semiconductor device includes: a base substrate; a semiconductor chip formed on the base substrate in such a manner that an adhesive layer is interposed between the semiconductor chip and the base substrate; a resin layer covering at least a portion of the semiconductor chip; and an external connection terminal electrically connected to the base substrate via a wiring layer. The external connection terminal is in the same plane as the surface of the resin layer, and is exposed from the resin layer. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a semiconductor device of a lower stage, and a stacked semiconductor device, each of which is high in connection reliability in a case of stacking plural semiconductor devices, no matter if a connection terminal of a semiconductor device stacked on an upper stage is low.

Smaller and lighter electronic devices having more advanced functions have been developed. Under such circumstances, it is required that semiconductor devices be more densely packaged. In response to such a requirement, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publications No. 135267/1998 (Tokukaihei 10-135267; published on May 22, 1998) and No. 172157/2004 (Tokukai 2004-172157; Published on Jun. 17, 2004) suggest a method which allows higher density packaging of semiconductor devices by stacking the semiconductor devices.
Incidentally, in stacking of the semiconductor devices having a conventional configuration, a relationship between (i) a height of a connecting terminal of an upper semiconductor device and (ii) a height of sealing resin of a lower semiconductor device is important.
The following describes about this point, with reference to FIG. 15 to FIG. 17. FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view illustrating a stack of two conventional semiconductor devices.
In FIG. 15, a semiconductor device 200 is stacked on a semiconductor device 100. Of the two semiconductor devices, the semiconductor device 100 includes: a base substrate 101; a semiconductor chip 103 mounted on the base substrate 101; external connection terminals 107 provided on a bottom surface of the base substrate 101; and external connection terminals 108 provided on an upper surface of the base substrate 101. The semiconductor chip 103 and the base substrate 101 are electrically connected with each other via a wire 104. Further, the semiconductor chip 103 and the wire 104 are covered with a resin layer 106. On the other hand, a region, of the base substrate 101, where the external connection terminals 108 are provided is not covered by the resin layer 106, and is exposed.
The semiconductor device 200 has the same configuration as that of the semiconductor device 100, except in that a resin layer 106 covers the entire region above a base substrate 101, instead of covering regions other than a region where a semiconductor chip 103 and a wiring 104 are formed.
For example, the following problems may take place in a case where the two semiconductor devices 100 and 200 are stacked as illustrated in FIG. 15. Namely, if a height "s" of each of the external connection terminals 107 of the semiconductor device 200 is lower than a height "t" of the resin layer 106 of the semiconductor device 100, there will be a gap "u" between the external connection terminal 107 of the semiconductor device 200 and one of the external connection terminals 108 of the semiconductor device 100. Due to this gap "u", it is unable to connect the semiconductor device 100 with the semiconductor device 200. Accordingly, in order to connect the semiconductor device 100 and the semiconductor device 200, it is necessary to satisfy the relationship of "s">"t", where "s" is the height of the external connection terminal 107 of the semiconductor device 200, and the "t" is the height of the resin layer 106 of the semiconductor device 100.
If the height "t" of the external connection terminal 107 of the semiconductor device 200 is reduced, the height "t" of the resin layer 106 of the semiconductor device 100 also has to be reduced. However, reduction of the high "t" of the resin layer 106 of the semiconductor device 100 requires a technology for reducing the thickness of the semiconductor device 100: e.g., a technology for reducing the thickness of the semiconductor chip 103, or a technology for lowering the height of the loop formed by the wiring 104. This causes technical difficulty in the production of the semiconductor device 100. A similar problem occurs in a case of stacking semiconductor devices illustrated in FIG. 16.
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view illustrating a stack of two conventional semiconductor devices. In FIG. 16, a semiconductor device 400 is stacked on the semiconductor device 300. The semiconductor device 300 has an external connection terminal 108 formed on a semiconductor chip 103. A region where the external connection terminal 108 is formed is not covered by a resin layer 106, and the region therefore is exposed. Other than what mentioned above, the configuration of the semiconductor device 300 is the same as that of the foregoing semiconductor device 100. Further, the configuration of the semiconductor device 400 is similar to that of the foregoing semiconductor device 200.
FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view illustrating a resin-sealing process carried out in a manufacturing process of a conventional semiconductor device. In manufacturing of the above mentioned semiconductor device 300, the following problem occurs in the resin-sealing process. Namely, for example, if a transfer mold is used for carrying out the resin-sealing process for covering, with a resin 106, the semiconductor chip 103 except for the region where the external connection terminal 108 is formed, a mold 50 directly presses the wiring layer 108 on the semiconductor chip 103, which layer includes conductive layer x and an insulation layer y (See FIG. 17). The thickness of the wiring layer 108 is approximately 50 μm and is thin. Further, the material of the wiring layer 108 is hardly deformed. As such, the wiring layer 108 will not be able to absorb the stress applied by the mold 50. As a result, a strong stress is applied to the semiconductor chip 103, and this strong stress may cause damage to the semiconductor chip 103.

Semiconductor device, stacked semiconductor device, and manufacturing method for semiconductor device


A mobile computer docking mechanism which transforms a laptop computer into a fully capable desktop computing and telephony system. The invention facilitates the use of the laptop liquid crystal display screen while the laptop computer is in the docked position. The network, keyboard and power ports are connected in the docked position, and the entire desktop configuration has a very low profile taking up very little desktop space. The upright position and design facilitates proper docking and an adjustable ergonomic viewing position, elevation as well as angularity. A combination of two laptops can provide the ability to view and operate simultaneously.

This invention relates to a desktop laptop docking system facilitating the use of the laptop liquid crystal display (LCD) as the primary display system. This innovation transforms a laptop computer into a full-function desktop computing system in seconds. With this invention, users may insert their laptop and view the laptop screen at eye level as they would a traditional LCD connected to a desktop PC system. However, the laptop is in fact docked to the network, keyboard, and any other appropriate interfaces through the insertion into this support mechanism. Network telephony features are also supported through the system when it is loaded and ready.
Portable computing docking systems are readily available in many forms. Some have even included a laptop support system. Some have even included a structural laptop support system. Commercially available laptop models insert or xe2x80x98snapxe2x80x99 into the data docking devices horizontally. The power connection is independent on some models. However, none have attempted to dock the portable computer in such a way that the docked portable computer actually uses its portable screen in an upright, ergonomically correct viewing position as one would position a traditional CRT monitor screen. This position would offer an ergonomic view of the screen and save the cost of purchasing an additional monitor for desktop viewing. Laptop screens are now being offered with viewing areas equivalent to a desktop 17xe2x80x3 CRT monitor. Therefore, this invention enables a dual use of the laptop LCD, namely, desktop and portable viewing. Stand alone LCD monitors as replacements for traditional CRT monitors are gaining popularity as they use much less desktop space than traditional monitors. However, they are still costly in comparison to traditional monitors. Therefore, the user of this invention can forego the purchase of an additional costly display system as one is already resident in the laptop computer. Furthermore, the system supports full telephony connectivity as well as the normal computing functions.
Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to provide a mobile computer peripheral that transforms the portable to a fully functional desktop computer system. In order to properly use the laptop display as the primary office LCD display system, a mechanism is needed to accomplish three things: 1) secure the laptop LCD display in an appropriate position relative to both the desktop surface and the user viewing the screen offering proper system ergonomics as well as adjustment capability; 2) provide a corresponding method for the laptop power, network and docking ports to be connected quickly and easily after the laptop is properly mounted; and 3) offer speakers, a power system, telephony connections, and a keyboard and mouse connection for the laptop.
This invention comprises a desktop computing platform built from a portable computer, such as a laptop computer or a PC tablet computer, and a unique docking station mechanism, hereafter referred to as a dropdock. The invention has an internal frame with an adjustable slot mount into which the base of the laptop computer is inserted. The adjustable slot mount is designed to hold the laptop at an ergonomically appropriate position while at the same time permitting access to the laptop functions such as the floppy drive, the PC cards and the CD ROM drive. Openings are provided so the system can be accessed appropriately. Furthermore, the invention enables connections to network ports, keyboard connections and power ports via the several docking port connection options. These include ports on the uprights holding the LCD on the laptop. A docking bar connection is held in place by a support on the top of the dropdock. The docking bar snaps down onto the laptop ports.
Another option is a PC card dock, a docking port cable that is connected after the laptop is inserted into the system.
A universal serial bus (USB V 2) docking option is a third method to dock the portable.
Finally, ports built into the front of the laptop provide a fourth option.
An optional anti-reflective screen can be included in front of the LCD depending on the lighting conditions under which the system is used. An integrated removable keyboard and mouse are held in the bottom front of the system. These are hidden when in the stored position with all extraneous cables locked away. They may also be connected without wires. Infrared or radio frequency wireless connections are already state of the art, complying with the xe2x80x98Bluetoothxe2x80x99 standard.
The base of the dock holds the power supply for the laptop as well as the network connection for the system.

Desktop portable computer vertical dock system


The present disclosure relates to compositions and systems comprising fit retention polymers and methods of making and using the same. Methods of using such compositions including contacting a fabric with the fabric care composition are also disclosed.

When fabrics such as garments are worn, such fabric may lose their shape due to stresses and strains on the garment fibers that occur, for example, due to everyday movements by the wearer. As a result, the "fit" of the garment is lost and the garment's appearance as well as comfort is lost. In order to alleviate this problem, fibers such a spandex (elastane) are incorporated into certain garments and/or garment weaves may be altered. Unfortunately, such solutions typically increase the cost of a garment and must be done at a textile mill when the fabric that is used in such garment is made. Thus, if such a solution is not implemented from the start, such "fit" issue cannot addressed subsequently.
So, what is needed is a solution to the "fit" problem that can implemented at any time during a fabric's life. Applicants provide such a solution herein.

Fabric care compositions comprising polyurethane, polyurea and/or polyurethaneurea polymers


An oligomerization catalyst for .alpha.-olefins, comprising. [A] at least one nickel compound selected from the group consisting of a nickel salt of organic acid, a nickel salt of inorganic acid and a complex compound of nickel; PA1 [B] an organoaluminum oxy-compound having at least 3 aluminum atoms in the molecule; and PA1 [C] a trivalent phosphorous compound represented by the general formula PR.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.3 are each independently a hydrocarbon group or substituted hydrocarbon group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms.. A process for oligomerizing .alpha.-olefin, wherein .alpha.-olefin is oligomerized in the presence of the catalyst mentioned above.

Of oligomerization catalysts for .alpha.-olefins, many of the dimerization catalysts for .alpha.-olefins include a transition metal as an activity center thereof. The known dimerization catalysts include a catalyst system comprising a transition metal compound and an organoaluminum compound, a transition metal compound catalyst and a transition metal heterogeneous catalyst. Of these dimerization catalysts, the catalyst system comprising a transition metal compound and an organoaluminum compound is excellent in both catalytic activity an dimer yield.
A catalyst comprising a nickel compound and an organoaluminum compound is known as the dimerization catalyst comprising a transition metal compound and an organoaluminum compound. For example, Japanese Patent Publn. No. 19408/1987 discloses a process for dimerizing lower .alpha.-olefins, wherein there is used a catalyst comprising (A) a nickel compound, (B) a bis(dialkylaluminoxane) represented by a formula (R.sub.2 Al).sub.2 O (wherein R is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl), (C) a phosphorus-containing compound, and (D) a halogenated phenolic compound. However, catalysts capable of selectively forming both an .alpha.-olefin dimer and an .alpha.-olefin trimer were not known.
The present inventors have conducted intensive research in order to obtain a catalyst having high activity compared with conventional dimerization catalysts for .alpha.-olefins, and capable of producing specific dimers in a high yield and in a high selection ratio. As a result, the present inventors have found that a catalyst comprising at least one nickel compound selected from the group consisting of nickel salts of organic acids, nickel salts of inorganic acids and complex compounds of nickel, an organoaluminum oxy-compound having at least 3 aluminum atoms in the molecule and a trivalent phosphorous compound is excellent in catalyst activity, a dimerization yield and selectivity of the products. The present inventors have still further found that when ethene is used as .alpha.-olefin, such a catalyst as described above is capable of producing a trimer of ethene. The present invention has been achieved based on the finding described above.

Oligomerization catalyst for .alpha.-olefins and process for oligomerizing .alpha.-olefins


A composition containing a graft polymer based on acrylonitrile/ethylene propylene rubber/styrene (AES) and an additive is disclosed. The additive is one which increases the “Δsoft phase” of the composition making it possible to produce moldings with improved toughness at low temperatures, without substantially changing the melt volume rate.

It is known that blends containing AES rubbers and AES resins are weather resistant, but their mechanical properties at low temperatures are unsatisfactory. At temperatures below 0° C. they become brittle and have unsatisfactory toughness which prevents these molding compositions from being used at lower temperatures. In particular the notched impact resistance of AES blends at low temperatures is poor in particular in comparison with acryl/butadiene/styrene (ABS) blends.
EP-A 0 502 367 relates to the production of AES-graft polymers and a copolymer, the copolymer containing 60 to 76 wt. % of an aromatic monomer of the vinyl type and 40 to 24% of an aliphatic copolymer. Vinyl aromatics and/or vinyl aromatics and vinyl cyanides substituted in the ring and/or (meth)acrylic acid-(C1–C8)-alkyl esters are grafted on. These thermoplastic copolymers should, amongst other things, have good impact resistance in addition to the desired good gloss, weather-resistance and anti-friction characteristics.
JP-A 50 109 247 discloses polycarbonate blends containing AES, which contain 0.1 to 10 wt. % liquid paraffin. JP-A 58 098 354 discloses polycarbonate blends containing AES and 0.5 to 20 wt. % plasticizers for vinyl polymers. It is not known that the use of special additives, which concentrate specifically in the soft phase of the blend, significantly improves low-temperature properties in polycarbonate AES blends.
The object of the invention is to modify AES blends in such a way that they have improved low-temperature properties, in particular improved notched impact resistance, whilst retaining their weather resistance.

Thermoplastic blends with improved low-temperature toughness


A fabrication method of a wafer level semiconductor package includes: forming on a carrier a first dielectric layer having first openings exposing portions of the carrier; forming a circuit layer on the first dielectric layer, a portion of the circuit layer being formed in the first openings; forming on the first dielectric layer and the circuit layer a second dielectric layer having second openings exposing portions of the circuit layer; forming conductive bumps in the second openings; mounting a semiconductor component on the conductive bumps; forming an encapsulant for encapsulating the semiconductor component; and removing the carrier to expose the circuit layer. By detecting the yield rate of the circuit layer before mounting the semiconductor component, the invention avoids discarding good semiconductor components together with packages as occurs in the prior art, thereby saving the fabrication cost and improving the product yield.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to fabrication methods of semiconductor packages, and more particularly, to a fabrication method of a wafer level semiconductor package and a fabrication method of a wafer level packaging substrate for improving the product accuracy.
2. Description of Related Art
Along with the rapid development of electronic industries, electronic products are developed towards multi-function and high performance. To meet the miniaturization requirement of semiconductor packages, wafer level packaging (WLP) technologies have been developed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,265 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,202,107 provide fabrication methods of wafer-level packages. FIGS. 1A to 1E are schematic cross-sectional views showing a fabrication method of a conventional wafer level semiconductor package 1.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a thermal release tape 11 is formed on a carrier 10.
Referring to FIG. 1B, a plurality of semiconductor components 12 are disposed on the thermal release tape 11. Each of the semiconductor components 12 has an active surface 12a with a plurality of electrode pads 120 and an inactive surface 12b opposite to the active surface 12a. Each of the semiconductor components 12 is disposed on the thermal release tape 11 via the active surface 12a thereof.
Referring to FIG. 1C, an encapsulant 13 is formed on the semiconductor components 12 and the thermal release tape 11 through molding.
Referring to FIG. 1D, the thermal release tape 11 and the carrier 10 are removed to expose the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor components 12.
Referring to FIG. 1E, by performing a redistribution layer (RDL) process and a bump process, a circuit structure 14 is formed on the encapsulant 13 and the active surfaces 12a of the semiconductor components 12 and electrically connecting the electrode pads 120 of the semiconductor components 12.
However, since the thermal release tape 11 is flexible, the positioning accuracy of the semiconductor components 12 is adversely affected by the CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) of the thermal release tape 11 and lateral forces applied on the thermal release tape 11 by the encapsulant 13 during the molding process. Therefore, an increase in the size of carrier 10 results in an increase in the position error of the semiconductor components 12, thereby causing yield losses in the RDL and bump processes.
Furthermore, since the above-described method forms the encapsulant 13 before performing the RDL process, if it is detected that the circuit structure 14 is of low quality during a subsequent test, the overall semiconductor package 1 has to be discarded. That is, good semiconductor components 12 are also discarded, thus resulting in a high fabrication cost. Therefore, the above-described method is not economic.
Therefore, how to overcome the above-described drawbacks has become critical.

Fabrication method of wafer level semiconductor package and fabrication method of wafer level packaging substrate

Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd.


A method of mounting in-plane sensors of an inertial measurement unit. The method includes the steps of: providing a structure having first and second planar surfaces oriented orthogonally to one another, positioning a plurality of sensors on the first planar surface such that each of the sensors has a sense axis extending parallel to the first planar surface, positioning at least one other sensor on the second planar surface such that the at lease one other sensor has a sense axis extending parallel to the second planar surface, and orienting the sensors on the first and second surfaces so that the angles formed between any two sense axes are equal.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods of mounting in-plane sensors, and more particularly to systems and methods of mounting in-plane sensors on two orthogonal surfaces to form a three-axis inertial measurement unit having tetrahedral angle redundancy.
2. Description of Related Art
Inertial measurement units (IMU) are known in the art and have been used in a wide variety of applications. For example, IMUs are commonly used in inertial guidance and navigation systems for all types of vehicles, in particular aircraft and spacecraft. Inertial navigation has the advantage of not being dependent on an external point of reference. Navigation is accomplished by sensing the motion of the vehicle and calculating the change in position with respect to an initial position. The IMU is able to determine the three-dimensional orientation of a body relative to a reference direction absolutely within an inertial system.
A typical IMU may consist of three equal modules, each including a gyroscopic rotational rate sensor, a linear accelerometer, and associated electronics. Each module is typically oriented on a cube or a similar structure to provide inertial measurements along one of three orthogonal axes, with the gyroscopic rotational rate sensors providing information regarding rotation of the unit and the accelerometers providing information concerning linear movement of the unit. In this way, the IMU is able to determine the position of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle's initial position to aid in guidance, navigation, and control of the vehicle.
Three-axis inertial measurement units as described above have been used extensively in aerospace applications. Traditionally, such IMUs included mechanical sensors such as conventional spinning mass gyroscopes and large mechanical accelerometers. However, most current IMUs utilize microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. Many MEMS sensors are mounted on a support substrate made of silicon or a similar material and can detect acceleration by measuring a change in capacitance. Current technologies using MEMS devices encapsulate the accelerometer, gyroscope, and associated electronics into individual packages. These packages are typically soldered to a circuit board, which is then mounted on one plane of an orthogonal assembly, such as a face of a cube.
Most inertial sensors, including MEMS sensors, are perpendicular sensors or out of plane devices, meaning that the sense axis of the device is oriented at a 90 degree angle with respect to the mounting plane. Some MEMS devices, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, are in-plane sensors. In-plane sensors are inertial sensors having a sense axis that is parallel to the mounting plane. In-plane sensors detect an acceleration or rotation along an axis parallel to the surface of the support substrate.
Redundant systems of out of plane sensors arranged along non-orthogonal axes are well known in the art. Redundant inertial measurement systems allow for the failure of one or more sensors while still maintaining the ability to determine the essential location of a vehicle in inertial space. Prior art systems have utilized a variety of structures for mounting out of plane sensors to produce redundant systems. For example, out of plane sensors have been placed on the orthogonal faces of a cube, on the faces of a pyramid or wedge, on the faces of a dodecahedron, and on a tetrahedral structure.
A tetrahedral structure is particularly advantageous for redundant systems. In this configuration, four out of plane sensors are mounted to the four faces of an equilateral tetrahedron, with each of the sensors located symmetrically with respect to the others at an angle of approximately 109.4 degrees between the sense axes of the sensors. This configuration simplifies the equations and resultant equipment necessary to isolate failed sensors and convert output signals from the sensors to a coordinate system fixed in inertial space.
Although a tetrahedral structure is advantageous for redundant inertial measurement units, such a shape adds complexity to the inertial measurement unit and thus increases costs of manufacturing the unit. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an inertial measurement unit that can provide the advantages of a tetrahedral configuration without the added complexity required by such a configuration.

Inertial measurement unit and method of constructing the same using two orthogonal surfaces


In accordance with an implementation of the disclosure, systems and methods are provided for providing an estimate for noise in a speech signal. An instantaneous power value is received that corresponds to a frequency index of a portion of the speech signal. A first weighted power value is updated based on the instantaneous power value and a first weighting parameter. A second weighted power value is updated based on the first weighed power value and a second weighting parameter. An estimate of the noise is computed from the instantaneous power value and the second weighted power value.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the inventors hereof, to the extent the work is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
The disclosed technology relates to instantaneous noise estimation of an audio signal and is applicable to audio processing systems, such as speech recognition or enhancement systems. In speech processing, a noisy audio signal often includes a superposition of a raw speech signal and a noise signal. In order to accurately isolate and process the raw speech signal, the noise signal must be properly estimated so that it can be removed. Noise estimation techniques should be able to quickly and accurately provide an estimate for the noise, and need to be able to do so dynamically as the noise in a signal changes. Early noise estimation techniques, such as voice activity detection, tracked the presence of speech in the audio signal. During periods without speech, the noise estimate is approximated as the instantaneous signal power. During periods of speech, the noise estimate is not updated.

Systems and methods for instantaneous noise estimation


A composition includes LiO2, reduced graphene oxide, and a metal catalyst or residue thereof.

There has been a significant interest in lithium superoxide (LiO2), due to recent research into lithium-oxygen batteries, and the possibility that lithium superoxide may be an intermediate in the formation of lithium peroxide in lithium air cells. The first step in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a lithium air cell has been speculated to be the reduction of O2 to O2−, through a one-electron transfer, which is followed by the reaction with a lithium cation to form LiO2 (Eqs. 1 and 2):O2+e−→O2−  (Eq. 1)O2−+Li+→LiO2  (Eq. 2)Lithium peroxide (Li2O2) can be then formed by the reaction of LiO2 with Li+ through a second electron transfer, as shown in Eq. 3:LiO2+e−+Li+→Li2O2  (Eq. 3)Alternatively, Li2O2 may be generated via the disproportionation reaction of LiO2:2LiO2→Li2O2+O2  (Eq. 4)

Lithium-oxygen batteries incorporating lithium superoxide


A bus device comprises a clock generator that is adapted to generate a clock signal for internal use by the bus device, data synchronizing logic that is adapted to synchronize source synchronous data that the bus device receives from the bus to the bus device's clock signal, and error detection and correction logic coupled to the data synchronizing logic. The error detection and correction logic is adapted to detect and correct errors associated with the data received from the bus concurrently while the data synchronizing logic synchronizes source synchronous data received from the bus to the clock signal.

In many types of electronic systems, electronic components within the system may be capable of transmitting digital data to and receiving digital data from other components. For example, one device coupled to a bus may transmit data to another device on the bus. The data may be transferred in a series of data "phases" or "packets." A finite amount of time is generally required for a data packet to be transferred from a source device to a destination device. Such time may be referred to as latency. Electronic system designers generally try to reduce the amount of latency in a system.
For various reasons, one or more of the bits comprising the data transmission may be received incorrectly. That is, a logic "0" may be received as a logic "1," and vice versa. Such errors may have a detrimental effect on the operation of the system. Error detection and correction logic may be included but undesirably may add to the latency associated with data transfers in the system. It is thus desirable to implement an error detection and correction scheme and, in particular, an error detection and correction scheme that avoids or at least reduces the amount of added latency in the system.

Bus device that concurrently synchronizes source synchronous data while performing error detection and correction


A microcomputer and method for same can contain a nonvolatile memory module and store information regarding various system models in the memory module to support the various system models by one keyboard BIOS. Functions preset in the microcomputer, which includes a keyboard controller are not removed even though system voltages are removed so the preset functions are maintained. Preferably, the microcomputer includes a nonvolatile memory module for storing desired, prestored information even when system voltages are removed, and a keyboard controller module for performing control operations of a keyboard with a keyboard basic input/output system (BIOS). The desired information can include function information set by a user, current status information, and design selection information for designing the keyboard BIOS appropriately to an applied system.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a microcomputer.
2. Background of the Related Art
A related art portable computer includes a keyboard controller and is operated in different manners according to system models and is configured to support a variety of functions. For example, for a first computer model type, the keyboard controller (microcomputer) performs a power-on/off detection function at a input/output pin. For a second computer model type, the keyboard controller performs a Wake-up Ring (WR) function at the same pin. Thus, the related art basic input output system (BIOS) for the keyboard controller must be designed and modified for application of the keyboard controller to each computer model, and there is a problem in that one keyboard BIOS cannot be applied to various models.
If a user sets the functions (e.g., Save To Disk (STD) or WR) in the related art system, the settings are temporarily stored in the keyboard controller (microcomputer). However, if system power is removed, the keyboard controller is reset thereby causing an the functions stored in the microcomputer to be removed. Thus, there is a problem that without power, the microcomputer keyboard controller cannot support such functions at all.
The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

Microcomputer supporting plurality of systems utilizing a single keyboard BIOS


An ambient light filter includes light emitting circuitry and optical detection circuitry. The detection circuitry is positioned to detect light from the emitting circuitry. A microprocessor is provided to separately control the light emitting circuitry and the optical detection circuitry. The microprocessor determines whether light from the emitting circuitry has been detected by removing a measured component equivalent to the ambient light present at the optical detection circuitry.

The present invention relates to an ambient light filter of the type which permits the reliable operation of a light detector circuit whose operation may otherwise be adversely affected by ambient light.
In particular, the invention relates to an ambient light filter which can filter out ambient light which might affect the reading of meters such as those used in the electric utility industry. Particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering ambient light from optical sensor systems used to detect the rotation of a shaft or disk of a meter. This filtering prevents any tampering or erroneous recognition of rotation information. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the term "tampering", as used herein is intended to include any undesired light input in any of the applications in which the present invention may be used (whether or not such undesired light input was intended to deteriorate the operation of the light sensitive circuitry).
While the filtering out of ambient light is important in any application in which such light can affect a reading or signal received by a light sensitive circuit, in the electric utility industry wherein such light sensitive circuits are used to detect and record the movement of a disk within a utility meter, i.e., an electricity meter, such ambient light can be used as a means of "tampering" with the reading ability of the light sensitive circuit. Notwithstanding the specific application for the present invention which will be explained herein, the problem presented (and the current solution) have application in any industry wherein light sensitive circuitry may be used in the presence of ambient light. Such industries include, but are not limited to, the utility metering industry, the communications industry, and numerous applications in which light sensitive circuits are used in the presence of ambient light for counting or security applications.
With respect to the preferred embodiment of the invention, as explained in greater detail herein, electric utilities use attachments to electro-mechanical meters to perform monitoring functions such as demand and time-of-use metering or remote meter reading. The electro-mechanical meters often include a rotating disk or shaft which rotates at a rate proportional to power usage. Sensors or other measuring devices are used to monitor the rotation of the disk or shaft. A standard approach to sensing the rotation of the disk involves the use of light emitting diodes and photosensors. Essentially, the diodes emit light which is sensed by the optical sensors when the disk is in a certain position. This provides an efficient means to track rotation of the disk. Rotation information is stored in electronic registers for use by the utility, which may retrieve the data through various means, including optical port coupling, radio frequency ("RF") reading, telephone modems, and electromagnetic coupling.
Several techniques are used to implement optical sensing. One common arrangement, referred to as "through-hole sensing", involves the placement of one or more apertures along an outer periphery of a rotating disk. The disk separates one or more light emitting diodes from one or more photosensors. As the disk rotates and the apertures pass through the path of the optical sensing area, a photosensor is illuminated. This causes a voltage threshold in the sensing circuit to be exceeded. The voltage threshold is set to correspond to the light exposure condition. As the non-apertured portions of the disk pass between the diode(s) and the sensor(s), light transmission is blocked to prevent the voltage threshold from being exceeded. An electronic register in the meter sensing system is used to store information regarding the rotation of the disk.
In another common arrangement, referred to as "reflective sensing", a disk is provided with one or more darkened light absorbing areas instead of one or more apertures. Light is emitted onto the rotor disk. The light is reflected to a detector if the light hits a reflective portion of the disk. Otherwise, the light is absorbed by a darkened area. Power usage is determined by tracking the number of transitions sensed by the detector circuit. A meter reading scheme using such a variation is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,362, issued to Hoss on Apr. 27, 1982.
Other sensing approaches are also used. Shutters or notches may be placed around the periphery of disks or on a meter disk spindle. Emitters and photosensors are then used to detect movement of these shutters. Examples of such systems are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,123, issued to Gray on May 2, 1989 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,306, issued to Swanson on Aug. 31, 1993.
Although each of these sensing approaches have slightly different characteristics and features, they share a common need to provide reliable and consistent sensing. The rotation information stored and used by the utility will be in error if the sensing of a meter's rotation fails even temporarily. Current systems suffer in that high levels of ambient light can cause temporary failure of a sensor. This temporary failure can result from fluctuations in naturally-occurring light sources or from customer tampering. Dishonest customers have been known to evade meter sensing devices by directing a light source at the meter sensor.
One approach for handling such abuse involves alerting the utility of interference with a sensor. In this way, a utility may monitor and identify individual users to determine specific instances of abuse. Such an approach is disclosed in the commonly-assigned application entitled METER SENSOR LIGHT TAMPER DETECTOR filed herewith on Mar. 20, 1995, and assigned Ser. No. 08/407,143, now abandoned, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, there are circumstances where it is desirable to do more than just detect the fact of tampering. Instead, it is often desirable to prevent any tampering or interference with a meter sensor.
One common attempt to prevent meter failures from ambient light is to modulate the optical emitter at a known frequency and to design the optical detector to respond to the known frequency by installing an electronic filter in the optical detector's output path. Unfortunately, this approach increases the cost and complexity of the sensor design. Further, it does not prevent a knowledgeable customer from circumventing the filter by modulating a light source at the sensor's modulation frequency.
As automatic meter reading systems, i.e., RF systems become more prevalent, automatic means to recognize that a meter has been tampered with also become more important. This is because a utility will no longer be able to rely upon the meter reader (who formerly read the meter and could observe any obvious tampering) to observe that a meter has been tampered with. Such RF systems are sold by the assignee of the present invention as well as by other companies, and they are described in numerous U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,945 of Brunius, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,169 of Grindahl; U.S. Pat. No. 4,786,903 of Grindahl, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,059 of Grindahl, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,700 of Grindahl.
In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for preventing ambient light from interfering with a meter disk sensor without increasing the cost or complexity of a sensor.


Provided is a tilting device and method for a vehicle and the vehicle. The tilting device for the vehicle includes a main frame, a steering mechanism disposed on the main frame, a detent mechanism that is disposed on the main frame and the steering mechanism and that is configured to control a tilt angle of the vehicle where the tilt angle is an angle between the vehicle and a first plane, and a control mechanism that is disposed on the vehicle and electrically connected to the detent mechanism and that is configured to control the tilt angle by controlling the detent mechanism.

To improve the stability of an existing motorcycle, there has been a hybrid vehicle that combines stability of an automobile with manipulability of a motorcycle, such as an inverted tricycle (including two front wheels and one rear wheel). Furthermore, to effectively improve the rollover resistance of such a vehicle during turning, the vehicle is generally provided with a tiltable mechanism facilitating the inner wheels of the vehicle to produce sufficient positive pressure against the ground to balance a centrifugal force the vehicle is subjected to.
However, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed or stops, the tiltable mechanism may sway such that the main frame (frame) of the vehicle would also sway side to side, causing the vehicle to roll over. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed along a straight line on a road having poor road surface conditions, the main frame would be in a constant swayable state. Therefore, the main frame of the vehicle will be difficult to maintain balance and easily sway in the case of frequent jolting such that the driver may fall off the vehicle due to unstable center of gravity, endangering the driver's personal safety.

Tilting device and method for vehicle and vehicle

Beijing Niu Information Technology Co., Ltd.


There is provided an information processing device to facilitate an electronic apparatus that affects an environmental condition and an electronic apparatus that measures an environmental condition to collaborate with each other via a network, the information processing device including: a determination unit configured to determine, on a basis of first type information representing an affected condition type of an electronic apparatus that affects at least one of a plurality of environmental conditions and second type information representing a measurement condition type of a measurement apparatus that measures at least one of the plurality of environmental conditions, whether the electronic apparatus is to be set as an apparatus that uses a measurement result from the measurement apparatus as an operation input.

There are a variety of electronic apparatuses that can affect environmental conditions in environments surrounding end users. For example, an air conditioning apparatus adjusts temperatures of an environment, and a humidifier and a dehumidifier adjust humidity of an environment. Although an air conditioning apparatus directly controls temperatures of an environment, operations of the air conditioning apparatus can secondarily or indirectly affect not only temperatures of an environment but also other conditions such as, for example, humidity of the environment, the volume of environmental sounds, and body temperatures of organisms in the environment.

Information processing device, electronic apparatus, method, and program


A laser device, including multiple laser modules, includes a plurality of drive power units that drive the laser modules, a plurality of output detection units that detect laser outputs from the laser modules, and output detected values as first output signals, a coupled output detection unit that detects a total laser output after coupling of a plurality of the laser outputs, and outputs a detected value as a second output signal, a computing unit that sets multiple output correction factors for correspondingly controlling the laser modules using the plurality of first output signals and the second output signal, and a control unit that controls the plurality of drive power units using the multiple output correction factors. The multiple output correction factors are each set to allow the total laser output to be maintained at a constant value.

Some of laser devices that output a laser beam, each couple laser beams output from multiple laser modules and output the resultant laser beam. The laser device described in Patent Literature 1 includes an optical coupling unit that couples laser beams output from multiple laser modules, first light detection units that each detect a laser output value at a corresponding one of the laser modules, and a second light detection unit that detects a laser output value at the optical coupling unit. The laser device described in Patent Literature 1 determines whether there is fault or degradation in the laser device based on detection results of the first light detection units and of the second light detection unit.

Laser device, laser machining apparatus, and method for controlling output of laser device


A locking mechanism (20) for locking a roller-tube (30) in its assembly (22), such as found in awning contraptions mounted on RV and other motor vehicles (34). A shaft (42) slides to-and-fro in its bore (44) extending between end walls (35, 36) of a body (33). A collar (49) at one end of shaft (42) captures the latter's motion at one end (50) of body (33). Another collar (53) disposed on shaft (42) along its length projecting beyond the opposite end (54) of body (33) also prevents escape of shaft (42) from body (33) in its other direction. Collars (49, 53) function to limit the sliding of shaft (42) back and forth as a hooking wand is applied to one or the other. A pin (59) in detent (60) seats in body (33) from its bottom wall (38) to engage a point or annular groove (55) in shaft (42) to maintain a length of a portion (47) in an elongated length (46) in shaft (42) so that portion (47) of shaft (42) engages a stop or peg (74) on the periphery (82) of an end cap (72) of roller-tube (30) to immobilize roller tube (30) from rotating. Threaded holes (67) are provided on back wall (39) of body (33) for mounting mechanism (20) to a support arm (28) to which roller-tube assembly (22) is connected.

Awnings in roller-tube assemblies mounted to outside panels of RV and other vehicles tend to unroll or unravel as the vehicles travel along roadways by reason of its tube tending to rotate. Repair or replacement of the awnings are frequently necessary, and there are repetitive efforts requiring labor, expenditures for purchase and for repair. There is a need to retain the awnings in immobile roller-tubes under such traveling conditions, as the subject matter of this invention achieves.


An apparatus for rolling a bladder includes a support structure, a rolling pin, and a bladder-mounting pin. The apparatus optionally includes a rolling initiator Rolling a bladder includes inserting the bladder while unrolled into an apparatus for rolling a bladder, inserting the bladder between a rolling pin and a bladder-mounting pin of the rolling machine, and rotating the rolling pin to (a) advance a portion of the bladder between the rolling pin and the bladder-mounting pin, (b) roll the portion of the bladder around the bladder-mounting pin, and (c) drive the bladder-mounting pin to rotate in an opposite direction from that of the rolling pin.

Inflatable members, such as balloons, are sometimes rolled, such as for medical applications, such as insertion into an implantation site in a human body, e.g., a joint, such as the shoulder joint, the prostate, or the stomach, or for non-medical applications, such as for toys.
Through repeated strenuous motion, sensitive soft tissues often suffer wear and tear injuries from repeatedly rubbing against one another and/or hard tissues, such as bone. Tears of rotator cuff tendons and articular capsule disintegration are examples of this type of injury. In addition, these tissues can be adversely affected by inflammation, infection, disease and/or genetic predispositions which lead to degeneration of these tissues.