An electronic camera includes an image-capturing element that captures a subject image and outputs image-capturing signals each corresponding to a pixel; and a control device that executes gradation correction on the image-capturing signals output by the image-capturing element. In the electronic camera, the image-capturing element is split into a plurality of pixel areas each containing a plurality of pixels; and the control device calculates average values of image-capturing signal values in the pixel areas, which are output by the image-capturing element prior to a shutter release, determines an exposure quantity and gradation characteristics based upon the average values having been calculated each in correspondence to one of the plurality of pixel areas, engages the image-capturing element to capture an image at the exposure quantity having been determined in response to the shutter release and executes gradation correction on image-capturing signals output by the image-capturing element in conformance to the gradation characteristics having been determined.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic camera that obtains electronic image data by capturing a subject image with an image-capturing device constituted with a CCD image sensor or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are electronic cameras known in the related art that determine the exposure quantity to be achieved during a photographing operation based upon the difference between the largest value and the smallest value indicated by image-capturing signals output from an image-capturing device and executes the photographing operation at the exposure quantity thus determined (see, for instance, Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. H 10-322592). In the electronic camera disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. H 10-322592, a histogram is prepared by using image-capturing signals each corresponding to a pixel which are obtained during a photographing operation and a gradation characteristics curve to be used for gradation correction (γ control) is determined based upon the histogram. By determining the gradation characteristics in this manner, the saturation of image-capturing signals in a high brightness range is suppressed and thus, the occurrence of so-called white flare is minimized.
The electronic camera disclosed in Japanese Laid Open Patent Publication No. H 10-322592 requires a considerable length of time for the histogram preparation processing and also it is not suitable for photographing scenes containing numerous point light sources such as night time city scenes. Namely, since the image-capturing signals each corresponding to a pixel, which indicate the point light sources, are targeted for the saturation suppression, the brightness levels of the point light sources are lowered and the photographed image fails to show the full beauty of the nocturnal scene as a result.


Apparatus and method which allow an SNMP managed device to register with a Network Management system. The SNMP managed device generates and transmits, to the Management Station or other network stations, a Frame indicating that the managed device is present in the network. The process of transmitting the frame continues until the Management Station responds with a frame acknowledging receipt. The managed device then sets a Timer and monitors for receipt of the Response frame from said Management Station. If the timer expires and the Response frame is not received within the timer interval, the registration process is initiated. Thus, the invention discloses a dynamic way of registering, monitoring and initiating registration (if contact is lost) of an SNMP device with a Management Station.

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to network management in general, and in particular, to discovering the location of Management Stations and managed devices in the network.
2. Prior Art
The proliferation of computer networks has created a demand for improved apparatus and method for managing such networks. The management need is even greater because the networks are growing larger and more complex. Most conventional computer networks are comprised of stations (for example, word processors, personal computers, etc.) interconnected by communications infrastructure. Included in the communications infrastructure are routers, bridges, transmission media, gateways, switches, etc. The computer networks could be simple ones in which the stations are configured in a room, or a more elaborate ones in which the stations are distributed over a large geographical area, such as a large building, company site, a campus or several towns.
In more complex networks, one or more of the stations are designated Management Stations. One of the functions provided by Management Stations is keeping track of devices (called managed devices) as they (the managed devices) enter and/or leave the network. To provide tracking and other management functions, a Management Program, such as the Simple Network Management Protocol SNMP is executed in the Management Station and in the managed device. The portion of SNMP which is executed in the managed device is termed SNMP agent. Usually, the activities of managed devices are maintained in a data base (file) at the Management Station and can be used by the Management Station itself or a network operator to detect and/or correct fault in the network.
The conventional approach, to network management, addresses SNMP Management Stations and the SNMP managed devices operating at the LLC level of the protocol stack. The conventional technique uses an appropriate protocol, such as the well-known Internet Protocol (IP), to communicate and to "auto-discover" the SNMP managed devices or devices. Even though the approach works well for discovering LLC level devices, there are other network devices, termed MAC layer devices, which do not respond very well to LLC level protocols. The MAC (Medium Access Control) layer devices may include routers, concentrators, hubs, switches or like devices. As a consequence, these MAC layer devices are usually not discovered, by the Management Stations, using the conventional approach.
Several prior art patents describe devices and method for managing computer networks. The following patents are examples of the prior art devices and methods.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,233,510 describes a method of continuously self-configuring of a computer control system used in a manufacturing process. Each object in the process is assigned a unique ID or address. Each object in the manufacturing process uses its unique ID in all communications with other objects in the process. With this information, a control computer can locate and map all of the objects that are in the process.
Japanese patent number JP-3-123137 deals with the manual configuration of a MAC address into the forwarding table of a MAC layer bridge and storing these addresses into an NVRAM. Most MAC layer bridges "listen" to the MAC addresses on either side of the bridge and dynamically build forwarding tables. This patent provides a way to manually build this table eliminating the need for the bridge to "learn" the addresses.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,270 deals with the discovery of network devices that exists in a network running the AppleTalk protocol. The patent defines how routers within the AppleTalk protocol determine the location of the network element. The patent uses a multicast address which all routers running the AppleTalk recognize. The information passed between routers in these multicast frames is used to locate network elements.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,089 deals exclusively with workstations attached to a SNA network using the LU6.2 specification. The patent defines the method where the workstation notifies a host system of its terminal address via the SNA protocol.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,914,571 describes a method for locating resources in a computer network so that a session can be established between an origin and a destination station. The patent relates specifically with the SNA protocol. The LOCATE METHOD defined in the patent uses the SNA protocol to search for the destination target.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,408,618 discloses an Automatic Configuration Mechanism (ACM) which can be used by a node in a LAN to obtain configuration information from other nodes, to provide configuration information to other nodes and to respond to other nodes which seek configuration information. The frame format of this patent operates at the LLC layer of the ISO protocol stack.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,860 describes a method by which a Network Management Station (NMS) can "auto" discover devices containing SNMP agents in a network using TCP/IP protocol. Of all the above cited prior art, this patent appears most relevant to the field in which applicants' invention operates. However, it covers the discovery process as it relates to the Management Station only and does not address discovery as it applies to an agent.
As networks become more complex and dynamic, addition and relocation of devices are likely to occur more frequently. As a consequence, new procedures and devices are required to "auto" discover changes in the network.

Network management system wherein the managed device reestablishes a connection to a management station after detecting a broken connection

International Business Machines Corporation


A plurality of semiconductor packages is collectively fabricated on a wafer in a batch process and the wafer is then diced to obtain discrete semiconductor packages. The semiconductor package is a stacked body formed by bonding two or more semiconductor devices. Each semiconductor device comprises a substrate and a device pattern formed on a surface of the substrate. The semiconductor devices are stacked in such a fashion that a device pattern surface of the lower semiconductor device faces a non-device pattern surface of the semiconductor device stacked on the same.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a semiconductor package having semiconductor devices packaged onto a substrate. More particularly, the invention relates to a small and high-performance semiconductor package capable of high-density packaging or a so-called "CSP (chip size package)". The invention further relates to a method of producing such a semiconductor package easily, and at a high yield, at a wafer level.
2. Description of Related Art
To cope with the higher performance and the reduction in size, so-called, "down sizing", of electronic appliances, various types of semiconductor packages have been proposed, in recent years, which combine semiconductor devices such as IC chips, LSI chips, etc, or semiconductor devices having semiconductor chips mounted onto a substrate. To accomplish high-density packaging in such a semiconductor package, various research institutes and companies have proposed models of three-dimensional packaging. Though a method that superposes semiconductor chips with one another and connects them through bonding wires has been proposed, the most promising method may be the one that the superposed semiconductor chips are bonded with one another, through flip chips (FC) and an under-fill material is filled between the chips.
Recently, a down-sized semiconductor package having no FC has been proposed. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a stacked semiconductor device 114 fabricated by stacking a plurality of wafers (semiconductor chips) 105 on a pattern film 104 through an insulating adhesive 006 has been proposed (see, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2000-252411). In this stacked semiconductor device 114, a longitudinal wiring pattern 116 is formed on outer and inner peripheries of the stacked body of the wafers 105 and external connection terminals 111 are arranged on the lower surface of the pattern film 105 through an external connection pattern 103. In the case of this stacked semiconductor device, however, stacking of the wafers, dicing, silicon etching and application of the insulating adhesive must be repeatedly carried out to form a stacked body having a plurality and desired number of stages of wafers, and the production steps are extremely complicated. Another problem is that the formation step of the longitudinal wiring pattern must be included separately.
A semiconductor device 161 fabricated by first producing semiconductor chips 162 having protrusive electrodes 164 on opposite surfaces thereof and stacking a plurality (six, in the drawing) of semiconductor chips 162 in such a fashion as to butt against one another as shown in FIG. 2 has also been proposed (see, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2001-94039). Each semiconductor chip 162 has an insulating layer 172 on each surface thereof and a through-hole 166 formed between its opposite surfaces. An insulating film 168 and a conductor member 170 are serially formed inside the through-hole 166. However, because this semiconductor device employs the method that serially stacks the semiconductor chips, it has the drawback that the production yield is low. Further, the transfer step for the insulating layer, using a mold, is complicated.


A tote box style container (10) including a base (12) defining the bottom of the container (10), a pair of sidewalls (14) and a pair of end walls (16) extending upwardly from the base (12) to define an interior (18) of the container (10). A pair of lids (20) are hingedly connected to the upper portion of the sidewalls (14) of the container (10) along one edge of each lid (20) and moveable between a closed position barring access to the interior (18) of the container (10) and an open position where access to the interior (18) of the container (10) is not barred. At least one of the sidewalls (14) includes offset portions (22) extending along the vertical expanse of the interior of the sidewall (14) and in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other; At least one of the offset portions (22) terminates at its upper end so as to from a shelf (24) on the interior of the sidewall. The lids (20) include a force distributing rib (40) extending in spaced parallel relation to the hinged edge of the lids (20) along a portion of the length of the lids (20) and downwardly from the underside of the lids (20) when the lids (20) are in the closed position such that the rib (40) is in adjacent abutting relation to the interior of the sidewall (14) above the shelf (24) and such that the distal end (42) of the rib (40) is in contact with the shelf (24) to distribute loads placed on the container (10) through the sidewalls (14) to the base (12) of the container (10).

1. Technical Field
The subject invention relates to tote box style containers of the type used to inventory and distribute loose or broken case items and soft goods. More specifically, the invention relates to tote boxes which may be stacked one on top of another during shipping or inventorying of goods and which may be nested when empty.
2. Description Of The Prior Art
The subject invention is directed toward a tote box used primarily to inventory and distribute broken case items and soft goods. At the manufacturing and distributor level, many goods are inventoried in cases or larger quantities. A customer or retail outlet for the manufacturer or distributor may require various goods but in quantities less than the smallest number inventoried in bulk by the manufacturer or distributor. The manufacturer or distributor may have many customers or retail outlets in this position.
In order to streamline the inventorying and shipping process, distributors and manufacturers alike may employ containers commonly referred to as tote boxes. Tote box type containers may be shipped each containing a certain quantity of a product. At each customer or retail outlet, the desired quantity of goods may be selected from any given container and left with the customer or retail outlet.
Containers of this type include a base, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of end walls extending upwardly from the base to define an interior of the container. Tote box containers also include a pair of lids hingedly connected to the upper portion of each of the sidewalls and which are moveable from a closed position precluding access to the interior of the container and an open position where the lids hang down in a substantially vertical orientation adjacent the sidewalls on the exterior of the container.
The tote boxes are generally stackable, one on another, when the lids are closed and nestable when open. As such, a tractor trailer may be shipped full of products in containers, stacked one upon another. When the containers are empty, they may be nested taking up much less of the capacity of the tractor trailer. The remaining shipping space may be used to haul manufactured goods back to a distribution point.
Examples of such containers can be found in U.S. Pat. No. RE 33,384 reissued to Miller et al. on Oct. 16, 1990 and directed toward a Nesting Box With Reduced Lid Flare; U.S. Pat No. RE 32,966 reissued to Miller et al. on Jun. 27, 1989 and directed toward a Tote Box; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,644 issued to Miller on Nov. 4, 1986 and directed toward a Tote Box With Lid Container.
Because they are reusable, stackable and nestable, tote box containers are fast replacing corrugated cardboard type boxes as the most cost effective shipping container of many goods. However, as the popularity of these types of containers increase, they are employed to inventory and ship an ever growing list of products. Tote box containers are thus subjected to ever increasing loads during shipping and inventorying. Tote box users are concerned about longevity of the containers as a measure of their cost effectiveness. The longer they last, the more money saved by the user. Many prior art containers of this type were not designed to function under these loads. This has resulted in container failures, especially at the lid and lid-hinge interface.


A method and an apparatus of adding an application in a signal messaging network without adding a node in the network. An application platform is connected between two nodes by means of a first link and a second link. The application platform only comprises OSI stacks to layer 2 after which a link management and any possible application takes over. The link management will mirror the status of the two links to thereby keep the application platform unobtrusive, i.e. giving appearance of it not being connected between the two nodes.

Telecommunications system typically employ some sort of signalling system for setting up and clearing connections (e.g. calls) handled by the telecommunications system. The signalling system in a signalling plane which is distinct from a user plane in which user data (e.g. user traffic) is transported through the telecommunications system. The International Telecommunications Union Telecommunications (ITU-T) developed an internationally standardized general purpose common channel signalling system called Signalling System exchange information. The signalling is done over a digital signalling network to execute functions such as call setup, routing, and control of wired and wireless calls. The Signalling System No. 7 (SS7), like other protocols, is susceptible to conceptualization on the layers of the OSI Reference Model developed by the International Standard Organization.
Typically certain transfer points must be utilized or interposed in the signalling network in order to transport signalling messages over great distance from an originating node to a destination node. In fact, several transfer points (e.g. signal transfer points [STPs]) may be used to route signalling message from the originating node to the destination node. The transfer points often take the form of switches that must be configured to accommodate the routing of signalling messages between the originating node and the destination node. Thus, the originating node must configure those transfer points (e.g. set up the switches of the transfer points), and each transfer point must route the signalling message to the next node (e.g. another transfer point), and so on until the destination node is reached.
When an application, such as a protocol converter, is to be added to a signalling network, then a node with the application has to be added to the signalling network. This will result in at least parts of the network, and most probably large parts of the network, have to be updated with new routing information, such that information will properly reach the new node, and information that has to be routed via the new node is properly routed. It is thus undesirable to change the network, it is also undesirable to add new nodes, as the number of nodes in a network is limited.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,867,788 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,660 both describe conventional methods of adding a protocol converter by means of adding a node in a signalling network. There thus seems to be a room for improvement in the techniques adding an application in a signalling system network.


A laser light source device, which is capable of multi-wavelength oscillation, includes a laser light source; and a laser cavity including (i) a fiber, (ii) a first fiber grating provided at a side of the fiber toward the laser light source and having a plurality of reflection peaks, and (iii) a second fiber grating provided at a light emission end of the fiber and having a plurality of reflection peaks. Further, the laser light source includes a wavelength converter converting a fundamental wave emitted from the laser cavity into a harmonic wave; a reflection wavelength varying unit shifting reflection wavelengths of the reflection peaks of the second fiber grating; and a controller controlling phase matching conditions of the wavelength converter. As a result, intervals between adjacent reflection peaks of the first fiber grating are different from those between adjacent reflection peaks of the second fiber grating.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a laser light source device for obtaining a stable and high-output laser light by combining a fiber laser and a wavelength conversion element, and an image display device using such a laser light source device.
2. Description of the Background Art
High-output visible light sources having strong monochromaticity are necessary in realizing large-scale displays, high-luminance displays and the like. Out of three primary colors of red, green and blue, a red high-output semiconductor laser used in a DVD recorder or the like can be utilized as a small-scale light source having high productivity for a red color. However, for a green or blue light source, realization by means of a semiconductor laser or the like is difficult and there is a demand for a small-scale light source having high productivity.
For such a light source, a wavelength conversion device constructed by combining a fiber laser and a wavelength conversion element is realized as a low-output visible light source. Green and blue small-scale light sources are well known which use a semiconductor laser as an excitation light source for exciting the fiber laser and a nonlinear optical crystal as the wavelength conversion element.
On a laser display utilizing such high-output laser light sources, vivid images with high color purity can be displayed by utilizing laser light sources having suitable wavelengths since lights of the respective red, green and blue light sources are monochromatic lights. Such laser light sources enable the miniaturization of light sources by the use of lasers and the miniaturization of optical systems because lights can be easily focused, whereby palmtop image display devices can be realized.
On the other hand, the use of a laser having high coherency causes coherence noise called speckle noise to be formed in a displayed image. Accordingly, there have been proposed methods for removing speckle noise according to which the speckle noise is reduced by differentiating light paths depending on polarization directions using a prism (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-151133); the wavefront of a light irradiated to a screen is made random by swinging an optical component to change a light path of a light source (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-138669); a spectrum is caused to have a sideband using a light modulator to broaden the apparent light spectrum (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H09-121069); an oscillation wavelength is operated using the injection seeding technology to a solid-state laser (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H10-294517); and a semiconductor laser having a plurality of wavelengths is used as a module (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-144794).
On the other hand, there have been proposed a fiber laser using a Raman fiber (WO 01/54238) and a semiconductor laser using a reflection element called a sampled grating which is a diffraction grating having a plurality of reflection wavelengths to realize a semiconductor laser capable of simultaneous multiwavelength oscillation (Japanese Patent No. 3689483). The construction of the fiber laser disclosed in WO 01/54238 is shown in FIG. 26A. This laser includes a sampled grating 2001, a Raman fiber 2002 and a broadband dielectric mirror 2003. By exciting the Raman fiber 2002 with an excitation light 2004, a light of λ1 is generated by the resonance between one reflection peak of the sampled grating 2001 and the broadband dielectric mirror 2003. Using this light of λ1 as an excitation light, a light of λ2 is generated by the resonance between another reflection peak of the sampled grating 2001 and the broadband dielectric mirror 2003. In this way, lights of λ3, λ4 are successively generated and a light 2005 of λ5 is finally extracted.
The construction disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3689483 is shown in FIG. 26B. The combined construction of a Raman fiber and a sampled grating in FIG. 26B aims to generate an excitation light of a desired wavelength by a Raman shift. An emission area 2007 and a reflection area 2008 are formed on a semiconductor substrate 2006, wherein the reflection area 2008 has a sampled grating structure so as to be capable of simultaneous oscillation at a plurality of wavelengths. Control means (refractive index changing electrode) 2009 for changing the refractive index of the reflection area 2008 is provided in the reflection area 2008, so that the wavelength of the reflection area 2008 can be shifted.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,736 discloses an example of a semiconductor laser array in which two reflection areas having a sampled grating structure are provided to switch an oscillation wavelength. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,597,711 discloses an example in which the construction of U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,736 is applied to a fiber laser.
However, if the aforementioned prior arts are applied to a method for reducing speckle noise by using broadband light sources or light sources having a plurality of oscillation wavelengths, there have been problems of a higher cost, an enlarged device size and the like since a plurality of laser light sources are required. The semiconductor laser and the fiber laser light source using the sampled grating cannot obtain as high outputs as can be used as light sources for laser displays and, in addition, determine the oscillation wavelength by controlling the two reflection areas. Therefore, there has been a problem of complicating a control method for simultaneously controlling the oscillation wavelength and the laser output. There is another problem that a wavelength change by the control of the reflection areas is sensitive to external temperature. For the example of the fiber laser light source, a large stress needs to be applied to the fiber grating in order to obtain a large variable range, making the breakage of the fiber possible, wherefore there is a problem in the reliability of the fiber. There is an additional problem that the wavelength dependency of a gain of a laser medium triggers an oscillation output change in the case of switching the wavelength.
On the other hand, the aforementioned laser light source having a plurality of oscillation wavelengths has started being used in the medical field. Laser lights of different wavelengths are needed depending on treatments in the medical field. The wavelengths of laser lights particularly used in eye clinics are in the neighborhood of 530 nm, in the neighborhood of 600 nm and in the neighborhood of 1 μm. Laser lights in the neighborhood of 530 nm are used for the retinal coagulation of eyes, those in the neighborhood of 600 nm for the stoppage of fundal hemorrhage, and those in the neighborhood of 1 μm for cataract surgeries. Developments on laser light sources used for such ophthalmic treatments are being advanced at present and, particularly, there has been a need for a laser application device capable of obtaining laser lights of many wavelengths so as to cope with many treatments by one laser light source. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-122081 discloses a laser device capable of multiwavelength oscillation by shifting an oscillation wavelength toward a longer wavelength side using a Raman fiber. Besides, lasers and the like have been developed which realize multiwavelength oscillation by utilizing a plurality of fluorescence peaks of a solid-state laser.
However, the above laser device capable of multiwavelength oscillation using the Raman fiber cannot simultaneously generate lights of two wavelengths. Further, since the gain of the Raman fiber laser is greatest at a wavelength of 1000 to 1100 nm, in the case of generating a light of 1100 to 1200 nm necessary for an orange light, a light having a broad emission spectrum of 1000 to 1100 nm is also generated. This has caused a problem of breaking a laser oscillator by the pulse oscillation. On the other hand, in the aforementioned laser capable of multiwavelength oscillation using the solid-state laser, the optical systems need to be switched for each oscillation wavelength, which has caused a problem of difficulty to switch to a desired wavelength in a moment. Further, since the property of the laser light largely differs at each oscillation wavelength, there has been a problem that obtained maximum outputs cannot be constant.
Further, in the construction of the conventional laser light source for medical use, a laser light generated by the laser oscillator has been propagated to a surgical handpiece by means of a hollow fiber or the like after having a fundamental wave thereof wavelength-converted into a visible light by a wavelength conversion element. However, about 30% of the visible light is lost to reduce propagation efficiency due to the coupling loss of the visible light from the laser oscillator to the hollow fiber and a propagation loss in the fiber. There has been also a problem that the handpiece is difficult to handle due to the handling of the fiber.

Laser light source device and image display device


A method of monitoring for anomalies in a computing environment comprises, with a processor building an anomaly detection system based on topology guided statistical analysis, and creating a number of correlation rules based on a number of detected anomalies and information provided by a security alerts database.

Due to the increase in traffic encountered within networks such as the Internet, malicious activities and policy violations associated with these networks has also increased. Often, a business entity selling goods or services via the Internet may be inundated by these malicious activities and policy violations. In order to combat these malicious activities and policy violations, several approaches have been taken to detect such intrusions. One approach is through correlating alerts from different sources. A second approach is through detecting anomalous behavior in one or more aspects of system performance. However, neither of these approaches will provide 100% detection.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

Monitoring for anomalies in a computing environment

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.


An exemplary system includes a processing facility configured to process an audio signal presented to a cochlear implant patient and a control facility configured to direct a cochlear implant to apply electrical stimulation representative of the audio signal to the cochlear implant patient by 1) directing the cochlear implant to concurrently apply a first biphasic stimulation pulse by way of a first electrode and a second biphasic stimulation pulse by way of a second electrode during a first time slot, and 2) directing the cochlear implant to concurrently apply a third biphasic stimulation pulse by way of the second electrode and a fourth biphasic stimulation pulse by way of a third electrode during a second time slot that immediately follows the first time slot. The third and fourth biphasic stimulation pulses are flipped in phase compared to the first and second biphasic stimulation pulses.

It is often desirable to minimize the amount of current needed to achieve comfortable loudness sensation in a cochlear implant patient. For example, by minimizing the amount of current needed to achieve comfortable loudness sensation in a cochlear implant patient, the size of a sound processor included in a cochlear implant system (i.e., the size of a battery module included in the sound processor) may be minimized.
One way to reduce the amount of current utilized by a cochlear implant system is to reduce the compliance voltage associated with a cochlear implant included in the cochlear implant system (i.e., the voltage maintained by the cochlear implant that governs a maximum amplitude of stimulation current that can be delivered by the cochlear implant). Unfortunately, loudness sensation is determined by the amount of charge delivered to individual electrodes or channels. The amount of charge delivered to individual electrodes is a function of stimulation amplitude and pulse width. Hence, a lowering the compliance voltage (and, in effect, the stimulation amplitude) may necessitate a widening of the pulse width to achieve comfortable loudness sensation. Widened pulse widths may adversely affect (i.e., decrease) the stimulation rate (i.e., the number of stimulation pulses that may be applied per given time unit). This, in turn, may lead to poor or unacceptable sound quality for some cochlear implant patients.

Systems and methods for maximizing loudness sensation in a cochlear implant patient


A visible light is photographed through an optical diffusion filter with a camera of a portable terminal. The camera includes a pixel amplifier sequential output type imaging element in which electric charges generated in respective pixels are amplified by respective pixel amplifiers, to output imaging signals in sequence from the respective pixel amplifiers. A striped pattern based on an information signal is generated in the column direction or row direction in the imaging element, in a photographed optically-diffused image. The information signal is extracted to be demodulated on the basis of a state of generation of the striped pattern.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a visible light receiving method and an apparatus of the method which are used for visible light communication. In particular, the present invention relates to a visible light receiving method and an apparatus of the method which are suitably usable in a portable terminal such as a personal digital assistant, a mobile telephone which is equipped with a digital camera, a digital video camera, or the like.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent years, visible light communication using a visible light as a communication medium has been developed, and a visible light communication apparatus that performs visible light communication by use of a visible light such as an illuminating ray has been proposed in JP No. 2008-283446 A and the like.
With respect to this conventional visible light communication apparatus, a visible light communication apparatus which superimposes a transmitting signal on a visible light to send it operates so as to generate a transmitting signal by performing modulation by the 4-level PPM method (pulse-position modulation) onto an information signal (pulse signal) to be transmitted, to apply the transmitting signal to a light source using an LED to drive the LED, and superimpose the transmitting signal on a visible light irradiated from the LED, to transmit it.
Further, in this visible light communication apparatus, in order to effectively use an ordinary use light source for illumination as a light source of the visible light communication apparatus, at the time of applying a PPM signal to the LED light source for illumination, the LED is continuously lit during a period of a digital value of "0" which is relatively long, and the LED is operated to blink on and off at a shorter frequency by a sub-carrier carrier signal during a period of a digital value of "1" which is short in time, thereby securing necessary illuminance for illumination at the time of transmission in visible light communication.
On the other hand, in recent years, portable terminals such as mobile telephones have become remarkably popular, and most people carry portable terminals with them on a daily basis. Further, because a digital camera available for video recording is normally mounted in this type of portable terminal, users live in an environment where they can routinely photograph with a camera.
Therefore, conventionally, in JP No. 2011-55288 A, there has been proposed a visible light communication apparatus which photographs a visible light irradiated from a light source for illumination serving as a light source of the visible light communication apparatus that performs visible light communication, that is, an illuminating ray for visible light communication on which an information signal to be transmitted is superimposed with a camera of a portable terminal or the like, and analyzes the photographed image data to extract a data bit string contained in the image data, and demodulates information signal data transmitted from the data bit string.
However, because the above-described visible light communication apparatus photographs the light source of the visible light communication apparatus with, for example, a light source for illumination serving as a visible light source with a digital camera or a video camera, that is, directly photographs a luminous visible light irradiated from the light source for illumination (light from the light source) with the camera, the exposure of the camera is logically automatically adjusted for the entire viewing surface. Therefore, an image of the light source on the photographed image goes blank so as to be photographed in an overexposed state.
Therefore, even if the image data photographed by the camera is subjected to image processing, it is extremely difficult to precisely extract visible light transmission data contained in the image data in an overexposed state even for an image processing technology of a microcomputer operating at high speed.
Further, when photographing a visible light, even in the case where a photographed image is not brought into an overexposed state, because a contour and the like of the image are contained as noise in visible light transmission data, it is difficult to precisely extract the visible light transmission data from the image data.
In addition, a general-purpose digital camera or video camera photographs a moving image at 16 frames to 30 frames per second, and calculates luminance values of image data of the respective frames, to capture the luminance value data as time-series data for each frame number, and further calculates the maximum luminance value and the minimum luminance value in the calculated luminance value data, to extract a data bit string of receiving data on the basis of a predetermined threshold value.
For this reason, the camera photographs image data at an extremely long time axis or with a long time interval that is 1/16 seconds to 1/30 seconds, and extracts a data bit string of transmission data on the basis of the luminance value data for each frame. Therefore, if a visible light image is photographed at a speed of 30 frames/sec., data of one sample are acquired with respect to one frame, and the one sample data are extracted for about 33 milliseconds, that is, the extraction of receiving data is at extremely low speed.
The visible light communication apparatus usually performs multilevel PPM modulation such as 4-level PPM modulation onto a transmitting signal, to generate a transmitting signal, and superimposes the transmitting signal on a visible light irradiated from an LED to transmit it. However, in this case, a frequency of a transmitted pulse signal generated by the PPM modulation is about 9.6 KHz, for example, in the case where a data transmission speed is 4.8 kbps, and the signal has a single pulse width of a data bit string of about 0.1 milliseconds, that is an extremely short time axis. This pulse width is an extremely short time as compared with the respective frame times of an image photographed by a camera.
Therefore, in the visible light receiving apparatus using a conventional camera, in addition to the fact that it is extremely difficult to extract receiving data from an image including a contour of an object photographed by the camera, or image data in an overexposed state by image processing, it is impossible to extract received data at high speed because transmission data transmitted through visible light communication (for example, in the case of a data transmission speed of 4.8 Kbps, a signal at a frequency of about 9.6 kHz) is acquired at a speed of 1 sample for one frame.

Visible light receiving method and apparatus using the same


A detection threshold changing unit changes a detection threshold used for detecting a reception wave from a base station apparatus, on the basis of use environment information that represents a use environment of a mobile station apparatus. A channel selecting unit selects a channel having a reception level higher than the detection threshold from among channels that constitute the reception wave. A synchronization processing unit performs a synchronization process on a reception wave of the channel selected by the channel selecting unit. In this way, the processing time and power consumption related to a cell search is reduced.

Due to the widespread use of wireless communication with mobile phones or the like, it is desired that the finite frequency resources be utilized by as many users as possible. In wireless communication systems for mobile phones, a plurality of base station apparatuses are connected to one another mainly by wires. Also, each of the base station apparatuses is wirelessly connected to mobile station apparatuses used by users. Although an area in which communication can be performed in wireless communication systems is limited to a range (cell) over which a radio wave reaches from each base station apparatus, arranging a plurality of base station apparatuses at different locations makes it possible to perform communication at locations within a wide range. Also, wireless communication systems of different cell arrangements or different frequency bands may be used depending on countries in which the systems are operated, carriers, communication services, or the like.
On the other hand, a mobile station apparatus may be moved to outside of a range of an area (cell) over which a radio wave reaches from a base station apparatus (to an out-of-service area). The mobile station apparatus performs processing (cell search) for searching for a base station apparatus which the mobile station apparatus can communicate with in order to become able to perform communication in the out-of-service area. The cell search is mainly composed of measurement of a reception strength and a synchronization process. After a successful cell search, the mobile station apparatus becomes able to communicate with other mobile station apparatuses.
During a cell search performed in an out-of-service area (for example, a cell search performed in response to movement from Japan to Europe), the mobile station apparatus measures the reception strength on all receivable channels in an available communication system and then performs a synchronization process in general. For this reason, the cell search has drawbacks in that it requires a long time and increases the power consumption.
Accordingly, in a communication method described in PTL 1, (1) in the case where a mobile station apparatus capable of utilizing communication systems A and B is in an out-of-service area of the communication systems, a conventional cell search (cell search for all channels) is performed as planned; (2) upon discovering, for example, a base station of the system A during the cell search, the mobile station apparatus obtains a country code (MCC: Mobile Country Code) from broadcast information, and searches lists stored in a main body storage section and an external storage section for whether or not a frequency that meets a combination of the country code and an operator is stored in the lists; and (3) if such a frequency is stored, for example, for the system B, the mobile station apparatus performs a cell search for the search-target frequency. In the case where the system B is not stored, the mobile station apparatus does not perform a cell search. As described above, the search-target frequency is limited to the frequency used by an operator that provides a communication service in that country prior to the cell search, whereby an unnecessary cell search for obtaining broadcast information of an operator that does not provide a communication service is omitted.

Mobile station device for reducing processing time and power consumption related to a cell search


A slot antenna has a generally cylindrical waveguide and a feed end. A plurality of slots are formed in the waveguide. A plurality of feed strips are secured to the feed end and are secured to the waveguide in spaced apart relationship from the outer surface of the waveguide. Exciters are in communication with the feed strips and extend over the slots.

Slot antennas are well known in the art.
One problem with existing slot antennas is the coupling between adjacent slots which interferes with the radiation patterns for which the antenna is designed.
The prior art solutions to overcoming this problem of coupling between adjacent slots result in a longer antenna than necessary (forming offset slots on a vertical axis) or making a wider antenna. The latter design is harder to seal for pressurization because of wings or protuberances from the antenna.
It is believed that all existing co-ax slot antennas use an internal feed system. The use of the internal feed lines prohibits use of internal feeder lines.
Broadly in the antenna of the invention, an external microstrip feed system allows adjacent slots to be closer to each other without coupling. This improves the radiation pattern. This external feed system also frees up the internal area of the cylindrical waveguide to allow cable to run inside allowing multi-bay antennas under one radome which simplifies assembly and mounting.
The invention in a preferred embodiment is a slot antenna having a generally cylindrical waveguide and a feed end. A plurality of slots are formed in the waveguide. A plurality of feed strips are secured to the feed end and are secured to the waveguide in spaced apart relationship from the outer surface of the waveguide. Exciters are in communication with the feed strips and extend over the slots. The slots and exciters are dimensioned and arrayed to produce a designed radiation pattern.


A stand suitable for elevated support of water heaters and similar objects is disclosed. The stand includes a planar, rectangular tabletop formed and stamped from sheet-like material, and being further formed with downwardly bent marginal side flanges. The tabletop is supported by two pairs of oppositely disposed leg members, which are also stamped from sheet-like material. Each leg member is formed with a longitudinally extending flat central portion and oppositely positioned coextensive angularly bent flange portions. The surface of each leg flange mates with an adjacent facing surface of a respective surface of a respective one of the downwardly depending tabletop flanges. The stand further includes a cruciform arrangement of overlapping crossbars.

This invention relates generally to collapsible supporting stands, including stands suitable for supporting tank-like objects, such as water heaters, which for various reasons are preferably elevated and supported above ground level.
The support stand of the present invention can be used in several different environments for supporting various objects. Additionally, the size and shape of the components of the stand can be varied to accommodate the particular needs of the buyer or user.
Prior art stands are more expensive to manufacture, and require tedious and time-consuming assembly and disassembly, usually due to requirement of a multiplicity of independently manufactured fastener devices, such as separate, conventional nut and bolt assemblies. Added to these problems have been the assembler's frustration in locating individual assorted fastener elements required for securement and releasable attachment of cooperating elements required for insuring stabilization and relative rigidity to a plurality of leg members and crossbars supporting an elevated tabletop member.


The present invention relates to hydrogenation processes including: contacting a first composition with hydrogen under hydrogenation conditions, in the presence of an eggshell hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the first composition has: (i) greater than about 50 wt % of cyclohexylbenzene, the wt % based upon the total weight of the first composition; and (ii) greater than about 0.3 wt % of cyclohexenylbenzene, the wt % based upon the total weight of the first composition; and thereby obtaining a second composition having less cyclohexenylbenzene than the first composition. Other hydrogenation processes are also described.

Phenol is an important product in the chemical industry and is useful in, for example, the production of phenolic resins, bisphenol A, ε-caprolactam, adipic acid, and plasticizers.
Currently, the most common route for the production of phenol is the Hock process. This is a three-step process in which the first step involves alkylation of benzene with propylene to produce cumene, followed by oxidation of the cumene to the corresponding hydroperoxide and then cleavage of the hydroperoxide to produce equimolar amounts of phenol and acetone. However, the world demand for phenol is growing more rapidly than that for acetone. In addition, due to a developing shortage, the cost of propylene is likely to increase. Thus, a process that uses higher alkenes instead of propylene as feed and co-produces higher ketones, rather than acetone, may be an attractive alternative route to the production of phenols.
One such process proceeds via cyclohexylbenzene, followed by the oxidation of the cyclohexylbenzene (analogous to cumene oxidation) to cyclohexylbenzene hydroperoxide, which is then cleaved to produce phenol and cyclohexanone in substantially equimolar amounts. Although various methods are available for the production of cyclohexylbenzene, a preferred route is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,513, in which the cyclohexylbenzene is produced by hydroalkylating benzene with hydrogen in the presence of a bifunctional catalyst comprising a molecular sieve of the MCM-22 family and at least one hydrogenation metal selected from palladium, ruthenium, nickel, cobalt, and mixtures thereof. The '513 patent also discloses that the resultant cyclohexylbenzene can be oxidized to the corresponding hydroperoxide which is then decomposed to the desired phenol and cyclohexanone co-product.
However, one or more steps of the process described above can produce substances that are detrimental to process efficiency. In particular, one of the problems associated with this process is that some amount of cyclohexenylbenzene (phenylcyclohexene) is inevitably formed during the oxidation/cleavage step. WO 2011/100013 discloses that cyclohexenylbenzene may be contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst under hydrogenation conditions to form cyclohexylbenzene (or phenylcyclohexane), which can then be recycled to produce phenol using processes described above. However, the hydrogenation of cyclohexenylbenzene back to cyclohexylbenzene often produces bicyclohexane (BCH) as an undesirable byproduct. BCH is particularly undesirable because BCH has a boiling point very close to that of cyclohexylbenzene, making them difficult to separate by conventional techniques, such as distillation. It is therefore highly desirable to minimize the formation of bicyclohexane (BCH) while hydrogenating cyclohexenylbenzene to cyclohexylbenzene.
Accordingly, there exists a need for highly active, highly selective processes of hydrogenating cyclohexenylbenzene to cyclohexylbenzene, thereby minimizing the production of unwanted byproducts, for example, BCH.


An internet protocol (IP) telephone device includes a plurality of IP modules and an IP-module selecting unit that selects an IP module based on a call command received from an opponent telephone terminal device.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to internet protocol (IP) telephones, and specifically relates to realizing various functions on IP telephones.
2. Description of the Related Art
In conventional internet protocol (IP) telephones, a transferring function, a caller ID function, and the like have been realized by using a session initiation protocol (SIP) server.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-252809 discloses a technology that can transfer telephone calls without using the SIP server. However, according to the disclosed technology, calls can be transferred only from a telephone set that has a dedicated call-transferring function and the call can be transferred only to pre-registered telephone numbers. As a result, the conventional technology can only be used with IP telephone terminals in an internal-telephone line system, moreover, there is a need to set extension numbers and the like in advance.
Thus, there is a need of a technology that allows realization of various functions on IP telephones easily and with simpler configuration.


The present invention relates to a system and method for providing voice control of a system, an ultrasound system for example. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of forming a generic input device used in an ultrasound system and responsive to at least one voice command. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises forming at least one display in the generic input device, the display having at least one tab associated therewith. The method further comprises defining a grid layout on at least one display and associating at least one control of the ultrasound system with at least one of the tab and the grid layout. At least one voice command is associated with at least one of the tab and grid layout.

This application is directed in general to control of ultrasound systems. This application is directed in particular to a voice control of a generic input device or user interface used with an ultrasound system and adapted to provide speech recognition without compromising control of the system.
It is contemplated that a number of situations may exist where, when using an ultrasound system, an operator (a doctor or sonographer for example) may have difficulty completing the exam using only the console. Some examples include upper and lower extremity exams, compression exams, carotid exams, neo-natal head exams, and portables. Working with large patients may further pose a problem to some smaller operators who can't physically reach both the console and the patient portion needed to be scanned. In addition, use of manual controls may lead to a repetitive stress disorder, causing the operator discomfort and decreasing their productivity.
Alternate methods exist for controlling the ultrasound system while away from the console (when the keyboard is insufficient or inconvenient for example). Some examples of such alternate methods include using a remote wand, a footswitch, a second operator and limited voice control.
A remote wand coupled to the ultrasound machine enables an operator to conduct difficult exams. However, the remote wand does not enable the operator to complete an exam requiring the use of both hands (while supporting a patient's leg for example). A foot-switch attached to the ultrasound machine enables the operator to depress a small number of keys (typically two) by operating the switches with his or her feet. The keys on the foot-switch are generally defined as the most critical functions. This provides limited control of the ultrasound machine. However, the foot-switch solution is limited in several ways. Primarily, it does not provide broad control of the ultrasound machine. Generally a foot-switch only supports up to three commands. The operator must select which functions are to be controlled by the foot-switch based on their immediate needs. This is insufficient for most exams.
It is contemplated that an additional operator or assistant may assist with the examination, controlling the keyboard of the system in response to the doctor's or sonographer's spoken commands. It should be appreciated that having an additional operator assist in the examination may increase the cost of the examination. Further, there exists the possibility of miscommunication between the individual conducting the examination and the individual inputting information into the system.
It should be appreciated that one limitation associated with using voice commands to control an ultrasound system is communicating the command set to the operator. Leading ultrasound systems have hundreds of available commands. Memorizing all the hundreds of commands is difficult and may effect the speed of the recognition system. Furthermore, using a large set of commands, where a large portion of these commands are similar, may cause the commands to be misinterpreted. Such limitations, in conjunction with the variable accuracy in ultrasound systems, may lead to situations in which the user isn't sure if the lack of system response is due to an invalid command or the system's lack of understanding of the command.
A limited voice control system has been implemented which provides the operator with the ability to operate some of the keys of the keyboard using spoken commands. This voice control system recognizes a limited vocabulary of spoken commands. This vocabulary enables the operator to send a subset of the commands that may also be sent by the keyboard.
Still another system for voice control of an ultrasound machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,654. This voice control system limits the number of commands available to the user dependent on the state of the ultrasound system.
Known ultrasound systems have a large numbers of controls. Providing each system control using a unique voice command results in a very large command set. If each control is provided with a unique voice command, a very large command set size may result. This large command set may reduce the accuracy of the voice recognition system, slow the speed of command recognition, cause misinterpretations due to similarity of many of the commands and make it difficult for the operator to learn the full command list. In addition, if the system enables the operator to create controls once the system is installed, there may be no obvious way to drive the newly added or created control using predefined or existing voice commands.

Voice control of a generic input device for an ultrasound system


A method and apparatus for the enhancement of images stored in a database are disclosed. A first image at a first resolution and a second image at second resolution are used to generate an enhanced image at a third resolution.

Many companies are proposing home networking databases, media servers, set-top boxes and the like to manage the wide variety of data that a user might collect. Instead of simply storing this data, a smart media server might use the opportunity to enhance this data to improve a viewing experience. One such possibility is to search the database for video objects similar to the one currently being viewed. The search might include data that is acquired before or after the data being improved. When data samples are combined with samples taken at a different time there may be some data misalignment. Differently aligned data may be exploited to enhance the displayed resolution of the object. However, several limitations have prevented use of resolution enhancement in home networking database applications and particularly on video images with data on irregular grids.

Resolution enhancement for images stored in a database


Disclosed is a system for selective modification of transport data for enhanced video content. Video transport data is received in a video signal or an external source and a configurable processor uses criteria to selectively modify units of the video transport data. Disclosed criteria included a rule based pattern matching/replacement as well as criteria for denial, acceptance, or modification of particular units of video transport data. The modified video transport data stream created by the processor can be re-encoded in the video signal and provided to an external monitor.

A complex problem arises in connection with enhanced video: where a trigger comes through while an enhancement is already being displayed, how should that trigger (and its associated enhancement) be handled?
This problem could arise, for instance, where a show is enhanced, and an embedded ad is also enhanced; a show is enhanced in two places, and a viewer is still in the first enhancement when the second trigger arrives; two ads are enhanced, and a viewer is still in the first ad's enhancements when the second trigger arrives.
Conventionally, when one encodes triggers, client systems—for instance set-top boxes manufactured under license from WEBTV Networks, or Liberate Technologies—provide no effective control of overlapping enhancements. Some conventional client systems completely ignore the second trigger; this is undesirable for the sponsor of the second trigger as well as the programmer who sold that trigger spot. In other conventional client systems, if the new trigger does not contain the same URL as the currently displayed screen (which is not necessarily the URL in the old trigger), the new trigger pops up and the viewer has 10 seconds to choose the new trigger over the old enhancement. While this approach may better accommodate sponsors, it is inflexibly disruptive to the viewers. Still further, it also has problems where copies of the same trigger can disrupt subsequent screens of the first trigger's enhancements.
It would be desirable for a solution to exist which allowed for flexible control of overlapping enhancements. Still further it would be desirable for such a solution to be able to flexibly allow for overlapping enhancement control to be varied based on broadcast context. For instance, it would be desirable for a solution to exist for different broadcasters to specify how overlapping enhancements would be handled, and a similar pair of overlapping enhancements handled in accordance with the broadcasters' specifications.

Method and system for video enhancement transport alteration


A method of forming an integrated structure that comprises a self-aligned via/contact and metal line is described. The via/contact is formed out of part of a first spacer made of a first dielectric and surrounded by a second dielectric in a first sandwich structure. The metal line is formed out of a second spacer made of the first dielectric and surrounded by the second dielectric in a second sandwich structure. The second sandwich structure is disposed over the first sandwich structure. At the point of contact between the first and second spacer, an angle of 90.degree. exists in a preferred embodiment. The via/contact and metal line form a self-aligned integrated structure that is created in one etch step. The integrated structure is subsequently filled with a conductive material.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor manufacturing. In particular, the invention relates to a method for forming an integrated self-aligned via/contact and interconnect.
2. Description of Related Art
During the process of semiconductor fabrication, alternating layers of a nonconducting material (dielectric), such as silicon dioxide, and of a conductor, such as aluminum tungsten, are formed over the semiconductor substrate. Devices, such as transistors or diodes, among others, are formed at and within the semiconductor substrate. Contact between the lowest layer of conductive material and a region of a device, at and within the semiconductor device (e.g., a source or drain) is made through an opening in a first dielectric layer. The opening is then filled with a conductive material to form a contact that couples the region of the device to the lowest conductive layer. In addition, a vertical opening, known as a via, is filled with conductive material to connect circuits on various layers of a device to one another and to the semiconductor substrate. This conductive material is known as an interconnect.
Openings (i.e., vias and contacts) are often formed using a mask and photolithography. For example, a photosensitive film, such as photoresist, is applied to a surface of the semiconductor substrate. A mask with a desired pattern is used during photolithography to help transfer the desired pattern onto the substrate or a surface on the substrate. The photoresist is then exposed to light through the mask and then developed. The exposed surface of the substrate and photoresist are removed so that the desired pattern is now on the substrate's surface.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a first mask (not shown) patterns an opening in dielectric 103 to form the opening for contact 102 shown in FIG. 1B. A conductive layer is then formed over dielectric 103. Any excess conductive material is removed. The result is shown in FIG. 1B, a contact 102, made of the conductive material, is formed in dielectric 103 on a semiconductor substrate 100. Another conductive layer 105 and then a photosensitive layer are deposited. The photosensitive layer 107 is then patterned to form a metal line as illustrated in FIG. 1C. During the process of etching the conductive layer 105 forms the metal line 106 and an overetch of contact 102 occurs. Consequently, part of contact 102 is etched away as shown in FIG. 1D. This causes reliability problems and possibly circuit failure. The smaller contact area also increases contact resistance and degrades circuit performance. In order to avoid this problem, which is usually caused by forming the contact opening and metal line in two steps, extra chip space is used for overlay alignment errors. Thus, photoresist layer would be extended as shown by the dotted lines 109 to cover contact 102 with some extra space in case of overetching. In turn, the metal line is then etched at dotted lines 111 to prevent overetching of contact 102. Thus, extra chip space must be reserved for overlay alignment errors that could have been used for additional devices. This results in decreased chip density.
Because the size of the contact 102 opening and the overlaying interconnect opening are so small (e.g., 0.18-0.2 micron), it is very difficult to align the two openings accurately using the current photolithography tool set. For example, if contact 102 had a horizontal width of 0.1 micron, a space of about 0.025 micron (in the best case) must be saved on the chip around each side of contact 102, and on mask 104, which patterns the subsequent metal line. This extra space (109, 111) around contact 102 allows room for overlay alignment errors between the contact 102 and the metal line 106. Thus, even assuming a best case scenario, the space around contact 102 increased by 50%, since 0.025.times.2=0.05. This reduces the chip density and results in a larger chip size. Because the semiconductor industry wants increased chip density (e.,g., 100 million or more components on a chip), this is an undesirable effect.
The current lithography tool set is unable to form a via/contact with a subsequently formed interconnect when the via/contact or interconnect has a horizontal width of 0.1 micron or less. E-beam exposure systems and X-Ray systems are two other options for forming openings with a width of 0.1 micron or less. Unfortunately, E-beam and X-ray systems are not feasible for manufacturing use and are still in the research stage. In addition, the cost of using the E-beam and X-ray systems is prohibitive. Thus, what is needed is a manufacturable method for forming very small openings (e.g., sub-0.1 micron) that is not dependent on the current lithography tool set. Furthermore, what is needed is a method that forms an integrated structure that comprises a self-aligned via/contact and interconnect. Because the via/contact and interconnect are self-aligned, no chip space is lost due to overlay alignment errors.

Process for forming an integrated structure comprising a self-aligned via/contact and interconnect


A collapsible sheltered bench operable to have a first collapsed configuration and a second erect configuration. The sheltered bench includes a base member comprising a bench surface for sitting. The sheltered bench further includes a canopy member having first and second support members and a cover. In the erect configuration the first and second support members extend from a first side of the sitting surface to a second substantially opposed side of the sitting surface along opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the sitting surface. The first and second support members support the cover such that the cover extends over at least a portion of the sitting surface.

Portable seating is often required for use in areas where permeant seating is not practical or cost effective. One example is during sporting events, which often take place in large fields with no seating provisions over a long period of time. Portable seating allows for spectators and players to have seating for during the event which can be removed once the event has finished.
Such events often take place outside and many occur in the winter months. As such, it is also desirable that as well as providing portability, the portable seating provides some form of shelter against adverse weather conditions, such as rain and wind.
A canopy extending over the seating can be used to provide such shelter, however the addition of a canopy to portable seating raises several problems, including the significant addition of weight and bulkiness; the reliability of the structural integrity of the canopy, which is by design exposed to the adverse weather; and increased cost.
Therefore, there is a requirement for an improved collapsible sheltered bench. It is therefore an object of aspects of the present invention to address one or more of the abovementioned or other problems.


A method including transmitting an image from a camera of an apparatus, where the image includes one or more Ad collateral; and automatically detecting by the apparatus at least one of the Ad collateral in the image. An apparatus including at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to automatically discern at least one Ad collateral in a camera image.

1. Technical Field
The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to a camera image and, more particularly, to detection of an item in a camera image.
2. Brief Description of Prior Developments
Advertising, in recent years, is separated into two categories: "paid media", which is the common definition of traditional advertising, and all other forms of non-media communications. Collateral advertising is one of several forms of non-media communications. Many marketers today use collateral advertising as their primary, sometimes only, means of advertising.
Advertising Collateral, also known as "Ad collateral", is an individual item of collateral advertising in an Ad campaign including, for example, a newspaper advertisement, a magazine advertisement, a custom folder, a brochure, a business mailer, a flyer, a marketing insert, a business card, a billboard and a poster. Ad collateral may be text, a combination of text and image(s) and perhaps also a bar code such as a QR code for example. "Ad collateral" always comprises more than merely a bar code, and will always comprise text and/or a non-bar code image.
Relating to digital imaging, recognition software, such as facial recognition software, is known.


A system and method for frequency planning in a wireless communication network area using an impact matrix which relates signal interference impacts between sectors in a network service are for co-channel and adjacent channel interference. The impact matrix uses weighted propagation analysis and empirical measurement data to determine signal levels within each pixel of a network service area. The system merges the propagation analysis and empirical measurement data according to user assigned confidences.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
This invention relates generally to the field of frequency planning in wireless communication networks and, in particular, to a system and method for improved consideration of the impact of various factors in frequency planning.
In wireless communication systems, such as a cellular mobile radio communication system, the geographic area served by the system is divided into geographically defined cells. In the system, there is a finite number of carrier frequency channels, typically radio-frequency (RF) channels, that are available for use during communications in and between network areas cells. Typically, a frequency group, consisting of a subset of all of the available frequencies, is assigned to each cell for that cell""s use during communications.
However, because the number of frequency groups is limited, it is necessary to reuse them within the area served by the system. To provide for a greater coverage by the system, and to provide for greater capacity through higher reuse of frequency groups, the network service area cells may be further divided up into sectors. Because the use of a particular frequency by two different sectors can result in interference during a call or even result in the call being completely cut-off or xe2x80x9cdroppedxe2x80x9d, an effort must be made to assign frequency groups to sectors in a manner that minimizes the amount of interference.
In wireless communication networks, there are two primary types of interference: co-channel interference and neighbor or adjacent channel interference. Co-channel interference is the interference from communication sources tuned to the same frequency as the operating channel. Adjacent-channel interference comes from communication sources using channels near the operating channel in the frequency domain. To achieve the desired voice or data transmission quality, the ratio of the received signal over the combined co-channel and neighbor-channel interference must be above a specified threshold. Such channel interference can be up-link or down-link interference or a combination of these interferences. Down-link interference is channel interference received at regions serviced by a first base station caused from signals transmitted by other base stations. Up-link interference is interference at the base stations caused from signals transmitted by mobile units in regions of the coverage area that are not serviced by that base station.
Furthermore, other factors such as antenna patterns, power levels, scattering, and wave diffraction variations combined with buildings, various other structures, hills, mountains, foliage, and other physical objects contribute to the interference experienced during wireless communications.
In frequency planning for a wireless communication network, the primary task is to try to predict and attempt to reduce the amount of channel interference experienced by strategically assigning certain channels to certain sectors. Typically, this can be achieved by assigning frequencies so that the distance between co-channel and adjacent channel sectors is maximized. In this context, xe2x80x9cdistancexe2x80x9d does not necessarily refer to geographic distance but connotes a distance in the RF sense. That is, although sectors far apart from each other geographically are less likely to xe2x80x9cseexe2x80x9d each other, they can still interfere with each other. For example, a high sector can interfere with a sector as far as hundreds of miles away. Maximizing this distance decreases the chances of the sectors conflicting with one another in the airwaves. However, a severe consequence of maximizing this distance is that it effectively reduces the amount of channel combinations possible in the network service area, thereby limiting the amount of coverage available for wireless communication. Typically, frequency planning is ordinarily accomplished by three primary techniques including channel sets, reuse patterns and pixel based interference analysis.
Channel sets are non-overlapping subsets of the available channels organized according to a periodic frequency spacing in terms of number of channels between, members of a given set. The principal disadvantage of using channel sets is that the number of channels required from sector to sector usually varies, and optimal frequency planning will require that just that number, rather than the number in an arbitrary set, be assigned to each sector.
In the reuse pattern scheme, the sectors in a network are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, or xe2x80x9cgridxe2x80x9d. Channels or, more commonly, channel sets, are then assigned so that co-channel or adjacent channel assignments appear periodically in different sectors. The primary disadvantage of frequency planning based upon a reuse grid is that, within a given network, varying terrain and man-made xe2x80x9cclutterxe2x80x9d, such as buildings and other structures, will affect the characteristics of radio propagation and attenuation. Therefore, adhering to a fixed and rigid co-channel or adjacent channel spacing on a grid will likely provide inadequate isolation in some cases, resulting in excessive interference, and more than the required isolation in others, thereby reducing reuse efficiency. Furthermore, in addition to less than optimal interference levels, the fixed reuse approach results in much reduced capacity in many parts of the network where frequencies can be added freely due to an RF shield, such as a mountain ridge, but the grid prohibits such an assignment.
In pixel based interference analysis, the entire network service area is divided into a large number of very small xe2x80x9cpixelsxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cbinsxe2x80x9d. In one example, each pixel would be a 100 meter square, so that a network service area of 100 kilometers by 100 kilometers would contain 1 million pixels. For each pixel, a system engineer will ascertain the strongest incident signal level from the sectors nearby and then the incident signal levels from each of the other sectors in the network to determine potential interferences. From this information, the system engineer can determine the predicted levels of co-channel or adjacent channel interference that would be present in that pixel if certain sectors were assigned, respectively, the same radio channels as the serving sector or channels adjacent to those in the serving sector.
However, pixel-by-pixel interference analysis also has many significant limitations. While pixel by pixel analysis can predict interference problems that are likely to result from a proposed frequency plan, it does not provide any such plan in the first place, nor does it inherently suggest modifications to a frequency plan that would reduce interference.
Furthermore, there is an inherent limitation on the amount of data that can be presented in pixel by pixel interference analysis. At the same time, pixel by pixel analysis produces an amount of data which is not easily susceptible to human interpretation. Finally, because conventional pixel by pixel interference analysis relies solely on predicted levels, it carries over the inaccuracies in such data as described above and results in erroneous frequency assignments.
Thus, while these existing techniques can provide for some measure of protection and relief from channel interference in the network service area, they still fail to account for the many variables and factors which can affect wireless communications on a day to day basis. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a system and method for frequency planning within a wireless communication network which accounts for the many variables and factors affecting the quality of wireless communications, reduces the interference experienced during wireless communication, and does not limit the coverage area of network cells.
The present invention provides a system and method for creating an impact matrix for use in allocating frequency channels in a wireless communication network service area which is divided into a plurality of sectors and further divided into a plurality of pixels. The impact matrix provides impact scores which characterize the impact of making certain co-channel or adjacent channel assignment in pairs of sector by sector within a network service area.
The impact scores are developed by a series of steps, the first of which involves selectively merging signal propagation analysis data and empirical measurement data to determine an anticipated signal level for each one of the plurality of pixels in the network area. Once the signal levels within each pixel are obtained, a determination is made as to which sector within the network service area is serving that particular pixel. The system then assigns a weighted channel interference impact score for the pixel based on the interference between the pixel""s signal serving sector and signals from each of the other non-serving sectors in the network area. Overall sector by sector impact scores based on the weighted channel interference impact scores are determined for all of the pixels for which a sector is the serving sector.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal level data from the signal propagation analysis, empirical measurement, and switch logs analysis is merged according to user assigned confidences for the data. The step of determining a weighted channel interference impact score between the pixel""s signal serving sector and signals from each of the other sectors in the network area includes calculating a ratio between a signal level from the serving sector and signal levels from each of the other sectors in the network area, assigning interference impact scores for each of the other sectors in the network area, and adjusting the interference impact scores according to user assigned factors such as network area sensitivity to call quality and amount of call volume for that network area.
Once the impact matrixis developed, the scores-in the matrix may be modified to further accurately characterize the signal impacts of interferences within a network service area. The impact matrix scores may be adjusted according to data which may have been previously input to the system or may be contemporaneously input. Such data includes channel pairing relationships among sectors which are known to provide low levels of excessive interference, channel pairing relationships among sectors which are known to provide high levels of excessive interference, and detailed call history information. Detailed call history information can include data on dropped calls and associated sector and channel combination where call drops occur.
The impact matrix may then be used for frequency planning in the network service area. The impact matrix will provide a user, typically a network engineer, with a way to predict the signal quality impact of certain channel assignments within the network service area.

System and method for frequency planning in wireless communication networks


Keys forming a data inputting part to input such data as characters are formed of mechanical switches large in the operating stroke so that data of many inputting key operations may be input by a blind touch and keys forming a function executing part to execute preset functions are formed of flat switches having substantially no operating stroke and covered with a water-proof cover so as to be able to be simply cleaned even in case the functions are operated to be executed with dirty hands while the medical apparatus is being used.

Field of the Invention and Description of Related Arts
This invention relates to a medical keyboard apparatus used for such medical system as an electronic endoscope system and provided with data inputting mechanical switches and function executing flat switches.
Recently, in such medical electric apparatus or medical electric system as an electronic endoscope system, it is general to form a system having a function of recording in a recording medium diagnosis data to prepare or effectively utilize clinical charts so as to be made a data base and to be able to be referred to in the later diagnosis or the like. In such case, a keyboard is extensively used to prepare patient data.
The keyboard used in the medical field, that is, the medical keyboard is used to input a comment on each inspected (or diagnosed) patient. In the case of the medical keyboard, during the medically inspecting operation, the medical keyboard will be likely to be polluted, particularly the inspected patient may be suffering from an infectious disease and therefore it is necessary to set the keyboard in a clean state.
Conventionally used is a mechanical type keyboard (in the journal of Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 175832/1989) formed of only mechanical switches high in the operability or flat type keyboard formed of only flat switches easy to maintain in a sanitary state.
The mechanical type keyboard formed of only mechanical switches has a merit of a high operability that it can be operated with a blind touch. However, it is not of a water-proof structure and is therefore of a structure likely to be covered with dusts or polluted. It requires a trouble to remove dusts. In case it is polluted, the sterilization with a sterilizing liquid will be a trouble.
On the other hand, the flat type keyboard is easy to be made of a water-proof structure. When it is made of a water-proof structure, even if it has dusts deposited or is operated by hand likely to be polluted during the inspection, when the keyboard is wiped with a sterilizing liquid, it will be able to simply have the dusts removed and to be sterilized.
However, in the flat type keyboard, in case the flat switches are operated, the movement of such movable members as the mechanical switches will be hardly able to be sensed by the touch of the operating finger and therefore its operability will be lower than of the mechanical type keyboard. Therefore, the flat type keyboard can not be substantially operated with a blind touch as in the case of the mechanical type keyboard. Therefore, in the case of the operation it will be necessary to perceive whether the operation is carried out or not.
In most cases, the medical keyboard is provided with data inputting keys mostly inputting characters and signs and function execution inputting keys executing functions. These data inputting keys and function execution inputting keys are different in the using frequency in response to the environment in which the medical keyboard is used.
In the medical keyboard used in such medical apparatus as, for example, an endoscope system, when a view or comment after the examination is to be input, data will be mostly input or, during the examination or diagnosis, a function for executing the examination or diagnosis will be mostly executed.
In such case, during the examination, the hands will be in a dirty state and therefore the keys which will be able to be simply cleaned even if operated with dirty hands will be desirable. If the function executing keys can execute one independent function with one key operation, they need not be able to be operated with a blind touch.
On the other hand, as such data as views or comments are input mostly after the examination, it is preferable that the data can be simply input (with non-dirty hands) to that inputting the data with dirty hands can be simply cleaned.
On the other hand, in the prior reference, for the data inputting keys and function execution inputting keys, under any environment, there can be selected and used the formation of only the mechanical switch or the formation of only the flat switch and therefore there is a defect that, in case the using frequencies of the data inputting keys and function execution inputting keys are different, the keys will not be able to be used as set in a more pertinent operating state.
Also, in the prior reference, it is very significant that the user has a little freedom to select a medical keyboard apparatus adapted to the environment and is provided with a medical keyboard apparatus of a higher multiplicity.
On the other hand, a mechanical type keyboard to which a touch panel is attached as an option as combined is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,380. This touch panel is to put data into a computer and is provided with keys arranged on the periphery of an ordinary keyboard and hard to operate so as to be used as fitted to a position easy to operate.
Therefore, in the patent of this prior reference, data can be input in a position easy to operate but by the touch panel and therefore the data can not be input by a blind touch. That is to say, the data input is different from the operation of executing the function set in advance and, in general, many data are continuously input. Therefore, the mechanical type keyboard wherein data can be input by a blind touch is preferable. This prior reference apparently resembles the keyboard of the present application but its function is different and the following objects can not be well attained in the reference.

Medical keyboard apparatus provided with data inputting mechanical switches and function executing flat switches


A probe for insertion into a living body includes a sheath configured to be inserted into a living body, and a shaft positioned in the sheath. The shaft includes a tip portion configured to obtain diagnostic data at a distal portion thereof. The sheath includes a resin layer or a metal layer of at least one layer, and wherein the resin layer or the metal layer includes a spiral-shaped slit which is continuous from a distal portion to a proximal portion. The spiral-shaped slit includes a distal slit portion having the highest slit density, a middle slit portion which is continuous with the distal slit portion and which also has a lower slit density than the distal slit portion, and a proximal slit portion which is continuous with the middle slit portion and which also has a higher slit density than the middle slit portion.

In the past, imaging diagnosis has been performed by inserting a probe having an imaging function into a blood vessel of a coronary artery of the heart or the like and a vessel of a bile duct or the like.
One type of imaging diagnostic apparatus is an intra vascular ultra sound (IVUS: Intra Vascular Ultra Sound) diagnostic apparatus. Generally, the intra vascular ultra sound diagnostic apparatus is constructed such that a probe equipped with an ultrasonic transducer is scanned radially in the blood vessel, a reflection wave (ultra sound echo) reflected by biological tissue in a coelom is received by the same ultrasonic transducer, and thereafter processes such as amplification, detection and the like are applied and a cross-section image of a blood vessel is visualized based on the strength of the generated ultra sound echo.
Another imaging diagnostic apparatus is an optical coherent tomography (OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography) diagnostic apparatus. An example of an optical coherent tomography diagnostic apparatus is disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-268133. The optical coherent tomography diagnostic apparatus is an apparatus in which a probe equipped with an optical fiber which is mounted with a probe equipped with an optical lens and an optical mirror at the distal tip is inserted into a blood vessel, light is illuminated into the blood vessel while radially scanning the optical mirror arranged on the distal side of the optical fiber, and the cross-section image of the blood vessel is to be visualized based on the reflected light from the biological tissue. Further, there is proposed nowadays an imaging diagnostic apparatus which uses an optical frequency domain imaging (Optical Frequency Domain Imaging: OFDI) method which is referred to as a next generation OCT.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-275200 describes a catheter 1 in which the proximal side of a flexible tube 4 is held by a holding member H. The tube 4 in the vicinity of the holding member H includes a coil shaped reinforcement member 42 in the inside of the tube wall, and the proximal side of this coil shaped reinforcement member 42 is covered by a pipe-shaped reinforcement member 43. This pipe-shaped reinforcement member 43 is held on the holding member H.
Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-61963 proposes an ultra sound catheter 1 provided with a built-in driving shaft 10 in a catheter sheath 2 which transmits a mechanical driving force from the hand side to the distal side of the catheter sheath 2 and with an ultra sound vibrator 13 connected to the distal side of the driving shaft 10. An X-ray opacity applying unit 12 is provided at least at a portion of the driving shaft 10. Paragraph [0021] of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-61963 discloses that the catheter sheath 2 is formed, for example, by a multi-layer structure of resins such as polyimide, polyamide, polyester, polyethylene and polyurethane, and there is provided a reinforcement body of a metal-made knitted braid, a flat plate coil or the like between the resin layers on the proximal side from a position at which an intraluminal ultrasonic transducer can exist.
Also, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H09-070403, proposes an ultra sound catheter including an exterior shaft inserted into a coelom, a driving shaft inserted into the exterior shaft and transmitting a mechanical driving force from the proximal side to the distal side, and a housing provided with an ultrasonic transducer and fixed at the driving shaft so as to be positioned in the inside on the distal side of the exterior shaft and in which the driving shaft is an ultra sound catheter rotatable by an external driving source, wherein the exterior shaft includes a first elastic member of a coil shape at the distal portion, the housing includes a second elastic member extending to the distal side of the catheter at the distal portion, and the distal tip of the second elastic member is positioned in the first elastic member. Then, with respect to the main body portion of the exterior shaft, there is proposed a main body portion having a reinforcement layer positioned between the exterior and the interior layer and at the same time, the following matters are disclosed for the reinforcement layer.
At the distal portion of a tube which forms an intermediate layer (reinforcement layer) 102b (for example, elastic metal tube), there is provided a spiral shaped slit extending from the distal tip to the rear end side. Thus, the distal portion of the elastic metal tube forms a deformable portion which is flexible compared with other portions, so that with respect to the distal portion of the elastic metal tube, it is possible for the side wall thereof to be deformable toward the inside of the super-elastic metal tube. It is preferable for the slit to be formed to have widths gradually smaller from the distal tip toward the rear end side of the elastic metal tube, in other words, to have widths which become gradually larger toward the distal side. For this reason, the slit width at the distal tip of the elastic metal tube is formed to be maximum, and the more nearer the elastic metal tube is directed toward the distal tip, the more easily the deformation thereof occurs. It is preferable for the slit to be provided as many as around 2 to 8 pieces by being approximately equally spaced. It is preferable for the distal width of the slit (width of the maximum portion) to be around 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm. Also, it is preferable for the slit width to be approximately ⅙ to 3/2 of the outer diameter of the elastic metal tube and in particular, to be approximately ⅓ to 1/1 thereof. Also, with respect to the spiral shaped slit, it is also allowed for the pitch thereof to be short on the distal portion side of the slit and to be long on the proximal portion side of the slit. In a case in which the slit pitch changes, around 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm is preferable at the distal portion and around 5 mm to 10 mm is preferable at the proximal portion and in particular, at the middle portion between the distal portion and the proximal portion, it is preferable to have an intermediate pitch of the both sides or to have pitches gradually changing therebetween. Also, it is preferable for the slit 19 to have the changing pitches and the changing widths mentioned above.