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339,400 | 16,800,277 | 2,814 | An optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, a moving portion, a first driving assembly and a second driving assembly. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The moving portion is connected to an optical element having an optical axis, and is movable relative to the movable portion. The first driving assembly drives the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion; and the second driving assembly drives the moving portion to move relative to the movable portion. | 1. An optical element driving mechanism comprising:
a fixed portion; a movable portion, which is movable relative to the fixed portion; a moving portion, connected to an optical element having an optical axis, and movable relative to the movable portion; a first driving assembly, driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion; a second driving assembly, driving the moving portion to move relative to the movable portion. 2. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first driving assembly comprises a first driving coil and the second driving assembly comprises a second driving coil and a driving magnetic element, and the first driving coil, the second driving coil, and the driving magnetic element are disposed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, and the driving magnetic element is located between the first driving coil and the second driving coil. 3. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first driving coil is disposed on the fixed portion, the second driving coil is disposed on the moving portion, and the driving magnetic element is disposed on the movable portion. 4. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second driving coil is disposed on a side of the moving portion, and the driving magnetic element is disposed on a side of the movable portion. 5. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second driving coil is ring-shaped and is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the moving portion, and the driving magnetic element is disposed at a corner of the movable portion. 6. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, the first driving assembly partially overlaps the second driving assembly. 7. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving portion moves relative to the movable portion in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, and the movable portion moves relative to the fixed portion in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis. 8. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first elastic assembly, which is disposed near a light incident end of the moving portion, and elastically connects the fixed portion, the movable portion and the moving portion, so that the fixed portion, the movable portion and the moving portion move relative to each other. 9. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a second elastic assembly, which is disposed near a light-emitting end of the moving portion, and elastically connects the fixed portion, the movable portion, and the moving portion, so that the fixed portion, the movable portion, and the moving portion move relative to each other. 10. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first elastic assembly is integrated plate-shaped structure and the second elastic assembly is integrated plate-shaped structure. 11. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first elastic assembly has a first fixed connecting portion connected to the fixed portion, and the second elastic assembly has a second fixed connecting portion connected to the fixed portion, and when viewed in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, the first fixed connecting portion and the second fixed connecting portion do not overlap each other. 12. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first elastic assembly has a first movable connecting portion and a first moving connecting portion, which are respectively connected to the movable portion and the moving portion, and the second elastic assembly has a second movable connecting portion and a second moving connecting portion, which are respectively connected to the movable portion and the moving portion, and when viewed in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, the first movable connecting portion overlaps the second movable connecting portion, and the first moving connecting portion overlaps the second moving connecting portion. 13. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed portion has a first upper limit plane and a first lower limit plane, which restrict a movement of the movable portion in a first movement range, and the movable portion has a second upper limit plane and a second lower limit plane, which restrict a movement of the moving portion in a second movement range, and when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, the first upper limit plane and the second upper limit plane do not overlap each other, or the first lower limit plane and the second lower limit plane do not overlap each other. 14. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, the first upper limit plane and the second upper limit plane do not overlap each other, and the first lower limit plane and the second lower limit plane do not overlap each other. 15. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the moving portion has a limiting portion, which restricts the moving portion to moving within the second movement range. 16. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the movable portion has a position-limiting portion, which restricts the movable portion to moving within the first movement range, and the movable portion has a slot restricting the moving portion to moving within the second movement range. 17. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 16, wherein the slot traverses the movable portion in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, and when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, an upper wall surface in the slot overlaps the second upper limit plane, and a lower wall surface in the slot overlaps the second lower limit plane. 18. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third driving assembly, which drives the moving portion and the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. 19. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 18, wherein a driving direction of the third driving assembly is different from the driving direction of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly, and the third driving assembly drives the moving portion and the movable portion to move in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis. 20. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 19, wherein the third driving assembly comprises a third driving coil, and the second driving assembly comprises a driving magnetic element, and the third driving coil is disposed on the fixed portion and near a light-emitting end of the moving portion, and when viewed in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, the third driving coil partially overlaps the driving magnetic element. | An optical element driving mechanism includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, a moving portion, a first driving assembly and a second driving assembly. The movable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion. The moving portion is connected to an optical element having an optical axis, and is movable relative to the movable portion. The first driving assembly drives the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion; and the second driving assembly drives the moving portion to move relative to the movable portion.1. An optical element driving mechanism comprising:
a fixed portion; a movable portion, which is movable relative to the fixed portion; a moving portion, connected to an optical element having an optical axis, and movable relative to the movable portion; a first driving assembly, driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion; a second driving assembly, driving the moving portion to move relative to the movable portion. 2. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first driving assembly comprises a first driving coil and the second driving assembly comprises a second driving coil and a driving magnetic element, and the first driving coil, the second driving coil, and the driving magnetic element are disposed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, and the driving magnetic element is located between the first driving coil and the second driving coil. 3. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first driving coil is disposed on the fixed portion, the second driving coil is disposed on the moving portion, and the driving magnetic element is disposed on the movable portion. 4. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second driving coil is disposed on a side of the moving portion, and the driving magnetic element is disposed on a side of the movable portion. 5. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second driving coil is ring-shaped and is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the moving portion, and the driving magnetic element is disposed at a corner of the movable portion. 6. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, the first driving assembly partially overlaps the second driving assembly. 7. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the moving portion moves relative to the movable portion in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, and the movable portion moves relative to the fixed portion in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis. 8. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first elastic assembly, which is disposed near a light incident end of the moving portion, and elastically connects the fixed portion, the movable portion and the moving portion, so that the fixed portion, the movable portion and the moving portion move relative to each other. 9. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a second elastic assembly, which is disposed near a light-emitting end of the moving portion, and elastically connects the fixed portion, the movable portion, and the moving portion, so that the fixed portion, the movable portion, and the moving portion move relative to each other. 10. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first elastic assembly is integrated plate-shaped structure and the second elastic assembly is integrated plate-shaped structure. 11. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first elastic assembly has a first fixed connecting portion connected to the fixed portion, and the second elastic assembly has a second fixed connecting portion connected to the fixed portion, and when viewed in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, the first fixed connecting portion and the second fixed connecting portion do not overlap each other. 12. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first elastic assembly has a first movable connecting portion and a first moving connecting portion, which are respectively connected to the movable portion and the moving portion, and the second elastic assembly has a second movable connecting portion and a second moving connecting portion, which are respectively connected to the movable portion and the moving portion, and when viewed in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, the first movable connecting portion overlaps the second movable connecting portion, and the first moving connecting portion overlaps the second moving connecting portion. 13. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fixed portion has a first upper limit plane and a first lower limit plane, which restrict a movement of the movable portion in a first movement range, and the movable portion has a second upper limit plane and a second lower limit plane, which restrict a movement of the moving portion in a second movement range, and when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, the first upper limit plane and the second upper limit plane do not overlap each other, or the first lower limit plane and the second lower limit plane do not overlap each other. 14. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, the first upper limit plane and the second upper limit plane do not overlap each other, and the first lower limit plane and the second lower limit plane do not overlap each other. 15. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the moving portion has a limiting portion, which restricts the moving portion to moving within the second movement range. 16. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 13, wherein the movable portion has a position-limiting portion, which restricts the movable portion to moving within the first movement range, and the movable portion has a slot restricting the moving portion to moving within the second movement range. 17. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 16, wherein the slot traverses the movable portion in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, and when viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis, an upper wall surface in the slot overlaps the second upper limit plane, and a lower wall surface in the slot overlaps the second lower limit plane. 18. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third driving assembly, which drives the moving portion and the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. 19. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 18, wherein a driving direction of the third driving assembly is different from the driving direction of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly, and the third driving assembly drives the moving portion and the movable portion to move in a direction that is perpendicular to the optical axis. 20. The optical element driving mechanism as claimed in claim 19, wherein the third driving assembly comprises a third driving coil, and the second driving assembly comprises a driving magnetic element, and the third driving coil is disposed on the fixed portion and near a light-emitting end of the moving portion, and when viewed in a direction that is parallel to the optical axis, the third driving coil partially overlaps the driving magnetic element. | 2,800 |
339,401 | 16,800,286 | 2,814 | A panel for a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly includes two skins and a cell structure provided with transverse partitions defining cells. The cell structure includes folds with at least one central part forming at least one part of at least one transverse partition and at least one peripheral part extending along at least one of the skins. A nacelle with such a panel is provided, as well as a method for manufacturing such a panel. | 1. A panel for a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, comprising two skins and a cellular structure between the two skins, the cellular structure comprising transverse partition walls delimiting cells, wherein the panel comprises fibrous folds each comprising:
at least one central portion extending transversely so as to form at least one portion of at least one of the transverse partition walls, and at least one peripheral portion extending along at least one of the two skins. 2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein for one or several fibrous folds, the at least one central portion extends transversely from one of the two skins to the other one of the two skins. 3. The panel according to claim 2, wherein one or several fibrous folds each comprise at least one first peripheral portion extending along one of the two skins and at least one second peripheral portion extending along the other one of the two skins. 4. The panel according to claim 3, wherein for one or several fibrous folds, the at least one first peripheral portion extends along one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of at least one first cell, and in that the at least one second peripheral portion extends along the other one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of at least one second cell adjacent to the at least one first cell. 5. The panel according to claim 3, wherein for one or several fibrous folds the at least one first peripheral portion extends along one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of at least one cell of the cells, and in that the at least one second peripheral portion extends along the other one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of the same at least one of the cells. 6. The panel according to claim 1, wherein one or several fibrous folds each comprise a first central portion extending transversely so as to form at least one portion of at least one first transverse partition wall of at least one of the cells and a second central portion extending transversely so as to form at least one portion of at least one second transverse partition wall of the same at least one of the cells. 7. The panel according to claim 1, wherein for one or several fibrous folds, the at least one central portion extends longitudinally so as to form at least one portion of several adjacent transverse partition walls. 8. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous folds comprise fibers of a ceramic material. 9. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous folds are textile folds. 10. A component of an exhaust nozzle or of a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, wherein the component comprises a panel according to claim 1. 11. A method for manufacturing a panel for a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, the panel comprising two skins and a cellular structure between the two skins, the cellular structure comprising transverse partition walls delimiting cells, the method comprising a draping step wherein at least one fold is placed on at least one polyhedral mold element, the at least one mold element comprising lateral faces, an upper face and a lower face, during the draping step:
a central portion of the at least one fold is disposed on at least one portion of at least one of the lateral faces of the at least one polyhedral mold element, a peripheral portion of the at least one fold is disposed on at least one portion of the upper and/or lower face of the at least one polyhedral mold element, and wherein the method comprises an extraction step of the at least one polyhedral mold element so as to define at least one cell, the central portion of the at least one fold forming at least one portion of at least one of the transverse partition walls of the panel, the peripheral portion of the at least one fold extending along at least one of the two skins of the panel. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises a manufacturing step of the at least one polyhedral mold element in a fugitive material, and wherein the extraction step comprises a heat and/or chemical treatment step arranged to eliminate the fugitive material. 13. (canceled) | A panel for a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly includes two skins and a cell structure provided with transverse partitions defining cells. The cell structure includes folds with at least one central part forming at least one part of at least one transverse partition and at least one peripheral part extending along at least one of the skins. A nacelle with such a panel is provided, as well as a method for manufacturing such a panel.1. A panel for a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, comprising two skins and a cellular structure between the two skins, the cellular structure comprising transverse partition walls delimiting cells, wherein the panel comprises fibrous folds each comprising:
at least one central portion extending transversely so as to form at least one portion of at least one of the transverse partition walls, and at least one peripheral portion extending along at least one of the two skins. 2. The panel according to claim 1, wherein for one or several fibrous folds, the at least one central portion extends transversely from one of the two skins to the other one of the two skins. 3. The panel according to claim 2, wherein one or several fibrous folds each comprise at least one first peripheral portion extending along one of the two skins and at least one second peripheral portion extending along the other one of the two skins. 4. The panel according to claim 3, wherein for one or several fibrous folds, the at least one first peripheral portion extends along one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of at least one first cell, and in that the at least one second peripheral portion extends along the other one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of at least one second cell adjacent to the at least one first cell. 5. The panel according to claim 3, wherein for one or several fibrous folds the at least one first peripheral portion extends along one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of at least one cell of the cells, and in that the at least one second peripheral portion extends along the other one of the two skins so as to delimit at least one portion of the same at least one of the cells. 6. The panel according to claim 1, wherein one or several fibrous folds each comprise a first central portion extending transversely so as to form at least one portion of at least one first transverse partition wall of at least one of the cells and a second central portion extending transversely so as to form at least one portion of at least one second transverse partition wall of the same at least one of the cells. 7. The panel according to claim 1, wherein for one or several fibrous folds, the at least one central portion extends longitudinally so as to form at least one portion of several adjacent transverse partition walls. 8. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous folds comprise fibers of a ceramic material. 9. The panel according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous folds are textile folds. 10. A component of an exhaust nozzle or of a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, wherein the component comprises a panel according to claim 1. 11. A method for manufacturing a panel for a nacelle of an aircraft propulsion assembly, the panel comprising two skins and a cellular structure between the two skins, the cellular structure comprising transverse partition walls delimiting cells, the method comprising a draping step wherein at least one fold is placed on at least one polyhedral mold element, the at least one mold element comprising lateral faces, an upper face and a lower face, during the draping step:
a central portion of the at least one fold is disposed on at least one portion of at least one of the lateral faces of the at least one polyhedral mold element, a peripheral portion of the at least one fold is disposed on at least one portion of the upper and/or lower face of the at least one polyhedral mold element, and wherein the method comprises an extraction step of the at least one polyhedral mold element so as to define at least one cell, the central portion of the at least one fold forming at least one portion of at least one of the transverse partition walls of the panel, the peripheral portion of the at least one fold extending along at least one of the two skins of the panel. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises a manufacturing step of the at least one polyhedral mold element in a fugitive material, and wherein the extraction step comprises a heat and/or chemical treatment step arranged to eliminate the fugitive material. 13. (canceled) | 2,800 |
339,402 | 16,800,309 | 2,814 | An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a changing unit. The acquisition unit acquires character information input by a viewer to content including an image or sound. The changing unit changes a representation form of a frequent word which is character information with a high appearance frequency among character information input by multiple viewers to the content. | 1. An information processing apparatus comprising:
a processor programmed to:
acquire character information, which is input to a content including an image or a sound, by a plurality of users of a plurality of terminal devices, a display of each of the plurality of terminal devices displaying both the content and the inputted character information;
change a representation form of a word in the content, such that the representation form of the word is more recognizable than remaining words of the content, the word most frequently appears in the character information; and
control the display of each terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices to display the word in the changed representation form. | An information processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and a changing unit. The acquisition unit acquires character information input by a viewer to content including an image or sound. The changing unit changes a representation form of a frequent word which is character information with a high appearance frequency among character information input by multiple viewers to the content.1. An information processing apparatus comprising:
a processor programmed to:
acquire character information, which is input to a content including an image or a sound, by a plurality of users of a plurality of terminal devices, a display of each of the plurality of terminal devices displaying both the content and the inputted character information;
change a representation form of a word in the content, such that the representation form of the word is more recognizable than remaining words of the content, the word most frequently appears in the character information; and
control the display of each terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices to display the word in the changed representation form. | 2,800 |
339,403 | 16,800,311 | 2,814 | A coil component having high inductance while suppressing core loss is obtained. The coil component includes a coil and a magnetic core. The magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated. The thickness of each of the soft magnetic layers is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. A structure made of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers. | 1. A coil component, comprising
a coil and a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated, the thickness of each of the soft magnetic layers is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and a structure consisting of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers. 2. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein soft magnetic layers and adhesion layers are alternately laminated in the laminated body. 3. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers are arranged substantially in parallel with the flow direction of magnetic fluxes. 4. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic core comprises a magnetic-substance-containing resin, and
the magnetic-substance-containing resin covers at least a part of the coil and at least a part of the laminated body. 5. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers have a composition formula (Fe(1−(α+β))X1αX2β)(1−(a+b+c+d+e+f))MaBbPcSidCeSf,
X1 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Co and Ni, X2 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Mn, Ag, Zn, Sn, As, Sb, Cu, Cr, Bi, N, O and rare earth elements, M is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Nb, Hf, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, Ti and V, 0≤a≤0.140 0.020≤b≤0.200 0≤c≤0.150 0≤d≤0.175 0≤e≤0.030 0≤f≤0.030 α≥0 β≥0 0≤a+β≤0.50, and at least one or more of a, c and d is greater than zero. 6. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein micro gaps are formed in the soft magnetic layers. 7. The coil component according to claim 6, wherein the soft magnetic layers are arranged substantially in parallel with the flow direction of the magnetic fluxes, and at least a part of the micro gaps is formed substantially in parallel with the flow direction of the magnetic fluxes. 8. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein when the area of the soft magnetic layers in a plane substantially perpendicular to a lamination direction is set as 51 (mm2), 0.04≤S1≤1.5 is satisfied. 9. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers are divided into at least two or more small pieces. 10. The coil component according to claim 9, wherein the number of the small pieces per unit area is 150 pieces/cm2 or more and 10000 pieces/cm2 or less. 11. The coil component according to claim 9, wherein when the average area of the small pieces in the plane substantially perpendicular to the lamination direction is set as S2 (mm2), 0.04≤S2≤1.5 is satisfied. 12. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein a volume occupation of a magnetic material in the laminated body is 50% or more and 99.5% or less. 13. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the average grain size of the Fe-based nano-crystals is 5 nm or more and 30 nm or less. | A coil component having high inductance while suppressing core loss is obtained. The coil component includes a coil and a magnetic core. The magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated. The thickness of each of the soft magnetic layers is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. A structure made of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers.1. A coil component, comprising
a coil and a magnetic core, wherein the magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated, the thickness of each of the soft magnetic layers is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and a structure consisting of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers. 2. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein soft magnetic layers and adhesion layers are alternately laminated in the laminated body. 3. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers are arranged substantially in parallel with the flow direction of magnetic fluxes. 4. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic core comprises a magnetic-substance-containing resin, and
the magnetic-substance-containing resin covers at least a part of the coil and at least a part of the laminated body. 5. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers have a composition formula (Fe(1−(α+β))X1αX2β)(1−(a+b+c+d+e+f))MaBbPcSidCeSf,
X1 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Co and Ni, X2 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Mn, Ag, Zn, Sn, As, Sb, Cu, Cr, Bi, N, O and rare earth elements, M is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Nb, Hf, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, Ti and V, 0≤a≤0.140 0.020≤b≤0.200 0≤c≤0.150 0≤d≤0.175 0≤e≤0.030 0≤f≤0.030 α≥0 β≥0 0≤a+β≤0.50, and at least one or more of a, c and d is greater than zero. 6. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein micro gaps are formed in the soft magnetic layers. 7. The coil component according to claim 6, wherein the soft magnetic layers are arranged substantially in parallel with the flow direction of the magnetic fluxes, and at least a part of the micro gaps is formed substantially in parallel with the flow direction of the magnetic fluxes. 8. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein when the area of the soft magnetic layers in a plane substantially perpendicular to a lamination direction is set as 51 (mm2), 0.04≤S1≤1.5 is satisfied. 9. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers are divided into at least two or more small pieces. 10. The coil component according to claim 9, wherein the number of the small pieces per unit area is 150 pieces/cm2 or more and 10000 pieces/cm2 or less. 11. The coil component according to claim 9, wherein when the average area of the small pieces in the plane substantially perpendicular to the lamination direction is set as S2 (mm2), 0.04≤S2≤1.5 is satisfied. 12. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein a volume occupation of a magnetic material in the laminated body is 50% or more and 99.5% or less. 13. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the average grain size of the Fe-based nano-crystals is 5 nm or more and 30 nm or less. | 2,800 |
339,404 | 16,800,296 | 2,814 | A motor that includes a plurality of stator members and a busbar member. The busbar member connects to coil end portions of a predetermined stator member of the plurality of stator members. The busbar member may comprise a first busbar, a second busbar, and a third busbar. The busbars may include an annular-shaped base portion, and a connection terminal connected to an outer circumference of the base portion and connected to the coil end portions. The busbar member and the plurality of stator members may be aligned in an axial direction. Each connection terminal of the busbars may have a shape projecting toward the stator member relative to the base portion. | 1. A transducer for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, comprising:
a stator comprising a coil winding; and a busbar comprising a base portion having an annular shape and a connection terminal extending from an outer circumference of the base portion in a direction towards the stator relative to the base portion;
wherein the connection terminal is connected to a first end of the coil winding, and the busbar and the stator are aligned in an axial direction of the stator. 2. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the stator further comprises a stator core and an insulator, and wherein the coil winding is configured to be wound around the insulator and the stator core. 3. The transducer of claim 2, wherein the connection terminal is adjacent to or in contact with an outer surface of the insulator. 4. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the connection terminal comprises a notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion, and
the first end of the coil winding is connected to the connection terminal via the notch. 5. The transducer of claim 4, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a tongue portion formed by the notch, and
the first end of the coil winding is in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the tongue portion partially surrounding the first end of the coil winding. 6. The transducer of claim 5, wherein the tongue portion is configured in a U-shape to partially surround the first end of the coil winding. 7. The transducer of claim 5, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second tongue portion formed by a second notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the second tongue portion partially surrounding the second end of the coil winding. 8. The transducer of claim 7, wherein the second tongue portion is configured in a U-shape to partially surround the second end of the coil winding. 9. The transducer of claim 8, wherein the connection terminal is adjacent to or in contact with an outer surface of an insulator. 10. The transducer of claim 4, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion and parallel to the notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is connected to the connection terminal via the second notch. 11. The transducer of claim 10, wherein the first end of the coil winding and the second end of the coil winding are angled upward in a direction away from the end of the connection terminal and in contact with the connection terminal. 12. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the busbar is formed in a plate shape. 13. A busbar of a transducer comprising:
a base portion having an annular shape; and a connection terminal extending from an outer circumference of the base portion in a direction towards a stator of the transducer relative to the base portion;
wherein the connection terminal is configured to accept a first end of a coil winding of the stator. 14. The busbar of claim 13, wherein the connection terminal comprises a notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion, and
the first end of the coil winding is configured to be connected to the connection terminal via the notch. 15. The busbar of claim 14, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a tongue portion formed by the notch, and
the first end of the coil winding is configured to be in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the tongue portion partially surrounding the first end of the coil winding. 16. The busbar of claim 15, wherein the tongue portion is configured in a U-shape to partially surround the first end of the coil winding. 17. The busbar of claim 15, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second tongue portion formed by a second notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is configured to be in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the second tongue portion partially surrounding the second end of the coil winding. 18. The busbar of claim 14, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion and parallel to the notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is configured to be connected to the connection terminal via the second notch. 19. The transducer of claim 13, wherein the busbar is formed in a plate shape. | A motor that includes a plurality of stator members and a busbar member. The busbar member connects to coil end portions of a predetermined stator member of the plurality of stator members. The busbar member may comprise a first busbar, a second busbar, and a third busbar. The busbars may include an annular-shaped base portion, and a connection terminal connected to an outer circumference of the base portion and connected to the coil end portions. The busbar member and the plurality of stator members may be aligned in an axial direction. Each connection terminal of the busbars may have a shape projecting toward the stator member relative to the base portion.1. A transducer for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, comprising:
a stator comprising a coil winding; and a busbar comprising a base portion having an annular shape and a connection terminal extending from an outer circumference of the base portion in a direction towards the stator relative to the base portion;
wherein the connection terminal is connected to a first end of the coil winding, and the busbar and the stator are aligned in an axial direction of the stator. 2. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the stator further comprises a stator core and an insulator, and wherein the coil winding is configured to be wound around the insulator and the stator core. 3. The transducer of claim 2, wherein the connection terminal is adjacent to or in contact with an outer surface of the insulator. 4. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the connection terminal comprises a notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion, and
the first end of the coil winding is connected to the connection terminal via the notch. 5. The transducer of claim 4, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a tongue portion formed by the notch, and
the first end of the coil winding is in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the tongue portion partially surrounding the first end of the coil winding. 6. The transducer of claim 5, wherein the tongue portion is configured in a U-shape to partially surround the first end of the coil winding. 7. The transducer of claim 5, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second tongue portion formed by a second notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the second tongue portion partially surrounding the second end of the coil winding. 8. The transducer of claim 7, wherein the second tongue portion is configured in a U-shape to partially surround the second end of the coil winding. 9. The transducer of claim 8, wherein the connection terminal is adjacent to or in contact with an outer surface of an insulator. 10. The transducer of claim 4, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion and parallel to the notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is connected to the connection terminal via the second notch. 11. The transducer of claim 10, wherein the first end of the coil winding and the second end of the coil winding are angled upward in a direction away from the end of the connection terminal and in contact with the connection terminal. 12. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the busbar is formed in a plate shape. 13. A busbar of a transducer comprising:
a base portion having an annular shape; and a connection terminal extending from an outer circumference of the base portion in a direction towards a stator of the transducer relative to the base portion;
wherein the connection terminal is configured to accept a first end of a coil winding of the stator. 14. The busbar of claim 13, wherein the connection terminal comprises a notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion, and
the first end of the coil winding is configured to be connected to the connection terminal via the notch. 15. The busbar of claim 14, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a tongue portion formed by the notch, and
the first end of the coil winding is configured to be in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the tongue portion partially surrounding the first end of the coil winding. 16. The busbar of claim 15, wherein the tongue portion is configured in a U-shape to partially surround the first end of the coil winding. 17. The busbar of claim 15, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second tongue portion formed by a second notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is configured to be in contact with and connected to the connection terminal based on the second tongue portion partially surrounding the second end of the coil winding. 18. The busbar of claim 14, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a second notch that extends inward from an end of the connection terminal towards an opposite side connected at the base portion and parallel to the notch, and
a second end of the coil winding is configured to be connected to the connection terminal via the second notch. 19. The transducer of claim 13, wherein the busbar is formed in a plate shape. | 2,800 |
339,405 | 16,800,307 | 2,814 | Systems and methods, in a lightweight connector including a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, include connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. The systems and methods can further include receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. | 1. A secure application access system comprising:
a lightweight connector comprising a network interface, a processor communicatively coupled to the network interface, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
connect to a cloud-based system, via the network interface,
connect to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and
provide access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 2. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 3. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
prevent inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 4. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 5. The secure application access system of claim 4, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 6. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 7. The secure application access system of claim 6, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 8. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 9. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
receive a query for discovery, and respond to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a lightweight connector, comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, to perform the steps of:
connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface, connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
preventing inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
receiving a query for discovery, and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 19. A method comprising:
in a lightweight connector comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising
receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. | Systems and methods, in a lightweight connector including a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, include connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. The systems and methods can further include receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto.1. A secure application access system comprising:
a lightweight connector comprising a network interface, a processor communicatively coupled to the network interface, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
connect to a cloud-based system, via the network interface,
connect to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and
provide access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 2. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 3. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
prevent inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 4. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 5. The secure application access system of claim 4, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 6. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 7. The secure application access system of claim 6, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 8. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 9. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
receive a query for discovery, and respond to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a lightweight connector, comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, to perform the steps of:
connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface, connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
preventing inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
receiving a query for discovery, and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 19. A method comprising:
in a lightweight connector comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising
receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. | 2,800 |
339,406 | 16,800,304 | 2,814 | Systems and methods, in a lightweight connector including a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, include connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. The systems and methods can further include receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. | 1. A secure application access system comprising:
a lightweight connector comprising a network interface, a processor communicatively coupled to the network interface, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
connect to a cloud-based system, via the network interface,
connect to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and
provide access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 2. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 3. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
prevent inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 4. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 5. The secure application access system of claim 4, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 6. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 7. The secure application access system of claim 6, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 8. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 9. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
receive a query for discovery, and respond to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a lightweight connector, comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, to perform the steps of:
connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface, connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
preventing inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
receiving a query for discovery, and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 19. A method comprising:
in a lightweight connector comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising
receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. | Systems and methods, in a lightweight connector including a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, include connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. The systems and methods can further include receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto.1. A secure application access system comprising:
a lightweight connector comprising a network interface, a processor communicatively coupled to the network interface, and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
connect to a cloud-based system, via the network interface,
connect to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and
provide access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 2. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 3. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
prevent inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 4. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 5. The secure application access system of claim 4, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 6. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 7. The secure application access system of claim 6, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 8. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 9. The secure application access system of claim 1, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to
receive a query for discovery, and respond to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 10. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause a lightweight connector, comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, to perform the steps of:
connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface, connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface, and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the lightweight connector is in front of the file share and the application. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
preventing inbound connections to the network interface except through the cloud-based system. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the cloud-based system includes a plurality of cloud nodes with the user device and the network interface each connected to a different cloud node. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the cloud-based system includes a central authority configured to form the stitched connection. 15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in an enterprise network and the user device is located remote from the enterprise network. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the user device is associated with a user having specific access rights such that the user device only has visibility of the one or more of the file share and the application, based on configuration of the specific access rights. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the one or more of the file share and the application are located in a data center and the user device is located remote from the data center. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the steps further include
receiving a query for discovery, and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. 19. A method comprising:
in a lightweight connector comprising a processor communicatively coupled to a network interface, connecting to a cloud-based system, via the network interface; connecting to one or more of a file share and an application, via the network interface; and providing access to a user device to the one or more of the file share and the application via a stitched connection between the network interface and the user device through the cloud-based system. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising
receiving a query for discovery; and responding to the query based on the one or more of the file share and the application connected thereto. | 2,800 |
339,407 | 16,800,319 | 2,814 | Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described. | 1. An apparatus for heating a material to generate a vapor, comprising:
a capsule including a first face, an opposing second face, and the material between the first face and the second face; a main body having a longitudinal axis and configured to receive the capsule such that the capsule moves orthogonally relative to the longitudinal axis; a first electrode and a second electrode within the main body and configured to establish an electrical connection with the capsule; and a power supply configured to supply an electrical current to the capsule via the first electrode and the second electrode. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face and the second face of the capsule are permeable to the vapor. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is configured such that the capsule slides to a vaporization location within the main body. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the vaporization location includes a section of the main body between the first electrode and the second electrode. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a flat plate. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a plurality of points. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face of the capsule includes a first metallic portion. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first metallic portion is in a form of a first mesh. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the first metallic portion of the capsule. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the first face of the capsule via the first metallic portion. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a third electrode and a fourth electrode within the main body and configured to further establish the electrical connection with the capsule. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second face of the capsule includes a second metallic portion. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second metallic portion is in a form of a second mesh. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the second metallic portion of the capsule. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the second face of the capsule via the second metallic portion. 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to oppose the third electrode and the fourth electrode, respectively, so as to clamp the capsule therebetween. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capsule further includes an internal heating element in contact with the material and between the first face and the second face of the capsule. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves through the material via the internal heating element. | Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.1. An apparatus for heating a material to generate a vapor, comprising:
a capsule including a first face, an opposing second face, and the material between the first face and the second face; a main body having a longitudinal axis and configured to receive the capsule such that the capsule moves orthogonally relative to the longitudinal axis; a first electrode and a second electrode within the main body and configured to establish an electrical connection with the capsule; and a power supply configured to supply an electrical current to the capsule via the first electrode and the second electrode. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face and the second face of the capsule are permeable to the vapor. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is configured such that the capsule slides to a vaporization location within the main body. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the vaporization location includes a section of the main body between the first electrode and the second electrode. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a flat plate. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a plurality of points. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face of the capsule includes a first metallic portion. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first metallic portion is in a form of a first mesh. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the first metallic portion of the capsule. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the first face of the capsule via the first metallic portion. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a third electrode and a fourth electrode within the main body and configured to further establish the electrical connection with the capsule. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second face of the capsule includes a second metallic portion. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second metallic portion is in a form of a second mesh. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the second metallic portion of the capsule. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the second face of the capsule via the second metallic portion. 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to oppose the third electrode and the fourth electrode, respectively, so as to clamp the capsule therebetween. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capsule further includes an internal heating element in contact with the material and between the first face and the second face of the capsule. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves through the material via the internal heating element. | 2,800 |
339,408 | 16,800,323 | 3,711 | Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described. | 1. An apparatus for heating a material to generate a vapor, comprising:
a capsule including a first face, an opposing second face, and the material between the first face and the second face; a main body having a longitudinal axis and configured to receive the capsule such that the capsule moves orthogonally relative to the longitudinal axis; a first electrode and a second electrode within the main body and configured to establish an electrical connection with the capsule; and a power supply configured to supply an electrical current to the capsule via the first electrode and the second electrode. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face and the second face of the capsule are permeable to the vapor. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is configured such that the capsule slides to a vaporization location within the main body. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the vaporization location includes a section of the main body between the first electrode and the second electrode. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a flat plate. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a plurality of points. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face of the capsule includes a first metallic portion. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first metallic portion is in a form of a first mesh. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the first metallic portion of the capsule. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the first face of the capsule via the first metallic portion. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a third electrode and a fourth electrode within the main body and configured to further establish the electrical connection with the capsule. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second face of the capsule includes a second metallic portion. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second metallic portion is in a form of a second mesh. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the second metallic portion of the capsule. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the second face of the capsule via the second metallic portion. 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to oppose the third electrode and the fourth electrode, respectively, so as to clamp the capsule therebetween. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capsule further includes an internal heating element in contact with the material and between the first face and the second face of the capsule. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves through the material via the internal heating element. | Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.1. An apparatus for heating a material to generate a vapor, comprising:
a capsule including a first face, an opposing second face, and the material between the first face and the second face; a main body having a longitudinal axis and configured to receive the capsule such that the capsule moves orthogonally relative to the longitudinal axis; a first electrode and a second electrode within the main body and configured to establish an electrical connection with the capsule; and a power supply configured to supply an electrical current to the capsule via the first electrode and the second electrode. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face and the second face of the capsule are permeable to the vapor. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main body is configured such that the capsule slides to a vaporization location within the main body. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the vaporization location includes a section of the main body between the first electrode and the second electrode. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a flat plate. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode includes a contact portion in a form of a plurality of points. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first face of the capsule includes a first metallic portion. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first metallic portion is in a form of a first mesh. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the first metallic portion of the capsule. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the first face of the capsule via the first metallic portion. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a third electrode and a fourth electrode within the main body and configured to further establish the electrical connection with the capsule. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second face of the capsule includes a second metallic portion. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second metallic portion is in a form of a second mesh. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the third electrode and the fourth electrode are configured to establish the electrical connection with the second metallic portion of the capsule. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves across the second face of the capsule via the second metallic portion. 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to oppose the third electrode and the fourth electrode, respectively, so as to clamp the capsule therebetween. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the capsule further includes an internal heating element in contact with the material and between the first face and the second face of the capsule. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the electrical connection is such that the electrical current moves through the material via the internal heating element. | 3,700 |
339,409 | 16,800,314 | 2,442 | The present disclosure provides methods for sharing media in real time. The methods may comprise initiating an ad hoc connection between a sending peer device and one or more receiving peer devices; using the sending peer device to select a media to share with a plurality of receiving peer devices comprising the one or more receiving peer devices; using the ad hoc connection to send a file corresponding to the selected media to the one or more receiving peer devices, which file may be stored temporarily on the one or more receiving peer devices such that the media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on a receiving peer device of the plurality of receiving peer devices without manipulating the media displayed on the sending peer device and another receiving peer device of the plurality of receiving peer devices; and terminating the ad hoc connection. | 1. A method for sharing media in real time, comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a sending peer device and one or more receiving peer devices; (b) using said sending peer device to select a media to share with said one or more receiving peer devices connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein a file corresponding to said media is stored locally on said sending peer device such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on said sending peer device; (c) using said ad hoc connection to send said file from said sending peer device to said one or more receiving peer devices, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and each of said one or more receiving peer devices after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said one or more receiving peer devices, and wherein said file is temporarily stored on said one or more receiving peer devices such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on each of said one or more receiving peer devices without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said file is not accessible by said one or more receiving peer devices. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising using said sending peer device to manipulate said media displayed on said sending peer device, wherein said manipulation of said media displayed on said sending peer device manipulates said media displayed on each of said one or more receiving peer devices. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more receiving peer devices comprises a plurality of receiving peer devices, and wherein a first receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices is configured to manipulate said media displayed on said first receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on a second receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein at least one receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices is configured to share one or more files via said ad hoc connection, and wherein said sending peer device is configured to operate as an additional receiving peer device and said at least one receiving peer device is configured to operate as an additional sending peer device when said one or more files are shared via said ad hoc connection. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said additional sending peer device is configured to (i) send an additional file corresponding to an additional media to said additional receiving peer device and another receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices, (ii) display said additional media on said additional sending peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device, wherein said manipulation of said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device manipulates said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said additional receiving peer device is configured to (i) receive an additional file corresponding to an additional media selected at said additional sending peer device for sharing with said additional receiving peer device and another receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices, (ii) display said additional media on said additional receiving peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device without manipulating said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device and said another receiving peer device. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said sending peer device is configured to connect to said one or more receiving peer devices using a quick response (QR) code generated on said sending peer device. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said sending peer device is configured to reconnect to at least one receiving peer device of said one or more receiving peer devices after termination of said ad hoc connection between said sending peer device and said at least one receiving peer device, without using said QR code. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said sending peer device is configured to connect to said one or more receiving peer devices using a quick response (QR) code generated on said one or more receiving peer devices. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said sending peer device is configured to reconnect to at least one receiving peer device of said one or more receiving peer devices after termination of said ad hoc connection between said sending peer device and said at least one receiving peer device, without using said QR code. 11. A method for sharing media in real time, comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a receiving peer device and a sending peer device; (b) receiving, at said receiving peer device, a file corresponding to a media selected at said sending peer device for sharing with said receiving peer device connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and said receiving peer device after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said receiving peer device, and wherein said file corresponding to said media is stored temporarily on said receiving peer device; (c) using said receiving peer device to display and manipulate said media displayed on said receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said media is not accessible by said receiving peer device. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein a manipulation of said media displayed on said sending peer device manipulates said media displayed on said receiving peer device. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said file corresponding to said media is received at a plurality of receiving peer devices comprising said receiving peer device, and wherein said method further comprises using said receiving peer device to manipulate said media displayed on said receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on another receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said sending peer device is configured to operate as an additional receiving peer device and said receiving peer device is configured to operate as an additional sending peer device when said receiving peer device is used to share one or more files via said ad hoc connection. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said additional receiving peer device is configured to (i) receive an additional file corresponding to an additional media selected at said additional sending peer device for sharing with said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device, (ii) display said additional media on said additional receiving peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device without manipulating said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device and said another receiving peer device. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said additional sending peer device is configured to (i) send an additional file corresponding to an additional media to said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device, (ii) display said additional media on said additional sending peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device, wherein said manipulation of said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device manipulates said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to connect to said sending peer device using a quick response (QR) code generated on said sending peer device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to reconnect to said sending peer device after said ad hoc connection is terminated between said receiving peer device and said sending peer device, without using said QR code. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to connect to said sending peer device using a quick response (QR) code generated on said receiving peer device. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to reconnect to said sending peer device after said ad hoc connection between said receiving peer device and said sending peer device is terminated, without using said QR code. 21. A system for sharing media in real time, said system comprising one or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto, wherein said computer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon execution by said one or more computer processors, implements a method for sharing media in real time, said method comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a sending peer device and one or more receiving peer devices; (b) using said sending peer device to select a media to share with said one or more receiving peer devices connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein a file corresponding to said media is stored locally on said sending peer device such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on said sending peer device; (c) using said ad hoc connection to send said file from said sending peer device to said one or more receiving peer devices, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and each of said one or more receiving peer devices after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said one or more receiving peer devices, and wherein said file is temporarily stored on said one or more receiving peer devices such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on each of said one or more receiving peer devices without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said file is not accessible by said one or more receiving peer devices. 22. A system for sharing media in real time, said system comprising one or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto, wherein said computer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon execution by said one or more computer processors, implements a method for sharing media in real time, said method comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a receiving peer device and a sending peer device; (b) receiving, at said receiving peer device, a file corresponding to a media selected at said sending peer device for sharing with said receiving peer device connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and said receiving peer device after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said receiving peer device, and wherein said file corresponding to said media is stored temporarily on said receiving peer device; (c) using said receiving peer device to display and manipulate said media displayed on said receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said media is not accessible by said receiving peer device. | The present disclosure provides methods for sharing media in real time. The methods may comprise initiating an ad hoc connection between a sending peer device and one or more receiving peer devices; using the sending peer device to select a media to share with a plurality of receiving peer devices comprising the one or more receiving peer devices; using the ad hoc connection to send a file corresponding to the selected media to the one or more receiving peer devices, which file may be stored temporarily on the one or more receiving peer devices such that the media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on a receiving peer device of the plurality of receiving peer devices without manipulating the media displayed on the sending peer device and another receiving peer device of the plurality of receiving peer devices; and terminating the ad hoc connection.1. A method for sharing media in real time, comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a sending peer device and one or more receiving peer devices; (b) using said sending peer device to select a media to share with said one or more receiving peer devices connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein a file corresponding to said media is stored locally on said sending peer device such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on said sending peer device; (c) using said ad hoc connection to send said file from said sending peer device to said one or more receiving peer devices, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and each of said one or more receiving peer devices after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said one or more receiving peer devices, and wherein said file is temporarily stored on said one or more receiving peer devices such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on each of said one or more receiving peer devices without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said file is not accessible by said one or more receiving peer devices. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising using said sending peer device to manipulate said media displayed on said sending peer device, wherein said manipulation of said media displayed on said sending peer device manipulates said media displayed on each of said one or more receiving peer devices. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more receiving peer devices comprises a plurality of receiving peer devices, and wherein a first receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices is configured to manipulate said media displayed on said first receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on a second receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein at least one receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices is configured to share one or more files via said ad hoc connection, and wherein said sending peer device is configured to operate as an additional receiving peer device and said at least one receiving peer device is configured to operate as an additional sending peer device when said one or more files are shared via said ad hoc connection. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said additional sending peer device is configured to (i) send an additional file corresponding to an additional media to said additional receiving peer device and another receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices, (ii) display said additional media on said additional sending peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device, wherein said manipulation of said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device manipulates said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein said additional receiving peer device is configured to (i) receive an additional file corresponding to an additional media selected at said additional sending peer device for sharing with said additional receiving peer device and another receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices, (ii) display said additional media on said additional receiving peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device without manipulating said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device and said another receiving peer device. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said sending peer device is configured to connect to said one or more receiving peer devices using a quick response (QR) code generated on said sending peer device. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said sending peer device is configured to reconnect to at least one receiving peer device of said one or more receiving peer devices after termination of said ad hoc connection between said sending peer device and said at least one receiving peer device, without using said QR code. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said sending peer device is configured to connect to said one or more receiving peer devices using a quick response (QR) code generated on said one or more receiving peer devices. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said sending peer device is configured to reconnect to at least one receiving peer device of said one or more receiving peer devices after termination of said ad hoc connection between said sending peer device and said at least one receiving peer device, without using said QR code. 11. A method for sharing media in real time, comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a receiving peer device and a sending peer device; (b) receiving, at said receiving peer device, a file corresponding to a media selected at said sending peer device for sharing with said receiving peer device connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and said receiving peer device after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said receiving peer device, and wherein said file corresponding to said media is stored temporarily on said receiving peer device; (c) using said receiving peer device to display and manipulate said media displayed on said receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said media is not accessible by said receiving peer device. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein a manipulation of said media displayed on said sending peer device manipulates said media displayed on said receiving peer device. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said file corresponding to said media is received at a plurality of receiving peer devices comprising said receiving peer device, and wherein said method further comprises using said receiving peer device to manipulate said media displayed on said receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on another receiving peer device of said plurality of receiving peer devices. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said sending peer device is configured to operate as an additional receiving peer device and said receiving peer device is configured to operate as an additional sending peer device when said receiving peer device is used to share one or more files via said ad hoc connection. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said additional receiving peer device is configured to (i) receive an additional file corresponding to an additional media selected at said additional sending peer device for sharing with said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device, (ii) display said additional media on said additional receiving peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device without manipulating said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device and said another receiving peer device. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein said additional sending peer device is configured to (i) send an additional file corresponding to an additional media to said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device, (ii) display said additional media on said additional sending peer device, and (iii) manipulate said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device, wherein said manipulation of said additional media displayed on said additional sending peer device manipulates said additional media displayed on said additional receiving peer device and said another receiving peer device. 17. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to connect to said sending peer device using a quick response (QR) code generated on said sending peer device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to reconnect to said sending peer device after said ad hoc connection is terminated between said receiving peer device and said sending peer device, without using said QR code. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to connect to said sending peer device using a quick response (QR) code generated on said receiving peer device. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein said receiving peer device is configured to reconnect to said sending peer device after said ad hoc connection between said receiving peer device and said sending peer device is terminated, without using said QR code. 21. A system for sharing media in real time, said system comprising one or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto, wherein said computer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon execution by said one or more computer processors, implements a method for sharing media in real time, said method comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a sending peer device and one or more receiving peer devices; (b) using said sending peer device to select a media to share with said one or more receiving peer devices connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein a file corresponding to said media is stored locally on said sending peer device such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on said sending peer device; (c) using said ad hoc connection to send said file from said sending peer device to said one or more receiving peer devices, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and each of said one or more receiving peer devices after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said one or more receiving peer devices, and wherein said file is temporarily stored on said one or more receiving peer devices such that said media is capable of being displayed and manipulated on each of said one or more receiving peer devices without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said file is not accessible by said one or more receiving peer devices. 22. A system for sharing media in real time, said system comprising one or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto, wherein said computer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon execution by said one or more computer processors, implements a method for sharing media in real time, said method comprising:
(a) initiating an ad hoc connection between a receiving peer device and a sending peer device; (b) receiving, at said receiving peer device, a file corresponding to a media selected at said sending peer device for sharing with said receiving peer device connected to said sending peer device through said ad hoc connection, wherein said media is displayed on said sending peer device and said receiving peer device after said file is sent from said sending peer device and received at said receiving peer device, and wherein said file corresponding to said media is stored temporarily on said receiving peer device; (c) using said receiving peer device to display and manipulate said media displayed on said receiving peer device without manipulating said media displayed on said sending peer device; and (d) subsequent to (c), terminating said ad hoc connection, wherein upon termination of said ad hoc connection, said media is not accessible by said receiving peer device. | 2,400 |
339,410 | 16,800,268 | 2,442 | The present invention provides a method and a device for deriving an inter-view motion merging candidate. A method for deriving an inter-view motion merging candidate, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise the steps of: on the basis of encoding information of an inter-view reference block derived by means of a variation vector of a current block, determining whether or not inter-view motion merging of the current block is possible; and, if inter-view motion merging of the current block is not possible, generating an inter-view motion merging candidate of the current block by using encoding information of an adjacent block that is spatially adjacent to the inter-view reference block. | 1. A method for decoding a video signal comprising:
determining a reference block corresponding to a current block; determining whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block, based on motion information of the reference block; and deriving the motion information of the current block using coding information of a block spatially adjacent to the reference block, when the motion information of the reference block is not available for deriving motion information of the current block. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprises,
deriving the motion information of the current block by using the motion information of the reference block, when the motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block. 3. The method of claim 1,
wherein whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block is determined based on whether the reference block is inter-coded or not. 4. A method for encoding a video signal comprising:
determining a reference block corresponding to a current block; determining whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block, based on motion information of the reference block; and deriving the motion information of the current block using coding information of a block spatially adjacent to the reference block, when the motion information of the reference block is not available for deriving motion information of the current block. 5. A computer-readable recording medium storing a bitstream which is received and decoded by an image decoding apparatus, and used to reconstruct an image, wherein the bitstream comprises information related to a current block,
wherein the information related to the current block is used to determine a reference block corresponding to the current block in a decoding process, wherein coding information of the reference block is used to determine whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block in the decoding process, and wherein when the motion information of the reference block is not available for deriving motion information of the current block, the motion information of the current block is derived using coding information of a block spatially adjacent to the reference block in the decoding process. | The present invention provides a method and a device for deriving an inter-view motion merging candidate. A method for deriving an inter-view motion merging candidate, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can comprise the steps of: on the basis of encoding information of an inter-view reference block derived by means of a variation vector of a current block, determining whether or not inter-view motion merging of the current block is possible; and, if inter-view motion merging of the current block is not possible, generating an inter-view motion merging candidate of the current block by using encoding information of an adjacent block that is spatially adjacent to the inter-view reference block.1. A method for decoding a video signal comprising:
determining a reference block corresponding to a current block; determining whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block, based on motion information of the reference block; and deriving the motion information of the current block using coding information of a block spatially adjacent to the reference block, when the motion information of the reference block is not available for deriving motion information of the current block. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprises,
deriving the motion information of the current block by using the motion information of the reference block, when the motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block. 3. The method of claim 1,
wherein whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block is determined based on whether the reference block is inter-coded or not. 4. A method for encoding a video signal comprising:
determining a reference block corresponding to a current block; determining whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block, based on motion information of the reference block; and deriving the motion information of the current block using coding information of a block spatially adjacent to the reference block, when the motion information of the reference block is not available for deriving motion information of the current block. 5. A computer-readable recording medium storing a bitstream which is received and decoded by an image decoding apparatus, and used to reconstruct an image, wherein the bitstream comprises information related to a current block,
wherein the information related to the current block is used to determine a reference block corresponding to the current block in a decoding process, wherein coding information of the reference block is used to determine whether motion information of the reference block is available for deriving motion information of the current block in the decoding process, and wherein when the motion information of the reference block is not available for deriving motion information of the current block, the motion information of the current block is derived using coding information of a block spatially adjacent to the reference block in the decoding process. | 2,400 |
339,411 | 16,800,282 | 2,442 | Embodiments described herein relate to a defect observation machine and an image analysis and compensation method thereof. By embedding a real-time image analysis unit in a defect observation machine, analyzing and judging a defect pattern picture outputted by a defect observation unit in real time, and feeding back a focusing compensation value of a blurred defect pattern picture to the defect observation unit to perform focusing compensation on the blurred defect pattern picture, a clear photo is presented. | 1. A defect observation machine having a function of analyzing and compensating for a defect pattern picture in real time so that the defect pattern picture outputted by the defect observation machine is a clear defect pattern picture, wherein the defect observation machine comprises:
a defect observation unit, which is used to perform defect pattern observation on a semiconductor product through a focusing value and output the defect pattern picture; and a real-time image analysis unit, which is used to pre-store an average pixel value and data of a correspondence between a pixel difference and a focusing compensation value of a clear defect pattern picture, receive the defect pattern picture, perform data analysis on the defect pattern picture to obtain an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture, compare the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture and the average pixel value of the corresponding clear defect pattern picture to obtain a pixel difference, judge the pixel difference, output the received defect pattern picture as a final defect pattern picture if the absolute value of the pixel difference is less than or equal to a threshold, search for a corresponding focusing compensation value from the data of the correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value according to the pixel difference if the absolute value of the pixel difference is greater than the threshold, output the focusing compensation value to the defect observation unit, such that the defect observation unit adjusts a focusing value of the defect observation unit by using the focusing compensation value and then keeps observing the same defect pattern and again outputs a defect pattern picture to the real-time image analysis unit. 2. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the defect observation unit is an electron microscope. 3. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the real-time image analysis unit selects 20% of a central portion of the received defect pattern picture, and obtains an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 4. The defect observation machine according to claim 3, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into data of luminance values of n*n pixels, so as to calculate an average value of pixel values of the data of luminance values of n*n pixels as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 5. The defect observation machine according to claim 3, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into a histogram with abscissas indicating luminance and ordinates indicating pixel values, so as to obtain the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture according to the histogram. 6. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the average pixel value of the clear picture of the defect pattern comprises average pixel values of clear pictures of the defect pattern of defects of 90% of all in-line defect types. 7. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein an average pixel value of a blurred in-line defect pattern picture and an average pixel value of a clear defect pattern picture resulting from compensation are counted to obtain a pixel difference, and a focusing compensation value for compensating the blurred defect pattern picture as the clear defect pattern picture is counted, so as to obtain data of a correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value. 8. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the pixel difference comprises a plurality of ranges wherein each corresponding to one focusing compensation value. 9. The defect observation machine according to claim 8, wherein when the pixel difference is negative, the focusing compensation value is positive, and when the pixel difference is positive, the focusing compensation value is negative. 10. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is obtained through definition experiments and analyses of various in-line defect pattern pictures. 11. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is 10. 12. An image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine, wherein the method comprises:
S1: a defect observation unit performing defect pattern observation on a semiconductor product through a focusing value, so as to output a defect pattern picture; S2: a real-time image analysis unit receiving the defect pattern picture, and performing data analysis on the defect pattern picture to obtain an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture; S3: pre-storing in the real-time image analysis unit an average pixel value of a clear picture of a defect pattern and data of a correspondence between a pixel difference and a focusing compensation value; and S4: comparing the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture and the average pixel value of the corresponding clear picture of the defect picture to obtain a pixel difference, the real-time image analysis unit judging the pixel difference, the real-time image analysis unit outputting the received defect pattern picture as a final defect pattern picture if the absolute value of the pixel difference is less than or equal to a threshold, the real-time image analysis unit searching for a corresponding focusing compensation value from the data of the correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value according to the pixel difference if the absolute value of the pixel difference is greater than the threshold, and outputting the focusing compensation value to the defect observation unit, such that the defect observation unit adjusts a focusing value of the defect observation unit by using the focusing compensation value and then keeps observing the same defect pattern and again outputs a defect pattern picture to the real-time image analysis unit. 13. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the defect observation unit is an electron microscope. 14. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the real-time image analysis unit selects 20% of a central portion of the received defect pattern picture, and obtains an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 15. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 14, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into data of luminance values of n*n pixels, so as to calculate an average value of pixel values of the data of luminance values of n*n pixels as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 16. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 14, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into a histogram with abscissas indicating luminance and ordinates indicating pixel values, so as to obtain the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture according to the histogram. 17. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the average pixel value of the clear picture of the defect pattern comprises average pixel values of clear pictures of the defect pattern of defects of 90% of all in-line defect types. 18. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 17, wherein average pixel values of the clear pictures of the defect pattern of defects of 90% of all defect types are obtained according to in-line data, and are pre-stored in the real-time image analysis unit as pre-stored average pixel values of the clear pictures of the defect pattern. 19. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein an average pixel value of a blurred in-line defect pattern picture and an average pixel value of a clear defect pattern picture resulting from compensation are counted to obtain a pixel difference, and a focusing compensation value for compensating the blurred defect pattern picture as the clear defect pattern picture is counted, so as to obtain data of a correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value, and the data is pre-stored in the real-time image analysis unit as the data of the correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value. 20. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the pixel difference comprises a plurality of ranges wherein each corresponding to one focusing compensation value. 21. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 20, wherein when the pixel difference is negative, the focusing compensation value is positive, and when the pixel difference is positive, the focusing compensation value is negative. 22. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the threshold is obtained through definition experiments and analyses of various in-line defect pattern pictures. 23. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 22, wherein the threshold is 10. | Embodiments described herein relate to a defect observation machine and an image analysis and compensation method thereof. By embedding a real-time image analysis unit in a defect observation machine, analyzing and judging a defect pattern picture outputted by a defect observation unit in real time, and feeding back a focusing compensation value of a blurred defect pattern picture to the defect observation unit to perform focusing compensation on the blurred defect pattern picture, a clear photo is presented.1. A defect observation machine having a function of analyzing and compensating for a defect pattern picture in real time so that the defect pattern picture outputted by the defect observation machine is a clear defect pattern picture, wherein the defect observation machine comprises:
a defect observation unit, which is used to perform defect pattern observation on a semiconductor product through a focusing value and output the defect pattern picture; and a real-time image analysis unit, which is used to pre-store an average pixel value and data of a correspondence between a pixel difference and a focusing compensation value of a clear defect pattern picture, receive the defect pattern picture, perform data analysis on the defect pattern picture to obtain an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture, compare the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture and the average pixel value of the corresponding clear defect pattern picture to obtain a pixel difference, judge the pixel difference, output the received defect pattern picture as a final defect pattern picture if the absolute value of the pixel difference is less than or equal to a threshold, search for a corresponding focusing compensation value from the data of the correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value according to the pixel difference if the absolute value of the pixel difference is greater than the threshold, output the focusing compensation value to the defect observation unit, such that the defect observation unit adjusts a focusing value of the defect observation unit by using the focusing compensation value and then keeps observing the same defect pattern and again outputs a defect pattern picture to the real-time image analysis unit. 2. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the defect observation unit is an electron microscope. 3. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the real-time image analysis unit selects 20% of a central portion of the received defect pattern picture, and obtains an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 4. The defect observation machine according to claim 3, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into data of luminance values of n*n pixels, so as to calculate an average value of pixel values of the data of luminance values of n*n pixels as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 5. The defect observation machine according to claim 3, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into a histogram with abscissas indicating luminance and ordinates indicating pixel values, so as to obtain the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture according to the histogram. 6. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the average pixel value of the clear picture of the defect pattern comprises average pixel values of clear pictures of the defect pattern of defects of 90% of all in-line defect types. 7. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein an average pixel value of a blurred in-line defect pattern picture and an average pixel value of a clear defect pattern picture resulting from compensation are counted to obtain a pixel difference, and a focusing compensation value for compensating the blurred defect pattern picture as the clear defect pattern picture is counted, so as to obtain data of a correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value. 8. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the pixel difference comprises a plurality of ranges wherein each corresponding to one focusing compensation value. 9. The defect observation machine according to claim 8, wherein when the pixel difference is negative, the focusing compensation value is positive, and when the pixel difference is positive, the focusing compensation value is negative. 10. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is obtained through definition experiments and analyses of various in-line defect pattern pictures. 11. The defect observation machine according to claim 1, wherein the threshold is 10. 12. An image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine, wherein the method comprises:
S1: a defect observation unit performing defect pattern observation on a semiconductor product through a focusing value, so as to output a defect pattern picture; S2: a real-time image analysis unit receiving the defect pattern picture, and performing data analysis on the defect pattern picture to obtain an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture; S3: pre-storing in the real-time image analysis unit an average pixel value of a clear picture of a defect pattern and data of a correspondence between a pixel difference and a focusing compensation value; and S4: comparing the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture and the average pixel value of the corresponding clear picture of the defect picture to obtain a pixel difference, the real-time image analysis unit judging the pixel difference, the real-time image analysis unit outputting the received defect pattern picture as a final defect pattern picture if the absolute value of the pixel difference is less than or equal to a threshold, the real-time image analysis unit searching for a corresponding focusing compensation value from the data of the correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value according to the pixel difference if the absolute value of the pixel difference is greater than the threshold, and outputting the focusing compensation value to the defect observation unit, such that the defect observation unit adjusts a focusing value of the defect observation unit by using the focusing compensation value and then keeps observing the same defect pattern and again outputs a defect pattern picture to the real-time image analysis unit. 13. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the defect observation unit is an electron microscope. 14. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the real-time image analysis unit selects 20% of a central portion of the received defect pattern picture, and obtains an average pixel value of the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 15. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 14, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into data of luminance values of n*n pixels, so as to calculate an average value of pixel values of the data of luminance values of n*n pixels as the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture. 16. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 14, wherein the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% is divided into n*n units to obtain pixel values of the n*n units for converting the defect pattern picture within the range of 20% into a histogram with abscissas indicating luminance and ordinates indicating pixel values, so as to obtain the average pixel value of the defect pattern picture according to the histogram. 17. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the average pixel value of the clear picture of the defect pattern comprises average pixel values of clear pictures of the defect pattern of defects of 90% of all in-line defect types. 18. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 17, wherein average pixel values of the clear pictures of the defect pattern of defects of 90% of all defect types are obtained according to in-line data, and are pre-stored in the real-time image analysis unit as pre-stored average pixel values of the clear pictures of the defect pattern. 19. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein an average pixel value of a blurred in-line defect pattern picture and an average pixel value of a clear defect pattern picture resulting from compensation are counted to obtain a pixel difference, and a focusing compensation value for compensating the blurred defect pattern picture as the clear defect pattern picture is counted, so as to obtain data of a correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value, and the data is pre-stored in the real-time image analysis unit as the data of the correspondence between the pixel difference and the focusing compensation value. 20. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the pixel difference comprises a plurality of ranges wherein each corresponding to one focusing compensation value. 21. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 20, wherein when the pixel difference is negative, the focusing compensation value is positive, and when the pixel difference is positive, the focusing compensation value is negative. 22. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 12, wherein the threshold is obtained through definition experiments and analyses of various in-line defect pattern pictures. 23. The image analysis and compensation method of a defect observation machine according to claim 22, wherein the threshold is 10. | 2,400 |
339,412 | 16,800,292 | 2,442 | Molecular assays that involve measurement of expression levels of prognostic biomarkers, or co-expressed biomarkers, from a biological sample obtained from a prostate cancer patient, and analysis of the measured expression levels to provide information concerning the likely prognosis for said patient, and likelihood that said patient will have a recurrence of prostate cancer, or to classify the tumor by likelihood of clinical outcome or TMPRSS2 fusion status, are provided herein. | 1.-20. (canceled) 21. A method of analyzing expression of RNA transcripts of genes in a patient with prostate cancer, comprising:
measuring a level of an RNA transcript, in a sample from the patient comprising prostate tumor tissue, of a set of genes consisting of: (a) at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A; and (b) at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B; and (c) at least one reference gene. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides:
SEQ ID Nos: 257, 258, and 259 (for BGN); SEQ ID Nos: 501, 502, and 503 (for COL1A1); SEQ ID Nos: 2157, 2158, and 2159 (for SFRP4); and SEQ ID Nos: 2449, 2450, and 2451 (for TPX2). 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides:
SEQ ID Nos: 929, 930, and 931 (for FLNC); SEQ ID Nos: 1029, 1030, and 1031 (for GSN); SEQ ID Nos: 1037, 1038, and 1039 (for GSTM2); SEQ ID Nos: 2441, 2442, and 2443 (for TPM2); SEQ ID Nos: 225, 226, and 227 (for AZGP1); SEQ ID Nos: 1361, 1362, and 1363 (for KLK2); SEQ ID Nos: 857, 858, and 859 (for FAM13C); and SEQ ID Nos: 2273, 2274, and 2275 (for SRD5A2). 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2; and wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides:
SEQ ID Nos: 257, 258, and 259 (for BGN); SEQ ID Nos: 501, 502, and 503 (for COL1A1); SEQ ID Nos: 2157, 2158, and 2159 (for SFRP4); and SEQ ID Nos: 2449, 2450, and 2451 (for TPX2); and wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides: SEQ ID Nos: 929, 930, and 931 (for FLNC); SEQ ID Nos: 1029, 1030, and 1031 (for GSN); SEQ ID Nos: 1037, 1038, and 1039 (for GSTM2); SEQ ID Nos: 2441, 2442, and 2443 (for TPM2); SEQ ID Nos: 225, 226, and 227 (for AZGP1); SEQ ID Nos: 1361, 1362, and 1363 (for KLK2); SEQ ID Nos: 857, 858, and 859 (for FAM13C); and SEQ ID Nos: 2273, 2274, and 2275 (for SRD5A2). 28. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes each of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2. 29. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes each of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 30. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes each of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2; and wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes each of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 31. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one reference gene is a gene that does not exhibit a significantly different RNA expression level in cancerous prostate tissue compared to non-cancerous prostate tissue. 32. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one reference gene consists of from 1 to 6 reference genes. 33. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one reference gene comprises one or more of AAMP, ARF1, ATP5E, CLTC, EEF1A1, GPS1, GPX1, and PGK1. 34. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological sample has a positive TMPRSS2 fusion status. 35. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological sample has a negative TMPRSS2 fusion status. 36. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient has early-stage prostate cancer. 37. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological sample comprises prostate tumor tissue with the primary Gleason pattern for said prostate tumor. 38. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological samples comprises prostate tumor tissue with the highest Gleason pattern for said prostate tumor. 39. The method of claim 21, wherein the tissue sample comprises non-tumor prostate tissue. 40. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient is receiving active surveillance treatment. | Molecular assays that involve measurement of expression levels of prognostic biomarkers, or co-expressed biomarkers, from a biological sample obtained from a prostate cancer patient, and analysis of the measured expression levels to provide information concerning the likely prognosis for said patient, and likelihood that said patient will have a recurrence of prostate cancer, or to classify the tumor by likelihood of clinical outcome or TMPRSS2 fusion status, are provided herein.1.-20. (canceled) 21. A method of analyzing expression of RNA transcripts of genes in a patient with prostate cancer, comprising:
measuring a level of an RNA transcript, in a sample from the patient comprising prostate tumor tissue, of a set of genes consisting of: (a) at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A; and (b) at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B; and (c) at least one reference gene. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides:
SEQ ID Nos: 257, 258, and 259 (for BGN); SEQ ID Nos: 501, 502, and 503 (for COL1A1); SEQ ID Nos: 2157, 2158, and 2159 (for SFRP4); and SEQ ID Nos: 2449, 2450, and 2451 (for TPX2). 24. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides:
SEQ ID Nos: 929, 930, and 931 (for FLNC); SEQ ID Nos: 1029, 1030, and 1031 (for GSN); SEQ ID Nos: 1037, 1038, and 1039 (for GSTM2); SEQ ID Nos: 2441, 2442, and 2443 (for TPM2); SEQ ID Nos: 225, 226, and 227 (for AZGP1); SEQ ID Nos: 1361, 1362, and 1363 (for KLK2); SEQ ID Nos: 857, 858, and 859 (for FAM13C); and SEQ ID Nos: 2273, 2274, and 2275 (for SRD5A2). 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2; and wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides:
SEQ ID Nos: 257, 258, and 259 (for BGN); SEQ ID Nos: 501, 502, and 503 (for COL1A1); SEQ ID Nos: 2157, 2158, and 2159 (for SFRP4); and SEQ ID Nos: 2449, 2450, and 2451 (for TPX2); and wherein the RNA transcript level of the at least one of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2 is measured using at least one of the following sets of oligonucleotides: SEQ ID Nos: 929, 930, and 931 (for FLNC); SEQ ID Nos: 1029, 1030, and 1031 (for GSN); SEQ ID Nos: 1037, 1038, and 1039 (for GSTM2); SEQ ID Nos: 2441, 2442, and 2443 (for TPM2); SEQ ID Nos: 225, 226, and 227 (for AZGP1); SEQ ID Nos: 1361, 1362, and 1363 (for KLK2); SEQ ID Nos: 857, 858, and 859 (for FAM13C); and SEQ ID Nos: 2273, 2274, and 2275 (for SRD5A2). 28. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes each of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2. 29. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes each of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 30. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3A includes each of BGN, COL1A1, SFRP4, and TPX2; and wherein the at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes listed in Table 3B includes each of FLNC, GSN, GSTM2, TPM2, AZGP1, KLK2, FAM13C, and SRD5A2. 31. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one reference gene is a gene that does not exhibit a significantly different RNA expression level in cancerous prostate tissue compared to non-cancerous prostate tissue. 32. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one reference gene consists of from 1 to 6 reference genes. 33. The method of claim 21, wherein the at least one reference gene comprises one or more of AAMP, ARF1, ATP5E, CLTC, EEF1A1, GPS1, GPX1, and PGK1. 34. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological sample has a positive TMPRSS2 fusion status. 35. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological sample has a negative TMPRSS2 fusion status. 36. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient has early-stage prostate cancer. 37. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological sample comprises prostate tumor tissue with the primary Gleason pattern for said prostate tumor. 38. The method of claim 21, wherein the biological samples comprises prostate tumor tissue with the highest Gleason pattern for said prostate tumor. 39. The method of claim 21, wherein the tissue sample comprises non-tumor prostate tissue. 40. The method of claim 21, wherein the patient is receiving active surveillance treatment. | 2,400 |
339,413 | 16,800,291 | 2,442 | An optical redirection adapter for an electronic device having a camera includes a housing. An optical element is attached to the housing and positioned such that, when the adapter is attached the electronic device, the optical element is positioned in the camera's field of view. The optical element reflects light in the camera's field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view. The optical redirection adapter facilitates ergonomically sound use of the camera. | 1. A barcode reading adapter, comprising:
a barcode reader adapter housing having an opening to receive an electronic device; and an optical opening, wherein the optical opening is defined by the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical opening is aligned with a field of view of a camera of the electronic device such that light is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening via a redirection angle, wherein the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 115 degrees. 2. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:
an optical element attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical element is positioned such that, when the barcode reading adapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical element reflects light from an illumination element at the redirection angle. 3. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the optical opening is aligned with an illumination element of the electronic device such that light is reflected from the illumination element at the redirection angle. 4. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:
a laser aimer attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser beam emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 5. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:
a laser aimer attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser pattern emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 6. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected through the optical opening by at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens. 7. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the light that is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening is from an effective field of view that extends horizontally to a length of a surface of the electronic device. 8. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the redirection angle is between 60 degrees and 85 degrees. 9. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the optical opening is aligned with both the field of view of the camera of the electronic device and an illumination element. 10. A barcode reading adapter, comprising:
a barcode reader adapter housing having an opening to receive an electronic device, an optical opening, wherein the optical opening is defined by the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical opening is aligned with a field of view of a camera of the electronic device such that light is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening via a redirection angle, wherein the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 115 degrees; and an aimer attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the aimer is positioned such that a laser pattern emitted by the aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 11. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 10, wherein the light is reflected through the optical opening by at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens. 12. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 11, wherein the light that is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening is from an effective field of view that extends horizontally to a length of a surface of the electronic device. 13. A method of reading a barcode through a barcode reading adapter, comprising:
receiving an electronic device via an opening of a barcode reader adapter housing of the barcode reading adapter; and aligning an optical opening of the barcode reading adapter with a field of view of a camera of the electronic device such that light is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening via a redirection angle, wherein the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 115 degrees. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the redirection angle is between 60 degrees and 85 degrees. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the barcode reader adapter housing is configured to emit light from an illumination element. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
attaching an optical element to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical element is positioned such that, when the barcode reading adapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical element reflects light from the illumination element at the redirection angle. 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
attaching a laser aimer to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser beam emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
attaching a laser aimer to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser pattern emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the light is reflected through the optical opening by at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the light that is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening is from an effective field of view that extends horizontally to a length of a surface of the electronic device. | An optical redirection adapter for an electronic device having a camera includes a housing. An optical element is attached to the housing and positioned such that, when the adapter is attached the electronic device, the optical element is positioned in the camera's field of view. The optical element reflects light in the camera's field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view. The optical redirection adapter facilitates ergonomically sound use of the camera.1. A barcode reading adapter, comprising:
a barcode reader adapter housing having an opening to receive an electronic device; and an optical opening, wherein the optical opening is defined by the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical opening is aligned with a field of view of a camera of the electronic device such that light is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening via a redirection angle, wherein the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 115 degrees. 2. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:
an optical element attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical element is positioned such that, when the barcode reading adapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical element reflects light from an illumination element at the redirection angle. 3. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the optical opening is aligned with an illumination element of the electronic device such that light is reflected from the illumination element at the redirection angle. 4. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:
a laser aimer attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser beam emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 5. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, further comprising:
a laser aimer attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser pattern emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 6. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the light is reflected through the optical opening by at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens. 7. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the light that is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening is from an effective field of view that extends horizontally to a length of a surface of the electronic device. 8. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the redirection angle is between 60 degrees and 85 degrees. 9. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 1, wherein the optical opening is aligned with both the field of view of the camera of the electronic device and an illumination element. 10. A barcode reading adapter, comprising:
a barcode reader adapter housing having an opening to receive an electronic device, an optical opening, wherein the optical opening is defined by the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical opening is aligned with a field of view of a camera of the electronic device such that light is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening via a redirection angle, wherein the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 115 degrees; and an aimer attached to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the aimer is positioned such that a laser pattern emitted by the aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 11. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 10, wherein the light is reflected through the optical opening by at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens. 12. The barcode reading adapter according to claim 11, wherein the light that is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening is from an effective field of view that extends horizontally to a length of a surface of the electronic device. 13. A method of reading a barcode through a barcode reading adapter, comprising:
receiving an electronic device via an opening of a barcode reader adapter housing of the barcode reading adapter; and aligning an optical opening of the barcode reading adapter with a field of view of a camera of the electronic device such that light is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening via a redirection angle, wherein the redirection angle is between 45 degrees and 115 degrees. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the redirection angle is between 60 degrees and 85 degrees. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the barcode reader adapter housing is configured to emit light from an illumination element. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
attaching an optical element to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the optical element is positioned such that, when the barcode reading adapter is attached to the electronic device, the optical element reflects light from the illumination element at the redirection angle. 17. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
attaching a laser aimer to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser beam emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 18. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
attaching a laser aimer to the barcode reader adapter housing, wherein the laser aimer is positioned such that a laser pattern emitted by the laser aimer corresponds to an effective field of view of the camera. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein the light is reflected through the optical opening by at least one of a prism, a mirror, or a lens. 20. The method of claim 13, wherein the light that is reflected into the field of view of the camera through the optical opening is from an effective field of view that extends horizontally to a length of a surface of the electronic device. | 2,400 |
339,414 | 16,800,333 | 2,442 | Techniques for detecting malicious activity on an endpoint based on real-time system events are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system/process/computer program product for detecting malicious activity on an endpoint based on real-time system events includes monitoring an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, in which the endpoint comprises a local device; detecting malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules; and in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, performing a security response based on a security policy. | 1. A system, comprising:
a processor configured to:
monitor an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, wherein the endpoint comprises a local device;
detect malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules;
in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, perform a security response based on a security to policy; and
a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, wherein the set of rules is includes one or more updated detection rules. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and wherein the set of rules comprises a whitelisted set of behaviors observed at a remote server during emulation of a sample in a virtualized environment and wherein an attempt by the application while executing on the local device to take an action not included in the whitelisted set of behaviors constitutes a rule violation. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and report the attempt to a user of the endpoint. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and report the attempt to a remote server. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to report the detected malicious activity to a remote server, wherein in response to receiving the report, the remote server performs an evaluation of a sample provided by the endpoint, wherein the sample is associated with the detected malicious activity. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of rules restrict processes associated with a sample to behaviors observed during an execution of the sample in a virtualized environment. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate an updated version of the application in response to receiving an indication that the application has been updated. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate the application at least in part by executing the application in a virtualized environment, and wherein endpoint agent is configured to implement, at the endpoint, a set of rules restricting behaviors of an application. 10. A method, comprising:
monitoring an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, wherein the endpoint comprises a local device; detecting malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules; and in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, performing a security response based on a security policy. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, wherein the set of rules includes one or more updated detection rules. 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and wherein the set of rules comprises a whitelisted set of behaviors observed at a remote server during emulation of a sample in a virtualized environment and wherein an attempt by the application while executing on the local device to take an action not included in the whitelisted set of behaviors constitutes a rule violation. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules; and
reporting the attempt to a user of the endpoint. 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and
report the attempt to a remote server. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising reporting the detected malicious activity to a remote server, wherein in response to receiving the report, the remote server performs an evaluation of a sample provided by the endpoint, wherein the sample is associated with the detected malicious activity. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the set of rules restrict processes associated with a sample to behaviors observed during an execution of the sample in a virtualized environment. 17. The method of claim 10 wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate an updated version of the application in response to receiving an indication that the application has been updated. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate the application at least in part by executing the application in a virtualized environment, and wherein endpoint agent is configured to implement, at the endpoint, a set of rules restricting behaviors of an application. 19. A computer program product, the computer program product being embodied in a tangible computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
monitoring an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, wherein the endpoint comprises a local device; detecting malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules; and in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, performing a security response based on a security policy. 20. The computer program product recited in claim 19, further comprising computer instructions for:
detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, wherein the set of rules includes one or more updated detection rules. | Techniques for detecting malicious activity on an endpoint based on real-time system events are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system/process/computer program product for detecting malicious activity on an endpoint based on real-time system events includes monitoring an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, in which the endpoint comprises a local device; detecting malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules; and in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, performing a security response based on a security policy.1. A system, comprising:
a processor configured to:
monitor an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, wherein the endpoint comprises a local device;
detect malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules;
in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, perform a security response based on a security to policy; and
a memory coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the processor is further configured to detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, wherein the set of rules is includes one or more updated detection rules. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and wherein the set of rules comprises a whitelisted set of behaviors observed at a remote server during emulation of a sample in a virtualized environment and wherein an attempt by the application while executing on the local device to take an action not included in the whitelisted set of behaviors constitutes a rule violation. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and report the attempt to a user of the endpoint. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and report the attempt to a remote server. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to report the detected malicious activity to a remote server, wherein in response to receiving the report, the remote server performs an evaluation of a sample provided by the endpoint, wherein the sample is associated with the detected malicious activity. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of rules restrict processes associated with a sample to behaviors observed during an execution of the sample in a virtualized environment. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate an updated version of the application in response to receiving an indication that the application has been updated. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate the application at least in part by executing the application in a virtualized environment, and wherein endpoint agent is configured to implement, at the endpoint, a set of rules restricting behaviors of an application. 10. A method, comprising:
monitoring an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, wherein the endpoint comprises a local device; detecting malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules; and in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, performing a security response based on a security policy. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, wherein the set of rules includes one or more updated detection rules. 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and wherein the set of rules comprises a whitelisted set of behaviors observed at a remote server during emulation of a sample in a virtualized environment and wherein an attempt by the application while executing on the local device to take an action not included in the whitelisted set of behaviors constitutes a rule violation. 13. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules; and
reporting the attempt to a user of the endpoint. 14. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
detect an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, and
report the attempt to a remote server. 15. The method of claim 10 further comprising reporting the detected malicious activity to a remote server, wherein in response to receiving the report, the remote server performs an evaluation of a sample provided by the endpoint, wherein the sample is associated with the detected malicious activity. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the set of rules restrict processes associated with a sample to behaviors observed during an execution of the sample in a virtualized environment. 17. The method of claim 10 wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate an updated version of the application in response to receiving an indication that the application has been updated. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein a remote server is configured to evaluate the application at least in part by executing the application in a virtualized environment, and wherein endpoint agent is configured to implement, at the endpoint, a set of rules restricting behaviors of an application. 19. A computer program product, the computer program product being embodied in a tangible computer readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for:
monitoring an endpoint for malicious activity using an endpoint agent, wherein the endpoint comprises a local device; detecting malicious activity associated with an application on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent based on a set of rules; and in response to detecting malicious activity on the endpoint based on real-time system events using the endpoint agent, performing a security response based on a security policy. 20. The computer program product recited in claim 19, further comprising computer instructions for:
detecting an attempt by the application to take an action that would violate the set of rules, wherein the set of rules includes one or more updated detection rules. | 2,400 |
339,415 | 16,800,337 | 2,181 | A method of identifying an unsupported storage device on a server is disclosed as including providing the server with a baseboard management controller (BMC), the BMC obtaining vital product data (VPD) from a storage device on the server, the BMC comparing the VPD from the storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and the BMC issuing an output in response to said comparison. | 1. A method of identifying an unsupported storage device on a server, including:
providing said server with a baseboard management controller (BMC), said BMC obtaining at least one piece of vital product data (VPD) from a storage device on said server, said BMC comparing said VPD from said storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and said BMC issuing an output in response to said comparison. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said storage device includes a serial attached SCSI (SAS) drive, a serial AT attachment (SATA) drive, or a non-volatile memory express (NVMe) drive. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said BMC obtains said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller or a host bus adapter (HBA) controller in said server. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said BMC obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said RAID controller or said HBA controller in said server via a management component transport protocol (MCTP) over peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe). 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said storage device is connected to an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) device. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein said BMC obtains said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via an NVMe management interface or an out-of-band (OOB) management channel. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said BMC obtains said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said NVMe management interface over an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) device. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein, in response to a mismatch between said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC issuing an alert to a user. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein, in response to a mismatch between said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC forces said storage device to STANDBY mode. 10. The method of claim 10, wherein, in response to said mismatch between at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC commands a processor on a backplane of said server to disconnect power supply to said storage device. 11. A server including:
a baseboard management controller (BMC), and a storage device, said BMC being configured to obtain at least one piece of vital product data (VPD) from said storage device, said BMC being configured to compare said VPD from said storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and said BMC being configured to issue an output in response to said comparison. 12. The server of claim 11, wherein said storage device includes a serial attached SCSI (SAS) drive, a serial AT attachment (SATA) drive or a non-volatile memory express (NVMe) drive. 13. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller or a host bus adapter (HBA) controller in said server. 14. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said RAID or said HBA via a management component transport protocol (MCTP) over peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe). 15. (canceled) 16. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via a NVMe management interface or an out-of-band (OOB) management channel 17. The server of claim 16, wherein said BMC is configured to access and obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said NVMe management interface over an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) device. 18. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to issue an alert to a user in response to a mismatch between said VPD from said storage device with one or more approved VPDs. 19. The server of claim 11, wherein, in response to a mismatch between said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC is operable to force said storage device to STANDBY mode. 20. The server of claim 11, wherein, in response to said mismatch, said BMC commands a processor on a backplane of said server to disconnect power supply to said storage device. 21. The server of claim 11, wherein said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device comprises any one of part numbers, serial numbers, manufacturers and product identity (ID) details of said storage device. | A method of identifying an unsupported storage device on a server is disclosed as including providing the server with a baseboard management controller (BMC), the BMC obtaining vital product data (VPD) from a storage device on the server, the BMC comparing the VPD from the storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and the BMC issuing an output in response to said comparison.1. A method of identifying an unsupported storage device on a server, including:
providing said server with a baseboard management controller (BMC), said BMC obtaining at least one piece of vital product data (VPD) from a storage device on said server, said BMC comparing said VPD from said storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and said BMC issuing an output in response to said comparison. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said storage device includes a serial attached SCSI (SAS) drive, a serial AT attachment (SATA) drive, or a non-volatile memory express (NVMe) drive. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said BMC obtains said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller or a host bus adapter (HBA) controller in said server. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said BMC obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said RAID controller or said HBA controller in said server via a management component transport protocol (MCTP) over peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe). 5. The method of claim 2, wherein said storage device is connected to an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) device. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein said BMC obtains said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via an NVMe management interface or an out-of-band (OOB) management channel. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said BMC obtains said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said NVMe management interface over an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) device. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein, in response to a mismatch between said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC issuing an alert to a user. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein, in response to a mismatch between said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC forces said storage device to STANDBY mode. 10. The method of claim 10, wherein, in response to said mismatch between at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC commands a processor on a backplane of said server to disconnect power supply to said storage device. 11. A server including:
a baseboard management controller (BMC), and a storage device, said BMC being configured to obtain at least one piece of vital product data (VPD) from said storage device, said BMC being configured to compare said VPD from said storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and said BMC being configured to issue an output in response to said comparison. 12. The server of claim 11, wherein said storage device includes a serial attached SCSI (SAS) drive, a serial AT attachment (SATA) drive or a non-volatile memory express (NVMe) drive. 13. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller or a host bus adapter (HBA) controller in said server. 14. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said RAID or said HBA via a management component transport protocol (MCTP) over peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe). 15. (canceled) 16. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via a NVMe management interface or an out-of-band (OOB) management channel 17. The server of claim 16, wherein said BMC is configured to access and obtain said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device via said NVMe management interface over an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) device. 18. The server of claim 11, wherein said BMC is configured to issue an alert to a user in response to a mismatch between said VPD from said storage device with one or more approved VPDs. 19. The server of claim 11, wherein, in response to a mismatch between said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device with said one or more approved VPDs, said BMC is operable to force said storage device to STANDBY mode. 20. The server of claim 11, wherein, in response to said mismatch, said BMC commands a processor on a backplane of said server to disconnect power supply to said storage device. 21. The server of claim 11, wherein said at least one piece of VPD from said storage device comprises any one of part numbers, serial numbers, manufacturers and product identity (ID) details of said storage device. | 2,100 |
339,416 | 16,800,316 | 2,181 | A method for inspecting a reticle including a reflective layer on a reticle substrate is provided. The method may include loading the reticle on a stage, cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature, irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer on the reticle substrate, receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer, and detect a particle defect on the reflective layer or a void defect in the reflective layer based on the image of the reflective layer. | 1. A method for inspecting a reticle, the method comprising:
loading the reticle on a stage, the reticle including a reticle substrate and a reflective layer on the reticle substrate; cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature; irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer on the reticle substrate; receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer; and detecting whether a particle defect exists on the reflective layer or a void defect exists in the reflective layer based on the image of the reflective layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cooling the reticle substrate cools the reticle substrate to 145 kelvins (K) lower than the room temperature. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam has power of 0.87 W/cm2. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam includes ArF ultraviolet light. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is scanned at a speed of 12.3 mm/s. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the reticle includes an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the reflective layer of the EUV reticle includes a molybdenum layer on a silicon layer. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the EUV reticle further includes an absorption pattern on the reflective layer. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the stage includes a cooler for cooling the reticle substrate. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cooler includes a Peltier device or an air blowing device. 11. A method for manufacturing a reticle, the method comprising:
forming a reflective layer on a reticle substrate; and inspecting the reflective layer,
the inspecting of the reflective layer including,
cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature,
irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer, and
receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer; and
detecting whether a defect in the reflective layer exists based on the image of the reflective layer. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
etching the reflective layer in response to the defect existing in the reflective layer. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
forming an absorption layer on the reflective layer; forming a photoresist on the absorption layer; inspecting the photoresist; patterning the photoresist; and etching the absorption layer using the patterned photoresist as an etch mask to form an absorption pattern. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the inspecting of the photoresist comprises:
cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than the room temperature; irradiating the laser beam to the photoresist; and receiving the laser beam using the photodetector to obtain an image of the photoresist and detect a defect in the photoresist, based on the image of the photoresist. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprises:
removing the photoresist in response to the defect existing in the photoresist. 16. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method comprising:
performing an exposure process using a reticle, the reticle including a reticle substrate, a reflective layer on the reticle substrate, and an absorption pattern on the reflective layer; inspecting the reticle, the inspecting of the reticle including,
cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature,
irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer and the absorption pattern on the reticle substrate,
receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer and the absorption pattern, and
detecting whether a particle exists on the reflective layer or on the absorption pattern, based on the image of the reflective layer and the absorption pattern; and
storing the reticle, 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
cleaning the reticle in response to the particle existing on the reflective layer or the absorption pattern. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cleaning the reticle is performed by a wet cleaning method. 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
manufacturing the reticle, wherein the manufacturing of the reticle includes forming the reflective layer on the reticle substrate; inspecting the reflective layer by irradiating an other laser beam to the reflective layer, receiving the other laser beam using the photodetector to obtain an other image of the reflective layer; detecting whether a defect exists in the reflective layer or not based on the other image of reflective layer; and etching the reflective layer in response to the defect existing in the reflective layer. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein
the reticle includes an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle, and the exposure process includes an EUV exposure process. | A method for inspecting a reticle including a reflective layer on a reticle substrate is provided. The method may include loading the reticle on a stage, cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature, irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer on the reticle substrate, receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer, and detect a particle defect on the reflective layer or a void defect in the reflective layer based on the image of the reflective layer.1. A method for inspecting a reticle, the method comprising:
loading the reticle on a stage, the reticle including a reticle substrate and a reflective layer on the reticle substrate; cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature; irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer on the reticle substrate; receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer; and detecting whether a particle defect exists on the reflective layer or a void defect exists in the reflective layer based on the image of the reflective layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cooling the reticle substrate cools the reticle substrate to 145 kelvins (K) lower than the room temperature. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam has power of 0.87 W/cm2. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam includes ArF ultraviolet light. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the laser beam is scanned at a speed of 12.3 mm/s. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the reticle includes an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the reflective layer of the EUV reticle includes a molybdenum layer on a silicon layer. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the EUV reticle further includes an absorption pattern on the reflective layer. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the stage includes a cooler for cooling the reticle substrate. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the cooler includes a Peltier device or an air blowing device. 11. A method for manufacturing a reticle, the method comprising:
forming a reflective layer on a reticle substrate; and inspecting the reflective layer,
the inspecting of the reflective layer including,
cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature,
irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer, and
receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer; and
detecting whether a defect in the reflective layer exists based on the image of the reflective layer. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
etching the reflective layer in response to the defect existing in the reflective layer. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
forming an absorption layer on the reflective layer; forming a photoresist on the absorption layer; inspecting the photoresist; patterning the photoresist; and etching the absorption layer using the patterned photoresist as an etch mask to form an absorption pattern. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the inspecting of the photoresist comprises:
cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than the room temperature; irradiating the laser beam to the photoresist; and receiving the laser beam using the photodetector to obtain an image of the photoresist and detect a defect in the photoresist, based on the image of the photoresist. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprises:
removing the photoresist in response to the defect existing in the photoresist. 16. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, the method comprising:
performing an exposure process using a reticle, the reticle including a reticle substrate, a reflective layer on the reticle substrate, and an absorption pattern on the reflective layer; inspecting the reticle, the inspecting of the reticle including,
cooling the reticle substrate to a temperature lower than a room temperature,
irradiating a laser beam to the reflective layer and the absorption pattern on the reticle substrate,
receiving the laser beam using a photodetector to obtain an image of the reflective layer and the absorption pattern, and
detecting whether a particle exists on the reflective layer or on the absorption pattern, based on the image of the reflective layer and the absorption pattern; and
storing the reticle, 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
cleaning the reticle in response to the particle existing on the reflective layer or the absorption pattern. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the cleaning the reticle is performed by a wet cleaning method. 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
manufacturing the reticle, wherein the manufacturing of the reticle includes forming the reflective layer on the reticle substrate; inspecting the reflective layer by irradiating an other laser beam to the reflective layer, receiving the other laser beam using the photodetector to obtain an other image of the reflective layer; detecting whether a defect exists in the reflective layer or not based on the other image of reflective layer; and etching the reflective layer in response to the defect existing in the reflective layer. 20. The method of claim 16, wherein
the reticle includes an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle, and the exposure process includes an EUV exposure process. | 2,100 |
339,417 | 16,800,318 | 3,632 | A loading arm device, serving in particular for loading fluids, including a main arm supported by a base station. An external arm is pivotally connected with the main arm. Further, the rear part of the main arm is connected with a counter-weight arm. A coupling element guarantees that at different swivel positions, the counter-weight arm is arranged parallel to the external arm. Further, switching elements are provided to trigger a switching operation at a maximum scissors angle between the main arm and the external arm. One of the switching elements is fixedly connected with the counter-weight arm or the external arm, and the other switching element is rotatably connected with the main arm. | 1. A loading arm device, in particular for loading fluids, comprising:
a base element pivotally supporting a main arm, an external arm pivotally connected with a front end of the main arm, a counter-weight arm connected with a rear part of the main arm, a coupling element mechanically coupling the counter-weight arm with the external arm such that the counter-weight arm and the external arm are parallel to each other at different swivel positions, and a switching element comprising two switching elements, wherein the switching elements can be rotated relative to each other, so as to trigger a switching operation at a variable maximum scissors angle a between the main arm and the external arm, wherein one of the switching elements is fixedly connected with the counter-weight arm or the external arm, and the other switching element is rotatably connected with the main arm. 2. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable switching element is connected with the base element or a stationary support element via an actuation element. 3. The loading arm device of claim 2, wherein the actuation element comprises an actuation linkage. 4. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the main arm is connected with the base element via a hinge. 5. The loading arm device of claim 4, wherein the main arm comprises an internal arm which, at one end, is mounted to the hinge and at which, at another end, the external arm is arranged, the main arm further comprising a rear arm to which the counter-weight arm is mounted, said rear arm moving at the same time and in the same direction as the internal arm. 6. The loading arm device of claim 5, wherein the rotatable switching element is rotatably connected with the rear arm and the fixed switching element is fixedly connected with the counter-weight arm. 7. The loading arm device of claim 5, wherein the rotatable switching element is rotatably connected with the internal arm and the fixed switching element is fixedly connected with the external arm. 8. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein one of the switching elements is configured as a switching plate and the other of the switching elements is configured as a proximity switch. 9. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one of a coupling linkage and coupling cables. 10. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein at an initial position, at least one of the rotatable switching element and the fixed switching element can be set to fix the maximum scissors angle. 11. The loading arm device of claim 10, wherein the initial position can be set via the rotatable switching element by means of an actuation element. 12. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein a free end of the external arm carries a coupling element for connection to a fluid line. 13. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the maximum scissors angle changes dependent upon the position of the main arm. | A loading arm device, serving in particular for loading fluids, including a main arm supported by a base station. An external arm is pivotally connected with the main arm. Further, the rear part of the main arm is connected with a counter-weight arm. A coupling element guarantees that at different swivel positions, the counter-weight arm is arranged parallel to the external arm. Further, switching elements are provided to trigger a switching operation at a maximum scissors angle between the main arm and the external arm. One of the switching elements is fixedly connected with the counter-weight arm or the external arm, and the other switching element is rotatably connected with the main arm.1. A loading arm device, in particular for loading fluids, comprising:
a base element pivotally supporting a main arm, an external arm pivotally connected with a front end of the main arm, a counter-weight arm connected with a rear part of the main arm, a coupling element mechanically coupling the counter-weight arm with the external arm such that the counter-weight arm and the external arm are parallel to each other at different swivel positions, and a switching element comprising two switching elements, wherein the switching elements can be rotated relative to each other, so as to trigger a switching operation at a variable maximum scissors angle a between the main arm and the external arm, wherein one of the switching elements is fixedly connected with the counter-weight arm or the external arm, and the other switching element is rotatably connected with the main arm. 2. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable switching element is connected with the base element or a stationary support element via an actuation element. 3. The loading arm device of claim 2, wherein the actuation element comprises an actuation linkage. 4. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the main arm is connected with the base element via a hinge. 5. The loading arm device of claim 4, wherein the main arm comprises an internal arm which, at one end, is mounted to the hinge and at which, at another end, the external arm is arranged, the main arm further comprising a rear arm to which the counter-weight arm is mounted, said rear arm moving at the same time and in the same direction as the internal arm. 6. The loading arm device of claim 5, wherein the rotatable switching element is rotatably connected with the rear arm and the fixed switching element is fixedly connected with the counter-weight arm. 7. The loading arm device of claim 5, wherein the rotatable switching element is rotatably connected with the internal arm and the fixed switching element is fixedly connected with the external arm. 8. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein one of the switching elements is configured as a switching plate and the other of the switching elements is configured as a proximity switch. 9. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one of a coupling linkage and coupling cables. 10. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein at an initial position, at least one of the rotatable switching element and the fixed switching element can be set to fix the maximum scissors angle. 11. The loading arm device of claim 10, wherein the initial position can be set via the rotatable switching element by means of an actuation element. 12. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein a free end of the external arm carries a coupling element for connection to a fluid line. 13. The loading arm device of claim 1, wherein the maximum scissors angle changes dependent upon the position of the main arm. | 3,600 |
339,418 | 16,800,305 | 2,849 | A system and method for locating a medical device within a body uses wireless technology to transmit the information obtained from the sensors to a mobile device or other computing system. A software application on the mobile device or computing system can be used to display the information, wherein the user can control the display without needing to contact any items that are not sterile. | 1. A method comprising:
placing a paddle unit on a chest of a patient; placing at least one surface ECG electrode on the chest of the patient; sensing a surface ECG data with the at least one surface ECG electrode; transmitting the surface ECG data from the at least one surface ECG electrode to the paddle unit; wirelessly transmitting the surface ECG data from the paddle unit to the mobile device; displaying an image of the surface ECG data on the mobile device; selecting at least a portion of the image of the surface ECG data on the mobile device; accepting at least a portion of the image of the surface ECG data on the mobile device; inserting a catheter and a stylet into a vasculature of the patient; establishing a connection between the stylet to the paddle unit; transmitting the internal ECG data from the stylet to the paddle unit; and wirelessly transmitting the internal ECG data from the paddle unit to the mobile device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
entering a surface measurement on the mobile device. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
placing at least two surface ECG electrodes on the chest of the patient. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is configured to display a heart rate of the patient. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
saving the surface ECG data to an electronic record of the patient. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
selecting an icon on the mobile device to accept the image of the surface ECG data. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the icon is an alphabetic character. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface ECG data comprises a surface ECG waveform and the internal ECG data comprises an internal ECG waveform. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the surface measurement may be taken by a ruler. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:
selecting on the mobile device an internal measurement icon. 11. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
displaying an image of the internal ECG data on the mobile device. 12. A method comprising:
placing a unit on a chest of a patient; placing at least one ECG pad on the chest of the patient; sensing a surface ECG waveform using the at least one ECG pad; transmitting the surface ECG waveform from the ECG pad to the unit; wirelessly transmitting the surface ECG waveform from the unit to the mobile device; displaying an image of the surface ECG waveform on the mobile device; selecting a snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform on the mobile device; accepting the snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform on the mobile device; inserting a catheter and a stylet into a vasculature of a patient; electrically connecting the stylet to the unit. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step:
transmitting the internal ECG waveform from the stylet to the unit; wirelessly transmitting the internal ECG waveform from the unit to the mobile device; displaying an image of the internal ECG waveform on the mobile device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mobile device is configured to be touchscreen. 15. A method comprising:
placing a chest unit on a chest of a patient; wherein the chest unit is configured to receive a surface ECG waveform data and wirelessly transmit the surface ECG waveform data to a mobile device; displaying an image of the surface ECG waveform data on the mobile device; selecting a snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform data on the mobile device; accepting the snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform data on the mobile device; inserting a catheter and a stylet into a vessel of a patient; and establishing an electrical connection between the stylet and the chest unit; wherein the stylet is configured to transmit an internal ECG waveform data to the chest unit. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the catheter is a peripherally inserted central catheter. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the catheter further comprises a catheter tip. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of:
advancing the catheter tip towards a heart of the patient; and wherein the transmitted internal ECG waveform data changes as a result of the advancement of the catheter tip towards the heart. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:
placing at least one surface ECG electrode on the chest of the patient; sensing the surface ECG waveform data with the surface ECG electrode; wirelessly transmitting the surface ECG waveform data from the chest unit to the mobile device; and wirelessly transmitting the internal ECG waveform data from the chest unit to the mobile device. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the chest unit may further comprise a coil configured to generate a magnetic field. | A system and method for locating a medical device within a body uses wireless technology to transmit the information obtained from the sensors to a mobile device or other computing system. A software application on the mobile device or computing system can be used to display the information, wherein the user can control the display without needing to contact any items that are not sterile.1. A method comprising:
placing a paddle unit on a chest of a patient; placing at least one surface ECG electrode on the chest of the patient; sensing a surface ECG data with the at least one surface ECG electrode; transmitting the surface ECG data from the at least one surface ECG electrode to the paddle unit; wirelessly transmitting the surface ECG data from the paddle unit to the mobile device; displaying an image of the surface ECG data on the mobile device; selecting at least a portion of the image of the surface ECG data on the mobile device; accepting at least a portion of the image of the surface ECG data on the mobile device; inserting a catheter and a stylet into a vasculature of the patient; establishing a connection between the stylet to the paddle unit; transmitting the internal ECG data from the stylet to the paddle unit; and wirelessly transmitting the internal ECG data from the paddle unit to the mobile device. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
entering a surface measurement on the mobile device. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
placing at least two surface ECG electrodes on the chest of the patient. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is configured to display a heart rate of the patient. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
saving the surface ECG data to an electronic record of the patient. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of:
selecting an icon on the mobile device to accept the image of the surface ECG data. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the icon is an alphabetic character. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the surface ECG data comprises a surface ECG waveform and the internal ECG data comprises an internal ECG waveform. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the surface measurement may be taken by a ruler. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of:
selecting on the mobile device an internal measurement icon. 11. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of:
displaying an image of the internal ECG data on the mobile device. 12. A method comprising:
placing a unit on a chest of a patient; placing at least one ECG pad on the chest of the patient; sensing a surface ECG waveform using the at least one ECG pad; transmitting the surface ECG waveform from the ECG pad to the unit; wirelessly transmitting the surface ECG waveform from the unit to the mobile device; displaying an image of the surface ECG waveform on the mobile device; selecting a snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform on the mobile device; accepting the snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform on the mobile device; inserting a catheter and a stylet into a vasculature of a patient; electrically connecting the stylet to the unit. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step:
transmitting the internal ECG waveform from the stylet to the unit; wirelessly transmitting the internal ECG waveform from the unit to the mobile device; displaying an image of the internal ECG waveform on the mobile device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mobile device is configured to be touchscreen. 15. A method comprising:
placing a chest unit on a chest of a patient; wherein the chest unit is configured to receive a surface ECG waveform data and wirelessly transmit the surface ECG waveform data to a mobile device; displaying an image of the surface ECG waveform data on the mobile device; selecting a snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform data on the mobile device; accepting the snapshot of the image of the surface ECG waveform data on the mobile device; inserting a catheter and a stylet into a vessel of a patient; and establishing an electrical connection between the stylet and the chest unit; wherein the stylet is configured to transmit an internal ECG waveform data to the chest unit. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the catheter is a peripherally inserted central catheter. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the catheter further comprises a catheter tip. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of:
advancing the catheter tip towards a heart of the patient; and wherein the transmitted internal ECG waveform data changes as a result of the advancement of the catheter tip towards the heart. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of:
placing at least one surface ECG electrode on the chest of the patient; sensing the surface ECG waveform data with the surface ECG electrode; wirelessly transmitting the surface ECG waveform data from the chest unit to the mobile device; and wirelessly transmitting the internal ECG waveform data from the chest unit to the mobile device. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the chest unit may further comprise a coil configured to generate a magnetic field. | 2,800 |
339,419 | 16,800,343 | 2,849 | A power supply module includes a metallic clip including a plate having an area and a first and a second ridge on opposite sides of the plate. The ridges bent in the same direction away from the plate. The first and the second ridges conductively attached to the substrate, where the substrate is of insulating material integral with metal traces, the plate roofing over the substrate between the ridges. A first MOS field-effect transistor (FET) chip and, horizontally side-by-side, a second MOSFET chip are attached and wire bonded to the substrate under the plate. The drain of the first MOSFET is connected to the input terminal of the module, the source of the first MOSFET is tied to the drain of the second MOSFET, and the source of the second MOSFET, together with the second ridge, is connected to ground. A driver and controller chip is attached to the substrate under the plate and wire bonded to the gates of the first and second MOSFET. A capacitor is attached to the substrate under the clip plate and conductively connected to the first clip ridge and to the drain of the first MOSFET. | 1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package comprising:
assembling a passive component on a substrate of insulating material with metal traces; assembling on the substrate, horizontally and side-by-side a chip, a chip with a first MOS field-effect transistor (FET), a chip with a second MOSFET, and a chip with a driver and controller circuit; connecting by wire bonding and traces, a drain of a first MOSFET to an input terminal of the semiconductor package, a source of the first MOSFET to a drain of a second MOSFET, a source of the second MOSFET to a ground terminal, and gates of the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET to the driver-and-controller terminals; connecting the passive component to the drain of the first MOSFET and the input terminal of the semiconductor package; providing a plate having an area and a first and a second ridge on opposite sides of the plate, the first ridge and the second ridge bent in the same direction away from the plate; and attaching the first ridge and the second ridge conductively to the substrate, the first ridge coupled to the passive component and the second ridge coupled to the ground terminal. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plate and the first and second ridges together form a clip. 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising filling the space between the substrate and the clip with a packaging material, thereby covering the assembled chips and passive components while leaving the outer surfaces of the clip and the substrate free of packaging material. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the passive component is a capacitor. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first ridge and the second ridge are at acute angles with respect to the plane along the surface of the plate. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plate roofs over a portion of the substrate between the first ridge and the second ridge. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the driver chip and the controller chip are located horizontally side-by-side. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the insulating material is ceramic material. 9. A method for fabricating a semiconductor package comprising:
assembling a capacitor on a substrate with metal traces; assembling on the substrate a chip with a first MOS field-effect transistor (FET), a chip with a second MOSFET, and a chip with a driver and controller circuit; connecting by wire bonding and traces, a drain of the first MOSFET to an input terminal of the semiconductor package, a source of the first MOSFET to a drain of the second MOSFET, a source of the second MOSFET to a ground, and gates of MOSFET to driver-and-controller terminals; connecting the capacitor to the drain of the first MOSFET and the input terminal of the semiconductor package; providing a clip including a plate having an area and a first and a second ridge on opposite sides of the plate, the first and a second ridges bent in the same direction away from the plate; and attaching the ridges conductively to the substrate so that the area of the plate forms a roof over the assembled chips and passive components, the first ridge is tied to the capacitor and the second ridge is tied to ground; 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising filling the space between the substrate and the clip with a packaging material, thereby covering the assembled chips and passive components while leaving the outer surfaces of the clip and the substrate free of packaging material. 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the first and the second MOSFETs are made of gallium nitride. 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the substrate is made of a ceramic material including at least one patterned conductive layer. 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the clip is of metal. 14. The method of claim 9 wherein the clip is selected from a group consisting of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, silver, graphene, and material of high thermal conductivity. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the plate roofs over a portion of the substrate between the first ridge and the second ridge. 16. The semiconductor package of claim 9, wherein the semiconductor package functions as a power supply module. | A power supply module includes a metallic clip including a plate having an area and a first and a second ridge on opposite sides of the plate. The ridges bent in the same direction away from the plate. The first and the second ridges conductively attached to the substrate, where the substrate is of insulating material integral with metal traces, the plate roofing over the substrate between the ridges. A first MOS field-effect transistor (FET) chip and, horizontally side-by-side, a second MOSFET chip are attached and wire bonded to the substrate under the plate. The drain of the first MOSFET is connected to the input terminal of the module, the source of the first MOSFET is tied to the drain of the second MOSFET, and the source of the second MOSFET, together with the second ridge, is connected to ground. A driver and controller chip is attached to the substrate under the plate and wire bonded to the gates of the first and second MOSFET. A capacitor is attached to the substrate under the clip plate and conductively connected to the first clip ridge and to the drain of the first MOSFET.1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor package comprising:
assembling a passive component on a substrate of insulating material with metal traces; assembling on the substrate, horizontally and side-by-side a chip, a chip with a first MOS field-effect transistor (FET), a chip with a second MOSFET, and a chip with a driver and controller circuit; connecting by wire bonding and traces, a drain of a first MOSFET to an input terminal of the semiconductor package, a source of the first MOSFET to a drain of a second MOSFET, a source of the second MOSFET to a ground terminal, and gates of the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET to the driver-and-controller terminals; connecting the passive component to the drain of the first MOSFET and the input terminal of the semiconductor package; providing a plate having an area and a first and a second ridge on opposite sides of the plate, the first ridge and the second ridge bent in the same direction away from the plate; and attaching the first ridge and the second ridge conductively to the substrate, the first ridge coupled to the passive component and the second ridge coupled to the ground terminal. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plate and the first and second ridges together form a clip. 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising filling the space between the substrate and the clip with a packaging material, thereby covering the assembled chips and passive components while leaving the outer surfaces of the clip and the substrate free of packaging material. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the passive component is a capacitor. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first ridge and the second ridge are at acute angles with respect to the plane along the surface of the plate. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the plate roofs over a portion of the substrate between the first ridge and the second ridge. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the driver chip and the controller chip are located horizontally side-by-side. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the insulating material is ceramic material. 9. A method for fabricating a semiconductor package comprising:
assembling a capacitor on a substrate with metal traces; assembling on the substrate a chip with a first MOS field-effect transistor (FET), a chip with a second MOSFET, and a chip with a driver and controller circuit; connecting by wire bonding and traces, a drain of the first MOSFET to an input terminal of the semiconductor package, a source of the first MOSFET to a drain of the second MOSFET, a source of the second MOSFET to a ground, and gates of MOSFET to driver-and-controller terminals; connecting the capacitor to the drain of the first MOSFET and the input terminal of the semiconductor package; providing a clip including a plate having an area and a first and a second ridge on opposite sides of the plate, the first and a second ridges bent in the same direction away from the plate; and attaching the ridges conductively to the substrate so that the area of the plate forms a roof over the assembled chips and passive components, the first ridge is tied to the capacitor and the second ridge is tied to ground; 10. The method of claim 9 further comprising filling the space between the substrate and the clip with a packaging material, thereby covering the assembled chips and passive components while leaving the outer surfaces of the clip and the substrate free of packaging material. 11. The method of claim 9 wherein the first and the second MOSFETs are made of gallium nitride. 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the substrate is made of a ceramic material including at least one patterned conductive layer. 13. The method of claim 9 wherein the clip is of metal. 14. The method of claim 9 wherein the clip is selected from a group consisting of copper, copper alloy, aluminum, silver, graphene, and material of high thermal conductivity. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the plate roofs over a portion of the substrate between the first ridge and the second ridge. 16. The semiconductor package of claim 9, wherein the semiconductor package functions as a power supply module. | 2,800 |
339,420 | 16,800,284 | 2,849 | In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for dynamically and/or automatically selecting and/or modifying data path definitions that are used in performing storage operations on data. Alternate data paths may be specified or selected that use some or all resources that communicate with a particular destination to improve system reliability and performance. The system may also dynamically monitor and choose data path definitions to optimize system performance, conserve storage media and promote balanced load distribution. | 1. (canceled) 2. A method for consolidating storage policies within a storage operation network, the method comprising:
automatically evaluating with one or more computer hardware processors, first and second storage policies to determine that the first and second storage policies use first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from a first client to a first storage device; consolidating the first and second storage policies into a comprehensive storage policy, wherein the comprehensive storage policy associates at least the first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from the first client to the first storage device; generating a forecast of at least one prediction of how one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations; and automatically adding at least a third storage operation path to the comprehensive storage policy based on the at least one prediction of how the one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations, wherein the third storage operation path is an alternate data path that is different than the first and second storage operation paths. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein a first media agent transfers the data via the first storage operation path and a second media agent transfers the data via the second storage operation path. 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the first client comprises at least one sub client. 5. The method of claim 2 wherein the one or more future network operating conditions comprise at least one of the group consisting of: data transfer rate, network usage, load balancing, resource exhaustion, transmission congestion, or performance optimization. 6. The method of claim 2 wherein automatically evaluating the first and second storage policies is based at least in part whether the first and second storage policies share a common element. 7. The method of claim 2 wherein information about the first and second storage operation paths is obtained from an index cache. 8. The method of claim 2 wherein information about the first and second storage operation paths is obtained from a metabase. 9. The method of claim 2 wherein automatically evaluating the first and second storage policies is based at least in part on one of the group consisting of: origination point, destination point, transmission resources scheduled to be involved, and a process-based netlist. 10. The method of claim 2 wherein automatically evaluating the first and second storage policies is based at least in part on which storage operation paths are likely to experience an adverse impact due to changing conditions. 11. The method of claim 2 wherein dynamically adding the third storage operation path is based at least in part on preventing a predicted failover condition. 12. A storage operation system comprising:
a plurality of storage devices; and a storage manager executing in one or more computer processors, the storage manager configured to:
automatically evaluate first and second storage policies to determine that first and second storage policies use first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from a first client to a first storage device;
consolidate the first and second storage policies into a comprehensive storage policy, wherein the comprehensive storage policy associates at least the first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from the first client to the first storage device; and
generate a forecast of at least one prediction of how one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations; and
automatically add at least a third storage operation path to the comprehensive storage policy based on the at least one prediction of how the one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations, wherein the third storage operation path is an alternate data path that is different than the first and second storage operation paths. 13. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to direct a first media agent to transfer the data via the first storage operation path and a second media agent to transfer the data via the second storage operation path. 14. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the first client comprises at least one sub client. 15. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the one or more future network operating conditions comprise at least one of the group consisting of: data transfer rate, network usage, load balancing, resource exhaustion, transmission congestion, or performance optimization. 16. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to automatically evaluate the first and second storage policies based at least in part on whether the first and second storage policies share a common element. 17. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to obtain information about the first and second storage operation paths from an index cache. 18. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to obtain information about the first and second storage operation paths from a metabase. 19. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to automatically evaluate the first and second storage policies based at least in part one of the group consisting of: origination point, destination point, transmission resources scheduled to be involved, and a process-based netlist. 20. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to automatically evaluate the first and second storage policies based at least in part on which storage operation paths are likely to experience an adverse impact due to changing conditions. 21. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to dynamically add the third storage operation path based at least in part on preventing a predicted failover condition. | In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, systems and methods are provided for dynamically and/or automatically selecting and/or modifying data path definitions that are used in performing storage operations on data. Alternate data paths may be specified or selected that use some or all resources that communicate with a particular destination to improve system reliability and performance. The system may also dynamically monitor and choose data path definitions to optimize system performance, conserve storage media and promote balanced load distribution.1. (canceled) 2. A method for consolidating storage policies within a storage operation network, the method comprising:
automatically evaluating with one or more computer hardware processors, first and second storage policies to determine that the first and second storage policies use first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from a first client to a first storage device; consolidating the first and second storage policies into a comprehensive storage policy, wherein the comprehensive storage policy associates at least the first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from the first client to the first storage device; generating a forecast of at least one prediction of how one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations; and automatically adding at least a third storage operation path to the comprehensive storage policy based on the at least one prediction of how the one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations, wherein the third storage operation path is an alternate data path that is different than the first and second storage operation paths. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein a first media agent transfers the data via the first storage operation path and a second media agent transfers the data via the second storage operation path. 4. The method of claim 2 wherein the first client comprises at least one sub client. 5. The method of claim 2 wherein the one or more future network operating conditions comprise at least one of the group consisting of: data transfer rate, network usage, load balancing, resource exhaustion, transmission congestion, or performance optimization. 6. The method of claim 2 wherein automatically evaluating the first and second storage policies is based at least in part whether the first and second storage policies share a common element. 7. The method of claim 2 wherein information about the first and second storage operation paths is obtained from an index cache. 8. The method of claim 2 wherein information about the first and second storage operation paths is obtained from a metabase. 9. The method of claim 2 wherein automatically evaluating the first and second storage policies is based at least in part on one of the group consisting of: origination point, destination point, transmission resources scheduled to be involved, and a process-based netlist. 10. The method of claim 2 wherein automatically evaluating the first and second storage policies is based at least in part on which storage operation paths are likely to experience an adverse impact due to changing conditions. 11. The method of claim 2 wherein dynamically adding the third storage operation path is based at least in part on preventing a predicted failover condition. 12. A storage operation system comprising:
a plurality of storage devices; and a storage manager executing in one or more computer processors, the storage manager configured to:
automatically evaluate first and second storage policies to determine that first and second storage policies use first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from a first client to a first storage device;
consolidate the first and second storage policies into a comprehensive storage policy, wherein the comprehensive storage policy associates at least the first and second storage operation paths to conduct data from the first client to the first storage device; and
generate a forecast of at least one prediction of how one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations; and
automatically add at least a third storage operation path to the comprehensive storage policy based on the at least one prediction of how the one or more future network operating conditions may impact future storage operations, wherein the third storage operation path is an alternate data path that is different than the first and second storage operation paths. 13. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to direct a first media agent to transfer the data via the first storage operation path and a second media agent to transfer the data via the second storage operation path. 14. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the first client comprises at least one sub client. 15. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the one or more future network operating conditions comprise at least one of the group consisting of: data transfer rate, network usage, load balancing, resource exhaustion, transmission congestion, or performance optimization. 16. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to automatically evaluate the first and second storage policies based at least in part on whether the first and second storage policies share a common element. 17. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to obtain information about the first and second storage operation paths from an index cache. 18. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to obtain information about the first and second storage operation paths from a metabase. 19. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to automatically evaluate the first and second storage policies based at least in part one of the group consisting of: origination point, destination point, transmission resources scheduled to be involved, and a process-based netlist. 20. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to automatically evaluate the first and second storage policies based at least in part on which storage operation paths are likely to experience an adverse impact due to changing conditions. 21. The storage operation system of claim 12 wherein the storage manager is configured to dynamically add the third storage operation path based at least in part on preventing a predicted failover condition. | 2,800 |
339,421 | 16,800,299 | 2,849 | A coil component having high inductance while suppressing core loss is obtained. The coil component includes a coil and a magnetic core. The magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated. Micro gaps are formed in the soft magnetic layers. The soft magnetic layers are divided into at least two or more small pieces by the micro gaps. A structure made of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers. | 1. A coil component, comprising a coil and a magnetic core, wherein
the magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated, micro gaps are formed in the soft magnetic layers, the soft magnetic layers are divided into at least two or more small pieces by the micro gaps, and a structure consisting of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers. 2. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the number of the small pieces per unit area is 150 pieces/cm2 or more and 10000 pieces/cm2 or less. 3. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein soft magnetic layers and adhesion layers are alternately laminated in the laminated body. 4. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers are arranged substantially in parallel with the flow direction of magnetic fluxes. 5. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic core comprises a magnetic-substance-containing resin, and
the magnetic-substance-containing resin covers at least a part of the coil and at least a part of the laminated body. 6. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers have a composition formula (Fe(1−(α+β))X1αX2β)(1−(a+b+c+d+e+f))MaBbPcSidCeSf,
X1 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Co and Ni, X2 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Mn, Ag, Zn, Sn, As, Sb, Cu, Cr, Bi, N, O and rare earth elements, M is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Nb, Hf, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, Ti and V, 0≤a≤0.140 0.020≤b≤0.200 0≤c≤0.150 0≤d≤0.090 0≤e≤0.030 0≤f≤0.030 α≥0 β≥0 0≤α+β≤0.50, and at least one or more of a, c and d is greater than zero. 7. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the soft magnetic layers is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. 8. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein a volume occupation of a magnetic material in the laminated body is 50% or more and 99.5% or less. 9. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the average grain size of the Fe-based nano-crystals is 5 nm or more and 30 nm or less. | A coil component having high inductance while suppressing core loss is obtained. The coil component includes a coil and a magnetic core. The magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated. Micro gaps are formed in the soft magnetic layers. The soft magnetic layers are divided into at least two or more small pieces by the micro gaps. A structure made of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers.1. A coil component, comprising a coil and a magnetic core, wherein
the magnetic core has a laminated body in which soft magnetic layers are laminated, micro gaps are formed in the soft magnetic layers, the soft magnetic layers are divided into at least two or more small pieces by the micro gaps, and a structure consisting of Fe-based nano-crystals is observed in the soft magnetic layers. 2. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the number of the small pieces per unit area is 150 pieces/cm2 or more and 10000 pieces/cm2 or less. 3. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein soft magnetic layers and adhesion layers are alternately laminated in the laminated body. 4. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers are arranged substantially in parallel with the flow direction of magnetic fluxes. 5. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic core comprises a magnetic-substance-containing resin, and
the magnetic-substance-containing resin covers at least a part of the coil and at least a part of the laminated body. 6. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the soft magnetic layers have a composition formula (Fe(1−(α+β))X1αX2β)(1−(a+b+c+d+e+f))MaBbPcSidCeSf,
X1 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Co and Ni, X2 is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Al, Mn, Ag, Zn, Sn, As, Sb, Cu, Cr, Bi, N, O and rare earth elements, M is one or more elements selected from a group consisting of Nb, Hf, Zr, Ta, Mo, W, Ti and V, 0≤a≤0.140 0.020≤b≤0.200 0≤c≤0.150 0≤d≤0.090 0≤e≤0.030 0≤f≤0.030 α≥0 β≥0 0≤α+β≤0.50, and at least one or more of a, c and d is greater than zero. 7. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the soft magnetic layers is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. 8. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein a volume occupation of a magnetic material in the laminated body is 50% or more and 99.5% or less. 9. The coil component according to claim 1, wherein the average grain size of the Fe-based nano-crystals is 5 nm or more and 30 nm or less. | 2,800 |
339,422 | 16,800,326 | 2,849 | A thermal management system for a heat engine, the system including an forming at least in part a core flowpath and a cavity, wherein the core flowpath and the cavity are separated by a double wall structure formed by at least a portion of inner wall, and wherein the double wall structure includes a plenum. A first opening provides fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and a second opening provides fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath. The inner wall is configured to receive a first flow of fluid. An outer wall forms a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath. The outer wall is configured to receive a second flow of fluid fluidly separated from the core flowpath. | 1. A thermal management system for a heat engine, the system comprising:
an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a core flowpath and a cavity, wherein the core flowpath and the cavity are separated by a double wall structure formed by at least a portion of inner wall, and wherein the double wall structure comprises a plenum, a first opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and a second opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath, the inner wall configured to receive a first flow of fluid; and an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath, wherein the outer wall is configured to receive a second flow of fluid fluidly separated from the core flowpath. 2. The system of claim 1, comprising:
a fluid system configured to provide the second flow of fluid to the passage at the outer wall. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second flow of fluid is a lubricant, a fuel, a hydraulic fluid, or combinations thereof. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first flow of fluid is an oxidizer. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the passage comprises one or more windings of the passage extended at least partially circumferentially through the outer wall. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the passage comprises one or more turns at which the first flow of fluid changes from a first direction to a second direction opposite of the first direction. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the passage comprises a first winding positioned at the inlet end. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the passage comprises a second winding positioned longitudinally aft of the first winding, wherein the first winding is configured to provide a greater portion of thermal energy from the first flow of fluid at the inlet end than the second winding aft of the first winding. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the passage comprises a third winding positioned longitudinally between the first winding and the second winding, wherein the second winding is positioned distal to the inlet end. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the passage is in fluid communication with a bearing assembly, the passage configured to provide the second flow of fluid to the bearing assembly. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the outer wall defines a second flow passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second flow passage is in fluid communication with the bearing assembly, and wherein the second flow passage is configured to receive the second flow of fluid from the bearing assembly. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the second flow passage is positioned aft of the passage along the longitudinal direction. 14. The system of claim 10, the outer wall forming an inlet port and an outlet port each in fluid communication with the passage, wherein the inlet port is configured to receive the second flow of fluid into the passage, and wherein the outlet port is configured to egress the second flow of fluid to the bearing assembly. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is radially spaced apart from the inner wall, and wherein the plenum at the inner wall extends from the inlet end toward the outlet end, and wherein the passage at the outer wall extends from the inlet end toward the outlet end. 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the core flowpath is extended annularly or perimetrically between the outer wall and the inner wall. 17. A turbo machine, the turbo machine defining an inlet end and an outlet end and a core flowpath, the turbo machine comprising:
a compressor section configured to generate a first flow of fluid; a fluid system configured to generate a second flow of fluid to the passage; and an inlet frame wherein the compressor section is positioned at the outlet end of inlet frame, the inlet frame comprising:
an inner wall extended from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part the core flowpath and a cavity, the cavity positioned inward of the inner wall, wherein the core flowpath and the cavity are separated by a double wall structure formed by at least a portion of the inner wall, and wherein the double wall structure comprises a plenum extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the inlet frame, wherein a first opening provides fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein a second opening provides fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath, the inner wall configured to receive the first flow of fluid from the compressor section; and
an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the frame, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath, wherein the outer wall is configured to receive the second flow of fluid from the fluid system, the second flow fluidly separated from the first flow of fluid. 18. The turbo machine of claim 17, wherein the first flow of fluid is an oxidizer from the compressor section, and wherein the second flow of fluid is a lubricant from the fluid system. 19. The turbo machine of claim 17, wherein the passage comprises one or more windings of the passage extended at least partially circumferentially through the outer wall, wherein the one or more windings comprises a first winding positioned at the inlet end of the inlet frame and a second winding positioned distal to the first winding, the first winding configured to receive the second flow of fluid before the second winding. 20. The turbo machine of claim 17, the inlet frame comprising an inlet port and an outlet port at the outer wall each in fluid communication with the passage, wherein the inlet port is configured to receive the second flow of fluid into the passage from the fluid system, and wherein the outlet port is configured to egress the second flow of fluid from the outer wall. | A thermal management system for a heat engine, the system including an forming at least in part a core flowpath and a cavity, wherein the core flowpath and the cavity are separated by a double wall structure formed by at least a portion of inner wall, and wherein the double wall structure includes a plenum. A first opening provides fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and a second opening provides fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath. The inner wall is configured to receive a first flow of fluid. An outer wall forms a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath. The outer wall is configured to receive a second flow of fluid fluidly separated from the core flowpath.1. A thermal management system for a heat engine, the system comprising:
an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a core flowpath and a cavity, wherein the core flowpath and the cavity are separated by a double wall structure formed by at least a portion of inner wall, and wherein the double wall structure comprises a plenum, a first opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and a second opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath, the inner wall configured to receive a first flow of fluid; and an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath, wherein the outer wall is configured to receive a second flow of fluid fluidly separated from the core flowpath. 2. The system of claim 1, comprising:
a fluid system configured to provide the second flow of fluid to the passage at the outer wall. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second flow of fluid is a lubricant, a fuel, a hydraulic fluid, or combinations thereof. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first flow of fluid is an oxidizer. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the passage comprises one or more windings of the passage extended at least partially circumferentially through the outer wall. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the passage comprises one or more turns at which the first flow of fluid changes from a first direction to a second direction opposite of the first direction. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein the passage comprises a first winding positioned at the inlet end. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the passage comprises a second winding positioned longitudinally aft of the first winding, wherein the first winding is configured to provide a greater portion of thermal energy from the first flow of fluid at the inlet end than the second winding aft of the first winding. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the passage comprises a third winding positioned longitudinally between the first winding and the second winding, wherein the second winding is positioned distal to the inlet end. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the passage is in fluid communication with a bearing assembly, the passage configured to provide the second flow of fluid to the bearing assembly. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the outer wall defines a second flow passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second flow passage is in fluid communication with the bearing assembly, and wherein the second flow passage is configured to receive the second flow of fluid from the bearing assembly. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the second flow passage is positioned aft of the passage along the longitudinal direction. 14. The system of claim 10, the outer wall forming an inlet port and an outlet port each in fluid communication with the passage, wherein the inlet port is configured to receive the second flow of fluid into the passage, and wherein the outlet port is configured to egress the second flow of fluid to the bearing assembly. 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer wall is radially spaced apart from the inner wall, and wherein the plenum at the inner wall extends from the inlet end toward the outlet end, and wherein the passage at the outer wall extends from the inlet end toward the outlet end. 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the core flowpath is extended annularly or perimetrically between the outer wall and the inner wall. 17. A turbo machine, the turbo machine defining an inlet end and an outlet end and a core flowpath, the turbo machine comprising:
a compressor section configured to generate a first flow of fluid; a fluid system configured to generate a second flow of fluid to the passage; and an inlet frame wherein the compressor section is positioned at the outlet end of inlet frame, the inlet frame comprising:
an inner wall extended from the inlet end to the outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part the core flowpath and a cavity, the cavity positioned inward of the inner wall, wherein the core flowpath and the cavity are separated by a double wall structure formed by at least a portion of the inner wall, and wherein the double wall structure comprises a plenum extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the inlet frame, wherein a first opening provides fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein a second opening provides fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath, the inner wall configured to receive the first flow of fluid from the compressor section; and
an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the frame, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath, wherein the outer wall is configured to receive the second flow of fluid from the fluid system, the second flow fluidly separated from the first flow of fluid. 18. The turbo machine of claim 17, wherein the first flow of fluid is an oxidizer from the compressor section, and wherein the second flow of fluid is a lubricant from the fluid system. 19. The turbo machine of claim 17, wherein the passage comprises one or more windings of the passage extended at least partially circumferentially through the outer wall, wherein the one or more windings comprises a first winding positioned at the inlet end of the inlet frame and a second winding positioned distal to the first winding, the first winding configured to receive the second flow of fluid before the second winding. 20. The turbo machine of claim 17, the inlet frame comprising an inlet port and an outlet port at the outer wall each in fluid communication with the passage, wherein the inlet port is configured to receive the second flow of fluid into the passage from the fluid system, and wherein the outlet port is configured to egress the second flow of fluid from the outer wall. | 2,800 |
339,423 | 16,800,330 | 2,849 | A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seat base, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion, and an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly. The assembly also includes a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command, and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seating assembly based on a user input. | 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seat base; a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion; an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly; a capacitive proximity sensor configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command; and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change the position of the seating assembly based on a user input. 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located near an upper portion of the seat back. 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a rear portion of the seat back. 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a front portion of the seat back. 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle seating assembly comprises a first capacitive proximity sensor and a second capacitive proximity sensor, wherein the first and second proximity sensors are located proximate one another on one side of the seat back. 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor comprises:
a first electrode; a second electrode; a first compliant dielectric layer disposed between a first and second electrode; and wherein the controller processes signals associated with the first and second electrodes and selectively reconfigures operation of the first and second electrodes and different proximity sensor arrangements to provide a touch capacitive sensor and a pressure capacitive sensor. 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 6, wherein the first electrode comprises a pair of electrodes that are configurable to generate a mutual capacitance to provide a first capacitance sensor and are further configurable to generate a self-capacitance to provide a second capacitive sensor. 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the pair of electrodes comprises a first plurality of capacitive fingers and a second plurality of capacitive fingers, wherein the first plurality of capacitive fingers are interdigitated with the second plurality of capacitive fingers. 9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes provide a third capacitive sensor. 10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the controller sequentially samples signals associated with each of the first, second and third capacitive sensors. 11. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seat base; a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion; an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly; a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command; and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seat back based on a user input. 12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located near an upper portion of the seat back. 13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a rear portion of the seat back. 14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a front portion of the seat back. 15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the vehicle seating assembly comprises a first capacitive proximity sensor and a second capacitive proximity sensor, wherein the first and second proximity sensors are located proximate one another on one side of the seat back. 16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor comprises:
a first electrode; a second electrode; a first compliant dielectric layer disposed between a first and second electrode; and wherein the controller processes signals associated with the first and second electrodes and selectively reconfigures operation of the first and second electrodes and different proximity sensor arrangements to provide a touch capacitive sensor and a pressure capacitive sensor. 17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the first electrode comprises a pair of electrodes that are configurable to generate a mutual capacitance to provide a first capacitance sensor and are further configurable to generate a self-capacitance to provide a second capacitive sensor. 18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the pair of electrodes comprises a first plurality of capacitive fingers and a second plurality of capacitive fingers, wherein the first plurality of capacitive fingers are interdigitated with the second plurality of capacitive fingers. 19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 18, wherein the first and second electrodes provide a third capacitive sensor. 20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 19, wherein the controller sequentially samples signals associated with each of the first, second and third capacitive sensors. | A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seat base, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion, and an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly. The assembly also includes a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command, and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seating assembly based on a user input.1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seat base; a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion; an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly; a capacitive proximity sensor configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command; and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change the position of the seating assembly based on a user input. 2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located near an upper portion of the seat back. 3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a rear portion of the seat back. 4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a front portion of the seat back. 5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle seating assembly comprises a first capacitive proximity sensor and a second capacitive proximity sensor, wherein the first and second proximity sensors are located proximate one another on one side of the seat back. 6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor comprises:
a first electrode; a second electrode; a first compliant dielectric layer disposed between a first and second electrode; and wherein the controller processes signals associated with the first and second electrodes and selectively reconfigures operation of the first and second electrodes and different proximity sensor arrangements to provide a touch capacitive sensor and a pressure capacitive sensor. 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 6, wherein the first electrode comprises a pair of electrodes that are configurable to generate a mutual capacitance to provide a first capacitance sensor and are further configurable to generate a self-capacitance to provide a second capacitive sensor. 8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the pair of electrodes comprises a first plurality of capacitive fingers and a second plurality of capacitive fingers, wherein the first plurality of capacitive fingers are interdigitated with the second plurality of capacitive fingers. 9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes provide a third capacitive sensor. 10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the controller sequentially samples signals associated with each of the first, second and third capacitive sensors. 11. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seat base; a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion; an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly; a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command; and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seat back based on a user input. 12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located near an upper portion of the seat back. 13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a rear portion of the seat back. 14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor is located on a front portion of the seat back. 15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the vehicle seating assembly comprises a first capacitive proximity sensor and a second capacitive proximity sensor, wherein the first and second proximity sensors are located proximate one another on one side of the seat back. 16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 11, wherein the capacitive proximity sensor comprises:
a first electrode; a second electrode; a first compliant dielectric layer disposed between a first and second electrode; and wherein the controller processes signals associated with the first and second electrodes and selectively reconfigures operation of the first and second electrodes and different proximity sensor arrangements to provide a touch capacitive sensor and a pressure capacitive sensor. 17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 16, wherein the first electrode comprises a pair of electrodes that are configurable to generate a mutual capacitance to provide a first capacitance sensor and are further configurable to generate a self-capacitance to provide a second capacitive sensor. 18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the pair of electrodes comprises a first plurality of capacitive fingers and a second plurality of capacitive fingers, wherein the first plurality of capacitive fingers are interdigitated with the second plurality of capacitive fingers. 19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 18, wherein the first and second electrodes provide a third capacitive sensor. 20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 19, wherein the controller sequentially samples signals associated with each of the first, second and third capacitive sensors. | 2,800 |
339,424 | 16,800,336 | 2,849 | A tool attachment system is provided. The tool attachment system includes a tool attachment device and a receiver that cooperate to lock or secure, for example, a bag or pouch. When the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, a locking mechanism locks the tool attachment device to the receiver in a locked position. To remove the tool attachment device, a user applies a force to a button to cause the tool attachment device to disengage from the receiver. | 1. A tool attachment system, comprising:
a receiver configured to attach to a tool belt; a tool attachment device comprising a locking mechanism, the tool attachment device removably coupled to the receiver, wherein the locking mechanism locks the tool attachment device to the receiver when the locking mechanism is in a locked position; and an actuator coupled to the tool attachment device, wherein, when a force is applied to the actuator, the actuator causes the locking mechanism to move to an unlocked position, and the force causes the tool attachment device to disengage from the receiver. 2. The tool attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a disk and a locking pin on the tool attachment device that are received in a channel defined within the receiver. 3. The tool attachment system of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver and rotates relative to the receiver about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 4. The tool attachment system of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment system has a low profile having a width measured from a tool belt to a button of the actuator that is less than 1 inch. 5. The tool attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a bag securing mechanism that attaches a pouch under a shroud of the tool attachment device. 6. The tool attachment system of claim 5, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver such that the pouch rotates relative to the receiver, wherein the pouch is coupled to the tool attachment device through a plurality of attachment points, and the tool attachment device rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 7. The tool attachment system of claim 6, wherein the actuator comprises a button, wherein the shroud partially surrounds the actuator to limit inadvertent disengagement of the tool attachment device from the receiver. 8. The tool attachment system of claim 1, further comprising at least two biasing elements in the tool attachment device to bias the locking mechanism in the locked position. 9. The tool attachment system of claim 8, wherein the two biasing elements are a pin spring and a button spring; wherein the pin spring biases a locking pin into a locked position; and wherein the button spring biases the actuator. 10. A tool attachment system, comprising:
a tool attachment device, comprising a disk and a locking pin; a receiver comprising:
a channel that engages the disk of the tool attachment device to secure the tool attachment device to the receiver; and
a hole that receives the locking pin and that prevents lateral movement of the tool attachment device relative to the receiver; and
an actuator, comprising:
a button; and
a post coupled to the button, the post having an angled surface and a slot that receives the locking pin, such that in a locked position the locking pin passes through the slot to the hole;
wherein, when the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, the locking pin is received in the hole of the receiver and the tool attachment device is locked in the receiver, and when a force is applied to the button of the actuator, the angled surface of the post on the actuator generates a force on the locking pin that is transverse to the force on the button and causes the locking pin to move out of the hole of the receiver to an unlocked position. 11. The tool attachment system of claim 10, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver and rotates relative to the receiver about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 12. The tool attachment system of claim 10, wherein the tool attachment system has a low profile having a width measured from a tool belt to the button of the actuator that is less than 1 inch. 13. The tool attachment system of claim 10, further comprising a pin spring and a button spring; wherein the pin spring is oriented between the tool attachment device and the locking pin to bias locking pin into a locked position; and wherein the button spring is oriented between the tool attachment device and the post of the actuator to bias the actuator. 14. The tool attachment system of claim 10, wherein the receiver further comprises a belt slot and fastener holes, the belt slot configured to thread a belt and attach the receiver to the belt, and the fastener holes configured to fasten the receiver with a screw. 15. The tool attachment system of claim 10, further comprising a bag securing mechanism that attaches a pouch under a shroud of the tool attachment device, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver such that the pouch rotates relative to the receiver, wherein the pouch is coupled to the tool attachment device through a plurality of attachment points, and the tool attachment device rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 16. The tool attachment system of claim 10, further comprising a shroud that partially surrounds the button to limit inadvertent disengagement of the tool attachment device from the receiver. 17. A tool attachment system, comprising:
a tool attachment device, comprising:
a body forming an upper wall, the body attached to a pouch;
a disk that extends outward from the upper wall; and
a locking pin extending through the disk;
a receiver comprising:
a channel that engages with the disk of the tool attachment device;
an overhanging flange that captures the disk within the channel; and
a hole that receives the locking pin in a locked position; and
an actuator, comprising:
a button; and
a post having an angled surface and an angled slot that receives the locking pin, such that the locking pin passes through the slot to the hole in the locked position;
wherein when the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, the locking pin is received in the hole of the receiver and the tool attachment device is locked in the receiver, and when a force is applied to the button of the actuator, the angled slot of the post on the actuator generates a force on the locking pin that is transverse to the force on the button and causes the locking pin to move out of the hole of the receiver to an unlocked position. 18. The tool attachment system of claim 17, further comprising a pin spring and a button spring; wherein the pin spring is oriented between the body of the tool attachment device and the locking pin to bias locking pin into a locked position; and wherein the button spring is oriented between the body of the tool attachment device and the post of the actuator to bias the actuator. 19. The tool attachment system of claim 17, further comprising a belt slot and fastener holes in the receiver. 20. The tool attachment system of claim 17, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver and rotates relative to the receiver about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of the channel of the receiver. | A tool attachment system is provided. The tool attachment system includes a tool attachment device and a receiver that cooperate to lock or secure, for example, a bag or pouch. When the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, a locking mechanism locks the tool attachment device to the receiver in a locked position. To remove the tool attachment device, a user applies a force to a button to cause the tool attachment device to disengage from the receiver.1. A tool attachment system, comprising:
a receiver configured to attach to a tool belt; a tool attachment device comprising a locking mechanism, the tool attachment device removably coupled to the receiver, wherein the locking mechanism locks the tool attachment device to the receiver when the locking mechanism is in a locked position; and an actuator coupled to the tool attachment device, wherein, when a force is applied to the actuator, the actuator causes the locking mechanism to move to an unlocked position, and the force causes the tool attachment device to disengage from the receiver. 2. The tool attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a disk and a locking pin on the tool attachment device that are received in a channel defined within the receiver. 3. The tool attachment system of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver and rotates relative to the receiver about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 4. The tool attachment system of claim 1, wherein the tool attachment system has a low profile having a width measured from a tool belt to a button of the actuator that is less than 1 inch. 5. The tool attachment system of claim 1, further comprising a bag securing mechanism that attaches a pouch under a shroud of the tool attachment device. 6. The tool attachment system of claim 5, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver such that the pouch rotates relative to the receiver, wherein the pouch is coupled to the tool attachment device through a plurality of attachment points, and the tool attachment device rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 7. The tool attachment system of claim 6, wherein the actuator comprises a button, wherein the shroud partially surrounds the actuator to limit inadvertent disengagement of the tool attachment device from the receiver. 8. The tool attachment system of claim 1, further comprising at least two biasing elements in the tool attachment device to bias the locking mechanism in the locked position. 9. The tool attachment system of claim 8, wherein the two biasing elements are a pin spring and a button spring; wherein the pin spring biases a locking pin into a locked position; and wherein the button spring biases the actuator. 10. A tool attachment system, comprising:
a tool attachment device, comprising a disk and a locking pin; a receiver comprising:
a channel that engages the disk of the tool attachment device to secure the tool attachment device to the receiver; and
a hole that receives the locking pin and that prevents lateral movement of the tool attachment device relative to the receiver; and
an actuator, comprising:
a button; and
a post coupled to the button, the post having an angled surface and a slot that receives the locking pin, such that in a locked position the locking pin passes through the slot to the hole;
wherein, when the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, the locking pin is received in the hole of the receiver and the tool attachment device is locked in the receiver, and when a force is applied to the button of the actuator, the angled surface of the post on the actuator generates a force on the locking pin that is transverse to the force on the button and causes the locking pin to move out of the hole of the receiver to an unlocked position. 11. The tool attachment system of claim 10, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver and rotates relative to the receiver about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 12. The tool attachment system of claim 10, wherein the tool attachment system has a low profile having a width measured from a tool belt to the button of the actuator that is less than 1 inch. 13. The tool attachment system of claim 10, further comprising a pin spring and a button spring; wherein the pin spring is oriented between the tool attachment device and the locking pin to bias locking pin into a locked position; and wherein the button spring is oriented between the tool attachment device and the post of the actuator to bias the actuator. 14. The tool attachment system of claim 10, wherein the receiver further comprises a belt slot and fastener holes, the belt slot configured to thread a belt and attach the receiver to the belt, and the fastener holes configured to fasten the receiver with a screw. 15. The tool attachment system of claim 10, further comprising a bag securing mechanism that attaches a pouch under a shroud of the tool attachment device, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver such that the pouch rotates relative to the receiver, wherein the pouch is coupled to the tool attachment device through a plurality of attachment points, and the tool attachment device rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of a channel of the receiver. 16. The tool attachment system of claim 10, further comprising a shroud that partially surrounds the button to limit inadvertent disengagement of the tool attachment device from the receiver. 17. A tool attachment system, comprising:
a tool attachment device, comprising:
a body forming an upper wall, the body attached to a pouch;
a disk that extends outward from the upper wall; and
a locking pin extending through the disk;
a receiver comprising:
a channel that engages with the disk of the tool attachment device;
an overhanging flange that captures the disk within the channel; and
a hole that receives the locking pin in a locked position; and
an actuator, comprising:
a button; and
a post having an angled surface and an angled slot that receives the locking pin, such that the locking pin passes through the slot to the hole in the locked position;
wherein when the tool attachment device is coupled to the receiver, the locking pin is received in the hole of the receiver and the tool attachment device is locked in the receiver, and when a force is applied to the button of the actuator, the angled slot of the post on the actuator generates a force on the locking pin that is transverse to the force on the button and causes the locking pin to move out of the hole of the receiver to an unlocked position. 18. The tool attachment system of claim 17, further comprising a pin spring and a button spring; wherein the pin spring is oriented between the body of the tool attachment device and the locking pin to bias locking pin into a locked position; and wherein the button spring is oriented between the body of the tool attachment device and the post of the actuator to bias the actuator. 19. The tool attachment system of claim 17, further comprising a belt slot and fastener holes in the receiver. 20. The tool attachment system of claim 17, wherein the tool attachment device is pivotally coupled to the receiver and rotates relative to the receiver about an axis that is perpendicular to a front face of the channel of the receiver. | 2,800 |
339,425 | 16,800,350 | 2,849 | Eco-friendly signs such as wood and other natural material signs, and methods of making eco-friendly signs, including selecting a substrate as a base material having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface, cutting the substrate to a sign dimension, treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface, applying a base layer such as a layer of clear ink to the print surface, and applying a signage layer onto the base layer. The eco-friendly sign may be an ADA compliant sign in which the signage layer is a raised of ink produced using a 3-dimensional printer. | 1. An eco-friendly sign produced by the method comprising:
selecting a substrate as a base material, the substrate having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface; cutting the substrate to a sign dimension; treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface; applying a base layer to the print surface; applying a signage layer onto the base layer. 2. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the base layer comprises a clear ink. 3. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the base layer comprises a first layer and a second layer. 4. The eco-friendly sign of claim 3 wherein the first layer and the second layer each comprise the same ink material. 5. The eco-friendly sign of claim 4 wherein the first layer and the second layer are applied as droplets, wherein the droplets of the first layer are larger than the droplets of the second layer. 6. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:
cleaning the substrate after treating the first planar surface and prior to applying the clear ink base coat. 7. The eco-friendly sign of claim 6 wherein cleaning the substrate comprises applying a vacuum to the first planar surface of the substrate. 8. The eco-friendly sign of claim 7 wherein applying a vacuum to the first planar surface of the substrate comprises inserting the substrate into a vacuum device. 9. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the substrate comprises a natural material. 10. The eco-friendly sign of claim 9 wherein the substrate comprises wood. 11. The eco-friendly sign of claim 10 wherein the wood comprises aspen. 12. The eco-friendly sign of claim 10 wherein treating the first planar surface comprises sanding the first planar surface. 13. An eco-friendly sign produced by the method comprising:
selecting a wood substrate as a base material, the substrate having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface; cutting the substrate to a sign dimension; sanding the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface; applying a base layer of clear ink to the print surface; applying a 3-dimensional signage layer onto the base layer; wherein the eco-friendly sign is compliant with ADA regulations. 14. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein applying a 3-dimensional signage layer onto the base coat comprises applying one or more layers of ink using a 3-dimensional printer. 15. The eco-friendly sign of claim 14 wherein applying a clear base layer comprises applying one or more layers of clear ink using the 3-dimensional printer of claim 14. 16. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein applying one or more layers of clear ink comprises applying a first layer of clear ink in the form of uniform droplets and then applying a second layer of clear ink in the form of irregular droplets, wherein the uniform droplets of the first layer have a size which is greater than a size of the irregular droplets of the second layer. 17. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein the droplets of the second layer include small droplets which are about 1/10 or less of the size of the droplets of the first layer. 18. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein the signage layer is raised at least 1/32 of an inch above the base layer. 19. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein the method further comprises setting the 3-dimensional signage layer with UV light. 20. A method of making an eco-friendly sign, the method comprising:
selecting a substrate as a base material, the substrate having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface; cutting the substrate to a sign dimension; treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface; applying a base layer of ink to the print surface; applying a signage layer onto the base coat. | Eco-friendly signs such as wood and other natural material signs, and methods of making eco-friendly signs, including selecting a substrate as a base material having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface, cutting the substrate to a sign dimension, treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface, applying a base layer such as a layer of clear ink to the print surface, and applying a signage layer onto the base layer. The eco-friendly sign may be an ADA compliant sign in which the signage layer is a raised of ink produced using a 3-dimensional printer.1. An eco-friendly sign produced by the method comprising:
selecting a substrate as a base material, the substrate having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface; cutting the substrate to a sign dimension; treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface; applying a base layer to the print surface; applying a signage layer onto the base layer. 2. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the base layer comprises a clear ink. 3. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the base layer comprises a first layer and a second layer. 4. The eco-friendly sign of claim 3 wherein the first layer and the second layer each comprise the same ink material. 5. The eco-friendly sign of claim 4 wherein the first layer and the second layer are applied as droplets, wherein the droplets of the first layer are larger than the droplets of the second layer. 6. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the method further comprises:
cleaning the substrate after treating the first planar surface and prior to applying the clear ink base coat. 7. The eco-friendly sign of claim 6 wherein cleaning the substrate comprises applying a vacuum to the first planar surface of the substrate. 8. The eco-friendly sign of claim 7 wherein applying a vacuum to the first planar surface of the substrate comprises inserting the substrate into a vacuum device. 9. The eco-friendly sign of claim 1 wherein the substrate comprises a natural material. 10. The eco-friendly sign of claim 9 wherein the substrate comprises wood. 11. The eco-friendly sign of claim 10 wherein the wood comprises aspen. 12. The eco-friendly sign of claim 10 wherein treating the first planar surface comprises sanding the first planar surface. 13. An eco-friendly sign produced by the method comprising:
selecting a wood substrate as a base material, the substrate having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface; cutting the substrate to a sign dimension; sanding the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface; applying a base layer of clear ink to the print surface; applying a 3-dimensional signage layer onto the base layer; wherein the eco-friendly sign is compliant with ADA regulations. 14. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein applying a 3-dimensional signage layer onto the base coat comprises applying one or more layers of ink using a 3-dimensional printer. 15. The eco-friendly sign of claim 14 wherein applying a clear base layer comprises applying one or more layers of clear ink using the 3-dimensional printer of claim 14. 16. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein applying one or more layers of clear ink comprises applying a first layer of clear ink in the form of uniform droplets and then applying a second layer of clear ink in the form of irregular droplets, wherein the uniform droplets of the first layer have a size which is greater than a size of the irregular droplets of the second layer. 17. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein the droplets of the second layer include small droplets which are about 1/10 or less of the size of the droplets of the first layer. 18. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein the signage layer is raised at least 1/32 of an inch above the base layer. 19. The eco-friendly sign of claim 13 wherein the method further comprises setting the 3-dimensional signage layer with UV light. 20. A method of making an eco-friendly sign, the method comprising:
selecting a substrate as a base material, the substrate having a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface; cutting the substrate to a sign dimension; treating the first planar surface to form a smooth print surface; applying a base layer of ink to the print surface; applying a signage layer onto the base coat. | 2,800 |
339,426 | 16,800,328 | 2,849 | An information processing system includes a storage storing flow information in association with application identification information, for each application for executing a sequence of processes, the flow information defining program identification information and an execution order of the programs; a storage storing screen information in association with the application identification information for each application; a transmitter for sending, to a device, the screen information associated with the application identification information, when a first request including the application identification information is received from the device; a receiver for receiving a second request including information relating to the electronic data specified by a user in the screen displayed on the first device; an acquirer for acquiring the flow information associated with the application identification information; and an executor for executing the programs identified by the program identification information. | 1. An information processing system including a plurality of programs for executing predetermined processes, the information processing system being coupled, via a network, to one or more devices in which a web browser is installed, the information processing system including one or more information processing apparatuses for implementing various functions of the information processing system, the information processing system comprising:
an application information storage configured to store flow information in association with application identification information identifying an application, with respect to each of the applications for executing a sequence of processes using electronic data, the flow information defining program identification information identifying one or more of the programs for executing each of the processes in the sequence of processes and an execution order of executing the one or more of the programs; a screen information storage configured to store screen information in association with the application identification information with respect to each of the applications, the screen information defining a screen in a format that is interpretable by the web browser; a transmitter configured to send, to a first device that is a source of a first request, the screen information stored in the screen information storage in association with the application identification information included in the first request, when the first request including the application identification information is received from the first device among the one or more devices; a receiver configured to receive a second request including information relating to the electronic data specified by a user in the screen displayed on the first device, the screen being displayed as the web browser interprets the screen information sent from the transmitter; an acquirer configured to acquire the flow information stored in the application information storage in association with the application identification information, when the receiver receives the second request; and an executor configured to execute the one or more of the programs identified by the program identification information defined in the flow information acquired by the acquirer, in the execution order defined in the flow information, to execute the sequence of processes using the electronic data based on the information relating to the electronic data included in the second request received by the receiver. | An information processing system includes a storage storing flow information in association with application identification information, for each application for executing a sequence of processes, the flow information defining program identification information and an execution order of the programs; a storage storing screen information in association with the application identification information for each application; a transmitter for sending, to a device, the screen information associated with the application identification information, when a first request including the application identification information is received from the device; a receiver for receiving a second request including information relating to the electronic data specified by a user in the screen displayed on the first device; an acquirer for acquiring the flow information associated with the application identification information; and an executor for executing the programs identified by the program identification information.1. An information processing system including a plurality of programs for executing predetermined processes, the information processing system being coupled, via a network, to one or more devices in which a web browser is installed, the information processing system including one or more information processing apparatuses for implementing various functions of the information processing system, the information processing system comprising:
an application information storage configured to store flow information in association with application identification information identifying an application, with respect to each of the applications for executing a sequence of processes using electronic data, the flow information defining program identification information identifying one or more of the programs for executing each of the processes in the sequence of processes and an execution order of executing the one or more of the programs; a screen information storage configured to store screen information in association with the application identification information with respect to each of the applications, the screen information defining a screen in a format that is interpretable by the web browser; a transmitter configured to send, to a first device that is a source of a first request, the screen information stored in the screen information storage in association with the application identification information included in the first request, when the first request including the application identification information is received from the first device among the one or more devices; a receiver configured to receive a second request including information relating to the electronic data specified by a user in the screen displayed on the first device, the screen being displayed as the web browser interprets the screen information sent from the transmitter; an acquirer configured to acquire the flow information stored in the application information storage in association with the application identification information, when the receiver receives the second request; and an executor configured to execute the one or more of the programs identified by the program identification information defined in the flow information acquired by the acquirer, in the execution order defined in the flow information, to execute the sequence of processes using the electronic data based on the information relating to the electronic data included in the second request received by the receiver. | 2,800 |
339,427 | 16,800,331 | 2,849 | A joint is connected between floors of a vehicle that are movable relative to each other. The joint includes a plurality of hinged segments to accommodate vertical and longitudinal relative motion between the floors. At least one of the hinged segments includes a flat, walkable surface aligned with the floors. | 1. An enclosure comprising:
a first floor; a second floor, with the first floor being movable with respect to the second floor; and a joint connected between the first floor and the second floor such that the joint provides a flat surface between the first floor and the second floor. 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is formed within a vehicle. 3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the vehicle includes a cab containing the first floor and a living quarter containing the second floor. 4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the vehicle is a Class C recreational vehicle. 5. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes a lateral width and a longitudinal length that extend perpendicular to the lateral width. 6. The enclosure of claim 5, wherein the joint includes hinge segments each with multiple hinges along the lateral width. 7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the multiple hinges are piano hinges. 8. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the multiple hinges extend substantially along the entirety of the lateral width. 9. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the second floor is fixed to a support structure, wherein the hinge segments include a first hinge segment fixed to the support structure, a second segment connected to the first hinge segment via a first hinge array, a third hinge segment connected to the second hinge segment via a second hinge array, and a fourth hinge segment connected to the third hinge segment via a third hinge array. 10. The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the fourth hinge segment is fixed to the first floor. 11. The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the hinge segments are connected to each other to accommodate vertical and longitudinal relative motion between the first floor and the second floor. 12. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a cab containing the first floor and a living quarter containing the second floor, the enclosure further comprising:
an air-ride suspension system arranged to support the cab. 13. A recreational vehicle comprising:
a cab having a first floor; a living quarter having a second floor, wherein the first floor is movable in a vertical direction relative to the second floor; and a joint assembly coupled between the first floor and the second floor and arranged to accommodate the vertical motion of the first floor with respect to the second floor. 14. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, further comprising:
a suspension system arranged to support the cab and dampen vibration. 15. The recreational vehicle of claim 14, wherein the suspension system is an air-ride suspension system. 16. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, further comprising:
a chassis arranged to support the second floor, wherein the first floor is movable in a vertical direction relative to the chassis. 17. The recreational vehicle of claim 16, wherein the second floor is rigidly coupled to the chassis. 18. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, wherein the first floor has a first floor covering comprising carpet, wherein the second floor has a second floor covering comprising ceramic tile. 19. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, wherein the joint assembly includes a flat surface between the first floor and the second floor. 20. A recreational vehicle comprising:
a first floor; a second floor, with the first floor being movable with respect to the second floor; means for accommodating relative vertical motion and longitudinal motion between the first floor and the second floor. | A joint is connected between floors of a vehicle that are movable relative to each other. The joint includes a plurality of hinged segments to accommodate vertical and longitudinal relative motion between the floors. At least one of the hinged segments includes a flat, walkable surface aligned with the floors.1. An enclosure comprising:
a first floor; a second floor, with the first floor being movable with respect to the second floor; and a joint connected between the first floor and the second floor such that the joint provides a flat surface between the first floor and the second floor. 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is formed within a vehicle. 3. The enclosure of claim 2, wherein the vehicle includes a cab containing the first floor and a living quarter containing the second floor. 4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the vehicle is a Class C recreational vehicle. 5. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the enclosure includes a lateral width and a longitudinal length that extend perpendicular to the lateral width. 6. The enclosure of claim 5, wherein the joint includes hinge segments each with multiple hinges along the lateral width. 7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the multiple hinges are piano hinges. 8. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the multiple hinges extend substantially along the entirety of the lateral width. 9. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the second floor is fixed to a support structure, wherein the hinge segments include a first hinge segment fixed to the support structure, a second segment connected to the first hinge segment via a first hinge array, a third hinge segment connected to the second hinge segment via a second hinge array, and a fourth hinge segment connected to the third hinge segment via a third hinge array. 10. The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the fourth hinge segment is fixed to the first floor. 11. The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the hinge segments are connected to each other to accommodate vertical and longitudinal relative motion between the first floor and the second floor. 12. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a cab containing the first floor and a living quarter containing the second floor, the enclosure further comprising:
an air-ride suspension system arranged to support the cab. 13. A recreational vehicle comprising:
a cab having a first floor; a living quarter having a second floor, wherein the first floor is movable in a vertical direction relative to the second floor; and a joint assembly coupled between the first floor and the second floor and arranged to accommodate the vertical motion of the first floor with respect to the second floor. 14. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, further comprising:
a suspension system arranged to support the cab and dampen vibration. 15. The recreational vehicle of claim 14, wherein the suspension system is an air-ride suspension system. 16. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, further comprising:
a chassis arranged to support the second floor, wherein the first floor is movable in a vertical direction relative to the chassis. 17. The recreational vehicle of claim 16, wherein the second floor is rigidly coupled to the chassis. 18. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, wherein the first floor has a first floor covering comprising carpet, wherein the second floor has a second floor covering comprising ceramic tile. 19. The recreational vehicle of claim 13, wherein the joint assembly includes a flat surface between the first floor and the second floor. 20. A recreational vehicle comprising:
a first floor; a second floor, with the first floor being movable with respect to the second floor; means for accommodating relative vertical motion and longitudinal motion between the first floor and the second floor. | 2,800 |
339,428 | 16,800,267 | 2,849 | A transceiver for a wireless communication system for serving a plurality of user equipments is provided. A coverage area of the transceiver includes one zone or a plurality of zones, each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool. The transceiver is configured to signal to less than all user equipments assigned to a certain zone to return to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the certain zone. The zone occupancy report indicates an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the certain zone. | 1. A user equipment for a wireless communication system,
wherein the user equipment is served by a transceiver of the wireless communication system, a coverage area of the transceiver comprising one zone or a plurality of zones, and each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool, wherein, responsive to a request from the transceiver, the user equipment is configured to return to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the zone in which the user equipment is located, the zone occupancy report indicating an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the zone, and wherein the occupancy report comprises one or a combination of the following: (i) a resource vector giving the occupancy for resource blocks, (ii) a top-m statistic of the best resources. 2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein
(i) the resource vector indicates a percentage of occupancy per set of physical resource blocks, PRBs, or an exact number of free PRBs, and (ii) the top-m resource blocks are based on a statistic of the least occupied PRBs or the PRBs comprising the lowest received power, RSSI. 3. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the user equipment is configured to acquire the occupancy status from one or more zones neighboring the zone in which user equipment is located. 4. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein each zone of the coverage area of the transceiver is identified by a zone identifier, and wherein the user equipment located within a zone of the coverage area of the transceiver has associated therewith the zone identifier of the zone. 5. A wireless communication system, comprising:
one or more transceivers, and one or more user equipments of claim 1. 6. The wireless communication system of claim 5, wherein the one or more user equipments comprise V2X Mode 3 user equipments or V2X Mode 4 user equipments. 7. The wireless communication system of claim 5, wherein the transceiver comprises one or more of a base station, a macro cell base station, a small cell base station, a road side unit, and wherein the one or more user equipments comprises one or more of a vehicle and another device network comprising connectivity enabling the device to communicate using the wireless communication system. 8. A method for a user equipment for a wireless communication system, the user equipment being served by a transceiver of the wireless communication system, a coverage area of the transceiver comprising one zone or a plurality of zones, and each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool, the method comprising:
responsive to a request from the transceiver, returning, by the user equipment, to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the zone in which the user equipment is located, the zone occupancy report indicating an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the zone, wherein the occupancy report comprises one or a combination of the following: (i) a resource vector giving the occupancy for resource blocks, (ii) a top-m statistic of the best resources. 9. A non-transitory digital storage medium having stored thereon a computer program for performing a method for a user equipment for a wireless communication system, the user equipment being served by a transceiver of the wireless communication system, a coverage area of the transceiver comprising one zone or a plurality of zones, and each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool, the method comprising:
responsive to a request from the transceiver, returning, by the user equipment, to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the zone in which the user equipment is located, the zone occupancy report indicating an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the zone, wherein the occupancy report comprises one or a combination of the following: (i) a resource vector giving the occupancy for resource blocks, (ii) a top-m statistic of the best resources, when said computer program is run by a computer. | A transceiver for a wireless communication system for serving a plurality of user equipments is provided. A coverage area of the transceiver includes one zone or a plurality of zones, each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool. The transceiver is configured to signal to less than all user equipments assigned to a certain zone to return to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the certain zone. The zone occupancy report indicates an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the certain zone.1. A user equipment for a wireless communication system,
wherein the user equipment is served by a transceiver of the wireless communication system, a coverage area of the transceiver comprising one zone or a plurality of zones, and each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool, wherein, responsive to a request from the transceiver, the user equipment is configured to return to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the zone in which the user equipment is located, the zone occupancy report indicating an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the zone, and wherein the occupancy report comprises one or a combination of the following: (i) a resource vector giving the occupancy for resource blocks, (ii) a top-m statistic of the best resources. 2. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein
(i) the resource vector indicates a percentage of occupancy per set of physical resource blocks, PRBs, or an exact number of free PRBs, and (ii) the top-m resource blocks are based on a statistic of the least occupied PRBs or the PRBs comprising the lowest received power, RSSI. 3. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein the user equipment is configured to acquire the occupancy status from one or more zones neighboring the zone in which user equipment is located. 4. The user equipment of claim 1, wherein each zone of the coverage area of the transceiver is identified by a zone identifier, and wherein the user equipment located within a zone of the coverage area of the transceiver has associated therewith the zone identifier of the zone. 5. A wireless communication system, comprising:
one or more transceivers, and one or more user equipments of claim 1. 6. The wireless communication system of claim 5, wherein the one or more user equipments comprise V2X Mode 3 user equipments or V2X Mode 4 user equipments. 7. The wireless communication system of claim 5, wherein the transceiver comprises one or more of a base station, a macro cell base station, a small cell base station, a road side unit, and wherein the one or more user equipments comprises one or more of a vehicle and another device network comprising connectivity enabling the device to communicate using the wireless communication system. 8. A method for a user equipment for a wireless communication system, the user equipment being served by a transceiver of the wireless communication system, a coverage area of the transceiver comprising one zone or a plurality of zones, and each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool, the method comprising:
responsive to a request from the transceiver, returning, by the user equipment, to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the zone in which the user equipment is located, the zone occupancy report indicating an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the zone, wherein the occupancy report comprises one or a combination of the following: (i) a resource vector giving the occupancy for resource blocks, (ii) a top-m statistic of the best resources. 9. A non-transitory digital storage medium having stored thereon a computer program for performing a method for a user equipment for a wireless communication system, the user equipment being served by a transceiver of the wireless communication system, a coverage area of the transceiver comprising one zone or a plurality of zones, and each zone having mapped thereto a resource pool, the method comprising:
responsive to a request from the transceiver, returning, by the user equipment, to the transceiver a zone occupancy report for the zone in which the user equipment is located, the zone occupancy report indicating an occupancy status of the resource pool mapped to the zone, wherein the occupancy report comprises one or a combination of the following: (i) a resource vector giving the occupancy for resource blocks, (ii) a top-m statistic of the best resources, when said computer program is run by a computer. | 2,800 |
339,429 | 16,800,329 | 2,849 | A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a sole component having a plurality of hollow polymeric elements in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements and fixed relative to one another. Each of the hollow polymeric elements defines a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear includes placing a plurality of hollow polymeric elements in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements, and fixing the plurality of hollow polymeric elements relative to one another to form a sole component. Each of the hollow polymeric elements has a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure. | 1. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear comprising:
at least partially filling a mold cavity of a mold assembly with hollow polymeric elements so that the hollow polymeric elements are in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements; wherein each of the hollow polymeric elements has a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure and the mold cavity has a shape of a sole component; inserting an outsole into the mold cavity; closing the mold assembly; and fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another and to the outsole by curing the hollow polymeric elements in the mold assembly while the mold assembly is closed, the hollow polymeric elements forming a sole component. 2. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, the method further comprising:
opening the mold assembly; and removing the sole component and the outsole fixed thereto from the mold assembly. 3. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein:
the mold assembly includes a first mold portion and a second mold portion; and said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by over-filling the first mold portion with the hollow polymeric elements so that closing the mold assembly compresses at least some of the hollow polymeric elements to conform to the shape of the mold cavity. 4. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein:
said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with hollow polymeric elements is by pouring the hollow polymeric elements over the outsole after inserting the outsole in the mold assembly. 5. The method of manufacturing of claim 4, further comprising:
placing a mold insert into the mold cavity over the outsole prior to pouring the hollow polymeric elements over the outsole; and wherein the mold insert at least partially divides the mold cavity. 6. The method of manufacturing of claim 5, wherein said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by pouring different sets of the hollow polymeric elements into different regions of the mold cavity, the different regions separated by the mold insert, and the different sets having different ranges of outer diameters. 7. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, further comprising:
placing a mold insert into the mold cavity prior to the at least partially filling the mold cavity with the hollow polymeric elements; wherein the mold insert at least partially divides the mold cavity; and wherein said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by pouring different sets of the hollow polymeric elements into different regions of the mold cavity, the different regions separated by the mold insert, and the different sets having different ranges of outer diameters. 8. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein:
the mold assembly includes a first mold portion and a second mold portion configured to close to the first mold portion to close the mold cavity; said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by at least partially filling the first mold portion with the hollow polymeric elements; said inserting the outsole into the mold cavity includes inserting the outsole in the first mold portion; and said fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another and to the outsole includes fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to an upper surface of the outsole. 9. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, further comprising:
forming each of the hollow polymeric elements by any of thermoforming, blow-molding, compression molding, or extruding prior to at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements. 10. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein said forming is by thermoforming a first polymeric sheet and a second polymeric sheet to one another. 11. The method of manufacturing of claim 10, wherein both the first and second polymeric sheets are multi-layer polymeric sheets. 12. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein each of the multi-layer polymeric sheets is a laminate membrane having at least a first layer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least a second layer comprising a gas barrier polymer. 13. The method of manufacturing of claim 12, wherein the gas barrier polymer is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. 14. The method of manufacturing of claim 9, wherein said forming each of the hollow polymeric elements further comprises:
inflating the internal cavity of each of the hollow polymeric elements with fluid to the predetermined pressure; and sealing the internal cavity of each of the hollow polymeric elements such that the internal cavity retains the fluid at the predetermined pressure. 15. The method of manufacturing of claim 14, further comprising:
adding the binder to the mold cavity; and wherein said fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another is at least partially via the binder. 16. The method of manufacturing of claim 15, wherein the binder is added to the mold cavity before the hollow polymeric elements. 17. The method of manufacturing of claim 15, wherein the binder is added to the mold cavity after the hollow polymeric elements have been added and are in contact with one another. 18. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein said fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another comprises exposing the mold cavity to ultraviolet light causing sufficient chemical bonds to form between the hollow polymeric elements such that the hollow polymeric elements retain the shape of the sole component after curing. | A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a sole component having a plurality of hollow polymeric elements in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements and fixed relative to one another. Each of the hollow polymeric elements defines a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear includes placing a plurality of hollow polymeric elements in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements, and fixing the plurality of hollow polymeric elements relative to one another to form a sole component. Each of the hollow polymeric elements has a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure.1. A method of manufacturing a sole structure for an article of footwear comprising:
at least partially filling a mold cavity of a mold assembly with hollow polymeric elements so that the hollow polymeric elements are in contact with one another or with binder between the hollow polymeric elements; wherein each of the hollow polymeric elements has a sealed, fluid-filled internal cavity capable of retaining fluid at a predetermined pressure and the mold cavity has a shape of a sole component; inserting an outsole into the mold cavity; closing the mold assembly; and fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another and to the outsole by curing the hollow polymeric elements in the mold assembly while the mold assembly is closed, the hollow polymeric elements forming a sole component. 2. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, the method further comprising:
opening the mold assembly; and removing the sole component and the outsole fixed thereto from the mold assembly. 3. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein:
the mold assembly includes a first mold portion and a second mold portion; and said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by over-filling the first mold portion with the hollow polymeric elements so that closing the mold assembly compresses at least some of the hollow polymeric elements to conform to the shape of the mold cavity. 4. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein:
said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with hollow polymeric elements is by pouring the hollow polymeric elements over the outsole after inserting the outsole in the mold assembly. 5. The method of manufacturing of claim 4, further comprising:
placing a mold insert into the mold cavity over the outsole prior to pouring the hollow polymeric elements over the outsole; and wherein the mold insert at least partially divides the mold cavity. 6. The method of manufacturing of claim 5, wherein said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by pouring different sets of the hollow polymeric elements into different regions of the mold cavity, the different regions separated by the mold insert, and the different sets having different ranges of outer diameters. 7. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, further comprising:
placing a mold insert into the mold cavity prior to the at least partially filling the mold cavity with the hollow polymeric elements; wherein the mold insert at least partially divides the mold cavity; and wherein said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by pouring different sets of the hollow polymeric elements into different regions of the mold cavity, the different regions separated by the mold insert, and the different sets having different ranges of outer diameters. 8. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein:
the mold assembly includes a first mold portion and a second mold portion configured to close to the first mold portion to close the mold cavity; said at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements is by at least partially filling the first mold portion with the hollow polymeric elements; said inserting the outsole into the mold cavity includes inserting the outsole in the first mold portion; and said fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another and to the outsole includes fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to an upper surface of the outsole. 9. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, further comprising:
forming each of the hollow polymeric elements by any of thermoforming, blow-molding, compression molding, or extruding prior to at least partially filling the mold cavity of the mold assembly with the hollow polymeric elements. 10. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein said forming is by thermoforming a first polymeric sheet and a second polymeric sheet to one another. 11. The method of manufacturing of claim 10, wherein both the first and second polymeric sheets are multi-layer polymeric sheets. 12. The method of manufacturing of claim 11, wherein each of the multi-layer polymeric sheets is a laminate membrane having at least a first layer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and at least a second layer comprising a gas barrier polymer. 13. The method of manufacturing of claim 12, wherein the gas barrier polymer is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. 14. The method of manufacturing of claim 9, wherein said forming each of the hollow polymeric elements further comprises:
inflating the internal cavity of each of the hollow polymeric elements with fluid to the predetermined pressure; and sealing the internal cavity of each of the hollow polymeric elements such that the internal cavity retains the fluid at the predetermined pressure. 15. The method of manufacturing of claim 14, further comprising:
adding the binder to the mold cavity; and wherein said fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another is at least partially via the binder. 16. The method of manufacturing of claim 15, wherein the binder is added to the mold cavity before the hollow polymeric elements. 17. The method of manufacturing of claim 15, wherein the binder is added to the mold cavity after the hollow polymeric elements have been added and are in contact with one another. 18. The method of manufacturing of claim 1, wherein said fixing the hollow polymeric elements relative to one another comprises exposing the mold cavity to ultraviolet light causing sufficient chemical bonds to form between the hollow polymeric elements such that the hollow polymeric elements retain the shape of the sole component after curing. | 2,800 |
339,430 | 16,800,324 | 3,752 | Disclosed is a sprinkler head having: a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and an RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall. | 1. A sprinkler head comprising:
a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and an RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall. 2. The sprinkler head of claim 1, wherein:
the RFID circuit includes an antenna and a microchip operationally connected to the antenna; the antenna extending between opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall; and the microchip disposed axially mid-span of the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall. 3. The sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein:
the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall include a first end and a second end; the antenna includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion extending between the microchip and the first end of the cylindrical wall; and the second portion extending between the microchip and the second end of the cylindrical wall. 4. The sprinkler head of claim 3, wherein:
the first portion of the antenna and the second portion of the antenna each comprise a periodic waveform pattern, each periodic waveform pattern propagating toward respective axial ends of the sprinkler bulb. 5. The sprinkler head of claim 4, wherein each periodic waveform pattern is a square waveform. 6. The sprinkler head of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the RFID circuit is embedded in one of the inner surface and the outer surface. 7. The sprinkler head of claim 6, comprising a mounting adaptor for connecting with a supply conduit. 8. The sprinkler head of claim 7, comprising a seal for fluidly isolating the bulb from the supply conduit. 9. A system comprising:
the sprinkler head of claim 8, a system controller, wherein the controller is configured for: communicating with the RFID circuit in the sprinkler head to obtain a status of the sprinkler head; and determining that a fire condition exists by identifying a communication break with the RFID circuit. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured for periodically communicating with the RFID circuit in the sprinkler head to obtain the status of the sprinkler head. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured for identifying a location of the RFID circuit, thereby identifying a location of the fire condition. 12. A method comprising of detecting a fire with a controller, comprising:
communicating with an RFID circuit in a sprinkler head to obtain a status of the sprinkler head; and determining that a fire condition exists by identifying a communication break with the RFID circuit; wherein the sprinkler head comprises: a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and the RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured for periodically communicating with the RFID circuit in the sprinkler head to obtain the status of the sprinkler head. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured for identifying a location of the RFID circuit, thereby identifying a location of the fire condition. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the RFID circuit includes an antenna and a microchip operationally connected to the antenna; the antenna extending between opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall; and the microchip disposed axially mid-span of the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein:
the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall include a first end and a second end; the antenna includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion extending between the microchip and the first end of the cylindrical wall; and the second portion extending between the microchip and the second end of the cylindrical wall. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein:
the first portion of the antenna and the second portion of the antenna each comprise a periodic waveform pattern, each periodic waveform pattern propagating toward respective axial ends of the sprinkler bulb. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein each periodic waveform pattern is a square waveform. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the cylindrical wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the RFID circuit is embedded in one of the inner surface and the outer surface. 20. The method of claim 19, comprising a mounting adaptor for connecting with a supply conduit and a seal for fluidly isolating the bulb from the supply conduit. | Disclosed is a sprinkler head having: a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and an RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall.1. A sprinkler head comprising:
a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and an RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall. 2. The sprinkler head of claim 1, wherein:
the RFID circuit includes an antenna and a microchip operationally connected to the antenna; the antenna extending between opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall; and the microchip disposed axially mid-span of the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall. 3. The sprinkler head of claim 2, wherein:
the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall include a first end and a second end; the antenna includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion extending between the microchip and the first end of the cylindrical wall; and the second portion extending between the microchip and the second end of the cylindrical wall. 4. The sprinkler head of claim 3, wherein:
the first portion of the antenna and the second portion of the antenna each comprise a periodic waveform pattern, each periodic waveform pattern propagating toward respective axial ends of the sprinkler bulb. 5. The sprinkler head of claim 4, wherein each periodic waveform pattern is a square waveform. 6. The sprinkler head of claim 5, wherein the cylindrical wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the RFID circuit is embedded in one of the inner surface and the outer surface. 7. The sprinkler head of claim 6, comprising a mounting adaptor for connecting with a supply conduit. 8. The sprinkler head of claim 7, comprising a seal for fluidly isolating the bulb from the supply conduit. 9. A system comprising:
the sprinkler head of claim 8, a system controller, wherein the controller is configured for: communicating with the RFID circuit in the sprinkler head to obtain a status of the sprinkler head; and determining that a fire condition exists by identifying a communication break with the RFID circuit. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured for periodically communicating with the RFID circuit in the sprinkler head to obtain the status of the sprinkler head. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured for identifying a location of the RFID circuit, thereby identifying a location of the fire condition. 12. A method comprising of detecting a fire with a controller, comprising:
communicating with an RFID circuit in a sprinkler head to obtain a status of the sprinkler head; and determining that a fire condition exists by identifying a communication break with the RFID circuit; wherein the sprinkler head comprises: a sprinkler body; a frangible sprinkler bulb connected to the body, the frangible sprinkler bulb including: a cylindrical wall; and the RFID circuit embedded in the cylindrical wall. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the controller is configured for periodically communicating with the RFID circuit in the sprinkler head to obtain the status of the sprinkler head. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured for identifying a location of the RFID circuit, thereby identifying a location of the fire condition. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein:
the RFID circuit includes an antenna and a microchip operationally connected to the antenna; the antenna extending between opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall; and the microchip disposed axially mid-span of the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein:
the opposing axial ends of the cylindrical wall include a first end and a second end; the antenna includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion extending between the microchip and the first end of the cylindrical wall; and the second portion extending between the microchip and the second end of the cylindrical wall. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein:
the first portion of the antenna and the second portion of the antenna each comprise a periodic waveform pattern, each periodic waveform pattern propagating toward respective axial ends of the sprinkler bulb. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein each periodic waveform pattern is a square waveform. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the cylindrical wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and the RFID circuit is embedded in one of the inner surface and the outer surface. 20. The method of claim 19, comprising a mounting adaptor for connecting with a supply conduit and a seal for fluidly isolating the bulb from the supply conduit. | 3,700 |
339,431 | 16,800,334 | 3,752 | A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability to crop a three-dimensional (3D) scene. The 3D scene is acquired and includes multiple 3D images (with each image from a view angle of an image capture device) and a depth map for each image. The depth values in each depth map are sorted. Multiple initial cutoff depths are determined for the scene based on the view angles of the images (in the scene). A cutoff relaxation depth is determined based on a jump between depth values. A confidence map is generated for each depth map and indicates whether each depth value is above or below the cutoff relaxation depth. The confidence maps are aggregated into an aggregated model. A bounding volume is generated out of the aggregated model. Points are cropped from the scene based on the bounding volume. | 1. A computer-implemented method for cropping a three-dimensional (3D) scene, comprising:
(a) acquiring the 3D scene, wherein the 3D scene comprises:
(i) multiple 3D images, wherein each 3D image is from a view angle of an image capture device; and
(ii) a depth map for each 3D image, wherein the depth map comprises two or more depth values, wherein each of the two or more depth values is measured from the image capture device to an object in the 3D image;
(b) sorting the two or more depth values for each 3D image resulting in a sorted depth map for each image; (c) determining multiple initial cutoff depths, wherein each of the multiple initial cutoff depths is based on the view angle; (d) determining a cutoff relaxation depth, wherein the cutoff relaxation depth is based on a jump, between two of the two or more depth values, that exceeds a jump threshold; (e) generating a confidence map for each depth map, wherein the confidence map indicates whether each depth value is above or below the cutoff relaxation depth; (f) generating an aggregated model that combines the confidence maps for all of the 3D images in the 3D scene; (g) generating a bounding volume out of the aggregated model; and (h) cropping out points from the 3D scene based on the bounding volume. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the 3D scene further comprises a position, a direction, and distortion information for the image capture device of each 3D image. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining the view angle based on a down vector corresponding to each 3D image. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the determining multiple initial cutoff depths comprises determining, for each view angle, a cutoff penalty; as the view angle moves from a Nadir view to an oblique view to a façade view, the cutoff penalty increases; each initial cutoff depth is adjusted based on the cutoff penalty. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the jump is determined based on a second derivative of a line between two adjacent depth values in the sorted depth map. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating the confidence map comprises:
passing through each depth map and marking each pixel as a high confidence or a low confidence, wherein:
the pixel is marked as a high confidence if a corresponding depth value is below the cutoff relaxation depth; and
the pixel is marked as low confidence if the corresponding depth value is above the cutoff relaxation depth. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating the aggregated model comprises:
aggregating projected 3D points of each 3D image into the aggregated model; summing up confidence values, from the confidence maps, for each projected 3D point in the aggregated model; removing the projected 3D points, from the aggregated model, that are below a confidence threshold. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the bounding volume comprises a convex hull. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating the bounding volume comprises:
accepting user input that scales the bounding volume. 10. A computer-implemented system for cropping a three-dimensional (3D) scene, comprising:
(a) a computer having a memory; (b) a processor executing on the computer; (c) the memory storing a set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
(i) acquiring the 3D scene, wherein the 3D scene comprises:
(A) multiple 3D images, wherein each 3D image is from a view angle of an image capture device; and
(B) a depth map for each 3D image, wherein the depth map comprises two or more depth values, wherein each of the two or more depth values is measured from the image capture device to an object in the 3D image;
(ii) sorting the two or more depth values for each 3D image resulting in a sorted depth map for each image;
(iii) determining multiple initial cutoff depths, wherein each of the multiple initial cutoff depths is based on the view angle;
(iv) determining a cutoff relaxation depth, wherein the cutoff relaxation depth is based on a jump, between two of the two or more depth values, that exceeds a jump threshold;
(v) generating a confidence map for each depth map, wherein the confidence map indicates whether each depth value is above or below the cutoff relaxation depth;
(vi) generating an aggregated model that combines the confidence maps for all of the 3D images in the 3D scene;
(vii) generating a bounding volume out of the aggregated model; and
(viii) cropping out points from the 3D scene based on the bounding volume. 11. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the 3D scene further comprises a position, a direction, and distortion information for the image capture device of each 3D image. 12. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise:
determining the view angle based on a down vector corresponding to each 3D image. 13. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the determining multiple initial cutoff depths comprises determining, for each view angle, a cutoff penalty; as the view angle moves from a Nadir view to an oblique view to a façade view, the cutoff penalty increases; each initial cutoff depth is adjusted based on the cutoff penalty. 14. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the jump is determined based on a second derivative of a line between two adjacent depth values in the sorted depth map. 15. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the generating the confidence map comprises:
passing through each depth map and marking each pixel as a high confidence or a low confidence, wherein:
the pixel is marked as a high confidence if a corresponding depth value is below the cutoff relaxation depth; and
the pixel is marked as low confidence if the corresponding depth value is above the cutoff relaxation depth. 16. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the generating the aggregated model comprises:
aggregating projected 3D points of each 3D image into the aggregated model; summing up confidence values, from the confidence maps, for each projected 3D point in the aggregated model; removing the projected 3D points, from the aggregated model, that are below a confidence threshold. 17. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the bounding volume comprises a convex hull. 18. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the generating the bounding volume comprises:
accepting user input that scales the bounding volume. | A method, apparatus, and system provide the ability to crop a three-dimensional (3D) scene. The 3D scene is acquired and includes multiple 3D images (with each image from a view angle of an image capture device) and a depth map for each image. The depth values in each depth map are sorted. Multiple initial cutoff depths are determined for the scene based on the view angles of the images (in the scene). A cutoff relaxation depth is determined based on a jump between depth values. A confidence map is generated for each depth map and indicates whether each depth value is above or below the cutoff relaxation depth. The confidence maps are aggregated into an aggregated model. A bounding volume is generated out of the aggregated model. Points are cropped from the scene based on the bounding volume.1. A computer-implemented method for cropping a three-dimensional (3D) scene, comprising:
(a) acquiring the 3D scene, wherein the 3D scene comprises:
(i) multiple 3D images, wherein each 3D image is from a view angle of an image capture device; and
(ii) a depth map for each 3D image, wherein the depth map comprises two or more depth values, wherein each of the two or more depth values is measured from the image capture device to an object in the 3D image;
(b) sorting the two or more depth values for each 3D image resulting in a sorted depth map for each image; (c) determining multiple initial cutoff depths, wherein each of the multiple initial cutoff depths is based on the view angle; (d) determining a cutoff relaxation depth, wherein the cutoff relaxation depth is based on a jump, between two of the two or more depth values, that exceeds a jump threshold; (e) generating a confidence map for each depth map, wherein the confidence map indicates whether each depth value is above or below the cutoff relaxation depth; (f) generating an aggregated model that combines the confidence maps for all of the 3D images in the 3D scene; (g) generating a bounding volume out of the aggregated model; and (h) cropping out points from the 3D scene based on the bounding volume. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the 3D scene further comprises a position, a direction, and distortion information for the image capture device of each 3D image. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining the view angle based on a down vector corresponding to each 3D image. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the determining multiple initial cutoff depths comprises determining, for each view angle, a cutoff penalty; as the view angle moves from a Nadir view to an oblique view to a façade view, the cutoff penalty increases; each initial cutoff depth is adjusted based on the cutoff penalty. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the jump is determined based on a second derivative of a line between two adjacent depth values in the sorted depth map. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating the confidence map comprises:
passing through each depth map and marking each pixel as a high confidence or a low confidence, wherein:
the pixel is marked as a high confidence if a corresponding depth value is below the cutoff relaxation depth; and
the pixel is marked as low confidence if the corresponding depth value is above the cutoff relaxation depth. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating the aggregated model comprises:
aggregating projected 3D points of each 3D image into the aggregated model; summing up confidence values, from the confidence maps, for each projected 3D point in the aggregated model; removing the projected 3D points, from the aggregated model, that are below a confidence threshold. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein:
the bounding volume comprises a convex hull. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the generating the bounding volume comprises:
accepting user input that scales the bounding volume. 10. A computer-implemented system for cropping a three-dimensional (3D) scene, comprising:
(a) a computer having a memory; (b) a processor executing on the computer; (c) the memory storing a set of instructions, wherein the set of instructions, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations comprising:
(i) acquiring the 3D scene, wherein the 3D scene comprises:
(A) multiple 3D images, wherein each 3D image is from a view angle of an image capture device; and
(B) a depth map for each 3D image, wherein the depth map comprises two or more depth values, wherein each of the two or more depth values is measured from the image capture device to an object in the 3D image;
(ii) sorting the two or more depth values for each 3D image resulting in a sorted depth map for each image;
(iii) determining multiple initial cutoff depths, wherein each of the multiple initial cutoff depths is based on the view angle;
(iv) determining a cutoff relaxation depth, wherein the cutoff relaxation depth is based on a jump, between two of the two or more depth values, that exceeds a jump threshold;
(v) generating a confidence map for each depth map, wherein the confidence map indicates whether each depth value is above or below the cutoff relaxation depth;
(vi) generating an aggregated model that combines the confidence maps for all of the 3D images in the 3D scene;
(vii) generating a bounding volume out of the aggregated model; and
(viii) cropping out points from the 3D scene based on the bounding volume. 11. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the 3D scene further comprises a position, a direction, and distortion information for the image capture device of each 3D image. 12. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise:
determining the view angle based on a down vector corresponding to each 3D image. 13. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the determining multiple initial cutoff depths comprises determining, for each view angle, a cutoff penalty; as the view angle moves from a Nadir view to an oblique view to a façade view, the cutoff penalty increases; each initial cutoff depth is adjusted based on the cutoff penalty. 14. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the jump is determined based on a second derivative of a line between two adjacent depth values in the sorted depth map. 15. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the generating the confidence map comprises:
passing through each depth map and marking each pixel as a high confidence or a low confidence, wherein:
the pixel is marked as a high confidence if a corresponding depth value is below the cutoff relaxation depth; and
the pixel is marked as low confidence if the corresponding depth value is above the cutoff relaxation depth. 16. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the generating the aggregated model comprises:
aggregating projected 3D points of each 3D image into the aggregated model; summing up confidence values, from the confidence maps, for each projected 3D point in the aggregated model; removing the projected 3D points, from the aggregated model, that are below a confidence threshold. 17. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein:
the bounding volume comprises a convex hull. 18. The computer-implemented system of claim 10, wherein the generating the bounding volume comprises:
accepting user input that scales the bounding volume. | 3,700 |
339,432 | 16,800,310 | 3,752 | Embodiments described herein provide a method of forming amorphous a fluorinated metal film. The method includes positioning an object in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber having a processing region, depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on an object using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, and repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. The activated fluorination process includes introducing a first flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region. The FP includes at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas. | 1. A method of forming a fluorinated film, comprising:
positioning an object in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber having a processing region; depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on the object using an ALD process; depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, the activated fluorination process comprising introducing a first flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region, the FP comprising at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas; and repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ALD process comprises:
introducing a first flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region; introducing a second flow of a metal-containing precursor to the processing region; and repeating the introducing the introducing the first flow of the oxygen-containing precursor and the second flow of the metal-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal-containing precursor is an aluminum-containing precursor. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the activated fluorination process further comprises:
introducing a second flow of a fluorination activation precursor (FAP) to the processing region. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the FAP comprises at least one of H2O, O3, O2, or oxygen-radical containing plasma formed by one of microwave, RF, remote plasma, hot-wire, e-beam, and oxidizing or reducing plasma sources. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer has a predetermined layer thickness. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer includes at least one of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), scandium (Sc), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gallium (Ga), indium (In), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), or hafnium (Hf). 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ALD process comprises:
introducing a first flow of a yttrium-containing precursor to the processing region; introducing a second flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region; and repeating the introducing the first flow of the yttrium-containing precursor and the introducing the second flow of the oxygen-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one organofluorine reagent comprises one or more of hexafluoro-acetylacetonate (HHFAC), tetrafluoroproanol (TFP), hexafluoropropanol (HFP), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluorinated gas comprises one or more of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5), or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). 11. A method of forming a fluorinated metal film, comprising:
depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on an object using a metal-oxide containing layer atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, the ALD process comprising:
positioning the object in an ALD chamber having a processing region;
introducing a first flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region;
introducing a second flow of a metal-containing precursor to the processing region; and
repeating the introducing the introducing the first flow of the oxygen-containing precursor and the second flow of the metal-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed;
depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, the activated fluorination process comprising:
introducing a third flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region, the FP comprising at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas; and
introducing a fourth flow of a fluorination activation precursor (FAP) to the processing region; and
repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the metal-containing precursor is an aluminum-containing precursor. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer includes at least one of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), scandium (Sc), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gallium (Ga), indium (In), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), or hafnium (Hf). 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the FAP comprises at least one of H2O, O3, O2, or oxygen-radical containing plasma formed by one of microwave, RF, remote plasma, hot-wire, e-beam, and oxidizing or reducing plasma sources. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one organofluorine reagent comprises one or more of hexafluoro-acetylacetonate (HHFAC), tetrafluoroproanol (TFP), hexafluoropropanol (HFP), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one fluorinated gas comprises one or more of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5), or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). 17. A method of forming a fluorinated metal film, comprising:
depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on an object using a metal-oxide containing layer atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, the ALD process comprising:
positioning the object in an ALD chamber having a processing region;
introducing a first flow of a yttrium-containing precursor to the processing region;
introducing a second flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region; and
repeating the introducing the first flow of the yttrium-containing precursor, and the introducing the second flow of the oxygen-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed;
depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, the activated fluorination process comprising:
introducing a third flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region, the FP comprising at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas; and
introducing a fourth flow of a fluorination activation precursor (FAP) to the processing region; and
repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the FAP comprises at least one of H2O, O3, O2, or oxygen-radical containing plasma formed by one of microwave, RF, remote plasma, hot-wire, e-beam, and oxidizing or reducing plasma sources. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer includes at least one of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), scandium (Sc), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gallium (Ga), indium (In), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), or hafnium (Hf). 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one organofluorine reagent comprises one or more of hexafluoro-acetylacetonate (HHFAC), tetrafluoroproanol (TFP), hexafluoropropanol (HFP), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). | Embodiments described herein provide a method of forming amorphous a fluorinated metal film. The method includes positioning an object in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber having a processing region, depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on an object using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, and repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. The activated fluorination process includes introducing a first flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region. The FP includes at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas.1. A method of forming a fluorinated film, comprising:
positioning an object in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber having a processing region; depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on the object using an ALD process; depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, the activated fluorination process comprising introducing a first flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region, the FP comprising at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas; and repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ALD process comprises:
introducing a first flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region; introducing a second flow of a metal-containing precursor to the processing region; and repeating the introducing the introducing the first flow of the oxygen-containing precursor and the second flow of the metal-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the metal-containing precursor is an aluminum-containing precursor. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the activated fluorination process further comprises:
introducing a second flow of a fluorination activation precursor (FAP) to the processing region. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the FAP comprises at least one of H2O, O3, O2, or oxygen-radical containing plasma formed by one of microwave, RF, remote plasma, hot-wire, e-beam, and oxidizing or reducing plasma sources. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer has a predetermined layer thickness. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer includes at least one of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), scandium (Sc), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gallium (Ga), indium (In), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), or hafnium (Hf). 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ALD process comprises:
introducing a first flow of a yttrium-containing precursor to the processing region; introducing a second flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region; and repeating the introducing the first flow of the yttrium-containing precursor and the introducing the second flow of the oxygen-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one organofluorine reagent comprises one or more of hexafluoro-acetylacetonate (HHFAC), tetrafluoroproanol (TFP), hexafluoropropanol (HFP), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluorinated gas comprises one or more of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5), or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). 11. A method of forming a fluorinated metal film, comprising:
depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on an object using a metal-oxide containing layer atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, the ALD process comprising:
positioning the object in an ALD chamber having a processing region;
introducing a first flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region;
introducing a second flow of a metal-containing precursor to the processing region; and
repeating the introducing the introducing the first flow of the oxygen-containing precursor and the second flow of the metal-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed;
depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, the activated fluorination process comprising:
introducing a third flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region, the FP comprising at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas; and
introducing a fourth flow of a fluorination activation precursor (FAP) to the processing region; and
repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the metal-containing precursor is an aluminum-containing precursor. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer includes at least one of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), scandium (Sc), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gallium (Ga), indium (In), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), or hafnium (Hf). 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the FAP comprises at least one of H2O, O3, O2, or oxygen-radical containing plasma formed by one of microwave, RF, remote plasma, hot-wire, e-beam, and oxidizing or reducing plasma sources. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one organofluorine reagent comprises one or more of hexafluoro-acetylacetonate (HHFAC), tetrafluoroproanol (TFP), hexafluoropropanol (HFP), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the at least one fluorinated gas comprises one or more of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), phosphorus pentafluoride (PF5), or sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). 17. A method of forming a fluorinated metal film, comprising:
depositing a metal-oxide containing layer on an object using a metal-oxide containing layer atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, the ALD process comprising:
positioning the object in an ALD chamber having a processing region;
introducing a first flow of a yttrium-containing precursor to the processing region;
introducing a second flow of an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing region; and
repeating the introducing the first flow of the yttrium-containing precursor, and the introducing the second flow of the oxygen-containing precursor until the metal-oxide containing layer with a predetermined layer thickness is formed;
depositing a metal-fluorine layer on the metal-oxide containing layer using an activated fluorination process, the activated fluorination process comprising:
introducing a third flow of a fluorine precursor (FP) to the processing region, the FP comprising at least one organofluorine reagent or at least one fluorinated gas; and
introducing a fourth flow of a fluorination activation precursor (FAP) to the processing region; and
repeating the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer and the depositing the metal-oxide containing layer until a fluorinated metal film with a predetermined film thickness is formed. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the FAP comprises at least one of H2O, O3, O2, or oxygen-radical containing plasma formed by one of microwave, RF, remote plasma, hot-wire, e-beam, and oxidizing or reducing plasma sources. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the metal-oxide containing layer includes at least one of yttrium (Y), aluminum (Al), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), scandium (Sc), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gallium (Ga), indium (In), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), zirconium (Zr), or hafnium (Hf). 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one organofluorine reagent comprises one or more of hexafluoro-acetylacetonate (HHFAC), tetrafluoroproanol (TFP), hexafluoropropanol (HFP), or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). | 3,700 |
339,433 | 16,800,273 | 3,752 | A blood pump can include a pump housing, an impeller, and a hub. The pump housing can be configured to move blood from an inlet to an outlet thereof. The impeller can be housed in the pump housing, have a plurality of blades joined by a central ring, and be radially supported at the central ring by a bearing. The hub can transmit torque to the impeller using a radial magnetic coupling. | 1. A blood pump comprising:
a pump housing, wherein the pump housing provides an inlet, an outlet, and a bearing surface, wherein the pump is configured to move blood from the inlet to the outlet; an impeller housed in the pump housing and having a plurality of blades joined by a central ring having an internal surface, wherein the impeller is radially supported by a hydrodynamic bearing formed by the internal surface and the bearing surface; and a hub configured to rotate about an axis and comprising a first permanent magnet, wherein the impeller comprises a second permanent magnet located within the central ring, the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet (i) being arranged to attract to each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis, and (ii) forming a radial magnetic coupling to transmit torque from the hub to the impeller; wherein a maximum height of the plurality of blades overlaps with each of the internal surface and the radial magnetic coupling, the maximum height being in a direction of the axis. 2. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the blades are provided as an array of arc shaped segments. 3. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the impeller provides flow channels between circumferentially adjacent pairs of the plurality of blades. 4. The blood pump of claim 3, wherein the flow channels have a maximum height that is substantially equal to the maximum height of the plurality of blades. 5. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface or the bearing surface provides at least one row of pattern grooves. 6. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface is substantially parallel to the bearing surface. 7. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface is provided by an internal bore and the bearing surface is received within the bore. 8. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface or the bearing surface provides a multilobe shape. 9. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the pump housing comprises a non-ferromagnetic diaphragm that houses the hub. 10. The blood pump of claim 1, further comprising a row of herringbone grooves on the internal surface or the bearing surface. 11. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the impeller is axially supported by a magnetic thrust bearing comprising a third permanent magnet positioned in the pump housing and a fourth permanent magnet positioned in the impeller. 12. The blood pump of claim 11, wherein the fourth permanent magnet positioned in the pump housing is ring shaped. 13. The blood pump of claim 11, wherein the third permanent magnet positioned in the impeller is located within at least one of the plurality of blades. 14. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein each of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet has a height in an axial direction parallel to the axis, and the heights of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet overlap each other. 15. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the impeller is an open type impeller or semi-open type impeller. 16. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein top surfaces of the impeller provide a second hydrodynamic bearing for axial support of the impeller. 17. The blood pump of claim 16, wherein the top surfaces of the impeller provide at least one row of pattern grooves. 18. The blood pump of claim 16, further comprising spiral grooves or spiral herringbone grooves on the top surfaces of the impeller. | A blood pump can include a pump housing, an impeller, and a hub. The pump housing can be configured to move blood from an inlet to an outlet thereof. The impeller can be housed in the pump housing, have a plurality of blades joined by a central ring, and be radially supported at the central ring by a bearing. The hub can transmit torque to the impeller using a radial magnetic coupling.1. A blood pump comprising:
a pump housing, wherein the pump housing provides an inlet, an outlet, and a bearing surface, wherein the pump is configured to move blood from the inlet to the outlet; an impeller housed in the pump housing and having a plurality of blades joined by a central ring having an internal surface, wherein the impeller is radially supported by a hydrodynamic bearing formed by the internal surface and the bearing surface; and a hub configured to rotate about an axis and comprising a first permanent magnet, wherein the impeller comprises a second permanent magnet located within the central ring, the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet (i) being arranged to attract to each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis, and (ii) forming a radial magnetic coupling to transmit torque from the hub to the impeller; wherein a maximum height of the plurality of blades overlaps with each of the internal surface and the radial magnetic coupling, the maximum height being in a direction of the axis. 2. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the blades are provided as an array of arc shaped segments. 3. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the impeller provides flow channels between circumferentially adjacent pairs of the plurality of blades. 4. The blood pump of claim 3, wherein the flow channels have a maximum height that is substantially equal to the maximum height of the plurality of blades. 5. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface or the bearing surface provides at least one row of pattern grooves. 6. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface is substantially parallel to the bearing surface. 7. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface is provided by an internal bore and the bearing surface is received within the bore. 8. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the internal surface or the bearing surface provides a multilobe shape. 9. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the pump housing comprises a non-ferromagnetic diaphragm that houses the hub. 10. The blood pump of claim 1, further comprising a row of herringbone grooves on the internal surface or the bearing surface. 11. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the impeller is axially supported by a magnetic thrust bearing comprising a third permanent magnet positioned in the pump housing and a fourth permanent magnet positioned in the impeller. 12. The blood pump of claim 11, wherein the fourth permanent magnet positioned in the pump housing is ring shaped. 13. The blood pump of claim 11, wherein the third permanent magnet positioned in the impeller is located within at least one of the plurality of blades. 14. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein each of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet has a height in an axial direction parallel to the axis, and the heights of the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet overlap each other. 15. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein the impeller is an open type impeller or semi-open type impeller. 16. The blood pump of claim 1, wherein top surfaces of the impeller provide a second hydrodynamic bearing for axial support of the impeller. 17. The blood pump of claim 16, wherein the top surfaces of the impeller provide at least one row of pattern grooves. 18. The blood pump of claim 16, further comprising spiral grooves or spiral herringbone grooves on the top surfaces of the impeller. | 3,700 |
339,434 | 16,800,327 | 3,752 | A method for integrating a thin film microbattery with electronic circuitry includes forming a release layer over a handler, forming a thin film microbattery over the release layer of the handler, removing the thin film microbattery from the handler, depositing the thin film microbattery on an interposer, forming electronic circuitry on the interposer, and sealing the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry to create individual microbattery modules. | 1. A method for integrating a thin film microbattery with electronic circuitry, the method comprising:
forming a release layer over a handler; forming a thin film microbattery over the release layer of the handler; removing the thin film microbattery from the handler; depositing the thin film microbattery on an interposer; disposing electronic circuitry on the interposer; and sealing the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry to create individual microbattery modules, wherein the thin film microbattery is disposed directly between the electronic circuitry. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein all the electronic circuitry is collinear with respect to each other and with the thin film microbattery. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising electrically connecting the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry by electrical connections formed within the interposer. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the thin film microbattery from the handler by a low-power laser device. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming the thin film microbattery via a shadow mask positioned either in a non-engaging relationship with the handler or in direct contact with the handler. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising incorporating the microbattery modules into wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices enable at least health and fitness monitoring. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by batch processing. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by sputtering and evaporation techniques. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film microbattery includes at least a cathode current collector, a cathode, a solid state electrolyte, an anode, and an anode current collector. 11. A method for integrating a thin film microbattery with electronic circuitry, the method comprising:
forming a release layer over a handler; forming a thin film microbattery over the release layer of the handler; removing the thin film microbattery from the handler; depositing the thin film microbattery on an interposer; and disposing electronic circuitry on the interposer; wherein the thin film microbattery is disposed directly between the electronic circuitry. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising sealing the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry to create individual microbattery modules. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising incorporating the microbattery modules into wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices enable at least health and fitness monitoring. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein all the electronic circuitry is collinear with respect to each other and with the thin film microbattery. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising electrically connecting the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry by electrical connections formed within the interposer. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing the thin film microbattery from the handler by a low-power laser device. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming the thin film microbattery via a shadow mask positioned either in a non-engaging relationship with the handler or in direct contact with the handler. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by batch processing. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by sputtering and evaporation techniques. | A method for integrating a thin film microbattery with electronic circuitry includes forming a release layer over a handler, forming a thin film microbattery over the release layer of the handler, removing the thin film microbattery from the handler, depositing the thin film microbattery on an interposer, forming electronic circuitry on the interposer, and sealing the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry to create individual microbattery modules.1. A method for integrating a thin film microbattery with electronic circuitry, the method comprising:
forming a release layer over a handler; forming a thin film microbattery over the release layer of the handler; removing the thin film microbattery from the handler; depositing the thin film microbattery on an interposer; disposing electronic circuitry on the interposer; and sealing the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry to create individual microbattery modules, wherein the thin film microbattery is disposed directly between the electronic circuitry. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein all the electronic circuitry is collinear with respect to each other and with the thin film microbattery. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising electrically connecting the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry by electrical connections formed within the interposer. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing the thin film microbattery from the handler by a low-power laser device. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming the thin film microbattery via a shadow mask positioned either in a non-engaging relationship with the handler or in direct contact with the handler. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising incorporating the microbattery modules into wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices enable at least health and fitness monitoring. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by batch processing. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by sputtering and evaporation techniques. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film microbattery includes at least a cathode current collector, a cathode, a solid state electrolyte, an anode, and an anode current collector. 11. A method for integrating a thin film microbattery with electronic circuitry, the method comprising:
forming a release layer over a handler; forming a thin film microbattery over the release layer of the handler; removing the thin film microbattery from the handler; depositing the thin film microbattery on an interposer; and disposing electronic circuitry on the interposer; wherein the thin film microbattery is disposed directly between the electronic circuitry. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising sealing the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry to create individual microbattery modules. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising incorporating the microbattery modules into wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the wearable, implantable, ingestible electronic devices enable at least health and fitness monitoring. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein all the electronic circuitry is collinear with respect to each other and with the thin film microbattery. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising electrically connecting the thin film microbattery and the electronic circuitry by electrical connections formed within the interposer. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising removing the thin film microbattery from the handler by a low-power laser device. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming the thin film microbattery via a shadow mask positioned either in a non-engaging relationship with the handler or in direct contact with the handler. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by batch processing. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the thin film microbattery is manufactured by sputtering and evaporation techniques. | 3,700 |
339,435 | 16,800,365 | 3,752 | A fitting for attaching a flexible hose to a device includes a conduit body having a first end configured to attach to a flexible hose, and an open second end having an attachment flange. The attachment flange has an annular recess surrounding the open second end a gasket molded into the annular recess. A strengthening member is adjacent the annular recess. The attachment flange is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and the strengthening member is overmolded by the thermoplastic elastomer. | 1. A fitting for attaching a flexible hose to a device, the fitting comprising:
a conduit body having a first end configured to attach to a flexible hose, and an open second end having an attachment flange; the attachment flange having an annular recess surrounding the open second end; a gasket molded into the annular recess; and a strengthening member adjacent the annular recess; wherein the attachment flange is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and the strengthening member is overmolded by the thermoplastic elastomer. 2. The fitting of claim 1 wherein the strengthening member includes a first portion extending radially outwardly beneath the annular recess and a second portion extending normal to the first portion radially outwardly beyond the annular recess. 3. The fitting of claim 2 wherein the strengthening member includes a third portion extending radially outwardly from the second portion. 4. The fitting of claim 3 wherein the third portion includes an aperture positioned to be in registry with an aperture in an ear of the attachment flange. 5. The fitting of claim 3 wherein the third portion includes an internally threaded fastener sized to threadedly receive a bolt. 6. The fitting of claim 1 wherein the strengthening member is formed of one of a metal, a ceramic, or a composite material. 7. The fitting of claim 1 wherein the strengthening member includes an internally threaded fastener sized to threadedly receive a bolt. | A fitting for attaching a flexible hose to a device includes a conduit body having a first end configured to attach to a flexible hose, and an open second end having an attachment flange. The attachment flange has an annular recess surrounding the open second end a gasket molded into the annular recess. A strengthening member is adjacent the annular recess. The attachment flange is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and the strengthening member is overmolded by the thermoplastic elastomer.1. A fitting for attaching a flexible hose to a device, the fitting comprising:
a conduit body having a first end configured to attach to a flexible hose, and an open second end having an attachment flange; the attachment flange having an annular recess surrounding the open second end; a gasket molded into the annular recess; and a strengthening member adjacent the annular recess; wherein the attachment flange is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer and the strengthening member is overmolded by the thermoplastic elastomer. 2. The fitting of claim 1 wherein the strengthening member includes a first portion extending radially outwardly beneath the annular recess and a second portion extending normal to the first portion radially outwardly beyond the annular recess. 3. The fitting of claim 2 wherein the strengthening member includes a third portion extending radially outwardly from the second portion. 4. The fitting of claim 3 wherein the third portion includes an aperture positioned to be in registry with an aperture in an ear of the attachment flange. 5. The fitting of claim 3 wherein the third portion includes an internally threaded fastener sized to threadedly receive a bolt. 6. The fitting of claim 1 wherein the strengthening member is formed of one of a metal, a ceramic, or a composite material. 7. The fitting of claim 1 wherein the strengthening member includes an internally threaded fastener sized to threadedly receive a bolt. | 3,700 |
339,436 | 16,800,347 | 3,752 | A motor drive control device driving a motor having a first system coil and a second system coil, the motor drive control device comprising: a first drive circuit controlling energization of the first system coil; a second drive circuit controlling energization of the second system coil; and a signal output circuit detecting a first voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the first system coil and a second voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the second system coil, and outputting an output signal concerning whether or not any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in an open state, based on a detection result of the first voltage and a detection result of the second voltage. | 1. A motor drive control device driving a motor having a first system coil and a second system coil, the motor drive control device comprising:
a first drive circuit controlling energization of the first system coil; a second drive circuit controlling energization of the second system coil; and a signal output circuit detecting a first voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the first system coil and a second voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the second system coil, and outputting an output signal concerning whether or not any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in an open state, based on a detection result of the first voltage and a detection result of the second voltage. 2. The motor drive control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
an external output terminal from which the output signal is output, wherein the signal output circuit outputs, when the motor is normally driven, a first output signal as the output signal from the external output terminal, and outputs, when any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in the open state, a second output signal indicating that the relevant one coil is in the open state, as the output signal, from the external output terminal. 3. The motor drive control device according to claim 2, wherein
the first output signal is a signal of which a voltage periodically varies with a rotation of the motor, and the second output signal is a signal of which a voltage is fixed. 4. The motor drive control device according to claim 2, wherein
the external output terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first drive circuit, and the first output signal is a signal output from the output terminal of the first drive circuit. 5. The motor drive control device according to claim 1, wherein
the signal output circuit includes a comparison unit comparing the first voltage with a reference voltage and comparing the second voltage with the reference voltage, and a switching circuit outputting a switching signal, based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, and outputs the output signal in accordance with the switching signal. 6. The motor drive control device according to claim 5, wherein
the signal output circuit further includes an output signal holding circuit holding the comparison result of the comparison unit for a predetermined time period. 7. The motor drive control device according to claim 1, wherein
the signal output circuit outputs an output signal indicating that any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in the open state, when any of the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined value. | A motor drive control device driving a motor having a first system coil and a second system coil, the motor drive control device comprising: a first drive circuit controlling energization of the first system coil; a second drive circuit controlling energization of the second system coil; and a signal output circuit detecting a first voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the first system coil and a second voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the second system coil, and outputting an output signal concerning whether or not any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in an open state, based on a detection result of the first voltage and a detection result of the second voltage.1. A motor drive control device driving a motor having a first system coil and a second system coil, the motor drive control device comprising:
a first drive circuit controlling energization of the first system coil; a second drive circuit controlling energization of the second system coil; and a signal output circuit detecting a first voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the first system coil and a second voltage that is a voltage at a middle point of the second system coil, and outputting an output signal concerning whether or not any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in an open state, based on a detection result of the first voltage and a detection result of the second voltage. 2. The motor drive control device according to claim 1, further comprising:
an external output terminal from which the output signal is output, wherein the signal output circuit outputs, when the motor is normally driven, a first output signal as the output signal from the external output terminal, and outputs, when any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in the open state, a second output signal indicating that the relevant one coil is in the open state, as the output signal, from the external output terminal. 3. The motor drive control device according to claim 2, wherein
the first output signal is a signal of which a voltage periodically varies with a rotation of the motor, and the second output signal is a signal of which a voltage is fixed. 4. The motor drive control device according to claim 2, wherein
the external output terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first drive circuit, and the first output signal is a signal output from the output terminal of the first drive circuit. 5. The motor drive control device according to claim 1, wherein
the signal output circuit includes a comparison unit comparing the first voltage with a reference voltage and comparing the second voltage with the reference voltage, and a switching circuit outputting a switching signal, based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, and outputs the output signal in accordance with the switching signal. 6. The motor drive control device according to claim 5, wherein
the signal output circuit further includes an output signal holding circuit holding the comparison result of the comparison unit for a predetermined time period. 7. The motor drive control device according to claim 1, wherein
the signal output circuit outputs an output signal indicating that any one of the first system coil and the second system coil is in the open state, when any of the first voltage and the second voltage is equal to or more than a predetermined value. | 3,700 |
339,437 | 16,800,335 | 3,752 | In one embodiment, a vehicle wheel cover assembly is provided that includes a mount having an attachment portion with a release configuration that permits the attachment portion to engage inboard and outboard surfaces of a wheel hub flange of a wheel and a secured configuration that fixes the attachment portion to the wheel hub flange. The wheel cover assembly includes a retainer shiftable relative to the attachment portion of the mount from an unlocked position wherein the retainer permits the attachment portion to be reconfigured between the release configuration and the secured configured configuration to a locked position wherein the retainer maintains the attachment portion in the secured configuration. The wheel cover assembly further includes a cover assembly configured to be releasably secured to the mount to cover an opening of the wheel. | 1. A vehicle wheel cover assembly comprising:
a mount; an attachment portion of the mount having a release configuration that permits the attachment portion to engage inboard and outboard surfaces of a wheel hub flange of a wheel and a secured configuration that fixes the attachment portion to the wheel hub flange; a retainer shiftable relative to the attachment portion of the mount from an unlocked position wherein the retainer permits the attachment portion to be reconfigured between the release configuration and the secured configured configuration to a locked position wherein the retainer maintains the attachment portion in the secured configuration; and a cover assembly configured to be releasably secured to the mount and cover an opening of the wheel. 2. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment portion includes a plurality of latches. 3. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 2 wherein the retainer extends around the latches with the retainer in the locked position and inhibits deflection of the latches away from the wheel hub flange. 4. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the retainer includes a loop extending about the attachment portion of the mount. 5. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment portion of the mount includes a plurality of contact surfaces and a plurality of resilient bumpers configured to engage the inboard and outboard surfaces of the wheel hub flange and sandwich the wheel hub flange between the contact surfaces and the resilient bumpers. 6. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount is rotatable with the wheel about an axis and the retainer is shiftable axially along the mount between the unlocked and locked positions. 7. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount is rotatable with the wheel about an axis; and
wherein the locked position of the retainer is axially inboard of the unlocked position. 8. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 7 wherein the mount includes at least one stop configured to limit outward axial movement of the retainer beyond the unlocked position. 9. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 7 wherein the mount includes at least one rotary stop configured to resist rotary movement of the retainer about the mount with the retainer in the unlocked position. 10. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount and retainer include at least one snap-fit connection therebetween configured to inhibit movement of the retainer from the locked position toward the unlocked position. 11. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the retainer includes a wire and the attachment portion of the mount includes at least one recess that receives the wire with the retainer in the locked position thereof. 12. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 11 wherein the attachment portion includes a plurality of latches; and
wherein the at least one recess includes at least one recess of each of the latches configured to receive the wire of the retainer. 13. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount is rotatable with the wheel about an axis;
wherein the wheel cover assembly includes at least one latch having a release position that permits the wheel cover assembly to be connected to the mount and a retaining position that inhibits removal of the wheel cover assembly from the mount; and
wherein the wheel cover assembly includes an actuator axially shiftable from an axially outward, unlocked position wherein the actuator permits the at least one latch of the wheel cover assembly to be reconfigured between the release and retaining positions and an axially inward, locked position wherein the actuator maintains the at least one latch of the wheel cover assembly in the retaining position to secure the cover assembly to the mount. 14. A vehicle wheel cover assembly having an axis of rotation, the vehicle wheel cover assembly comprising:
a mount configured to connect to a wheel hub; a cover assembly; the mount and cover assembly including a locking boss and a receptacle centered on the axis of rotation, the locking boss having an insertion configuration that permits the locking boss to be advanced into the receptacle and a secured configuration that inhibits removal of the locking boss from the receptacle; and an actuator of the cover assembly axially shiftable from an unlocked position wherein the actuator permits the locking boss to be reconfigured between the insertion and secured configurations and a locked configuration wherein the actuator inhibits the locking boss from being reconfigured from the secured configuration to the insertion configuration. 15. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a plurality of latches. 16. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 15 wherein the receptacle includes a central opening that receives the latches and a rim extending about the central opening; and
wherein the latches include barbs configured to engage an underside of the rim. 17. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a plurality of walls configured to form a mating fit with surfaces of the receptacle and resist turning of the cover assembly relative to the mount. 18. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a locking boss opening and a plurality of locking boss members disposed about the locking boss opening; and
wherein the actuator includes a locking protrusion configured to be seated in the locking boss opening with the actuator in the locked position to inhibit movement of the locking members and at least partially withdrawn from the locking boss opening with the actuator in the unlocked position to permit movement of the locking members. 19. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the mount includes the receptacle and the cover assembly includes the locking boss. 20. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a plurality of latches; and
wherein the latches are deflectable toward one another with the locking boss in the insertion configuration to permit the locking boss to be advanced into the receptacle. 21. A method of attaching a vehicle wheel cover assembly to a wheel hub flange of a wheel, the method comprising:
connecting an attachment portion of a mount of the vehicle wheel cover assembly to inboard and outboard surfaces of the wheel hub flange; shifting a retainer from an unlocked position to a locked position relative to the mount to secure the attachment portion of the mount to the inboard and outboard surfaces of the wheel hub flange; and connecting a cover assembly of the vehicle wheel cover assembly to the mount secured to the wheel hub flange to cover an opening of the wheel. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes shifting the retainer along an axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel cover assembly. 23. The method of claim 21 wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes:
pivoting a first portion of the retainer from a first unlocked position to a first locked position relative to the mount; and
pivoting a second portion of the retainer from a second unlocked position to a second locked position relative to the mount while the first portion of the retainer is at the first locked position. 24. The method of claim 21 wherein connecting the attachment portion of the mount to the wheel hub flange includes engaging a plurality of latches of the mount with the wheel hub flange; and
wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes shifting the retainer along at least one of the latches. 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the retainer includes a loop; and
wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes shifting the loop along the latches of the mount. 26. The method of claim 21 wherein the attachment portion of the mount includes at least one latch; and
wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes cammingly engaging a portion of the retainer with an inclined surface of the at least one latch. 27. The method of claim 21 wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes snapping the retainer into recesses of the attachment portion of the mount. 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the mount and the cover assembly include an opening and a plurality of cover latches;
wherein connecting the cover assembly to the mount includes advancing the cover latches into the opening; and
shifting an actuator of the cover assembly toward the wheel hub and along an axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel cover assembly from an unlocked position wherein the actuator permits the cover latches to be advanced into the opening to a locked position wherein the actuator inhibits the cover latches from being removed from the opening. | In one embodiment, a vehicle wheel cover assembly is provided that includes a mount having an attachment portion with a release configuration that permits the attachment portion to engage inboard and outboard surfaces of a wheel hub flange of a wheel and a secured configuration that fixes the attachment portion to the wheel hub flange. The wheel cover assembly includes a retainer shiftable relative to the attachment portion of the mount from an unlocked position wherein the retainer permits the attachment portion to be reconfigured between the release configuration and the secured configured configuration to a locked position wherein the retainer maintains the attachment portion in the secured configuration. The wheel cover assembly further includes a cover assembly configured to be releasably secured to the mount to cover an opening of the wheel.1. A vehicle wheel cover assembly comprising:
a mount; an attachment portion of the mount having a release configuration that permits the attachment portion to engage inboard and outboard surfaces of a wheel hub flange of a wheel and a secured configuration that fixes the attachment portion to the wheel hub flange; a retainer shiftable relative to the attachment portion of the mount from an unlocked position wherein the retainer permits the attachment portion to be reconfigured between the release configuration and the secured configured configuration to a locked position wherein the retainer maintains the attachment portion in the secured configuration; and a cover assembly configured to be releasably secured to the mount and cover an opening of the wheel. 2. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment portion includes a plurality of latches. 3. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 2 wherein the retainer extends around the latches with the retainer in the locked position and inhibits deflection of the latches away from the wheel hub flange. 4. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the retainer includes a loop extending about the attachment portion of the mount. 5. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment portion of the mount includes a plurality of contact surfaces and a plurality of resilient bumpers configured to engage the inboard and outboard surfaces of the wheel hub flange and sandwich the wheel hub flange between the contact surfaces and the resilient bumpers. 6. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount is rotatable with the wheel about an axis and the retainer is shiftable axially along the mount between the unlocked and locked positions. 7. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount is rotatable with the wheel about an axis; and
wherein the locked position of the retainer is axially inboard of the unlocked position. 8. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 7 wherein the mount includes at least one stop configured to limit outward axial movement of the retainer beyond the unlocked position. 9. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 7 wherein the mount includes at least one rotary stop configured to resist rotary movement of the retainer about the mount with the retainer in the unlocked position. 10. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount and retainer include at least one snap-fit connection therebetween configured to inhibit movement of the retainer from the locked position toward the unlocked position. 11. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the retainer includes a wire and the attachment portion of the mount includes at least one recess that receives the wire with the retainer in the locked position thereof. 12. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 11 wherein the attachment portion includes a plurality of latches; and
wherein the at least one recess includes at least one recess of each of the latches configured to receive the wire of the retainer. 13. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount is rotatable with the wheel about an axis;
wherein the wheel cover assembly includes at least one latch having a release position that permits the wheel cover assembly to be connected to the mount and a retaining position that inhibits removal of the wheel cover assembly from the mount; and
wherein the wheel cover assembly includes an actuator axially shiftable from an axially outward, unlocked position wherein the actuator permits the at least one latch of the wheel cover assembly to be reconfigured between the release and retaining positions and an axially inward, locked position wherein the actuator maintains the at least one latch of the wheel cover assembly in the retaining position to secure the cover assembly to the mount. 14. A vehicle wheel cover assembly having an axis of rotation, the vehicle wheel cover assembly comprising:
a mount configured to connect to a wheel hub; a cover assembly; the mount and cover assembly including a locking boss and a receptacle centered on the axis of rotation, the locking boss having an insertion configuration that permits the locking boss to be advanced into the receptacle and a secured configuration that inhibits removal of the locking boss from the receptacle; and an actuator of the cover assembly axially shiftable from an unlocked position wherein the actuator permits the locking boss to be reconfigured between the insertion and secured configurations and a locked configuration wherein the actuator inhibits the locking boss from being reconfigured from the secured configuration to the insertion configuration. 15. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a plurality of latches. 16. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 15 wherein the receptacle includes a central opening that receives the latches and a rim extending about the central opening; and
wherein the latches include barbs configured to engage an underside of the rim. 17. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a plurality of walls configured to form a mating fit with surfaces of the receptacle and resist turning of the cover assembly relative to the mount. 18. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a locking boss opening and a plurality of locking boss members disposed about the locking boss opening; and
wherein the actuator includes a locking protrusion configured to be seated in the locking boss opening with the actuator in the locked position to inhibit movement of the locking members and at least partially withdrawn from the locking boss opening with the actuator in the unlocked position to permit movement of the locking members. 19. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the mount includes the receptacle and the cover assembly includes the locking boss. 20. The vehicle wheel cover assembly of claim 14 wherein the locking boss includes a plurality of latches; and
wherein the latches are deflectable toward one another with the locking boss in the insertion configuration to permit the locking boss to be advanced into the receptacle. 21. A method of attaching a vehicle wheel cover assembly to a wheel hub flange of a wheel, the method comprising:
connecting an attachment portion of a mount of the vehicle wheel cover assembly to inboard and outboard surfaces of the wheel hub flange; shifting a retainer from an unlocked position to a locked position relative to the mount to secure the attachment portion of the mount to the inboard and outboard surfaces of the wheel hub flange; and connecting a cover assembly of the vehicle wheel cover assembly to the mount secured to the wheel hub flange to cover an opening of the wheel. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes shifting the retainer along an axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel cover assembly. 23. The method of claim 21 wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes:
pivoting a first portion of the retainer from a first unlocked position to a first locked position relative to the mount; and
pivoting a second portion of the retainer from a second unlocked position to a second locked position relative to the mount while the first portion of the retainer is at the first locked position. 24. The method of claim 21 wherein connecting the attachment portion of the mount to the wheel hub flange includes engaging a plurality of latches of the mount with the wheel hub flange; and
wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes shifting the retainer along at least one of the latches. 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the retainer includes a loop; and
wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes shifting the loop along the latches of the mount. 26. The method of claim 21 wherein the attachment portion of the mount includes at least one latch; and
wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes cammingly engaging a portion of the retainer with an inclined surface of the at least one latch. 27. The method of claim 21 wherein shifting the retainer from the unlocked position to the locked position includes snapping the retainer into recesses of the attachment portion of the mount. 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the mount and the cover assembly include an opening and a plurality of cover latches;
wherein connecting the cover assembly to the mount includes advancing the cover latches into the opening; and
shifting an actuator of the cover assembly toward the wheel hub and along an axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel cover assembly from an unlocked position wherein the actuator permits the cover latches to be advanced into the opening to a locked position wherein the actuator inhibits the cover latches from being removed from the opening. | 3,700 |
339,438 | 16,800,352 | 3,752 | It has been discovered that the efficiency of asphalt blow stills (reactor columns) can be improved by filling the blow still with various types of packing material, such as metal or glass spheres (or other rigid materials). The packing material acts to reduce air bubble size and improve the dispersion of the air bubbles throughout the asphalt. This increases the total surface area per unit volume of the air bubbles and promotes a faster processing time. The packing material also increases the contact time between the air bubbles and the asphalt which further results in improved efficiency and reduced blow times. This is beneficial because faster processing times can be achieved resulting in more efficient use of equipment, higher levels of productivity, lower energy requirements, cost savings, reduced blow loss, and reduced thermal history to which the asphalt is exposed. | 1. A blow still comprising:
a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall which extends from the bottom end to the top end and defines the side borders of the blow still, the blow still having at least one oxidation section, wherein the oxidation section is at least partially packed with a packing material, the blow still having an oxidizing gas introduction inlet which is situated within the oxidation section of the blow still, and wherein the blow still is configured to feed an oxidizing gas into an asphalt to decrease a penetration value and increase a softening point of the asphalt. 2. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises a plurality of spheres. 3. The blow still of claim 2 wherein the spheres are metal spheres. 4. The blow still of claim 3 wherein the metal spheres are ball bearings. 5. The blow still of claim 2 wherein the spheres are glass marbles. 6. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises metal ribbons. 7. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises knitted metal filaments. 8. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises wire gauze. 9. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises wire mesh. 10. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises wire gauze. 11. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises Raschig rings. 12. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material is metal, glass, ceramic, or combinations thereof. 13. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing gas introduction inlet is a sparger. 14. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing gas introduction inlet is a direct air injection device. 15. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing gas introduction inlet is not a sparger. 16. A method comprising:
obtaining a blow still comprising: a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall which extends from the bottom end to the top end and defines the side borders of the blow still, the blow having at least one oxidation section, wherein the oxidation section is at least partially packed with a packing material, the blow still having an oxidizing gas introduction inlet which is situated within the oxidation section of the blow still, and wherein the blow still is configured to blow an oxidizing gas into an asphalt to decrease a penetration value and increase a softening point of the asphalt, adding asphalt to the blow still, and feeding the oxidizing gas into the asphalt through the oxidizing gas introduction inlet for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease a penetration value of the asphalt and to increase a softening point of the asphalt while the asphalt is maintained at a temperature of 350° F. to 550° F. 17. A method comprising:
obtaining a blow still at least partially packed with packing material, adding asphalt to the blow still, and feeding an oxidizing gas into the asphalt for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease a penetration value of the asphalt and to increase a softening point of the asphalt while the asphalt is maintained at a temperature of 350° F. to 550° F. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the packing material comprises a plurality of spheres. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the oxidizing gas is air. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the method is a batch process. 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising obtaining a second blowstill, feeding asphalt from the blowstill to the second blowstill, and feeding an oxidizing gas into the asphalt in the second blowstill for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease a penetration value of the asphalt and to increase a softening point of the asphalt while the asphalt is maintained at a temperature of 350° F. to 550° F. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method is a continuous process. | It has been discovered that the efficiency of asphalt blow stills (reactor columns) can be improved by filling the blow still with various types of packing material, such as metal or glass spheres (or other rigid materials). The packing material acts to reduce air bubble size and improve the dispersion of the air bubbles throughout the asphalt. This increases the total surface area per unit volume of the air bubbles and promotes a faster processing time. The packing material also increases the contact time between the air bubbles and the asphalt which further results in improved efficiency and reduced blow times. This is beneficial because faster processing times can be achieved resulting in more efficient use of equipment, higher levels of productivity, lower energy requirements, cost savings, reduced blow loss, and reduced thermal history to which the asphalt is exposed.1. A blow still comprising:
a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall which extends from the bottom end to the top end and defines the side borders of the blow still, the blow still having at least one oxidation section, wherein the oxidation section is at least partially packed with a packing material, the blow still having an oxidizing gas introduction inlet which is situated within the oxidation section of the blow still, and wherein the blow still is configured to feed an oxidizing gas into an asphalt to decrease a penetration value and increase a softening point of the asphalt. 2. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises a plurality of spheres. 3. The blow still of claim 2 wherein the spheres are metal spheres. 4. The blow still of claim 3 wherein the metal spheres are ball bearings. 5. The blow still of claim 2 wherein the spheres are glass marbles. 6. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises metal ribbons. 7. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises knitted metal filaments. 8. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises wire gauze. 9. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises wire mesh. 10. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises wire gauze. 11. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material comprises Raschig rings. 12. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the packing material is metal, glass, ceramic, or combinations thereof. 13. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing gas introduction inlet is a sparger. 14. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing gas introduction inlet is a direct air injection device. 15. The blow still of claim 1 wherein the oxidizing gas introduction inlet is not a sparger. 16. A method comprising:
obtaining a blow still comprising: a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall which extends from the bottom end to the top end and defines the side borders of the blow still, the blow having at least one oxidation section, wherein the oxidation section is at least partially packed with a packing material, the blow still having an oxidizing gas introduction inlet which is situated within the oxidation section of the blow still, and wherein the blow still is configured to blow an oxidizing gas into an asphalt to decrease a penetration value and increase a softening point of the asphalt, adding asphalt to the blow still, and feeding the oxidizing gas into the asphalt through the oxidizing gas introduction inlet for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease a penetration value of the asphalt and to increase a softening point of the asphalt while the asphalt is maintained at a temperature of 350° F. to 550° F. 17. A method comprising:
obtaining a blow still at least partially packed with packing material, adding asphalt to the blow still, and feeding an oxidizing gas into the asphalt for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease a penetration value of the asphalt and to increase a softening point of the asphalt while the asphalt is maintained at a temperature of 350° F. to 550° F. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the packing material comprises a plurality of spheres. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the oxidizing gas is air. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the method is a batch process. 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising obtaining a second blowstill, feeding asphalt from the blowstill to the second blowstill, and feeding an oxidizing gas into the asphalt in the second blowstill for a period of time which is sufficient to decrease a penetration value of the asphalt and to increase a softening point of the asphalt while the asphalt is maintained at a temperature of 350° F. to 550° F. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the method is a continuous process. | 3,700 |
339,439 | 16,800,340 | 3,752 | A motor that includes a plurality of stator members and a busbar member. A coil may be wound around each of the plurality of stator members, and the plurality of stator members may be arranged in an annular shape when viewed in an axial direction of the motor. The busbar member may connect to the coil ends of the plurality of stator members. The busbar member may comprise an annular shaped base portion, and a connection terminal connected to the base portion and connected to the coil end portions. The connection terminal may be provided with two recesses. The coil end portion of a first stator member and the coil end portion of a second stator member may be inserted through the two recesses respectively, where the first stator member and the second stator member are adjacent to each other. | 1. A transducer for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, comprising:
a first coil and a second coil each comprising a first coil end and a second coil end; a first stator and a second stator each configured in an annular shape and wound with the first coil and the second coil, respectively; and a busbar comprising a base portion configured in an annular shape, and a connection terminal connected to the base portion via a base connection and configured to be connected to the first coil end of the first stator and the second coil end of the second stator, wherein the first coil end of the first stator and the second coil end of the second stator are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction along the annular shape, and the connection terminal comprises a first recess and a second recess configured to receive the first coil end of the first stator and the second coil end of the second stator, respectively. 2. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the first recess and the second recess are aligned along a width direction of the connection terminal. 3. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the first recess and the second recess are recessed from an end of the connection terminal and towards the base portion. 4. The transducer of claim 3, wherein a leading end portion of the first recess and a leading end portion of the second recess are each formed in a shape in which a center in a width direction of the first recess and the second recess are deeper than both ends in the width direction of the first recess and the second recess. 5. The transducer of claim 4, wherein
the first coil end and the second coil end are formed in a linear columnar shape, a depth of the first recess is larger in size than a diameter of the first coil end of the first stator, and a depth of the second recess is larger in size than a diameter of the second coil end of the second stator. 6. The transducer of claim 5, wherein
the first coil end of the first stator is bent along a wall of the first recess and along an outer surface of the first stator, and the second coil end of the second stator is bent along a wall of the second recess and along an outer surface of the second stator. 7. The transducer of claim 6, wherein
the connection terminal further comprises a first tongue portion between a first side end of the connection terminal and the first recess, and a second tongue portion between a second side end of the connection terminal and the second recess, the first coil end of the first stator is configured to be partially covered by the first tongue portion, and the second coil end of the second stator is configured to be partially covered by the second tongue portion. 8. The transducer of claim 7, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a bent portion bent in a direction towards the first stator and the second stator halfway in a lengthwise direction extending from the end of the connection terminal towards to the base portion. 9. The transducer of claim 4, wherein
the connection terminal further comprises a first tongue portion between a first side end of the connection terminal and the first recess, and a second tongue portion between a second side end of the connection terminal and the second recess, the first coil end of the first stator is configured to be partially covered by the first tongue portion, and the second coil end of the second stator is configured to be partially covered by the second tongue portion. 10. The transducer of claim 9, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a bent portion bent in a direction towards the first stator and the second stator halfway in a lengthwise direction extending from the end of the connection terminal towards to the base portion. 11. The transducer of claim 1, wherein
the first coil end and the second coil end are formed in a linear columnar shape, a depth of the first recess is larger in size than a diameter of the first coil end of the first stator, and a depth of the second recess is larger in size than a diameter of the second coil end of the second stator. 12. The transducer of claim 1, wherein
the first coil end of the first stator is bent along a wall of the first recess and along an outer surface of the first stator, and the second coil end of the second stator is bent along a wall of the second recess and along an outer surface of the second stator. 13. The transducer of claim 1, wherein
the connection terminal further comprises a first tongue portion between a first side end of the connection terminal and the first recess, and a second tongue portion between a second side end of the connection terminal and the second recess, the first coil end of the first stator is configured to be partially covered by the first tongue portion, and the second coil end of the second stator is configured to be partially covered by the second tongue portion. 14. The transducer of claim 2, wherein the first recess and the second recess are rounded in shape. 15. The transducer of claim 2, wherein the first recess and the second recess are rectangular in shape. | A motor that includes a plurality of stator members and a busbar member. A coil may be wound around each of the plurality of stator members, and the plurality of stator members may be arranged in an annular shape when viewed in an axial direction of the motor. The busbar member may connect to the coil ends of the plurality of stator members. The busbar member may comprise an annular shaped base portion, and a connection terminal connected to the base portion and connected to the coil end portions. The connection terminal may be provided with two recesses. The coil end portion of a first stator member and the coil end portion of a second stator member may be inserted through the two recesses respectively, where the first stator member and the second stator member are adjacent to each other.1. A transducer for converting between electrical energy and mechanical energy, comprising:
a first coil and a second coil each comprising a first coil end and a second coil end; a first stator and a second stator each configured in an annular shape and wound with the first coil and the second coil, respectively; and a busbar comprising a base portion configured in an annular shape, and a connection terminal connected to the base portion via a base connection and configured to be connected to the first coil end of the first stator and the second coil end of the second stator, wherein the first coil end of the first stator and the second coil end of the second stator are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction along the annular shape, and the connection terminal comprises a first recess and a second recess configured to receive the first coil end of the first stator and the second coil end of the second stator, respectively. 2. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the first recess and the second recess are aligned along a width direction of the connection terminal. 3. The transducer of claim 1, wherein the first recess and the second recess are recessed from an end of the connection terminal and towards the base portion. 4. The transducer of claim 3, wherein a leading end portion of the first recess and a leading end portion of the second recess are each formed in a shape in which a center in a width direction of the first recess and the second recess are deeper than both ends in the width direction of the first recess and the second recess. 5. The transducer of claim 4, wherein
the first coil end and the second coil end are formed in a linear columnar shape, a depth of the first recess is larger in size than a diameter of the first coil end of the first stator, and a depth of the second recess is larger in size than a diameter of the second coil end of the second stator. 6. The transducer of claim 5, wherein
the first coil end of the first stator is bent along a wall of the first recess and along an outer surface of the first stator, and the second coil end of the second stator is bent along a wall of the second recess and along an outer surface of the second stator. 7. The transducer of claim 6, wherein
the connection terminal further comprises a first tongue portion between a first side end of the connection terminal and the first recess, and a second tongue portion between a second side end of the connection terminal and the second recess, the first coil end of the first stator is configured to be partially covered by the first tongue portion, and the second coil end of the second stator is configured to be partially covered by the second tongue portion. 8. The transducer of claim 7, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a bent portion bent in a direction towards the first stator and the second stator halfway in a lengthwise direction extending from the end of the connection terminal towards to the base portion. 9. The transducer of claim 4, wherein
the connection terminal further comprises a first tongue portion between a first side end of the connection terminal and the first recess, and a second tongue portion between a second side end of the connection terminal and the second recess, the first coil end of the first stator is configured to be partially covered by the first tongue portion, and the second coil end of the second stator is configured to be partially covered by the second tongue portion. 10. The transducer of claim 9, wherein the connection terminal further comprises a bent portion bent in a direction towards the first stator and the second stator halfway in a lengthwise direction extending from the end of the connection terminal towards to the base portion. 11. The transducer of claim 1, wherein
the first coil end and the second coil end are formed in a linear columnar shape, a depth of the first recess is larger in size than a diameter of the first coil end of the first stator, and a depth of the second recess is larger in size than a diameter of the second coil end of the second stator. 12. The transducer of claim 1, wherein
the first coil end of the first stator is bent along a wall of the first recess and along an outer surface of the first stator, and the second coil end of the second stator is bent along a wall of the second recess and along an outer surface of the second stator. 13. The transducer of claim 1, wherein
the connection terminal further comprises a first tongue portion between a first side end of the connection terminal and the first recess, and a second tongue portion between a second side end of the connection terminal and the second recess, the first coil end of the first stator is configured to be partially covered by the first tongue portion, and the second coil end of the second stator is configured to be partially covered by the second tongue portion. 14. The transducer of claim 2, wherein the first recess and the second recess are rounded in shape. 15. The transducer of claim 2, wherein the first recess and the second recess are rectangular in shape. | 3,700 |
339,440 | 16,800,338 | 3,752 | An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue. | 1. (canceled) 2. An optical access apparatus, comprising:
an obturator sleeve defining a passageway, the passageway defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive surgical instrumentation at least partially therethrough; and a tip disposed adjacent a distal end of the obturator sleeve, the tip being rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first position where a distal end of the tip is in general alignment with the longitudinal axis and a second position where the distal end of the tip is offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the tip is selectively prevented from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve. 3. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the tip is in the first position, the tip restricts surgical instrumentation from being advanced through the passageway to a position that is distally beyond the tip. 4. The optical access apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the tip is in the second position, surgical instrumentation is permitted to advance through the passageway to a position that is distally beyond the tip. 5. The optical access apparatus according to claim 4, further including a control member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip and extending along at least a portion of the obturator sleeve, the control member being actuable to move the tip between the first position and the second position. 6. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tip includes a cutting blade adapted to penetrate tissue. 7. The optical access apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cutting blade is included on the distal end of the tip. 8. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tip allows light to pass therethrough. 9. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, further including a notch disposed on one of the obturator sleeve or the tip, and a key disposed on the other of the obturator sleeve or the tip, the notch and the key cooperate to selectively prevent the tip from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve. 10. The optical access apparatus according to claim 9, wherein distal movement of the tip relative to the obturator sleeve causes the key to disengage the notch thereby permitting rotation of the tip relative to the obturator sleeve. 11. The optical access apparatus according to claim 10, further including a control member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip and at extending along at least a portion of the obturator sleeve, the control member actuable to move the tip between the first position and the second position, and the control member actuable to move the tip distally relative to the obturator sleeve. 12. The optical access apparatus according to claim 11, further including a handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the control member, distal movement of the handle relative to the obturator sleeve actuates the control member and moves the tip distally relative to the obturator sleeve, and rotation of the handle about a handle axis actuates the control member and moves the tip between the first position and the second position. 13. The optical access apparatus according to claim 12, further including a bevel gear disposed between the handle and the control member. 14. A surgical access apparatus, comprising:
an obturator sleeve defining a passageway, the passageway defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive surgical instrumentation at least partially therethrough; a tip disposed adjacent a distal end of the obturator sleeve, the tip being rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first position where a distal end of the tip is in general alignment with the longitudinal axis and a second position where the distal end of the tip is offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the tip is selectively prevented from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve; and a gear disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip, wherein rotation of the gear rotates the tip between the first position and the second position. 15. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 14, further including a control member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip and extending along at least a portion of the obturator sleeve, the control member being actuable to move the tip between the first position and the second position. 16. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control member is actuable to move the tip distally relative to the obturator sleeve. 17. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 15, further including a handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the control member, wherein rotation of the handle about a handle axis actuates the control member and moves the tip between the first position and the second position. 18. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the gear is disposed between the handle and the control member. 19. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the gear is a bevel gear. 20. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 14, further including a notch disposed on one of the obturator sleeve or the tip, and a key disposed on the other of the obturator sleeve or the tip, the notch and the key cooperate to selectively prevent the tip from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve. | An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue.1. (canceled) 2. An optical access apparatus, comprising:
an obturator sleeve defining a passageway, the passageway defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive surgical instrumentation at least partially therethrough; and a tip disposed adjacent a distal end of the obturator sleeve, the tip being rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first position where a distal end of the tip is in general alignment with the longitudinal axis and a second position where the distal end of the tip is offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the tip is selectively prevented from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve. 3. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the tip is in the first position, the tip restricts surgical instrumentation from being advanced through the passageway to a position that is distally beyond the tip. 4. The optical access apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the tip is in the second position, surgical instrumentation is permitted to advance through the passageway to a position that is distally beyond the tip. 5. The optical access apparatus according to claim 4, further including a control member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip and extending along at least a portion of the obturator sleeve, the control member being actuable to move the tip between the first position and the second position. 6. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tip includes a cutting blade adapted to penetrate tissue. 7. The optical access apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the cutting blade is included on the distal end of the tip. 8. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tip allows light to pass therethrough. 9. The optical access apparatus according to claim 2, further including a notch disposed on one of the obturator sleeve or the tip, and a key disposed on the other of the obturator sleeve or the tip, the notch and the key cooperate to selectively prevent the tip from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve. 10. The optical access apparatus according to claim 9, wherein distal movement of the tip relative to the obturator sleeve causes the key to disengage the notch thereby permitting rotation of the tip relative to the obturator sleeve. 11. The optical access apparatus according to claim 10, further including a control member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip and at extending along at least a portion of the obturator sleeve, the control member actuable to move the tip between the first position and the second position, and the control member actuable to move the tip distally relative to the obturator sleeve. 12. The optical access apparatus according to claim 11, further including a handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the control member, distal movement of the handle relative to the obturator sleeve actuates the control member and moves the tip distally relative to the obturator sleeve, and rotation of the handle about a handle axis actuates the control member and moves the tip between the first position and the second position. 13. The optical access apparatus according to claim 12, further including a bevel gear disposed between the handle and the control member. 14. A surgical access apparatus, comprising:
an obturator sleeve defining a passageway, the passageway defining a longitudinal axis and configured to receive surgical instrumentation at least partially therethrough; a tip disposed adjacent a distal end of the obturator sleeve, the tip being rotatable about an axis of rotation between a first position where a distal end of the tip is in general alignment with the longitudinal axis and a second position where the distal end of the tip is offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the tip is selectively prevented from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve; and a gear disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip, wherein rotation of the gear rotates the tip between the first position and the second position. 15. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 14, further including a control member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the tip and extending along at least a portion of the obturator sleeve, the control member being actuable to move the tip between the first position and the second position. 16. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control member is actuable to move the tip distally relative to the obturator sleeve. 17. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 15, further including a handle disposed in mechanical cooperation with the control member, wherein rotation of the handle about a handle axis actuates the control member and moves the tip between the first position and the second position. 18. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the gear is disposed between the handle and the control member. 19. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the gear is a bevel gear. 20. The surgical access apparatus according to claim 14, further including a notch disposed on one of the obturator sleeve or the tip, and a key disposed on the other of the obturator sleeve or the tip, the notch and the key cooperate to selectively prevent the tip from rotating about the axis of rotation relative to the obturator sleeve. | 3,700 |
339,441 | 16,800,373 | 2,628 | A system and method of updating a display device is provided. The system comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor perform the method. The method comprises detecting a change in display data stored in a database, and updating a display template file to reflect the change in the display data. The display template file comprises data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields. The display template file are used by a local display system to render the display data. | 1. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor perform a method of updating a display device, the processor configured to: detect a change in display data stored in a database; and update a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file comprising data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
update a current master data sheet based on the change in the display data, the current master data sheet comprising data fields associated with the display data; and determine a location of a display associated with the change in the display data. 3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the current master data sheet comprises data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields. 4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to detect the change in the display data stored in the database, the processor is configured to:
populate an updated master data sheet with the display data stored in the database; and compare the updated master data sheet with a current master data sheet. 5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to update the current master data sheet, the processor is configured to:
merge the current master data sheet with the updated master data sheet. 6. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to determine the location of the display associated with the change in the display data, the processor is configured to:
obtain the location from a display location field associated with the change in the display data. 7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to update the display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the processor is configured to:
generate an updated display template file reflecting the change in the display data; and replace a current display template file stored at a location accessed by the local display system with the updated display template file. 8. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the change to the display data comprises a plurality of changes pertaining to a plurality of displays, and the processor is further configured to:
determine locations for each of the plurality of displays; and for each display, parse the updated master data sheet to include entries associated for that display in a separate display template file. 9. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to detect a change in a display data, the processor is configured to:
receive an updated master data sheet that reflects the change to the display data. 10. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to:
locate a display template field name that does not have a corresponding master data sheet field name; and add a new display data field to the master data sheet for each location, the new display data field having a name that matches the display template field name. 11. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to:
associate a plurality of display template files with a display of the local display system, each display template file associated with, and rendered on the display, by the local display system during a display time. 12. A method of updating a display device, the method comprising:
detecting a change in display data stored in a database; and updating a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file comprising data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
updating a current master data sheet based on the change in the display data, the current master data sheet comprising data fields associated with the display data; and determining a location of a display associated with the change in the display data. 14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the current master data sheet comprises data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields. 15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein detecting the change in the display data stored in the database comprises:
populating an updated master data sheet with the display data stored in the database; and comparing the updated master data sheet with a current master data sheet. 16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein updating the current master data sheet comprises:
merging the current master data sheet with the updated master data sheet. 17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein determining the location of the display associated with the change in the display data comprises:
obtaining the location from a display location field associated with the change in the display data. 18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein updating the display template file to reflect the change in the display data comprises:
generating, by the processor, an updated display template file reflecting the change in the display data; and replacing, by the processor, a current display template file stored at a location accessed by the local display system with the updated display template file. 19. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the change to the display data comprises a plurality of changes pertaining to a plurality of displays, and the method further comprises:
determining locations for each of the plurality of displays; and for each display, parsing the updated master data sheet to include entries associated for that display in a separate display template file. 20. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein detecting a change in a display data comprises:
receiving an updated master data sheet that reflects the change to the display data. 21. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
locating, by the processor, a display template field name that does not have a corresponding master data sheet field name; and adding a new display data field to the master data sheet for each location, the new display data field having a name that matches the display template field name. 22. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
associating a plurality of display template files a display of the local display system, each display template file associated with, and rendered on the display, by the local display system during a display time. 23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions thereon which, when executed by a processor, perform a method of updating a display device, said method comprising:
detecting a change in display data stored in a database; and updating a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file comprising data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions thereon which, when executed by a processor, perform a method of updating a display device, said method comprising:
detecting, by a processor, a change in display data stored in a database; updating, by the processor, a current master data sheet based on the change in the display data, the current master data sheet comprising data fields associated with the display data; determining, by the processor, a location of a display associated with the change in the display data; and updating, by the processor, a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 25-28. (canceled) | A system and method of updating a display device is provided. The system comprises a processor and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor perform the method. The method comprises detecting a change in display data stored in a database, and updating a display template file to reflect the change in the display data. The display template file comprises data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields. The display template file are used by a local display system to render the display data.1. A system comprising:
a processor; and a memory storing instructions which when executed by the processor perform a method of updating a display device, the processor configured to: detect a change in display data stored in a database; and update a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file comprising data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to:
update a current master data sheet based on the change in the display data, the current master data sheet comprising data fields associated with the display data; and determine a location of a display associated with the change in the display data. 3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the current master data sheet comprises data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields. 4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to detect the change in the display data stored in the database, the processor is configured to:
populate an updated master data sheet with the display data stored in the database; and compare the updated master data sheet with a current master data sheet. 5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to update the current master data sheet, the processor is configured to:
merge the current master data sheet with the updated master data sheet. 6. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to determine the location of the display associated with the change in the display data, the processor is configured to:
obtain the location from a display location field associated with the change in the display data. 7. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to update the display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the processor is configured to:
generate an updated display template file reflecting the change in the display data; and replace a current display template file stored at a location accessed by the local display system with the updated display template file. 8. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the change to the display data comprises a plurality of changes pertaining to a plurality of displays, and the processor is further configured to:
determine locations for each of the plurality of displays; and for each display, parse the updated master data sheet to include entries associated for that display in a separate display template file. 9. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein to detect a change in a display data, the processor is configured to:
receive an updated master data sheet that reflects the change to the display data. 10. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to:
locate a display template field name that does not have a corresponding master data sheet field name; and add a new display data field to the master data sheet for each location, the new display data field having a name that matches the display template field name. 11. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to:
associate a plurality of display template files with a display of the local display system, each display template file associated with, and rendered on the display, by the local display system during a display time. 12. A method of updating a display device, the method comprising:
detecting a change in display data stored in a database; and updating a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file comprising data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
updating a current master data sheet based on the change in the display data, the current master data sheet comprising data fields associated with the display data; and determining a location of a display associated with the change in the display data. 14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the current master data sheet comprises data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields. 15. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein detecting the change in the display data stored in the database comprises:
populating an updated master data sheet with the display data stored in the database; and comparing the updated master data sheet with a current master data sheet. 16. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein updating the current master data sheet comprises:
merging the current master data sheet with the updated master data sheet. 17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein determining the location of the display associated with the change in the display data comprises:
obtaining the location from a display location field associated with the change in the display data. 18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein updating the display template file to reflect the change in the display data comprises:
generating, by the processor, an updated display template file reflecting the change in the display data; and replacing, by the processor, a current display template file stored at a location accessed by the local display system with the updated display template file. 19. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the change to the display data comprises a plurality of changes pertaining to a plurality of displays, and the method further comprises:
determining locations for each of the plurality of displays; and for each display, parsing the updated master data sheet to include entries associated for that display in a separate display template file. 20. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein detecting a change in a display data comprises:
receiving an updated master data sheet that reflects the change to the display data. 21. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
locating, by the processor, a display template field name that does not have a corresponding master data sheet field name; and adding a new display data field to the master data sheet for each location, the new display data field having a name that matches the display template field name. 22. The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:
associating a plurality of display template files a display of the local display system, each display template file associated with, and rendered on the display, by the local display system during a display time. 23. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions thereon which, when executed by a processor, perform a method of updating a display device, said method comprising:
detecting a change in display data stored in a database; and updating a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file comprising data fields having names that are similar to names of corresponding database data fields, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 24. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions thereon which, when executed by a processor, perform a method of updating a display device, said method comprising:
detecting, by a processor, a change in display data stored in a database; updating, by the processor, a current master data sheet based on the change in the display data, the current master data sheet comprising data fields associated with the display data; determining, by the processor, a location of a display associated with the change in the display data; and updating, by the processor, a display template file to reflect the change in the display data, the display template file used by a local display system to render the display data. 25-28. (canceled) | 2,600 |
339,442 | 16,800,357 | 2,628 | A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle includes a housing, a camera disposed in the housing, and a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing. The camera views through the transparent cover. With the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle. With the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover rotates relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover. | 1. A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle, the vehicular camera module comprising:
a housing; a camera disposed in the housing; a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing, the camera viewing through the transparent cover; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle; and wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover rotates relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover. 2. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, wherein the camera is offset from a center region of the transparent cover so as to have a principal axis of the field of view of the camera through a region of the transparent cover that is radially outboard of the center region of the transparent cover. 3. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, wherein the camera is centered at the transparent cover so as to have a principal axis of the field of view of the camera through the center of the transparent cover. 4. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, comprising a fluid spraying device that, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, outputs pressurized fluid onto the outer surface of the transparent cover. 5. The vehicular camera module of claim 4, wherein pressurized fluid output by the fluid spraying device is used to power a fluid driven motor that rotatably drives the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing. 6. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, comprising an electrically powered motor that, when electrically powered, rotatably drives the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing. 7. The vehicular camera module of claim 6, comprising at least one wiping element that, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, is configured to engage an exterior surface of the transparent cover as the transparent cover is rotated relative to the camera and the housing. 8. The vehicular camera module of claim 7, comprising a controller, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller operates to move the at least one wiping element into engagement with the exterior surface of the transparent cover at least in part responsive to determination of presence of dirt or ice or debris at the transparent cover. 9. The vehicular camera module of claim 8, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller controls the electrically powered motor to rotate the transparent cover at a slower speed when the at least one wiping element is engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover and at a faster speed when the at least one wiping element is not engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover. 10. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, comprising an air spraying device that, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, forces a curtain of pressurized air across the outer surface of the transparent cover, wherein the forced pressurized air functions to deflect particulates as the particulates approach the transparent cover. 11. The vehicular camera module of claim 10, wherein the forced pressurized air assists in removing water and/or debris from the outer surface of the transparent cover. 12. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the vehicular camera module is part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle. 13. The vehicular camera module of claim 12, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the vehicular camera module of the multi-camera vision system captures image data for display of a surround view of the vehicle for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. 14. A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle, the vehicular camera module comprising:
a housing; a camera disposed in the housing; a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing, the camera viewing through the transparent cover; a fluid spraying device operable to spray fluid at least across the transparent cover; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle; wherein the camera is offset from a center region of the transparent cover so as to have a principal axis of the field of view of the camera through a region of the transparent cover that is radially outboard of the center region of the transparent cover; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover rotates relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover; and wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, and with the fluid spraying device spraying fluid at least across the transparent cover, the sprayed fluid assists in removing water and/or debris from the outer surface of the transparent cover. 15. The vehicular camera module of claim 14, wherein fluid output by the fluid spraying device is used to power a fluid driven motor that rotatably drives the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing. 16. The vehicular camera module of claim 14, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, and with the fluid spraying device spraying fluid at least across the transparent cover, the sprayed fluid establishes a curtain of fluid across the outer surface of the transparent cover, and wherein the curtain of fluid deflects particulates as the particulates approach the transparent cover. 17. The vehicular camera module of claim 16, wherein the sprayed fluid comprises pressurized air, and wherein the fluid spraying device comprises a nozzle that outputs pressurized air in a direction transverse to the principal axis of the field of view of the camera. 18. A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle, the vehicular camera module comprising:
a housing; a camera disposed in the housing; a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing, the camera viewing through the transparent cover; a wiping element that is configured to engage an exterior surface of the transparent cover to wipe the transparent cover as the transparent cover is rotated relative to the camera and the housing; a controller operable to control rotation of the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover is rotatable relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover; and wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller operates to rotate the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing at the rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute at least in part responsive to a trigger. 19. The vehicular camera module of claim 18, wherein the trigger comprises determination, via processing of image data captured by the camera, of presence of dirt or ice or debris at the transparent cover. 20. The vehicular camera module of claim 18, wherein vehicular camera module comprises a rear backup camera of a vehicle, and wherein the trigger comprises shifting of the vehicle transmission into reverse gear. 21. The vehicular camera module of claim 18, wherein, at least in part responsive to determination of presence of dirt or ice or debris at the transparent cover, the controller operates to move the wiping element into engagement with the exterior surface of the transparent cover. 22. The vehicular camera module of claim 21, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller rotates the transparent cover at a slower rotational speed when the wiping element is engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover and at a faster rotational speed when the wiping element is not engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover, and wherein the faster rotational speed is at least 1,000 rotations per minute. 23. The vehicular camera module of claim 22, wherein the controller rotates the transparent cover by applying a higher torque when rotating the transparent cover at the slower rotational speed as compared to the torque applied when rotating the transparent cover at the faster rotational speed. | A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle includes a housing, a camera disposed in the housing, and a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing. The camera views through the transparent cover. With the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle. With the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover rotates relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover.1. A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle, the vehicular camera module comprising:
a housing; a camera disposed in the housing; a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing, the camera viewing through the transparent cover; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle; and wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover rotates relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover. 2. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, wherein the camera is offset from a center region of the transparent cover so as to have a principal axis of the field of view of the camera through a region of the transparent cover that is radially outboard of the center region of the transparent cover. 3. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, wherein the camera is centered at the transparent cover so as to have a principal axis of the field of view of the camera through the center of the transparent cover. 4. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, comprising a fluid spraying device that, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, outputs pressurized fluid onto the outer surface of the transparent cover. 5. The vehicular camera module of claim 4, wherein pressurized fluid output by the fluid spraying device is used to power a fluid driven motor that rotatably drives the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing. 6. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, comprising an electrically powered motor that, when electrically powered, rotatably drives the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing. 7. The vehicular camera module of claim 6, comprising at least one wiping element that, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, is configured to engage an exterior surface of the transparent cover as the transparent cover is rotated relative to the camera and the housing. 8. The vehicular camera module of claim 7, comprising a controller, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller operates to move the at least one wiping element into engagement with the exterior surface of the transparent cover at least in part responsive to determination of presence of dirt or ice or debris at the transparent cover. 9. The vehicular camera module of claim 8, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller controls the electrically powered motor to rotate the transparent cover at a slower speed when the at least one wiping element is engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover and at a faster speed when the at least one wiping element is not engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover. 10. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, comprising an air spraying device that, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, forces a curtain of pressurized air across the outer surface of the transparent cover, wherein the forced pressurized air functions to deflect particulates as the particulates approach the transparent cover. 11. The vehicular camera module of claim 10, wherein the forced pressurized air assists in removing water and/or debris from the outer surface of the transparent cover. 12. The vehicular camera module of claim 1, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the vehicular camera module is part of a multi-camera vision system of the vehicle. 13. The vehicular camera module of claim 12, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the vehicular camera module of the multi-camera vision system captures image data for display of a surround view of the vehicle for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. 14. A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle, the vehicular camera module comprising:
a housing; a camera disposed in the housing; a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing, the camera viewing through the transparent cover; a fluid spraying device operable to spray fluid at least across the transparent cover; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle; wherein the camera is offset from a center region of the transparent cover so as to have a principal axis of the field of view of the camera through a region of the transparent cover that is radially outboard of the center region of the transparent cover; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover rotates relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover; and wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, and with the fluid spraying device spraying fluid at least across the transparent cover, the sprayed fluid assists in removing water and/or debris from the outer surface of the transparent cover. 15. The vehicular camera module of claim 14, wherein fluid output by the fluid spraying device is used to power a fluid driven motor that rotatably drives the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing. 16. The vehicular camera module of claim 14, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, and with the fluid spraying device spraying fluid at least across the transparent cover, the sprayed fluid establishes a curtain of fluid across the outer surface of the transparent cover, and wherein the curtain of fluid deflects particulates as the particulates approach the transparent cover. 17. The vehicular camera module of claim 16, wherein the sprayed fluid comprises pressurized air, and wherein the fluid spraying device comprises a nozzle that outputs pressurized air in a direction transverse to the principal axis of the field of view of the camera. 18. A vehicular camera module configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle, the vehicular camera module comprising:
a housing; a camera disposed in the housing; a transparent cover rotatably mounted at the housing, the camera viewing through the transparent cover; a wiping element that is configured to engage an exterior surface of the transparent cover to wipe the transparent cover as the transparent cover is rotated relative to the camera and the housing; a controller operable to control rotation of the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the camera views through the transparent cover in order to capture image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle; wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the transparent cover is rotatable relative to the camera and the housing at a rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute to at least partially remove water and/or debris from an outer surface of the transparent cover; and wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller operates to rotate the transparent cover relative to the camera and the housing at the rotational speed of at least 1,000 rotations per minute at least in part responsive to a trigger. 19. The vehicular camera module of claim 18, wherein the trigger comprises determination, via processing of image data captured by the camera, of presence of dirt or ice or debris at the transparent cover. 20. The vehicular camera module of claim 18, wherein vehicular camera module comprises a rear backup camera of a vehicle, and wherein the trigger comprises shifting of the vehicle transmission into reverse gear. 21. The vehicular camera module of claim 18, wherein, at least in part responsive to determination of presence of dirt or ice or debris at the transparent cover, the controller operates to move the wiping element into engagement with the exterior surface of the transparent cover. 22. The vehicular camera module of claim 21, wherein, with the vehicular camera module mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the controller rotates the transparent cover at a slower rotational speed when the wiping element is engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover and at a faster rotational speed when the wiping element is not engaged with the exterior surface of the transparent cover, and wherein the faster rotational speed is at least 1,000 rotations per minute. 23. The vehicular camera module of claim 22, wherein the controller rotates the transparent cover by applying a higher torque when rotating the transparent cover at the slower rotational speed as compared to the torque applied when rotating the transparent cover at the faster rotational speed. | 2,600 |
339,443 | 16,800,271 | 2,628 | A power supply circuit according to the present invention includes, for example, an output circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage using an output transistor, a filter circuit arranged to smooth the stabilized voltage using a resistor and a capacitor so as to generate an output voltage, and a charging circuit arranged to supply charging current to the capacitor without the charging current being passed through the resistor. | 1. A power supply circuit comprising:
an output circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage using an output transistor: a filter circuit arranged to smooth the stabilized voltage using a resistor and a capacitor so as to generate an output voltage; and a charging circuit arranged to supply charging current to the capacitor without the charging current being passed through the resistor. 2. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a charging comparator arranged to compare the stabilized voltage with the output voltage so as to generate a charging control signal, and a charging switch arranged to turn on and off the charging current in accordance with the charging control signal. 3. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a PMOSFET having a source connected to an application terminal of the stabilized voltage, a drain connected to an application terminal of the output voltage, and a gate connected to a gate of the output transistor. 4. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a depression type NMOSFET having a drain connected to an application terminal of the stabilized voltage, a source connected to an application terminal of the output voltage, and a gate connected to an application terminal of a predetermined bias voltage. 5. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a diode having an anode connected to an application terminal of the stabilized voltage, and a cathode connected to an application terminal of the output voltage. 6. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge circuit arranged to draw a discharge current from the capacitor without the discharge current being passed through the resistor when the output voltage is higher than an overcharge detection threshold value. 7. The power supply circuit according to claim 6, wherein the discharge circuit includes a current mirror type comparator arranged to compare the stabilized voltage with the output voltage so as to generate the discharge current. 8. The power supply circuit according to claim 6, wherein the discharge circuit includes a discharge comparator arranged to compare the stabilized voltage with the output voltage so as to generate a discharge control signal, and a discharge switch arranged to turn on and off the discharge current in accordance with the discharge control signal. 9. A power supply device comprising an internal power supply circuit arranged to generate an internal reference voltage or an internal power supply voltage, wherein the internal power supply circuit is the power supply circuit according to claim 10. A vehicle comprising:
the power supply device according to claim 9; and a load supplied with power from the power supply device. 11. A power supply circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage, the power supply circuit comprising:
an output transistor having a first electrode receiving the input voltage, a second electrode, and a control electrode; a first node connected to the second electrode of the output transistor directly or via an inserted resistor; a control circuit arranged to supply a control voltage based on a feedback voltage corresponding to a voltage at the first node to the control electrode of the output transistor so as to control a state of the output transistor; a filter circuit having a filter resistor and a filter capacitor, arranged to smooth the voltage at the first node so as to generate the stabilized voltage at a second node; and a charging transistor disposed between the first node and the second node, a state of the charging transistor being controlled on the basis of a voltage drop at the inserted resistor, wherein when the charging transistor is on state, the filter capacitor is charged through the charging transistor. 12. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein
the power supply circuit is a linear regulator arranged to control the output transistor so that the stabilized voltage matches a predetermined target voltage, in a predetermined first state where the input voltage is lower than the target voltage, the control circuit generates a voltage for allowing both the output transistor and the charging transistor to be on state as the control voltage, on the basis of the feedback voltage, and in a predetermined second state where the input voltage is higher than the target voltage, the control circuit generates a voltage for allowing the output transistor to be on state and allowing the charging transistor to be off state as the control voltage, on the basis of the feedback voltage. 13. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein
the output transistor and the charging transistor are constituted as P-channel type MOSFETs, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a control electrode of the output transistor are respectively a source, a drain, and a gate of the output transistor, a source and a drain of the charging transistor are connected to the first node and the second node, respectively, and the control voltage is applied commonly to gates of the output transistor and the charging transistor. 14. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein
the first node is connected to the second electrode of the output transistor via the inserted resistor, and the power supply circuit further comprises a second charging transistor disposed between the first node and the second node, a state of the second charging transistor being controlled on the basis of a voltage drop at the inserted resistor. 15. The power supply circuit according to claim 14, wherein when a voltage at the second electrode of the output transistor with respect to a potential at the second node is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage of the second charging transistor, the second charging transistor is on state so that the filter capacitor is charged through the second charging transistor. 16. The power supply circuit according to claim 14, wherein
the second charging transistor is constituted as an N-channel type MOSFET, a drain and a source of the second charging transistor are connected to the first node and the second node, respectively, and a gate of the second charging transistor is connected to a second electrode of the output transistor. 17. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein the filter resistor is disposed between the first node and the second node, and the filter resistor and the filter capacitor are connected to each other at the second node. 18. A power supply circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage, the power supply circuit comprising:
an output transistor having a first electrode receiving the input voltage, a second electrode, and a control electrode: a first node connected to the second electrode of the output transistor via an inserted resistor; a control circuit arranged to supply a control voltage based on a feedback voltage corresponding to a voltage at the first node to the control electrode of the output transistor so as to control a state of the output transistor; a filter circuit having a filter resistor and a filter capacitor, arranged to smooth the voltage at the first node so as to generate the stabilized voltage at a second node; and a charging transistor disposed between the first node and the second node, a state of the charging transistor being controlled on the basis of a voltage drop at the inserted resistor, wherein when the charging transistor is on state, the filter capacitor is charged through the charging transistor. 19. The power supply circuit according to claim 18, wherein when a voltage at the second electrode of the output transistor with respect to a potential at the second node is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage of the charging transistor, the charging transistor is on state so that the filter capacitor is charged through the charging transistor. 20. The power supply circuit according to claim 18, wherein
the charging transistor is configured as an N-channel type MOSFET, a drain and a source of the charging transistor are connected to the first node and the second node, respectively, and a gate of the charging transistor is connected to a second electrode of the output transistor. 21. The power supply circuit according to claim 18, wherein the filter resistor is disposed between the first node and the second node, and the filter resistor and the filter capacitor are connected to each other at the second node. 22. A power supply device comprising:
the power supply circuit according to claim 11; and an output circuit arranged to receive with voltage follower the stabilized voltage generated by the power supply circuit so as to generate an output voltage. | A power supply circuit according to the present invention includes, for example, an output circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage using an output transistor, a filter circuit arranged to smooth the stabilized voltage using a resistor and a capacitor so as to generate an output voltage, and a charging circuit arranged to supply charging current to the capacitor without the charging current being passed through the resistor.1. A power supply circuit comprising:
an output circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage using an output transistor: a filter circuit arranged to smooth the stabilized voltage using a resistor and a capacitor so as to generate an output voltage; and a charging circuit arranged to supply charging current to the capacitor without the charging current being passed through the resistor. 2. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a charging comparator arranged to compare the stabilized voltage with the output voltage so as to generate a charging control signal, and a charging switch arranged to turn on and off the charging current in accordance with the charging control signal. 3. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a PMOSFET having a source connected to an application terminal of the stabilized voltage, a drain connected to an application terminal of the output voltage, and a gate connected to a gate of the output transistor. 4. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a depression type NMOSFET having a drain connected to an application terminal of the stabilized voltage, a source connected to an application terminal of the output voltage, and a gate connected to an application terminal of a predetermined bias voltage. 5. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, wherein the charging circuit includes a diode having an anode connected to an application terminal of the stabilized voltage, and a cathode connected to an application terminal of the output voltage. 6. The power supply circuit according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge circuit arranged to draw a discharge current from the capacitor without the discharge current being passed through the resistor when the output voltage is higher than an overcharge detection threshold value. 7. The power supply circuit according to claim 6, wherein the discharge circuit includes a current mirror type comparator arranged to compare the stabilized voltage with the output voltage so as to generate the discharge current. 8. The power supply circuit according to claim 6, wherein the discharge circuit includes a discharge comparator arranged to compare the stabilized voltage with the output voltage so as to generate a discharge control signal, and a discharge switch arranged to turn on and off the discharge current in accordance with the discharge control signal. 9. A power supply device comprising an internal power supply circuit arranged to generate an internal reference voltage or an internal power supply voltage, wherein the internal power supply circuit is the power supply circuit according to claim 10. A vehicle comprising:
the power supply device according to claim 9; and a load supplied with power from the power supply device. 11. A power supply circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage, the power supply circuit comprising:
an output transistor having a first electrode receiving the input voltage, a second electrode, and a control electrode; a first node connected to the second electrode of the output transistor directly or via an inserted resistor; a control circuit arranged to supply a control voltage based on a feedback voltage corresponding to a voltage at the first node to the control electrode of the output transistor so as to control a state of the output transistor; a filter circuit having a filter resistor and a filter capacitor, arranged to smooth the voltage at the first node so as to generate the stabilized voltage at a second node; and a charging transistor disposed between the first node and the second node, a state of the charging transistor being controlled on the basis of a voltage drop at the inserted resistor, wherein when the charging transistor is on state, the filter capacitor is charged through the charging transistor. 12. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein
the power supply circuit is a linear regulator arranged to control the output transistor so that the stabilized voltage matches a predetermined target voltage, in a predetermined first state where the input voltage is lower than the target voltage, the control circuit generates a voltage for allowing both the output transistor and the charging transistor to be on state as the control voltage, on the basis of the feedback voltage, and in a predetermined second state where the input voltage is higher than the target voltage, the control circuit generates a voltage for allowing the output transistor to be on state and allowing the charging transistor to be off state as the control voltage, on the basis of the feedback voltage. 13. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein
the output transistor and the charging transistor are constituted as P-channel type MOSFETs, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a control electrode of the output transistor are respectively a source, a drain, and a gate of the output transistor, a source and a drain of the charging transistor are connected to the first node and the second node, respectively, and the control voltage is applied commonly to gates of the output transistor and the charging transistor. 14. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein
the first node is connected to the second electrode of the output transistor via the inserted resistor, and the power supply circuit further comprises a second charging transistor disposed between the first node and the second node, a state of the second charging transistor being controlled on the basis of a voltage drop at the inserted resistor. 15. The power supply circuit according to claim 14, wherein when a voltage at the second electrode of the output transistor with respect to a potential at the second node is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage of the second charging transistor, the second charging transistor is on state so that the filter capacitor is charged through the second charging transistor. 16. The power supply circuit according to claim 14, wherein
the second charging transistor is constituted as an N-channel type MOSFET, a drain and a source of the second charging transistor are connected to the first node and the second node, respectively, and a gate of the second charging transistor is connected to a second electrode of the output transistor. 17. The power supply circuit according to claim 11, wherein the filter resistor is disposed between the first node and the second node, and the filter resistor and the filter capacitor are connected to each other at the second node. 18. A power supply circuit arranged to generate a stabilized voltage from an input voltage, the power supply circuit comprising:
an output transistor having a first electrode receiving the input voltage, a second electrode, and a control electrode: a first node connected to the second electrode of the output transistor via an inserted resistor; a control circuit arranged to supply a control voltage based on a feedback voltage corresponding to a voltage at the first node to the control electrode of the output transistor so as to control a state of the output transistor; a filter circuit having a filter resistor and a filter capacitor, arranged to smooth the voltage at the first node so as to generate the stabilized voltage at a second node; and a charging transistor disposed between the first node and the second node, a state of the charging transistor being controlled on the basis of a voltage drop at the inserted resistor, wherein when the charging transistor is on state, the filter capacitor is charged through the charging transistor. 19. The power supply circuit according to claim 18, wherein when a voltage at the second electrode of the output transistor with respect to a potential at the second node is higher than or equal to a threshold voltage of the charging transistor, the charging transistor is on state so that the filter capacitor is charged through the charging transistor. 20. The power supply circuit according to claim 18, wherein
the charging transistor is configured as an N-channel type MOSFET, a drain and a source of the charging transistor are connected to the first node and the second node, respectively, and a gate of the charging transistor is connected to a second electrode of the output transistor. 21. The power supply circuit according to claim 18, wherein the filter resistor is disposed between the first node and the second node, and the filter resistor and the filter capacitor are connected to each other at the second node. 22. A power supply device comprising:
the power supply circuit according to claim 11; and an output circuit arranged to receive with voltage follower the stabilized voltage generated by the power supply circuit so as to generate an output voltage. | 2,600 |
339,444 | 16,800,322 | 2,628 | The disclosed computer-implemented method for agentless and accelerated backup of a database may include, receiving, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server. The method additionally includes receiving, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server. The method also includes determining, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data. The method further includes providing, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. | 1. A computer-implemented method for agentless and accelerated backup of a database, at least a portion of the method being performed by a computing device comprising at least one processor, the method comprising:
receiving, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server; receiving, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server; determining, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data; and providing, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the blocks of data includes receiving the blocks of data over a file sharing mechanism that allows files copied over a file sharing protocol to be catalogued as backups. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a network file sharing (NFS) data export mechanism. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a writeable overlay. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the sharing mechanism includes a data deduplication engine. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the one or more native logs includes receiving the native logs from the data server configured in log replication mode. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the one or more changed blocks includes spinning up a database container image, by the data backup device, and using the database container image to generate a synthetic full copy by applying the native logs to the full backup. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein creating the synthetic full backup includes performing a backup of the synthetic full copy. 9. A system for agentless and accelerated backup of a database, the system comprising:
a computing device comprising at least one physical processor; and physical memory coupled to the at least one physical processor, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to:
receive, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server;
receive, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server;
determine, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data; and
provide, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to receive the blocks of data at least in part by receiving the blocks of data over a file sharing mechanism that allows files copied over a file sharing protocol to be catalogued as backups. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a network file sharing (NFS) data export mechanism. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a writeable overlay. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the sharing mechanism includes a data deduplication engine. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to receive the one or more native logs at least in part by receiving the native logs from the data server configured in log replication mode. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to determine the one or more changed blocks at least in part by spinning up a database container image, by the data backup device, and using the database container image to generate a synthetic full copy by applying the native logs to the full backup. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to create the synthetic full backup at least in part by performing a backup of the synthetic full copy. 17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to:
receive, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server; receive, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server; determine, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data; and provide, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the computing device to receive the blocks of data at least in part by receiving the blocks of data over a file sharing mechanism that allows files copied over a file sharing protocol to be catalogued as backups. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the computing device to determine the one or more changed blocks at least in part by spinning up a database container image, by the data backup device, and using the database container image to generate a synthetic full copy by applying the native logs to the full backup. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the computing device to create the synthetic full backup at least in part by performing a backup of the synthetic full copy. | The disclosed computer-implemented method for agentless and accelerated backup of a database may include, receiving, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server. The method additionally includes receiving, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server. The method also includes determining, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data. The method further includes providing, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup.1. A computer-implemented method for agentless and accelerated backup of a database, at least a portion of the method being performed by a computing device comprising at least one processor, the method comprising:
receiving, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server; receiving, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server; determining, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data; and providing, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the blocks of data includes receiving the blocks of data over a file sharing mechanism that allows files copied over a file sharing protocol to be catalogued as backups. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a network file sharing (NFS) data export mechanism. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a writeable overlay. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the sharing mechanism includes a data deduplication engine. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the one or more native logs includes receiving the native logs from the data server configured in log replication mode. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the one or more changed blocks includes spinning up a database container image, by the data backup device, and using the database container image to generate a synthetic full copy by applying the native logs to the full backup. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein creating the synthetic full backup includes performing a backup of the synthetic full copy. 9. A system for agentless and accelerated backup of a database, the system comprising:
a computing device comprising at least one physical processor; and physical memory coupled to the at least one physical processor, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to:
receive, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server;
receive, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server;
determine, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data; and
provide, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to receive the blocks of data at least in part by receiving the blocks of data over a file sharing mechanism that allows files copied over a file sharing protocol to be catalogued as backups. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a network file sharing (NFS) data export mechanism. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the file sharing mechanism includes a writeable overlay. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the sharing mechanism includes a data deduplication engine. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to receive the one or more native logs at least in part by receiving the native logs from the data server configured in log replication mode. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to determine the one or more changed blocks at least in part by spinning up a database container image, by the data backup device, and using the database container image to generate a synthetic full copy by applying the native logs to the full backup. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the at least one physical processor is configured to create the synthetic full backup at least in part by performing a backup of the synthetic full copy. 17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising one or more computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a computing device, cause the computing device to:
receive, by a data backup device from a data server, blocks of data that provide a full backup of data of the data server; receive, by the data backup device from the data server, one or more native logs indicating one or more transactions performed by the data server; determine, by the data backup device and based on the native logs, one or more changed blocks of the blocks of data; and provide, by the data backup device, a point in time restore of the data server by creating a synthetic full backup that overlays one or more of the blocks of data with the one or more changed blocks, and that shares remaining blocks of the blocks of data with the full backup. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the computing device to receive the blocks of data at least in part by receiving the blocks of data over a file sharing mechanism that allows files copied over a file sharing protocol to be catalogued as backups. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the computing device to determine the one or more changed blocks at least in part by spinning up a database container image, by the data backup device, and using the database container image to generate a synthetic full copy by applying the native logs to the full backup. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the one or more computer-executable instructions cause the computing device to create the synthetic full backup at least in part by performing a backup of the synthetic full copy. | 2,600 |
339,445 | 16,800,353 | 2,645 | A method, system and product for mapping objects on movable platforms, including, obtaining sensor information from sensors of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that the user devices are in proximity to anchor stations; defining a timeframe for analysis based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining a relative location of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. | 1. A method comprising:
obtaining sensor information from sensors of a plurality of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that each of the plurality of user devices are in proximity to anchor stations or portion thereof, wherein the anchor stations are attached to a movable platform; defining a timeframe for analysis, wherein the timeframe is defined based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining, based on the sensor information during the timeframe, a relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device, wherein the reading is obtained when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable platform comprises at least one of a train, a ship, a bus, a submarine, and an airplane. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said defining the timeframe for analysis comprises:
determining an initial timeframe; and extending the initial timeframe by an extended timeframe to define the timeframe for analysis, wherein said extending comprises: determining that the movable platform remains stationary during the initial timeframe and during the extended timeframe. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said extending the initial timeframe is performed in response to a determination that sensor information that was obtained during the initial timeframe is insufficient to determine the mapping of the anchor stations. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said determining that the movable platform remains stationary during the initial timeframe and during the extended timeframe is performed using mobility information of the plurality of user devices, wherein the mobility information indicate that the movable platform, upon which at least a portion of the user devices are located, is not in motion. 6. The method of claim 1,
wherein the timeframe for analysis comprises a first timeframe and a second timeframe, wherein the first timeframe and the second timeframe are separated by an intermediate timeframe, wherein the moveable platform is stationary during the first and second timeframes, wherein the moveable platform is in motion during the intermediate timeframe; and wherein said determining the relative location of each of the anchor stations comprises:
determining relative distances between at least a portion of the user devices and at least a portion of the anchor stations in each of the first and second timeframes, and
computing the relative location based on the relative distances obtained in both the first timeframe and the second timeframe. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the relative location of the user device within the movable platform is performed based on patterns of changes in readings of at least one magnetic field over time, obtained from a magnetometer sensor of the user device. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the relative location of the user device within the movable platform comprises:
determining a signal strength level between the user device and at least a portion of the anchor stations; identifying a nearest anchor station to the user device based on the signal strength levels; and determining the relative location of the user device based on a location of the nearest anchor station. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the relative location of the user device within the movable platform comprises:
determining at least one distance between the user device and at least a portion of the anchor stations; and determining the relative location of the user device based on the at least one distance. 10. The method of claim 1 comprising determining that the plurality of user devices are located in the movable platform prior to the timeframe for analysis, wherein said determining that the plurality of user devices are located in the movable platform is based on readings obtained from the user devices, wherein the readings indicate that the plurality of user devices are in similar changing locations over time, are moving in a similar vector over time, or have a similar mobility status over time. 11. The method of claim 1 comprising determining an expected location of the movable platform based on one or more schedules corresponding to the movable platform and based on the sensor information, wherein the one or more schedules are obtained from a third party. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable platform is a train having at least a first railroad car and a second railroad car, wherein a first anchor station is located in the first railroad car, wherein a second anchor station is located in the second railroad car, wherein said determining the relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform is performed based on a map of a railroad upon which the train travels. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable platform is a train having at least a first railroad car and a second railroad car, wherein a first anchor station is located in the first railroad car, wherein a second anchor station is located in the second railroad car, wherein said determining the relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform comprises determining an order between the first railroad car and the second railroad car. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the anchor stations comprise at least one of: an Access Point (AP), a Bluetooth beacon, a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) station, and a hotspot station. 15. The method of claim 1 comprising identifying that the anchor stations are attached to the movable platform by identifying a same distance between one or more user devices of the plurality of user devices and the anchor stations at two separate sessions that are separated by a moving period of the movable platform. 16. The method of claim 1 comprising identifying that an anchor station of the anchor stations is attached to the movable platform by identifying that the relative location of the anchor station within the movable platform stays constant over time. 17. The method of claim 1 comprising determining a distance between the user device and the anchor stations based on a Round Trip delay Time (RTT) between the user device and the anchor stations. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor information comprises at least one of:
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) information, readings from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), readings from an accelerometer, readings from a magnetometer, and readings from a gyroscope. 19. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium retaining program instructions, which program instructions when read by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of:
obtaining sensor information from sensors of a plurality of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that each of the plurality of user devices are in proximity to anchor stations or portion thereof, wherein the anchor stations are attached to a movable platform; defining a timeframe for analysis, wherein the timeframe is defined based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining, based on the sensor information during the timeframe, a relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device, wherein the reading is obtained when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. 20. A system comprising a processor and coupled memory, the processor being adapted to perform:
obtaining sensor information from sensors of a plurality of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that each of the plurality of user devices are in proximity to anchor stations or portion thereof, wherein the anchor stations are attached to a movable platform; defining a timeframe for analysis, wherein the timeframe is defined based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining, based on the sensor information during the timeframe, a relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device, wherein the reading is obtained when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. | A method, system and product for mapping objects on movable platforms, including, obtaining sensor information from sensors of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that the user devices are in proximity to anchor stations; defining a timeframe for analysis based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining a relative location of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device.1. A method comprising:
obtaining sensor information from sensors of a plurality of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that each of the plurality of user devices are in proximity to anchor stations or portion thereof, wherein the anchor stations are attached to a movable platform; defining a timeframe for analysis, wherein the timeframe is defined based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining, based on the sensor information during the timeframe, a relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device, wherein the reading is obtained when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable platform comprises at least one of a train, a ship, a bus, a submarine, and an airplane. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said defining the timeframe for analysis comprises:
determining an initial timeframe; and extending the initial timeframe by an extended timeframe to define the timeframe for analysis, wherein said extending comprises: determining that the movable platform remains stationary during the initial timeframe and during the extended timeframe. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said extending the initial timeframe is performed in response to a determination that sensor information that was obtained during the initial timeframe is insufficient to determine the mapping of the anchor stations. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said determining that the movable platform remains stationary during the initial timeframe and during the extended timeframe is performed using mobility information of the plurality of user devices, wherein the mobility information indicate that the movable platform, upon which at least a portion of the user devices are located, is not in motion. 6. The method of claim 1,
wherein the timeframe for analysis comprises a first timeframe and a second timeframe, wherein the first timeframe and the second timeframe are separated by an intermediate timeframe, wherein the moveable platform is stationary during the first and second timeframes, wherein the moveable platform is in motion during the intermediate timeframe; and wherein said determining the relative location of each of the anchor stations comprises:
determining relative distances between at least a portion of the user devices and at least a portion of the anchor stations in each of the first and second timeframes, and
computing the relative location based on the relative distances obtained in both the first timeframe and the second timeframe. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the relative location of the user device within the movable platform is performed based on patterns of changes in readings of at least one magnetic field over time, obtained from a magnetometer sensor of the user device. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the relative location of the user device within the movable platform comprises:
determining a signal strength level between the user device and at least a portion of the anchor stations; identifying a nearest anchor station to the user device based on the signal strength levels; and determining the relative location of the user device based on a location of the nearest anchor station. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining the relative location of the user device within the movable platform comprises:
determining at least one distance between the user device and at least a portion of the anchor stations; and determining the relative location of the user device based on the at least one distance. 10. The method of claim 1 comprising determining that the plurality of user devices are located in the movable platform prior to the timeframe for analysis, wherein said determining that the plurality of user devices are located in the movable platform is based on readings obtained from the user devices, wherein the readings indicate that the plurality of user devices are in similar changing locations over time, are moving in a similar vector over time, or have a similar mobility status over time. 11. The method of claim 1 comprising determining an expected location of the movable platform based on one or more schedules corresponding to the movable platform and based on the sensor information, wherein the one or more schedules are obtained from a third party. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable platform is a train having at least a first railroad car and a second railroad car, wherein a first anchor station is located in the first railroad car, wherein a second anchor station is located in the second railroad car, wherein said determining the relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform is performed based on a map of a railroad upon which the train travels. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the movable platform is a train having at least a first railroad car and a second railroad car, wherein a first anchor station is located in the first railroad car, wherein a second anchor station is located in the second railroad car, wherein said determining the relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform comprises determining an order between the first railroad car and the second railroad car. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the anchor stations comprise at least one of: an Access Point (AP), a Bluetooth beacon, a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) station, and a hotspot station. 15. The method of claim 1 comprising identifying that the anchor stations are attached to the movable platform by identifying a same distance between one or more user devices of the plurality of user devices and the anchor stations at two separate sessions that are separated by a moving period of the movable platform. 16. The method of claim 1 comprising identifying that an anchor station of the anchor stations is attached to the movable platform by identifying that the relative location of the anchor station within the movable platform stays constant over time. 17. The method of claim 1 comprising determining a distance between the user device and the anchor stations based on a Round Trip delay Time (RTT) between the user device and the anchor stations. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor information comprises at least one of:
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) information, readings from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), readings from an accelerometer, readings from a magnetometer, and readings from a gyroscope. 19. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium retaining program instructions, which program instructions when read by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps of:
obtaining sensor information from sensors of a plurality of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that each of the plurality of user devices are in proximity to anchor stations or portion thereof, wherein the anchor stations are attached to a movable platform; defining a timeframe for analysis, wherein the timeframe is defined based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining, based on the sensor information during the timeframe, a relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device, wherein the reading is obtained when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. 20. A system comprising a processor and coupled memory, the processor being adapted to perform:
obtaining sensor information from sensors of a plurality of user devices, wherein the sensor information indicates that each of the plurality of user devices are in proximity to anchor stations or portion thereof, wherein the anchor stations are attached to a movable platform; defining a timeframe for analysis, wherein the timeframe is defined based on an indication extracted from the sensor information that the movable platform is stationary throughout the timeframe; determining, based on the sensor information during the timeframe, a relative location of each of the anchor stations within the movable platform, whereby automatically determining a mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform; obtaining a reading from a user device, wherein the reading is obtained when the user device is located in proximity to at least one of the anchor stations; and determining a relative location of the user device within the movable platform based on the mapping of the anchor stations within the movable platform and based on the reading from the user device. | 2,600 |
339,446 | 16,800,344 | 2,899 | Embodiments provide raised pad formations for step contacts in three-dimensional structures formed on microelectronic workpieces. Steps are formed in a multilayer stack that is used for the three-dimensional structure. The multilayer stack includes alternating non-conductive and conductive layers. For one embodiment, alternating oxide and polysilicon layers are used. The steps expose contact regions on different conductive layers. Material layers are formed on the contact regions to form raised pads. The material layers preferably have a high selectivity with respect to the non-conductive material for etch processes. A protective layer is formed over the steps and the raised pads, and contact holes are formed through the protective layer to the raised pads. Contacts are then formed within the contact holes. The raised pads inhibit punch-through of the non-conductive layers during the forming of the contact holes thereby improving performance of resulting devices formed in the microelectronic workpieces. | 1. A method to form structures for a microelectronic workpiece, comprising:
forming steps in a multilayer stack comprising alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers to expose contact regions on different conductive layers; forming material layers on the contact regions to form raised pads; forming a protective layer over the steps and the raised pads; forming contact holes through the protective layer to the raised pads; and forming contacts within the contact holes; wherein the raised pads inhibit punch-through of the non-conductive layers during the forming of the contact holes. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers comprise oxide layers and polysilicon layers. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multilayer stack is part of a three-dimensional memory structure formed on the microelectronic workpiece. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming material layers comprises selectively depositing material on the contact regions to form the raised pads. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the selectively depositing comprises one or more atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the material layers comprise ruthenium (Ru). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the forming contact holes comprises performing one or more plasma etch processes comprising a carbon-fluoride based chemistry. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the forming contact holes comprises one or more oxide etch processes that are selective to oxide with respect to the material layers. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the material layers have an etch selectivity to oxide such that an etch rate for oxide is at least five hundred times or greater than an etch rate for the material layers. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers are selectively deposited and comprise at least one of a metal, a metal-oxide, or a metal-nitride. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers comprise a metal including at least one of Ru, Mo, W, Ti, Ta, Co, or Ni. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-oxide including at least one of AlO, TiO, or SnO. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-nitride including at least one of SiN, SiCN, TiN, AlN, or TaN. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers are epitaxial layers grown on the contact regions. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the epitaxial layers comprise at least one of Si, Ge, Si—Ge, an Si alloy, or a Ge alloy. 16. A structure formed on a microelectronic workpiece, comprising:
a multilayer stack comprising alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers; steps formed in the multilayer stack to form contact regions on different conductive layers; material layers formed on the contact regions to provide raised pads; a protective layer formed over the steps and the raised pads; and contacts formed through the protective layer to the raised pads; wherein punch-through of the non-conductive layers is inhibited by the raised pads. 17. The structure of claim 16, wherein the alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers comprise oxide layers and polysilicon layers. 18. The structure of claim 16, wherein the multilayer stack is part of a three-dimensional memory structure formed on the microelectronic workpiece. 19. The structure of claim 16, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the material layers comprise ruthenium (Ru). 20. The structure of claim 16, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the material layers have an etch selectivity to oxide such that an etch rate for oxide is at least five hundred times or greater than an etch rate for the material layers. 21. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise a metal including at least one of Ru, Mo, W, Ti, Ta, Co, or Ni. 22. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-oxide including at least one of AlO, TiO, or SnO. 23. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-nitride including at least one of SiN, SiCN, TiN, AlN, or TaN. 24. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise epitaxial layers grown on the contact regions, and wherein the epitaxial layers comprise at least one of Si, Ge, Si—Ge, an Si alloy, or a Ge alloy. | Embodiments provide raised pad formations for step contacts in three-dimensional structures formed on microelectronic workpieces. Steps are formed in a multilayer stack that is used for the three-dimensional structure. The multilayer stack includes alternating non-conductive and conductive layers. For one embodiment, alternating oxide and polysilicon layers are used. The steps expose contact regions on different conductive layers. Material layers are formed on the contact regions to form raised pads. The material layers preferably have a high selectivity with respect to the non-conductive material for etch processes. A protective layer is formed over the steps and the raised pads, and contact holes are formed through the protective layer to the raised pads. Contacts are then formed within the contact holes. The raised pads inhibit punch-through of the non-conductive layers during the forming of the contact holes thereby improving performance of resulting devices formed in the microelectronic workpieces.1. A method to form structures for a microelectronic workpiece, comprising:
forming steps in a multilayer stack comprising alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers to expose contact regions on different conductive layers; forming material layers on the contact regions to form raised pads; forming a protective layer over the steps and the raised pads; forming contact holes through the protective layer to the raised pads; and forming contacts within the contact holes; wherein the raised pads inhibit punch-through of the non-conductive layers during the forming of the contact holes. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers comprise oxide layers and polysilicon layers. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the multilayer stack is part of a three-dimensional memory structure formed on the microelectronic workpiece. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the forming material layers comprises selectively depositing material on the contact regions to form the raised pads. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the selectively depositing comprises one or more atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the material layers comprise ruthenium (Ru). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the forming contact holes comprises performing one or more plasma etch processes comprising a carbon-fluoride based chemistry. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the forming contact holes comprises one or more oxide etch processes that are selective to oxide with respect to the material layers. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the material layers have an etch selectivity to oxide such that an etch rate for oxide is at least five hundred times or greater than an etch rate for the material layers. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers are selectively deposited and comprise at least one of a metal, a metal-oxide, or a metal-nitride. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers comprise a metal including at least one of Ru, Mo, W, Ti, Ta, Co, or Ni. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-oxide including at least one of AlO, TiO, or SnO. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-nitride including at least one of SiN, SiCN, TiN, AlN, or TaN. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the material layers are epitaxial layers grown on the contact regions. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the epitaxial layers comprise at least one of Si, Ge, Si—Ge, an Si alloy, or a Ge alloy. 16. A structure formed on a microelectronic workpiece, comprising:
a multilayer stack comprising alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers; steps formed in the multilayer stack to form contact regions on different conductive layers; material layers formed on the contact regions to provide raised pads; a protective layer formed over the steps and the raised pads; and contacts formed through the protective layer to the raised pads; wherein punch-through of the non-conductive layers is inhibited by the raised pads. 17. The structure of claim 16, wherein the alternating non-conductive layers and conductive layers comprise oxide layers and polysilicon layers. 18. The structure of claim 16, wherein the multilayer stack is part of a three-dimensional memory structure formed on the microelectronic workpiece. 19. The structure of claim 16, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the material layers comprise ruthenium (Ru). 20. The structure of claim 16, wherein the non-conductive layers comprise oxide layers, wherein the protective layer comprises an oxide layer, and wherein the material layers have an etch selectivity to oxide such that an etch rate for oxide is at least five hundred times or greater than an etch rate for the material layers. 21. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise a metal including at least one of Ru, Mo, W, Ti, Ta, Co, or Ni. 22. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-oxide including at least one of AlO, TiO, or SnO. 23. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise a metal-nitride including at least one of SiN, SiCN, TiN, AlN, or TaN. 24. The structure of claim 16, wherein the material layers comprise epitaxial layers grown on the contact regions, and wherein the epitaxial layers comprise at least one of Si, Ge, Si—Ge, an Si alloy, or a Ge alloy. | 2,800 |
339,447 | 16,800,346 | 2,899 | A wearable stimulator device can be used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting from pregnancy, gastroparesis, virtual reality use, motion sickness, chemotherapy, and post-surgical nausea and vomiting, or other conditions by stimulating the P6 point of a user's forearm. A method of treating nausea includes monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device, for example a smartwatch. Based on the one or more physiological parameters, the P6 point of the user's forearm can be stimulated for a predetermined time, for example via vibrational stimulation effected via a smartwatch or other wearable device. Data regarding the user's physiological parameters, stimulation sessions, and user-provided input regarding treatment efficacy and user symptoms can be collected and analyzed at scale to develop improved treatment regimes, for example modifying stimulation waveforms and/or timing, and identifying physiological parameters useful for predicting the onset of nausea. | 1. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating a region of the user's wrist about a P6 point for a predetermined time; and after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the region the user's wrist. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises delivering energy to the region via the wearable device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises mechanically stimulating the region. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying vibrational energy to the region. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying at least one of: acoustic energy, electrical energy, acupuncture, or heat to the region. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein modification of the user's behavior comprises one or more of: changing body position, changing movement, changing breathing, changing food or fluid intake, changing location, turning on or turning off lights, contacting a specified individual, listening to a specified sound, or viewing a specified visual output. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises stimulating the region in accordance with a waveform characterized by a frequency, intensity, and duration. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein one or more of frequency, intensity, and duration are dynamically modified based on the one or more user parameters 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, via the wearable device, information regarding the treatment to one or more remote computing devices. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 13. A method of treating nausea or a gastric motility disorder, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating the median nerve; after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the median nerve. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing, via the wearable device, one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein stimulating the median nerve comprises mechanically stimulating the median nerve via the wearable device. 17. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
receiving, at one or more computing devices, one or more physiological parameters associated with a user of a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, identifying a likelihood of nausea; in response to identifying a likelihood of nausea, providing instructions to the wearable device to initiate stimulation of a nerve of the user. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wearable device is configured to be worn over a user's wrist. 19. The method of any claim 17, wherein stimulating the nerve comprises delivering energy to the nerve via mechanically stimulating a P6 region of a wrist of the user via the wearable device. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. | A wearable stimulator device can be used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting from pregnancy, gastroparesis, virtual reality use, motion sickness, chemotherapy, and post-surgical nausea and vomiting, or other conditions by stimulating the P6 point of a user's forearm. A method of treating nausea includes monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device, for example a smartwatch. Based on the one or more physiological parameters, the P6 point of the user's forearm can be stimulated for a predetermined time, for example via vibrational stimulation effected via a smartwatch or other wearable device. Data regarding the user's physiological parameters, stimulation sessions, and user-provided input regarding treatment efficacy and user symptoms can be collected and analyzed at scale to develop improved treatment regimes, for example modifying stimulation waveforms and/or timing, and identifying physiological parameters useful for predicting the onset of nausea.1. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating a region of the user's wrist about a P6 point for a predetermined time; and after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the region the user's wrist. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises delivering energy to the region via the wearable device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises mechanically stimulating the region. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying vibrational energy to the region. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying at least one of: acoustic energy, electrical energy, acupuncture, or heat to the region. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein modification of the user's behavior comprises one or more of: changing body position, changing movement, changing breathing, changing food or fluid intake, changing location, turning on or turning off lights, contacting a specified individual, listening to a specified sound, or viewing a specified visual output. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises stimulating the region in accordance with a waveform characterized by a frequency, intensity, and duration. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein one or more of frequency, intensity, and duration are dynamically modified based on the one or more user parameters 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, via the wearable device, information regarding the treatment to one or more remote computing devices. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 13. A method of treating nausea or a gastric motility disorder, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating the median nerve; after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the median nerve. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing, via the wearable device, one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein stimulating the median nerve comprises mechanically stimulating the median nerve via the wearable device. 17. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
receiving, at one or more computing devices, one or more physiological parameters associated with a user of a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, identifying a likelihood of nausea; in response to identifying a likelihood of nausea, providing instructions to the wearable device to initiate stimulation of a nerve of the user. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wearable device is configured to be worn over a user's wrist. 19. The method of any claim 17, wherein stimulating the nerve comprises delivering energy to the nerve via mechanically stimulating a P6 region of a wrist of the user via the wearable device. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. | 2,800 |
339,448 | 16,800,332 | 2,899 | A wearable stimulator device can be used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting from pregnancy, gastroparesis, virtual reality use, motion sickness, chemotherapy, and post-surgical nausea and vomiting, or other conditions by stimulating the P6 point of a user's forearm. A method of treating nausea includes monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device, for example a smartwatch. Based on the one or more physiological parameters, the P6 point of the user's forearm can be stimulated for a predetermined time, for example via vibrational stimulation effected via a smartwatch or other wearable device. Data regarding the user's physiological parameters, stimulation sessions, and user-provided input regarding treatment efficacy and user symptoms can be collected and analyzed at scale to develop improved treatment regimes, for example modifying stimulation waveforms and/or timing, and identifying physiological parameters useful for predicting the onset of nausea. | 1. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating a region of the user's wrist about a P6 point for a predetermined time; and after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the region the user's wrist. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises delivering energy to the region via the wearable device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises mechanically stimulating the region. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying vibrational energy to the region. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying at least one of: acoustic energy, electrical energy, acupuncture, or heat to the region. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein modification of the user's behavior comprises one or more of: changing body position, changing movement, changing breathing, changing food or fluid intake, changing location, turning on or turning off lights, contacting a specified individual, listening to a specified sound, or viewing a specified visual output. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises stimulating the region in accordance with a waveform characterized by a frequency, intensity, and duration. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein one or more of frequency, intensity, and duration are dynamically modified based on the one or more user parameters 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, via the wearable device, information regarding the treatment to one or more remote computing devices. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 13. A method of treating nausea or a gastric motility disorder, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating the median nerve; after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the median nerve. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing, via the wearable device, one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein stimulating the median nerve comprises mechanically stimulating the median nerve via the wearable device. 17. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
receiving, at one or more computing devices, one or more physiological parameters associated with a user of a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, identifying a likelihood of nausea; in response to identifying a likelihood of nausea, providing instructions to the wearable device to initiate stimulation of a nerve of the user. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wearable device is configured to be worn over a user's wrist. 19. The method of any claim 17, wherein stimulating the nerve comprises delivering energy to the nerve via mechanically stimulating a P6 region of a wrist of the user via the wearable device. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. | A wearable stimulator device can be used to treat nausea and vomiting resulting from pregnancy, gastroparesis, virtual reality use, motion sickness, chemotherapy, and post-surgical nausea and vomiting, or other conditions by stimulating the P6 point of a user's forearm. A method of treating nausea includes monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device, for example a smartwatch. Based on the one or more physiological parameters, the P6 point of the user's forearm can be stimulated for a predetermined time, for example via vibrational stimulation effected via a smartwatch or other wearable device. Data regarding the user's physiological parameters, stimulation sessions, and user-provided input regarding treatment efficacy and user symptoms can be collected and analyzed at scale to develop improved treatment regimes, for example modifying stimulation waveforms and/or timing, and identifying physiological parameters useful for predicting the onset of nausea.1. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating a region of the user's wrist about a P6 point for a predetermined time; and after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the region the user's wrist. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises delivering energy to the region via the wearable device. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises mechanically stimulating the region. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying vibrational energy to the region. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises applying at least one of: acoustic energy, electrical energy, acupuncture, or heat to the region. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein modification of the user's behavior comprises one or more of: changing body position, changing movement, changing breathing, changing food or fluid intake, changing location, turning on or turning off lights, contacting a specified individual, listening to a specified sound, or viewing a specified visual output. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein stimulating the region comprises stimulating the region in accordance with a waveform characterized by a frequency, intensity, and duration. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein one or more of frequency, intensity, and duration are dynamically modified based on the one or more user parameters 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting, via the wearable device, information regarding the treatment to one or more remote computing devices. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 13. A method of treating nausea or a gastric motility disorder, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more physiological parameters of a user via a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, stimulating the median nerve; after the predetermined time, ceasing stimulating the median nerve. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises sensing, via the wearable device, one or more of: the user's heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, bodily position, bodily movement, body temperature, geolocation, altitude, chemical levels, or electrolyte levels. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein monitoring one or more physiological parameters comprises receiving input from the user regarding one or more of: user symptoms, user food intake, user fluid intake, or user medication intake. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein stimulating the median nerve comprises mechanically stimulating the median nerve via the wearable device. 17. A method of treating nausea, the method comprising:
receiving, at one or more computing devices, one or more physiological parameters associated with a user of a wearable device; based at least in part on the one or more physiological parameters, identifying a likelihood of nausea; in response to identifying a likelihood of nausea, providing instructions to the wearable device to initiate stimulation of a nerve of the user. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wearable device is configured to be worn over a user's wrist. 19. The method of any claim 17, wherein stimulating the nerve comprises delivering energy to the nerve via mechanically stimulating a P6 region of a wrist of the user via the wearable device. 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising, based on the one or more physiological parameters, providing an indication, via the wearable device, to the user to modify the user's behavior. | 2,800 |
339,449 | 16,800,372 | 2,899 | A locking mechanism for securely attaching an accessory mount to a firearm having a Picatinny/Weaver mounting rail. The locking mechanism includes a resiliently biased slider jam that is received within a transverse groove of the Picatinny/Weaver rail. A clip is provided to clamp the accessory mount to the rail by a locking screw. A locking screw spring may urge the clip away from a tight engagement with the rail when the locking screw is in a loosened condition. The locking mechanism is adaptable to all Picatinny/Weaver rails and provides a rock solid firearm accessory mounting system. | 1. A locking mechanism for mounting a firearm accessory to a Picatinny/Weaver rail of a firearm, comprising:
an accessory body having opposed rail mounting arms extending along a longitudinal length of the accessory body, the opposed rail mounting arms configured to engage with the Picatinny/Weaver rail; at least one of the opposed rail mounting arms includes an adjustable arm that can be laterally adjusted to accommodate varying widths of the Picatinny/Weaver rail; and a slider jam resiliently extensible and retractable from a mating surface of the accessory body with the Picatinny/Weaver rail, the slider jam configured for engagement with a transverse slot defined along a longitudinal length of the Picatinny/Weaver rail. 2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the slider jam has a width slightly less than a width of the transverse slot. 3. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
a bore defined in the mating surface to receive the slider jam; and a spring received within the bore to resiliently bias the slider jam to protrude from the mating surface. 4. The locking mechanism of claim 3, further comprising:
a limiting ring adjustably carried within the bore to retain the slider jam within the bore. 5. The locking mechanism of claim 4, further comprising:
a threaded engagement surface between the limiting ring and the bore. 6. The locking mechanism of claim 5, further comprising:
a shoulder defined on a first end of the slider jam configured to engage with an interior face of the limiting ring to retain the slider jam in the bore. 7. The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein the limiting ring is adjustable such that the slider jam is resiliently biased against a base of the transverse slot. 8. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
a groove defined along a longitudinal length of the accessory body; the adjustable arm carried within the groove; and a mating surface defined between the groove and the adjustable arm, the mating surface maintaining a vertical and a longitudinal alignment of the adjustable arm as it is laterally adjusted. 9. The locking mechanism of claim 8, further comprising:
a locking screw laterally extending through the adjustable arm for attachment of the adjustable arm to the accessory body. 10. The locking mechanism of claim 9, further comprising:
a locking screw spring disposed to bias the adjustable arm laterally outwardly from the accessory body. 11. The locking mechanism of claim 10, further comprising:
a recess defined in the mating surface of the adjustable arm; and a first end of the locking screw spring carried within the recess. 12. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the recess has a depth to receive a length of the locking screw spring when the mating surface of the adjustable arm is positioned in abutment with the mating surface of the groove. 13. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
a laser sight carried within the accessory body. | A locking mechanism for securely attaching an accessory mount to a firearm having a Picatinny/Weaver mounting rail. The locking mechanism includes a resiliently biased slider jam that is received within a transverse groove of the Picatinny/Weaver rail. A clip is provided to clamp the accessory mount to the rail by a locking screw. A locking screw spring may urge the clip away from a tight engagement with the rail when the locking screw is in a loosened condition. The locking mechanism is adaptable to all Picatinny/Weaver rails and provides a rock solid firearm accessory mounting system.1. A locking mechanism for mounting a firearm accessory to a Picatinny/Weaver rail of a firearm, comprising:
an accessory body having opposed rail mounting arms extending along a longitudinal length of the accessory body, the opposed rail mounting arms configured to engage with the Picatinny/Weaver rail; at least one of the opposed rail mounting arms includes an adjustable arm that can be laterally adjusted to accommodate varying widths of the Picatinny/Weaver rail; and a slider jam resiliently extensible and retractable from a mating surface of the accessory body with the Picatinny/Weaver rail, the slider jam configured for engagement with a transverse slot defined along a longitudinal length of the Picatinny/Weaver rail. 2. The locking mechanism of claim 1, wherein the slider jam has a width slightly less than a width of the transverse slot. 3. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
a bore defined in the mating surface to receive the slider jam; and a spring received within the bore to resiliently bias the slider jam to protrude from the mating surface. 4. The locking mechanism of claim 3, further comprising:
a limiting ring adjustably carried within the bore to retain the slider jam within the bore. 5. The locking mechanism of claim 4, further comprising:
a threaded engagement surface between the limiting ring and the bore. 6. The locking mechanism of claim 5, further comprising:
a shoulder defined on a first end of the slider jam configured to engage with an interior face of the limiting ring to retain the slider jam in the bore. 7. The locking mechanism of claim 4, wherein the limiting ring is adjustable such that the slider jam is resiliently biased against a base of the transverse slot. 8. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
a groove defined along a longitudinal length of the accessory body; the adjustable arm carried within the groove; and a mating surface defined between the groove and the adjustable arm, the mating surface maintaining a vertical and a longitudinal alignment of the adjustable arm as it is laterally adjusted. 9. The locking mechanism of claim 8, further comprising:
a locking screw laterally extending through the adjustable arm for attachment of the adjustable arm to the accessory body. 10. The locking mechanism of claim 9, further comprising:
a locking screw spring disposed to bias the adjustable arm laterally outwardly from the accessory body. 11. The locking mechanism of claim 10, further comprising:
a recess defined in the mating surface of the adjustable arm; and a first end of the locking screw spring carried within the recess. 12. The locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the recess has a depth to receive a length of the locking screw spring when the mating surface of the adjustable arm is positioned in abutment with the mating surface of the groove. 13. The locking mechanism of claim 1, further comprising:
a laser sight carried within the accessory body. | 2,800 |
339,450 | 16,800,371 | 2,899 | Provided is a touch in, system for entering an input with an input tool onto an input surface for touch input. The touch input system includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, a position detection circuit that executes a position detection process for detecting a position on the input surface contacted by the input tool, based on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the plurality of sensor electrodes, an input tool identification circuit that executes an attribute identification process for identifying an attribute for the input tool, and a discharge circuit that executes a. discharge process for discharging electric charges charged in the plurality of sensor electrodes. | 1. A touch input system for entering an input with an input tool onto an input surface for touch input, comprising;
a plurality of sensor electrodes, a position detection circuit that executes a position detection process for detecting a position on the input surface contacted by the input tool, based on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the plurality of sensor electrodes; an input tool identification circuit that executes an attribute identification process for identifying an attribute for the input tool; and a discharge circuit that executes a discharge process for discharging electric charges charged in the plurality of sensor electrodes. 9. The touch input system according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching processing circuit that alternately switches the attribute identification process and the position detection process, wherein
the discharge circuit executes the discharge process before the attribute identification process is switched to the position detection process. 3. The touch input system according to claim 2, wherein the discharge circuit further executes the discharge process after the position detection process is switched to the attribute identification process. 4. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge circuit is electrically disconnected from the plurality of sensor electrodes during the position detection process, and is electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes during the attribute identification process. 5. The touch input system according to claim 1. wherein in the attribute identification process, the plurality of sensor electrodes form a plurality of loop circuits that function as an induction coil as a result of each two of the sensor electrodes being connected to each other,
a first end of each of the plurality of loop circuits is connected to a drive circuit that drives the induction coil, and a second end of each of the plurality of loop circuits is connected to a selector switch that switches a connection destination of the plurality of sensor electrodes, and in the attribute identification process, the selector switch connects the second end of each of the plurality of loop circuits to the discharge circuit and a detection circuit that detects a magnitude of a current flowing through the induction coil. 6. The touch input system according to claim 5, wherein in the position detection process, each of the plurality of sensor electrodes included in the plurality of loop circuits is disconnected, the selector switch connects the first end of each of the sensor electrodes to the drive circuit, and the drive circuit drives each of the plurality of sensor electrodes. 7. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the input tool is configured so that. an identification signal output circuit that outputs an identification signal for the input tool identification circuit to identify the attribute is attachable to the input tool. 8. The touch input system according to claim 7, wherein the identification signal output circuit is a resonance circuit having a unique resonance frequency,
the input tool identification circuit includes an induction signal output circuit, that outputs an induction signal to the resonance circuit and a resonance detection circuit that detects a resonance induced by the induction signal to the resonance circuit, and the input tool identification circuit outputs the induction signal at a plurality of frequencies by using the induction signal output circuit, determines presence or absence of a resonance for the induction signal at each of the frequencies to detect the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit, and identifies the attribute predetermined correspondingly to the detected resonance frequency. 9. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the input tool is a pen, and
the position detection circuit detects the position by detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance at a contact position between a pen point impregnated with ink in the pen and the input surface, or at a handwriting position created by the ink being applied to the input surface by the contact. 10. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the input tool is a pen, and
the attribute is information of at least any one of an input color by the pen, a thickness of the pen point of the pen, and a shape of the pen point of the pen. | Provided is a touch in, system for entering an input with an input tool onto an input surface for touch input. The touch input system includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, a position detection circuit that executes a position detection process for detecting a position on the input surface contacted by the input tool, based on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the plurality of sensor electrodes, an input tool identification circuit that executes an attribute identification process for identifying an attribute for the input tool, and a discharge circuit that executes a. discharge process for discharging electric charges charged in the plurality of sensor electrodes.1. A touch input system for entering an input with an input tool onto an input surface for touch input, comprising;
a plurality of sensor electrodes, a position detection circuit that executes a position detection process for detecting a position on the input surface contacted by the input tool, based on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the plurality of sensor electrodes; an input tool identification circuit that executes an attribute identification process for identifying an attribute for the input tool; and a discharge circuit that executes a discharge process for discharging electric charges charged in the plurality of sensor electrodes. 9. The touch input system according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching processing circuit that alternately switches the attribute identification process and the position detection process, wherein
the discharge circuit executes the discharge process before the attribute identification process is switched to the position detection process. 3. The touch input system according to claim 2, wherein the discharge circuit further executes the discharge process after the position detection process is switched to the attribute identification process. 4. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge circuit is electrically disconnected from the plurality of sensor electrodes during the position detection process, and is electrically connected to the plurality of sensor electrodes during the attribute identification process. 5. The touch input system according to claim 1. wherein in the attribute identification process, the plurality of sensor electrodes form a plurality of loop circuits that function as an induction coil as a result of each two of the sensor electrodes being connected to each other,
a first end of each of the plurality of loop circuits is connected to a drive circuit that drives the induction coil, and a second end of each of the plurality of loop circuits is connected to a selector switch that switches a connection destination of the plurality of sensor electrodes, and in the attribute identification process, the selector switch connects the second end of each of the plurality of loop circuits to the discharge circuit and a detection circuit that detects a magnitude of a current flowing through the induction coil. 6. The touch input system according to claim 5, wherein in the position detection process, each of the plurality of sensor electrodes included in the plurality of loop circuits is disconnected, the selector switch connects the first end of each of the sensor electrodes to the drive circuit, and the drive circuit drives each of the plurality of sensor electrodes. 7. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the input tool is configured so that. an identification signal output circuit that outputs an identification signal for the input tool identification circuit to identify the attribute is attachable to the input tool. 8. The touch input system according to claim 7, wherein the identification signal output circuit is a resonance circuit having a unique resonance frequency,
the input tool identification circuit includes an induction signal output circuit, that outputs an induction signal to the resonance circuit and a resonance detection circuit that detects a resonance induced by the induction signal to the resonance circuit, and the input tool identification circuit outputs the induction signal at a plurality of frequencies by using the induction signal output circuit, determines presence or absence of a resonance for the induction signal at each of the frequencies to detect the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit, and identifies the attribute predetermined correspondingly to the detected resonance frequency. 9. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the input tool is a pen, and
the position detection circuit detects the position by detecting a change in electrostatic capacitance at a contact position between a pen point impregnated with ink in the pen and the input surface, or at a handwriting position created by the ink being applied to the input surface by the contact. 10. The touch input system according to claim 1, wherein the input tool is a pen, and
the attribute is information of at least any one of an input color by the pen, a thickness of the pen point of the pen, and a shape of the pen point of the pen. | 2,800 |
339,451 | 16,800,362 | 2,899 | A provided mechanism for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system. The node includes components. Each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node. A method is performed by a node manager of the node to be upgraded. The method includes creating a new component for each of the at least one of the components to be upgraded such that each new component is implementing a part of the firmware upgrade corresponding to its component to be upgraded, and where each new component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process. The method includes synchronizing runtime data in each new component with runtime data of its corresponding component to be upgraded. The method includes replacing the at least one component to be upgraded with its new component and thereby upgrading the node. | 1. A method for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system, wherein the node comprises components, where each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node, the method being performed by a node manager of the node to be upgraded, the method comprising the steps of:
creating a new component for each of the at least one of the components to be upgraded such that each new component is implementing a part of the firmware upgrade corresponding to its component to be upgraded, and where each new component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process; synchronizing runtime data in each new component with runtime data of its corresponding component to be upgraded; and replacing the at least one component to be upgraded with its new component and thereby upgrading the node. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each new component, when being created, is configured with same configuration as its corresponding component to be upgraded. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein each new component, when being created, is configured with configuration as provided by the firmware upgrade. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the real time operating system runs on non-redundant hardware in the node. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
evaluating performance of each new component after synchronizing the runtime data but before deleting the at least one component to be upgraded. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein evaluating the performance comprises:
starting parallel execution of each new component and the at least one component to be upgraded, wherein each new component and the at least one component to be upgraded are run with same input, but wherein only output produced by running the at least one component to be upgraded with the input is used in the process control system; verifying that each new component produces expected output; and stopping, based on the verifying, execution of each new component and the at least one component to be upgraded. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein each new component is, via the node manager, provided with the input from its corresponding component to be upgraded. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein a temporary namespace is used for each new component when evaluating the performance. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component to be upgraded is a control service component and/or a platform component on which the control service component is running. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control service component comprises a middleware API, a node manager API, and an address space. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the platform component comprises middleware, the node manager, and a communication interface. 12. The method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one component to be upgraded is a control service component and/or a platform component on which the control service component is running, and
wherein the evaluating is only performed when it is the firmware of the control service component that is to be upgraded. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
stopping execution of each component to be upgraded and running on the node after having created the new component and before synchronizing the runtime data. 14. A node manager for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system, wherein the node comprises components, where each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node, the node manager having processing circuitry, the processing circuitry being configured to cause the node manager to perform a method according to claim 1. 15. A computer program for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system, wherein the node comprises components, where each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node, the computer program having computer code which, when run on processing circuitry of a node manager, causes the node manager to perform a method according to claim 1. 16. The method according to claim 6, wherein a temporary namespace is used for each new component when evaluating the performance. 17. The method according to claim 7, wherein a temporary namespace is used for each new component when evaluating the performance. 18. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one component to be upgraded is a control service component and/or a platform component on which the control service component is running, and
wherein the evaluating is only performed when it is the firmware of the control service component that is to be upgraded. 19. The method according to claim 5, wherein the control service component comprises a middleware API, a node manager API, and an address space, and
wherein the evaluating is only performed when it is the firmware of the control service component that is to be upgraded. | A provided mechanism for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system. The node includes components. Each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node. A method is performed by a node manager of the node to be upgraded. The method includes creating a new component for each of the at least one of the components to be upgraded such that each new component is implementing a part of the firmware upgrade corresponding to its component to be upgraded, and where each new component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process. The method includes synchronizing runtime data in each new component with runtime data of its corresponding component to be upgraded. The method includes replacing the at least one component to be upgraded with its new component and thereby upgrading the node.1. A method for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system, wherein the node comprises components, where each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node, the method being performed by a node manager of the node to be upgraded, the method comprising the steps of:
creating a new component for each of the at least one of the components to be upgraded such that each new component is implementing a part of the firmware upgrade corresponding to its component to be upgraded, and where each new component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process; synchronizing runtime data in each new component with runtime data of its corresponding component to be upgraded; and replacing the at least one component to be upgraded with its new component and thereby upgrading the node. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each new component, when being created, is configured with same configuration as its corresponding component to be upgraded. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein each new component, when being created, is configured with configuration as provided by the firmware upgrade. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the real time operating system runs on non-redundant hardware in the node. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
evaluating performance of each new component after synchronizing the runtime data but before deleting the at least one component to be upgraded. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein evaluating the performance comprises:
starting parallel execution of each new component and the at least one component to be upgraded, wherein each new component and the at least one component to be upgraded are run with same input, but wherein only output produced by running the at least one component to be upgraded with the input is used in the process control system; verifying that each new component produces expected output; and stopping, based on the verifying, execution of each new component and the at least one component to be upgraded. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein each new component is, via the node manager, provided with the input from its corresponding component to be upgraded. 8. The method according to claim 5, wherein a temporary namespace is used for each new component when evaluating the performance. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one component to be upgraded is a control service component and/or a platform component on which the control service component is running. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control service component comprises a middleware API, a node manager API, and an address space. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the platform component comprises middleware, the node manager, and a communication interface. 12. The method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one component to be upgraded is a control service component and/or a platform component on which the control service component is running, and
wherein the evaluating is only performed when it is the firmware of the control service component that is to be upgraded. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
stopping execution of each component to be upgraded and running on the node after having created the new component and before synchronizing the runtime data. 14. A node manager for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system, wherein the node comprises components, where each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node, the node manager having processing circuitry, the processing circuitry being configured to cause the node manager to perform a method according to claim 1. 15. A computer program for online firmware upgrade of a node in a process control system, wherein the node comprises components, where each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node, the computer program having computer code which, when run on processing circuitry of a node manager, causes the node manager to perform a method according to claim 1. 16. The method according to claim 6, wherein a temporary namespace is used for each new component when evaluating the performance. 17. The method according to claim 7, wherein a temporary namespace is used for each new component when evaluating the performance. 18. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one component to be upgraded is a control service component and/or a platform component on which the control service component is running, and
wherein the evaluating is only performed when it is the firmware of the control service component that is to be upgraded. 19. The method according to claim 5, wherein the control service component comprises a middleware API, a node manager API, and an address space, and
wherein the evaluating is only performed when it is the firmware of the control service component that is to be upgraded. | 2,800 |
339,452 | 16,800,364 | 2,899 | Computer systems configured to correlate instances of empirical data, gathered from ambient observation of a person, as being potentially relevant to each other vis-à-vis one particular behavior. A pair of correlated instances of empirical data is analyzed to identify it as an instance of the one particular behavior. Such computer systems facilitate transmission of a digital message, the content of which may be determined in response to the instance of the one particular behavior. The digital message might be used to alter the one particular behavior of the person in real time. | 1. A computer system, comprising
a communication unit;
wherein the communication unit is configured
to receive instances of empirical data from a plurality of digital devices that are associated with a particular person,
wherein at least some of the received instances of empirical data are gathered by ambient observations of the particular person by the plurality of digital devices;
wherein each received instance of empirical data comprises one or more portions of data; and
to transmit digital messages to at least one of the digital devices of the plurality of digital devices that are associated with the particular person; and
a processing unit; and a storage unit;
wherein the storage unit comprises at least an assemblage of data comprising a plurality of key items,
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items is an item having a data type corresponding to a data type of a portion of data of an instance of empirical data to be received by the communication unit, and
wherein the plurality of key items comprises image data of the particular person and voice data of the particular person;
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items has at least one associated family of items,
wherein a particular associated family of items of the at least one associated family of items is associated to its associated key item of the plurality of key items by relevance to one particular behavior such that every item in the particular associated family of items, when paired with the key item, forms a pair that is relevant to the one particular behavior;
wherein the computer system is configured by software to perform a process, the process comprising:
receiving two or more instances of empirical data associated with the particular person from one or more digital devices in the presence of the particular person;
identifying the portions of data in each of the received instances of empirical data;
for a particular instance of empirical data (EDA), determining whether there is a match of an identified portion of data (PAμ) of EDA to a key item of the plurality of key items in the assemblage of data;
for a matched key item, using the particular associated family of items of the matched key item to search for a match between a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item and an identified portion of data (PBν) of an other instance of empirical data (EDB) of the received instances of empirical data; and
correlating EDA with EDB as being potentially relevant to each other vis-à-vis the one particular behavior of the particular associated family of items in response to at least one PBν) of EDB matching a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item for EDA; and
analyzing the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, to determine if it identifies an instance of the one particular behavior of the person as observed by the computer system;
wherein determining that the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, identifies an instance of the one particular behavior comprises determining if the instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, are pairwise relevant to each other vis-a-vis the one particular behavior;
wherein pairwise relevance of EDA to EDB is determined by comparing the portion, PAμ, of EDA to the portion, PBν, of EDB, for a particular relationship;
wherein the particular relationship is one member selected from a group consisting of consistency and inconsistency;
wherein the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, is identified as an instance of the one particular behavior in response to analysis determining that the respective pair of portions, PAμ and PBν, have the particular relationship; and
archiving the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, the one particular behavior for which the pair of instances of empirical data were correlated, the instance of the one particular behavior, and the results of the analysis. 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the one particular behavior comprises an observable selected from a group consisting of a behavior, an action, an activity and an emotion. 3. The computer system of claim 2, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
transmitting a particular digital message; wherein the content of the particular digital message is determined in response to at least one of:
the correlated instances of empirical data and
the instance of the one particular behavior. 4. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the content of the particular digital message is further determined using criteria selected from one of a group consisting of rules or techniques of the Gottman Institute, rules of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and techniques of Neuro-Associative Conditioning Systems (NACS). 5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein each instance of the one particular behavior corresponds to a behavior data-point for the one particular behavior of the person. 6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
analyzing the archived behavior data-points, of the one particular behavior, to determine a scale value for the one particular behavior. 7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
analyzing the archived behavior data-points, of the one particular behavior, to refine the accuracy of the scale value for the one particular behavior, from time to time as additional behavior data-points are identified. 8. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular person is a child, and wherein the particular digital message comprises interactive guidance to the child that is a response to the instance of the one particular behavior. 9. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the particular digital message is a real time response to the instance of the one particular behavior of the child. 10. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the particular digital message comprises real time, interactive guidance to the child that implements at least one of rules and techniques of the Gottman Institute as they relate to the one particular behavior of the child. 11. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the other instance of empirical data (EDB) comprises data from a second person's interaction with the particular person. 12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the particular digital message is transmitted to the particular person. 13. The computer system of claim 12, wherein the particular person is an adult and the second person is a child, and wherein the particular digital message comprises guidance to the adult. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the particular digital message comprises real time, interactive guidance to the adult implementing at least one of rules and techniques of the Gottman Institute as these rules relate to the one particular behavior of the adult. 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the particular digital message is a suggestion to the adult to modify their behavior as the adult reacts to the child. 16. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the particular digital message is transmitted to the second person. 17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein the particular person is a child and the second person is an adult, and wherein the particular digital message comprises guidance to the adult. 18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the particular digital message comprises real time, interactive guidance to the adult implementing at least one of rules and techniques of the Gottman Institute as they relate to the one particular behavior of the child. 19. The computer system of claim 3, further comprising:
wherein the particular person is a patient; wherein at least some of the data in the correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, are data that were gathered when the patient was away from a healthcare clinic; wherein the one particular behavior is one of:
a behavior that is compliant with instructions given to the particular person by a healthcare provider; and
a behavior that is non-compliant with instructions given to the particular person by a healthcare provider; and
wherein the particular digital message is sent to at least one of the particular person, a parent of the particular person when the particular person is a child, and the particular person's healthcare provider. 20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein the one particular behavior is related to prescribed instructions given to the particular person by a healthcare provider. 21. The computer system of claim 20, further comprising:
wherein the particular digital message comprises real-time feedback sent to the patient having content determined in response to at least one of:
the instance of the one particular behavior and
the correlated instances of empirical data. 22. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular digital message is comprised of at least one of text data, sound data, and image data. 23. The computer system of claim 22, wherein the particular digital message is implemented as Augmented Reality (AR). 24. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular digital message is transmitted to at least one digital device that is in the presence of the particular person. 25. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises transmitting the particular digital message in real time. 26. The computer system of claim 25,
wherein the content of the particular digital message is determined in response to what the particular person was observed doing as documented by the instance of the one particular behavior; and wherein the content of the particular digital message is designed to assist in behavior modification of the one particular behavior of the particular person. 27. The computer system of claim 25, further comprising:
wherein the content of the particular digital message is determined in response to what the particular person was observed doing as documented by the instance of the one particular behavior; and wherein the content of the particular digital message is further designed to assist the particular person in a self-improvement program. 28. The computer system of claim 25, wherein the content of the particular digital message is further designed to assist the particular person in their driving behavior. 29. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises
transmitting the particular digital message to the particular person. 30. A computer system, comprising
a communication unit;
wherein the communication unit is configured
to receive instances of empirical data from a plurality of digital devices that are associated with a particular person,
wherein at least some of the received instances of empirical data are gathered by ambient observations of the particular person by the plurality of digital devices;
wherein each received instance of empirical data comprises one or more portions of data; and
to transmit digital messages to at least one of the digital devices of the plurality of digital devices that are associated with the particular person; and
a processing unit; and a storage unit;
wherein the storage unit comprises at least an assemblage of data comprising a plurality of key items,
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items is an item having a data type corresponding to a data type of a portion of data of an instance of empirical data to be received by the communication unit, and
wherein the plurality of key items comprises image data of the particular person and voice data of the particular person;
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items has at least one associated family of items,
wherein a particular associated family of items of the at least one associated family of items is associated to its associated key item of the plurality of key items by relevance to one particular behavior such that every item in the particular associated family of items, when paired with the key item, forms a pair that is relevant to the one particular behavior;
wherein the computer system is configured by software to perform a process, the process comprising:
receiving two or more instances of empirical data associated with the particular person from one or more digital devices in the presence of the particular person;
identifying the portions of data in each of the received instances of empirical data;
for a particular instance of empirical data (EDA), determining whether there is a match of an identified portion of data (PAμ) of EDA to a key item of the plurality of key items in the assemblage of data;
for a matched key item, using the particular associated family of items of the matched key item to search for a match between a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item and an identified portion of data (PBν) of an other instance of empirical data (EDB) of the received instances of empirical data; and
correlating EDA with EDB as being potentially relevant to each other vis-à-vis the one particular behavior of the particular associated family of items in response to at least one PBν of EDB matching a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item for EDA; and
analyzing the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, to determine if it identifies an instance of the one particular behavior of the person as observed by the computer system;
wherein determining that the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, identifies an instance of the one particular behavior comprises determining if the instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, are pairwise relevant to each other vis-a-vis the one particular behavior;
wherein pairwise relevance of EDA to EDB is determined by comparing the portion, PAμ, of EDA to the portion, PBν, of EDB, for a particular relationship;
wherein the particular relationship is one member selected from a group consisting of consistency and inconsistency;
wherein the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, is identified as an instance of the one particular behavior in response to analysis determining that the respective pair of portions, PAμ and PBν, have the particular relationship; and
archiving the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, the one particular behavior for which the pair of instances of empirical data were correlated, the instance of the one particular behavior, and the results of the analysis;
wherein the process is a service run for a specific person selected from a group consisting of the particular person when the particular person is an adult and a parent of the particular person when the particular person is a child; wherein the empirical data gathered, and analyses of the empirical data gathered are strictly private; wherein the empirical data gathered, and the analyses of the empirical data gathered are the property of the specific person; and wherein only the specific person can authorize access to the gathered empirical data, and can authorize access to the analyses of the gathered empirical data. 31. The computer system of claim 30, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
making data available to an authorized receiver; wherein content of the data made available to the authorized receiver is determined in response to at least one of:
the correlated instances of empirical data; and
the instance of the one particular behavior; and
wherein the authorized receiver is selected from a group consisting of:
a therapist in psychotherapy of the particular person;
a therapist in couples therapy involving the particular person;
a person involved in a self-improvement program of the particular person;
a healthcare professional involved in the particular person's healthcare regime;
a person of the criminal justice system;
a career counselor;
a person involved in employee recruitment and/or screening;
a school counselor of the particular person;
a school administrator in a school of the particular person;
a counselor involved in counseling of parents and the particular person, wherein the particular person is a child of the parents;
a parent of the particular person;
a counselor working to assist in picking a school district for the particular person, wherein the particular person is a child;
a sports coach of the particular person, wherein the particular person is an athlete;
an individual involved in maintaining the particular person's credit report;
Homeland Security;
a person involved in picking draft choices for a professional sports team, wherein the particular person is an athlete;
a person ruling on a gun permit background check of the particular person;
a person reviewing a resume of the particular person;
at least one of a person who verifies the business portrait of the particular person and one who vets business information that the particular person has entered into other services; and
a person who is working to determine true talents of the particular person. | Computer systems configured to correlate instances of empirical data, gathered from ambient observation of a person, as being potentially relevant to each other vis-à-vis one particular behavior. A pair of correlated instances of empirical data is analyzed to identify it as an instance of the one particular behavior. Such computer systems facilitate transmission of a digital message, the content of which may be determined in response to the instance of the one particular behavior. The digital message might be used to alter the one particular behavior of the person in real time.1. A computer system, comprising
a communication unit;
wherein the communication unit is configured
to receive instances of empirical data from a plurality of digital devices that are associated with a particular person,
wherein at least some of the received instances of empirical data are gathered by ambient observations of the particular person by the plurality of digital devices;
wherein each received instance of empirical data comprises one or more portions of data; and
to transmit digital messages to at least one of the digital devices of the plurality of digital devices that are associated with the particular person; and
a processing unit; and a storage unit;
wherein the storage unit comprises at least an assemblage of data comprising a plurality of key items,
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items is an item having a data type corresponding to a data type of a portion of data of an instance of empirical data to be received by the communication unit, and
wherein the plurality of key items comprises image data of the particular person and voice data of the particular person;
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items has at least one associated family of items,
wherein a particular associated family of items of the at least one associated family of items is associated to its associated key item of the plurality of key items by relevance to one particular behavior such that every item in the particular associated family of items, when paired with the key item, forms a pair that is relevant to the one particular behavior;
wherein the computer system is configured by software to perform a process, the process comprising:
receiving two or more instances of empirical data associated with the particular person from one or more digital devices in the presence of the particular person;
identifying the portions of data in each of the received instances of empirical data;
for a particular instance of empirical data (EDA), determining whether there is a match of an identified portion of data (PAμ) of EDA to a key item of the plurality of key items in the assemblage of data;
for a matched key item, using the particular associated family of items of the matched key item to search for a match between a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item and an identified portion of data (PBν) of an other instance of empirical data (EDB) of the received instances of empirical data; and
correlating EDA with EDB as being potentially relevant to each other vis-à-vis the one particular behavior of the particular associated family of items in response to at least one PBν) of EDB matching a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item for EDA; and
analyzing the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, to determine if it identifies an instance of the one particular behavior of the person as observed by the computer system;
wherein determining that the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, identifies an instance of the one particular behavior comprises determining if the instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, are pairwise relevant to each other vis-a-vis the one particular behavior;
wherein pairwise relevance of EDA to EDB is determined by comparing the portion, PAμ, of EDA to the portion, PBν, of EDB, for a particular relationship;
wherein the particular relationship is one member selected from a group consisting of consistency and inconsistency;
wherein the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, is identified as an instance of the one particular behavior in response to analysis determining that the respective pair of portions, PAμ and PBν, have the particular relationship; and
archiving the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, the one particular behavior for which the pair of instances of empirical data were correlated, the instance of the one particular behavior, and the results of the analysis. 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the one particular behavior comprises an observable selected from a group consisting of a behavior, an action, an activity and an emotion. 3. The computer system of claim 2, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
transmitting a particular digital message; wherein the content of the particular digital message is determined in response to at least one of:
the correlated instances of empirical data and
the instance of the one particular behavior. 4. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the content of the particular digital message is further determined using criteria selected from one of a group consisting of rules or techniques of the Gottman Institute, rules of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and techniques of Neuro-Associative Conditioning Systems (NACS). 5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein each instance of the one particular behavior corresponds to a behavior data-point for the one particular behavior of the person. 6. The computer system of claim 5, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
analyzing the archived behavior data-points, of the one particular behavior, to determine a scale value for the one particular behavior. 7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
analyzing the archived behavior data-points, of the one particular behavior, to refine the accuracy of the scale value for the one particular behavior, from time to time as additional behavior data-points are identified. 8. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular person is a child, and wherein the particular digital message comprises interactive guidance to the child that is a response to the instance of the one particular behavior. 9. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the particular digital message is a real time response to the instance of the one particular behavior of the child. 10. The computer system of claim 8, wherein the particular digital message comprises real time, interactive guidance to the child that implements at least one of rules and techniques of the Gottman Institute as they relate to the one particular behavior of the child. 11. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the other instance of empirical data (EDB) comprises data from a second person's interaction with the particular person. 12. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the particular digital message is transmitted to the particular person. 13. The computer system of claim 12, wherein the particular person is an adult and the second person is a child, and wherein the particular digital message comprises guidance to the adult. 14. The computer system of claim 13, wherein the particular digital message comprises real time, interactive guidance to the adult implementing at least one of rules and techniques of the Gottman Institute as these rules relate to the one particular behavior of the adult. 15. The computer system of claim 14, wherein the particular digital message is a suggestion to the adult to modify their behavior as the adult reacts to the child. 16. The computer system of claim 11, wherein the particular digital message is transmitted to the second person. 17. The computer system of claim 16, wherein the particular person is a child and the second person is an adult, and wherein the particular digital message comprises guidance to the adult. 18. The computer system of claim 17, wherein the particular digital message comprises real time, interactive guidance to the adult implementing at least one of rules and techniques of the Gottman Institute as they relate to the one particular behavior of the child. 19. The computer system of claim 3, further comprising:
wherein the particular person is a patient; wherein at least some of the data in the correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, are data that were gathered when the patient was away from a healthcare clinic; wherein the one particular behavior is one of:
a behavior that is compliant with instructions given to the particular person by a healthcare provider; and
a behavior that is non-compliant with instructions given to the particular person by a healthcare provider; and
wherein the particular digital message is sent to at least one of the particular person, a parent of the particular person when the particular person is a child, and the particular person's healthcare provider. 20. The computer system of claim 19, wherein the one particular behavior is related to prescribed instructions given to the particular person by a healthcare provider. 21. The computer system of claim 20, further comprising:
wherein the particular digital message comprises real-time feedback sent to the patient having content determined in response to at least one of:
the instance of the one particular behavior and
the correlated instances of empirical data. 22. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular digital message is comprised of at least one of text data, sound data, and image data. 23. The computer system of claim 22, wherein the particular digital message is implemented as Augmented Reality (AR). 24. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the particular digital message is transmitted to at least one digital device that is in the presence of the particular person. 25. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises transmitting the particular digital message in real time. 26. The computer system of claim 25,
wherein the content of the particular digital message is determined in response to what the particular person was observed doing as documented by the instance of the one particular behavior; and wherein the content of the particular digital message is designed to assist in behavior modification of the one particular behavior of the particular person. 27. The computer system of claim 25, further comprising:
wherein the content of the particular digital message is determined in response to what the particular person was observed doing as documented by the instance of the one particular behavior; and wherein the content of the particular digital message is further designed to assist the particular person in a self-improvement program. 28. The computer system of claim 25, wherein the content of the particular digital message is further designed to assist the particular person in their driving behavior. 29. The computer system of claim 3, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises
transmitting the particular digital message to the particular person. 30. A computer system, comprising
a communication unit;
wherein the communication unit is configured
to receive instances of empirical data from a plurality of digital devices that are associated with a particular person,
wherein at least some of the received instances of empirical data are gathered by ambient observations of the particular person by the plurality of digital devices;
wherein each received instance of empirical data comprises one or more portions of data; and
to transmit digital messages to at least one of the digital devices of the plurality of digital devices that are associated with the particular person; and
a processing unit; and a storage unit;
wherein the storage unit comprises at least an assemblage of data comprising a plurality of key items,
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items is an item having a data type corresponding to a data type of a portion of data of an instance of empirical data to be received by the communication unit, and
wherein the plurality of key items comprises image data of the particular person and voice data of the particular person;
wherein each key item of the plurality of key items has at least one associated family of items,
wherein a particular associated family of items of the at least one associated family of items is associated to its associated key item of the plurality of key items by relevance to one particular behavior such that every item in the particular associated family of items, when paired with the key item, forms a pair that is relevant to the one particular behavior;
wherein the computer system is configured by software to perform a process, the process comprising:
receiving two or more instances of empirical data associated with the particular person from one or more digital devices in the presence of the particular person;
identifying the portions of data in each of the received instances of empirical data;
for a particular instance of empirical data (EDA), determining whether there is a match of an identified portion of data (PAμ) of EDA to a key item of the plurality of key items in the assemblage of data;
for a matched key item, using the particular associated family of items of the matched key item to search for a match between a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item and an identified portion of data (PBν) of an other instance of empirical data (EDB) of the received instances of empirical data; and
correlating EDA with EDB as being potentially relevant to each other vis-à-vis the one particular behavior of the particular associated family of items in response to at least one PBν of EDB matching a member of the particular associated family of items of the matched key item for EDA; and
analyzing the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, to determine if it identifies an instance of the one particular behavior of the person as observed by the computer system;
wherein determining that the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, identifies an instance of the one particular behavior comprises determining if the instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, are pairwise relevant to each other vis-a-vis the one particular behavior;
wherein pairwise relevance of EDA to EDB is determined by comparing the portion, PAμ, of EDA to the portion, PBν, of EDB, for a particular relationship;
wherein the particular relationship is one member selected from a group consisting of consistency and inconsistency;
wherein the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, is identified as an instance of the one particular behavior in response to analysis determining that the respective pair of portions, PAμ and PBν, have the particular relationship; and
archiving the pair of correlated instances of empirical data, EDA and EDB, the one particular behavior for which the pair of instances of empirical data were correlated, the instance of the one particular behavior, and the results of the analysis;
wherein the process is a service run for a specific person selected from a group consisting of the particular person when the particular person is an adult and a parent of the particular person when the particular person is a child; wherein the empirical data gathered, and analyses of the empirical data gathered are strictly private; wherein the empirical data gathered, and the analyses of the empirical data gathered are the property of the specific person; and wherein only the specific person can authorize access to the gathered empirical data, and can authorize access to the analyses of the gathered empirical data. 31. The computer system of claim 30, wherein the process that the computer system is configured to perform further comprises:
making data available to an authorized receiver; wherein content of the data made available to the authorized receiver is determined in response to at least one of:
the correlated instances of empirical data; and
the instance of the one particular behavior; and
wherein the authorized receiver is selected from a group consisting of:
a therapist in psychotherapy of the particular person;
a therapist in couples therapy involving the particular person;
a person involved in a self-improvement program of the particular person;
a healthcare professional involved in the particular person's healthcare regime;
a person of the criminal justice system;
a career counselor;
a person involved in employee recruitment and/or screening;
a school counselor of the particular person;
a school administrator in a school of the particular person;
a counselor involved in counseling of parents and the particular person, wherein the particular person is a child of the parents;
a parent of the particular person;
a counselor working to assist in picking a school district for the particular person, wherein the particular person is a child;
a sports coach of the particular person, wherein the particular person is an athlete;
an individual involved in maintaining the particular person's credit report;
Homeland Security;
a person involved in picking draft choices for a professional sports team, wherein the particular person is an athlete;
a person ruling on a gun permit background check of the particular person;
a person reviewing a resume of the particular person;
at least one of a person who verifies the business portrait of the particular person and one who vets business information that the particular person has entered into other services; and
a person who is working to determine true talents of the particular person. | 2,800 |
339,453 | 16,800,359 | 2,899 | A tissue resection device comprises inner and outer coaxial sleeves. The outer sleeve has a cutting window formed therein, and the inner sleeve has a distal cutting end that can be reciprocated past the cutting window. The sleeves comprise electrodes to provide electrosurgical cutting, and an edge portion of the window includes a dielectric material. | 1. A method of resecting tissue with electrosurgical energy, comprising:
inserting an elongated probe into a body cavity, the elongated probe comprising:
an outer sleeve having a window extending through a side wall of the outer sleeve at a location between a proximal end and a distal end of the outer sleeve;
an inner sleeve that is reciprocatable to resect tissue in the window, wherein a distal edge of the inner sleeve comprises a first polarity RF electrode configured for plasma formation thereabout;
wherein the outer sleeve comprises a second polarity RF electrode; and
a slidable dielectric sleeve disposed around the outer sleeve;
manipulating the window into and out of contact with tissue in a saline environment while reciprocating the inner sleeve; and delivering RF energy from the first polarity RF electrode to the second polarity RF electrode while reciprocating the inner sleeve to resect tissue extending into the window. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve comprises a metallic material. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve partially over the second polarity RF electrode to reduce an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein an exterior surface of the outer sleeve is covered with a thin-film dielectric material except for the second polarity RF electrode. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve completely over the second polarity RF electrode; wherein subsequently delivering RF energy causes current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and an interior surface of the outer sleeve. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and the interior surface of the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in a window-closed configuration causes explosive vaporization of saline disposed within the inner sleeve. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second polarity RF electrode faces radially outward. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve over the second polarity RF electrode to adjust an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
actuating a negative pressure source in communication with a proximal end of a lumen in the inner sleeve thereby causing a flow of saline through the lumen. 10. A method of resecting tissue with electrosurgical energy, comprising:
distending a body cavity with saline; inserting an elongated probe into the body cavity, the elongated probe comprising:
a metallic outer sleeve having a tissue-receiving window extending through a side wall of the metallic outer sleeve at a location between a proximal end and a distal end of the metallic outer sleeve;
an inner sleeve that is reciprocatable within the metallic outer sleeve, wherein a distal end of the inner sleeve includes a first polarity RF electrode movable across the tissue-receiving window to resect tissue in the tissue-receiving window;
wherein the metallic outer sleeve includes a second polarity RF electrode; and
a rigid dielectric sleeve slidably disposed about the metallic outer sleeve;
manipulating the window into and out of contact with tissue in the distended body cavity while reciprocating the first polarity RF electrode across the tissue-receiving window; and delivering RF energy from the first polarity RF electrode to the second polarity RF electrode while reciprocating the first polarity RF electrode across the tissue-receiving window to resect tissue extending into the window. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
actuating a negative pressure source in communication with a proximal end of a lumen in the inner sleeve thereby causing a flow of saline through the lumen. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve over the outer sleeve to adjust an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the outer sleeve includes a thin film dielectric material disposed on an exterior surface of the outer sleeve. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein an exposed portion of the exterior surface of the outer sleeve is the second polarity RF electrode. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve over the exposed portion of the exterior surface of the outer sleeve to adjust an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve completely over the second polarity RF electrode; wherein subsequently delivering RF energy causes current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and an interior surface of the outer sleeve. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and the interior surface of the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in a window-closed configuration causes explosive vaporization of saline disposed within the inner sleeve adjacent the distal end of the metallic outer sleeve. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising a dielectric material extending around a perimeter of the tissue-receiving window. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second polarity RF electrode is disposed proximal of the dielectric material extending around the perimeter of the tissue-receiving window. 20. The method of claim 10, wherein the first polarity RF electrode is a ring electrode, and wherein plasma is formed at a distal edge thereof when delivering RF energy. | A tissue resection device comprises inner and outer coaxial sleeves. The outer sleeve has a cutting window formed therein, and the inner sleeve has a distal cutting end that can be reciprocated past the cutting window. The sleeves comprise electrodes to provide electrosurgical cutting, and an edge portion of the window includes a dielectric material.1. A method of resecting tissue with electrosurgical energy, comprising:
inserting an elongated probe into a body cavity, the elongated probe comprising:
an outer sleeve having a window extending through a side wall of the outer sleeve at a location between a proximal end and a distal end of the outer sleeve;
an inner sleeve that is reciprocatable to resect tissue in the window, wherein a distal edge of the inner sleeve comprises a first polarity RF electrode configured for plasma formation thereabout;
wherein the outer sleeve comprises a second polarity RF electrode; and
a slidable dielectric sleeve disposed around the outer sleeve;
manipulating the window into and out of contact with tissue in a saline environment while reciprocating the inner sleeve; and delivering RF energy from the first polarity RF electrode to the second polarity RF electrode while reciprocating the inner sleeve to resect tissue extending into the window. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the outer sleeve comprises a metallic material. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve partially over the second polarity RF electrode to reduce an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein an exterior surface of the outer sleeve is covered with a thin-film dielectric material except for the second polarity RF electrode. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve completely over the second polarity RF electrode; wherein subsequently delivering RF energy causes current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and an interior surface of the outer sleeve. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and the interior surface of the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in a window-closed configuration causes explosive vaporization of saline disposed within the inner sleeve. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the second polarity RF electrode faces radially outward. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve over the second polarity RF electrode to adjust an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
actuating a negative pressure source in communication with a proximal end of a lumen in the inner sleeve thereby causing a flow of saline through the lumen. 10. A method of resecting tissue with electrosurgical energy, comprising:
distending a body cavity with saline; inserting an elongated probe into the body cavity, the elongated probe comprising:
a metallic outer sleeve having a tissue-receiving window extending through a side wall of the metallic outer sleeve at a location between a proximal end and a distal end of the metallic outer sleeve;
an inner sleeve that is reciprocatable within the metallic outer sleeve, wherein a distal end of the inner sleeve includes a first polarity RF electrode movable across the tissue-receiving window to resect tissue in the tissue-receiving window;
wherein the metallic outer sleeve includes a second polarity RF electrode; and
a rigid dielectric sleeve slidably disposed about the metallic outer sleeve;
manipulating the window into and out of contact with tissue in the distended body cavity while reciprocating the first polarity RF electrode across the tissue-receiving window; and delivering RF energy from the first polarity RF electrode to the second polarity RF electrode while reciprocating the first polarity RF electrode across the tissue-receiving window to resect tissue extending into the window. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
actuating a negative pressure source in communication with a proximal end of a lumen in the inner sleeve thereby causing a flow of saline through the lumen. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve over the outer sleeve to adjust an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the outer sleeve includes a thin film dielectric material disposed on an exterior surface of the outer sleeve. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein an exposed portion of the exterior surface of the outer sleeve is the second polarity RF electrode. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve over the exposed portion of the exterior surface of the outer sleeve to adjust an exposed surface area of the second polarity RF electrode. 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
sliding the dielectric sleeve completely over the second polarity RF electrode; wherein subsequently delivering RF energy causes current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and an interior surface of the outer sleeve. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein current flow between the first polarity RF electrode and the interior surface of the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is in a window-closed configuration causes explosive vaporization of saline disposed within the inner sleeve adjacent the distal end of the metallic outer sleeve. 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising a dielectric material extending around a perimeter of the tissue-receiving window. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the second polarity RF electrode is disposed proximal of the dielectric material extending around the perimeter of the tissue-receiving window. 20. The method of claim 10, wherein the first polarity RF electrode is a ring electrode, and wherein plasma is formed at a distal edge thereof when delivering RF energy. | 2,800 |
339,454 | 16,800,363 | 2,899 | A system and method for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows of a desired ratio. The system and method include paths for the secondary flows that include a laminar flow element and two pressure sensors. The nonlinear relationship between flow and pressure upstream and downstream of the laminar flow elements can be transformed into a function comprised of the upstream and downstream pressure that has a linear relationship with the flow. This transformation allows for flow ratio control applications using signals from pressure sensors even if there is no information the fluid species and the flow rate into the flow ratio controller. | 1. A system for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows comprising:
an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow; secondary flow lines connected to the inlet, each secondary flow line including:
a flow path configured to carry a secondary flow with a secondary flow rate;
an upstream pressure sensor configured to provide an upstream pressure signal representative of an upstream pressure;
a downstream pressure sensor configured to provide a downstream pressure signal representative of a downstream pressure;
a pressure drop element in the flow path downstream from the upstream pressure sensor and upstream from the downstream pressure sensor configured to create a linear response between the secondary flow rate and a function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure; and
a valve configured to control the secondary flow rate based upon a control signal.
a controller configured to calculate a ratio of secondary flows based upon the upstream pressure signals and the downstream pressure signals and further configured to obtain a desired ratio of secondary flow rates by sending the control signal, based on the calculated ratio and the desired ratio of secondary flow rates, to the valves. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure drop element is a laminar flow element. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure drop element is a compressed laminar flow element. 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the laminar flow element is one of an annulus, bundled tubes, corrugated plates, or multiple-layer plates. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure drop element is a flow nozzle or orifice. 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the inlet flow. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the valves are located in the flow path of the secondary flow lines upstream from the upstream pressure sensor. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the valves are located in the flow path of the secondary flow lines downstream from the pressure sensors. 9. The system of claim 8 wherein a single pressure sensor is used as the upstream pressure sensor for all secondary flow lines. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure is the following:
ƒ(Pu,Pd)=Pu 2 −Pd 2
where ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function, Pu is the upstream pressure and Pd is the downstream pressure. 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the secondary flow rates can be calculated by the following:
Q=k*ƒ(Pu,Pa)
where Q is the secondary flow rate, ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure, and k is a function of dimensions of the pressure drop element, fluid properties, and fluid temperature. 12. The system of claim 11 wherein k=k(∈, d, L, mw, r, μ, T) where ∈, d, and L are the dimensions of the pressure drop element mw, r, and μ are the fluid properties, and T is the fluid temperature. 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the secondary flow rates can be determined based on a 3D map composed of calibration points having variables Pu, Pd, and Q where Q is the secondary flow rate, Pu is the upstream pressure and Pd is the downstream pressure. 14. A method for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows of desired ratios, comprising;
receiving an inlet at an inlet; dividing the inlet flow into secondary flow lines connected to the inlet, each secondary flow line including:
a flow path configured to carry a secondary flow with a secondary flow rate;
an upstream pressure sensor configured to provide an upstream pressure signal representative of an upstream pressure;
a downstream pressure sensor configured to provide a downstream pressure signal representative of a downstream pressure;
a pressure drop element in the flow path downstream from the upstream pressure sensor and upstream from the downstream pressure sensor configured to create a linear response between the secondary flow rate and a function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure; and
a valve configured to control the secondary flow rate based upon a control signal.
determining, by a controller, a ratio of secondary flow rates based upon the upstream pressure signals, the downstream pressure signals; and obtaining a desired ratio of secondary flow rates by sending, by the controller, the control signal, based on the calculated ratio and the desired ratio of secondary flow rates, to the valves. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the pressure drop element is a laminar flow element. 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the pressure drop element is a compressed laminar flow element. 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the laminar flow element is one of an annulus, bundled tubes, corrugated plates, or multiple-layer plates. 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising measuring the of the inlet flow using a temperature sensor. 19. The method of claim 14 wherein a single pressure sensor is used as the upstream pressure sensor for all secondary flow lines. 20. The method of claim 14 wherein the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure is the following:
ƒ(Pu,Pd)=Pu 2 −Pd 2
where ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function, Pu is the upstream pressure, and Pd is the downstream pressure. 21. The method of claim 14 wherein the secondary flow rates can be determined by the following:
Q=k*ƒ(Pu,Pa)
where Q is the secondary flow rate, ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure, and k is a function of dimensions of the pressure drop element, fluid properties, and fluid temperature. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein k=k(∈, d, L, mw, r, μ, T) where E, d, and L are the dimensions of the pressure drop element mw, r, and μ are the fluid properties, and T is the fluid temperature. 23. The method of claim 14 further comprising creating a 3D map composed of calibration points having variables Pu, Pd, and Q where Q is the secondary flow rate, Pu is the upstream pressure and Pd is the downstream pressure and the controller determines the secondary flow rates can be determined based on the 3D map. | A system and method for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows of a desired ratio. The system and method include paths for the secondary flows that include a laminar flow element and two pressure sensors. The nonlinear relationship between flow and pressure upstream and downstream of the laminar flow elements can be transformed into a function comprised of the upstream and downstream pressure that has a linear relationship with the flow. This transformation allows for flow ratio control applications using signals from pressure sensors even if there is no information the fluid species and the flow rate into the flow ratio controller.1. A system for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows comprising:
an inlet configured to receive an inlet flow; secondary flow lines connected to the inlet, each secondary flow line including:
a flow path configured to carry a secondary flow with a secondary flow rate;
an upstream pressure sensor configured to provide an upstream pressure signal representative of an upstream pressure;
a downstream pressure sensor configured to provide a downstream pressure signal representative of a downstream pressure;
a pressure drop element in the flow path downstream from the upstream pressure sensor and upstream from the downstream pressure sensor configured to create a linear response between the secondary flow rate and a function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure; and
a valve configured to control the secondary flow rate based upon a control signal.
a controller configured to calculate a ratio of secondary flows based upon the upstream pressure signals and the downstream pressure signals and further configured to obtain a desired ratio of secondary flow rates by sending the control signal, based on the calculated ratio and the desired ratio of secondary flow rates, to the valves. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure drop element is a laminar flow element. 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure drop element is a compressed laminar flow element. 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the laminar flow element is one of an annulus, bundled tubes, corrugated plates, or multiple-layer plates. 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the pressure drop element is a flow nozzle or orifice. 6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the inlet flow. 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the valves are located in the flow path of the secondary flow lines upstream from the upstream pressure sensor. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the valves are located in the flow path of the secondary flow lines downstream from the pressure sensors. 9. The system of claim 8 wherein a single pressure sensor is used as the upstream pressure sensor for all secondary flow lines. 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure is the following:
ƒ(Pu,Pd)=Pu 2 −Pd 2
where ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function, Pu is the upstream pressure and Pd is the downstream pressure. 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the secondary flow rates can be calculated by the following:
Q=k*ƒ(Pu,Pa)
where Q is the secondary flow rate, ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure, and k is a function of dimensions of the pressure drop element, fluid properties, and fluid temperature. 12. The system of claim 11 wherein k=k(∈, d, L, mw, r, μ, T) where ∈, d, and L are the dimensions of the pressure drop element mw, r, and μ are the fluid properties, and T is the fluid temperature. 13. The system of claim 1 wherein the secondary flow rates can be determined based on a 3D map composed of calibration points having variables Pu, Pd, and Q where Q is the secondary flow rate, Pu is the upstream pressure and Pd is the downstream pressure. 14. A method for dividing a single mass flow into secondary flows of desired ratios, comprising;
receiving an inlet at an inlet; dividing the inlet flow into secondary flow lines connected to the inlet, each secondary flow line including:
a flow path configured to carry a secondary flow with a secondary flow rate;
an upstream pressure sensor configured to provide an upstream pressure signal representative of an upstream pressure;
a downstream pressure sensor configured to provide a downstream pressure signal representative of a downstream pressure;
a pressure drop element in the flow path downstream from the upstream pressure sensor and upstream from the downstream pressure sensor configured to create a linear response between the secondary flow rate and a function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure; and
a valve configured to control the secondary flow rate based upon a control signal.
determining, by a controller, a ratio of secondary flow rates based upon the upstream pressure signals, the downstream pressure signals; and obtaining a desired ratio of secondary flow rates by sending, by the controller, the control signal, based on the calculated ratio and the desired ratio of secondary flow rates, to the valves. 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the pressure drop element is a laminar flow element. 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the pressure drop element is a compressed laminar flow element. 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the laminar flow element is one of an annulus, bundled tubes, corrugated plates, or multiple-layer plates. 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising measuring the of the inlet flow using a temperature sensor. 19. The method of claim 14 wherein a single pressure sensor is used as the upstream pressure sensor for all secondary flow lines. 20. The method of claim 14 wherein the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure is the following:
ƒ(Pu,Pd)=Pu 2 −Pd 2
where ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function, Pu is the upstream pressure, and Pd is the downstream pressure. 21. The method of claim 14 wherein the secondary flow rates can be determined by the following:
Q=k*ƒ(Pu,Pa)
where Q is the secondary flow rate, ƒ(Pu, Pd) is the function of the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure, and k is a function of dimensions of the pressure drop element, fluid properties, and fluid temperature. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein k=k(∈, d, L, mw, r, μ, T) where E, d, and L are the dimensions of the pressure drop element mw, r, and μ are the fluid properties, and T is the fluid temperature. 23. The method of claim 14 further comprising creating a 3D map composed of calibration points having variables Pu, Pd, and Q where Q is the secondary flow rate, Pu is the upstream pressure and Pd is the downstream pressure and the controller determines the secondary flow rates can be determined based on the 3D map. | 2,800 |
339,455 | 16,800,351 | 2,899 | Methods for forming a film stack comprising a hardmask layer and etching such hardmask layer to form features in the film stack are provided. The methods described herein facilitate profile and dimension control of features through a proper profile management scheme formed in the film stack. In one or more embodiments, a method for etching a hardmask layer includes forming a hardmask layer on a substrate, where the hardmask layer contains a metal-containing material containing a metal element having an atomic number greater than 28, supplying an etching gas mixture to the substrate, and etching the hardmask layer exposed by a photoresist layer. | 1. A method for etching a hardmask layer, comprising:
forming a hardmask layer on a substrate, wherein the hardmask layer comprises a metal-containing material comprising a metal element having an atomic number of greater than 28; supplying an etching gas mixture to the substrate; and etching the hardmask layer exposed by a photoresist layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardmask layer is disposed on a bottom anti-reflective coating layer disposed on a dielectric multi-layer. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the bottom anti-reflective coating layer is an amorphous carbon layer and the dielectric multi-layer comprises at least a silicon containing dielectric layer and a metal dielectric layer. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal element is selected from the group consisting of tin, tantalum, indium, gallium, zirconium, zinc, and any combination thereof. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal-containing material comprises tin oxide, tin silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, indium tin oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardmask layer comprises multiple layers. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein an upper portion of the hardmask layer comprises has a greater concentration of the metal element than a lower portion of the hardmask layer. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the hardmask layer comprises at least two layers having different absorption coefficients. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the hardmask layer comprises a first layer comprising an element having the atomic number greater than 28 and a second layer comprising an element having an atomic number less than 28. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the hardmask layer comprises a first layer comprising a first metal element, a second layer comprising a second metal element, and a third layer comprising a third metal element, and wherein the second metal element has an atomic number greater than or less than the first or third metal element. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardmask layer is a gradient layer having different metal element concentration through the hardmask layer. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying the etching gas mixture further comprises:
supplying a deposition gas mixture to the substrate; and forming a passivation layer on a top surface of the photoresist layer disposed on the hardmask layer. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the photoresist layer comprises at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of tin, tantalum, indium, gallium, zirconium, zinc, and any combination thereof. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein etching the hardmask layer further comprises:
pulsing a RF power while etching the hardmask layer. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the hardmask layer further comprises:
forming a plasma comprising Xe or Kr while forming the hardmask layer. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying the etching gas mixture further comprises supplying a chlorine-containing gas or a bromine-containing gas to etch the hardmask layer. 17. A method for etching a hardmask layer, comprising:
forming a passivation layer on a surface of a photoresist layer disposed on a hardmask layer, wherein the hardmask layer comprises tin oxide, tin silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, indium tin oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof; and etching the hardmask layer exposed by the photoresist layer, wherein the hardmask layer is etched by a gas mixture comprising a chlorine-containing gas or a bromine-containing gas. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the hardmask layer comprises at least two layers having different absorption coefficients. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein an upper portion of the hardmask layer comprises has a greater concentration of the metal element than a lower portion of the hardmask layer. 20. A method for etching a hardmask layer, comprising:
etching a hardmask layer exposed by a photoresist layer, wherein the hardmask layer is etched by a gas mixture comprising a chlorine-containing gas or a bromine-containing gas, wherein the hardmask layer comprises at least two layers having different absorption coefficients. | Methods for forming a film stack comprising a hardmask layer and etching such hardmask layer to form features in the film stack are provided. The methods described herein facilitate profile and dimension control of features through a proper profile management scheme formed in the film stack. In one or more embodiments, a method for etching a hardmask layer includes forming a hardmask layer on a substrate, where the hardmask layer contains a metal-containing material containing a metal element having an atomic number greater than 28, supplying an etching gas mixture to the substrate, and etching the hardmask layer exposed by a photoresist layer.1. A method for etching a hardmask layer, comprising:
forming a hardmask layer on a substrate, wherein the hardmask layer comprises a metal-containing material comprising a metal element having an atomic number of greater than 28; supplying an etching gas mixture to the substrate; and etching the hardmask layer exposed by a photoresist layer. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardmask layer is disposed on a bottom anti-reflective coating layer disposed on a dielectric multi-layer. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the bottom anti-reflective coating layer is an amorphous carbon layer and the dielectric multi-layer comprises at least a silicon containing dielectric layer and a metal dielectric layer. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal element is selected from the group consisting of tin, tantalum, indium, gallium, zirconium, zinc, and any combination thereof. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the metal-containing material comprises tin oxide, tin silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, indium tin oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardmask layer comprises multiple layers. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein an upper portion of the hardmask layer comprises has a greater concentration of the metal element than a lower portion of the hardmask layer. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the hardmask layer comprises at least two layers having different absorption coefficients. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the hardmask layer comprises a first layer comprising an element having the atomic number greater than 28 and a second layer comprising an element having an atomic number less than 28. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the hardmask layer comprises a first layer comprising a first metal element, a second layer comprising a second metal element, and a third layer comprising a third metal element, and wherein the second metal element has an atomic number greater than or less than the first or third metal element. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the hardmask layer is a gradient layer having different metal element concentration through the hardmask layer. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying the etching gas mixture further comprises:
supplying a deposition gas mixture to the substrate; and forming a passivation layer on a top surface of the photoresist layer disposed on the hardmask layer. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the photoresist layer comprises at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of tin, tantalum, indium, gallium, zirconium, zinc, and any combination thereof. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein etching the hardmask layer further comprises:
pulsing a RF power while etching the hardmask layer. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the hardmask layer further comprises:
forming a plasma comprising Xe or Kr while forming the hardmask layer. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein supplying the etching gas mixture further comprises supplying a chlorine-containing gas or a bromine-containing gas to etch the hardmask layer. 17. A method for etching a hardmask layer, comprising:
forming a passivation layer on a surface of a photoresist layer disposed on a hardmask layer, wherein the hardmask layer comprises tin oxide, tin silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, indium tin oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, an alloy thereof, or any combination thereof; and etching the hardmask layer exposed by the photoresist layer, wherein the hardmask layer is etched by a gas mixture comprising a chlorine-containing gas or a bromine-containing gas. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the hardmask layer comprises at least two layers having different absorption coefficients. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein an upper portion of the hardmask layer comprises has a greater concentration of the metal element than a lower portion of the hardmask layer. 20. A method for etching a hardmask layer, comprising:
etching a hardmask layer exposed by a photoresist layer, wherein the hardmask layer is etched by a gas mixture comprising a chlorine-containing gas or a bromine-containing gas, wherein the hardmask layer comprises at least two layers having different absorption coefficients. | 2,800 |
339,456 | 16,800,270 | 2,899 | A method for figuring an optical surface of an optical element to achieve a target profile for the optical surface includes: applying a removal process to an extended region of the optical surface extending along a first direction to remove material from the extended region of the optical surface; adjusting a position of the optical surface relative to the removal process along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to remove material from additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction at each of different positions of the optical surface along the second direction; and repeating the applying of the removal process and the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process for each of multiple rotational orientations of the optical surface about a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions to achieve the target profile of the optical surface. | 1. A method for figuring an optical surface of an optical element to achieve a target profile for the optical surface, the method comprising:
a. applying a removal process to an extended region of the optical surface extending along a first direction to remove material from the extended region of the optical surface; and b. adjusting a position of the optical surface relative to the removal process along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to remove material from additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction at each of different positions of the optical surface along the second direction, c. wherein, during the applying of the removal process and the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process, the optical surface has a first rotational orientation about a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and d. wherein the method further comprises:
repeating the applying of the removal process and the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process for each of one or more additional rotational orientations of the optical surface about the third direction to achieve the target profile of the optical surface. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the extended region of the optical surface extending along the first direction from which material is removed by the removal process extends across a full aperture of the optical surface along the first direction. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is an etching process wherein at least part of the optical surface is immersed into an etching bath. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process comprises immersing the optical surface into the etching bath along the second direction. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein immersing the optical surface into the etching bath along the second direction comprises varying a speed of the immersion of the optical surface into the etching bath along the second direction to cause a rate at which the material at the additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction are removed at each of the different positions of the optical surface along the second direction to vary nonlinearly with respect to distance along the second direction. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the extended regions of the optical surface that are immersed in the etching bath have material continuously removed by the etching bath in proportion to a dwell time in the etching bath for each of the extended regions. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the position of the optical surface relative to the removal process along the second direction comprises varying a speed of the relative positioning along the second direction to cause a rate at which the material at the additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction are removed at each of the different positions of the optical surface along the second direction to vary nonlinearly with respect to distance along the second direction. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising mounting the optical element in a fixture to establish an initial rotational orientation of the optical surface about the third direction prior to an initial application of the removal process to the optical surface. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising reorienting the optical element in the fixture to establish each of the one or more additional rotational orientations of the optical surface prior to repeating each of the corresponding applications of the removal process and adjustments of the optical surface relative to the removal process. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations collectively comprise at least four different rotational orientations. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least four different rotational orientations comprise eight different rotational orientations. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least four different rotational orientations are selected from rotations corresponding to integer multiples of 45 degrees. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising expressing the target profile for the figuring of the optical surface as a superposition of polynomial functions of a coordinate for the second dimension for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the adjustment of the optical surface relative to the removal process along the second direction for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations is based on the polynomial function for each corresponding one of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a speed of the adjustment of the optical surface relative to the removal process along the second direction for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations corresponds to a derivative of the polynomial function with respect to the coordinate for the second dimension for each corresponding one of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein a desired profile for the figuring of the optical surface can be expressed in terms of coefficients for a set of Zernike polynomials, and where the method comprises approximating the desired profile with the target profile expressed as the superposition of polynomial functions for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein a full aperture of the optical surface is greater than 25 cm. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein a full aperture of the optical surface is greater than 50 cm. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein a full aperture of the optical surface is greater than 100 cm. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is laterally extended along the first direction to simultaneously remove the material from the region of the optical surface extending along the first direction. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is laterally extended along the first direction to uniformly remove the material from the region of the optical surface extending along the first direction. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is an ion beam etching process. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein a dimension of the ion beam for the ion beam etching process along the first direction is at least ten times greater than a dimension of the ion beam along the second direction. 24. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprising adjusting a temperature of the etchant bath to adjust an etching rate for the removal process. 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical surface comprises any of a planar surface, a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, and a free-form surface. | A method for figuring an optical surface of an optical element to achieve a target profile for the optical surface includes: applying a removal process to an extended region of the optical surface extending along a first direction to remove material from the extended region of the optical surface; adjusting a position of the optical surface relative to the removal process along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to remove material from additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction at each of different positions of the optical surface along the second direction; and repeating the applying of the removal process and the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process for each of multiple rotational orientations of the optical surface about a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions to achieve the target profile of the optical surface.1. A method for figuring an optical surface of an optical element to achieve a target profile for the optical surface, the method comprising:
a. applying a removal process to an extended region of the optical surface extending along a first direction to remove material from the extended region of the optical surface; and b. adjusting a position of the optical surface relative to the removal process along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to remove material from additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction at each of different positions of the optical surface along the second direction, c. wherein, during the applying of the removal process and the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process, the optical surface has a first rotational orientation about a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and d. wherein the method further comprises:
repeating the applying of the removal process and the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process for each of one or more additional rotational orientations of the optical surface about the third direction to achieve the target profile of the optical surface. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the extended region of the optical surface extending along the first direction from which material is removed by the removal process extends across a full aperture of the optical surface along the first direction. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is an etching process wherein at least part of the optical surface is immersed into an etching bath. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the adjusting of the optical surface relative to the removal process comprises immersing the optical surface into the etching bath along the second direction. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein immersing the optical surface into the etching bath along the second direction comprises varying a speed of the immersion of the optical surface into the etching bath along the second direction to cause a rate at which the material at the additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction are removed at each of the different positions of the optical surface along the second direction to vary nonlinearly with respect to distance along the second direction. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the extended regions of the optical surface that are immersed in the etching bath have material continuously removed by the etching bath in proportion to a dwell time in the etching bath for each of the extended regions. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the position of the optical surface relative to the removal process along the second direction comprises varying a speed of the relative positioning along the second direction to cause a rate at which the material at the additional extended regions of the optical surface extending along the first direction are removed at each of the different positions of the optical surface along the second direction to vary nonlinearly with respect to distance along the second direction. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising mounting the optical element in a fixture to establish an initial rotational orientation of the optical surface about the third direction prior to an initial application of the removal process to the optical surface. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising reorienting the optical element in the fixture to establish each of the one or more additional rotational orientations of the optical surface prior to repeating each of the corresponding applications of the removal process and adjustments of the optical surface relative to the removal process. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations collectively comprise at least four different rotational orientations. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least four different rotational orientations comprise eight different rotational orientations. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least four different rotational orientations are selected from rotations corresponding to integer multiples of 45 degrees. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising expressing the target profile for the figuring of the optical surface as a superposition of polynomial functions of a coordinate for the second dimension for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the adjustment of the optical surface relative to the removal process along the second direction for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations is based on the polynomial function for each corresponding one of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a speed of the adjustment of the optical surface relative to the removal process along the second direction for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations corresponds to a derivative of the polynomial function with respect to the coordinate for the second dimension for each corresponding one of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein a desired profile for the figuring of the optical surface can be expressed in terms of coefficients for a set of Zernike polynomials, and where the method comprises approximating the desired profile with the target profile expressed as the superposition of polynomial functions for each of the first rotational orientation and the one or more additional rotational orientations. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein a full aperture of the optical surface is greater than 25 cm. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein a full aperture of the optical surface is greater than 50 cm. 19. The method of claim 1, wherein a full aperture of the optical surface is greater than 100 cm. 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is laterally extended along the first direction to simultaneously remove the material from the region of the optical surface extending along the first direction. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is laterally extended along the first direction to uniformly remove the material from the region of the optical surface extending along the first direction. 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the removal process is an ion beam etching process. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein a dimension of the ion beam for the ion beam etching process along the first direction is at least ten times greater than a dimension of the ion beam along the second direction. 24. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprising adjusting a temperature of the etchant bath to adjust an etching rate for the removal process. 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical surface comprises any of a planar surface, a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, and a free-form surface. | 2,800 |
339,457 | 16,800,355 | 2,899 | A method of increasing the surface area of a contact to an electrical device that in one embodiment includes forming a contact stud extending through an intralevel dielectric layer to a component of the electrical device, and selectively forming a contact region on the contact stud. The selectively formed contact region has an exterior surface defined by a curvature and has a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the contact stud. An interlevel dielectric layer is formed on the intralevel dielectric layer, wherein an interlevel contact extends through the interlevel dielectric layer into direct contact with the selectively formed contact region. | 1. An electrical contact comprising:
a first contact portion extending through an intralevel dielectric to a semiconductor device, wherein an upper surface of the first contact portion that is opposing a surface of the first contact portion that is in contact with the semiconductor device has a planar upper surface; a second contact portion having an exterior surface defined by a curvature and a width greater than the first contact portion, wherein the curvature of the second contact portion has a greater surface area than the planar upper surface of the first contact portion; and a third contact portion in direct contact with the second contact portion that encapsulates the second contact portion. 2. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the first contact portion is a stud having sidewalls with a length substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of source and drain portions of the semiconductor device. 3. The electrical contact of claim 2, wherein the first contact portion comprises tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and combinations thereof. 4. The electrical contact of claim 1, further comprising a liner of a metal nitride on external surfaces of the first contact portion that are not in direct contact with the second contact portion. 5. The electrical contact of claim 4, wherein the liner of the metal nitride is positioned between the first contact portion and the intralevel dielectric material. 6. The electrical contact of claim 5, wherein the liner of the metal nitride comprises titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten nitride, aluminum nitride or a combination thereof. 7. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the second contact portion encapsulates and is in direct contact with an entirety of the upper most surface of the first contact portion. 8. The electrical contact of claim 7, wherein the second contact portion is also in direct contact with a portion of a sidewall of the first contact portion. 9. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the second contact portion comprises tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru) or combinations thereof. 10. The electrical contact of claim 9, wherein the second contact portion is formed using a selective growth process. 11. The electrical contact of claim 10, wherein the metal for the second contact portion forms selectively to the first contact portion. 12. The electrical contact of claim 10, wherein the metal for the second contact portion does not form on the intralevel dielectric. 13. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the third contact extends through an interlevel dielectric layer. 14. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the third contact portion has a base surface with a first width greater than the width of the second contact portion. 15. The electrical contact of claim 14, wherein the third contact portion has an upper surface with a second width greater than the first width. 16. An electrical contact comprising:
a first contact portion extending through an intralevel dielectric to a semiconductor device, wherein an upper surface of the first contact portion that is opposing a surface of the first contact portion that is in contact with the semiconductor device has a planar upper surface, wherein the first contact portion is a stud having sidewalls with a length substantially perpendicular to the planar upper surface; a second contact portion having an exterior surface defined by a curvature and a width greater than the first contact portion, wherein the curvature of the second contact portion has a greater surface area than the planar upper surface of the first contact portion; and a third contact portion in direct contact with the second contact portion that encapsulates the second contact portion. 17. The electrical contact of claim 16, wherein the first contact portion comprises tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and combinations thereof. 18. The electrical contact of claim 16, further comprising a liner of a metal nitride on external surfaces of the first contact portion that are not in direct contact with the second contact portion. 19. The electrical contact of claim 18, wherein the liner of the metal nitride is positioned between the first contact portion and the intralevel dielectric material. 20. The electrical contact of claim 19, wherein the liner of the metal nitride comprises titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten nitride, aluminum nitride or a combination thereof. | A method of increasing the surface area of a contact to an electrical device that in one embodiment includes forming a contact stud extending through an intralevel dielectric layer to a component of the electrical device, and selectively forming a contact region on the contact stud. The selectively formed contact region has an exterior surface defined by a curvature and has a surface area that is greater than a surface area of the contact stud. An interlevel dielectric layer is formed on the intralevel dielectric layer, wherein an interlevel contact extends through the interlevel dielectric layer into direct contact with the selectively formed contact region.1. An electrical contact comprising:
a first contact portion extending through an intralevel dielectric to a semiconductor device, wherein an upper surface of the first contact portion that is opposing a surface of the first contact portion that is in contact with the semiconductor device has a planar upper surface; a second contact portion having an exterior surface defined by a curvature and a width greater than the first contact portion, wherein the curvature of the second contact portion has a greater surface area than the planar upper surface of the first contact portion; and a third contact portion in direct contact with the second contact portion that encapsulates the second contact portion. 2. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the first contact portion is a stud having sidewalls with a length substantially perpendicular to an upper surface of source and drain portions of the semiconductor device. 3. The electrical contact of claim 2, wherein the first contact portion comprises tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and combinations thereof. 4. The electrical contact of claim 1, further comprising a liner of a metal nitride on external surfaces of the first contact portion that are not in direct contact with the second contact portion. 5. The electrical contact of claim 4, wherein the liner of the metal nitride is positioned between the first contact portion and the intralevel dielectric material. 6. The electrical contact of claim 5, wherein the liner of the metal nitride comprises titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten nitride, aluminum nitride or a combination thereof. 7. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the second contact portion encapsulates and is in direct contact with an entirety of the upper most surface of the first contact portion. 8. The electrical contact of claim 7, wherein the second contact portion is also in direct contact with a portion of a sidewall of the first contact portion. 9. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the second contact portion comprises tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru) or combinations thereof. 10. The electrical contact of claim 9, wherein the second contact portion is formed using a selective growth process. 11. The electrical contact of claim 10, wherein the metal for the second contact portion forms selectively to the first contact portion. 12. The electrical contact of claim 10, wherein the metal for the second contact portion does not form on the intralevel dielectric. 13. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the third contact extends through an interlevel dielectric layer. 14. The electrical contact of claim 1, wherein the third contact portion has a base surface with a first width greater than the width of the second contact portion. 15. The electrical contact of claim 14, wherein the third contact portion has an upper surface with a second width greater than the first width. 16. An electrical contact comprising:
a first contact portion extending through an intralevel dielectric to a semiconductor device, wherein an upper surface of the first contact portion that is opposing a surface of the first contact portion that is in contact with the semiconductor device has a planar upper surface, wherein the first contact portion is a stud having sidewalls with a length substantially perpendicular to the planar upper surface; a second contact portion having an exterior surface defined by a curvature and a width greater than the first contact portion, wherein the curvature of the second contact portion has a greater surface area than the planar upper surface of the first contact portion; and a third contact portion in direct contact with the second contact portion that encapsulates the second contact portion. 17. The electrical contact of claim 16, wherein the first contact portion comprises tungsten (W), cobalt (Co), ruthenium (Ru), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and combinations thereof. 18. The electrical contact of claim 16, further comprising a liner of a metal nitride on external surfaces of the first contact portion that are not in direct contact with the second contact portion. 19. The electrical contact of claim 18, wherein the liner of the metal nitride is positioned between the first contact portion and the intralevel dielectric material. 20. The electrical contact of claim 19, wherein the liner of the metal nitride comprises titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten nitride, aluminum nitride or a combination thereof. | 2,800 |
339,458 | 16,800,345 | 2,899 | An interlocking device for monitoring and enforcing shipping and acclimation conditions includes a servo motor, at least one locking pin, a battery, and a printed circuit board disposed within an enclosure, where the battery is electrically coupled to the servo motor and the printed circuit board. The interlocking device further includes a housing of an input power connector insertable into a first end of the enclosure to prevent the housing of the input power connector from electrically coupling to a power source, where the servo motor is configurable to engage the at least one locking pin to prevent a removal of the housing of the input power connector while inserted in the first end of the enclosure. The interlocking device further includes the printed circuit board configured to control the servo motor based on readings from one or more sensors electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. | 1. An interlocking device for monitoring and enforcing shipping and acclimation conditions, the interlocking device comprising:
a servo motor, at least one locking pin, a battery, and a printed circuit board disposed within an enclosure, wherein the battery is electrically coupled to the servo motor and the printed circuit board; a housing of an input power connector insertable into or onto a first end of the enclosure to prevent the housing of the input power connector from electrically coupling to a power source, wherein the servo motor is configurable to engage the at least one locking pin to prevent a removal of the enclosure from the housing of the input power connector; and the printed circuit board configured to control the servo motor based on readings from one or more sensors electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. 2. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking pin is disposed in an aperture of an outer shell of the housing of the input power connector. 3. The interlocking device of claim 2, further comprising:
the at least one locking pin is disposed in an aperture of the enclosure, wherein a portion of the at least one locking pin protrudes beyond an exterior planar surface of the enclosure. 4. The interlocking device of claim 3, further comprising:
the at least one locking pin is disposed in at least one electrical prong in the housing of the input power connector. 5. The interlocking device of claim 4, wherein the at least one electrical prong protrudes from a recessed base surrounded by the outer shell of the housing of the input power connector. 6. The interlocking device of claim 1, further comprising:
a first end of the at least one locking pin pressed against an inner surface of an outer shell of the housing of the input power connector, wherein a pressure created between the first end of the at least one locking pin prevents the removal of the enclosure from the housing of the input power connector. 7. The interlocking device of claim 6, wherein the input power connector is for a device selected from a group consisting of a power distribution unit and a bulk power assembly. 8. The interlocking device of claim 7, further comprising:
at least one electrical prong protruding from a recessed base surrounded by the outer shell of the housing of the input power connector. 9. The interlocking device of claim 1, where the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and an accelerometer. 10. The interlocking device of claim 1, further comprising:
at least one data transfer port electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, where the at least one data transfer port is accessible from an exterior surface of the enclosure. 11. The interlocking device of claim 10, wherein the at least one data transfer port is positioned at a second end of the enclosure opposite the first end of the enclosure. 12. The interlocking device of claim 11, wherein the at least one data transfer port is selected from a group consisting of: a USB-C port or an Ethernet port. 13. The interlocking device of claim 11, wherein the at least one data transfer port is a charging downstream port configurable to charge the battery. 14. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein a clockwise rotational movement by the servo motor engages the at least one locking pin and a counterclockwise rotational movement by the servo motor disengages the at least one locking pin. 15. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein a counterclockwise rotational movement by the servo motor engages the at least one locking pin and a clockwise rotational movement by the servo motor disengages the at least one locking pin. 16. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein the servo motor is coupled to one or more rack and pinion combinations to actuate an engaging and disengaging motions of the at least one locking pins. 17. A method comprising:
responsive to enabling an interlocking device for a shipping process and an acclimation process of electronic equipment, monitoring, by the interlocking device, conditions during the shipping process based on one or more readings from one or more sensors associated with the interlocking device; responsive to determining a mishandling event has occurred during the shipping process based on the one or more readings, logging a first reading out of the one or more readings responsible for the mishandling event; responsive to determining the electronic equipment has arrived at a delivery location, measuring, by the interlocking device, one or more delivery location conditions during the acclimation process of the electronic equipment; and responsive to determining one or more acclimation requirements for the electronic equipment are met based on the one or more delivery location conditions, disabling the interlock device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein enabling the interlocking device prevents a removal of the interlocking device from a housing of an input power connector for the electronic equipment. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein disabling the interlocking device allows for the removal of the interlocking device from the housing of the input power connector for the electronic equipment. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more readings are selected from a group consisting of: temperature values, humidity values, pitch angle value, force values, dew point values, and location information. | An interlocking device for monitoring and enforcing shipping and acclimation conditions includes a servo motor, at least one locking pin, a battery, and a printed circuit board disposed within an enclosure, where the battery is electrically coupled to the servo motor and the printed circuit board. The interlocking device further includes a housing of an input power connector insertable into a first end of the enclosure to prevent the housing of the input power connector from electrically coupling to a power source, where the servo motor is configurable to engage the at least one locking pin to prevent a removal of the housing of the input power connector while inserted in the first end of the enclosure. The interlocking device further includes the printed circuit board configured to control the servo motor based on readings from one or more sensors electrically coupled to the printed circuit board.1. An interlocking device for monitoring and enforcing shipping and acclimation conditions, the interlocking device comprising:
a servo motor, at least one locking pin, a battery, and a printed circuit board disposed within an enclosure, wherein the battery is electrically coupled to the servo motor and the printed circuit board; a housing of an input power connector insertable into or onto a first end of the enclosure to prevent the housing of the input power connector from electrically coupling to a power source, wherein the servo motor is configurable to engage the at least one locking pin to prevent a removal of the enclosure from the housing of the input power connector; and the printed circuit board configured to control the servo motor based on readings from one or more sensors electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. 2. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking pin is disposed in an aperture of an outer shell of the housing of the input power connector. 3. The interlocking device of claim 2, further comprising:
the at least one locking pin is disposed in an aperture of the enclosure, wherein a portion of the at least one locking pin protrudes beyond an exterior planar surface of the enclosure. 4. The interlocking device of claim 3, further comprising:
the at least one locking pin is disposed in at least one electrical prong in the housing of the input power connector. 5. The interlocking device of claim 4, wherein the at least one electrical prong protrudes from a recessed base surrounded by the outer shell of the housing of the input power connector. 6. The interlocking device of claim 1, further comprising:
a first end of the at least one locking pin pressed against an inner surface of an outer shell of the housing of the input power connector, wherein a pressure created between the first end of the at least one locking pin prevents the removal of the enclosure from the housing of the input power connector. 7. The interlocking device of claim 6, wherein the input power connector is for a device selected from a group consisting of a power distribution unit and a bulk power assembly. 8. The interlocking device of claim 7, further comprising:
at least one electrical prong protruding from a recessed base surrounded by the outer shell of the housing of the input power connector. 9. The interlocking device of claim 1, where the one or more sensors are selected from a group consisting of: a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gyroscope sensor, and an accelerometer. 10. The interlocking device of claim 1, further comprising:
at least one data transfer port electrically coupled to the printed circuit board, where the at least one data transfer port is accessible from an exterior surface of the enclosure. 11. The interlocking device of claim 10, wherein the at least one data transfer port is positioned at a second end of the enclosure opposite the first end of the enclosure. 12. The interlocking device of claim 11, wherein the at least one data transfer port is selected from a group consisting of: a USB-C port or an Ethernet port. 13. The interlocking device of claim 11, wherein the at least one data transfer port is a charging downstream port configurable to charge the battery. 14. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein a clockwise rotational movement by the servo motor engages the at least one locking pin and a counterclockwise rotational movement by the servo motor disengages the at least one locking pin. 15. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein a counterclockwise rotational movement by the servo motor engages the at least one locking pin and a clockwise rotational movement by the servo motor disengages the at least one locking pin. 16. The interlocking device of claim 1, wherein the servo motor is coupled to one or more rack and pinion combinations to actuate an engaging and disengaging motions of the at least one locking pins. 17. A method comprising:
responsive to enabling an interlocking device for a shipping process and an acclimation process of electronic equipment, monitoring, by the interlocking device, conditions during the shipping process based on one or more readings from one or more sensors associated with the interlocking device; responsive to determining a mishandling event has occurred during the shipping process based on the one or more readings, logging a first reading out of the one or more readings responsible for the mishandling event; responsive to determining the electronic equipment has arrived at a delivery location, measuring, by the interlocking device, one or more delivery location conditions during the acclimation process of the electronic equipment; and responsive to determining one or more acclimation requirements for the electronic equipment are met based on the one or more delivery location conditions, disabling the interlock device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein enabling the interlocking device prevents a removal of the interlocking device from a housing of an input power connector for the electronic equipment. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein disabling the interlocking device allows for the removal of the interlocking device from the housing of the input power connector for the electronic equipment. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one or more readings are selected from a group consisting of: temperature values, humidity values, pitch angle value, force values, dew point values, and location information. | 2,800 |
339,459 | 16,800,315 | 2,899 | A system for discovering the topology and phase of an electrical power distribution system is provided. For example, a group of meters connected to an electrical power distribution system can process sensor data obtained at the meters and generate descriptors based on the processed data and transmit the descriptors to a headend system. The headend system can, after receiving the descriptors from the various meters in the system, group these meters to generate a grouping by applying clustering algorithms to the descriptors of these meters. The headend system can further compare the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the current grouping and assign a segment identifier or a phase identifier or both to one or more of the meters based on the confidence level. | 1. A method for discovering a topological location and phase for one or more utility devices in a resource distribution system, comprising:
receiving, by a headend system, descriptors from a plurality of utility devices connected to the electrical power distribution system, the descriptors being generated at the respective utility devices by processing sensor data obtained at the respective utility devices; responsive to determining that at least a threshold number of descriptors for a regular mode have been received,
grouping, by the headend system, the plurality of utility devices to generate a current grouping by applying clustering algorithms to the descriptors of the plurality of utility devices;
comparing, by the headend system, the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the grouping;
determining, by the headend system, whether the confidence level exceeds a threshold confidence value; and
in response to determining that the confidence level exceeds the threshold confidence value, assigning, by the headend system, at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to one or more of the plurality of utility devices. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode, wherein in the fast mode, the segment identifier or the phase identifier is assigned to a utility device in a shorter time period than the regular mode; in response to determining that the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode and that sufficient descriptors for the fast mode have been received, grouping the plurality of utility devices by correlating the received descriptors for the fast mode; generating assignment information by assigning at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to an unknown utility device among the plurality of utility devices; sending the assignment information to the unknown utility device; and sending instructions to the plurality of utility devices to exit the fast mode. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising in response to determining that the confidence level does not exceed the threshold confidence value, generating and sending, by the headend system, a new descriptor configuration to one or more of the plurality of utility devices. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the grouping comprises assigning a high confidence level in response to determining that a set of utility devices are grouped together in the current grouping and the past groupings; and assigning a low confidence level in response to determining that a set of utility devices are grouped differently in the current grouping than the past groupings. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining that the descriptors contain synchronizing events; and adjusting timing of other events in the descriptors using a time of occurrence of the synchronizing events as a reference time. 6. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
determining, based on the synchronizing events, time offsets for one or more of the plurality of utility devices; and transmitting instructions to the one or more of the plurality of utility devices to correct clocks according to the respective time offsets. 7. A method performed by a utility device to generate descriptors for discovering a topology and phase of an electrical power distribution system, comprising:
processing sensor data obtained by the utility device to generate processed data; determining whether the utility device operates in a fast mode or in a regular mode, wherein the utility device generates descriptors at a higher rate when operating in the fast mode than when operating in the regular mode; in response to determining that the utility device operates in the fast mode,
generating fast descriptors based on the processed data; and
responsive to determining that at least a first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated, transmitting the fast descriptors to a headend system communicatively connected to the utility device; and
in response to determining that the utility device operates in the regular mode,
generating regular descriptors based on the processed data; and
responsive to determining that at least a second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated, transmitting the regular descriptors to the headend system, wherein the second threshold number is higher than the first threshold number, and wherein the fast descriptors and the regular descriptors are different. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein processing the sensor data to generate processed data comprises one or more of filtering the sensor data, transforming the sensor data into a frequency domain, or normalizing the sensor data. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein processing the sensor data further comprises:
identifying a disturbance by determining that a value of the processed data is outside a pre-determined range; and determining characteristics of the disturbance. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the regular descriptors are generated to include one or more of the characteristics of the disturbance. 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising adjusting a reference time of the utility device in response to receiving instructions from the headend system to correct the reference time of the utility device. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
operating the utility device in the fast mode in response to receiving a first user input at the utility device or a first instruction from the headend system; and exiting the fast mode in response to receiving a second user input at the utility device or a second instruction from the headend system. 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
receiving assignment information of the utility device from the headend system; and displaying the assignment information on a display device associated with the utility device. 14. A system, comprising:
a plurality of utility devices connected to an electrical power distribution system and communicatively connected to a headend system, each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is configured for:
processing sensor data obtained at the utility device to generate processed data;
generating and transmitting fast descriptors or regular descriptors based on the processed data; and
the headend system configured for:
receiving the fast descriptors or the regular descriptors from the plurality of utility devices;
determining whether the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode or a regular mode, wherein in the fast mode, a segment identifier or a phase identifier is assigned to a utility device among the plurality of utility devices in a shorter time period than the regular mode;
responsive to determining that the plurality of utility devices operate in the regular mode,
grouping the plurality of utility devices to generate a current grouping by applying clustering algorithms to the regular descriptors of the plurality of utility devices;
comparing the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the current grouping; and
assigning at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to one or more of the plurality of utility devices based on the confidence level. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is further configured for determining whether the utility device operates in the fast mode or the regular mode, wherein the regular descriptors are generated and transmitted in response to determining that the utility device operates in the regular mode. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is further configured for, in response to determining that the utility device operates in the fast mode,
generating the fast descriptors based on the processed data; determining that at least a first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated; and transmitting the fast descriptors to the headend system. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is further configured for, in response to determining that the utility device operates in the regular mode, determining that at least a second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated, wherein the regular descriptors are transmitted to the headend system in response to determining that at least the second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein:
determining that at least a first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated comprises determining that the at least first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated for a fast mode interval; determining that at least a second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated comprises determining that the at least second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated for a pre-determined number of descriptor intervals; and the fast mode interval is shorter than the descriptor interval. 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the headend system is further configured for:
determining whether the confidence level exceeds a threshold confidence value; and in response to determining that the confidence level does not exceed the threshold confidence value, generating and sending a new descriptor configuration to one or more of the plurality of utility devices, wherein assigning the at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to one or more of the plurality of utility devices is performed in response to determining that the confidence level exceeds the threshold confidence value. 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the headend system is further configured for in response to determining that the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode,
grouping the plurality of utility devices by correlating the fast descriptors; generating assignment information by assigning at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to an unknown utility device among the plurality of utility devices using neighboring utility devices of the unknown utility device in the plurality of utility devices as references; sending the assignment information to the unknown utility device; and sending instructions to the plurality of utility devices to exit the fast mode. | A system for discovering the topology and phase of an electrical power distribution system is provided. For example, a group of meters connected to an electrical power distribution system can process sensor data obtained at the meters and generate descriptors based on the processed data and transmit the descriptors to a headend system. The headend system can, after receiving the descriptors from the various meters in the system, group these meters to generate a grouping by applying clustering algorithms to the descriptors of these meters. The headend system can further compare the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the current grouping and assign a segment identifier or a phase identifier or both to one or more of the meters based on the confidence level.1. A method for discovering a topological location and phase for one or more utility devices in a resource distribution system, comprising:
receiving, by a headend system, descriptors from a plurality of utility devices connected to the electrical power distribution system, the descriptors being generated at the respective utility devices by processing sensor data obtained at the respective utility devices; responsive to determining that at least a threshold number of descriptors for a regular mode have been received,
grouping, by the headend system, the plurality of utility devices to generate a current grouping by applying clustering algorithms to the descriptors of the plurality of utility devices;
comparing, by the headend system, the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the grouping;
determining, by the headend system, whether the confidence level exceeds a threshold confidence value; and
in response to determining that the confidence level exceeds the threshold confidence value, assigning, by the headend system, at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to one or more of the plurality of utility devices. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining whether the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode, wherein in the fast mode, the segment identifier or the phase identifier is assigned to a utility device in a shorter time period than the regular mode; in response to determining that the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode and that sufficient descriptors for the fast mode have been received, grouping the plurality of utility devices by correlating the received descriptors for the fast mode; generating assignment information by assigning at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to an unknown utility device among the plurality of utility devices; sending the assignment information to the unknown utility device; and sending instructions to the plurality of utility devices to exit the fast mode. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising in response to determining that the confidence level does not exceed the threshold confidence value, generating and sending, by the headend system, a new descriptor configuration to one or more of the plurality of utility devices. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the grouping comprises assigning a high confidence level in response to determining that a set of utility devices are grouped together in the current grouping and the past groupings; and assigning a low confidence level in response to determining that a set of utility devices are grouped differently in the current grouping than the past groupings. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining that the descriptors contain synchronizing events; and adjusting timing of other events in the descriptors using a time of occurrence of the synchronizing events as a reference time. 6. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
determining, based on the synchronizing events, time offsets for one or more of the plurality of utility devices; and transmitting instructions to the one or more of the plurality of utility devices to correct clocks according to the respective time offsets. 7. A method performed by a utility device to generate descriptors for discovering a topology and phase of an electrical power distribution system, comprising:
processing sensor data obtained by the utility device to generate processed data; determining whether the utility device operates in a fast mode or in a regular mode, wherein the utility device generates descriptors at a higher rate when operating in the fast mode than when operating in the regular mode; in response to determining that the utility device operates in the fast mode,
generating fast descriptors based on the processed data; and
responsive to determining that at least a first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated, transmitting the fast descriptors to a headend system communicatively connected to the utility device; and
in response to determining that the utility device operates in the regular mode,
generating regular descriptors based on the processed data; and
responsive to determining that at least a second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated, transmitting the regular descriptors to the headend system, wherein the second threshold number is higher than the first threshold number, and wherein the fast descriptors and the regular descriptors are different. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein processing the sensor data to generate processed data comprises one or more of filtering the sensor data, transforming the sensor data into a frequency domain, or normalizing the sensor data. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein processing the sensor data further comprises:
identifying a disturbance by determining that a value of the processed data is outside a pre-determined range; and determining characteristics of the disturbance. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the regular descriptors are generated to include one or more of the characteristics of the disturbance. 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising adjusting a reference time of the utility device in response to receiving instructions from the headend system to correct the reference time of the utility device. 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
operating the utility device in the fast mode in response to receiving a first user input at the utility device or a first instruction from the headend system; and exiting the fast mode in response to receiving a second user input at the utility device or a second instruction from the headend system. 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
receiving assignment information of the utility device from the headend system; and displaying the assignment information on a display device associated with the utility device. 14. A system, comprising:
a plurality of utility devices connected to an electrical power distribution system and communicatively connected to a headend system, each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is configured for:
processing sensor data obtained at the utility device to generate processed data;
generating and transmitting fast descriptors or regular descriptors based on the processed data; and
the headend system configured for:
receiving the fast descriptors or the regular descriptors from the plurality of utility devices;
determining whether the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode or a regular mode, wherein in the fast mode, a segment identifier or a phase identifier is assigned to a utility device among the plurality of utility devices in a shorter time period than the regular mode;
responsive to determining that the plurality of utility devices operate in the regular mode,
grouping the plurality of utility devices to generate a current grouping by applying clustering algorithms to the regular descriptors of the plurality of utility devices;
comparing the current grouping with past groupings to determine a confidence level of the current grouping; and
assigning at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to one or more of the plurality of utility devices based on the confidence level. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is further configured for determining whether the utility device operates in the fast mode or the regular mode, wherein the regular descriptors are generated and transmitted in response to determining that the utility device operates in the regular mode. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is further configured for, in response to determining that the utility device operates in the fast mode,
generating the fast descriptors based on the processed data; determining that at least a first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated; and transmitting the fast descriptors to the headend system. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein each utility device of the plurality of utility devices is further configured for, in response to determining that the utility device operates in the regular mode, determining that at least a second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated, wherein the regular descriptors are transmitted to the headend system in response to determining that at least the second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein:
determining that at least a first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated comprises determining that the at least first threshold number of fast descriptors have been generated for a fast mode interval; determining that at least a second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated comprises determining that the at least second threshold number of regular descriptors have been generated for a pre-determined number of descriptor intervals; and the fast mode interval is shorter than the descriptor interval. 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the headend system is further configured for:
determining whether the confidence level exceeds a threshold confidence value; and in response to determining that the confidence level does not exceed the threshold confidence value, generating and sending a new descriptor configuration to one or more of the plurality of utility devices, wherein assigning the at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to one or more of the plurality of utility devices is performed in response to determining that the confidence level exceeds the threshold confidence value. 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the headend system is further configured for in response to determining that the plurality of utility devices operate in a fast mode,
grouping the plurality of utility devices by correlating the fast descriptors; generating assignment information by assigning at least one of a segment identifier or a phase identifier to an unknown utility device among the plurality of utility devices using neighboring utility devices of the unknown utility device in the plurality of utility devices as references; sending the assignment information to the unknown utility device; and sending instructions to the plurality of utility devices to exit the fast mode. | 2,800 |
339,460 | 16,800,360 | 2,899 | Rifle stock mounting rail systems have an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends, the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations, the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end, the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end, the forward mounting aperture being configured to receive a first fastener in a stock aperture associated with a sling stud, the rear mounting aperture being configured to receive a second fastener in a stock aperture associated with a trigger guard, and the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by a distance based on a spacing between a sling stud and the second fastener. The accessory mounting facility may be an elongated channel. The accessory mounting facility may have a multitude or an unlimited number of mounting locations. | 1. A rifle stock mounting rail system comprising:
an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends; the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations; the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end; the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end; the forward mounting aperture being configured to receive a first fastener in a stock aperture associated with a sling stud; the rear mounting aperture being configured to receive a second fastener in a stock aperture associated with a trigger guard; and the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by a distance based on a spacing between a sling stud and the second fastener. 2. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the accessory mounting facility is an elongated channel. 3. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the accessory mounting facility has a multitude of mounting locations. 4. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the accessory mounting facility has an unlimited number of mounting locations. 5. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the rear mounting aperture is forward of a trigger guard. 6. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the elongated rail has an upper surface contoured to closely abut a lower surface of a forend of a rifle stock. 7. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the elongated rail is a straight body. 8. A rifle stock comprising:
a stock body having an aperture configured to receive a fastener; the stock body having a sling stud aperture spaced apart forward of the aperture configured to receive a fastener by a selected distance; an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends; the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations; the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end; the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end; the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by the selected distance between the sling stud aperture and the aperture configured to receive a fastener. 9. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the accessory mounting facility is an elongated channel. 10. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the accessory mounting facility has a multitude of mounting locations. 11. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the accessory mounting facility has an unlimited number of mounting locations. 12. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the rear mounting aperture is forward of a trigger guard. 13. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the elongated rail has an upper surface contoured to closely abut a lower surface of a forend of a rifle stock. 14. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the elongated rail is a straight body. 15. A rifle stock mounting rail system comprising:
an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends; the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations; the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end; the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end; the forward mounting aperture being configured to receive a first fastener in a stock aperture associated with a sling stud; the rear mounting aperture being configured to receive a second fastener in a stock aperture associated with a lower plate and proximate to a trigger; and the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by a distance based on a spacing between a sling stud and the second fastener. 16. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the accessory mounting facility is an elongated channel. 17. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the accessory mounting facility has a multitude of mounting locations. 18. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the accessory mounting facility has an unlimited number of mounting locations. 19. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the rear mounting aperture is forward of a trigger guard. 20. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the elongated rail has an upper surface contoured to closely abut a lower surface of a forend of a rifle stock. | Rifle stock mounting rail systems have an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends, the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations, the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end, the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end, the forward mounting aperture being configured to receive a first fastener in a stock aperture associated with a sling stud, the rear mounting aperture being configured to receive a second fastener in a stock aperture associated with a trigger guard, and the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by a distance based on a spacing between a sling stud and the second fastener. The accessory mounting facility may be an elongated channel. The accessory mounting facility may have a multitude or an unlimited number of mounting locations.1. A rifle stock mounting rail system comprising:
an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends; the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations; the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end; the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end; the forward mounting aperture being configured to receive a first fastener in a stock aperture associated with a sling stud; the rear mounting aperture being configured to receive a second fastener in a stock aperture associated with a trigger guard; and the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by a distance based on a spacing between a sling stud and the second fastener. 2. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the accessory mounting facility is an elongated channel. 3. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the accessory mounting facility has a multitude of mounting locations. 4. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the accessory mounting facility has an unlimited number of mounting locations. 5. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the rear mounting aperture is forward of a trigger guard. 6. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the elongated rail has an upper surface contoured to closely abut a lower surface of a forend of a rifle stock. 7. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 1 wherein the elongated rail is a straight body. 8. A rifle stock comprising:
a stock body having an aperture configured to receive a fastener; the stock body having a sling stud aperture spaced apart forward of the aperture configured to receive a fastener by a selected distance; an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends; the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations; the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end; the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end; the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by the selected distance between the sling stud aperture and the aperture configured to receive a fastener. 9. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the accessory mounting facility is an elongated channel. 10. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the accessory mounting facility has a multitude of mounting locations. 11. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the accessory mounting facility has an unlimited number of mounting locations. 12. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the rear mounting aperture is forward of a trigger guard. 13. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the elongated rail has an upper surface contoured to closely abut a lower surface of a forend of a rifle stock. 14. The rifle stock of claim 8 wherein the elongated rail is a straight body. 15. A rifle stock mounting rail system comprising:
an elongated rail having opposed forward and rear ends; the elongated rail having an accessory mounting facility defining a plurality of mounting locations; the elongated rail defining a forward mounting aperture proximate to the forward end; the elongated rail defining a rear mounting aperture proximate to the rear end; the forward mounting aperture being configured to receive a first fastener in a stock aperture associated with a sling stud; the rear mounting aperture being configured to receive a second fastener in a stock aperture associated with a lower plate and proximate to a trigger; and the forward and rear mounting apertures being spaced apart by a distance based on a spacing between a sling stud and the second fastener. 16. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the accessory mounting facility is an elongated channel. 17. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the accessory mounting facility has a multitude of mounting locations. 18. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the accessory mounting facility has an unlimited number of mounting locations. 19. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the rear mounting aperture is forward of a trigger guard. 20. The rifle stock mounting rail system of claim 15 wherein the elongated rail has an upper surface contoured to closely abut a lower surface of a forend of a rifle stock. | 2,800 |
339,461 | 16,800,342 | 2,899 | Zonal isolation devices, systems, and methods for use are provided. In some embodiments, the zonal isolation device comprises a tubular body having a fluid communication pathway formed along a longitudinal axis comprising: a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore forming at least a portion of the fluid communication pathway; an support ring disposed within the bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge. In certain embodiments, the tubular body further comprises an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. | 1. A zonal isolation device having a central axis and comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; an support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; and a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a closed position and allows fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the rotatable sealing component is releasably held in the open position while the zonal isolation device is inserted into the wellbore. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component is selected from a group consisting of a flapper valve, a ball valve, an iris valve, and a pinch valve. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the rotatable sealing component remains at an axially fixed distance from the support ring as a result of coupling of the rotatable sealing component to the support ring such that the support ring and rotatable sealing component move together in an axial direction during setting of the zonal isolation device. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component rotates around a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the central axis and is tangential to an outer radius of the support ring, the outer radius of the support ring extending from the central axis to an outer edge of the support ring and wherein upon rotation a contact surface of the rotatable sealing component contacts a sealing surface of the support ring. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the rotatable sealing component comprises a flapper. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the flapper is rotatably connected to the uphole end of support ring via a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises the pivot axis, and upon rotation of the flapper via the hinge the flapper contacts the sealing surface of the support ring, thereby forming a seal that provides the closed position. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the flapper is biased in at least a partially closed position by contact an end of the flapper opposite the hinged end with the sealing element during and/or after actuation of the zonal isolation device. 8. The device of claim 5, wherein downhole fluid flow through the inner bore provides a further closing force on the flapper such that the flapper transitions to or remains in a fully closed position and blocks further fluid flow through the zonal isolation device. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component rotates around a pivot axis that is about perpendicular with and about intersects the central axis and wherein a contact surface of the rotatable sealing component contacts a sealing surface of the support ring. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the rotatable sealing component comprises a ball having a bore passing through the ball, and wherein a central axis of the bore is about coaxial with the central axis when the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the central axis of the bore is about perpendicular with and about intersects the central axis when the zonal isolation device is in the closed position. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component rotates around a pivot axis that is parallel to and about coaxial with the central axis. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the rotatable sealing component comprises an iris diaphragm, wherein the iris diaphragm rotates clock-wise or counter-clockwise about the pivot axis to transition between the open and closed positions. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the iris diaphragm further comprises a plurality of blades connected to a base plate by a corresponding plurality of actuating arms. 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component is biased to the closed position by application of a closing force by a biasing mechanism. 15. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 16. A method comprising:
inserting into a wellbore a zonal isolation device having a central axis and disposed on a setting tool adapter kit comprising a mandrel, wherein the zonal isolation device comprises:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore;
an support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element;
a rotatable sealing component coupled to an uphole end of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a closed position and allows fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the rotatable sealing component is releasably held in the open position while the zonal isolation device is inserted into the wellbore;
a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element;
an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and
an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
pulling upwardly on the mandrel to actuate the zonal isolation device, wherein the upward movement of the mandrel longitudinally compresses the zonal isolation device, causing the support ring to axially move relative to the sealing element and radially expand the sealing element into a sealing engagement with a downhole surface; and allowing the rotatable sealing component to rotate from the open position to the closed position upon removal of the mandrel from engagement with the rotatable sealing component, whereby a wellbore zone below the zonal isolation device is isolated from fluid flow from a wellbore zone above the zonal isolation device. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
perforating the casing and surrounding formation with a plurality of perforations in the wellbore zone above the zonal isolation device; and pumping fluid from the surface down the wellbore and into the formation via the plurality of perforations in the wellbore zone above the zonal isolation device and fracturing the formation 19. A zonal isolation system, comprising:
a setting tool adapter kit comprising a mandrel; a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore, the sealing element disposed on the mandrel for sealing engagement with a downhole surface; an support ring movably disposed on the mandrel and engaged with the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component directly or indirectly connected to the uphole end of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a closed position and allows fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the mandrel is engaged with and holds the rotatable sealing component in the open position while the zonal isolation device is inserted into the wellbore; a wedge disposed on the mandrel and engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly disposed on the mandrel and engaged with the wedge for locking engagement with a downhole surface. 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly and detachably coupled to the mandrel. | Zonal isolation devices, systems, and methods for use are provided. In some embodiments, the zonal isolation device comprises a tubular body having a fluid communication pathway formed along a longitudinal axis comprising: a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore forming at least a portion of the fluid communication pathway; an support ring disposed within the bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge. In certain embodiments, the tubular body further comprises an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly.1. A zonal isolation device having a central axis and comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; an support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; and a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a closed position and allows fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the rotatable sealing component is releasably held in the open position while the zonal isolation device is inserted into the wellbore. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component is selected from a group consisting of a flapper valve, a ball valve, an iris valve, and a pinch valve. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the rotatable sealing component remains at an axially fixed distance from the support ring as a result of coupling of the rotatable sealing component to the support ring such that the support ring and rotatable sealing component move together in an axial direction during setting of the zonal isolation device. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component rotates around a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the central axis and is tangential to an outer radius of the support ring, the outer radius of the support ring extending from the central axis to an outer edge of the support ring and wherein upon rotation a contact surface of the rotatable sealing component contacts a sealing surface of the support ring. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the rotatable sealing component comprises a flapper. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the flapper is rotatably connected to the uphole end of support ring via a hinge, wherein the hinge comprises the pivot axis, and upon rotation of the flapper via the hinge the flapper contacts the sealing surface of the support ring, thereby forming a seal that provides the closed position. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the flapper is biased in at least a partially closed position by contact an end of the flapper opposite the hinged end with the sealing element during and/or after actuation of the zonal isolation device. 8. The device of claim 5, wherein downhole fluid flow through the inner bore provides a further closing force on the flapper such that the flapper transitions to or remains in a fully closed position and blocks further fluid flow through the zonal isolation device. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component rotates around a pivot axis that is about perpendicular with and about intersects the central axis and wherein a contact surface of the rotatable sealing component contacts a sealing surface of the support ring. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the rotatable sealing component comprises a ball having a bore passing through the ball, and wherein a central axis of the bore is about coaxial with the central axis when the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the central axis of the bore is about perpendicular with and about intersects the central axis when the zonal isolation device is in the closed position. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component rotates around a pivot axis that is parallel to and about coaxial with the central axis. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the rotatable sealing component comprises an iris diaphragm, wherein the iris diaphragm rotates clock-wise or counter-clockwise about the pivot axis to transition between the open and closed positions. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the iris diaphragm further comprises a plurality of blades connected to a base plate by a corresponding plurality of actuating arms. 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component is biased to the closed position by application of a closing force by a biasing mechanism. 15. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 16. A method comprising:
inserting into a wellbore a zonal isolation device having a central axis and disposed on a setting tool adapter kit comprising a mandrel, wherein the zonal isolation device comprises:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore;
an support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element;
a rotatable sealing component coupled to an uphole end of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a closed position and allows fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the rotatable sealing component is releasably held in the open position while the zonal isolation device is inserted into the wellbore;
a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element;
an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and
an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
pulling upwardly on the mandrel to actuate the zonal isolation device, wherein the upward movement of the mandrel longitudinally compresses the zonal isolation device, causing the support ring to axially move relative to the sealing element and radially expand the sealing element into a sealing engagement with a downhole surface; and allowing the rotatable sealing component to rotate from the open position to the closed position upon removal of the mandrel from engagement with the rotatable sealing component, whereby a wellbore zone below the zonal isolation device is isolated from fluid flow from a wellbore zone above the zonal isolation device. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
perforating the casing and surrounding formation with a plurality of perforations in the wellbore zone above the zonal isolation device; and pumping fluid from the surface down the wellbore and into the formation via the plurality of perforations in the wellbore zone above the zonal isolation device and fracturing the formation 19. A zonal isolation system, comprising:
a setting tool adapter kit comprising a mandrel; a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore, the sealing element disposed on the mandrel for sealing engagement with a downhole surface; an support ring movably disposed on the mandrel and engaged with the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component directly or indirectly connected to the uphole end of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a closed position and allows fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in an open position and wherein the mandrel is engaged with and holds the rotatable sealing component in the open position while the zonal isolation device is inserted into the wellbore; a wedge disposed on the mandrel and engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; and an anchoring assembly disposed on the mandrel and engaged with the wedge for locking engagement with a downhole surface. 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly and detachably coupled to the mandrel. | 2,800 |
339,462 | 16,800,356 | 2,899 | Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses, systems, methods, and memories that are capable of performing pattern matching operations within a memory device. The pattern matching operations may be performed on data stored within the memory based on a pattern stored in a register. The result of the pattern matching operation may be provided by the memory. The data may be retrieved from a memory array for the pattern matching operation by a read operation, a refresh operation, an error correction operation, and/or a pattern matching operation. The data may be retrieved from incoming data input lines instead of or in addition to the memory array. How the data is stored or retrieved for pattern matching operations may be controlled by a memory controller. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
a first memory array configured to write data from and read data to a processor; a comparator circuit on a semiconductor die that comprises the first memory array configured to:
receive the data to be written to or read from the memory array,
receive a pattern of a string of bits, and
perform a pattern matching operation that comprises comparing the data and the pattern; and
a command decoder on the semiconductor die that comprises the first memory array and the comparator circuit and configured to provide commands for the pattern matching operation. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a refresh controller configured to perform a refresh operation on the first memory array, wherein, based at least in part on at least one of the commands for the pattern matching operation, the first memory array is configured to provide the first data to the comparator circuit during the refresh operation. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising error correction circuitry configured to perform an error correction operation on the first data, wherein, based at least in part on at least one of the commands for the pattern matching operation, the first memory array is configured to provide the first data to the comparator circuit. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first memory array is configured to provide the first data to the comparator circuit after the error correction operation. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the commands for the pattern matching operation is a read compare command, wherein the first data is provided from the memory array by a read operation to the comparator circuit. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second memory array configured to store and provide second data, wherein the second data includes the pattern received by the comparator circuit. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first register configured to store the pattern and provide the pattern to the comparator circuit. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pattern is provided to the first register from the first memory array. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an IO circuit, wherein the pattern is provided to the first register from the IO circuit. 10. An apparatus comprising:
a memory included on a semiconductor die, the memory comprising:
a memory array including a plurality of word lines, wherein the memory array is configured to store data in at least some of the plurality of word lines, wherein the data includes a plurality of candidate data strings; and
pattern matching circuitry configured to receive the data and a pattern, wherein the pattern matching circuitry is configured to perform a pattern matching operation that includes comparing the data to the pattern responsive to a command, wherein the pattern includes one or more data strings; and
a memory controller configured to provide control signals to the memory to:
store a candidate data string of the plurality of data strings such that an entirety of the candidate data string is retrievable by a memory access operation; and
provide one or more candidate data strings of the plurality of candidate data strings to the pattern matching circuitry from the memory array, wherein how the data is provided may be based, at least in part, on a number of data strings included in the pattern. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the candidate data string of the plurality of candidate data strings is stored in a single word line of the memory array. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control signals provided by the memory controller determine whether the pattern matching circuitry receives the data from the memory array responsive to at least one of a refresh operation or an error correction operation. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises a refresh controller configured to perform refresh operations on the plurality of word lines, wherein the control signals provided by the memory controller determine whether the pattern matching circuitry receives the data responsive, at least in part, to the refresh operation. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the memory controller determines a number of word lines of the plurality of word lines from which the pattern matching circuitry receives the data for the pattern matching operation, wherein the number of word lines is based, at least in part, on a number of data strings included in the pattern. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the memory controller determines a number of refresh operations performed before the pattern matching circuitry performs the pattern matching operation. 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises error correction circuitry configured to perform error correction operations on the data stored in the plurality of word lines, wherein the control signals provided by the memory controller determine whether the pattern matching circuitry receives the data responsive, at least in part, to the error correction operation. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the memory controller determines a number of word lines of the plurality of word lines from which the pattern matching circuitry receives the data for the pattern matching operation. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the memory controller determines a number of error correction operations performed before the pattern matching circuitry performs the pattern matching operation. 19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises a command decoder configured to receive the control signals from the memory controller and issue the command to the pattern matching circuitry responsive to the control signals provided by the memory controller. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the command decoder is further configured to issue at least one of a refresh command to a refresh controller or an error correction command to error correction circuitry of the memory. 21. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises a mode register configured to enable the pattern matching circuitry to perform the pattern matching operations when a first value is written to the mode register, wherein the first value is based, at least in part, the control signals provided by the memory controller. 22. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises an IO circuit, wherein the pattern matching circuitry is configured to provide a result of the pattern matching operation to the IO circuit and the IO circuit is configured to provide the result to the memory controller. 23. A method comprising:
providing a command in a memory to provide data to pattern matching circuitry on the memory, wherein the command causes the data to be provided from a memory array of the memory responsive to at least one of a refresh operation or an error correction operation; providing a pattern to the pattern matching circuitry; and performing, with the pattern matching circuitry, a pattern matching operation on the data and the pattern to generate a result. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the data provided to the pattern matching circuitry responsive to the error correction operation is data on which the error correction operation has been performed. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the command is provided by a command decoder of the memory and the command is provided responsive to a control signal provided by a memory controller. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the pattern is provided by an IO circuit of the memory. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the pattern is provided by a second memory array. | Embodiments of the disclosure are drawn to apparatuses, systems, methods, and memories that are capable of performing pattern matching operations within a memory device. The pattern matching operations may be performed on data stored within the memory based on a pattern stored in a register. The result of the pattern matching operation may be provided by the memory. The data may be retrieved from a memory array for the pattern matching operation by a read operation, a refresh operation, an error correction operation, and/or a pattern matching operation. The data may be retrieved from incoming data input lines instead of or in addition to the memory array. How the data is stored or retrieved for pattern matching operations may be controlled by a memory controller.1. An apparatus comprising:
a first memory array configured to write data from and read data to a processor; a comparator circuit on a semiconductor die that comprises the first memory array configured to:
receive the data to be written to or read from the memory array,
receive a pattern of a string of bits, and
perform a pattern matching operation that comprises comparing the data and the pattern; and
a command decoder on the semiconductor die that comprises the first memory array and the comparator circuit and configured to provide commands for the pattern matching operation. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a refresh controller configured to perform a refresh operation on the first memory array, wherein, based at least in part on at least one of the commands for the pattern matching operation, the first memory array is configured to provide the first data to the comparator circuit during the refresh operation. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising error correction circuitry configured to perform an error correction operation on the first data, wherein, based at least in part on at least one of the commands for the pattern matching operation, the first memory array is configured to provide the first data to the comparator circuit. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first memory array is configured to provide the first data to the comparator circuit after the error correction operation. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the commands for the pattern matching operation is a read compare command, wherein the first data is provided from the memory array by a read operation to the comparator circuit. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second memory array configured to store and provide second data, wherein the second data includes the pattern received by the comparator circuit. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first register configured to store the pattern and provide the pattern to the comparator circuit. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pattern is provided to the first register from the first memory array. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an IO circuit, wherein the pattern is provided to the first register from the IO circuit. 10. An apparatus comprising:
a memory included on a semiconductor die, the memory comprising:
a memory array including a plurality of word lines, wherein the memory array is configured to store data in at least some of the plurality of word lines, wherein the data includes a plurality of candidate data strings; and
pattern matching circuitry configured to receive the data and a pattern, wherein the pattern matching circuitry is configured to perform a pattern matching operation that includes comparing the data to the pattern responsive to a command, wherein the pattern includes one or more data strings; and
a memory controller configured to provide control signals to the memory to:
store a candidate data string of the plurality of data strings such that an entirety of the candidate data string is retrievable by a memory access operation; and
provide one or more candidate data strings of the plurality of candidate data strings to the pattern matching circuitry from the memory array, wherein how the data is provided may be based, at least in part, on a number of data strings included in the pattern. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the candidate data string of the plurality of candidate data strings is stored in a single word line of the memory array. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control signals provided by the memory controller determine whether the pattern matching circuitry receives the data from the memory array responsive to at least one of a refresh operation or an error correction operation. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises a refresh controller configured to perform refresh operations on the plurality of word lines, wherein the control signals provided by the memory controller determine whether the pattern matching circuitry receives the data responsive, at least in part, to the refresh operation. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the memory controller determines a number of word lines of the plurality of word lines from which the pattern matching circuitry receives the data for the pattern matching operation, wherein the number of word lines is based, at least in part, on a number of data strings included in the pattern. 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the memory controller determines a number of refresh operations performed before the pattern matching circuitry performs the pattern matching operation. 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises error correction circuitry configured to perform error correction operations on the data stored in the plurality of word lines, wherein the control signals provided by the memory controller determine whether the pattern matching circuitry receives the data responsive, at least in part, to the error correction operation. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the memory controller determines a number of word lines of the plurality of word lines from which the pattern matching circuitry receives the data for the pattern matching operation. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the memory controller determines a number of error correction operations performed before the pattern matching circuitry performs the pattern matching operation. 19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises a command decoder configured to receive the control signals from the memory controller and issue the command to the pattern matching circuitry responsive to the control signals provided by the memory controller. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the command decoder is further configured to issue at least one of a refresh command to a refresh controller or an error correction command to error correction circuitry of the memory. 21. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises a mode register configured to enable the pattern matching circuitry to perform the pattern matching operations when a first value is written to the mode register, wherein the first value is based, at least in part, the control signals provided by the memory controller. 22. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the memory further comprises an IO circuit, wherein the pattern matching circuitry is configured to provide a result of the pattern matching operation to the IO circuit and the IO circuit is configured to provide the result to the memory controller. 23. A method comprising:
providing a command in a memory to provide data to pattern matching circuitry on the memory, wherein the command causes the data to be provided from a memory array of the memory responsive to at least one of a refresh operation or an error correction operation; providing a pattern to the pattern matching circuitry; and performing, with the pattern matching circuitry, a pattern matching operation on the data and the pattern to generate a result. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the data provided to the pattern matching circuitry responsive to the error correction operation is data on which the error correction operation has been performed. 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the command is provided by a command decoder of the memory and the command is provided responsive to a control signal provided by a memory controller. 26. The method of claim 23, wherein the pattern is provided by an IO circuit of the memory. 27. The method of claim 23, wherein the pattern is provided by a second memory array. | 2,800 |
339,463 | 16,800,289 | 2,899 | Systems and methods for managing the sale and transfer of electronic event tickets are provided. The systems and methods may use flexibility and convenience in purchasing, canceling, transferring, exchanging, and other management of electronic tickets (e.g., mobile tickets) and online payment schemes to facilitate distribution of tickets. The systems and methods may be configured to predict a number of no-shows among distributed regular tickets by using, for example, predictive analytics based on various factors such as historical data. The system and methods may be configured to distribute flexible tickets based on the prediction to fill empty seats resulting from no-shows at events. | 1. A method for allocating digital tickets for an event, the method comprising:
obtaining ticket sales data including a number of distributed event tickets; predicting a number of no-shows among the distributed event tickets; determining a number of flexible tickets to be distributed, the flexible tickets having no seat assignments, obtaining, from at least one event venue computing device, real-time ticket scan data including a scan status of the distributed event tickets; identifying unscanned event tickets among the distributed event tickets based on the real- time ticket scan data by a predetermined time; assigning seats for the unscanned event tickets to the flexible tickets; and transmitting a notification of the seat assignments to flexible ticketholder computing devices. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein predicting a number of no-shows comprises:
obtaining historical data including at least one of a historical number of no-shows for the event in history; and estimating the number of no-shows based at least in part on the historical data. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein predicting a number of no-shows comprises:
obtaining event-related data; and operating a statistical analysis model based on the event-related data to predict the number of no-shows for the event. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the event-related data include at least one of historical data relating to a subject event or similar or comparable events, ticket types, patron information, event time, event data, event venue, ticket demand, industry trends, weather information, customer origin location, current customer location, historical no-shows for repeat customers, current ticket sales figures, event and performer social media mentions, secondary marketplace demand, secondary marketplace prices, traffic, event promotions, conflicting events, and competitor pricing, wherein the historical data include at least one of historical ticket sales, historical ticket scans, and historical attendance and/or no-show rates. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tickets are allocated at lower prices than the distributed event tickets. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tickets are classified into a plurality of categories being distributed at different prices. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible ticketholder computing devices include mobile computing devices. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the notification is in a form of text message. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification is transmitted shortly before, at, or shortly after, the event starts. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining at least one of the unscanned event tickets is scanned after the notification is transmitted; assigning other available seats to the flexible tickets; and transmitting a second notification of the seat assignment to the flexible ticketholder computing devices. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining that upgrade seats are available after the notification is transmitted; assigning the upgrade seats to the flexible tickets; and transmitting a third notification of the seat assignment to the flexible ticketholder computing devices. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying at least one ticketholder of the distributed event tickets; transmitting a correspondence to at least one ticketholder computing device before the event starts, the correspondence prompting the at least one ticketholder to provide attendance status; receiving, from the at least one ticketholder computing device, identification of returned tickets among the distributed event tickets; and enabling the returned tickets available for distribution. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
upon receiving the identification of returned tickets, providing a compensation to the at least one ticketholder. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying at least one ticketholder comprises:
obtaining event-related data; and determining the at least one ticketholder that is more likely to return tickets than other ticketholders of the distributed event tickets. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of flexible tickets are less than the predicted number of no-shows. 16. A system for managing allocation of event tickets, the system comprising:
a data processing apparatus; and a memory device storing instructions that when executed by the data processing apparatus cause the server to perform operations comprising:
obtaining ticket sales data including a number of distributed event tickets;
predicting a number of no-shows among the distributed event tickets;
determining a number of flexible tickets to be distributed, the flexible tickets having no seat assignments,
obtaining, from at least one event venue computing device, real-time ticket scan data including a scan status of the distributed event tickets;
identifying unscanned event tickets among the distributed event tickets based on the real-time ticket scan data by a predetermined time;
assigning seats for the unscanned event tickets to the flexible tickets; and
transmitting a notification of the seat assignments to flexible ticketholder computing devices. 17. A system comprising:
an event venue server configured to communicate one or more ticket scanners and obtain ticket scan data in real-time; a plurality of ticketholder computing devices each configured to receive regular ticket data and output an electronic regular ticket based on the regular ticket data, the electronic regular ticket configured to be scanned by the one or more ticket scanners; one or more flexible ticketholder computing devices each configured to receive flexible ticket data and output an electronic flexible ticket based on the flexible ticket data, the electronic flexible ticket configured to be scanned by the one or more ticket scanners; and a ticket allocation system comprising:
a data processing apparatus; and
a memory device storing instructions that when executed by the data processing apparatus cause the ticket allocation system to perform operations comprising:
obtaining ticket sales data including a number of distributed event tickets;
predicting a number of no-shows among the distributed event tickets;
determining a number of flexible tickets to be distributed, the flexible tickets having no seat assignments;
receiving a purchase request of a flexible ticket from each of the flexible ticketholder computing devices;
transmitting flexible ticket data to each of the flexible ticketholder computing devices, the flexible ticket data representing a flexible ticket identified by the purchase request;
obtaining, from the event venue server, real-time ticket scan data including a scan status of the distributed event tickets;
identifying an unscanned event ticket among the distributed event tickets based on the real-time ticket scan data by a predetermined time;
assigning a seat for the unscanned event ticket to the flexible ticket; and
transmitting a notification of the seat assignment to the flexible ticketholder computing device having the flexible ticket. | Systems and methods for managing the sale and transfer of electronic event tickets are provided. The systems and methods may use flexibility and convenience in purchasing, canceling, transferring, exchanging, and other management of electronic tickets (e.g., mobile tickets) and online payment schemes to facilitate distribution of tickets. The systems and methods may be configured to predict a number of no-shows among distributed regular tickets by using, for example, predictive analytics based on various factors such as historical data. The system and methods may be configured to distribute flexible tickets based on the prediction to fill empty seats resulting from no-shows at events.1. A method for allocating digital tickets for an event, the method comprising:
obtaining ticket sales data including a number of distributed event tickets; predicting a number of no-shows among the distributed event tickets; determining a number of flexible tickets to be distributed, the flexible tickets having no seat assignments, obtaining, from at least one event venue computing device, real-time ticket scan data including a scan status of the distributed event tickets; identifying unscanned event tickets among the distributed event tickets based on the real- time ticket scan data by a predetermined time; assigning seats for the unscanned event tickets to the flexible tickets; and transmitting a notification of the seat assignments to flexible ticketholder computing devices. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein predicting a number of no-shows comprises:
obtaining historical data including at least one of a historical number of no-shows for the event in history; and estimating the number of no-shows based at least in part on the historical data. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein predicting a number of no-shows comprises:
obtaining event-related data; and operating a statistical analysis model based on the event-related data to predict the number of no-shows for the event. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the event-related data include at least one of historical data relating to a subject event or similar or comparable events, ticket types, patron information, event time, event data, event venue, ticket demand, industry trends, weather information, customer origin location, current customer location, historical no-shows for repeat customers, current ticket sales figures, event and performer social media mentions, secondary marketplace demand, secondary marketplace prices, traffic, event promotions, conflicting events, and competitor pricing, wherein the historical data include at least one of historical ticket sales, historical ticket scans, and historical attendance and/or no-show rates. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tickets are allocated at lower prices than the distributed event tickets. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tickets are classified into a plurality of categories being distributed at different prices. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible ticketholder computing devices include mobile computing devices. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the notification is in a form of text message. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification is transmitted shortly before, at, or shortly after, the event starts. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining at least one of the unscanned event tickets is scanned after the notification is transmitted; assigning other available seats to the flexible tickets; and transmitting a second notification of the seat assignment to the flexible ticketholder computing devices. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
determining that upgrade seats are available after the notification is transmitted; assigning the upgrade seats to the flexible tickets; and transmitting a third notification of the seat assignment to the flexible ticketholder computing devices. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying at least one ticketholder of the distributed event tickets; transmitting a correspondence to at least one ticketholder computing device before the event starts, the correspondence prompting the at least one ticketholder to provide attendance status; receiving, from the at least one ticketholder computing device, identification of returned tickets among the distributed event tickets; and enabling the returned tickets available for distribution. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:
upon receiving the identification of returned tickets, providing a compensation to the at least one ticketholder. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying at least one ticketholder comprises:
obtaining event-related data; and determining the at least one ticketholder that is more likely to return tickets than other ticketholders of the distributed event tickets. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of flexible tickets are less than the predicted number of no-shows. 16. A system for managing allocation of event tickets, the system comprising:
a data processing apparatus; and a memory device storing instructions that when executed by the data processing apparatus cause the server to perform operations comprising:
obtaining ticket sales data including a number of distributed event tickets;
predicting a number of no-shows among the distributed event tickets;
determining a number of flexible tickets to be distributed, the flexible tickets having no seat assignments,
obtaining, from at least one event venue computing device, real-time ticket scan data including a scan status of the distributed event tickets;
identifying unscanned event tickets among the distributed event tickets based on the real-time ticket scan data by a predetermined time;
assigning seats for the unscanned event tickets to the flexible tickets; and
transmitting a notification of the seat assignments to flexible ticketholder computing devices. 17. A system comprising:
an event venue server configured to communicate one or more ticket scanners and obtain ticket scan data in real-time; a plurality of ticketholder computing devices each configured to receive regular ticket data and output an electronic regular ticket based on the regular ticket data, the electronic regular ticket configured to be scanned by the one or more ticket scanners; one or more flexible ticketholder computing devices each configured to receive flexible ticket data and output an electronic flexible ticket based on the flexible ticket data, the electronic flexible ticket configured to be scanned by the one or more ticket scanners; and a ticket allocation system comprising:
a data processing apparatus; and
a memory device storing instructions that when executed by the data processing apparatus cause the ticket allocation system to perform operations comprising:
obtaining ticket sales data including a number of distributed event tickets;
predicting a number of no-shows among the distributed event tickets;
determining a number of flexible tickets to be distributed, the flexible tickets having no seat assignments;
receiving a purchase request of a flexible ticket from each of the flexible ticketholder computing devices;
transmitting flexible ticket data to each of the flexible ticketholder computing devices, the flexible ticket data representing a flexible ticket identified by the purchase request;
obtaining, from the event venue server, real-time ticket scan data including a scan status of the distributed event tickets;
identifying an unscanned event ticket among the distributed event tickets based on the real-time ticket scan data by a predetermined time;
assigning a seat for the unscanned event ticket to the flexible ticket; and
transmitting a notification of the seat assignment to the flexible ticketholder computing device having the flexible ticket. | 2,800 |
339,464 | 16,800,114 | 2,899 | A method for forming a layer comprising SiOC on a substrate is disclosed. An exemplary method includes selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material and depositing the layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride. | 1. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising a metal and the second material comprising one or more of an oxide, a nitride, and an oxynitride; selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material; and depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively depositing comprises atomic layer deposition. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a temperature of a susceptor within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing is between about 100° C. and about 500° C. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment prior to the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment comprises exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma comprising one or more of nitrogen and helium. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment and the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC are performed within the same reaction chamber. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises thermal atomic layer deposition. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein a power applied during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 400 W and about 800 W. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising SiOC comprises SiOCN. 12. The method of claim 1, the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises providing a precursor comprising one or more of a methoxysilane, tetramethyl bis (2,2 dimethylhydrazine) disilane and (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. 13. A structure formed according to the method of claim 1. 14. The structure of claim 13 comprising a spacer. 15. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising an oxide and the second material comprising a nitride; and selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the first material. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a power applied during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 W and about 5000 W. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 19. A structure formed according to the method of claim 15. 20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the layer comprising SiOC forms an etch stop cap layer of the structure. | A method for forming a layer comprising SiOC on a substrate is disclosed. An exemplary method includes selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material and depositing the layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride.1. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising a metal and the second material comprising one or more of an oxide, a nitride, and an oxynitride; selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material; and depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively depositing comprises atomic layer deposition. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a temperature of a susceptor within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing is between about 100° C. and about 500° C. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment prior to the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment comprises exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma comprising one or more of nitrogen and helium. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment and the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC are performed within the same reaction chamber. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises thermal atomic layer deposition. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein a power applied during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 400 W and about 800 W. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising SiOC comprises SiOCN. 12. The method of claim 1, the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises providing a precursor comprising one or more of a methoxysilane, tetramethyl bis (2,2 dimethylhydrazine) disilane and (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. 13. A structure formed according to the method of claim 1. 14. The structure of claim 13 comprising a spacer. 15. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising an oxide and the second material comprising a nitride; and selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the first material. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a power applied during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 W and about 5000 W. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 19. A structure formed according to the method of claim 15. 20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the layer comprising SiOC forms an etch stop cap layer of the structure. | 2,800 |
339,465 | 16,800,397 | 2,899 | A method for forming a layer comprising SiOC on a substrate is disclosed. An exemplary method includes selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material and depositing the layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride. | 1. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising a metal and the second material comprising one or more of an oxide, a nitride, and an oxynitride; selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material; and depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively depositing comprises atomic layer deposition. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a temperature of a susceptor within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing is between about 100° C. and about 500° C. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment prior to the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment comprises exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma comprising one or more of nitrogen and helium. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment and the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC are performed within the same reaction chamber. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises thermal atomic layer deposition. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein a power applied during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 400 W and about 800 W. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising SiOC comprises SiOCN. 12. The method of claim 1, the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises providing a precursor comprising one or more of a methoxysilane, tetramethyl bis (2,2 dimethylhydrazine) disilane and (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. 13. A structure formed according to the method of claim 1. 14. The structure of claim 13 comprising a spacer. 15. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising an oxide and the second material comprising a nitride; and selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the first material. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a power applied during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 W and about 5000 W. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 19. A structure formed according to the method of claim 15. 20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the layer comprising SiOC forms an etch stop cap layer of the structure. | A method for forming a layer comprising SiOC on a substrate is disclosed. An exemplary method includes selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material and depositing the layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride.1. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising a metal and the second material comprising one or more of an oxide, a nitride, and an oxynitride; selectively depositing a layer comprising silicon nitride on the first material relative to the second material; and depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the layer comprising silicon nitride. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selectively depositing comprises atomic layer deposition. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a temperature of a susceptor within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing is between about 100° C. and about 500° C. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment prior to the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment comprises exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma comprising one or more of nitrogen and helium. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of exposing the layer comprising silicon nitride to a plasma treatment and the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC are performed within the same reaction chamber. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises thermal atomic layer deposition. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein a power applied during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 400 W and about 800 W. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising SiOC comprises SiOCN. 12. The method of claim 1, the step of depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises providing a precursor comprising one or more of a methoxysilane, tetramethyl bis (2,2 dimethylhydrazine) disilane and (3-Mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. 13. A structure formed according to the method of claim 1. 14. The structure of claim 13 comprising a spacer. 15. A method of forming a structure, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a substrate within a reaction chamber, the substrate comprising a surface comprising a first material and a second material, the first material comprising an oxide and the second material comprising a nitride; and selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC overlying the first material. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC comprises plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein a power applied during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 W and about 5000 W. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein a pressure within the reaction chamber during the step of selectively depositing a layer comprising SiOC is between about 5 Torr and about 15 Torr. 19. A structure formed according to the method of claim 15. 20. The structure of claim 19, wherein the layer comprising SiOC forms an etch stop cap layer of the structure. | 2,800 |
339,466 | 16,800,381 | 2,899 | A charger includes: a relay provided between an input line and a conversion circuit; a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line; and a controller that calculates effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period. When the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold during execution of external charging, the controller brings the relay into an open state. When the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value after the external charging is halted, the controller brings the relay into a close state. | 1. A charger for performing external charging to charge a power storage device using AC power supplied from an external power supply, the charger comprising:
an input line connectable to the external power supply; a conversion circuit that performs power conversion between the input line and the power storage device; a relay provided between the input line and the conversion circuit; a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line; and a controller that periodically performs a process for calculating effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period, wherein when a charging halting condition is satisfied during execution of the external charging, the controller brings the relay into an open state, when a charging resumption condition is satisfied after the external charging is halted, the controller brings the relay into a close state, the charging halting condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold, and the charging resumption condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value. 2. The charger according to claim 1, wherein
when the waveform of the AC voltage for the predetermined period includes a waveform of the AC voltage for one period, the controller calculates effective value and frequency of the AC voltage for the one period, when the waveform of the AC voltage for the predetermined period does not include the waveform of the AC voltage for the one period, the controller calculates an effective value of the AC voltage for the predetermined period, and the frequency threshold value is set to a value obtained by converting the predetermined period into a frequency. 3. The charger according to claim 1, further comprising a resistor provided between the input line and the conversion circuit, wherein the relay is connected to the resistor in parallel. 4. A method for controlling a charger for performing external charging to charge a power storage device using AC power supplied from an external power supply,
the charger including
an input line connectable to the external power supply,
a conversion circuit that performs power conversion between the input line and the power storage device,
a relay provided between the input line and the conversion circuit, and
a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line,
the method comprising: periodically performing a process for calculating effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period; bringing the relay into an open state when a charging halting condition is satisfied during execution of the external charging; and bringing the relay into a close state when a charging resumption condition is satisfied after the external charging is halted, wherein the charging halting condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold, and the charging resumption condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value. | A charger includes: a relay provided between an input line and a conversion circuit; a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line; and a controller that calculates effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period. When the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold during execution of external charging, the controller brings the relay into an open state. When the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value after the external charging is halted, the controller brings the relay into a close state.1. A charger for performing external charging to charge a power storage device using AC power supplied from an external power supply, the charger comprising:
an input line connectable to the external power supply; a conversion circuit that performs power conversion between the input line and the power storage device; a relay provided between the input line and the conversion circuit; a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line; and a controller that periodically performs a process for calculating effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period, wherein when a charging halting condition is satisfied during execution of the external charging, the controller brings the relay into an open state, when a charging resumption condition is satisfied after the external charging is halted, the controller brings the relay into a close state, the charging halting condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold, and the charging resumption condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value. 2. The charger according to claim 1, wherein
when the waveform of the AC voltage for the predetermined period includes a waveform of the AC voltage for one period, the controller calculates effective value and frequency of the AC voltage for the one period, when the waveform of the AC voltage for the predetermined period does not include the waveform of the AC voltage for the one period, the controller calculates an effective value of the AC voltage for the predetermined period, and the frequency threshold value is set to a value obtained by converting the predetermined period into a frequency. 3. The charger according to claim 1, further comprising a resistor provided between the input line and the conversion circuit, wherein the relay is connected to the resistor in parallel. 4. A method for controlling a charger for performing external charging to charge a power storage device using AC power supplied from an external power supply,
the charger including
an input line connectable to the external power supply,
a conversion circuit that performs power conversion between the input line and the power storage device,
a relay provided between the input line and the conversion circuit, and
a voltage sensor that detects AC voltage input to the input line,
the method comprising: periodically performing a process for calculating effective value and frequency of the AC voltage based on a waveform of the AC voltage for a predetermined period; bringing the relay into an open state when a charging halting condition is satisfied during execution of the external charging; and bringing the relay into a close state when a charging resumption condition is satisfied after the external charging is halted, wherein the charging halting condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is smaller than a voltage threshold, and the charging resumption condition is set to a condition that the calculated effective value of the AC voltage is larger than the voltage threshold and the calculated frequency of the AC voltage is larger than a frequency threshold value. | 2,800 |
339,467 | 16,800,378 | 2,899 | A flower mill assembly grinds vegetation into ground vegetation. The flower mill assembly includes a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground. A sifting screen is secured to the container within the interior chamber. The sifting screen allows the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough. A knob covers the opening of the container to enclose the interior chamber. A rotor is secured to the knob. The rotor defines a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel, whereby the rotation of the rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent the grinding surface and the at least one grinding channel. | 1. A flower mill for grinding vegetation into ground vegetation, said flower mill comprising:
a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground; a sifting screen secured to said container within said interior chamber, said sifting screen allowing the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough; a knob for covering said opening of said container to close said interior chamber; and a rotor secured to said knob, said rotor defining a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel cut into said grinding surface, whereby rotation of said rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent said grinding surface and said at least one grinding channel. 2. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one portion of said at least one grinding channel extends radially outwardly from said center axis. 3. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one grinding channel extends radially from said center axis across said grinding surface. 4. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said at least one grinding channel defines a depth within said rotor with respect to said grinding surface. 5. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim four wherein said depth of said at least one grinding channel varies as it extends along said grinding surface. 6. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said depth of said at least one grinding channel increases moving away from said central axis. 7. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grinding surface is flat. 8. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container includes a removable catch basin at a distal end opposite said opening. 9. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 8 including a collection screen disposed within said container adjacent said catch basin. 10. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim one including a retainer for securing said knob to said container wherein said knob rotates about said center axis when said knob is held in place over said opening of said container. 11. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said retainer includes at least one magnet. 12. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said retainer includes a first magnet secured to said knob and a second magnet secured to said container. 13. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim one wherein said container includes an outer body and a rotor sleeve partially insertable into said outer body with said sifting screen secured there between. 14. A flower mill assembly for grinding vegetation into ground vegetation, said flower mill assembly comprising:
a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground; a sifting screen secured to said container within said interior chamber, said sifting screen allowing the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough; a knob for covering said opening of said container to close said interior chamber; a rotor secured to said knob, said rotor defining a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel cut into said grinding surface, whereby rotation of said rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent said grinding surface and said at least one grinding channel; a first magnet secured to said knob; and a second magnet secured within said container to retain said knob in place over said opening of said container. | A flower mill assembly grinds vegetation into ground vegetation. The flower mill assembly includes a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground. A sifting screen is secured to the container within the interior chamber. The sifting screen allows the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough. A knob covers the opening of the container to enclose the interior chamber. A rotor is secured to the knob. The rotor defines a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel, whereby the rotation of the rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent the grinding surface and the at least one grinding channel.1. A flower mill for grinding vegetation into ground vegetation, said flower mill comprising:
a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground; a sifting screen secured to said container within said interior chamber, said sifting screen allowing the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough; a knob for covering said opening of said container to close said interior chamber; and a rotor secured to said knob, said rotor defining a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel cut into said grinding surface, whereby rotation of said rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent said grinding surface and said at least one grinding channel. 2. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one portion of said at least one grinding channel extends radially outwardly from said center axis. 3. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one grinding channel extends radially from said center axis across said grinding surface. 4. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said at least one grinding channel defines a depth within said rotor with respect to said grinding surface. 5. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim four wherein said depth of said at least one grinding channel varies as it extends along said grinding surface. 6. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said depth of said at least one grinding channel increases moving away from said central axis. 7. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grinding surface is flat. 8. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said container includes a removable catch basin at a distal end opposite said opening. 9. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 8 including a collection screen disposed within said container adjacent said catch basin. 10. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim one including a retainer for securing said knob to said container wherein said knob rotates about said center axis when said knob is held in place over said opening of said container. 11. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said retainer includes at least one magnet. 12. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim 10 wherein said retainer includes a first magnet secured to said knob and a second magnet secured to said container. 13. A flower mill assembly as set forth in claim one wherein said container includes an outer body and a rotor sleeve partially insertable into said outer body with said sifting screen secured there between. 14. A flower mill assembly for grinding vegetation into ground vegetation, said flower mill assembly comprising:
a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground; a sifting screen secured to said container within said interior chamber, said sifting screen allowing the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough; a knob for covering said opening of said container to close said interior chamber; a rotor secured to said knob, said rotor defining a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel cut into said grinding surface, whereby rotation of said rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent said grinding surface and said at least one grinding channel; a first magnet secured to said knob; and a second magnet secured within said container to retain said knob in place over said opening of said container. | 2,800 |
339,468 | 16,800,393 | 2,899 | A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory set including a nonvolatile memory; and a memory controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory set. The memory controller may write data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period existing between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host, prevent execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set, when the operation mode is the first operation mode, and control a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable, when the operation mode is the second operation mode. | 1. A memory system comprising:
a nonvolatile memory set including at least one nonvolatile memory; and a memory controller configured to: control the nonvolatile memory set; write data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host; prevent execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set when the operation mode is the first operation mode; and control a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable when the operation mode is the second operation mode. 2. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein the memory controller is further configured to write data to a memory block not in the target memory block pool during a time other than the target time period. 3. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, when an operation mode setting command instructing the memory controller to set the operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set to the first operation mode is received from the host, the memory controller changes the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. 4. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, during the target time period, the memory controller does not change a value of a write attribute indicating information on a number of write operations that are allowable in the first operation mode. 5. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, when the target time period is equal to or longer than a set threshold time period, the memory controller transmits event information to the host. 6. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, when there is no free memory block to which data is able to be written among memory blocks in the target memory block pool, the memory controller transmits event information to the host. 7. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, in the second operation mode, the memory controller is further configured to execute a background operation for a memory block in the target memory block pool to secure a free memory block to which data is able to be written, among the memory blocks in the target memory block pool. 8. The memory system according to claim 7, wherein the memory controller is further configured to prohibit change to the first operation mode while the background operation is executed. 9. A memory controller comprising:
a memory interface configured to communicate with a nonvolatile memory set including at least one nonvolatile memory; and a control circuit configured to: control the nonvolatile memory set; write data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host; prevent execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set when the operation mode is the first operation mode; and control a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable when the operation mode is the second operation mode. 10. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein the control circuit is further configured to write data to a memory block not in the target memory block pool during a time other than the target time period. 11. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein, when an operation mode setting command instructing the control circuit to set the operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set to the first operation mode is received from the host, the control circuit changes the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. 12. The memory controller according to claim 11, wherein, during the target time period, the control circuit does not change a value of a write attribute indicating information on a number of write operations that are allowable in the first operation mode. 13. The memory controller according to claim 11, wherein, when the target time period is equal to or longer than a set threshold time period, the control circuit transmits event information to the host. 14. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein, when there is no free memory block to which data is able to be written does among memory blocks in the target memory block pool, the control circuit transmits event information to the host. 15. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein, in the second operation mode, the control circuit is further configured to execute a background operation for a memory block in the target memory block pool to secure a free memory block to which data is able to be written, among the memory blocks in the target memory block pool. 16. The memory controller according to claim 15, wherein the control circuit is further configured to prohibit change to the first operation mode while the background operation is executed. 17. A method for operating a memory controller suitable for controlling a nonvolatile memory set including at least one nonvolatile memory, the method comprising:
changing an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set from a second operation mode to a first operation mode; receiving, from a host, a command including information indicating that the host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode; writing data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host; preventing execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set when the operation mode is the first operation mode; and controlling a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable when the operation mode is the second operation mode. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising writing data to a memory block not in the target memory block pool during a time other than the target time period. 19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising maintaining a value of a write attribute indicating information on a number of write operations that are allowable in the first operation mode. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising, when in the second operation mode, executing a background operation for a memory block in the target memory block pool to secure a free memory block to which data is able to be written among memory blocks in the target memory block pool. | A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory set including a nonvolatile memory; and a memory controller configured to control the nonvolatile memory set. The memory controller may write data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period existing between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host, prevent execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set, when the operation mode is the first operation mode, and control a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable, when the operation mode is the second operation mode.1. A memory system comprising:
a nonvolatile memory set including at least one nonvolatile memory; and a memory controller configured to: control the nonvolatile memory set; write data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host; prevent execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set when the operation mode is the first operation mode; and control a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable when the operation mode is the second operation mode. 2. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein the memory controller is further configured to write data to a memory block not in the target memory block pool during a time other than the target time period. 3. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, when an operation mode setting command instructing the memory controller to set the operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set to the first operation mode is received from the host, the memory controller changes the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. 4. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, during the target time period, the memory controller does not change a value of a write attribute indicating information on a number of write operations that are allowable in the first operation mode. 5. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, when the target time period is equal to or longer than a set threshold time period, the memory controller transmits event information to the host. 6. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, when there is no free memory block to which data is able to be written among memory blocks in the target memory block pool, the memory controller transmits event information to the host. 7. The memory system according to claim 1, wherein, in the second operation mode, the memory controller is further configured to execute a background operation for a memory block in the target memory block pool to secure a free memory block to which data is able to be written, among the memory blocks in the target memory block pool. 8. The memory system according to claim 7, wherein the memory controller is further configured to prohibit change to the first operation mode while the background operation is executed. 9. A memory controller comprising:
a memory interface configured to communicate with a nonvolatile memory set including at least one nonvolatile memory; and a control circuit configured to: control the nonvolatile memory set; write data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host; prevent execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set when the operation mode is the first operation mode; and control a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable when the operation mode is the second operation mode. 10. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein the control circuit is further configured to write data to a memory block not in the target memory block pool during a time other than the target time period. 11. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein, when an operation mode setting command instructing the control circuit to set the operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set to the first operation mode is received from the host, the control circuit changes the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. 12. The memory controller according to claim 11, wherein, during the target time period, the control circuit does not change a value of a write attribute indicating information on a number of write operations that are allowable in the first operation mode. 13. The memory controller according to claim 11, wherein, when the target time period is equal to or longer than a set threshold time period, the control circuit transmits event information to the host. 14. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein, when there is no free memory block to which data is able to be written does among memory blocks in the target memory block pool, the control circuit transmits event information to the host. 15. The memory controller according to claim 9, wherein, in the second operation mode, the control circuit is further configured to execute a background operation for a memory block in the target memory block pool to secure a free memory block to which data is able to be written, among the memory blocks in the target memory block pool. 16. The memory controller according to claim 15, wherein the control circuit is further configured to prohibit change to the first operation mode while the background operation is executed. 17. A method for operating a memory controller suitable for controlling a nonvolatile memory set including at least one nonvolatile memory, the method comprising:
changing an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set from a second operation mode to a first operation mode; receiving, from a host, a command including information indicating that the host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode; writing data to a memory block in a target memory block pool in the nonvolatile memory set during a target time period between a time at which an operation mode for the nonvolatile memory set is changed from a second operation mode to a first operation mode and a time at which a command including information indicating that a host expects a requested operation to be performed in the first operation mode is received from the host; preventing execution of a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set when the operation mode is the first operation mode; and controlling a background operation for the nonvolatile memory set to be executable when the operation mode is the second operation mode. 18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising writing data to a memory block not in the target memory block pool during a time other than the target time period. 19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising maintaining a value of a write attribute indicating information on a number of write operations that are allowable in the first operation mode. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising, when in the second operation mode, executing a background operation for a memory block in the target memory block pool to secure a free memory block to which data is able to be written among memory blocks in the target memory block pool. | 2,800 |
339,469 | 16,800,375 | 2,899 | A frame for a heat engine, the frame including an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a core flowpath, the inner wall comprising a plenum formed between an outer portion of the inner wall and an inner portion of the inner wall, wherein a cavity is formed inward of the inner portion of the inner wall, and wherein the inner wall includes a first plenum opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein the inner wall comprises a second plenum opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath. | 1. A frame for a heat engine, the frame comprising:
an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a core flowpath, the inner wall comprising a plenum formed between an outer portion of the inner wall and an inner portion of the inner wall, wherein a cavity is formed inward of the inner portion of the inner wall, and wherein the inner wall comprises a first plenum opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein the inner wall comprises a second plenum opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath. 2. The frame of claim 1, the frame comprising a plenum wall extended within the plenum between the outer portion and the inner portion of the inner wall. 3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the plenum wall is extended co-directional to the inner wall. 4. The frame of claim 2, wherein the inner wall defines a collector cavity within the plenum positioned upstream or downstream of the plenum wall. 5. The frame of claim 4, wherein the inner wall comprises a high pressure region between the plenum wall, the outer portion, and the inner portion, the high pressure region positioned upstream or downstream of the collector cavity. 6. The frame of claim 5, wherein the high pressure region comprises a cross sectional area less than the collector cavity. 7. The frame of claim 5, wherein the first plenum opening is formed through the inner portion in direct fluid communication with the high pressure region. 8. The frame of claim 4, wherein the first plenum opening is formed through the inner portion in direct fluid communication with the collector cavity. 9. The frame of claim 4, wherein the second plenum opening is formed through the outer portion in direct fluid communication with the collector cavity. 10. The frame of claim 9, wherein the collector cavity comprises an aft collector positioned aft of a plenum wall, wherein the second plenum opening is formed through the outer portion at the aft collector. 11. The frame of claim 4, wherein the collector cavity comprises a forward collector positioned forward of a plenum wall, wherein the first plenum opening is formed through the inner portion at the forward collector. 12. The frame of claim 11, wherein the forward collector is positioned at the inlet end of the frame. 13. The frame of claim 1, comprising:
an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the frame, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall together define the core flowpath, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath. 14. The frame of claim 13, wherein the inner wall is configured to receive a first flow of fluid and the outer wall is configured to receive a second flow of fluid different from the first flow of fluid. 15. The frame of claim 14, wherein the second flow of fluid is a lubricant, a fuel, a hydraulic fluid, or combinations thereof, and wherein the first flow of fluid is an oxidizer. 16. The frame of claim 1, the outer portion comprising an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a turbulator structure. 17. The frame of claim 1, wherein the outer portion of the inner wall is twice as thick or greater as the inner portion of the inner wall. 18. A heat engine, the heat engine comprising:
a frame comprising an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a primary flowpath, the inner wall comprising a plenum formed between an outer portion of the inner wall and an inner portion of the inner wall, wherein a cavity is formed inward of the inner portion of the inner wall, and wherein the inner wall comprises a first plenum opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein the inner wall comprises a second plenum opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the primary flowpath. 19. The heat engine of claim 18, wherein the inner wall defines a collector cavity within the plenum positioned forward or aft of a plenum wall, wherein the second plenum opening is formed through the outer portion of the inner wall in direct fluid communication with the collector cavity aft of the plenum wall. 20. The heat engine of claim 18, the frame comprising an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the frame, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall together define the core flowpath, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath. | A frame for a heat engine, the frame including an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a core flowpath, the inner wall comprising a plenum formed between an outer portion of the inner wall and an inner portion of the inner wall, wherein a cavity is formed inward of the inner portion of the inner wall, and wherein the inner wall includes a first plenum opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein the inner wall comprises a second plenum opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath.1. A frame for a heat engine, the frame comprising:
an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a core flowpath, the inner wall comprising a plenum formed between an outer portion of the inner wall and an inner portion of the inner wall, wherein a cavity is formed inward of the inner portion of the inner wall, and wherein the inner wall comprises a first plenum opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein the inner wall comprises a second plenum opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the core flowpath. 2. The frame of claim 1, the frame comprising a plenum wall extended within the plenum between the outer portion and the inner portion of the inner wall. 3. The frame of claim 2, wherein the plenum wall is extended co-directional to the inner wall. 4. The frame of claim 2, wherein the inner wall defines a collector cavity within the plenum positioned upstream or downstream of the plenum wall. 5. The frame of claim 4, wherein the inner wall comprises a high pressure region between the plenum wall, the outer portion, and the inner portion, the high pressure region positioned upstream or downstream of the collector cavity. 6. The frame of claim 5, wherein the high pressure region comprises a cross sectional area less than the collector cavity. 7. The frame of claim 5, wherein the first plenum opening is formed through the inner portion in direct fluid communication with the high pressure region. 8. The frame of claim 4, wherein the first plenum opening is formed through the inner portion in direct fluid communication with the collector cavity. 9. The frame of claim 4, wherein the second plenum opening is formed through the outer portion in direct fluid communication with the collector cavity. 10. The frame of claim 9, wherein the collector cavity comprises an aft collector positioned aft of a plenum wall, wherein the second plenum opening is formed through the outer portion at the aft collector. 11. The frame of claim 4, wherein the collector cavity comprises a forward collector positioned forward of a plenum wall, wherein the first plenum opening is formed through the inner portion at the forward collector. 12. The frame of claim 11, wherein the forward collector is positioned at the inlet end of the frame. 13. The frame of claim 1, comprising:
an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the frame, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall together define the core flowpath, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath. 14. The frame of claim 13, wherein the inner wall is configured to receive a first flow of fluid and the outer wall is configured to receive a second flow of fluid different from the first flow of fluid. 15. The frame of claim 14, wherein the second flow of fluid is a lubricant, a fuel, a hydraulic fluid, or combinations thereof, and wherein the first flow of fluid is an oxidizer. 16. The frame of claim 1, the outer portion comprising an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a turbulator structure. 17. The frame of claim 1, wherein the outer portion of the inner wall is twice as thick or greater as the inner portion of the inner wall. 18. A heat engine, the heat engine comprising:
a frame comprising an inner wall extended from an inlet end to an outlet end, the inner wall forming at least in part a primary flowpath, the inner wall comprising a plenum formed between an outer portion of the inner wall and an inner portion of the inner wall, wherein a cavity is formed inward of the inner portion of the inner wall, and wherein the inner wall comprises a first plenum opening providing fluid communication between the cavity and the plenum, and wherein the inner wall comprises a second plenum opening providing fluid communication between the plenum and the primary flowpath. 19. The heat engine of claim 18, wherein the inner wall defines a collector cavity within the plenum positioned forward or aft of a plenum wall, wherein the second plenum opening is formed through the outer portion of the inner wall in direct fluid communication with the collector cavity aft of the plenum wall. 20. The heat engine of claim 18, the frame comprising an outer wall extended from the inlet end toward the outlet end of the frame, wherein the outer wall and the inner wall together define the core flowpath, the outer wall forming a passage extended at least partially around the core flowpath, the outer wall at least partially forming the core flowpath. | 2,800 |
339,470 | 16,800,377 | 2,899 | Disclosed herein is a method for modulating Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) in a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Also disclosed is a method for treating a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a thereapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and a composition comprising a thereapeutically effective amount of a Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) inhibitor, a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD1) inhibitor, or a combination thereof. | 1. A method for modulating Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) in a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. 2. The method claim 1, wherein the HDAC inhibitor comprises a selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). 3. The method claim 2, wherein the HDAC6 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ACY-1215, Tubacin, Tubastatin A, ST-3-06, ST-2-92, Nexturastat A, and Nexturastat B. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the HDAC inhibitor comprises a pan inhibitor, a class I HDAC inhibitor, or a combination thereof. 5. A method for treating a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a thereapeutically effective amount of a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and a thereapeutically effective amount of a Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) inhibitor, a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD1) inhibitor, or a combination thereof. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the HDAC inhibitor is a class I HDAC inhibitor. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the tumor comprises low PDL1 expression. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the HDAC inhibitor is a selective HDAC6 inhibitor. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the selective HDAC6 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ACY-1215, Tubacin, Tubastatin A, ST-3-06, ST-2-92, Nexturastat A, and Nexturastat B. 10. The method of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the tumor comprises a melanoma, renal cancer, or non-small cell lung cancer. 11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the PDL1 inhibitor comprises an antibody that specifically binds PDL1. 12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the PD1 inhibitor comprises an antibody that specifically binds PD1. | Disclosed herein is a method for modulating Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) in a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Also disclosed is a method for treating a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a thereapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and a composition comprising a thereapeutically effective amount of a Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) inhibitor, a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD1) inhibitor, or a combination thereof.1. A method for modulating Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) in a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. 2. The method claim 1, wherein the HDAC inhibitor comprises a selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6). 3. The method claim 2, wherein the HDAC6 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ACY-1215, Tubacin, Tubastatin A, ST-3-06, ST-2-92, Nexturastat A, and Nexturastat B. 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the HDAC inhibitor comprises a pan inhibitor, a class I HDAC inhibitor, or a combination thereof. 5. A method for treating a tumor in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a thereapeutically effective amount of a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor and a thereapeutically effective amount of a Program Death Receptor Ligand 1 (PDL1) inhibitor, a Programmed Death 1 receptor (PD1) inhibitor, or a combination thereof. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the HDAC inhibitor is a class I HDAC inhibitor. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the tumor comprises low PDL1 expression. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the HDAC inhibitor is a selective HDAC6 inhibitor. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the selective HDAC6 inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of ACY-1215, Tubacin, Tubastatin A, ST-3-06, ST-2-92, Nexturastat A, and Nexturastat B. 10. The method of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the tumor comprises a melanoma, renal cancer, or non-small cell lung cancer. 11. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the PDL1 inhibitor comprises an antibody that specifically binds PDL1. 12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the PD1 inhibitor comprises an antibody that specifically binds PD1. | 2,800 |
339,471 | 16,800,385 | 2,899 | A system and method for facilitating controlled access by a client device to one or more services provided by a server are disclosed. The client device's access to the services provided by the server may be dynamically controlled by a controller, which may generate instructions to an agent to effectuate the access control. The agent may be configured to control one or more access components associated with the server. The instructions generated by the controller may instruct the agent to cause the access control components to grant or remove the client device's access to the services provided by the server. In some implementations, the controller may generate such instructions based on a status of a session established between the controller and the client device. | 1. An agent component configured to facilitate access control for a client device to access one or more services that are provided by a server, wherein the server includes the agent component and a firewall, wherein the client device is registered with a controller through a client registration request that includes identity information identifying the client device, the agent component comprising:
one or more physical processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
transmit an agent registration request from the agent component to register the agent component with the controller, the agent component being associated with the server;
receive an initial access grant instruction from the controller, wherein the initial access grant instruction causes the agent component to grant the client device access to the server for the first time;
responsive to receiving the initial access grant instruction, dynamically configure the firewall to grant the client device access to the server; and
receive control instructions from the controller, wherein the control instructions cause the agent component to control the firewall, wherein the firewall controls access by the client device to the server, wherein the control instructions are based on whether a current session with the client device is established and whether access to the server is granted to the client device such that:
responsive to the current session not being established and the access to the server being granted to the client device, a first control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to remove the access by the client device to the server is received by the agent component, and
responsive to the current session being established and the access to the server not being granted to the client device, a second control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to grant the client device access to the server is received by the agent component;
wherein the agent component is protected by the firewall, and wherein the agent component is adapted to dynamically configure the firewall to grant and/or remove access by the client device to the service. 2. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the agent component and the client device are configured to register with the controller during startup. 3. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the controller is protected by the firewall. 4. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the agent component is configured to receive the control instructions from the controller through the firewall. 5. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the identity information included in the client registration request comprises information indicating an internet protocol (IP) address associated with the client device. 6. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the receipt of the control instructions by the agent component is effectuated using user datagram protocol (UDP) or a transport layer protocol. 7. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to authenticate the agent component after the agent registration request has been transmitted and/or to authenticate the client device after the client registration request has been transmitted. 8. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to generate instructions to cause the client device to authenticate the controller subsequent to use of the client registration request and/or to generate instructions to cause the agent component to authenticate the controller subsequent to transmission of the agent registration request. 9. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to generate a system log and to provide the system log to an administration server over a network. 10. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to:
facilitate intermittently terminating and establishing sessions with the client device, wherein a first session is terminated in response to a determination that the client device is not responsive to one or more checks by the controller, and wherein a second session is established in response to activity by the client device. 11. A method for facilitating access control for a client device to access one or more services that are provided by a server, the server including an agent component and a firewall, wherein the client device is registered with a controller through a client registration request that includes identity information identifying the client device, the method being implemented in a physical processor configured by machine-readable instructions to execute computer programs, the method comprising:
transmitting an agent registration request from the agent component to register the agent component with the controller, the agent component being associated with the server; receiving an initial access grant instruction from the controller, wherein the initial access grant instruction causes the agent component to grant the client device access to the server for the first time; responsive to receiving the initial access grant instruction, dynamically configuring the firewall to grant the client access to the server; and receiving control instructions from the controller, wherein the control instructions cause the agent component to control the firewall, wherein the firewall controls access by the client device to the server, wherein the control instructions are based on whether a current session with the client device is established and whether access to the server is granted to the client device such that:
responsive to the current session not being established and the access to the server being granted to the client device, a first control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to remove access by the client device to the server is received by the agent component, and
responsive to the current session being established and the access to the server not being granted to the client device, a second control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to grant the client device access to the server is received by the agent component;
wherein the agent component is protected by the firewall, and wherein the agent component is adapted to dynamically configure the firewall to grant and/or remove the access by the client device to the server. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the agent component and the client device are configured to register with the controller during startup. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the controller is protected by the firewall. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the agent component receives the control instructions from the controller through the firewall. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the identity information included in the client registration request comprises information indicating an internet protocol (IP) address associated with the client device. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the receipt of the control instructions by the agent component is effectuated using user datagram protocol (UDP) or a transport layer protocol. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising authenticating the agent component after the agent registration request has been transmitted and/or authenticating the client device after the client registration request has been transmitted. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating instructions to cause the client device to authenticate the controller subsequent to use of the client registration request and/or generating instructions to cause the agent component to authenticate the controller subsequent to transmission of the agent registration request. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating a system log and providing the system log to an administration server over a network. 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising facilitating intermittently terminating and establishing sessions with the client device, wherein a first session is terminated in response to a determination that the client device is not responsive to one or more checks by the controller, and wherein a second session is established in response to activity by the client device. | A system and method for facilitating controlled access by a client device to one or more services provided by a server are disclosed. The client device's access to the services provided by the server may be dynamically controlled by a controller, which may generate instructions to an agent to effectuate the access control. The agent may be configured to control one or more access components associated with the server. The instructions generated by the controller may instruct the agent to cause the access control components to grant or remove the client device's access to the services provided by the server. In some implementations, the controller may generate such instructions based on a status of a session established between the controller and the client device.1. An agent component configured to facilitate access control for a client device to access one or more services that are provided by a server, wherein the server includes the agent component and a firewall, wherein the client device is registered with a controller through a client registration request that includes identity information identifying the client device, the agent component comprising:
one or more physical processors configured by machine-readable instructions to:
transmit an agent registration request from the agent component to register the agent component with the controller, the agent component being associated with the server;
receive an initial access grant instruction from the controller, wherein the initial access grant instruction causes the agent component to grant the client device access to the server for the first time;
responsive to receiving the initial access grant instruction, dynamically configure the firewall to grant the client device access to the server; and
receive control instructions from the controller, wherein the control instructions cause the agent component to control the firewall, wherein the firewall controls access by the client device to the server, wherein the control instructions are based on whether a current session with the client device is established and whether access to the server is granted to the client device such that:
responsive to the current session not being established and the access to the server being granted to the client device, a first control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to remove the access by the client device to the server is received by the agent component, and
responsive to the current session being established and the access to the server not being granted to the client device, a second control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to grant the client device access to the server is received by the agent component;
wherein the agent component is protected by the firewall, and wherein the agent component is adapted to dynamically configure the firewall to grant and/or remove access by the client device to the service. 2. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the agent component and the client device are configured to register with the controller during startup. 3. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the controller is protected by the firewall. 4. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the agent component is configured to receive the control instructions from the controller through the firewall. 5. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the identity information included in the client registration request comprises information indicating an internet protocol (IP) address associated with the client device. 6. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the receipt of the control instructions by the agent component is effectuated using user datagram protocol (UDP) or a transport layer protocol. 7. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to authenticate the agent component after the agent registration request has been transmitted and/or to authenticate the client device after the client registration request has been transmitted. 8. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to generate instructions to cause the client device to authenticate the controller subsequent to use of the client registration request and/or to generate instructions to cause the agent component to authenticate the controller subsequent to transmission of the agent registration request. 9. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to generate a system log and to provide the system log to an administration server over a network. 10. The agent component of claim 1, wherein the one or more physical processors are further configured to:
facilitate intermittently terminating and establishing sessions with the client device, wherein a first session is terminated in response to a determination that the client device is not responsive to one or more checks by the controller, and wherein a second session is established in response to activity by the client device. 11. A method for facilitating access control for a client device to access one or more services that are provided by a server, the server including an agent component and a firewall, wherein the client device is registered with a controller through a client registration request that includes identity information identifying the client device, the method being implemented in a physical processor configured by machine-readable instructions to execute computer programs, the method comprising:
transmitting an agent registration request from the agent component to register the agent component with the controller, the agent component being associated with the server; receiving an initial access grant instruction from the controller, wherein the initial access grant instruction causes the agent component to grant the client device access to the server for the first time; responsive to receiving the initial access grant instruction, dynamically configuring the firewall to grant the client access to the server; and receiving control instructions from the controller, wherein the control instructions cause the agent component to control the firewall, wherein the firewall controls access by the client device to the server, wherein the control instructions are based on whether a current session with the client device is established and whether access to the server is granted to the client device such that:
responsive to the current session not being established and the access to the server being granted to the client device, a first control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to remove access by the client device to the server is received by the agent component, and
responsive to the current session being established and the access to the server not being granted to the client device, a second control instruction to cause the agent component to control the firewall to grant the client device access to the server is received by the agent component;
wherein the agent component is protected by the firewall, and wherein the agent component is adapted to dynamically configure the firewall to grant and/or remove the access by the client device to the server. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the agent component and the client device are configured to register with the controller during startup. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the controller is protected by the firewall. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the agent component receives the control instructions from the controller through the firewall. 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the identity information included in the client registration request comprises information indicating an internet protocol (IP) address associated with the client device. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the receipt of the control instructions by the agent component is effectuated using user datagram protocol (UDP) or a transport layer protocol. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising authenticating the agent component after the agent registration request has been transmitted and/or authenticating the client device after the client registration request has been transmitted. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating instructions to cause the client device to authenticate the controller subsequent to use of the client registration request and/or generating instructions to cause the agent component to authenticate the controller subsequent to transmission of the agent registration request. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating a system log and providing the system log to an administration server over a network. 20. The method of claim 11, further comprising facilitating intermittently terminating and establishing sessions with the client device, wherein a first session is terminated in response to a determination that the client device is not responsive to one or more checks by the controller, and wherein a second session is established in response to activity by the client device. | 2,800 |
339,472 | 16,800,380 | 2,899 | The present disclosure is directed to a D2D data transfer method, and user equipment and a network device that use the method. In one method, user equipment determines a logical channel used for to-be-transmitted Device to Device (D2D) data. The user equipment determines a logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel. The user equipment reports, to a network device, a D2D data volume of the logical channel group for the user equipment. The user equipment sends, on a D2D resource that is allocated by the network device to the user equipment according to the D2D data volume, the to-be-transmitted D2D data to another user equipment by using the determined logical channel. | 1. A data transmission method, comprising:
determining, by user equipment, a logical channel used for to-be-transmitted Device to Device (D2D) data; determining, by the user equipment, a logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel; reporting, by the user equipment to a network device, a D2D data volume of the logical channel group for the user equipment; and receiving, by the user equipment from the network device, a D2D resource that is allocated by the network device, wherein the D2D resource is used to transmit the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining, by user equipment, the logical channel used for the to-be-transmitted D2D data comprises:
determining, according to first configuration information and a type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data, the logical channel used for the to-be-transmitted D2D data, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel and the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
the first configuration information is stored in the user equipment; or the first configuration information is received by the user equipment from the network device, wherein the first configuration information is determined by the network device according to the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining, by the user equipment, the logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel comprises:
determining, by the user equipment according to second configuration information and a type of the logical channel, the logical channel group used by the logical channel, wherein the second configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel group and the type of the logical channel. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein
the second configuration information is stored in the user equipment; or the second configuration information is received by the user equipment from the network device, wherein the second configuration information is determined by the network device according to the type of the logical channel. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the type of the logical channel comprises at least one of the following: an identifier of the logical channel, a priority of the logical channel, or a priority of data transmitted on the logical channel. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data comprises at least one of a priority of the to-be-transmitted D2D data or a service type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 8. A data transmission method in a Device to Device (D2D) system, comprising:
receiving, by a network device, a D2D data volume of a logical channel group for user equipment, wherein the D2D data volume is reported by the user equipment, and the logical channel group comprises a logical channel that is used by the user equipment to send to-be-transmitted D2D data;
allocating, by the network device, a D2D resource to the user equipment according to the D2D data volume; and
sending, by the network device, information about the allocated D2D resource to the user equipment, wherein the D2D resource is used to transmit the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
prior to the receiving the D2D data volume:
configuring, by the network device according to types of D2D data in the D2D system, a logical channel for each type of D2D data; and
sending, by the network device, first configuration information to the user equipment, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between each type of D2D data and the logical channel. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
prior to the receiving the D2D data volume:
configuring, by the network device, a logical channel for D2D data of each user equipment in the D2D system according to types of D2D data in the D2D system and types of user equipment in the D2D system; and
sending, by the network device, first configuration information to the user equipment, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between each type of D2D data of the user equipment and the logical channel. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the types of the D2D data comprises at least one of a priority of the D2D data or a service type of the D2D data. 12. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one processor, and a memory storing computer-executable instructions; wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:
determine a logical channel used for to-be-transmitted Device to Device (D2D) data;
determine a logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel;
report, to a network device, a D2D data volume of the logical channel group for the apparatus; and
receive, from the network device, a D2D resource that is allocated by the network device, wherein the D2D resource is used to transmit the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to: determine, according to first configuration information and a type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data, the logical channel used for the to-be-transmitted D2D data, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel and the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
the first configuration information is stored in the memory; or wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to: receive the first configuration information from the network device, the first configuration information being determined by the network device according to the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to::
determine, according to second configuration information and a type of the logical channel, the logical channel group used by the logical channel, wherein the second configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel group and a type of the logical channel. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
the second configuration information is stored in the memory; or wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to: receive the second configuration information from the network device, the second configuration information being determined by the network device according to the type of the logical channel. 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the type of the logical channel comprises at least one of the following: an identifier of the logical channel, a priority of the logical channel, or a priority of data transmitted on the logical channel. 18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data comprises at least one of a priority of the to-be-transmitted D2D data or a service type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 19. A network device in a Device to Device (D2D) system, wherein the network device comprises:
at least one processor, and a memory storing computer-executable instructions; wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the network device to: receive a D2D data volume of a logical channel group for user equipment, and the logical channel group comprises a logical channel that is used by the user equipment to send to-be-transmitted D2D data; allocate a D2D resource to the user equipment according to the D2D data volume; and send, to the user equipment, information about the D2D resource, wherein the D2D resource is used by the user equipment to send the to-be-transmitted D2D data to another user equipment. 20. The network device according to claim 19, wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the network device to:
configure, according to types of D2D data in the D2D system, a logical channel for each type of D2D data; and generate first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between each type of D2D data and the logical channel; and send the first configuration information to the user equipment. | The present disclosure is directed to a D2D data transfer method, and user equipment and a network device that use the method. In one method, user equipment determines a logical channel used for to-be-transmitted Device to Device (D2D) data. The user equipment determines a logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel. The user equipment reports, to a network device, a D2D data volume of the logical channel group for the user equipment. The user equipment sends, on a D2D resource that is allocated by the network device to the user equipment according to the D2D data volume, the to-be-transmitted D2D data to another user equipment by using the determined logical channel.1. A data transmission method, comprising:
determining, by user equipment, a logical channel used for to-be-transmitted Device to Device (D2D) data; determining, by the user equipment, a logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel; reporting, by the user equipment to a network device, a D2D data volume of the logical channel group for the user equipment; and receiving, by the user equipment from the network device, a D2D resource that is allocated by the network device, wherein the D2D resource is used to transmit the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining, by user equipment, the logical channel used for the to-be-transmitted D2D data comprises:
determining, according to first configuration information and a type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data, the logical channel used for the to-be-transmitted D2D data, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel and the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein
the first configuration information is stored in the user equipment; or the first configuration information is received by the user equipment from the network device, wherein the first configuration information is determined by the network device according to the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining, by the user equipment, the logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel comprises:
determining, by the user equipment according to second configuration information and a type of the logical channel, the logical channel group used by the logical channel, wherein the second configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel group and the type of the logical channel. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein
the second configuration information is stored in the user equipment; or the second configuration information is received by the user equipment from the network device, wherein the second configuration information is determined by the network device according to the type of the logical channel. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the type of the logical channel comprises at least one of the following: an identifier of the logical channel, a priority of the logical channel, or a priority of data transmitted on the logical channel. 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data comprises at least one of a priority of the to-be-transmitted D2D data or a service type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 8. A data transmission method in a Device to Device (D2D) system, comprising:
receiving, by a network device, a D2D data volume of a logical channel group for user equipment, wherein the D2D data volume is reported by the user equipment, and the logical channel group comprises a logical channel that is used by the user equipment to send to-be-transmitted D2D data;
allocating, by the network device, a D2D resource to the user equipment according to the D2D data volume; and
sending, by the network device, information about the allocated D2D resource to the user equipment, wherein the D2D resource is used to transmit the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
prior to the receiving the D2D data volume:
configuring, by the network device according to types of D2D data in the D2D system, a logical channel for each type of D2D data; and
sending, by the network device, first configuration information to the user equipment, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between each type of D2D data and the logical channel. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
prior to the receiving the D2D data volume:
configuring, by the network device, a logical channel for D2D data of each user equipment in the D2D system according to types of D2D data in the D2D system and types of user equipment in the D2D system; and
sending, by the network device, first configuration information to the user equipment, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between each type of D2D data of the user equipment and the logical channel. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the types of the D2D data comprises at least one of a priority of the D2D data or a service type of the D2D data. 12. An apparatus, comprising:
at least one processor, and a memory storing computer-executable instructions; wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the apparatus to:
determine a logical channel used for to-be-transmitted Device to Device (D2D) data;
determine a logical channel group corresponding to the logical channel;
report, to a network device, a D2D data volume of the logical channel group for the apparatus; and
receive, from the network device, a D2D resource that is allocated by the network device, wherein the D2D resource is used to transmit the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to: determine, according to first configuration information and a type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data, the logical channel used for the to-be-transmitted D2D data, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel and the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
the first configuration information is stored in the memory; or wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to: receive the first configuration information from the network device, the first configuration information being determined by the network device according to the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to::
determine, according to second configuration information and a type of the logical channel, the logical channel group used by the logical channel, wherein the second configuration information comprises a correspondence between the logical channel group and a type of the logical channel. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein
the second configuration information is stored in the memory; or wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the apparatus to: receive the second configuration information from the network device, the second configuration information being determined by the network device according to the type of the logical channel. 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the type of the logical channel comprises at least one of the following: an identifier of the logical channel, a priority of the logical channel, or a priority of data transmitted on the logical channel. 18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data comprises at least one of a priority of the to-be-transmitted D2D data or a service type of the to-be-transmitted D2D data. 19. A network device in a Device to Device (D2D) system, wherein the network device comprises:
at least one processor, and a memory storing computer-executable instructions; wherein the computer-executable instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the network device to: receive a D2D data volume of a logical channel group for user equipment, and the logical channel group comprises a logical channel that is used by the user equipment to send to-be-transmitted D2D data; allocate a D2D resource to the user equipment according to the D2D data volume; and send, to the user equipment, information about the D2D resource, wherein the D2D resource is used by the user equipment to send the to-be-transmitted D2D data to another user equipment. 20. The network device according to claim 19, wherein the computer-executable instructions instruct the network device to:
configure, according to types of D2D data in the D2D system, a logical channel for each type of D2D data; and generate first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information comprises a correspondence between each type of D2D data and the logical channel; and send the first configuration information to the user equipment. | 2,800 |
339,473 | 16,800,394 | 2,899 | The disclosure provides methods for detecting the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample. The method includes contacting said biological sample with a first binding agent, said first binding agent operably linked to a first sortase molecule, wherein said first binding agent specifically binds to a first target; contacting said biological simple with a second binding agent, said second binding agent operably linked to a first sortase recognition sequence peptide, wherein said second binding agent specifically binds to a second target; adding a sortase substrate under conditions where a first sortase-mediated ligation of the sortase substrate to the first sortase recognition sequence will produce a ligation product, and detecting the ligation product, wherein detection of said ligation product indicates the concurrent presence of the first target and the second target in the biological sample. Also disclosed are kits comprising reagents for performing the methods as claimed. | 1. A method for detecting the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample, comprising:
(a) contacting said biological sample with a first binding agent, said first binding agent operably linked to a first sortase molecule, wherein said first binding agent specifically binds to a first target; (b) contacting said biological sample with a second binding agent, said second binding agent operably linked to a first sortase recognition sequence peptide, wherein said second binding agent specifically binds to a second target; (c) adding a sortase substrate under conditions where a first sortase-mediated ligation of the sortase substrate to the first sortase recognition sequence will produce a ligation product, and (d) detecting the ligation product, wherein detection of said ligation product indicates the concurrent presence of the first target and the second target in the biological sample. 2. (canceled) 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase molecule is a Sortase A molecule. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the Sortase A molecule is from Staphylococcus aureus. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase recognition sequence peptide comprises the amino acid sequence LPXTG, where X is any amino acid residue (SEQ ID NO: 1). 6.-7. (canceled) 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sortase substrate comprises the amino acid sequence GGG. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the ligation product performed using a fourth binding agent that specifically binds to the ligation product. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the fourth binding agent is detectable. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase molecule is directly attached to the first binding agent. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase molecule is indirectly attached to the first binding agent. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase recognition sequence peptide is directly attached to the second binding agent. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase recognition sequence peptide is indirectly attached to the second binding agent. 15.-16. (canceled) 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first target and the second target are on the same molecule. 18.-19. (canceled) 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the first binding agent is an antibody. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the second binding agent is an antibody. 22. (canceled) 23. The method of claim 9, wherein the fourth binding agent is an antibody. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological sample is selected from the group consisting of a cell, a biopsy sample, a blood sample, a tissue sample, a saliva sample, a tear sample, a semen sample, cerebrospinal fluid sample, a bone marrow sample, a bone marrow sample, and a circulating tumor cell sample. 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological sample is from a human. 26. A kit comprising a first sortase recognition sequence directly attached to a first member of a first binding member pair, a first sortase molecule directly attached to a first member of a second binding member pair; a sortase substrate; and instructions for using the kit to detect the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample. 27. The kit of claim 26, wherein the sortase substrate is directly attached to a first member of a third binding member pair. 28.-31. (canceled) | The disclosure provides methods for detecting the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample. The method includes contacting said biological sample with a first binding agent, said first binding agent operably linked to a first sortase molecule, wherein said first binding agent specifically binds to a first target; contacting said biological simple with a second binding agent, said second binding agent operably linked to a first sortase recognition sequence peptide, wherein said second binding agent specifically binds to a second target; adding a sortase substrate under conditions where a first sortase-mediated ligation of the sortase substrate to the first sortase recognition sequence will produce a ligation product, and detecting the ligation product, wherein detection of said ligation product indicates the concurrent presence of the first target and the second target in the biological sample. Also disclosed are kits comprising reagents for performing the methods as claimed.1. A method for detecting the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample, comprising:
(a) contacting said biological sample with a first binding agent, said first binding agent operably linked to a first sortase molecule, wherein said first binding agent specifically binds to a first target; (b) contacting said biological sample with a second binding agent, said second binding agent operably linked to a first sortase recognition sequence peptide, wherein said second binding agent specifically binds to a second target; (c) adding a sortase substrate under conditions where a first sortase-mediated ligation of the sortase substrate to the first sortase recognition sequence will produce a ligation product, and (d) detecting the ligation product, wherein detection of said ligation product indicates the concurrent presence of the first target and the second target in the biological sample. 2. (canceled) 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase molecule is a Sortase A molecule. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the Sortase A molecule is from Staphylococcus aureus. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase recognition sequence peptide comprises the amino acid sequence LPXTG, where X is any amino acid residue (SEQ ID NO: 1). 6.-7. (canceled) 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sortase substrate comprises the amino acid sequence GGG. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting the ligation product performed using a fourth binding agent that specifically binds to the ligation product. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the fourth binding agent is detectable. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase molecule is directly attached to the first binding agent. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase molecule is indirectly attached to the first binding agent. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase recognition sequence peptide is directly attached to the second binding agent. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first sortase recognition sequence peptide is indirectly attached to the second binding agent. 15.-16. (canceled) 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first target and the second target are on the same molecule. 18.-19. (canceled) 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the first binding agent is an antibody. 21. The method of claim 1, wherein the second binding agent is an antibody. 22. (canceled) 23. The method of claim 9, wherein the fourth binding agent is an antibody. 24. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological sample is selected from the group consisting of a cell, a biopsy sample, a blood sample, a tissue sample, a saliva sample, a tear sample, a semen sample, cerebrospinal fluid sample, a bone marrow sample, a bone marrow sample, and a circulating tumor cell sample. 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the biological sample is from a human. 26. A kit comprising a first sortase recognition sequence directly attached to a first member of a first binding member pair, a first sortase molecule directly attached to a first member of a second binding member pair; a sortase substrate; and instructions for using the kit to detect the concurrent presence of at least two targets within a biological sample. 27. The kit of claim 26, wherein the sortase substrate is directly attached to a first member of a third binding member pair. 28.-31. (canceled) | 2,800 |
339,474 | 16,800,408 | 3,653 | A finisher assembly of a multifunction peripheral includes a vertically oriented stapler and a paper transport motor. When the paper transport motor rotates in the forward direction, printed pages from the print engine of the multifunction peripheral are received via a paper chute and a feed assist roller urges the printed pages into a vertical paper accumulation cache basin. Rotation of the paper transport motor also opens a biasing plate allowing the pages to freely enter the cache basin. Once all of the pages of the print job are in the cache basin, the paper transport motor rotates in the reverse direction causing the biasing plate to bias the printed pages, in the cache basin, against a registration surface of the vertically oriented stapler unit. The pages of the print job are stapled together the stapled print job is moved to the paper tray for collection by a user. | 1. An apparatus, comprising:
a paper cache basin configured to receive a plurality of printed pages of a print job into a substantially vertical oriented stack of printed pages; a stapler configured to staple the stack of printed pages of the print job; and a biasing plate configured to urge the stack of printed pages against a registration surface of the stapler prior to stapling the stack of printed pages of the print job. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stapler is a saddle stapler. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a paper chute associated with the paper cache basin and configured to receive the printed pages from an associated print engine; and a feed assist roller configured to urge the printed pages received at the paper chute into the paper cache basin. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the printed pages are urged into the paper cache basin by gravity in addition to operation of the feed assist roller. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:
a motor configured to rotate the feed assist roller to urge the printed pages into the cache basin when the motor is rotated in a first direction, and further configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
a slip clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the biasing plate, the slip clutch configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the second direction and further configured to urge the biasing plate away from the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the first direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising
a one-way clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the feed assist roller, the one-way clutch configured to rotate the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the first direction and further configured to stop the rotation of the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the second direction. 8. A multifunction printer, comprising:
a print engine configured to print a plurality of pages in accordance with a print job; a paper chute configured to receive the printed pages of the print job from the print engine; a paper cache basin configured to receive the printed pages from the paper chute and accumulate the printed pages of the print job into a substantially vertical oriented stack of printed pages; and a saddle stapler configured to staple the stack of printed pages of the print job. 9. The multifunction printer of claim 8, further comprising:
a biasing plate configured to urge the stack of printed pages against a registration surface of the saddle stapler prior to stapling the stack of printed pages of the print job. 10. The multifunction printer of claim 9, further comprising:
a feed assist roller configured move the printed pages received at the paper chute into the paper cache basin. 11. The multifunction printer of claim 10, further comprising:
a motor configured to rotate the feed assist roller for moving the printed pages into the cache basin when the motor is rotated in a forward direction, and further configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in a reverse direction. 12. The multifunction printer of claim 11, further comprising:
a slip clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the biasing plate, the slip clutch configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the reverse direction and further configured to urge the biasing plate away from the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the forward direction. 13. The multifunction printer of claim 11, further comprising
a one-way clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the feed assist roller, the one-way clutch configured to rotate the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the forward direction and further configured to stop the rotation of the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the reverse direction. 14. The multifunction printer of claim 13, further comprising
a rotatable shaft associated with the feed assist roller; and gearing configured to communicate the rotation of the motor to the rotatable shaft through the one-way clutch. 15. A method, comprising:
receiving, by a print engine, a plurality of pages associated with a user print job; printing, by the print engine, each page of the plurality of pages; receiving, in a paper cache basin, each of the printed pages in a substantially vertical orientation; urging the printed pages against a registration surface of a stapler; and stapling the printed pages of the user print job. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the stapling is performed by a vertically oriented saddler stapler. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
moving, by a feed assist roller, each of the printed pages received at a paper chute from the print engine into the paper chute. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
rotating a motor in a forward direction to rotate the feed assist roller; and rotating the motor in the reverse direction to bias a biasing plate against the printed pages and urge the printed pages against the registration surface of the stapler. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the motor in the forward direction moves the biasing plate away from the printed pages in the paper cache basin. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the motor in the reverse direction stops the rotation of the feed assist roller. | A finisher assembly of a multifunction peripheral includes a vertically oriented stapler and a paper transport motor. When the paper transport motor rotates in the forward direction, printed pages from the print engine of the multifunction peripheral are received via a paper chute and a feed assist roller urges the printed pages into a vertical paper accumulation cache basin. Rotation of the paper transport motor also opens a biasing plate allowing the pages to freely enter the cache basin. Once all of the pages of the print job are in the cache basin, the paper transport motor rotates in the reverse direction causing the biasing plate to bias the printed pages, in the cache basin, against a registration surface of the vertically oriented stapler unit. The pages of the print job are stapled together the stapled print job is moved to the paper tray for collection by a user.1. An apparatus, comprising:
a paper cache basin configured to receive a plurality of printed pages of a print job into a substantially vertical oriented stack of printed pages; a stapler configured to staple the stack of printed pages of the print job; and a biasing plate configured to urge the stack of printed pages against a registration surface of the stapler prior to stapling the stack of printed pages of the print job. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stapler is a saddle stapler. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a paper chute associated with the paper cache basin and configured to receive the printed pages from an associated print engine; and a feed assist roller configured to urge the printed pages received at the paper chute into the paper cache basin. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the printed pages are urged into the paper cache basin by gravity in addition to operation of the feed assist roller. 5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:
a motor configured to rotate the feed assist roller to urge the printed pages into the cache basin when the motor is rotated in a first direction, and further configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:
a slip clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the biasing plate, the slip clutch configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the second direction and further configured to urge the biasing plate away from the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the first direction. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising
a one-way clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the feed assist roller, the one-way clutch configured to rotate the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the first direction and further configured to stop the rotation of the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the second direction. 8. A multifunction printer, comprising:
a print engine configured to print a plurality of pages in accordance with a print job; a paper chute configured to receive the printed pages of the print job from the print engine; a paper cache basin configured to receive the printed pages from the paper chute and accumulate the printed pages of the print job into a substantially vertical oriented stack of printed pages; and a saddle stapler configured to staple the stack of printed pages of the print job. 9. The multifunction printer of claim 8, further comprising:
a biasing plate configured to urge the stack of printed pages against a registration surface of the saddle stapler prior to stapling the stack of printed pages of the print job. 10. The multifunction printer of claim 9, further comprising:
a feed assist roller configured move the printed pages received at the paper chute into the paper cache basin. 11. The multifunction printer of claim 10, further comprising:
a motor configured to rotate the feed assist roller for moving the printed pages into the cache basin when the motor is rotated in a forward direction, and further configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in a reverse direction. 12. The multifunction printer of claim 11, further comprising:
a slip clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the biasing plate, the slip clutch configured to bias the biasing plate against the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the reverse direction and further configured to urge the biasing plate away from the stack of printed pages when the motor is rotated in the forward direction. 13. The multifunction printer of claim 11, further comprising
a one-way clutch in rotational communication with the motor and the feed assist roller, the one-way clutch configured to rotate the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the forward direction and further configured to stop the rotation of the feed assist roller when the motor is rotated in the reverse direction. 14. The multifunction printer of claim 13, further comprising
a rotatable shaft associated with the feed assist roller; and gearing configured to communicate the rotation of the motor to the rotatable shaft through the one-way clutch. 15. A method, comprising:
receiving, by a print engine, a plurality of pages associated with a user print job; printing, by the print engine, each page of the plurality of pages; receiving, in a paper cache basin, each of the printed pages in a substantially vertical orientation; urging the printed pages against a registration surface of a stapler; and stapling the printed pages of the user print job. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the stapling is performed by a vertically oriented saddler stapler. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
moving, by a feed assist roller, each of the printed pages received at a paper chute from the print engine into the paper chute. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:
rotating a motor in a forward direction to rotate the feed assist roller; and rotating the motor in the reverse direction to bias a biasing plate against the printed pages and urge the printed pages against the registration surface of the stapler. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the motor in the forward direction moves the biasing plate away from the printed pages in the paper cache basin. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein rotating the motor in the reverse direction stops the rotation of the feed assist roller. | 3,600 |
339,475 | 16,800,361 | 3,653 | A method for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments includes receiving content from an originating user, encrypting the content into an originating message using a first encrypting key, appending an originating message identifier to the originating message, storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient, decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key, storing the content on the first device to produce locally stored content and inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. The method may also include encrypting the locally stored content into a new message intended for a second recipient, detecting the originating message identifier within the metadata for the locally stored content, and appending the originating message identifier to the new message. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein. | 1. A method for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments, the method comprising:
receiving content from an originating user; encrypting the content from the originating user into an originating message using a first encrypting key; appending an originating message identifier to the originating message; storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient; decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key; storing the content from the originating user on the first device to produce locally stored content; and inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein appending the originating message identifier to the originating message comprises adding the originating message identifier to a header or metadata for the originating message. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, receiving a request from the first recipient to send the locally stored content to a second recipient. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising, detecting the originating message identifier within the metadata for the locally stored content. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, encrypting the locally stored content into a new message using a second encrypting key. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising, appending the originating message identifier to the new message. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, transmitting the new message to a second device corresponding to the second recipient. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising, receiving notification from the originating user that the content from the originating user comprises misinformation. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising, determining which users have received the content from the originating user to produce a set of misinformed users. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, notifying the misinformed users that the content from the originating user comprises misinformation. 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising, restricting users from transmitting the content from the originating user. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from a non-originating user, the content from the originating user along with an indication that the content from the originating user may comprise misinformation. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, verifying that the content from the originating user likely comprises misinformation. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, conducting a misinformation mitigation process in response to verifying that the content from the originating user likely comprises misinformation. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising, wherein verifying that the content from the originating user likely comprises misinformation comprises one or more of:
receiving confirmation from the originating user that the content likely comprises misinformation; using human review; and using artificial intelligence. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising, wherein the content comprises one or more of a photo, a URL, a video, a document and text. 17. A computer program product for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to conduct a method comprising:
identifying a plurality of users of a corresponding plurality of electronic devices that are currently located within a selected area; receiving content from an originating user; encrypting the content from the originating user into an originating message using a first encrypting key; appending an originating message identifier to the originating message; storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient; decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key; storing the content from the originating user on the first device to produce locally stored content; and inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. 18. A system for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments, the system comprising:
one or more processors; and a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to conduct a method comprising:
identifying a plurality of users of a corresponding plurality of electronic devices that are currently located within a selected area;
receiving content from an originating user;
encrypting the content from the originating user into an originating message using a first encrypting key;
appending an originating message identifier to the originating message;
storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient;
decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key;
storing the content from the originating user on the first device to produce locally stored content; and
inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises receiving a request from the first recipient to send the locally stored content to a second recipient, detecting the originating message identifier within the metadata for the locally stored content, encrypting the locally stored content into a new message and appending the originating message identifier to the new message. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises transmitting the new message to a second device corresponding to the second recipient. | A method for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments includes receiving content from an originating user, encrypting the content into an originating message using a first encrypting key, appending an originating message identifier to the originating message, storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient, decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key, storing the content on the first device to produce locally stored content and inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. The method may also include encrypting the locally stored content into a new message intended for a second recipient, detecting the originating message identifier within the metadata for the locally stored content, and appending the originating message identifier to the new message. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein.1. A method for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments, the method comprising:
receiving content from an originating user; encrypting the content from the originating user into an originating message using a first encrypting key; appending an originating message identifier to the originating message; storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient; decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key; storing the content from the originating user on the first device to produce locally stored content; and inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein appending the originating message identifier to the originating message comprises adding the originating message identifier to a header or metadata for the originating message. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, receiving a request from the first recipient to send the locally stored content to a second recipient. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising, detecting the originating message identifier within the metadata for the locally stored content. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, encrypting the locally stored content into a new message using a second encrypting key. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising, appending the originating message identifier to the new message. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, transmitting the new message to a second device corresponding to the second recipient. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising, receiving notification from the originating user that the content from the originating user comprises misinformation. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising, determining which users have received the content from the originating user to produce a set of misinformed users. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, notifying the misinformed users that the content from the originating user comprises misinformation. 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising, restricting users from transmitting the content from the originating user. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, from a non-originating user, the content from the originating user along with an indication that the content from the originating user may comprise misinformation. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, verifying that the content from the originating user likely comprises misinformation. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, conducting a misinformation mitigation process in response to verifying that the content from the originating user likely comprises misinformation. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising, wherein verifying that the content from the originating user likely comprises misinformation comprises one or more of:
receiving confirmation from the originating user that the content likely comprises misinformation; using human review; and using artificial intelligence. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising, wherein the content comprises one or more of a photo, a URL, a video, a document and text. 17. A computer program product for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments, the computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a processor to cause the processor to conduct a method comprising:
identifying a plurality of users of a corresponding plurality of electronic devices that are currently located within a selected area; receiving content from an originating user; encrypting the content from the originating user into an originating message using a first encrypting key; appending an originating message identifier to the originating message; storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient; decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key; storing the content from the originating user on the first device to produce locally stored content; and inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. 18. A system for mitigating misinformation in encrypted messaging environments, the system comprising:
one or more processors; and a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to conduct a method comprising:
identifying a plurality of users of a corresponding plurality of electronic devices that are currently located within a selected area;
receiving content from an originating user;
encrypting the content from the originating user into an originating message using a first encrypting key;
appending an originating message identifier to the originating message;
storing the originating message identifier on a messaging server in conjunction with transmitting the originating message to a first device corresponding to a first recipient;
decrypting the originating message using a first decrypting key;
storing the content from the originating user on the first device to produce locally stored content; and
inserting the originating message identifier within metadata for the locally stored content. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises receiving a request from the first recipient to send the locally stored content to a second recipient, detecting the originating message identifier within the metadata for the locally stored content, encrypting the locally stored content into a new message and appending the originating message identifier to the new message. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises transmitting the new message to a second device corresponding to the second recipient. | 3,600 |
339,476 | 16,800,370 | 3,653 | In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to recognize retail products, comprising: a model training system configured to: identify a customer; access an associated customer profile; access and apply a set of filtering rules to a product database based on customer data; generate a listing of products specific to the customer; access and apply a model training set of rules to train a machine learning model based on the listing of products and corresponding image data for each of the products in the listing of products; and communicate the trained model to the portable user device associated with first customer. | 1. A system to recognize retail products in a physical retail store, comprising:
a customer database storing, for each of a plurality of customers of a retail company operating at least a first retail store, a customer profile storing one or more of purchase history information, product search history information, and product preference data; a retail product database storing product data comprising product imaging data corresponding to each of tens of thousands of different retail products available for sale from the first retail store, wherein each of the imaging data corresponding to one of the different retail products and comprises a corresponding product identifier and at least image attribute data exclusively corresponding to the respective product; and a model training system communicatively coupled with the product database, wherein the modeling training system comprises a training control circuit communicatively coupled with tangible memory storing a rules database maintaining rules and code that is when executed by the training control circuit cause the training control circuit, for each of the plurality of customers, to: identify a first customer of the plurality of customers; access, in the customer database, a first customer profile associated with the first customer; access the rules database and obtain a first set of one or more filtering rules, and apply the first set of one or more filtering rules to filter the products identified in the product database based on each of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generate, based on a result of filtering the product database, a first listing of products specific to the first customer, wherein the first listing comprises a first subset of tens of retail products, of the tens of thousands of retail products, that the customer is predicted to attempt to identify one or more of the first subset of tens of retail products through image recognition implemented on a portable user device associated with the first customer; access a second set of model training rules and apply the second set of model training rules to train a machine learning model to be applied by the portable user device in identifying one or more products from frames of video content captured by the portable user device, wherein the training is limited to the first listing of products and corresponding image data for each of the products in the first listing of products; and communicate the trained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system is further configured to repeatedly update and retrain, over time, the machine learning model; and
communicate the retrained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer to replace a previously stored trained machine learning model on the portable user device. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to:
reapply, over time, the first set of filtering rules to the product database based on updates to one or more of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generate, based on a result of reapplying the first set of filtering rules, an updated first listing of products specific to the first customer; and access the second set of model training rules and reapply the second set of model training rules to retrain the machine learning model, wherein the retraining is limited to the updated first listing of products. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to initiate the retraining in response to a modification to one of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer. 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to initiate the retraining in response to receiving a notification that the portable user device associated with the first customer is within a geographic threshold of a second retail store that is at a second geographic location that is different than a first geographic location of the first retail store;
update the first listing of products to include a second subset of products, wherein the second subset of products comprises products relevant to at least one of the second retail store and the geographic location of the second retail store; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products including the second subset of products. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system, in generating the first listing of products specific to the first customer, is configured to identify, for multiple products identified based on the result of filtering the product database, a corresponding product category comprising a set of a plurality of similar products defined as being part of the product category, and include two or more products from each of the product categories into the first listing of products specific to the first customer. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to identify that a first product, which was included in the most recent updated first listing of products, has not been purchased by the first customer within a threshold purchase period of time; and
update the first listing of products to exclude the first product from the updated first listing of products in response to identifying that the first product has not been purchased by the first customer within the threshold purchase period of time; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products excluding the first product. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system is configured to:
receive a notification from the portable user device associated with the customer identifying a version of a stored machine learning model presently stored on the portable user device; determine that the version of the stored machine learning model is not the most recently updated version of the machine learning model; and cause the communication of the most recently updated version of the trained machine learning model to the portable user device. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
the portable user device associated with the first customer, wherein the portable user device comprises: an imaging system configured to capture at least video content, wherein each video content comprising a series of frames; at least one tangible memory positioned within the housing and storing the trained machine learning model, and a local product database locally storing sets of product imaging data, wherein each set of product imaging data corresponds to one of the first subset of tens of retail products available for sale and comprises a product identifier and at least image attribute data exclusively corresponding to the respective product; and a decision control circuit communicatively coupled with the memory and configured to: process each frame of a subset of one or more frames of the video content by at least a first modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a first image attribute and obtain a corresponding first product identification probability that an item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be a first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; process each frame of the subset of at least one frame by a second modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a second image attribute that is different than the first attribute, and obtain corresponding second product identification probability that the item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be the first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; determine an aggregated first identification probability of the first product as a function of the first product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; determine an aggregated second identification probability of the first product as a function of the second product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; collectively evaluate the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability of the first product for the frames of the subset of at least one frame and identify when one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has a predefined relationship with a collective threshold probability; and cause an image of the first product to be displayed in response to identifying that one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has the predefined relationship with the collective threshold probability. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the portable user device further comprising a control circuit coupled with the memory and configured to:
add the first product to a virtual cart; and initiate a checkout of and payment for each product within the virtual shopping cart. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control circuit in initiating the checkout of the virtual cart activates a generation at a central server of an order corresponding to the virtual cart and each product included in the virtual cart, obtain a dynamically generated optical machine-readable representation of the order corresponding to the virtual cart, wherein the optical machine-readable representation of the order is configured to be scanned by a scanning system associated with a point of sale system to acquire cost information of the products in the virtual cart. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the control circuit in initiating the checkout of the virtual cart activates a generation at a central server of an order corresponding to the virtual cart and each product included in the virtual cart, authorize payment for the products represented in the virtual cart, and receive a confirmation of payment at the portable user device, wherein the confirmation of payment is configured to be displayed on a display of the portable user device to confirm payment prior to the customer leaving the first retail store. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system, in applying the first set of one or more filtering rules and filtering the products identified in the product database is further configured to apply the first set of one or more filtering rules and filter the products identified in the product database further based on one or more of a location of the first retail store, rates of sales of one or more of the products at the first retail store, and inventory levels of one or more of the products at the first retail store. 14. A method of recognizing retail products in a physical retail store, comprising:
by a model training system communicatively coupled with a product database and a customer database: identifying a first customer of the plurality of customers; accessing, in the customer database, a first customer profile associated with the first customer; accessing a rules database and obtain a first set of one or more filtering rules, and applying the first set of one or more filtering rules filtering the products identified in the product database based on each of a purchase history information, search history information, and product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generating, based on a result of filtering the product database, a first listing of products specific to the first customer, wherein the first listing comprises a first subset of tens of retail products, of the tens of thousands of retail products, that the customer is predicted to attempt to identify through image recognition implemented on a portable user device associated with the first customer; accessing a second set of model training rules, applying the second set of model training rules, and training a machine learning model to be applied by the portable user device in identifying one or more products from frames of video content captured by the portable user device, wherein the training is limited to the first listing of products and corresponding image data for each of the products in the first listing of products; and communicating the trained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
repeatedly updating and retraining, over time, the machine learning model; and communicating the retrained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer to replace a previously stored trained machine learning model on the portable user device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, comprises:
reapplying, over time, the first set of filtering rules to the product database based on updates to one or more of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generating, based on a result of reapplying the first set of filtering rules, an updated first listing of products specific to the first customer; and accessing the second set of model training rules, reapplying the second set of model training rules, and retraining the machine learning model, wherein the retraining is limited to the updated first listing of products. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model comprises:
initiating the retraining in response to a modification to one of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model comprises:
initiating the retraining in response to receiving a notification that the portable user device associated with the first customer is within a geographic threshold of a second retail store that is at a second geographic location that is different than a first geographic location of the first retail store; and updating the first listing of products to include a second subset of products, wherein the second subset of products comprises products relevant to at least one of the second retail store and the geographic location of the second retail store; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products including the second subset of products. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the generating the first listing of products specific to the first customer comprises:
identifying, for multiple products identified based on the result of filtering the product database, a corresponding product category comprising a set of a plurality of similar products defined as being part of the product category; and including two or more products from each of the product categories into the first listing of products specific to the first customer. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model comprises:
identifying that a first product, which was included in the most recent updated first listing of products, has not been purchased by the first customer within a threshold purchase period of time; and updating the first listing of products to exclude the first product from the updated first listing of products in response to identifying that the first product has not been purchased by the first customer within the threshold purchase period of time; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products excluding the first product. 21. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
receiving a notification from the portable user device associated with the customer identifying a version of a stored machine learning model presently stored on the portable user device; determining that the version of the stored machine learning model is not the most recently updated version of the machine learning model; and causing the communication of the most recently updated version of the trained machine learning model to the portable user device. 22. The method of claim 14, comprising:
by a decision control circuit of the portable user device: processing each frame of a subset of one or more frames of a video content, captured by an imaging system of the portable use device, by at least a first modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a first image attribute and obtaining a corresponding first product identification probability that an item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be a first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; processing each frame of the subset of at least one frame by a second modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a second image attribute that is different than the first attribute, and obtaining corresponding second product identification probability that the item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be the first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; determining an aggregated first identification probability of the first product as a function of the first product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; determining an aggregated second identification probability of the first product as a function of the second product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; collectively evaluating the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability of the first product for the frames of the subset of at least one frame and identifying when one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has a predefined relationship with a collective threshold probability; and causing an image of the first product to be displayed in response to identifying that one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has the predefined relationship with the collective threshold probability. | In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to recognize retail products, comprising: a model training system configured to: identify a customer; access an associated customer profile; access and apply a set of filtering rules to a product database based on customer data; generate a listing of products specific to the customer; access and apply a model training set of rules to train a machine learning model based on the listing of products and corresponding image data for each of the products in the listing of products; and communicate the trained model to the portable user device associated with first customer.1. A system to recognize retail products in a physical retail store, comprising:
a customer database storing, for each of a plurality of customers of a retail company operating at least a first retail store, a customer profile storing one or more of purchase history information, product search history information, and product preference data; a retail product database storing product data comprising product imaging data corresponding to each of tens of thousands of different retail products available for sale from the first retail store, wherein each of the imaging data corresponding to one of the different retail products and comprises a corresponding product identifier and at least image attribute data exclusively corresponding to the respective product; and a model training system communicatively coupled with the product database, wherein the modeling training system comprises a training control circuit communicatively coupled with tangible memory storing a rules database maintaining rules and code that is when executed by the training control circuit cause the training control circuit, for each of the plurality of customers, to: identify a first customer of the plurality of customers; access, in the customer database, a first customer profile associated with the first customer; access the rules database and obtain a first set of one or more filtering rules, and apply the first set of one or more filtering rules to filter the products identified in the product database based on each of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generate, based on a result of filtering the product database, a first listing of products specific to the first customer, wherein the first listing comprises a first subset of tens of retail products, of the tens of thousands of retail products, that the customer is predicted to attempt to identify one or more of the first subset of tens of retail products through image recognition implemented on a portable user device associated with the first customer; access a second set of model training rules and apply the second set of model training rules to train a machine learning model to be applied by the portable user device in identifying one or more products from frames of video content captured by the portable user device, wherein the training is limited to the first listing of products and corresponding image data for each of the products in the first listing of products; and communicate the trained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system is further configured to repeatedly update and retrain, over time, the machine learning model; and
communicate the retrained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer to replace a previously stored trained machine learning model on the portable user device. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to:
reapply, over time, the first set of filtering rules to the product database based on updates to one or more of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generate, based on a result of reapplying the first set of filtering rules, an updated first listing of products specific to the first customer; and access the second set of model training rules and reapply the second set of model training rules to retrain the machine learning model, wherein the retraining is limited to the updated first listing of products. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to initiate the retraining in response to a modification to one of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer. 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to initiate the retraining in response to receiving a notification that the portable user device associated with the first customer is within a geographic threshold of a second retail store that is at a second geographic location that is different than a first geographic location of the first retail store;
update the first listing of products to include a second subset of products, wherein the second subset of products comprises products relevant to at least one of the second retail store and the geographic location of the second retail store; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products including the second subset of products. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system, in generating the first listing of products specific to the first customer, is configured to identify, for multiple products identified based on the result of filtering the product database, a corresponding product category comprising a set of a plurality of similar products defined as being part of the product category, and include two or more products from each of the product categories into the first listing of products specific to the first customer. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the model training system, in repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, is configured to identify that a first product, which was included in the most recent updated first listing of products, has not been purchased by the first customer within a threshold purchase period of time; and
update the first listing of products to exclude the first product from the updated first listing of products in response to identifying that the first product has not been purchased by the first customer within the threshold purchase period of time; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products excluding the first product. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system is configured to:
receive a notification from the portable user device associated with the customer identifying a version of a stored machine learning model presently stored on the portable user device; determine that the version of the stored machine learning model is not the most recently updated version of the machine learning model; and cause the communication of the most recently updated version of the trained machine learning model to the portable user device. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
the portable user device associated with the first customer, wherein the portable user device comprises: an imaging system configured to capture at least video content, wherein each video content comprising a series of frames; at least one tangible memory positioned within the housing and storing the trained machine learning model, and a local product database locally storing sets of product imaging data, wherein each set of product imaging data corresponds to one of the first subset of tens of retail products available for sale and comprises a product identifier and at least image attribute data exclusively corresponding to the respective product; and a decision control circuit communicatively coupled with the memory and configured to: process each frame of a subset of one or more frames of the video content by at least a first modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a first image attribute and obtain a corresponding first product identification probability that an item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be a first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; process each frame of the subset of at least one frame by a second modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a second image attribute that is different than the first attribute, and obtain corresponding second product identification probability that the item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be the first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; determine an aggregated first identification probability of the first product as a function of the first product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; determine an aggregated second identification probability of the first product as a function of the second product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; collectively evaluate the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability of the first product for the frames of the subset of at least one frame and identify when one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has a predefined relationship with a collective threshold probability; and cause an image of the first product to be displayed in response to identifying that one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has the predefined relationship with the collective threshold probability. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the portable user device further comprising a control circuit coupled with the memory and configured to:
add the first product to a virtual cart; and initiate a checkout of and payment for each product within the virtual shopping cart. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control circuit in initiating the checkout of the virtual cart activates a generation at a central server of an order corresponding to the virtual cart and each product included in the virtual cart, obtain a dynamically generated optical machine-readable representation of the order corresponding to the virtual cart, wherein the optical machine-readable representation of the order is configured to be scanned by a scanning system associated with a point of sale system to acquire cost information of the products in the virtual cart. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the control circuit in initiating the checkout of the virtual cart activates a generation at a central server of an order corresponding to the virtual cart and each product included in the virtual cart, authorize payment for the products represented in the virtual cart, and receive a confirmation of payment at the portable user device, wherein the confirmation of payment is configured to be displayed on a display of the portable user device to confirm payment prior to the customer leaving the first retail store. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the model training system, in applying the first set of one or more filtering rules and filtering the products identified in the product database is further configured to apply the first set of one or more filtering rules and filter the products identified in the product database further based on one or more of a location of the first retail store, rates of sales of one or more of the products at the first retail store, and inventory levels of one or more of the products at the first retail store. 14. A method of recognizing retail products in a physical retail store, comprising:
by a model training system communicatively coupled with a product database and a customer database: identifying a first customer of the plurality of customers; accessing, in the customer database, a first customer profile associated with the first customer; accessing a rules database and obtain a first set of one or more filtering rules, and applying the first set of one or more filtering rules filtering the products identified in the product database based on each of a purchase history information, search history information, and product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generating, based on a result of filtering the product database, a first listing of products specific to the first customer, wherein the first listing comprises a first subset of tens of retail products, of the tens of thousands of retail products, that the customer is predicted to attempt to identify through image recognition implemented on a portable user device associated with the first customer; accessing a second set of model training rules, applying the second set of model training rules, and training a machine learning model to be applied by the portable user device in identifying one or more products from frames of video content captured by the portable user device, wherein the training is limited to the first listing of products and corresponding image data for each of the products in the first listing of products; and communicating the trained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
repeatedly updating and retraining, over time, the machine learning model; and communicating the retrained machine learning model to the portable user device associated with the first customer to replace a previously stored trained machine learning model on the portable user device. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model, comprises:
reapplying, over time, the first set of filtering rules to the product database based on updates to one or more of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer; generating, based on a result of reapplying the first set of filtering rules, an updated first listing of products specific to the first customer; and accessing the second set of model training rules, reapplying the second set of model training rules, and retraining the machine learning model, wherein the retraining is limited to the updated first listing of products. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model comprises:
initiating the retraining in response to a modification to one of the purchase history information, the search history information, and the product preference data corresponding to the first customer. 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model comprises:
initiating the retraining in response to receiving a notification that the portable user device associated with the first customer is within a geographic threshold of a second retail store that is at a second geographic location that is different than a first geographic location of the first retail store; and updating the first listing of products to include a second subset of products, wherein the second subset of products comprises products relevant to at least one of the second retail store and the geographic location of the second retail store; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products including the second subset of products. 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the generating the first listing of products specific to the first customer comprises:
identifying, for multiple products identified based on the result of filtering the product database, a corresponding product category comprising a set of a plurality of similar products defined as being part of the product category; and including two or more products from each of the product categories into the first listing of products specific to the first customer. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the repeatedly updating and retraining the machine learning model comprises:
identifying that a first product, which was included in the most recent updated first listing of products, has not been purchased by the first customer within a threshold purchase period of time; and updating the first listing of products to exclude the first product from the updated first listing of products in response to identifying that the first product has not been purchased by the first customer within the threshold purchase period of time; and wherein the retraining the machine learning model is limited to the updated first listing of products excluding the first product. 21. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
receiving a notification from the portable user device associated with the customer identifying a version of a stored machine learning model presently stored on the portable user device; determining that the version of the stored machine learning model is not the most recently updated version of the machine learning model; and causing the communication of the most recently updated version of the trained machine learning model to the portable user device. 22. The method of claim 14, comprising:
by a decision control circuit of the portable user device: processing each frame of a subset of one or more frames of a video content, captured by an imaging system of the portable use device, by at least a first modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a first image attribute and obtaining a corresponding first product identification probability that an item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be a first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; processing each frame of the subset of at least one frame by a second modeling technique implemented by the trained machine learning model relative to a second image attribute that is different than the first attribute, and obtaining corresponding second product identification probability that the item, captured within each of the subset of at least one frame, is estimated to be the first product of the first subset of tens of retail products; determining an aggregated first identification probability of the first product as a function of the first product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; determining an aggregated second identification probability of the first product as a function of the second product identification probabilities corresponding to the frames of the subset of at least one frame; collectively evaluating the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability of the first product for the frames of the subset of at least one frame and identifying when one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has a predefined relationship with a collective threshold probability; and causing an image of the first product to be displayed in response to identifying that one or more of the aggregated first identification probability and the aggregated second identification probability has the predefined relationship with the collective threshold probability. | 3,600 |
339,477 | 16,800,374 | 3,653 | In a described example, a method for making a packaged semiconductor device includes laser ablating a first groove with a first width and a first depth into a mounting surface of a substrate between landing pads. A first pillar bump on an active surface of a semiconductor device is bonded to a first landing pad; and a second pillar bump on the semiconductor device is bonded to a second landing pad. A channel forms with the active surface of the semiconductor device forming a first wall of the channel, the first pillar bump forms a second wall of the channel, the second pillar bump forming a third wall of the channel, and a surface of the first groove forms a fourth wall of the channel. The channel is filled with mold compound and at least a portion of the substrate and the semiconductor device are covered with mold compound. | 1. A packaged semiconductor device, comprising:
a substrate having a mounting surface and having an opposing surface, and having a first landing pad spaced from a second landing pad on the mounting surface; a laser ablated first groove having a first width in the mounting surface and having a first depth, the laser ablated first groove between the first landing pad and the second landing pad; a first pillar bump on an active surface of a semiconductor device bonded to the first landing pad; a second pillar bump on the semiconductor device bonded to the second landing pad; and mold compound covering the semiconductor device and a portion of the substrate. 2. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a channel having channel walls formed by the laser ablated first groove in the mounting surface of the substrate, sides of the first and second pillar bumps, and the active surface of the semiconductor device, the channel filled with the mold compound. 3. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first depth is less than the first width. 4. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first width of the laser ablated first groove about less than 100 μm. 5. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first depth is in a range of 25 μm to 50 μm. 6. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, further including additional grooves in the mounting surface of the substrate, wherein the additional grooves have a width that is greater than or equal to 100 microns. 7. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, and further including at least a second groove in the mounting surface of the substrate between a third landing pad and a fourth landing pad on the mounting surface, the second groove with a second width less than 100 microns and having a second depth. 8. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is the same as the first width and wherein the second depth is the same as the first depth. 9. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is greater than the first width and wherein the second depth is the same as the first depth. 10. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is wider than the first width and wherein the second depth is less than the first depth. 11. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is the same as the first width and wherein the second depth is less than the first depth. 12. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the mold compound filling the channel is free of voids. 13. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 12, wherein a minimum width of the laser ablated first groove is at least 10 μm larger than a maximum diameter of filler particles in the mold compound. 14. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the laser ablated first groove has a curved semicircular shape. 15. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the laser ablated first groove has an open rectangle shape with one open side and with three additional sides having three substantially straight walls. 16. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a metal lead frame. 17. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 16, wherein the metal lead frame is one selected from a group consisting essentially of copper, brass, copper alloys and Alloy-42. 18. A packaged semiconductor device, comprising:
a substrate having a mounting surface and having an opposing surface; a groove having a first width in the mounting surface and having a first depth; a first bump on a surface of a semiconductor device bonded to the substrate; a second bump spaced from the first bump on the surface semiconductor device bonded to the substrate, the groove between the first bump and the second bump from a top view of the packaged semiconductor device; and mold compound covering the semiconductor device and a portion of the substrate. 19. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 18, further comprising a channel having channel walls formed by the groove in the mounting surface of the substrate, sides of the first and second bumps, and an active surface of the semiconductor device, the channel filled with the mold compound. 20. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 18, wherein the groove includes one of a curved semicircular shape; and an open rectangle shape with one open side and with three additional sides having three substantially straight walls. | In a described example, a method for making a packaged semiconductor device includes laser ablating a first groove with a first width and a first depth into a mounting surface of a substrate between landing pads. A first pillar bump on an active surface of a semiconductor device is bonded to a first landing pad; and a second pillar bump on the semiconductor device is bonded to a second landing pad. A channel forms with the active surface of the semiconductor device forming a first wall of the channel, the first pillar bump forms a second wall of the channel, the second pillar bump forming a third wall of the channel, and a surface of the first groove forms a fourth wall of the channel. The channel is filled with mold compound and at least a portion of the substrate and the semiconductor device are covered with mold compound.1. A packaged semiconductor device, comprising:
a substrate having a mounting surface and having an opposing surface, and having a first landing pad spaced from a second landing pad on the mounting surface; a laser ablated first groove having a first width in the mounting surface and having a first depth, the laser ablated first groove between the first landing pad and the second landing pad; a first pillar bump on an active surface of a semiconductor device bonded to the first landing pad; a second pillar bump on the semiconductor device bonded to the second landing pad; and mold compound covering the semiconductor device and a portion of the substrate. 2. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising a channel having channel walls formed by the laser ablated first groove in the mounting surface of the substrate, sides of the first and second pillar bumps, and the active surface of the semiconductor device, the channel filled with the mold compound. 3. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first depth is less than the first width. 4. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first width of the laser ablated first groove about less than 100 μm. 5. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first depth is in a range of 25 μm to 50 μm. 6. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, further including additional grooves in the mounting surface of the substrate, wherein the additional grooves have a width that is greater than or equal to 100 microns. 7. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, and further including at least a second groove in the mounting surface of the substrate between a third landing pad and a fourth landing pad on the mounting surface, the second groove with a second width less than 100 microns and having a second depth. 8. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is the same as the first width and wherein the second depth is the same as the first depth. 9. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is greater than the first width and wherein the second depth is the same as the first depth. 10. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is wider than the first width and wherein the second depth is less than the first depth. 11. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the second width is the same as the first width and wherein the second depth is less than the first depth. 12. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the mold compound filling the channel is free of voids. 13. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 12, wherein a minimum width of the laser ablated first groove is at least 10 μm larger than a maximum diameter of filler particles in the mold compound. 14. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the laser ablated first groove has a curved semicircular shape. 15. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the laser ablated first groove has an open rectangle shape with one open side and with three additional sides having three substantially straight walls. 16. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a metal lead frame. 17. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 16, wherein the metal lead frame is one selected from a group consisting essentially of copper, brass, copper alloys and Alloy-42. 18. A packaged semiconductor device, comprising:
a substrate having a mounting surface and having an opposing surface; a groove having a first width in the mounting surface and having a first depth; a first bump on a surface of a semiconductor device bonded to the substrate; a second bump spaced from the first bump on the surface semiconductor device bonded to the substrate, the groove between the first bump and the second bump from a top view of the packaged semiconductor device; and mold compound covering the semiconductor device and a portion of the substrate. 19. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 18, further comprising a channel having channel walls formed by the groove in the mounting surface of the substrate, sides of the first and second bumps, and an active surface of the semiconductor device, the channel filled with the mold compound. 20. The packaged semiconductor device of claim 18, wherein the groove includes one of a curved semicircular shape; and an open rectangle shape with one open side and with three additional sides having three substantially straight walls. | 3,600 |
339,478 | 16,800,339 | 3,653 | The present application provides a coater and a coating method for enhancing the coating quality by improving smoothness of a mixed part where the coating position in the previous scan overlaps the coating position in the next scan. The coater includes a robot arm configured to move a nozzle head unit by driving arms via an arm driving mechanism and a coating control unit configured to control driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and driving of the arm driving mechanism to execute coating on the coating object; the coating control unit performs coating by forming, in segmented coating surfaces formed by each scanning of the nozzle head unit, a normal coating region coated with a target coating film thickness and an overlapping coating region coated with a spray amount of the paint less than the normal coating region; and the coating control unit performs a overlapping coating control by mixing the overlapping coating region in the previous and next scans and taking the coating film thickness of the mixed overlapping coating region as the target coating film thickness to perform coating. | 1. A coater for coating a coating object by spraying a paint from a nozzle in an ink-jet fashion, the coater comprising:
a nozzle head unit having a nozzle head formed with a plurality of nozzles at a nozzle spray surface and a nozzle driving mechanism causing the paint to be sprayed from the nozzles; a robot arm having a plurality of arms capable of relatively rotating via shafts and an arm driving mechanism for moving the arms, and configured to move the nozzle head unit in a state of holding the nozzle head unit through driving of the arm driving mechanism; and a coating control unit configured to control driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and driving of the arm driving mechanism to execute coating on the coating object; wherein the coating control unit controls the execution of the coating on the coating object by repeating scanning of the nozzle head unit for a plurality of times in a state of being divided into segmented coating surfaces formed by each scanning of the nozzle head unit; and wherein the coating control unit performs the coating by forming a normal coating region and an overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surfaces, wherein the coating is performed in the normal coating region so as to have a target coating film thickness, and the coating is performed in the overlapping coating region in a state where a spray amount of the paint is reduced compared to the normal coating region; and wherein the coating control unit performs a overlapping coating control by mixing the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface to be coated in a next scan with the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface coated in a previous scan and taking the coating film thickness of the mixed overlapping coating region as the target coating film thickness to perform coating. 2. The coater of claim 1, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and the driving of the arm driving mechanism are controlled to perform coating such that the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface to be coated in the next scan overlaps the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface coated in the previous scan in a thickness direction, thereby becoming the target coating film thickness. 3. The coater of claim 2, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism is controlled, such that the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in a state where the paint sprayed from the nozzle in the overlapping coating region has a smaller droplet size than the paint sprayed in the normal coating region. 4. The coater of claim 2, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism is controlled, such that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 5. The coater of claim 1, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the coating is controlled by arranging a plurality of subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region and by placing the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the previous scan adjacent to the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the next scan. 6. A coating method for coating a coating object by spraying paint from a nozzle in an ink-jet fashion, the coating method comprising:
a nozzle head unit having a nozzle head formed with a plurality of nozzles at a nozzle spray surface and a nozzle driving mechanism causing the paint to be sprayed from the nozzles; a robot arm having a plurality of arms capable of relatively rotating via shafts and an arm driving mechanism for moving the arms, and configured to move the nozzle head unit in a state of holding the nozzle head unit through driving of the arm driving mechanism; and a coating control unit configured to control driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and driving of the arm driving mechanism to execute coating on the coating object, wherein the coating on the basis of control of the coating control unit includes: a scanning step in which a plurality of the nozzle head units are caused to scan relative to the coating object; and a segmented coating step in which segmented coating surfaces are formed by spraying the paint from the nozzle relative to the coating object during each scanning step; the segmented coating surfaces include a normal coating region coated with a target coating film thickness and an overlapping coating region coated with a spray amount of the paint less than the normal coating region; the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface to be coated in a next segmented coating step is mixed with the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface coated in a previous segmented coating step and the coating film thickness of the mixed overlapping coating region becomes the target coating film thickness. 7. The coating method of claim 6, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface to be coated in the next scan overlaps the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface coated in the previous scan in a thickness direction to become the target coating film thickness. 8. The coating method of claim 7, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in a state where the paint sprayed from the nozzle in the overlapping coating region has a smaller droplet size than the paint sprayed in the normal coating region. 9. The coating method of claim 6, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 10. The coating method of claim 6, wherein in the segmented coating step, the coating is controlled by arranging a plurality of subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region and by placing the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the previous scan adjacent to the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the next scan. 11. The coater of claim 3, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism is controlled, such that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 12. The coating method of claim 7, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 13. The coating method of claim 12, wherein in the segmented coating step, the coating is controlled by arranging a plurality of subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region and by placing the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the previous scan adjacent to the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the next scan. | The present application provides a coater and a coating method for enhancing the coating quality by improving smoothness of a mixed part where the coating position in the previous scan overlaps the coating position in the next scan. The coater includes a robot arm configured to move a nozzle head unit by driving arms via an arm driving mechanism and a coating control unit configured to control driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and driving of the arm driving mechanism to execute coating on the coating object; the coating control unit performs coating by forming, in segmented coating surfaces formed by each scanning of the nozzle head unit, a normal coating region coated with a target coating film thickness and an overlapping coating region coated with a spray amount of the paint less than the normal coating region; and the coating control unit performs a overlapping coating control by mixing the overlapping coating region in the previous and next scans and taking the coating film thickness of the mixed overlapping coating region as the target coating film thickness to perform coating.1. A coater for coating a coating object by spraying a paint from a nozzle in an ink-jet fashion, the coater comprising:
a nozzle head unit having a nozzle head formed with a plurality of nozzles at a nozzle spray surface and a nozzle driving mechanism causing the paint to be sprayed from the nozzles; a robot arm having a plurality of arms capable of relatively rotating via shafts and an arm driving mechanism for moving the arms, and configured to move the nozzle head unit in a state of holding the nozzle head unit through driving of the arm driving mechanism; and a coating control unit configured to control driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and driving of the arm driving mechanism to execute coating on the coating object; wherein the coating control unit controls the execution of the coating on the coating object by repeating scanning of the nozzle head unit for a plurality of times in a state of being divided into segmented coating surfaces formed by each scanning of the nozzle head unit; and wherein the coating control unit performs the coating by forming a normal coating region and an overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surfaces, wherein the coating is performed in the normal coating region so as to have a target coating film thickness, and the coating is performed in the overlapping coating region in a state where a spray amount of the paint is reduced compared to the normal coating region; and wherein the coating control unit performs a overlapping coating control by mixing the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface to be coated in a next scan with the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface coated in a previous scan and taking the coating film thickness of the mixed overlapping coating region as the target coating film thickness to perform coating. 2. The coater of claim 1, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and the driving of the arm driving mechanism are controlled to perform coating such that the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface to be coated in the next scan overlaps the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface coated in the previous scan in a thickness direction, thereby becoming the target coating film thickness. 3. The coater of claim 2, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism is controlled, such that the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in a state where the paint sprayed from the nozzle in the overlapping coating region has a smaller droplet size than the paint sprayed in the normal coating region. 4. The coater of claim 2, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism is controlled, such that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 5. The coater of claim 1, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the coating is controlled by arranging a plurality of subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region and by placing the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the previous scan adjacent to the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the next scan. 6. A coating method for coating a coating object by spraying paint from a nozzle in an ink-jet fashion, the coating method comprising:
a nozzle head unit having a nozzle head formed with a plurality of nozzles at a nozzle spray surface and a nozzle driving mechanism causing the paint to be sprayed from the nozzles; a robot arm having a plurality of arms capable of relatively rotating via shafts and an arm driving mechanism for moving the arms, and configured to move the nozzle head unit in a state of holding the nozzle head unit through driving of the arm driving mechanism; and a coating control unit configured to control driving of the nozzle driving mechanism and driving of the arm driving mechanism to execute coating on the coating object, wherein the coating on the basis of control of the coating control unit includes: a scanning step in which a plurality of the nozzle head units are caused to scan relative to the coating object; and a segmented coating step in which segmented coating surfaces are formed by spraying the paint from the nozzle relative to the coating object during each scanning step; the segmented coating surfaces include a normal coating region coated with a target coating film thickness and an overlapping coating region coated with a spray amount of the paint less than the normal coating region; the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface to be coated in a next segmented coating step is mixed with the overlapping coating region in the segmented coating surface coated in a previous segmented coating step and the coating film thickness of the mixed overlapping coating region becomes the target coating film thickness. 7. The coating method of claim 6, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface to be coated in the next scan overlaps the overlapping coating region of the segmented coating surface coated in the previous scan in a thickness direction to become the target coating film thickness. 8. The coating method of claim 7, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in a state where the paint sprayed from the nozzle in the overlapping coating region has a smaller droplet size than the paint sprayed in the normal coating region. 9. The coating method of claim 6, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 10. The coating method of claim 6, wherein in the segmented coating step, the coating is controlled by arranging a plurality of subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region and by placing the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the previous scan adjacent to the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the next scan. 11. The coater of claim 3, wherein in the overlapping coating control, the driving of the nozzle driving mechanism is controlled, such that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 12. The coating method of claim 7, wherein in the segmented coating step, the paint is sprayed from the nozzles in such a way that the number of the droplets of the paint sprayed per unit area of the coating object in the overlapping coating region is less than that in the normal coating region. 13. The coating method of claim 12, wherein in the segmented coating step, the coating is controlled by arranging a plurality of subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region and by placing the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the previous scan adjacent to the subdivided coating regions in the overlapping coating region formed in the next scan. | 3,600 |
339,479 | 16,800,383 | 2,119 | A control system for controlling an operation of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The control system comprises an input interface configured to accept data indicative of a target distribution of thermal state in an environment, and a memory configured to store an airflow dynamics model (ADM) and an HVAC model. The control system further comprises a processor configured to inverse the ADM to estimate values of boundary conditions for inlet locations defining target thermal state at the inlet locations that result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment; determine, using the HVAC model, target control parameters of actuators of the HVAC system resulting in the target thermal state at the inlet locations; and submit control commands to the HVAC system to operate the actuators of the HVAC system according to the control parameters. | 1. A control system for controlling an operation of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to condition an indoor environment by pushing air to the environment through a set of inlets arranged at a set of locations on one or multiple walls of the environment, wherein a thermal state of the air pushed to the environment at an inlet location includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity and a humidity of the air, the control system comprising:
an input interface configured to accept data indicative of a target distribution of thermal state in the environment, wherein a thermal state at a location in the environment includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity, and humidity of the air; a memory configured to store an airflow dynamics model (ADM) defining a distribution of a thermal state in the environment subject to boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment; and an HVAC model defining dynamics of the HVAC system; a processor configured to
inverse the ADM to estimate values of the boundary conditions for the inlet locations defining target thermal state at the inlet locations that result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment;
determine, using the HVAC model, target control parameters of actuators of the HVAC system resulting in the target thermal state at the inlet locations; and
submit control commands to the HVAC system to operate the actuators of the HVAC system according to the control parameters. 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein different combinations of values of target thermal state at the inlet locations result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment, and wherein the processor selects a combination of thermal state based on a metric of performance of the HVAC system. 3. The control system of claim 2, wherein the metric of performance is defined by a multi-objective cost function of a combination of a cost of operation of the HVAC system and a difference between the target thermal distribution and a corresponding current thermal distribution, such that the processor is configured to determine the target thermal state by minimizing the multi-objective cost function. 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the processor iteratively minimizes the multi-objective cost function until a termination condition is met, wherein, for performing an iteration, the processor is configured to:
determine a sensitivity of the cost function to an update of the boundary conditions for the inlet locations; update the boundary conditions at the inlet locations in a direction of the sensitivity; determine the current distribution of thermal state according to the ADM with the updated boundary conditions; and determine the cost of operation of the HVAC system resulting in the updated boundary conditions at the inlet locations. 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein the termination condition is met when the sensitivity of the multi-objective cost function is less than a first threshold, a value of the cost function is less than a second threshold, or a number of iterations is greater than a third threshold. 6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores a building envelope model (BEM) defining the boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment when the environment is not conditioned by the HVAC system, and wherein the processor initializes the boundary conditions by submitting values of thermal state outside of the environment to the BEM. 7. The control system of claim 1, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is uneven having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. 8. The control system of claim 1, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is provided for a section of the environment, and wherein the HVAC system conditions the environment to result in an uneven thermal distribution having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. 9. The control system of claim 1, wherein the ADM represents the dynamics of the air in the environment using Navier-Stokes equations and energy equations, wherein a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculation solves the Navier-Stokes equations and the energy equations to estimate the distribution of thermal state. 10. A method for controlling an operation of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to condition an indoor environment by pushing air to the environment through a set of inlets arranged at a set of locations on one or multiple walls of the environment, wherein a thermal state of the air pushed to the environment at an inlet location includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity and a humidity of the air, wherein the method uses a processor coupled to a memory storing an airflow dynamics model (ADM) defining a distribution of a thermal state in the environment subject to boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment; and an HVAC model defining dynamics of the HVAC system, the processor is coupled with stored instructions when executed by the processor carry out steps of the method, comprising:
accepting data indicative of a target distribution of thermal state in the environment, wherein a thermal state at a location in the environment includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity, and humidity of the air; inversing the ADM to estimate values of the boundary conditions for the inlet locations defining target thermal state at the inlet locations that result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment; determining, using the HVAC model, target control parameters of actuators of the HVAC system resulting in the target thermal state at the inlet locations; and submitting control commands to the HVAC system to operate the actuators of the HVAC system according to the control parameters. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein different combinations of values of target thermal state at the inlet locations result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the metric of performance is defined by a multi-objective cost function of a combination of a cost of operation of the HVAC system and a difference between the target thermal distribution and a corresponding current thermal distribution, such that the processor is configured to determine the target thermal state by minimizing the multi-objective cost function. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the memory further stores a building envelope model (BEM) defining the boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment when the environment is not conditioned by the HVAC system, and wherein the processor initializes the boundary conditions by submitting values of thermal state outside of the environment to the BEM. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is uneven having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is provided for a section of the environment, and wherein the HVAC system conditions the environment to result in an uneven thermal distribution having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. | A control system for controlling an operation of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is provided. The control system comprises an input interface configured to accept data indicative of a target distribution of thermal state in an environment, and a memory configured to store an airflow dynamics model (ADM) and an HVAC model. The control system further comprises a processor configured to inverse the ADM to estimate values of boundary conditions for inlet locations defining target thermal state at the inlet locations that result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment; determine, using the HVAC model, target control parameters of actuators of the HVAC system resulting in the target thermal state at the inlet locations; and submit control commands to the HVAC system to operate the actuators of the HVAC system according to the control parameters.1. A control system for controlling an operation of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to condition an indoor environment by pushing air to the environment through a set of inlets arranged at a set of locations on one or multiple walls of the environment, wherein a thermal state of the air pushed to the environment at an inlet location includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity and a humidity of the air, the control system comprising:
an input interface configured to accept data indicative of a target distribution of thermal state in the environment, wherein a thermal state at a location in the environment includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity, and humidity of the air; a memory configured to store an airflow dynamics model (ADM) defining a distribution of a thermal state in the environment subject to boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment; and an HVAC model defining dynamics of the HVAC system; a processor configured to
inverse the ADM to estimate values of the boundary conditions for the inlet locations defining target thermal state at the inlet locations that result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment;
determine, using the HVAC model, target control parameters of actuators of the HVAC system resulting in the target thermal state at the inlet locations; and
submit control commands to the HVAC system to operate the actuators of the HVAC system according to the control parameters. 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein different combinations of values of target thermal state at the inlet locations result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment, and wherein the processor selects a combination of thermal state based on a metric of performance of the HVAC system. 3. The control system of claim 2, wherein the metric of performance is defined by a multi-objective cost function of a combination of a cost of operation of the HVAC system and a difference between the target thermal distribution and a corresponding current thermal distribution, such that the processor is configured to determine the target thermal state by minimizing the multi-objective cost function. 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein the processor iteratively minimizes the multi-objective cost function until a termination condition is met, wherein, for performing an iteration, the processor is configured to:
determine a sensitivity of the cost function to an update of the boundary conditions for the inlet locations; update the boundary conditions at the inlet locations in a direction of the sensitivity; determine the current distribution of thermal state according to the ADM with the updated boundary conditions; and determine the cost of operation of the HVAC system resulting in the updated boundary conditions at the inlet locations. 5. The control system of claim 4, wherein the termination condition is met when the sensitivity of the multi-objective cost function is less than a first threshold, a value of the cost function is less than a second threshold, or a number of iterations is greater than a third threshold. 6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores a building envelope model (BEM) defining the boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment when the environment is not conditioned by the HVAC system, and wherein the processor initializes the boundary conditions by submitting values of thermal state outside of the environment to the BEM. 7. The control system of claim 1, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is uneven having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. 8. The control system of claim 1, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is provided for a section of the environment, and wherein the HVAC system conditions the environment to result in an uneven thermal distribution having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. 9. The control system of claim 1, wherein the ADM represents the dynamics of the air in the environment using Navier-Stokes equations and energy equations, wherein a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculation solves the Navier-Stokes equations and the energy equations to estimate the distribution of thermal state. 10. A method for controlling an operation of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system configured to condition an indoor environment by pushing air to the environment through a set of inlets arranged at a set of locations on one or multiple walls of the environment, wherein a thermal state of the air pushed to the environment at an inlet location includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity and a humidity of the air, wherein the method uses a processor coupled to a memory storing an airflow dynamics model (ADM) defining a distribution of a thermal state in the environment subject to boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment; and an HVAC model defining dynamics of the HVAC system, the processor is coupled with stored instructions when executed by the processor carry out steps of the method, comprising:
accepting data indicative of a target distribution of thermal state in the environment, wherein a thermal state at a location in the environment includes one or combination of a temperature, a velocity, and humidity of the air; inversing the ADM to estimate values of the boundary conditions for the inlet locations defining target thermal state at the inlet locations that result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment; determining, using the HVAC model, target control parameters of actuators of the HVAC system resulting in the target thermal state at the inlet locations; and submitting control commands to the HVAC system to operate the actuators of the HVAC system according to the control parameters. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein different combinations of values of target thermal state at the inlet locations result in the target distribution of thermal state in the environment. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the metric of performance is defined by a multi-objective cost function of a combination of a cost of operation of the HVAC system and a difference between the target thermal distribution and a corresponding current thermal distribution, such that the processor is configured to determine the target thermal state by minimizing the multi-objective cost function. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the memory further stores a building envelope model (BEM) defining the boundary conditions for thermal state of the air at the walls of the environment when the environment is not conditioned by the HVAC system, and wherein the processor initializes the boundary conditions by submitting values of thermal state outside of the environment to the BEM. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is uneven having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the target distribution of thermal state is provided for a section of the environment, and wherein the HVAC system conditions the environment to result in an uneven thermal distribution having at least two different values of thermal state at two different locations in the environment. | 2,100 |
339,480 | 16,800,317 | 2,119 | A system and method to supply nitrogen gas is provided. Ambient air is compressed and stored in a storage receiver and then nitrogen is separated from the compressed air in a nitrogen membrane separation unit. The separated nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen storage tank under pressure and released through a pressure control valve. The system is confined to a small footprint and is useful as a nitrogen source where conventional compressed nitrogen tanks are a safety or space issue. Systems to prepare nitrogen infused beverages are also provided. | 1. A self-contained dispense system for preparation and dispensation of a specialty nitrogen infused beverage, comprising as components:
means for infusing nitrogen into a liquid to provide a nitrogen infused liquid, wherein the nitrogen infused liquid is the nitrogen infused beverage or is used to prepare the nitrogen infused beverage; means to dispense the nitrogen infused beverage; and a system to continuously supply nitrogen gas to the means for infusing nitrogen, wherein the system to supply nitrogen gas comprises:
a compressed air feed;
a nitrogen membrane separator;
a nitrogen storage unit;
a pressure control unit; and
a release valve for nitrogen from the nitrogen storage unit,
wherein a foot print of the system to supply nitrogen gas is less than four square feet, a height of the system to supply nitrogen gas is less than one foot, and a volume of the nitrogen storage unit is from 10 to 100 cubic inches. 2. The self-contained dispense system of claim 1, wherein a pressure of gas of the nitrogen storage unit is from 10 to 100 psi. 3. The self-contained dispense system of claim 1, farther comprising a mounting panel and/or housing to arrange at least one of the components. 4. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the mounting panel is a wall mount panel and the system is mounted to a wall. 5. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3 wherein the components are arranged in a housing such that the system stands on a floor or stands on a countertop. 6. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein some components are arranged on a wall panel and the others arranged in a housing on a floor or on a countertop. 7. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the system further comprises a refrigeration unit. 8. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the means to dispense the nitrogen infused beverage comprises at least one of a restrictor plate and a restrictor nozzle. 9. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the means to dispense the nitrogen infused beverage is a slow pour beverage faucet that dispenses the specialty nitrogen infused beverage at a rate of from 0.1 to 5 ounces per second. 10. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the system comprises a beverage concentrate container having a volume of from 1 gallon to 10 gallons. | A system and method to supply nitrogen gas is provided. Ambient air is compressed and stored in a storage receiver and then nitrogen is separated from the compressed air in a nitrogen membrane separation unit. The separated nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen storage tank under pressure and released through a pressure control valve. The system is confined to a small footprint and is useful as a nitrogen source where conventional compressed nitrogen tanks are a safety or space issue. Systems to prepare nitrogen infused beverages are also provided.1. A self-contained dispense system for preparation and dispensation of a specialty nitrogen infused beverage, comprising as components:
means for infusing nitrogen into a liquid to provide a nitrogen infused liquid, wherein the nitrogen infused liquid is the nitrogen infused beverage or is used to prepare the nitrogen infused beverage; means to dispense the nitrogen infused beverage; and a system to continuously supply nitrogen gas to the means for infusing nitrogen, wherein the system to supply nitrogen gas comprises:
a compressed air feed;
a nitrogen membrane separator;
a nitrogen storage unit;
a pressure control unit; and
a release valve for nitrogen from the nitrogen storage unit,
wherein a foot print of the system to supply nitrogen gas is less than four square feet, a height of the system to supply nitrogen gas is less than one foot, and a volume of the nitrogen storage unit is from 10 to 100 cubic inches. 2. The self-contained dispense system of claim 1, wherein a pressure of gas of the nitrogen storage unit is from 10 to 100 psi. 3. The self-contained dispense system of claim 1, farther comprising a mounting panel and/or housing to arrange at least one of the components. 4. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the mounting panel is a wall mount panel and the system is mounted to a wall. 5. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3 wherein the components are arranged in a housing such that the system stands on a floor or stands on a countertop. 6. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein some components are arranged on a wall panel and the others arranged in a housing on a floor or on a countertop. 7. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the system further comprises a refrigeration unit. 8. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the means to dispense the nitrogen infused beverage comprises at least one of a restrictor plate and a restrictor nozzle. 9. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the means to dispense the nitrogen infused beverage is a slow pour beverage faucet that dispenses the specialty nitrogen infused beverage at a rate of from 0.1 to 5 ounces per second. 10. The self-contained dispense system of claim 3, wherein the system comprises a beverage concentrate container having a volume of from 1 gallon to 10 gallons. | 2,100 |
339,481 | 16,800,349 | 2,119 | Provided are a vehicle interior structure in which a burden for passengers caused by reflected light generated due to a mirror phenomenon and the like can be reduced while at the same time the design can be enhanced, an interior member used therefor, a method for producing the same, and a method for producing a polarizing member. An instrument panel as an interior member includes a glossy portion and a polarizing layer formed on the surface of the glossy portion, the glossy portion being adapted to reflect light coming through a windshield and the polarizing layer being adapted to absorb optical oscillation components in the vehicle width direction. | 1. A method for producing an interior member, the interior member being adapted to be arranged at a position overlapping glass of a vehicle in a vertical direction, comprising:
preparing an interior member with a glossy portion, the glossy portion being adapted to reflect light coming through the glass; humidifying and swelling a film so as to plasticize the film; stretching the plasticized film in a vehicle width direction so as to shape the plasticized film in conformity with a surface shape of the glossy portion of the interior member while at the same time providing the film with a polarizing property to absorb optical oscillation components in the vehicle width direction, and attaching the film being stretched to a surface of the glossy portion; and drying the attached film. 2. The method for producing an interior member according to claim 1, further comprising forming a coating layer on a surface of the polarizing layer made of the dried film, the coating layer being adapted to protect the polarizing layer. 3. A method for producing a polarizing member adapted to absorb optical oscillation components in a single direction, comprising:
humidifying and swelling a film so as to plasticize the film; stretching the plasticized film in a single direction so as to shape the plasticized film in conformity with a surface shape of a target member while at the same time providing the film with a polarizing property to absorb optical oscillation components in the single direction, and attaching the film being stretched to a surface of the target member; and drying the attached film. 4. The method for producing a polarizing member according to claim 3, further comprising forming a coating layer on a surface of the polarizing layer made of the dried film, the coating layer being adapted to protect the polarizing layer. | Provided are a vehicle interior structure in which a burden for passengers caused by reflected light generated due to a mirror phenomenon and the like can be reduced while at the same time the design can be enhanced, an interior member used therefor, a method for producing the same, and a method for producing a polarizing member. An instrument panel as an interior member includes a glossy portion and a polarizing layer formed on the surface of the glossy portion, the glossy portion being adapted to reflect light coming through a windshield and the polarizing layer being adapted to absorb optical oscillation components in the vehicle width direction.1. A method for producing an interior member, the interior member being adapted to be arranged at a position overlapping glass of a vehicle in a vertical direction, comprising:
preparing an interior member with a glossy portion, the glossy portion being adapted to reflect light coming through the glass; humidifying and swelling a film so as to plasticize the film; stretching the plasticized film in a vehicle width direction so as to shape the plasticized film in conformity with a surface shape of the glossy portion of the interior member while at the same time providing the film with a polarizing property to absorb optical oscillation components in the vehicle width direction, and attaching the film being stretched to a surface of the glossy portion; and drying the attached film. 2. The method for producing an interior member according to claim 1, further comprising forming a coating layer on a surface of the polarizing layer made of the dried film, the coating layer being adapted to protect the polarizing layer. 3. A method for producing a polarizing member adapted to absorb optical oscillation components in a single direction, comprising:
humidifying and swelling a film so as to plasticize the film; stretching the plasticized film in a single direction so as to shape the plasticized film in conformity with a surface shape of a target member while at the same time providing the film with a polarizing property to absorb optical oscillation components in the single direction, and attaching the film being stretched to a surface of the target member; and drying the attached film. 4. The method for producing a polarizing member according to claim 3, further comprising forming a coating layer on a surface of the polarizing layer made of the dried film, the coating layer being adapted to protect the polarizing layer. | 2,100 |
339,482 | 16,800,369 | 2,119 | A protection method is provided to make it difficult to reverse engineer operational information. The present invention provides a protection method for preventing reverse engineering, including: generating an expected value during normal operation; monitoring voltage waveforms at monitoring points of the semiconductor integrated circuit; comparing a measured value generated in the monitored voltage waveforms with the expected value; determining whether reverse engineering is taking place or not based on comparison results; and when reverse engineering is taking place, controlling the semiconductor integrated circuit to run in a protection mode, which different from its normal operation. | 1. A protection method for protecting a semiconductor integrated circuit from reverse engineering, comprising the following steps:
monitoring a voltage waveform at a predetermined monitoring point of the semiconductor integrated circuit; determining whether the monitored voltage waveform equals an expected value during normal operation; and controlling the semiconductor integrated circuit to operate other than in a normal operation when the monitored voltage waveform does not equal the expected value. 2. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determination step finds that reverse engineering is taking place when the time for charging the voltage at the monitoring point to a first value exceeds an allowable range. 3. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring generates a pulse signal from the voltage waveform at the monitoring point; and the determination step finds that reverse engineering is taking place when the time period from a reference time to the time that the pulse signal rises exceeds an allowable range. 4. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control step operates the semiconductor integrated circuit under dummy conditions. 5. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control step stops operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit. 6. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a generation step the expected value from the voltage waveform obtained at the monitoring point when the semiconductor integrated circuit operates in the normal operation. 7. The protection method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a step of detecting operating temperature of the semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the generation step generates the expected value based on the detected operating temperature. 8. The protection method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a step of detecting power voltage of the semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the generation step generates the expected value based on the power voltage. 9. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of:
setting whether to make the semiconductor integrated circuit operate other than in a normal operation, wherein the control step operates the semiconductor integrated circuit based on the setting of the setting step. 10. A semiconductor device having a function of protecting a semiconductor integrated circuit from reverse engineering, comprising:
a generator device, configured to generate an expected value from a voltage waveform obtained at a monitoring point during normal operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit; a monitoring device, configured to monitor the voltage waveform at the monitoring point; a determining device, configured to determine whether the monitored voltage waveform equals the expected value during normal operation according to the monitoring device; and a control device, configured to control the semiconductor integrated circuit to operate other than in a normal operation when the determining device determines that the monitored voltage waveform does not reach the expected value. 11. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a semiconductor memory circuit; and the determining device compares the voltage waveform at the monitoring point with an expected value during a read action or a write action to determine whether reverse engineering is taking place. 12. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the determining device determines that reverse engineering is taking place when the time it takes the voltage waveform at the monitoring point to reach a first value exceeds a predetermined number of pulses. 13. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the determining device determines that reverse engineering is taking place when the time it takes the voltage waveform at the monitoring point to reach a first value exceeds a predetermined number of pulses. | A protection method is provided to make it difficult to reverse engineer operational information. The present invention provides a protection method for preventing reverse engineering, including: generating an expected value during normal operation; monitoring voltage waveforms at monitoring points of the semiconductor integrated circuit; comparing a measured value generated in the monitored voltage waveforms with the expected value; determining whether reverse engineering is taking place or not based on comparison results; and when reverse engineering is taking place, controlling the semiconductor integrated circuit to run in a protection mode, which different from its normal operation.1. A protection method for protecting a semiconductor integrated circuit from reverse engineering, comprising the following steps:
monitoring a voltage waveform at a predetermined monitoring point of the semiconductor integrated circuit; determining whether the monitored voltage waveform equals an expected value during normal operation; and controlling the semiconductor integrated circuit to operate other than in a normal operation when the monitored voltage waveform does not equal the expected value. 2. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the determination step finds that reverse engineering is taking place when the time for charging the voltage at the monitoring point to a first value exceeds an allowable range. 3. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring generates a pulse signal from the voltage waveform at the monitoring point; and the determination step finds that reverse engineering is taking place when the time period from a reference time to the time that the pulse signal rises exceeds an allowable range. 4. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control step operates the semiconductor integrated circuit under dummy conditions. 5. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control step stops operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit. 6. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a generation step the expected value from the voltage waveform obtained at the monitoring point when the semiconductor integrated circuit operates in the normal operation. 7. The protection method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a step of detecting operating temperature of the semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the generation step generates the expected value based on the detected operating temperature. 8. The protection method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a step of detecting power voltage of the semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the generation step generates the expected value based on the power voltage. 9. The protection method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a step of:
setting whether to make the semiconductor integrated circuit operate other than in a normal operation, wherein the control step operates the semiconductor integrated circuit based on the setting of the setting step. 10. A semiconductor device having a function of protecting a semiconductor integrated circuit from reverse engineering, comprising:
a generator device, configured to generate an expected value from a voltage waveform obtained at a monitoring point during normal operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit; a monitoring device, configured to monitor the voltage waveform at the monitoring point; a determining device, configured to determine whether the monitored voltage waveform equals the expected value during normal operation according to the monitoring device; and a control device, configured to control the semiconductor integrated circuit to operate other than in a normal operation when the determining device determines that the monitored voltage waveform does not reach the expected value. 11. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the semiconductor integrated circuit comprises a semiconductor memory circuit; and the determining device compares the voltage waveform at the monitoring point with an expected value during a read action or a write action to determine whether reverse engineering is taking place. 12. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the determining device determines that reverse engineering is taking place when the time it takes the voltage waveform at the monitoring point to reach a first value exceeds a predetermined number of pulses. 13. The semiconductor device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the determining device determines that reverse engineering is taking place when the time it takes the voltage waveform at the monitoring point to reach a first value exceeds a predetermined number of pulses. | 2,100 |
339,483 | 16,800,379 | 2,675 | An image processing apparatus includes a storage device, an image reading device, a complementary image storage device, and a control device. The complementary image storage device stores a complementary image for complementing an incomplete two-dimensional code. The control device includes a processor and functions, through the processor executing a control program, as a detector, a synthesizer, and an analyzer. The detector detects, from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device, the incomplete two-dimensional code. The synthesizer synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device to generate a complete two-dimensional code. The analyzer analyzes the complete two-dimensional code generated by the synthesizer and activates an extension function. | 1. An image processing apparatus comprising:
a storage device that stores, for each extension function, a two-dimensional code in which license information for activating an extension function is imaged; an image reading device that reads an image; a complementary image storage device that stores a complementary image for complementing an incomplete two-dimensional code from which the license information cannot be obtained; and a control device that includes a processor and functions, through the processor executing a control program, as:
a detector that detects, from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device, the incomplete two-dimensional code;
a synthesizer that synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device; and
an analyzer that compares a synthesized image synthesized by the synthesizer with the two-dimensional code stored in the storage device, and activates, upon determining that the synthesized image coincides with the two-dimensional code, an extension function corresponding to the two-dimensional code. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the control device further functions, through the processor executing the control program, as a two-dimensional code generator that generates the two-dimensional code by combining a predetermined apparatus ID unique to the image processing apparatus with extension function identification information for identifying each extension function, and the two-dimensional code generated by the two-dimensional code generator is stored in the storage device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the control device further functions, through the processor executing the control program, as a complementary image generator that generates the complementary image from the two-dimensional code and stores the generated complementary image in the complementary image storage device. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operating device through which a user inputs an image reading instruction and a function designation instruction that designates a function to be extended,
wherein the control device further functions, through the processor executing the control program, as:
an instruction receiver that receives the image reading instruction and the function designation instruction inputted through the operating device;
a two-dimensional code generator that generates the two-dimensional code by combining a predetermined apparatus ID unique to the image processing apparatus with extension function identification information for identifying each extension function;
a complementary image generator that generates the complementary image from the generated two-dimensional code; and
a controller that controls operation of the image processing apparatus,
wherein when the instruction receiver receives the image reading instruction and the function designation instruction, the two-dimensional code generator generates the two-dimensional code by combining the extension function identification information corresponding to the function that the function designation instruction indicates with the apparatus ID, the storage device stores the generated two-dimensional code, the complementary image generator generates the complementary image from the generated two-dimensional code, the complementary image storage device stores the generated complementary image, and the controller causes the image reading device to read a document prepared at the image reading device, the synthesizer synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device to generate the synthesized image, and the analyzer activates, upon determining that the synthesized image coincides with the two-dimensional code, an extension function corresponding to the two-dimensional code. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is a QR code (a registered trademark). 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
a quadrilateral positioning symbol placed at each of three corners of the QR code includes a first square formed of a black part, a second square formed of a white part formed within the first square, and a third square formed of a black part formed within the second square, and the incomplete two-dimensional code has, at three corners thereof, at least one of the first square and the third square. 7. An image forming apparatus comprising:
the image processing apparatus according to claim 1; and an image forming device that forms on a recording medium the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device. | An image processing apparatus includes a storage device, an image reading device, a complementary image storage device, and a control device. The complementary image storage device stores a complementary image for complementing an incomplete two-dimensional code. The control device includes a processor and functions, through the processor executing a control program, as a detector, a synthesizer, and an analyzer. The detector detects, from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device, the incomplete two-dimensional code. The synthesizer synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device to generate a complete two-dimensional code. The analyzer analyzes the complete two-dimensional code generated by the synthesizer and activates an extension function.1. An image processing apparatus comprising:
a storage device that stores, for each extension function, a two-dimensional code in which license information for activating an extension function is imaged; an image reading device that reads an image; a complementary image storage device that stores a complementary image for complementing an incomplete two-dimensional code from which the license information cannot be obtained; and a control device that includes a processor and functions, through the processor executing a control program, as:
a detector that detects, from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device, the incomplete two-dimensional code;
a synthesizer that synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device; and
an analyzer that compares a synthesized image synthesized by the synthesizer with the two-dimensional code stored in the storage device, and activates, upon determining that the synthesized image coincides with the two-dimensional code, an extension function corresponding to the two-dimensional code. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the control device further functions, through the processor executing the control program, as a two-dimensional code generator that generates the two-dimensional code by combining a predetermined apparatus ID unique to the image processing apparatus with extension function identification information for identifying each extension function, and the two-dimensional code generated by the two-dimensional code generator is stored in the storage device. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the control device further functions, through the processor executing the control program, as a complementary image generator that generates the complementary image from the two-dimensional code and stores the generated complementary image in the complementary image storage device. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operating device through which a user inputs an image reading instruction and a function designation instruction that designates a function to be extended,
wherein the control device further functions, through the processor executing the control program, as:
an instruction receiver that receives the image reading instruction and the function designation instruction inputted through the operating device;
a two-dimensional code generator that generates the two-dimensional code by combining a predetermined apparatus ID unique to the image processing apparatus with extension function identification information for identifying each extension function;
a complementary image generator that generates the complementary image from the generated two-dimensional code; and
a controller that controls operation of the image processing apparatus,
wherein when the instruction receiver receives the image reading instruction and the function designation instruction, the two-dimensional code generator generates the two-dimensional code by combining the extension function identification information corresponding to the function that the function designation instruction indicates with the apparatus ID, the storage device stores the generated two-dimensional code, the complementary image generator generates the complementary image from the generated two-dimensional code, the complementary image storage device stores the generated complementary image, and the controller causes the image reading device to read a document prepared at the image reading device, the synthesizer synthesizes the incomplete two-dimensional code detected by the detector from the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device and the complementary image stored in the complementary image storage device to generate the synthesized image, and the analyzer activates, upon determining that the synthesized image coincides with the two-dimensional code, an extension function corresponding to the two-dimensional code. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional code is a QR code (a registered trademark). 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
a quadrilateral positioning symbol placed at each of three corners of the QR code includes a first square formed of a black part, a second square formed of a white part formed within the first square, and a third square formed of a black part formed within the second square, and the incomplete two-dimensional code has, at three corners thereof, at least one of the first square and the third square. 7. An image forming apparatus comprising:
the image processing apparatus according to claim 1; and an image forming device that forms on a recording medium the image obtained through the reading of the image reading device. | 2,600 |
339,484 | 16,800,366 | 2,675 | Disclosed a fast phase frequency detector, comprising: two fast pulsed-latches, a NAND gate and an adjustable delay circuit. The fast pulsed-latches comprises: a pulse generating circuit, a reset circuit, and an output latch circuit; the pulse generating circuit is configured to generate a power supply pulse signal when a rising edge of the clock signal arrives, the power supply pulse signal causing the input of the output latch circuit to be a low level; the output latch circuit is configured to maintain its current output state when the clock signal or the reset signal is invalid; the reset circuit is configured to set the input of the output latch circuit to be a high level. By using fast pulsed-latches with clock and reset control, the fast phase frequency detector of the present application shortens the reset loop delay and increases the maximum operating frequency of the phase frequency detector. | 1. A fast phase frequency detector, comprising: a first fast pulsed-latch, a second fast pulsed-latch, a NAND gate and a first delay circuit;
the fast pulsed-latches comprises: a pulse generating circuit, a reset circuit, and an output latch circuit; an input terminal of the pulse generating circuit is coupled to a clock signal, and an output terminal of the pulse generating circuit is coupled to a first input terminal of the reset circuit; a second input terminal of the reset circuit is coupled to a reset signal, an output terminal of the reset circuit is coupled to an input terminal of the output latch circuit, and an output terminal of the output latch circuit is configured as an output terminal of the fast pulsed-latch; the pulse generating circuit is configured to generate a power supply pulse signal when a rising edge of the clock signal arrives, the power supply pulse signal causing the input of the output latch circuit to be a low level; the output latch circuit is configured to maintain its current output state when the clock signal or the reset signal is invalid; the reset circuit is configured to set the input of the output latch circuit to be a high level; the clock signal of the first fast pulsed-latch is a reference clock signal, and the output terminal of the first fast pulsed-latch outputs an UP signal; the clock signal of the second fast pulsed-latch is a feedback clock signal, and the output terminal of the second fast pulsed-latch outputs a DN signal; a first input terminal of the NAND gate is coupled to the output terminal of the first fast pulsed-latch, and a second input terminal of the NAND gate is coupled to the output terminal of the second fast pulsed-latch, an output terminal of the NAND gate is coupled to an input terminal of the first delay circuit, and an output terminal of the first delay circuit outputs the reset signal for the first fast pulsed-latch and the second fast pulsed-latch. 2. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the pulse generating circuit comprises: a second NMOS transistor, a third NMOS transistor, a second delay circuit, and a second inverter;
a gate of the second NMOS transistor is configured as the input terminal of the pulse generating circuit, a drain of the second NMOS transistor is configured as the output terminal of the pulse generating circuit, and a source of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the third NMOS transistor; a gate of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to an output terminal of the second inverter, and a source of the third NMOS transistor is grounded; an input terminal of the second delay circuit is coupled to the gate of the second NMOS transistor, and an output terminal of the second delay circuit is coupled to an input terminal of the second inverter. 3. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the output latch circuit comprises: a first inverter, a second PMOS transistor, a third PMOS transistor, a fourth PMOS transistor, a fourth NMOS transistor, and a fifth NMOS transistor;
an input terminal of the first inverter is configured as the input terminal of the output latch circuit, and an output terminal of the first inverter is configured as the output terminal of the output latch circuit; a source of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to a power supply, a gate of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the output latch circuit, a drain of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to a source of the third PMOS transistor; the source of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to a source of the fourth PMOS transistor, a drain of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the fourth PMOS transistor, the drain of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the input terminal of the output latch circuit, a gate of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the clock signal, and a gate of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to an inverted signal of the clock signal; a drain of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the third PMOS transistor, a source of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the fifth NMOS transistor, and a gate of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the reset signal; a source of the fifth NMOS transistor is grounded, and a gate of the fifth NMOS transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the output latch circuit. 4. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the reset circuit comprises: a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor;
a gate of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a gate of the first NMOS transistor, a source of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a power supply, a drain of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the first NMOS transistor; a source of the first NMOS transistor is configured as the first input terminal of the reset circuit, the gate of the first NMOS transistor is configured as the second input terminal of the reset circuit, the drain of the first NMOS transistor is configured as the output of the reset circuit. 5. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein when the clock signal or the reset signal is invalid means that the clock signal has no rising edge or the reset signal is at a high level. 6. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the rising edge of the reference clock signal generates the UP signal, and the rising edge of the feedback clock signal generates the DN signal. 7. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 6, wherein the phase difference between the reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal determines the high level width of the UP signal and the DN signal. 8. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the first delay circuit is an adjustable delay circuit. 9. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the output latch circuit is a switch control output latch circuit. 10. The fast phase frequency detector of claims 1, wherein the transmission delay of the reset loop of the fast phase frequency detector is the delay of two NAND gates and one inverter. | Disclosed a fast phase frequency detector, comprising: two fast pulsed-latches, a NAND gate and an adjustable delay circuit. The fast pulsed-latches comprises: a pulse generating circuit, a reset circuit, and an output latch circuit; the pulse generating circuit is configured to generate a power supply pulse signal when a rising edge of the clock signal arrives, the power supply pulse signal causing the input of the output latch circuit to be a low level; the output latch circuit is configured to maintain its current output state when the clock signal or the reset signal is invalid; the reset circuit is configured to set the input of the output latch circuit to be a high level. By using fast pulsed-latches with clock and reset control, the fast phase frequency detector of the present application shortens the reset loop delay and increases the maximum operating frequency of the phase frequency detector.1. A fast phase frequency detector, comprising: a first fast pulsed-latch, a second fast pulsed-latch, a NAND gate and a first delay circuit;
the fast pulsed-latches comprises: a pulse generating circuit, a reset circuit, and an output latch circuit; an input terminal of the pulse generating circuit is coupled to a clock signal, and an output terminal of the pulse generating circuit is coupled to a first input terminal of the reset circuit; a second input terminal of the reset circuit is coupled to a reset signal, an output terminal of the reset circuit is coupled to an input terminal of the output latch circuit, and an output terminal of the output latch circuit is configured as an output terminal of the fast pulsed-latch; the pulse generating circuit is configured to generate a power supply pulse signal when a rising edge of the clock signal arrives, the power supply pulse signal causing the input of the output latch circuit to be a low level; the output latch circuit is configured to maintain its current output state when the clock signal or the reset signal is invalid; the reset circuit is configured to set the input of the output latch circuit to be a high level; the clock signal of the first fast pulsed-latch is a reference clock signal, and the output terminal of the first fast pulsed-latch outputs an UP signal; the clock signal of the second fast pulsed-latch is a feedback clock signal, and the output terminal of the second fast pulsed-latch outputs a DN signal; a first input terminal of the NAND gate is coupled to the output terminal of the first fast pulsed-latch, and a second input terminal of the NAND gate is coupled to the output terminal of the second fast pulsed-latch, an output terminal of the NAND gate is coupled to an input terminal of the first delay circuit, and an output terminal of the first delay circuit outputs the reset signal for the first fast pulsed-latch and the second fast pulsed-latch. 2. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the pulse generating circuit comprises: a second NMOS transistor, a third NMOS transistor, a second delay circuit, and a second inverter;
a gate of the second NMOS transistor is configured as the input terminal of the pulse generating circuit, a drain of the second NMOS transistor is configured as the output terminal of the pulse generating circuit, and a source of the second NMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the third NMOS transistor; a gate of the third NMOS transistor is coupled to an output terminal of the second inverter, and a source of the third NMOS transistor is grounded; an input terminal of the second delay circuit is coupled to the gate of the second NMOS transistor, and an output terminal of the second delay circuit is coupled to an input terminal of the second inverter. 3. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the output latch circuit comprises: a first inverter, a second PMOS transistor, a third PMOS transistor, a fourth PMOS transistor, a fourth NMOS transistor, and a fifth NMOS transistor;
an input terminal of the first inverter is configured as the input terminal of the output latch circuit, and an output terminal of the first inverter is configured as the output terminal of the output latch circuit; a source of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to a power supply, a gate of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the output latch circuit, a drain of the second PMOS transistor is coupled to a source of the third PMOS transistor; the source of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to a source of the fourth PMOS transistor, a drain of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the fourth PMOS transistor, the drain of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the input terminal of the output latch circuit, a gate of the third PMOS transistor is coupled to the clock signal, and a gate of the fourth PMOS transistor is coupled to an inverted signal of the clock signal; a drain of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the third PMOS transistor, a source of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the fifth NMOS transistor, and a gate of the fourth NMOS transistor is coupled to the reset signal; a source of the fifth NMOS transistor is grounded, and a gate of the fifth NMOS transistor is coupled to the output terminal of the output latch circuit. 4. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the reset circuit comprises: a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor;
a gate of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a gate of the first NMOS transistor, a source of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a power supply, a drain of the first PMOS transistor is coupled to a drain of the first NMOS transistor; a source of the first NMOS transistor is configured as the first input terminal of the reset circuit, the gate of the first NMOS transistor is configured as the second input terminal of the reset circuit, the drain of the first NMOS transistor is configured as the output of the reset circuit. 5. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein when the clock signal or the reset signal is invalid means that the clock signal has no rising edge or the reset signal is at a high level. 6. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the rising edge of the reference clock signal generates the UP signal, and the rising edge of the feedback clock signal generates the DN signal. 7. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 6, wherein the phase difference between the reference clock signal and the feedback clock signal determines the high level width of the UP signal and the DN signal. 8. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the first delay circuit is an adjustable delay circuit. 9. The fast phase frequency detector of claim 1, wherein the output latch circuit is a switch control output latch circuit. 10. The fast phase frequency detector of claims 1, wherein the transmission delay of the reset loop of the fast phase frequency detector is the delay of two NAND gates and one inverter. | 2,600 |
339,485 | 16,800,358 | 2,675 | A zonal isolation device comprising a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring, wherein the rotatable component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. | 1. A zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component is a flapper valve. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the propping component comprises a spring. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the spring is a torsion spring, wherein the torsion spring is positioned adjacent a hinged end of the flapper and wherein the torsion spring holds the flapper in the intermediate position when the torsion spring is in a neutral or equilibrium condition, thereby allowing fluid flow via a gap formed between flapper end and the sealing surface. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the spring is a coil spring, wherein a first end of the coil spring is received within a recess in the uphole end of the support ring and a second end of the coil spring contacts flapper end, wherein the coil spring holds the flapper in the intermediate position when the coil spring is in a neutral or equilibrium condition, thereby allowing fluid flow via a gap formed between flapper end and the sealing surface. 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the propping component comprises a strut. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein a first end of the strut is received within a recess in the uphole end of the support ring and a second end of the strut contacts flapper end, wherein the strut holds the flapper in the intermediate position, thereby allowing fluid flow via a gap formed between flapper end and the sealing surface. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the strut comprises a dissolvable material, a degradable material, an erodible material, an abradable material, a temperature-sensitive material, a corrodible material, a frangible material, or combinations thereof and is configured such that the strut loses structural integrity when subjected to contact with a wellbore fluid, downhole ambient conditions, or both, thereby allowing the flapper to transition from the intermediate position to the fully closed position. 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the flapper further comprises a rupture disk. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the rupture disk is disposed within a circumferential groove on an interior face of a hole passing through the flapper. 11. The device of claim 2, wherein the flapper further comprises a releasable hinge configured to decouple an end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the releasable hinge comprises a pivot pin and wherein the end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge comprises a u-shaped recess receiving the pivot pin and a clip engaging the pivot pin, wherein the flapper is configured to decouple from the releasable hinge via application of a releasing force sufficient to overcome a retaining force applied to the releasable hinge by the clip. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 14. A zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a flapper coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring, wherein the flapper blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position and allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position and wherein the flapper further comprises a rupture disk; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the rupture disk is disposed within a circumferential groove on an interior face of a hole passing through the flapper. 16. A zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a flapper coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring, wherein the flapper blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position and allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position and wherein the flapper further comprises a releasable hinge configured to decouple an end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the releasable hinge comprises a pivot pin and wherein the end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge comprises a u-shaped recess receiving the pivot pin and a clip engaging the pivot pin, wherein the flapper is configured to decouple from the releasable hinge via application of a releasing force sufficient to overcome a retaining force applied to the releasable hinge by the clip. 18. A method comprising:
inserting into a cased wellbore a zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore;
a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element;
a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position;
actuating the zonal isolation device to provide a set zonal isolation device; detaching a setting tool assembly from the set zonal isolation device; moving the setting tool assembly uphole from the set zonal isolation device, wherein the setting tool assembly is coupled to one or more perforating guns located uphole from the setting tool assembly; sending a trigger signal to the one or more perforating guns; and upon failure of at least one of the perforating guns to fire, pumping one or more replacement perforating guns down the wellbore to a desired location, wherein during the pumping the propping component holds the rotatable sealing component in the intermediate position and provides for restricted flow of a wellbore fluid through the zonal isolation device. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
sending a trigger signal to the one or more replacement perforating guns; forming a plurality of perforations through the casing and into the surrounding formation in a wellbore zone located above the set zonal isolation device; removing the setting tool assembly, the one or more perforating guns coupled to the setting tool assembly, and the one or more replacement perforating guns from the wellbore; and structurally compromising the propping component such that the rotatable component can transition to the fully closed position, whereby a wellbore zone below the set zonal isolation device is isolated from fluid flow from the wellbore zone above the set zonal isolation device. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the rotatable sealing element is a flapper. | A zonal isolation device comprising a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring, wherein the rotatable component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly.1. A zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotatable sealing component is a flapper valve. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the propping component comprises a spring. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the spring is a torsion spring, wherein the torsion spring is positioned adjacent a hinged end of the flapper and wherein the torsion spring holds the flapper in the intermediate position when the torsion spring is in a neutral or equilibrium condition, thereby allowing fluid flow via a gap formed between flapper end and the sealing surface. 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the spring is a coil spring, wherein a first end of the coil spring is received within a recess in the uphole end of the support ring and a second end of the coil spring contacts flapper end, wherein the coil spring holds the flapper in the intermediate position when the coil spring is in a neutral or equilibrium condition, thereby allowing fluid flow via a gap formed between flapper end and the sealing surface. 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the propping component comprises a strut. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein a first end of the strut is received within a recess in the uphole end of the support ring and a second end of the strut contacts flapper end, wherein the strut holds the flapper in the intermediate position, thereby allowing fluid flow via a gap formed between flapper end and the sealing surface. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the strut comprises a dissolvable material, a degradable material, an erodible material, an abradable material, a temperature-sensitive material, a corrodible material, a frangible material, or combinations thereof and is configured such that the strut loses structural integrity when subjected to contact with a wellbore fluid, downhole ambient conditions, or both, thereby allowing the flapper to transition from the intermediate position to the fully closed position. 9. The device of claim 2, wherein the flapper further comprises a rupture disk. 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the rupture disk is disposed within a circumferential groove on an interior face of a hole passing through the flapper. 11. The device of claim 2, wherein the flapper further comprises a releasable hinge configured to decouple an end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the releasable hinge comprises a pivot pin and wherein the end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge comprises a u-shaped recess receiving the pivot pin and a clip engaging the pivot pin, wherein the flapper is configured to decouple from the releasable hinge via application of a releasing force sufficient to overcome a retaining force applied to the releasable hinge by the clip. 13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 14. A zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a flapper coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring, wherein the flapper blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position and allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position and wherein the flapper further comprises a rupture disk; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the rupture disk is disposed within a circumferential groove on an interior face of a hole passing through the flapper. 16. A zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore; a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element; a flapper coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring, wherein the flapper blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position and allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position and wherein the flapper further comprises a releasable hinge configured to decouple an end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge; a wedge engaged with a downhole end of the sealing element; an anchoring assembly engaged with the wedge; and an end element adjacent the anchoring assembly. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the releasable hinge comprises a pivot pin and wherein the end of the flapper proximate the releasable hinge comprises a u-shaped recess receiving the pivot pin and a clip engaging the pivot pin, wherein the flapper is configured to decouple from the releasable hinge via application of a releasing force sufficient to overcome a retaining force applied to the releasable hinge by the clip. 18. A method comprising:
inserting into a cased wellbore a zonal isolation device comprising:
a sealing element comprising a deformable material and an inner bore;
a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element;
a rotatable sealing component coupled to the support ring and configured to engage a sealing surface of the support ring, wherein the rotatable sealing component blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position;
actuating the zonal isolation device to provide a set zonal isolation device; detaching a setting tool assembly from the set zonal isolation device; moving the setting tool assembly uphole from the set zonal isolation device, wherein the setting tool assembly is coupled to one or more perforating guns located uphole from the setting tool assembly; sending a trigger signal to the one or more perforating guns; and upon failure of at least one of the perforating guns to fire, pumping one or more replacement perforating guns down the wellbore to a desired location, wherein during the pumping the propping component holds the rotatable sealing component in the intermediate position and provides for restricted flow of a wellbore fluid through the zonal isolation device. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
sending a trigger signal to the one or more replacement perforating guns; forming a plurality of perforations through the casing and into the surrounding formation in a wellbore zone located above the set zonal isolation device; removing the setting tool assembly, the one or more perforating guns coupled to the setting tool assembly, and the one or more replacement perforating guns from the wellbore; and structurally compromising the propping component such that the rotatable component can transition to the fully closed position, whereby a wellbore zone below the set zonal isolation device is isolated from fluid flow from the wellbore zone above the set zonal isolation device. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the rotatable sealing element is a flapper. | 2,600 |
339,486 | 16,800,348 | 2,675 | A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit employing digital amplitude control of the output oscillating signal and method of operation. The digital control is provided by an analog to digital converter (ADC) element that is shared among many other operating blocks in a system. In a configuration, the oscillator current is obtained by implementing transistors in a linear region and controlling them digitally. The optimum amplitude detection is performed by measuring the DC voltage at the common mode nodes in the oscillator, and is realized using reduced time compared to an extensive frequency measurement over a long time window. The digital control is implemented using an on-chip regulator, and employs digital controls for adjusting the current consumption which leads to low on-chip area overhead, low cost, and a scalable implementation. In an implementation, a one-time code can be obtained for optimum phase noise operation when providing the digital amplitude control. | 1. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) comprising:
an active negative transconductance circuit comprising: cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a first end of a resonant tank circuit, said resonant tank circuit having a first common mode voltage node for amplitude detection; a programmable bias controller circuit coupled to the first common mode voltage node for detecting a VCO oscillation condition, said bias controller circuit controlling a resistance of a tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said cross-coupled transistor pair at a second common mode voltage node, said programmable bias controller circuit controlling a sinking of a bias current through the tail resistor for tuning an amplitude of a VCO output oscillating signal; a switch for coupling said first common mode voltage node to an analog to digital converter (ADC) element of said programmable bias controller through a shared test bus of an on-chip system, said ADC element sensing a voltage at the first common mode voltage node when said switch is activated and providing an output digital control signal; and a signal bus for carrying said digital control signal to said tail resistor, the tail resistor programmed to a certain resistance according to bit values of said digital control signal for controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal. 2. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein said digital control signal for controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal further optimizes a phase noise of said VCO output oscillating signal. 3. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tail resistor is an array of parallel connected resistors, a respective resistor of said array connected in series to a respective transistor element, wherein said digital control signal includes a plurality of logic bits, a logic bit associated with a respective transistor element for activating or deactivating said respective transistor element and the respective connected resistor from said array of parallel connected resistors. 4. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-coupled transistor pair comprise n-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) field effect transistors, p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) field effect transistors, or an NMOS and a PMOS field effect transistor. 5. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resonant tank circuit comprises:
a capacitor element having a first terminal connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair and a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair; and the first terminal of said capacitor element connected to a first end of a first inductor element, and the second terminal of said capacitor element connected to a first end of a second inductor element, wherein respective second ends of each said first inductor element and said second inductor element are connected to a first reference supply voltage. 6. The VCO as claimed in claim 5, wherein said capacitor element is a varactor, said varactor receiving a voltage for tuning a frequency of said VCO output oscillating signal. 7. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a second active negative transconductance circuit comprising: cross-coupled transistors having drains connected at a second end of the resonant tank circuit; a first reference voltage supply coupled to source terminals of said cross-coupled transistors of said second active negative transconductance circuit. 8. The VCO as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first terminal of said capacitor element of said resonant tank circuit is further connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair of said second active negative transconductance circuit, and said second terminal of said capacitor element of said resonant tank circuit is further connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair of said second active negative transconductance circuit. 9. The VCO as claimed in claim 8, wherein said resonant tank circuit further comprises:
a series connection of a first inductor element and second inductor element, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements each having a common connected terminal defining a third common mode voltage node, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements connected in parallel with said capacitor element; and a second switch for coupling said third common mode voltage node to said ADC element, said ADC element sensing a voltage at the third common mode voltage node when said second switch is activated and providing a second output digital control signal on said signal bus for carrying said second digital control signal to said tail resistor for alternatively or additionally controlling the amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal. 10. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) comprising:
a first active negative transconductance circuit comprising: first cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a first end of a resonant tank circuit; a first programmable tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said first cross-coupled transistor pair at a first common node, said programmable tail resistor sinking a bias current through the resonant tank circuit for tuning an amplitude of a VCO output oscillating signal; a first switch for coupling said first common node to an analog to digital converter (ADC) element, said ADC element sensing a voltage at the first common node when said switch is activated and providing a first output digital control signal; a first signal bus for carrying said first digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor, the first programmable tail resistor programmed to a certain resistance according to bit values of said first digital control signal for controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal; and a second active negative transconductance circuit comprising: second cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a second end of the resonant tank circuit; a second programmable tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said second cross-coupled transistor pair at a second common node, said second programmable tail resistor sourcing a bias current through the resonant tank circuit for alternatively or additionally tuning an amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal; a second switch for coupling said second common node to the ADC element, said ADC element alternatively or additionally sensing a voltage at the second common node when said second switch is activated and alternatively or additionally providing a second digital control signal; and a second signal bus for carrying said second digital control signal to said second programmable tail resistor, the second programmable tail resistor programmed to a certain resistance according to bit values of said second digital control signal for alternatively or additionally controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal. 11. The VCO as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first digital control signal and said second digital control signal for alternatively or additionally controlling the amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal further optimizes a phase noise of said VCO output signal. 12. The VCO as claimed in claim 10, wherein each said first programmable tail resistor and second programmable tail resistor is an array of parallel connected resistors, a respective resistor of said array connected in series to a respective transistor element, wherein said respective first digital control signal and second digital control signal includes a plurality of logic bits, a logic bit associated with a respective transistor element for activating or deactivating said respective transistor element and the respective connected resistor from said respective array of parallel connected resistors. 13. The VCO as claimed in claim 10, wherein said resonant tank circuit comprises:
a capacitor element having a first terminal connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of the first cross-coupled transistor pair and to a drain terminal of a first transistor of the second cross-coupled transistor pair, and having a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of the first cross-coupled transistor pair and to a drain terminal of a second transistor of the second cross-coupled transistor pair. 14. The VCO as claimed in claim 13, wherein said resonant tank circuit further comprises:
a series connection of a first inductor element and second inductor element, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements each having a common connected terminal defining a third common node, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements connected in parallel with said capacitor element; and a third switch for coupling said third common node to said ADC element, said ADC element alternatively or additionally sensing a voltage at the third common node when said switch is activated and, in response alternatively or additionally providing a third output digital control signal used for controlling the amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal. 15. The VCO as claimed in claim 14, wherein said ADC element provides the third output digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor via said first signal bus, or alternatively or in addition provides the third output digital control signal to said second programmable tail resistor via said second signal bus. 16. A method of operating a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit, the method comprising:
coupling a first common mode voltage node of an active negative transconductance circuit of the VCO to an analog to digital converter (ADC) element through a first programmable tail resistor coupled between the ADC element and the first common mode voltage node, said active negative transconductance circuit including a cross-coupled transistor pair having coupled source terminals defining said first common mode voltage node and having drain terminals connected to a first end of a resonant tank circuit; upon initiating a circuit VCO oscillation, controlling said ADC element to sense a voltage at a second common mode voltage node at said resonant tank circuit of the VCO, said voltage sensing through a shared test bus of an on-chip system; and controlling, a resistance of the first programmable tail resistor coupled between said ADC element and the first common mode voltage node, said controlling comprising: outputting by said ADC element, in response to said sensed voltage, a digital control signal; and providing said digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor and using bit values of said digital control signal to control a resistance value of said first programmable tail resistor for controlling an amplitude of said VCO circuit oscillator signal output. 17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein subsequent to providing said digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor, said method comprising:
further sensing, by said ADC element, the voltage of the second common mode voltage node; detecting, by said ADC element, whether said further sensed voltage indicates a stable VCO amplitude; and modifying, using said ADC element, one or more bit values of said digital control signal provided to control the resistance value of said first programmable tail resistor until said further sensed voltage indicates a stable VCO amplitude and an optimum phase noise. 18. The method as claimed in claim 17, said method further comprising:
determining, from said sensed voltage of said second common mode voltage node, whether the amplitude is optimum for a VCO output signal phase noise, and modifying, using said ADC element, one or more bit values of said digital control signal to optimize, using said controlled resistance value, a phase noise of said VCO output signal. 19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said resonant tank circuit comprises a capacitor element having a first terminal connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair and a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair, and a series connection of a first inductor element and a second inductor element, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements each having a common connected terminal defining the second common mode voltage node, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements connected in parallel with said capacitor element, said method further comprising:
activating a switch element for coupling, under control of a hardware processor element, the second common mode voltage node to the ADC element. 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said VCO circuit further comprises a second active negative transconductance circuit comprising: second cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a second end of the resonant tank circuit, and a second programmable tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said second cross-coupled transistor pair at a third common mode voltage node, said second programmable tail resistor sourcing a bias current through the resonant tank circuit for alternatively or additionally tuning the amplitude of said VCO circuit oscillator signal output, said method further comprising:
coupling, under control of a hardware processor element, the third common mode voltage node to the ADC element; sensing, by said ADC element, the voltage at the third common mode voltage node through the shared test bus of the on-chip system; outputting by said ADC element, in response to said sensed voltage at the third common mode voltage node, a digital control signal; providing said digital control signal to said second programmable tail resistor and using bit values of said digital control signal to control a resistance value of said second programmable tail resistor for controlling the amplitude of said VCO circuit oscillator signal output, wherein said coupling, sensing voltage at the third common mode voltage node and responsively providing the output digital control signal to the second programmable tail resistor is performed as an alternative to or in addition to the sensing voltage at the second common mode voltage node, and the responsive providing of the output digital control signal to the first programmable tail resistor. | A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit employing digital amplitude control of the output oscillating signal and method of operation. The digital control is provided by an analog to digital converter (ADC) element that is shared among many other operating blocks in a system. In a configuration, the oscillator current is obtained by implementing transistors in a linear region and controlling them digitally. The optimum amplitude detection is performed by measuring the DC voltage at the common mode nodes in the oscillator, and is realized using reduced time compared to an extensive frequency measurement over a long time window. The digital control is implemented using an on-chip regulator, and employs digital controls for adjusting the current consumption which leads to low on-chip area overhead, low cost, and a scalable implementation. In an implementation, a one-time code can be obtained for optimum phase noise operation when providing the digital amplitude control.1. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) comprising:
an active negative transconductance circuit comprising: cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a first end of a resonant tank circuit, said resonant tank circuit having a first common mode voltage node for amplitude detection; a programmable bias controller circuit coupled to the first common mode voltage node for detecting a VCO oscillation condition, said bias controller circuit controlling a resistance of a tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said cross-coupled transistor pair at a second common mode voltage node, said programmable bias controller circuit controlling a sinking of a bias current through the tail resistor for tuning an amplitude of a VCO output oscillating signal; a switch for coupling said first common mode voltage node to an analog to digital converter (ADC) element of said programmable bias controller through a shared test bus of an on-chip system, said ADC element sensing a voltage at the first common mode voltage node when said switch is activated and providing an output digital control signal; and a signal bus for carrying said digital control signal to said tail resistor, the tail resistor programmed to a certain resistance according to bit values of said digital control signal for controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal. 2. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein said digital control signal for controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal further optimizes a phase noise of said VCO output oscillating signal. 3. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tail resistor is an array of parallel connected resistors, a respective resistor of said array connected in series to a respective transistor element, wherein said digital control signal includes a plurality of logic bits, a logic bit associated with a respective transistor element for activating or deactivating said respective transistor element and the respective connected resistor from said array of parallel connected resistors. 4. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-coupled transistor pair comprise n-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) field effect transistors, p-channel metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) field effect transistors, or an NMOS and a PMOS field effect transistor. 5. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resonant tank circuit comprises:
a capacitor element having a first terminal connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair and a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair; and the first terminal of said capacitor element connected to a first end of a first inductor element, and the second terminal of said capacitor element connected to a first end of a second inductor element, wherein respective second ends of each said first inductor element and said second inductor element are connected to a first reference supply voltage. 6. The VCO as claimed in claim 5, wherein said capacitor element is a varactor, said varactor receiving a voltage for tuning a frequency of said VCO output oscillating signal. 7. The VCO as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a second active negative transconductance circuit comprising: cross-coupled transistors having drains connected at a second end of the resonant tank circuit; a first reference voltage supply coupled to source terminals of said cross-coupled transistors of said second active negative transconductance circuit. 8. The VCO as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first terminal of said capacitor element of said resonant tank circuit is further connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair of said second active negative transconductance circuit, and said second terminal of said capacitor element of said resonant tank circuit is further connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair of said second active negative transconductance circuit. 9. The VCO as claimed in claim 8, wherein said resonant tank circuit further comprises:
a series connection of a first inductor element and second inductor element, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements each having a common connected terminal defining a third common mode voltage node, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements connected in parallel with said capacitor element; and a second switch for coupling said third common mode voltage node to said ADC element, said ADC element sensing a voltage at the third common mode voltage node when said second switch is activated and providing a second output digital control signal on said signal bus for carrying said second digital control signal to said tail resistor for alternatively or additionally controlling the amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal. 10. A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) comprising:
a first active negative transconductance circuit comprising: first cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a first end of a resonant tank circuit; a first programmable tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said first cross-coupled transistor pair at a first common node, said programmable tail resistor sinking a bias current through the resonant tank circuit for tuning an amplitude of a VCO output oscillating signal; a first switch for coupling said first common node to an analog to digital converter (ADC) element, said ADC element sensing a voltage at the first common node when said switch is activated and providing a first output digital control signal; a first signal bus for carrying said first digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor, the first programmable tail resistor programmed to a certain resistance according to bit values of said first digital control signal for controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal; and a second active negative transconductance circuit comprising: second cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a second end of the resonant tank circuit; a second programmable tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said second cross-coupled transistor pair at a second common node, said second programmable tail resistor sourcing a bias current through the resonant tank circuit for alternatively or additionally tuning an amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal; a second switch for coupling said second common node to the ADC element, said ADC element alternatively or additionally sensing a voltage at the second common node when said second switch is activated and alternatively or additionally providing a second digital control signal; and a second signal bus for carrying said second digital control signal to said second programmable tail resistor, the second programmable tail resistor programmed to a certain resistance according to bit values of said second digital control signal for alternatively or additionally controlling the amplitude of said VCO output oscillating signal. 11. The VCO as claimed in claim 10, wherein said first digital control signal and said second digital control signal for alternatively or additionally controlling the amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal further optimizes a phase noise of said VCO output signal. 12. The VCO as claimed in claim 10, wherein each said first programmable tail resistor and second programmable tail resistor is an array of parallel connected resistors, a respective resistor of said array connected in series to a respective transistor element, wherein said respective first digital control signal and second digital control signal includes a plurality of logic bits, a logic bit associated with a respective transistor element for activating or deactivating said respective transistor element and the respective connected resistor from said respective array of parallel connected resistors. 13. The VCO as claimed in claim 10, wherein said resonant tank circuit comprises:
a capacitor element having a first terminal connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of the first cross-coupled transistor pair and to a drain terminal of a first transistor of the second cross-coupled transistor pair, and having a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of the first cross-coupled transistor pair and to a drain terminal of a second transistor of the second cross-coupled transistor pair. 14. The VCO as claimed in claim 13, wherein said resonant tank circuit further comprises:
a series connection of a first inductor element and second inductor element, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements each having a common connected terminal defining a third common node, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements connected in parallel with said capacitor element; and a third switch for coupling said third common node to said ADC element, said ADC element alternatively or additionally sensing a voltage at the third common node when said switch is activated and, in response alternatively or additionally providing a third output digital control signal used for controlling the amplitude of the VCO output oscillating signal. 15. The VCO as claimed in claim 14, wherein said ADC element provides the third output digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor via said first signal bus, or alternatively or in addition provides the third output digital control signal to said second programmable tail resistor via said second signal bus. 16. A method of operating a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuit, the method comprising:
coupling a first common mode voltage node of an active negative transconductance circuit of the VCO to an analog to digital converter (ADC) element through a first programmable tail resistor coupled between the ADC element and the first common mode voltage node, said active negative transconductance circuit including a cross-coupled transistor pair having coupled source terminals defining said first common mode voltage node and having drain terminals connected to a first end of a resonant tank circuit; upon initiating a circuit VCO oscillation, controlling said ADC element to sense a voltage at a second common mode voltage node at said resonant tank circuit of the VCO, said voltage sensing through a shared test bus of an on-chip system; and controlling, a resistance of the first programmable tail resistor coupled between said ADC element and the first common mode voltage node, said controlling comprising: outputting by said ADC element, in response to said sensed voltage, a digital control signal; and providing said digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor and using bit values of said digital control signal to control a resistance value of said first programmable tail resistor for controlling an amplitude of said VCO circuit oscillator signal output. 17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein subsequent to providing said digital control signal to said first programmable tail resistor, said method comprising:
further sensing, by said ADC element, the voltage of the second common mode voltage node; detecting, by said ADC element, whether said further sensed voltage indicates a stable VCO amplitude; and modifying, using said ADC element, one or more bit values of said digital control signal provided to control the resistance value of said first programmable tail resistor until said further sensed voltage indicates a stable VCO amplitude and an optimum phase noise. 18. The method as claimed in claim 17, said method further comprising:
determining, from said sensed voltage of said second common mode voltage node, whether the amplitude is optimum for a VCO output signal phase noise, and modifying, using said ADC element, one or more bit values of said digital control signal to optimize, using said controlled resistance value, a phase noise of said VCO output signal. 19. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein said resonant tank circuit comprises a capacitor element having a first terminal connected to a drain terminal of a first transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair and a second terminal connected to a drain terminal of a second transistor of said the cross-coupled transistor pair, and a series connection of a first inductor element and a second inductor element, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements each having a common connected terminal defining the second common mode voltage node, said series connection of first inductor and second inductor elements connected in parallel with said capacitor element, said method further comprising:
activating a switch element for coupling, under control of a hardware processor element, the second common mode voltage node to the ADC element. 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said VCO circuit further comprises a second active negative transconductance circuit comprising: second cross-coupled transistor pair having drain terminals connected to a second end of the resonant tank circuit, and a second programmable tail resistor coupled to source terminals of said second cross-coupled transistor pair at a third common mode voltage node, said second programmable tail resistor sourcing a bias current through the resonant tank circuit for alternatively or additionally tuning the amplitude of said VCO circuit oscillator signal output, said method further comprising:
coupling, under control of a hardware processor element, the third common mode voltage node to the ADC element; sensing, by said ADC element, the voltage at the third common mode voltage node through the shared test bus of the on-chip system; outputting by said ADC element, in response to said sensed voltage at the third common mode voltage node, a digital control signal; providing said digital control signal to said second programmable tail resistor and using bit values of said digital control signal to control a resistance value of said second programmable tail resistor for controlling the amplitude of said VCO circuit oscillator signal output, wherein said coupling, sensing voltage at the third common mode voltage node and responsively providing the output digital control signal to the second programmable tail resistor is performed as an alternative to or in addition to the sensing voltage at the second common mode voltage node, and the responsive providing of the output digital control signal to the first programmable tail resistor. | 2,600 |
339,487 | 16,800,354 | 2,675 | An automatic wheelchair locking system including: a first lock for a first wheel; a first persistent driver configured to engage and disengage the first lock; at least one processor configured to control the first persistent driver; and a memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the at least one processor to: in response to receiving instructions to disengage the first lock while the first lock is engaged, control the first persistent driver to disengage the first lock; and in response to receiving instructions to engage the first lock while the first lock is disengaged, control the first persistent driver to engage the first lock. | 1. An automatic wheelchair locking system comprising:
a first lock for a first wheel; a first persistent driver configured to engage and disengage the first lock; at least one processor configured to control the first persistent driver; and a memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the at least one processor to:
in response to receiving instructions to disengage the first lock while the first lock is engaged, control the first persistent driver to disengage the first lock; and
in response to receiving instructions to engage the first lock while the first lock is disengaged, control the first persistent driver to engage the first lock. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first persistent driver comprises an elastic persistent driver. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the elastic persistent driver comprises:
a housing comprising a cavity; a linear driving motor slidably disposed within the cavity and configured to control the first lock; and at least one elastic mechanism disposed within the cavity. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein
the linear driving motor comprises a linear actuator and a pin, the pin forming a part of the first lock, engaging the first lock comprises extending the pin, and disengaging the first lock comprises retracting the pin. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to compress the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an obstruction during extending, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin forward. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to compress the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an resistance during retraction, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin backwards. 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to stretch the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an obstruction during extending, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin forward. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to stretch the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an resistance during retraction, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin backwards. 9. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one elastic mechanism comprises a front spring and a back spring disposed on either side of the linear actuator within the cavity. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the front spring and the back spring are connected to the housing and the linear actuator. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein both the front spring and the back spring are compressed within the cavity by the housing and linear actuator. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first persistent driver comprises a magnetic persistent driver. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein
the magnetic persistent driver comprises at least one magnet, the magnetic persistent driver having a first rotational state of the at least one magnet and a second rotational state of the at least one magnet, in the first rotational state, the magnetic persistent driver provides a persistent magnetic force to engage the first lock, and in the second rotational state, the magnetic persistent driver provides a persistent magnetic force to disengage the first lock. 14. The system of claim 1 further comprising:
a second lock for a second wheel; and
a second persistent driver configured to engage and disengage the second lock,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further control the at least one processor to:
in response to receiving instructions to disengage the second lock while the second lock is engaged, control the second persistent driver to disengage the second lock; and
in response to receiving instructions to engage the second lock while the second lock is disengaged, control the second persistent driver to engage the second lock. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the at least one processor to:
engage and disengage the first lock independently from the second lock based on instructions; and engage and disengage the second lock independently from the first lock based on instructions. 16. An automatic wheelchair locking system comprising:
a touch sensor configured to detect a touch of a wheel of a wheelchair; a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the wheelchair; a lock for the wheel; and a persistent driver configured to:
provide a persistent unlocking force to disengage the lock in response to detection signals from the touch sensor indicating that the wheel is being touched while the lock is engaged, and
provide a persistent locking force to engage the lock in response to detection signals from the touch sensor indicating that the wheel is not being touched and detection signals from the motion sensor indicating that the wheelchair is substantially still while the lock is disengaged. 17. An automatic wheelchair locking system comprising:
means for determining whether a hand is touching a wheel of a wheelchair; means for determining whether the wheel is in motion; a locking mechanism for locking the wheel; and means for providing a persistent engaging force to the locking mechanism when the wheel is not in motion and a hand is not touching the wheel while the locking mechanism is disengaged, and means for providing a persistent disengaging force to the locking mechanism when a hand touches the wheel while the locking mechanism is engaged. | An automatic wheelchair locking system including: a first lock for a first wheel; a first persistent driver configured to engage and disengage the first lock; at least one processor configured to control the first persistent driver; and a memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the at least one processor to: in response to receiving instructions to disengage the first lock while the first lock is engaged, control the first persistent driver to disengage the first lock; and in response to receiving instructions to engage the first lock while the first lock is disengaged, control the first persistent driver to engage the first lock.1. An automatic wheelchair locking system comprising:
a first lock for a first wheel; a first persistent driver configured to engage and disengage the first lock; at least one processor configured to control the first persistent driver; and a memory having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the at least one processor to:
in response to receiving instructions to disengage the first lock while the first lock is engaged, control the first persistent driver to disengage the first lock; and
in response to receiving instructions to engage the first lock while the first lock is disengaged, control the first persistent driver to engage the first lock. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first persistent driver comprises an elastic persistent driver. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the elastic persistent driver comprises:
a housing comprising a cavity; a linear driving motor slidably disposed within the cavity and configured to control the first lock; and at least one elastic mechanism disposed within the cavity. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein
the linear driving motor comprises a linear actuator and a pin, the pin forming a part of the first lock, engaging the first lock comprises extending the pin, and disengaging the first lock comprises retracting the pin. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to compress the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an obstruction during extending, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin forward. 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to compress the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an resistance during retraction, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin backwards. 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to stretch the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an obstruction during extending, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin forward. 8. The system of claim 4, wherein the linear driving motor is configured to slide within housing to stretch the at least one elastic mechanism when the pin encounters an resistance during retraction, thereby providing a persistent elastic force to move the pin backwards. 9. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one elastic mechanism comprises a front spring and a back spring disposed on either side of the linear actuator within the cavity. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the front spring and the back spring are connected to the housing and the linear actuator. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein both the front spring and the back spring are compressed within the cavity by the housing and linear actuator. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the first persistent driver comprises a magnetic persistent driver. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein
the magnetic persistent driver comprises at least one magnet, the magnetic persistent driver having a first rotational state of the at least one magnet and a second rotational state of the at least one magnet, in the first rotational state, the magnetic persistent driver provides a persistent magnetic force to engage the first lock, and in the second rotational state, the magnetic persistent driver provides a persistent magnetic force to disengage the first lock. 14. The system of claim 1 further comprising:
a second lock for a second wheel; and
a second persistent driver configured to engage and disengage the second lock,
wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further control the at least one processor to:
in response to receiving instructions to disengage the second lock while the second lock is engaged, control the second persistent driver to disengage the second lock; and
in response to receiving instructions to engage the second lock while the second lock is disengaged, control the second persistent driver to engage the second lock. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, control the at least one processor to:
engage and disengage the first lock independently from the second lock based on instructions; and engage and disengage the second lock independently from the first lock based on instructions. 16. An automatic wheelchair locking system comprising:
a touch sensor configured to detect a touch of a wheel of a wheelchair; a motion sensor configured to detect motion of the wheelchair; a lock for the wheel; and a persistent driver configured to:
provide a persistent unlocking force to disengage the lock in response to detection signals from the touch sensor indicating that the wheel is being touched while the lock is engaged, and
provide a persistent locking force to engage the lock in response to detection signals from the touch sensor indicating that the wheel is not being touched and detection signals from the motion sensor indicating that the wheelchair is substantially still while the lock is disengaged. 17. An automatic wheelchair locking system comprising:
means for determining whether a hand is touching a wheel of a wheelchair; means for determining whether the wheel is in motion; a locking mechanism for locking the wheel; and means for providing a persistent engaging force to the locking mechanism when the wheel is not in motion and a hand is not touching the wheel while the locking mechanism is disengaged, and means for providing a persistent disengaging force to the locking mechanism when a hand touches the wheel while the locking mechanism is engaged. | 2,600 |
339,488 | 16,800,411 | 2,675 | A spring system, comprising at least three springs. The centerlines of the at least three springs are not in the same plane, and the centerlines of the springs all pass through the same rotation center. A lens anti-shaking device using the spring system, comprising: a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing, and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; and a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board, the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base by means of the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being disposed on the circuit board. | 1. A spring system, wherein the spring system comprises at least three springs; centerlines of the at least three springs are not in the same plane, and the centerline of each of the springs passes through the same rotation center. 2. The spring system according to claim 1, wherein the spring comprises a head end, a tail end, and a connecting arm; the head end is provided with a first connecting portion, and the tail end is provided with a second connecting portion; one end of the connecting arm is connected to the head end through the first connecting portion, and the other end of the connecting arm is connected to the tail end through the second connecting portion. 3. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting arm is a sheet-shaped connecting arm. 4. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting arm is a wave-shaped connecting arm. 5. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting arm is a rod-shaped connecting arm. 6. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the head end and the tail end are each provided with a positioning component. 7. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 1, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 8. The anti-shaking device according to claim 7, wherein an optical axis of the lens passes through a rotation center. 9. The anti-shaking device according to claim 7, wherein the spring system comprises 3 to 8 springs. 10. The anti-shaking device according to claim 7, wherein the spring is a conductive spring. 11. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 2, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 12. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 3, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 13. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 4, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 14. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 5, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 15. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 6, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. | A spring system, comprising at least three springs. The centerlines of the at least three springs are not in the same plane, and the centerlines of the springs all pass through the same rotation center. A lens anti-shaking device using the spring system, comprising: a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing, and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; and a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board, the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base by means of the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being disposed on the circuit board.1. A spring system, wherein the spring system comprises at least three springs; centerlines of the at least three springs are not in the same plane, and the centerline of each of the springs passes through the same rotation center. 2. The spring system according to claim 1, wherein the spring comprises a head end, a tail end, and a connecting arm; the head end is provided with a first connecting portion, and the tail end is provided with a second connecting portion; one end of the connecting arm is connected to the head end through the first connecting portion, and the other end of the connecting arm is connected to the tail end through the second connecting portion. 3. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting arm is a sheet-shaped connecting arm. 4. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting arm is a wave-shaped connecting arm. 5. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the connecting arm is a rod-shaped connecting arm. 6. The spring system according to claim 2, wherein the head end and the tail end are each provided with a positioning component. 7. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 1, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 8. The anti-shaking device according to claim 7, wherein an optical axis of the lens passes through a rotation center. 9. The anti-shaking device according to claim 7, wherein the spring system comprises 3 to 8 springs. 10. The anti-shaking device according to claim 7, wherein the spring is a conductive spring. 11. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 2, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 12. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 3, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 13. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 4, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 14. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 5, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. 15. A lens anti-shaking device using a spring system according to claim 6, wherein the anti-shaking device comprises:
a fixing assembly comprising a housing, a positioning base, and a magnet group, the positioning base being disposed on the housing and the magnet group being disposed on the positioning base; a movable assembly comprising a coil group, a lens, a lens carrier, an image sensor, and a circuit board; the lens carrier being mounted on the positioning base through the spring system, the lens being mounted on the lens carrier, the circuit board being mounted on the positioning base, and the image sensor being provided on the circuit board; the coil group being disposed outside of the lens carrier corresponding to the magnet group. | 2,600 |
339,489 | 16,800,412 | 2,675 | Embodiments of the disclosure provide for systems and methods for creating metadata associated with a video data. The metadata can include data about objects viewed within a video scene and/or events that occur within the video scene. Some embodiments allow users to search for specific objects and/or events by searching the recorded metadata. In some embodiments, metadata is created by receiving a video frame and developing a background model for the video frame. Foreground object(s) can then be identified in the video frame using the background model. Once these objects are identified they can be classified and/or an event associated with the foreground object may be detected. The event and the classification of the foreground object can then be recorded as metadata. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving a search query from a user through a user interface, wherein the search query includes information for searching for either or both a classification of an object and an event associated with an object; retrieving metadata files associated with the search query, wherein the metadata files comprise information regarding either or both object classifications and object events within a video frame; searching the retrieved metadata files for metadata that matches the search query; and providing a listing of video segments that match the search query through the user interface. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search query comprises either or both of object classifications and object events and the searches for metadata that match either or both of object classifications and object events. 3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising:
receiving an indication from the user identifying a video segment in the listing of video segments;
retrieving the indicated video segment; and
displaying the retrieved video segment to the user. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search query comprises information identifying an object location in the field of view of a particular camera. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search query comprises either or both a range within a classification and a range of events | Embodiments of the disclosure provide for systems and methods for creating metadata associated with a video data. The metadata can include data about objects viewed within a video scene and/or events that occur within the video scene. Some embodiments allow users to search for specific objects and/or events by searching the recorded metadata. In some embodiments, metadata is created by receiving a video frame and developing a background model for the video frame. Foreground object(s) can then be identified in the video frame using the background model. Once these objects are identified they can be classified and/or an event associated with the foreground object may be detected. The event and the classification of the foreground object can then be recorded as metadata.1. A method comprising:
receiving a search query from a user through a user interface, wherein the search query includes information for searching for either or both a classification of an object and an event associated with an object; retrieving metadata files associated with the search query, wherein the metadata files comprise information regarding either or both object classifications and object events within a video frame; searching the retrieved metadata files for metadata that matches the search query; and providing a listing of video segments that match the search query through the user interface. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search query comprises either or both of object classifications and object events and the searches for metadata that match either or both of object classifications and object events. 3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising:
receiving an indication from the user identifying a video segment in the listing of video segments;
retrieving the indicated video segment; and
displaying the retrieved video segment to the user. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search query comprises information identifying an object location in the field of view of a particular camera. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the search query comprises either or both a range within a classification and a range of events | 2,600 |
339,490 | 16,800,409 | 2,675 | A composition(s) and method(s) for preparation of hydrophobic coating composition are described. The hydrophobic coating composition includes a formulation of alumina-silica based nano composite and a resin onto which the formulation is dispersed to form the hydrophobic coating composition. The formulation includes silica nano-particles derived from TetraEthoxySilane and HexaDecylTriMethoxySilane, ammonia as catalyst and aluminum iso propoxide as a precursor for synthesis of alumina and a resin onto which the formulation is dispersed to form the hydrophobic coating composition. | 1. A hydrophobic coating composition comprising:
a formulation of alumina-silica based nano composite, the formulation comprising:
silica nano-particles derived from TetraEthoxySilane (TEOS) as a precursor for silica and HexaDecylTriMethoxySilane (HDTMS) as an organic modifier,
aluminum iso propoxide as a precursor for alumina,
ammonia as a catalyst; and
one or more resin onto which the formulation is dispersed to form the hydrophobic coating composition. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein ratio of the resin and the formulation is in the range of about 10 to 17 wt %. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein ratio of TEOS and HDTMS is in the range of about 0.15 to 0.2. 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein size of the silica nano particles is in the range of about 20 to 60 nm. 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the precursor for silica is selected from a silane, wherein the silane is selected from a group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy silane tetraethyl orthosilicate, methyl triethoxysilane, aminoalkyl and triethoxysilane. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the precursor for alumina is selected from the group consisting of aluminum iso propoxide, aluminum isobutoxide, aluminum ethoxide and aluminum chloride. 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the organic modifier is a silane, wherein the silane is selected from the group consisting of alkyl silane, dialkyl silane, polyalkyl silane, organo chlorosilane, organo dichlorosilane, organo polychlorosilane, oxalkyl silanes. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the catalyst is a pH modifier, and wherein the catalyst is one of ammonia and sodium hydroxide. 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more resin is selected from a group consisting of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polychloroethene (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonates (PC), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), nylon, and combination thereof. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition is a super hydrophobic coating having a contact angle of about 147-175 degree. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition has a sliding angle in the range of about 0-5 degree. 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition has adhesion of 100%. 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition has a scratch hardness greater than 600 g of scratch load. 14. A hydrophobic coating formed using the hydrophobic coating composition of claim 1 prepared by a method comprising:
mixing ethanol and ammonium hydroxide solution for about 30 minutes at a rate of about 300 rpm and at about a temperature of 50 degree Celsius to obtain a homogenous solution;
adding drop wise, TetraeEthoxySilane (TEOS) to the homogenous solution followed by addition a catalyst, with continuous stirring at a temperature of about 50 degree Celsius for a time period of about 60 minutes to obtain a primary mixture;
adding drop wise, HexaDecylTrimEthoxySilane (HDTMS) to the primary mixture with continuous stirring at a temperature of about 50 degree Celsius for a time period of about 60 minutes to obtain a secondary mixture;
stirring the secondary mixture for a time period of about 60 minutes at a temperature of about 50 degree Celsius and condensing the secondary mixture to obtain silica nanoparticles formulation;
adding aluminum iso propoxide and distilled water to the silica nano particles formulation and stirring for about 24 hours; and
dispersing the silica nano particles formulation in one or more resins to obtain the hydrophobic coating formulation. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mixing is performed by a bottom up sol-gel method of synthesis in a single container. | A composition(s) and method(s) for preparation of hydrophobic coating composition are described. The hydrophobic coating composition includes a formulation of alumina-silica based nano composite and a resin onto which the formulation is dispersed to form the hydrophobic coating composition. The formulation includes silica nano-particles derived from TetraEthoxySilane and HexaDecylTriMethoxySilane, ammonia as catalyst and aluminum iso propoxide as a precursor for synthesis of alumina and a resin onto which the formulation is dispersed to form the hydrophobic coating composition.1. A hydrophobic coating composition comprising:
a formulation of alumina-silica based nano composite, the formulation comprising:
silica nano-particles derived from TetraEthoxySilane (TEOS) as a precursor for silica and HexaDecylTriMethoxySilane (HDTMS) as an organic modifier,
aluminum iso propoxide as a precursor for alumina,
ammonia as a catalyst; and
one or more resin onto which the formulation is dispersed to form the hydrophobic coating composition. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein ratio of the resin and the formulation is in the range of about 10 to 17 wt %. 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein ratio of TEOS and HDTMS is in the range of about 0.15 to 0.2. 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein size of the silica nano particles is in the range of about 20 to 60 nm. 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the precursor for silica is selected from a silane, wherein the silane is selected from a group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy silane tetraethyl orthosilicate, methyl triethoxysilane, aminoalkyl and triethoxysilane. 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the precursor for alumina is selected from the group consisting of aluminum iso propoxide, aluminum isobutoxide, aluminum ethoxide and aluminum chloride. 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the organic modifier is a silane, wherein the silane is selected from the group consisting of alkyl silane, dialkyl silane, polyalkyl silane, organo chlorosilane, organo dichlorosilane, organo polychlorosilane, oxalkyl silanes. 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the catalyst is a pH modifier, and wherein the catalyst is one of ammonia and sodium hydroxide. 9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more resin is selected from a group consisting of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polychloroethene (PVC), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonates (PC), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyurethane (PU), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), nylon, and combination thereof. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition is a super hydrophobic coating having a contact angle of about 147-175 degree. 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition has a sliding angle in the range of about 0-5 degree. 12. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition has adhesion of 100%. 13. The composition of claim 1, wherein a substrate coated with the hydrophobic coating composition has a scratch hardness greater than 600 g of scratch load. 14. A hydrophobic coating formed using the hydrophobic coating composition of claim 1 prepared by a method comprising:
mixing ethanol and ammonium hydroxide solution for about 30 minutes at a rate of about 300 rpm and at about a temperature of 50 degree Celsius to obtain a homogenous solution;
adding drop wise, TetraeEthoxySilane (TEOS) to the homogenous solution followed by addition a catalyst, with continuous stirring at a temperature of about 50 degree Celsius for a time period of about 60 minutes to obtain a primary mixture;
adding drop wise, HexaDecylTrimEthoxySilane (HDTMS) to the primary mixture with continuous stirring at a temperature of about 50 degree Celsius for a time period of about 60 minutes to obtain a secondary mixture;
stirring the secondary mixture for a time period of about 60 minutes at a temperature of about 50 degree Celsius and condensing the secondary mixture to obtain silica nanoparticles formulation;
adding aluminum iso propoxide and distilled water to the silica nano particles formulation and stirring for about 24 hours; and
dispersing the silica nano particles formulation in one or more resins to obtain the hydrophobic coating formulation. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the mixing is performed by a bottom up sol-gel method of synthesis in a single container. | 2,600 |
339,491 | 16,800,406 | 3,672 | A drill string rotation angle sensor diagnostic system includes a first rotation angle sensor assembly, a second rotation angle sensor assembly, an operator interface; and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly, receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly, determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist. | 1. A drill string rotation angle sensor diagnostic system, comprising:
a first rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a first arc sensor and a first magnet set; a second rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a second arc sensor and a second magnet set; an operator interface; and a control module configured to:
receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly,
receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly,
determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and
indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist. 2. (canceled) 3. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of less than 180 degrees. 4. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of 145 degrees. 5. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the magnets of the first sensor assembly are offset from the magnets of the second sensor assembly by 90 degrees. 6. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further configured to display details of the fault on the operator interface. 7. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein a valid state exists if:
the first signal is null and the second signal indicates a value within a non-intersecting range, or the first signal indicates a value in an intersecting range, the second signal indicates a value in the intersecting range, and the difference between the two signal values is 90 degrees. 8. A method of advanced diagnostics for a drill string rotation angle sensing system, comprising:
receiving a first signal from a first rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a first arc sensor and a first magnet set; receiving a second signal from a second rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a second arc sensor and a second magnet set; determining if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal; and indicating a fault on an operator interface if a valid state does not exist. 9. (canceled) 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of less than 180 degrees. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of 145 degrees. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the magnets of the first sensor assembly are offset from the magnets of the second sensor assembly by 90 degrees. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein a valid state exists if:
the first signal is null and the second signal indicates a value within a non-intersecting range, or the first signal indicates a value in an intersecting range, the second signal indicates a value in the intersecting range, and the difference between the two signal values is 90 degrees. 14. A drilling machine, comprising:
a frame; a mast mounted on the frame; a rotary head movably mounted on the mast; a drill string coupled to the rotary head and aligned within the mast; a first rotation angle sensor assembly monitoring a rotational position of the drill string, the first rotation angle sensor comprising a first arc sensor and a first magnet set; a second rotation angle sensor assembly monitoring the rotational position of the drill string, the second rotation angle sensor comprising a second arc sensor and a second magnet set; an operator interface; and a control module configured to:
receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly, receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly, determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist. 15. (canceled) 16. The machine of claim 14, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of less than 180 degrees. 17. The machine of claim 14, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of 145 degrees. 18. The machine of claim 14, wherein the magnets of the first sensor assembly are offset from the magnets of the second sensor assembly by 90 degrees. 19. The machine of claim 14, wherein the control module is further configured to display details of the fault on the operator interface. 20. The machine of claim 14, wherein a valid state exists if:
the first signal is null and the second signal indicates a value within a non-intersecting range, or the first signal indicates a value in an intersecting range, the second signal indicates a value in the intersecting range, and the difference between the two signal values is 90 degrees. 21. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the first rotation angle sensor assembly and the second rotation angle sensor assembly are offset along a drill string longitudinal axis. 22. The method of claim 8, wherein the first rotation angle sensor assembly and the second rotation angle sensor assembly are offset along a drill string longitudinal axis. 23. The machine of claim 14, wherein the first rotation angle sensor assembly and the second rotation angle sensor assembly are offset along a drill string longitudinal axis. | A drill string rotation angle sensor diagnostic system includes a first rotation angle sensor assembly, a second rotation angle sensor assembly, an operator interface; and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly, receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly, determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist.1. A drill string rotation angle sensor diagnostic system, comprising:
a first rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a first arc sensor and a first magnet set; a second rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a second arc sensor and a second magnet set; an operator interface; and a control module configured to:
receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly,
receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly,
determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and
indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist. 2. (canceled) 3. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of less than 180 degrees. 4. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of 145 degrees. 5. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the magnets of the first sensor assembly are offset from the magnets of the second sensor assembly by 90 degrees. 6. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further configured to display details of the fault on the operator interface. 7. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein a valid state exists if:
the first signal is null and the second signal indicates a value within a non-intersecting range, or the first signal indicates a value in an intersecting range, the second signal indicates a value in the intersecting range, and the difference between the two signal values is 90 degrees. 8. A method of advanced diagnostics for a drill string rotation angle sensing system, comprising:
receiving a first signal from a first rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a first arc sensor and a first magnet set; receiving a second signal from a second rotation angle sensor assembly comprising a second arc sensor and a second magnet set; determining if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal; and indicating a fault on an operator interface if a valid state does not exist. 9. (canceled) 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of less than 180 degrees. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of 145 degrees. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the magnets of the first sensor assembly are offset from the magnets of the second sensor assembly by 90 degrees. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein a valid state exists if:
the first signal is null and the second signal indicates a value within a non-intersecting range, or the first signal indicates a value in an intersecting range, the second signal indicates a value in the intersecting range, and the difference between the two signal values is 90 degrees. 14. A drilling machine, comprising:
a frame; a mast mounted on the frame; a rotary head movably mounted on the mast; a drill string coupled to the rotary head and aligned within the mast; a first rotation angle sensor assembly monitoring a rotational position of the drill string, the first rotation angle sensor comprising a first arc sensor and a first magnet set; a second rotation angle sensor assembly monitoring the rotational position of the drill string, the second rotation angle sensor comprising a second arc sensor and a second magnet set; an operator interface; and a control module configured to:
receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly, receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly, determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist. 15. (canceled) 16. The machine of claim 14, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of less than 180 degrees. 17. The machine of claim 14, wherein the arc sensors have a sensor range of 145 degrees. 18. The machine of claim 14, wherein the magnets of the first sensor assembly are offset from the magnets of the second sensor assembly by 90 degrees. 19. The machine of claim 14, wherein the control module is further configured to display details of the fault on the operator interface. 20. The machine of claim 14, wherein a valid state exists if:
the first signal is null and the second signal indicates a value within a non-intersecting range, or the first signal indicates a value in an intersecting range, the second signal indicates a value in the intersecting range, and the difference between the two signal values is 90 degrees. 21. The diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein the first rotation angle sensor assembly and the second rotation angle sensor assembly are offset along a drill string longitudinal axis. 22. The method of claim 8, wherein the first rotation angle sensor assembly and the second rotation angle sensor assembly are offset along a drill string longitudinal axis. 23. The machine of claim 14, wherein the first rotation angle sensor assembly and the second rotation angle sensor assembly are offset along a drill string longitudinal axis. | 3,600 |
339,492 | 16,800,388 | 3,672 | It is provided a sensor trolley for use in a container crane. The sensor trolley includes: a sensor arrangement being usable to determine a position of a target for landing or picking up a container; and the sensor trolley is configured to be movable along a horizontal trolley support of the container crane for the sensor arrangement to cover a plurality of vehicle lanes under the container crane. | 1. A sensor trolley for use in a container crane, the sensor trolley comprising:
a sensor arrangement being usable to determine a position of a target for landing or picking up a container; and wherein the sensor trolley is configured to be movable along a horizontal trolley support of the container crane for the sensor arrangement to cover a plurality of vehicles lines under the container crane. 2. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a LIDAR, Light Detection and Ranging, system. 3. The sensor trolley according to claim 2, wherein the LIDAR system comprises two LIDARs arranged cross-wise. 4. The sensor trolley according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a camera for identifying vehicles and/or containers. 5. The sensor trolley according to claim 4, further comprising a visual indicator for providing indications to vehicles in the vehicle lanes. 6. The sensor trolley according to claim 5, wherein the indications comprise an indication to what vehicle lane to use. 7. The sensor trolley according to claim 5, wherein the indications comprise an indicator when it is safe for the vehicle to drive to a position for landing or picking up a container. 8. The sensor trolley according to claim 7, further comprising an optical reference marker. 9. The sensor trolley according to claim 8, wherein the optical reference marker comprises an active light source. 10. A container crane comprising:
a spreader configured to controllably attach to a container; a container trolley to which the spreader is attached via cables, the container trolley being provided on an upper part of the container crane and being horizontally moveable along a first direction; two horizontal trolley supports provided along the first direction between vertical structures of the container crane; the sensor trolley according to claim 1, provided such that it is movable along one of the horizontal trolley supports, wherein the sensor trolley is provided vertically lower than the container trolley. 11. The container crane according to claim 10, comprising two sensor trolleys, respectively provided such that they are movable along the two horizontal trolley supports. 12. The container crane according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal supports are crossbeams. 13. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a camera for identifying vehicles and/or containers. 14. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator for providing indications to vehicles in the vehicle lanes. 15. The sensor trolley according to claim 14, wherein the indications comprise an indication to what vehicle lane to use. 16. The sensor trolley according to claim 6, wherein the indications comprise an indicator when it is safe for the vehicle to drive to a position for landing or picking up a container. 17. The sensor trolley according to claim 14, wherein the indications comprise an indicator when it is safe for the vehicle to drive to a position for landing or picking up a container. 18. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, further comprising an optical reference marker. 19. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a camera for identifying vehicles and/or containers. 20. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator for providing indications to vehicles in the vehicle lanes. | It is provided a sensor trolley for use in a container crane. The sensor trolley includes: a sensor arrangement being usable to determine a position of a target for landing or picking up a container; and the sensor trolley is configured to be movable along a horizontal trolley support of the container crane for the sensor arrangement to cover a plurality of vehicle lanes under the container crane.1. A sensor trolley for use in a container crane, the sensor trolley comprising:
a sensor arrangement being usable to determine a position of a target for landing or picking up a container; and wherein the sensor trolley is configured to be movable along a horizontal trolley support of the container crane for the sensor arrangement to cover a plurality of vehicles lines under the container crane. 2. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a LIDAR, Light Detection and Ranging, system. 3. The sensor trolley according to claim 2, wherein the LIDAR system comprises two LIDARs arranged cross-wise. 4. The sensor trolley according to claim 3, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a camera for identifying vehicles and/or containers. 5. The sensor trolley according to claim 4, further comprising a visual indicator for providing indications to vehicles in the vehicle lanes. 6. The sensor trolley according to claim 5, wherein the indications comprise an indication to what vehicle lane to use. 7. The sensor trolley according to claim 5, wherein the indications comprise an indicator when it is safe for the vehicle to drive to a position for landing or picking up a container. 8. The sensor trolley according to claim 7, further comprising an optical reference marker. 9. The sensor trolley according to claim 8, wherein the optical reference marker comprises an active light source. 10. A container crane comprising:
a spreader configured to controllably attach to a container; a container trolley to which the spreader is attached via cables, the container trolley being provided on an upper part of the container crane and being horizontally moveable along a first direction; two horizontal trolley supports provided along the first direction between vertical structures of the container crane; the sensor trolley according to claim 1, provided such that it is movable along one of the horizontal trolley supports, wherein the sensor trolley is provided vertically lower than the container trolley. 11. The container crane according to claim 10, comprising two sensor trolleys, respectively provided such that they are movable along the two horizontal trolley supports. 12. The container crane according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal supports are crossbeams. 13. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a camera for identifying vehicles and/or containers. 14. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator for providing indications to vehicles in the vehicle lanes. 15. The sensor trolley according to claim 14, wherein the indications comprise an indication to what vehicle lane to use. 16. The sensor trolley according to claim 6, wherein the indications comprise an indicator when it is safe for the vehicle to drive to a position for landing or picking up a container. 17. The sensor trolley according to claim 14, wherein the indications comprise an indicator when it is safe for the vehicle to drive to a position for landing or picking up a container. 18. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, further comprising an optical reference marker. 19. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, wherein the sensor arrangement comprises a camera for identifying vehicles and/or containers. 20. The sensor trolley according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator for providing indications to vehicles in the vehicle lanes. | 3,600 |
339,493 | 16,800,398 | 3,672 | According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory system includes a substrate, a plurality of elements and an adhesive portion. The substrate has a multilayer structure in which wiring patterns are formed, and has a substantially rectangle shape in a planar view. The elements are provided and arranged along the long-side direction of a surface layer side of the substrate. The adhesive portion is filled in a gap between the elements and in a gap between the elements and the substrate, where surfaces of the elements are exposed. | 1. (canceled) 2. A semiconductor device comprising:
a substrate; a plurality of nonvolatile semiconductor memories; and a controller for controlling the nonvolatile semiconductor memories, wherein the substrate includes:
a wiring layer stack having a plurality of upper wiring layers stacked on a plurality of lower wiring layers, wherein a number of the upper wiring layers is equal to a number of the lower wiring layers, and
an insulating layer disposed between each adjacent two of the wiring layers,
an uppermost one of the upper wiring layers has a first wiring pattern upon which the controller and the nonvolatile semiconductor memories are capable of being mounted, a first wiring density which is a first average wiring density of all of the lower wiring layers and a second wiring density which is a second average wiring density of all of the upper wiring layers are substantially equal, one of the upper wiring layers having the highest wiring density of the plurality of upper wiring layers is not a lowermost one of the upper wiring layers, and one of the lower wiring layers having the lowest wiring density of the plurality of lower wiring layers is not a lowermost one of the lower wiring layers. 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein
a number of upper wiring layers is four; and a number of lower wiring layers is four. 4. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein one of the upper wiring layers having a highest wiring density among the upper wiring layers is the upper wiring layer located directly below the uppermost one of the upper wiring layers. 5. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein one of the lower wiring layers having a lowest wiring density among the lower wiring layers is the lower wiring layer located directly below the uppermost one of the lower wiring layers. 6. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, comprising:
the upper wiring layers having first to fourth wiring layers stacked in order with the first wiring layer being the uppermost one of the upper wiring layers and the fourth wiring layer being the lowermost one of the upper wiring layers; and the second wiring layer having a highest wiring density among the upper wiring layers. 7. The semiconductor device according to claim 6, comprising:
the lower wiring layers having fifth to eighth wiring layers stacked in order with the fifth wiring layer being the uppermost one of the lower wiring layers and the eighth wiring layer being the lowermost one of the lower wiring layers; and the sixth wiring layer having a lowest wiring density among the upper wiring layers. 8. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein:
the lower wiring layers include a first wiring layer having a signal wiring pattern sandwiched by second and third wiring layers each of which comprises at least one of a power supply plane and a ground plane. 9. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein:
the upper and lower wiring layers include at least three layers each of which includes one of a power supply pattern and a ground pattern. 10. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein:
two of such three layers are respectively located immediately above and immediately below a wiring layer having a signal pattern. 11. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein:
two of such three layers sandwich two wiring layers each of which has a signal pattern. 12. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein:
each of the three layers has a wiring density equal to or more than 80%. | According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory system includes a substrate, a plurality of elements and an adhesive portion. The substrate has a multilayer structure in which wiring patterns are formed, and has a substantially rectangle shape in a planar view. The elements are provided and arranged along the long-side direction of a surface layer side of the substrate. The adhesive portion is filled in a gap between the elements and in a gap between the elements and the substrate, where surfaces of the elements are exposed.1. (canceled) 2. A semiconductor device comprising:
a substrate; a plurality of nonvolatile semiconductor memories; and a controller for controlling the nonvolatile semiconductor memories, wherein the substrate includes:
a wiring layer stack having a plurality of upper wiring layers stacked on a plurality of lower wiring layers, wherein a number of the upper wiring layers is equal to a number of the lower wiring layers, and
an insulating layer disposed between each adjacent two of the wiring layers,
an uppermost one of the upper wiring layers has a first wiring pattern upon which the controller and the nonvolatile semiconductor memories are capable of being mounted, a first wiring density which is a first average wiring density of all of the lower wiring layers and a second wiring density which is a second average wiring density of all of the upper wiring layers are substantially equal, one of the upper wiring layers having the highest wiring density of the plurality of upper wiring layers is not a lowermost one of the upper wiring layers, and one of the lower wiring layers having the lowest wiring density of the plurality of lower wiring layers is not a lowermost one of the lower wiring layers. 3. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein
a number of upper wiring layers is four; and a number of lower wiring layers is four. 4. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein one of the upper wiring layers having a highest wiring density among the upper wiring layers is the upper wiring layer located directly below the uppermost one of the upper wiring layers. 5. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein one of the lower wiring layers having a lowest wiring density among the lower wiring layers is the lower wiring layer located directly below the uppermost one of the lower wiring layers. 6. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, comprising:
the upper wiring layers having first to fourth wiring layers stacked in order with the first wiring layer being the uppermost one of the upper wiring layers and the fourth wiring layer being the lowermost one of the upper wiring layers; and the second wiring layer having a highest wiring density among the upper wiring layers. 7. The semiconductor device according to claim 6, comprising:
the lower wiring layers having fifth to eighth wiring layers stacked in order with the fifth wiring layer being the uppermost one of the lower wiring layers and the eighth wiring layer being the lowermost one of the lower wiring layers; and the sixth wiring layer having a lowest wiring density among the upper wiring layers. 8. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein:
the lower wiring layers include a first wiring layer having a signal wiring pattern sandwiched by second and third wiring layers each of which comprises at least one of a power supply plane and a ground plane. 9. The semiconductor device according to claim 2, wherein:
the upper and lower wiring layers include at least three layers each of which includes one of a power supply pattern and a ground pattern. 10. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein:
two of such three layers are respectively located immediately above and immediately below a wiring layer having a signal pattern. 11. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein:
two of such three layers sandwich two wiring layers each of which has a signal pattern. 12. The semiconductor device according to claim 9, wherein:
each of the three layers has a wiring density equal to or more than 80%. | 3,600 |
339,494 | 16,800,389 | 3,672 | A method for topology hiding is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at a gateway, the gateway positioned between a core network and a radio access network, a configuration information request from a base station; analyzing, at the gateway, a topology of the radio access network, the radio access network including the base station; grouping, at the gateway, the base station into a first group based on the topology; sending, from the gateway to the base station, a grouping message to indicate that the base station be placed in the first group; and terminating connections from the core network to one or more base stations in the first group at the gateway as a back-to-back proxy, thereby hiding the topology of the radio access network from the core network. | 1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a gateway, the gateway positioned between a core network and a radio access network, a configuration information request from a base station, wherein the base station is a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) base station having, wherein the base station is a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) base station having 5G radio capability; analyzing, at the gateway, a topology of the radio access network, the radio access network including the base station; grouping, at the gateway, the base station into a first group based on the topology; sending, from the gateway to the base station, a grouping message to indicate that the base station be placed in the first group; and terminating connections from the core network to one or more base stations in the first group at the gateway as a back-to-back proxy, thereby hiding the topology of the radio access network from the core network. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the core network is a radio network controller (RNC) or a plurality of RNCs. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the core network is a System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) core network. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising interworking communications from the base station to the core network via an S2a or S2b protocol. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the topology further comprises determining adjacent base stations of the base station. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the topology further comprises using latitude and longitude location data of the base station. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the topology further comprises using latitude and longitude location data of the base station using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the base station is a home nodeB, gNodeB, or eNodeB hidden from a core network, and wherein the adjacent base stations are nodeBs, gNodeBs or eNodeBs visible to the core network. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein grouping is determining a second group of base stations, the first group of base stations each coupled to a core network via a point to point Iu protocol connection terminating at the core network, the second group of base stations each coupled to a core network via a point to point Iu protocol connection terminating at the gateway. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a user equipment (UE) handover from the first group of base stations to the second group of base stations. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a user equipment (UE) handover from the second group of base stations to the first group of base stations. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating a location area code (LAC), a service area code (SAC), and a routing area code (RAC) to the base station. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating a location area code (LAC), a service area code (SAC), and a routing area code (RAC) to the base station from a pool of LACs, SACs, or RACs. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising reallocating a location area code (LAC), a service area code (SAC), or a routing area code (RAC) from the base station to another base station in the first group. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising proxying, at the gateway, one or more interfaces for presenting the first group as a single base station toward the core network. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising proxying, at the gateway, one or more interfaces for presenting the first group as a virtual radio access network (vRAN) toward the core network. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising proxying, at the gateway, one or more interfaces for presenting the first group as a single umbrella cell toward the core network. 18. A system, comprising:
a gateway positioned between a core network and a radio access network, the radio access network including a base station, wherein the base station is a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) base station having 5G radio capability;; wherein the gateway is configured to: receive, at the gateway, a configuration information request from the base station; analyze, at the gateway, a topology of the radio access network; group, at the gateway, the base station into a first group based on the topology; send, from the gateway to the base station, a grouping message to indicate that the base station be placed in the first group; and terminate connections from the core network to one or more base stations in the first group at the gateway as a back-to-back proxy, thereby hiding the topology of the radio access network from the core network. | A method for topology hiding is disclosed, comprising: receiving, at a gateway, the gateway positioned between a core network and a radio access network, a configuration information request from a base station; analyzing, at the gateway, a topology of the radio access network, the radio access network including the base station; grouping, at the gateway, the base station into a first group based on the topology; sending, from the gateway to the base station, a grouping message to indicate that the base station be placed in the first group; and terminating connections from the core network to one or more base stations in the first group at the gateway as a back-to-back proxy, thereby hiding the topology of the radio access network from the core network.1. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a gateway, the gateway positioned between a core network and a radio access network, a configuration information request from a base station, wherein the base station is a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) base station having, wherein the base station is a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) base station having 5G radio capability; analyzing, at the gateway, a topology of the radio access network, the radio access network including the base station; grouping, at the gateway, the base station into a first group based on the topology; sending, from the gateway to the base station, a grouping message to indicate that the base station be placed in the first group; and terminating connections from the core network to one or more base stations in the first group at the gateway as a back-to-back proxy, thereby hiding the topology of the radio access network from the core network. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the core network is a radio network controller (RNC) or a plurality of RNCs. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the core network is a System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) core network. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising interworking communications from the base station to the core network via an S2a or S2b protocol. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the topology further comprises determining adjacent base stations of the base station. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the topology further comprises using latitude and longitude location data of the base station. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the topology further comprises using latitude and longitude location data of the base station using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the base station is a home nodeB, gNodeB, or eNodeB hidden from a core network, and wherein the adjacent base stations are nodeBs, gNodeBs or eNodeBs visible to the core network. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein grouping is determining a second group of base stations, the first group of base stations each coupled to a core network via a point to point Iu protocol connection terminating at the core network, the second group of base stations each coupled to a core network via a point to point Iu protocol connection terminating at the gateway. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a user equipment (UE) handover from the first group of base stations to the second group of base stations. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing a user equipment (UE) handover from the second group of base stations to the first group of base stations. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating a location area code (LAC), a service area code (SAC), and a routing area code (RAC) to the base station. 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising allocating a location area code (LAC), a service area code (SAC), and a routing area code (RAC) to the base station from a pool of LACs, SACs, or RACs. 14. The method of claim 1, further comprising reallocating a location area code (LAC), a service area code (SAC), or a routing area code (RAC) from the base station to another base station in the first group. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising proxying, at the gateway, one or more interfaces for presenting the first group as a single base station toward the core network. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising proxying, at the gateway, one or more interfaces for presenting the first group as a virtual radio access network (vRAN) toward the core network. 17. The method of claim 1, further comprising proxying, at the gateway, one or more interfaces for presenting the first group as a single umbrella cell toward the core network. 18. A system, comprising:
a gateway positioned between a core network and a radio access network, the radio access network including a base station, wherein the base station is a multi-radio access technology (multi-RAT) base station having 5G radio capability;; wherein the gateway is configured to: receive, at the gateway, a configuration information request from the base station; analyze, at the gateway, a topology of the radio access network; group, at the gateway, the base station into a first group based on the topology; send, from the gateway to the base station, a grouping message to indicate that the base station be placed in the first group; and terminate connections from the core network to one or more base stations in the first group at the gateway as a back-to-back proxy, thereby hiding the topology of the radio access network from the core network. | 3,600 |
339,495 | 16,800,404 | 3,672 | The present invention relates to an anchoring device (1) designed for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising an extraventricular part (2) designed to be positioned inside an atrium or an artery and a ventricular part (3) designed to be positioned inside a ventricle, wherein the ventricular part comprises a double wall composed of an outer wall (4) and an inner wall (5) spaced apart at the level where the prosthetic heart valve is intended to be inserted, and wherein the anchoring device further comprises a predefined V-shaped groove (8) formed between the extraventricular part (2) and the ventricular part (3). The present invention also relates to an anchoring system (11) for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising said anchoring device (1), a prosthetic heart valve support (12) and a prosthetic heart valve (13) connected to the prosthetic heart valve support (12). | 1. An anchoring system for positioning a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising:
an expandable anchoring device, a prosthetic heart valve support, and a prosthetic heart valve mounted in the prosthetic heart valve support, wherein the anchoring device and the heart valve support are made as separate parts, wherein the prosthetic heart valve support exhibits a higher stiffness than the anchoring device and wherein the anchoring device closely fits a heart wall around the native heart valve during each cardiac cycle, while the prosthetic heart valve support keeps a stable cross-section ensuring proper functioning of the prosthetic heart valve and wherein the prosthetic heart valve support is securely attached to the anchoring device and the wall of the anchoring device is mechanically isolated from the prosthetic heart valve support such that the cross-sectional shape of the prosthetic heart valve support remains stable and the prosthetic heart valve remains competent when the anchoring device is deformed in a non-circular shape in use, after implantation and the anchoring device includes a groove for accommodating the native heart valve, the groove allowing the anchoring device to be self-positioning. 2. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the anchoring device is configured for anchoring a tricuspid valve. 3. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to pinch the sub- and supra-annular surfaces without applying radial force on the annulus. 4. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the groove is V- or U-shaped. 5. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the heart valve support has a constant cross-section along its length. 6. The anchoring system of claim 1, further including at least one extraventricular flange. 7. The anchoring system of claim 1, further including a plurality of arms for securing the anchoring device to native heart tissue. 8. The anchoring system of claim 1, further including a cover at least partially covering the anchoring device. 9. A method of treating heart valve disease comprising:
providing an anchoring system for positioning a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, the system comprising an expandable anchoring device, a prosthetic heart valve support, and a prosthetic heart valve mounted in the prosthetic heart valve support, wherein the anchoring device comprises a groove for accommodating the native valve, the groove allowing the anchoring device to be self-positioning; positioning the system such that the groove resides between the ventricle and the atrium or artery. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the prosthetic heart valve is a tricuspid heart valve. 11. The method of claim 9, further including the step of anchoring the anchoring system to the native heart tissue. | The present invention relates to an anchoring device (1) designed for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising an extraventricular part (2) designed to be positioned inside an atrium or an artery and a ventricular part (3) designed to be positioned inside a ventricle, wherein the ventricular part comprises a double wall composed of an outer wall (4) and an inner wall (5) spaced apart at the level where the prosthetic heart valve is intended to be inserted, and wherein the anchoring device further comprises a predefined V-shaped groove (8) formed between the extraventricular part (2) and the ventricular part (3). The present invention also relates to an anchoring system (11) for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising said anchoring device (1), a prosthetic heart valve support (12) and a prosthetic heart valve (13) connected to the prosthetic heart valve support (12).1. An anchoring system for positioning a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, comprising:
an expandable anchoring device, a prosthetic heart valve support, and a prosthetic heart valve mounted in the prosthetic heart valve support, wherein the anchoring device and the heart valve support are made as separate parts, wherein the prosthetic heart valve support exhibits a higher stiffness than the anchoring device and wherein the anchoring device closely fits a heart wall around the native heart valve during each cardiac cycle, while the prosthetic heart valve support keeps a stable cross-section ensuring proper functioning of the prosthetic heart valve and wherein the prosthetic heart valve support is securely attached to the anchoring device and the wall of the anchoring device is mechanically isolated from the prosthetic heart valve support such that the cross-sectional shape of the prosthetic heart valve support remains stable and the prosthetic heart valve remains competent when the anchoring device is deformed in a non-circular shape in use, after implantation and the anchoring device includes a groove for accommodating the native heart valve, the groove allowing the anchoring device to be self-positioning. 2. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the anchoring device is configured for anchoring a tricuspid valve. 3. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the device is configured to pinch the sub- and supra-annular surfaces without applying radial force on the annulus. 4. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the groove is V- or U-shaped. 5. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the heart valve support has a constant cross-section along its length. 6. The anchoring system of claim 1, further including at least one extraventricular flange. 7. The anchoring system of claim 1, further including a plurality of arms for securing the anchoring device to native heart tissue. 8. The anchoring system of claim 1, further including a cover at least partially covering the anchoring device. 9. A method of treating heart valve disease comprising:
providing an anchoring system for positioning a prosthetic heart valve inside a heart, the system comprising an expandable anchoring device, a prosthetic heart valve support, and a prosthetic heart valve mounted in the prosthetic heart valve support, wherein the anchoring device comprises a groove for accommodating the native valve, the groove allowing the anchoring device to be self-positioning; positioning the system such that the groove resides between the ventricle and the atrium or artery. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the prosthetic heart valve is a tricuspid heart valve. 11. The method of claim 9, further including the step of anchoring the anchoring system to the native heart tissue. | 3,600 |
339,496 | 16,800,392 | 3,672 | According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for providing a query response includes receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph. The method further includes generating a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph. The method further includes generating a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is optimized by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema. The method further includes instantiating a property graph using the second property graph schema. The method further includes receiving a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph. The method further includes responding to the query using the property graph. | 1. A computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is optimized by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema; instantiating, by the computing device, a property graph using the second property graph schema; receiving, by the computing device, a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph; and responding to the query using the property graph. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying one or more inheritance relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein modifying an inheritance relationship comprises:
determining a set of child data-properties of a child node of the inheritance relationship, and a set of parent data-properties of a parent node of the inheritance relationship;
computing a similarity score for the child data-properties and the parent data-properties;
in response to the similarity score being greater than a first threshold, associating the child data-properties with the parent node, and otherwise associating the parent data-properties with the child node; and
removing the inheritance relationship from the first property graph schema. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying one or more union relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein optimizing a union relationship comprises, for a plurality of member nodes associated with the union relationship, adding an edge between each pair of member nodes from the plurality of member nodes. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:M relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a M:N relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising addressing, by the computing device, the M:N relationship as multiple 1:M relationships. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:1 relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to the second property graph schema, a new node that is generated by merging a source node and a destination node of the 1:1 relationship; and
removing, from the second property graph schema, the source node, the destination node, and the 1:1 relationship. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the property graph schema by modifying a subset of relationships from a plurality of relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein the subset of relationships is determined based on a storage space limit. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all relationships in the first property graph schema based on a cost-benefit model; and selecting a subset of relationships in the first property graph schema that maximize the total benefit until the storage space limit is exhausted. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all concepts in the first property graph schema based on the centrality analysis; and iterating through the concepts from high centrality score to lower and apply relationship rules to each concept until the storage space limit is exhausted. 10. A system comprising:
a memory; and a processor coupled with the memory, the processor configured to perform a computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving a domain-specific knowledge graph;
generating a first property graph schema, property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph;
generating a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is optimized by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema;
instantiating a property graph using the second property graph schema;
receiving a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph; and
responding to the query using the property graph. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more inheritance relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein modifying an inheritance relationship comprises:
determining a set of child data-properties of a child node of the inheritance relationship, and a set of parent data-properties of a parent node of the inheritance relationship; computing a similarity score for the child data-properties and the parent data-properties; in response to the similarity score being greater than a first threshold, associating the child data-properties with the parent node, and otherwise associating the parent data-properties with the child node; and removing the inheritance relationship from the first property graph schema. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more union relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein the optimizing a union relationship comprises, for a plurality of member nodes associated with the union relationship, adding an edge between each pair of member nodes from the plurality of member nodes. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:M relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a M:N relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising addressing the M:N relationship as multiple 1:M relationships, wherein optimizing a 1:M relationship in the ontology comprises:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:1 relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to the second property graph schema, a new node that is generated by merging a source node and a destination node of the 1:1 relationship; and removing, from the second property graph schema, the source node, the destination node, and the 1:1 relationship. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all relationships in the first property graph schema based on a cost-benefit model; and selecting a subset of relationships in the first property graph schema that maximize the total benefit until the storage space limit is exhausted. 17. The system of claim 10, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all concepts in the first property graph schema based on the centrality analysis; and iterating through the concepts from high centrality score to lower and apply relationship rules to each concept until the storage space limit is exhausted. 18. A computer program product comprising a memory storage device having computer executable instructions stored thereon, the computer executable instructions when executed by a processing unit cause the processing unit to perform a method comprising:
receiving a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; generating a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema; instantiating a property graph using the second property graph schema; receiving a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph; and responding to the query using the property graph. 19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more inheritance relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein modifying an inheritance relationship in the ontology comprises:
determining a set of child data-properties of a child node of the inheritance relationship, and a set of parent data-properties of a parent node of the inheritance relationship; computing a similarity score for the child data-properties and the parent data-properties; in response to the similarity score being greater than a first threshold, associating the child data-properties with the parent node, and otherwise associating the parent data-properties with the child node; and removing the inheritance relationship from the first property graph schema. 20. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more union relationships, wherein the optimizing a union relationship comprises, for a plurality of member nodes associated with the union relationship, adding an edge between each pair of member nodes from the plurality of member nodes. 21. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:1 relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to the second property graph schema, a new node that is generated by merging a source node and a destination node of the 1:1 relationship; and removing, from the second property graph schema, the source node, the destination node, and the 1:1 relationship. 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:M relationship in the first property graph schema by addressing the M:N relationship as multiple 1:M relationships, wherein optimizing a 1:M relationship comprises:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 23. A computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; and generating, by the computing device, a second property graph schema, which is a replica of the first property graph schema, and optimizing the second property graph schema by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein optimizing the second property graph schema comprises:
receiving a storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the second property graph schema;
determining the order of all relationships in the first property graph schema based on a cost-benefit model; and
selecting a subset of relationships in the first property graph schema that maximize the total benefit until the storage space limit is exhausted. 24. A computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; and generating, by the computing device, a second property graph schema, which is a replica of the first property graph schema, and optimizing the second property graph schema by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein optimizing the second property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema;
determining the order of all concepts in the first property graph schema based on the centrality analysis; and
iterating through the concepts from high centrality score to lower and apply relationship rules to each concept until the storage space limit is exhausted. | According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for providing a query response includes receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph. The method further includes generating a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph. The method further includes generating a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is optimized by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema. The method further includes instantiating a property graph using the second property graph schema. The method further includes receiving a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph. The method further includes responding to the query using the property graph.1. A computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is optimized by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema; instantiating, by the computing device, a property graph using the second property graph schema; receiving, by the computing device, a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph; and responding to the query using the property graph. 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying one or more inheritance relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein modifying an inheritance relationship comprises:
determining a set of child data-properties of a child node of the inheritance relationship, and a set of parent data-properties of a parent node of the inheritance relationship;
computing a similarity score for the child data-properties and the parent data-properties;
in response to the similarity score being greater than a first threshold, associating the child data-properties with the parent node, and otherwise associating the parent data-properties with the child node; and
removing the inheritance relationship from the first property graph schema. 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying one or more union relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein optimizing a union relationship comprises, for a plurality of member nodes associated with the union relationship, adding an edge between each pair of member nodes from the plurality of member nodes. 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:M relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a M:N relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising addressing, by the computing device, the M:N relationship as multiple 1:M relationships. 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:1 relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to the second property graph schema, a new node that is generated by merging a source node and a destination node of the 1:1 relationship; and
removing, from the second property graph schema, the source node, the destination node, and the 1:1 relationship. 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising, optimizing, by the computing device, the property graph schema by modifying a subset of relationships from a plurality of relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein the subset of relationships is determined based on a storage space limit. 8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all relationships in the first property graph schema based on a cost-benefit model; and selecting a subset of relationships in the first property graph schema that maximize the total benefit until the storage space limit is exhausted. 9. The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all concepts in the first property graph schema based on the centrality analysis; and iterating through the concepts from high centrality score to lower and apply relationship rules to each concept until the storage space limit is exhausted. 10. A system comprising:
a memory; and a processor coupled with the memory, the processor configured to perform a computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving a domain-specific knowledge graph;
generating a first property graph schema, property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph;
generating a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is optimized by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema;
instantiating a property graph using the second property graph schema;
receiving a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph; and
responding to the query using the property graph. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more inheritance relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein modifying an inheritance relationship comprises:
determining a set of child data-properties of a child node of the inheritance relationship, and a set of parent data-properties of a parent node of the inheritance relationship; computing a similarity score for the child data-properties and the parent data-properties; in response to the similarity score being greater than a first threshold, associating the child data-properties with the parent node, and otherwise associating the parent data-properties with the child node; and removing the inheritance relationship from the first property graph schema. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more union relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein the optimizing a union relationship comprises, for a plurality of member nodes associated with the union relationship, adding an edge between each pair of member nodes from the plurality of member nodes. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:M relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a M:N relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising addressing the M:N relationship as multiple 1:M relationships, wherein optimizing a 1:M relationship in the ontology comprises:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:1 relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to the second property graph schema, a new node that is generated by merging a source node and a destination node of the 1:1 relationship; and removing, from the second property graph schema, the source node, the destination node, and the 1:1 relationship. 16. The system of claim 10, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all relationships in the first property graph schema based on a cost-benefit model; and selecting a subset of relationships in the first property graph schema that maximize the total benefit until the storage space limit is exhausted. 17. The system of claim 10, wherein optimizing the property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema; determining the order of all concepts in the first property graph schema based on the centrality analysis; and iterating through the concepts from high centrality score to lower and apply relationship rules to each concept until the storage space limit is exhausted. 18. A computer program product comprising a memory storage device having computer executable instructions stored thereon, the computer executable instructions when executed by a processing unit cause the processing unit to perform a method comprising:
receiving a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; generating a second property graph schema from a copy of the first property graph schema that is by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema; instantiating a property graph using the second property graph schema; receiving a query to obtain particular data from the domain-specific knowledge graph; and responding to the query using the property graph. 19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more inheritance relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein modifying an inheritance relationship in the ontology comprises:
determining a set of child data-properties of a child node of the inheritance relationship, and a set of parent data-properties of a parent node of the inheritance relationship; computing a similarity score for the child data-properties and the parent data-properties; in response to the similarity score being greater than a first threshold, associating the child data-properties with the parent node, and otherwise associating the parent data-properties with the child node; and removing the inheritance relationship from the first property graph schema. 20. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying one or more union relationships, wherein the optimizing a union relationship comprises, for a plurality of member nodes associated with the union relationship, adding an edge between each pair of member nodes from the plurality of member nodes. 21. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:1 relationship in the first property graph schema, the optimization comprising:
adding, to the second property graph schema, a new node that is generated by merging a source node and a destination node of the 1:1 relationship; and removing, from the second property graph schema, the source node, the destination node, and the 1:1 relationship. 22. The computer program product of claim 21, wherein the method further comprises, optimizing, by the computing device, the first property graph schema by modifying a 1:M relationship in the first property graph schema by addressing the M:N relationship as multiple 1:M relationships, wherein optimizing a 1:M relationship comprises:
adding, to a list of properties of a source of the 1:M relationship, all of the properties of a destination of the 1:M relationship. 23. A computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; and generating, by the computing device, a second property graph schema, which is a replica of the first property graph schema, and optimizing the second property graph schema by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein optimizing the second property graph schema comprises:
receiving a storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the second property graph schema;
determining the order of all relationships in the first property graph schema based on a cost-benefit model; and
selecting a subset of relationships in the first property graph schema that maximize the total benefit until the storage space limit is exhausted. 24. A computer-implemented method for providing a query response, the computer-implemented method comprising:
receiving, by a computing device, a domain-specific knowledge graph; generating, by the computing device, a first property graph schema, a property graph schema includes vertices, edges, and properties of the domain-specific knowledge graph, wherein the first property graph schema is generated based on an ontology of the domain-specific knowledge graph; and generating, by the computing device, a second property graph schema, which is a replica of the first property graph schema, and optimizing the second property graph schema by applying one or more types of relationships in the first property graph schema, wherein optimizing the second property graph schema comprises:
receiving the storage space limit as an input, the storage space limit indicating an amount of storage space budgeted for optimizing the property graph schema;
determining the order of all concepts in the first property graph schema based on the centrality analysis; and
iterating through the concepts from high centrality score to lower and apply relationship rules to each concept until the storage space limit is exhausted. | 3,600 |
339,497 | 16,800,402 | 3,672 | A method to transcribe communications is provided. The method may include obtaining first communication data during a communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device and transmitting the first communication data to the second communication device by way of a mobile device that is locally coupled with the first communication device. The method may also include receiving, at the first communication device, second communication data from the second communication device through the mobile device and transmitting the second communication data to a remote transcription system. The method may further include receiving, at the first communication device, transcription data from the remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system and presenting, by the first communication device, the transcription of the second communication data. | 1. (canceled) 2. A device comprising:
one or more processors; one or more computer-readable media coupled to the one or more processors, the one or more computer-readable media configured to store instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the device to perform operations, the operation comprising:
establish local wireless communication between the device and a secondary device;
obtain an indication of a request for a communication session originating from a communication device;
obtain first communication data from the secondary device, the first communication data based on audio of a user of the device and the secondary device;
direct the first communication data to the communication device, the first communication data being part of the communication session;
obtain second communication data of the communication session originating from the communication device;
transmit the second communication data to the secondary device; and
obtain transcription data originating from a remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system; and
an electronic display coupled to the one or more processors and configured to present the transcription of the second communication data. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the second communication data includes audio data or the audio data and video data. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein when the second communication data includes the audio data and the video data, the remote transcription system only receives the audio data. 5. The device of claim 2, wherein the local wireless communication is established between the secondary device and the device responsive to at least one of the secondary device and the device automatically detecting a presence of another of the at least one of the secondary device and the device without user input. 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise disable communication between the secondary device and the device while communication between the communication device and the device is maintained. 7. The device of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise transmit the second communication data to the remote transcription system. 8. The device of claim 2, wherein the local wireless communication is established over a Bluetooth network. 9. A method comprising:
establishing local wireless communication between a device and a secondary device; obtaining an indication of a request for a communication session originating from a communication device; obtaining, at the device, first communication data from the secondary device, the first communication data based on audio of a user of the device and the secondary device; directing the first communication data to the communication device, the first communication data being part of the communication session; obtaining, at the device, second communication data of the communication session originating from the communication device; transmitting, from the device, the second communication data to the secondary device; obtaining, at the device, transcription data originating from a remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system; and presenting, by the device, the transcription of the second communication data. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second communication data includes audio data or the audio data and video data. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein when the second communication data includes the audio data and the video data, the remote transcription system only receives the audio data. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the local wireless communication is established between the secondary device and the device responsive to at least one of the secondary device and the device automatically detecting a presence of another of the at least one of the secondary device and the device without user input. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising disabling communication between the secondary device and the device while communication between the communication device and the device is maintained. 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising transmitting the second communication data to the remote transcription system. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the local wireless communication is established over a Bluetooth network. 16. At least one non-transitory computer-readable media configured to store one or more instructions that in response to being executed by at least one computing system cause performance of the method of claim 9. 17. A device comprising:
means for establishing local wireless communication between the device and a secondary device; means for obtaining an indication of a request for a communication session originating from a communication device; means for obtaining first communication data from the secondary device, the first communication data based on audio of a user of the device and the secondary device; means for directing the first communication data to the communication device, the first communication data being part of the communication session; means for obtaining second communication data of the communication session originating from the communication device; means for transmitting the second communication data to the secondary device; means for obtaining transcription data originating from a remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system; and means for presenting the transcription of the second communication data. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising means for disabling communication between the secondary device and the device while communication between the communication device and the device is maintained. 19. The device of claim 17, further comprising means for transmitting the second communication data to the remote transcription system. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the local wireless communication is established over a Bluetooth network. 21. The device of claim 17, wherein the second communication data includes audio data or the audio data and video data. | A method to transcribe communications is provided. The method may include obtaining first communication data during a communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device and transmitting the first communication data to the second communication device by way of a mobile device that is locally coupled with the first communication device. The method may also include receiving, at the first communication device, second communication data from the second communication device through the mobile device and transmitting the second communication data to a remote transcription system. The method may further include receiving, at the first communication device, transcription data from the remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system and presenting, by the first communication device, the transcription of the second communication data.1. (canceled) 2. A device comprising:
one or more processors; one or more computer-readable media coupled to the one or more processors, the one or more computer-readable media configured to store instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the device to perform operations, the operation comprising:
establish local wireless communication between the device and a secondary device;
obtain an indication of a request for a communication session originating from a communication device;
obtain first communication data from the secondary device, the first communication data based on audio of a user of the device and the secondary device;
direct the first communication data to the communication device, the first communication data being part of the communication session;
obtain second communication data of the communication session originating from the communication device;
transmit the second communication data to the secondary device; and
obtain transcription data originating from a remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system; and
an electronic display coupled to the one or more processors and configured to present the transcription of the second communication data. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the second communication data includes audio data or the audio data and video data. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein when the second communication data includes the audio data and the video data, the remote transcription system only receives the audio data. 5. The device of claim 2, wherein the local wireless communication is established between the secondary device and the device responsive to at least one of the secondary device and the device automatically detecting a presence of another of the at least one of the secondary device and the device without user input. 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise disable communication between the secondary device and the device while communication between the communication device and the device is maintained. 7. The device of claim 2, wherein the operations further comprise transmit the second communication data to the remote transcription system. 8. The device of claim 2, wherein the local wireless communication is established over a Bluetooth network. 9. A method comprising:
establishing local wireless communication between a device and a secondary device; obtaining an indication of a request for a communication session originating from a communication device; obtaining, at the device, first communication data from the secondary device, the first communication data based on audio of a user of the device and the secondary device; directing the first communication data to the communication device, the first communication data being part of the communication session; obtaining, at the device, second communication data of the communication session originating from the communication device; transmitting, from the device, the second communication data to the secondary device; obtaining, at the device, transcription data originating from a remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system; and presenting, by the device, the transcription of the second communication data. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second communication data includes audio data or the audio data and video data. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein when the second communication data includes the audio data and the video data, the remote transcription system only receives the audio data. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the local wireless communication is established between the secondary device and the device responsive to at least one of the secondary device and the device automatically detecting a presence of another of the at least one of the secondary device and the device without user input. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising disabling communication between the secondary device and the device while communication between the communication device and the device is maintained. 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising transmitting the second communication data to the remote transcription system. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the local wireless communication is established over a Bluetooth network. 16. At least one non-transitory computer-readable media configured to store one or more instructions that in response to being executed by at least one computing system cause performance of the method of claim 9. 17. A device comprising:
means for establishing local wireless communication between the device and a secondary device; means for obtaining an indication of a request for a communication session originating from a communication device; means for obtaining first communication data from the secondary device, the first communication data based on audio of a user of the device and the secondary device; means for directing the first communication data to the communication device, the first communication data being part of the communication session; means for obtaining second communication data of the communication session originating from the communication device; means for transmitting the second communication data to the secondary device; means for obtaining transcription data originating from a remote transcription system, the transcription data corresponding to a transcription of the second communication data, the transcription generated by the remote transcription system; and means for presenting the transcription of the second communication data. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising means for disabling communication between the secondary device and the device while communication between the communication device and the device is maintained. 19. The device of claim 17, further comprising means for transmitting the second communication data to the remote transcription system. 20. The device of claim 17, wherein the local wireless communication is established over a Bluetooth network. 21. The device of claim 17, wherein the second communication data includes audio data or the audio data and video data. | 3,600 |
339,498 | 16,800,396 | 3,672 | Disclosed is a method for modifying transaction credentials. The method involves initiating a transaction at a receiving terminal, the transaction being defined by one or more transaction credentials and then transmitting mobile terminal data from a mobile terminal, via the receiving terminal, to a server, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal. Subsequently, the method involves extracting the set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data at the server and transmitting the set of account data from the server to an account manager, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account managed by the account manager. One or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account are then received at the receiving terminal which modifies at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. | 1. A method for modifying transaction credentials, comprising:
transmitting mobile terminal data from a mobile terminal, via a point-of-sale terminal, to a server of a computer network system, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the server includes an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between the point-of-sale terminal and a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers,
wherein the point-of-sale terminal does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure;
extracting, by the server of the computer network system, the set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data; identifying, by the server, a third-party VAS provider of the computer network system, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, on a basis of the set of account data extracted from the mobile terminal data; formatting, by the integration controller of the server, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account; and transmitting, by the server, the formatted set of account data from the server to the identified third-party VAS provider. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising;
receiving, at the point-of-sale terminal, from the third-party VAS provider, via the server, the one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account; and modifying, by the point-of-sale terminal, at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising executing the transaction using the one or more modified transaction credentials. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein extracting the set of account data comprises identifying the account manager from a plurality of account managers based on the mobile terminal data. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal data comprises a plurality of data points and extracting the set of account data comprises identifying account data, from the plurality of data points, required by the third-party VAS provider for identifying, and authorising access to, the consumer account. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal data is configured by an app and the step of transmitting mobile terminal data comprises transmitting mobile terminal data in response to activation of an app at the mobile terminal. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction modifiers are stored in the consumer account and receiving the one or more transaction modifiers comprises receiving, by the POS terminal, the one or more transaction modifiers from the third party VAS provider. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the consumer account is managed by the third-party VAS provider. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the transaction credentials comprises a ticket amount and modifying at least one of the one or more transaction credentials comprises applying, by the POS terminal, a discount to the ticket amount. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more transaction modifiers comprise one or more value-added services and modifying at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based comprises applying, by the POS terminal, the one or more value-added services to the transaction credentials. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the consumer account is configured to accumulate rewards points and modifying at least one of the one or more transaction credentials comprises associating a particular number of rewards points with the transaction such that, upon executing the transaction, the particular number of rewards points are credited to the consumer account. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of account data comprises one or more data points, the method further comprising sending additional data from the point-of-sale terminal to the server and extracting, by the server, at least one of the one or more data points from the additional data. 13. A system for modifying transaction credentials, comprising a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) terminals, receiving terminal and a server, and a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers:
the server comprising:
at least one server processor;
an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between a POS terminal of a merchant and the plurality of third-party VAS providers,
at least one server memory including server computer program code;
the at least one server memory and the server computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the server at least to:
receive mobile terminal data from a mobile terminal, via a POS terminal, from the plurality of POS terminals, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the POS terminal of the merchant does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure;
extract a set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data at the server;
identify a third-party VAS provider, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, on a basis of the set of account data extracted from the mobile terminal data;
formatting, via the integration controller of the server, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account; and
transmit the set of account data to the identified third-party VAS provider, whereat one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account is identified. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one server memory and the server computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the server at least to:
receive from the third-party VAS provider, and forward to the point-of-sale terminal, one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account; and the point-of-sale terminal comprising:
at least one point-of-sale terminal processor; and
at least one point-of-sale terminal memory including point-of-sale terminal computer program code;
the at least one point-of-sale terminal memory and the point-of-sale terminal computer program code configured to, with the at least one point-of-sale terminal processor, cause the point-of-sale terminal at least to:
initiate a transaction defined by one or more transaction credentials;
receive the mobile terminal data from the mobile terminal and transmit the mobile terminal data to the server;
receive the one or more transaction modifiers from the third-party VAS provider, via the server; and
modify at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the point-of-sale terminal computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one point-of-sale terminal processor, cause the point-of-sale terminal to execute the transaction using the one or more modified transaction credentials. 16. A server, of a computer network system, facilitating modification of transaction credentials, the server configured to communicate with a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) terminals at which transactions are initiated and to communicate with a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers, wherein the transactions are defined by the transaction credentials, the server comprising:
a processor; an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between the plurality of POS terminals and the plurality of third-party VAS providers; 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 server at least to:
receive mobile terminal data from a POS terminal of the plurality of POS terminals, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the POS terminal does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure;
extract a set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data at the server, and identify a third-party VAS provider, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, associated with the account data, the third-party VAS provider managing a unique consumer account associated with the set of account data;
format, via the integration controller, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider; and
transmit the formatted set of account data to the third-party VAS provider. 17. A server according to claim 16, wherein the 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 server at least to:
receive, from the third-party VAS provider, and forward to the POS terminal, one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account, causing the POS terminal to modify the transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions to have a server and a point-of-sale terminal of a merchant facilitate modification of transaction credentials, the server including an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between the point-of-sale terminal and a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers, the executable instructions controlling the server to perform steps comprising:
receiving mobile terminal data from a point-of-sale terminal, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the point-of-sale terminal does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure; extracting a set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data; identifying a third-party VAS provider, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, on a basis of the set of account data extracted from the mobile terminal data; formatting, by the integration controller, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account managed by the third-party VAS provider; transmitting the formatted set of account data to identified third-party VAS provider. 19. The computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the executable instructions controlling the server to perform steps comprising:
receiving from the third-party VAS provider, and forwarding to the point-of-sale terminal, one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account, the executable instructions controlling the point-of-sale terminal to perform steps comprising: initiating a transaction defined by one or more transaction credentials; receiving the mobile terminal data from the mobile terminal and transmit the mobile terminal data to the server; receiving the one or more transaction modifiers from the third-party VAS provider via the server; and modifying, in response to the receiving of the one or more transaction modifiers, at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 18, comprising at least one memory located at the point-of-sale terminal and at least one memory located at the server. | Disclosed is a method for modifying transaction credentials. The method involves initiating a transaction at a receiving terminal, the transaction being defined by one or more transaction credentials and then transmitting mobile terminal data from a mobile terminal, via the receiving terminal, to a server, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal. Subsequently, the method involves extracting the set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data at the server and transmitting the set of account data from the server to an account manager, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account managed by the account manager. One or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account are then received at the receiving terminal which modifies at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers.1. A method for modifying transaction credentials, comprising:
transmitting mobile terminal data from a mobile terminal, via a point-of-sale terminal, to a server of a computer network system, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the server includes an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between the point-of-sale terminal and a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers,
wherein the point-of-sale terminal does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure;
extracting, by the server of the computer network system, the set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data; identifying, by the server, a third-party VAS provider of the computer network system, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, on a basis of the set of account data extracted from the mobile terminal data; formatting, by the integration controller of the server, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account; and transmitting, by the server, the formatted set of account data from the server to the identified third-party VAS provider. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising;
receiving, at the point-of-sale terminal, from the third-party VAS provider, via the server, the one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account; and modifying, by the point-of-sale terminal, at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising executing the transaction using the one or more modified transaction credentials. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein extracting the set of account data comprises identifying the account manager from a plurality of account managers based on the mobile terminal data. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal data comprises a plurality of data points and extracting the set of account data comprises identifying account data, from the plurality of data points, required by the third-party VAS provider for identifying, and authorising access to, the consumer account. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal data is configured by an app and the step of transmitting mobile terminal data comprises transmitting mobile terminal data in response to activation of an app at the mobile terminal. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction modifiers are stored in the consumer account and receiving the one or more transaction modifiers comprises receiving, by the POS terminal, the one or more transaction modifiers from the third party VAS provider. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the consumer account is managed by the third-party VAS provider. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein one of the transaction credentials comprises a ticket amount and modifying at least one of the one or more transaction credentials comprises applying, by the POS terminal, a discount to the ticket amount. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more transaction modifiers comprise one or more value-added services and modifying at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based comprises applying, by the POS terminal, the one or more value-added services to the transaction credentials. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the consumer account is configured to accumulate rewards points and modifying at least one of the one or more transaction credentials comprises associating a particular number of rewards points with the transaction such that, upon executing the transaction, the particular number of rewards points are credited to the consumer account. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of account data comprises one or more data points, the method further comprising sending additional data from the point-of-sale terminal to the server and extracting, by the server, at least one of the one or more data points from the additional data. 13. A system for modifying transaction credentials, comprising a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) terminals, receiving terminal and a server, and a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers:
the server comprising:
at least one server processor;
an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between a POS terminal of a merchant and the plurality of third-party VAS providers,
at least one server memory including server computer program code;
the at least one server memory and the server computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the server at least to:
receive mobile terminal data from a mobile terminal, via a POS terminal, from the plurality of POS terminals, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the POS terminal of the merchant does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure;
extract a set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data at the server;
identify a third-party VAS provider, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, on a basis of the set of account data extracted from the mobile terminal data;
formatting, via the integration controller of the server, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account; and
transmit the set of account data to the identified third-party VAS provider, whereat one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account is identified. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one server memory and the server computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the server at least to:
receive from the third-party VAS provider, and forward to the point-of-sale terminal, one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account; and the point-of-sale terminal comprising:
at least one point-of-sale terminal processor; and
at least one point-of-sale terminal memory including point-of-sale terminal computer program code;
the at least one point-of-sale terminal memory and the point-of-sale terminal computer program code configured to, with the at least one point-of-sale terminal processor, cause the point-of-sale terminal at least to:
initiate a transaction defined by one or more transaction credentials;
receive the mobile terminal data from the mobile terminal and transmit the mobile terminal data to the server;
receive the one or more transaction modifiers from the third-party VAS provider, via the server; and
modify at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the point-of-sale terminal computer program code is further configured to, with the at least one point-of-sale terminal processor, cause the point-of-sale terminal to execute the transaction using the one or more modified transaction credentials. 16. A server, of a computer network system, facilitating modification of transaction credentials, the server configured to communicate with a plurality of point-of-sale (POS) terminals at which transactions are initiated and to communicate with a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers, wherein the transactions are defined by the transaction credentials, the server comprising:
a processor; an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between the plurality of POS terminals and the plurality of third-party VAS providers; 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 server at least to:
receive mobile terminal data from a POS terminal of the plurality of POS terminals, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the POS terminal does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure;
extract a set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data at the server, and identify a third-party VAS provider, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, associated with the account data, the third-party VAS provider managing a unique consumer account associated with the set of account data;
format, via the integration controller, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider; and
transmit the formatted set of account data to the third-party VAS provider. 17. A server according to claim 16, wherein the 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 server at least to:
receive, from the third-party VAS provider, and forward to the POS terminal, one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account, causing the POS terminal to modify the transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions to have a server and a point-of-sale terminal of a merchant facilitate modification of transaction credentials, the server including an integration controller enabling the server to serve as an intermediary between the point-of-sale terminal and a plurality of third-party value-added service (VAS) providers, the executable instructions controlling the server to perform steps comprising:
receiving mobile terminal data from a point-of-sale terminal, the mobile terminal data comprising a set of account data relating to the mobile terminal,
wherein the point-of-sale terminal does not perform processing on the mobile terminal data comprising the set of account data for enabling involvement of the third-party VAS providers' services, and
wherein the merchant is not required to incorporate additional physical or virtual infrastructure; extracting a set of account data at least partially from the mobile terminal data; identifying a third-party VAS provider, from the plurality of third-party VAS providers, on a basis of the set of account data extracted from the mobile terminal data; formatting, by the integration controller, the set of account data into a format that is usable for the identified third-party VAS provider, the set of account data being associated with a unique consumer account managed by the third-party VAS provider; transmitting the formatted set of account data to identified third-party VAS provider. 19. The computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the executable instructions controlling the server to perform steps comprising:
receiving from the third-party VAS provider, and forwarding to the point-of-sale terminal, one or more transaction modifiers associated with the consumer account, the executable instructions controlling the point-of-sale terminal to perform steps comprising: initiating a transaction defined by one or more transaction credentials; receiving the mobile terminal data from the mobile terminal and transmit the mobile terminal data to the server; receiving the one or more transaction modifiers from the third-party VAS provider via the server; and modifying, in response to the receiving of the one or more transaction modifiers, at least one of the one or more transaction credentials based on the one or more transaction modifiers. 20. The computer readable storage medium of claim 18, comprising at least one memory located at the point-of-sale terminal and at least one memory located at the server. | 3,600 |
339,499 | 16,800,387 | 3,672 | Various methods, apparatuses, and media for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction are provided. A fraud prevention application module defines one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized. Information related to the defined geographical zones are stored onto a memory. A processor is configured to initiate the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determine whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. | 1. A method for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction by utilizing one or more processors and one or more memories, the method comprising:
defining, by utilizing a fraud prevention application module, one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized; storing information related to the defined one or more geographical zones onto a memory; initiating, by a processor, the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determining, by the processor, whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and automatically authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the one or more defined geographical zones. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, an amount of transaction limit in each zone; storing information related to the amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that an amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's computing device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; modifying, by the processor, the amount of transaction limit to a new amount of transaction limit to correspond to the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS location; storing information related to the new amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the new amount of transaction limit. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zone; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, a new geographical zone to correspond to the POS location that does not correspond to the stored information related to previously defined one or more geographical zones; updating, by the processor, the memory by storing the new geographical zone; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined new geographical zone. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; receiving an authorization from the user's device to process the card or mobile transaction even though the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on the received authorization from the user's device. 8. A system for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction, the system comprising:
a memory; and a processor operatively connected to the memory via a communication network, wherein the processor is configured to: define one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized; store information related to the defined one or more geographical zones onto the memory; initiate the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determine whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and automatically authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
define an amount of transaction limit in each zone; store information related to the amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that an amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:
automatically decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:
decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones; send a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; modify the amount of transaction limit to a new amount of transaction limit to correspond to the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS location; store information related to the new amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the new amount of transaction limit. 12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
automatically decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; send a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; define a new geographical zone to correspond to the POS location that does not correspond to the stored information related to previously defined one or more geographical zones; update the memory by storing the new geographical zone; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined new geographical zone. 14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
decline the card or mobile transaction based on the determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; send a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; receive an authorization from the user's device to process the card or mobile transaction even though the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on the received authorization from the user's device. 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store instructions for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction, wherein when executed, the instructions cause a processor to perform the following:
defining, by utilizing a fraud prevention application module, one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized; storing information related to the defined one or more geographical zones onto a memory; initiating, by a processor, the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determining, by the processor, whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and automatically authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the one or more defined geographical zones. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, an amount of transaction limit in each zone; storing information related to the amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that an amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's computing device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; modifying, by the processor, the amount of transaction limit to a new amount of transaction limit to correspond to the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS location; storing information related to the new amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the new amount of transaction limit. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zone; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; and defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, a new geographical zone to correspond to the POS location that does not correspond to the stored information related to previously defined one or more geographical zones; updating, by the processor, the memory by storing the new geographical zone; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined new geographical zone. | Various methods, apparatuses, and media for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction are provided. A fraud prevention application module defines one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized. Information related to the defined geographical zones are stored onto a memory. A processor is configured to initiate the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determine whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones.1. A method for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction by utilizing one or more processors and one or more memories, the method comprising:
defining, by utilizing a fraud prevention application module, one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized; storing information related to the defined one or more geographical zones onto a memory; initiating, by a processor, the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determining, by the processor, whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and automatically authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the one or more defined geographical zones. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, an amount of transaction limit in each zone; storing information related to the amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that an amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 4. The method according to claim 2, further comprising:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's computing device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; modifying, by the processor, the amount of transaction limit to a new amount of transaction limit to correspond to the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS location; storing information related to the new amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the new amount of transaction limit. 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zone; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, a new geographical zone to correspond to the POS location that does not correspond to the stored information related to previously defined one or more geographical zones; updating, by the processor, the memory by storing the new geographical zone; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined new geographical zone. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; receiving an authorization from the user's device to process the card or mobile transaction even though the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on the received authorization from the user's device. 8. A system for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction, the system comprising:
a memory; and a processor operatively connected to the memory via a communication network, wherein the processor is configured to: define one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized; store information related to the defined one or more geographical zones onto the memory; initiate the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determine whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and automatically authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
define an amount of transaction limit in each zone; store information related to the amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that an amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:
automatically decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to:
decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones; send a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; modify the amount of transaction limit to a new amount of transaction limit to correspond to the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS location; store information related to the new amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the new amount of transaction limit. 12. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
automatically decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 13. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
decline the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; send a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; define a new geographical zone to correspond to the POS location that does not correspond to the stored information related to previously defined one or more geographical zones; update the memory by storing the new geographical zone; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined new geographical zone. 14. The system according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to:
decline the card or mobile transaction based on the determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; send a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; receive an authorization from the user's device to process the card or mobile transaction even though the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones; and authorize the card or mobile transaction based on the received authorization from the user's device. 15. A non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store instructions for preventing fraud in card or mobile transaction, wherein when executed, the instructions cause a processor to perform the following:
defining, by utilizing a fraud prevention application module, one or more geographical zones where a card or mobile transaction is authorized; storing information related to the defined one or more geographical zones onto a memory; initiating, by a processor, the card or mobile transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) location; determining, by the processor, whether the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to one or more of the defined geographical zones; and automatically authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the one or more defined geographical zones. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, an amount of transaction limit in each zone; storing information related to the amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that an amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 16, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS does not correspond to the stored information related to the amount of transaction limit associated with a zone corresponding to the POS among the one or more defined geographical zones; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's computing device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; modifying, by the processor, the amount of transaction limit to a new amount of transaction limit to correspond to the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS location; storing information related to the new amount of transaction limit onto the memory; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the amount of transaction initiated by the processor at the POS corresponds to the stored information related to the new amount of transaction limit. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
automatically declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zones. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim 15, wherein when executed, the instructions further cause the processor to perform the following:
declining, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location does not correspond to the stored information related to the defined one or more geographical zone; sending, by the processor, a notification to a user's device that initiated the card or mobile transaction that the transaction has been declined; and defining, by utilizing the fraud prevention application module, a new geographical zone to correspond to the POS location that does not correspond to the stored information related to previously defined one or more geographical zones; updating, by the processor, the memory by storing the new geographical zone; and authorizing, by the processor, the card or mobile transaction based on a determination that the POS location corresponds to the stored information related to the defined new geographical zone. | 3,600 |
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