Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090193305 | TEST MODE SOFT RESET CIRCUITRY AND METHODS - An integrated circuit chip having testing logic for testing circuitry of the integrated circuit chip is provided. The integrated circuit chip includes at least a scan-in pin, a scan clock pin, and a test controller. The test controller has test mode registers for storing a type of test mode to be executed, and the test controller accepting signals from the scan-in pin and the scan clock pin. The scan-in pin and the scan clock pin receiving a test program for the type of test mode and a soft-reset pattern. Also included is a state machine logic that is part of the integrated circuit chip. The state machine logic, during execution of the test program, being configured to direct sampling of a scan clock waveform provided through the scan clock pin as dictated by transitions of a scan-in waveform provided through the scan-in pin. The sampling by the state machine circuitry identifying a bit match from the sampled scan clock waveform upon executing the soft-reset pattern. The identified bit match triggering a soft reset by updating the test mode registers of the test controller. The soft reset therefore eliminates the need for an extra reset pin, when testing in scan mode. The communication channel defined through the use of the scan-in and scan clock pins can be used to trigger other soft actions. | 07-30-2009 |
20110246844 | Test Mode Soft Reset Circuitry and Methods - A soft-function trigger state machine includes state machine logic defined to use a scan-in waveform to sample a scan-clock waveform to obtain a sampled data pattern. The state machine logic is defined to compare the sampled data pattern to a soft action pattern to determine whether the sampled data pattern matches the soft action pattern. The state machine logic is also defined to trigger an action associated with the soft action pattern when the sampled data pattern matches the soft action pattern. | 10-06-2011 |
20120223721 | System and Method for Bonded Configuration Pad Continuity Check - A continuity test circuit for a boundary pad includes a pull-up transistor electrically connected between the boundary pad and a first power supply, and a pull-down transistor electrically connected between the boundary pad and a first reference ground potential. A normal output conductor is electrically connected to have a same electrical state as the boundary pad during normal operation. A continuity test output conductor is electrically connected to have a same electrical state as the boundary pad during continuity test operation. Continuity testing control circuitry is defined to control the pull-up transistor, the pull-down transistor, and the normal output conductor during continuity test operation such that an electrical state present on the continuity test output conductor indicates a status of electrical continuity between the boundary pad and either a second power supply or a second reference ground potential to which the boundary pad should be electrically connected. | 09-06-2012 |
20140101354 | MEMORY ACCESS CONTROL MODULE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - First and second data interfaces provide data transfer to and from a plurality of memory banks. The first data interface uses a first bus size and a first clock frequency. The second data interface uses a second bus size and a second clock frequency. The second bus size is an integer multiple of the first bus size. The first clock frequency is an integer multiple of the second clock frequency. A channelizer module segments data from the second data interface into data segments of the first bus size and transmits them to addressed ones of the plurality of memory banks using the first clock frequency. The channelizer module also receives data in accordance with the first bus size and first clock frequency from the plurality of memory banks, combines this data into the second bus size, and transmits the data to the second data interface using the second clock frequency. | 04-10-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080258291 | Semiconductor Packaging With Internal Wiring Bus - A packaged semiconductor includes inner bond fingers, at least first and second semiconductor dies, and an interposer. The packaged semiconductor further includes wiring between the first and second semiconductor dies and the inner bond fingers, wiring between the interposer and the inner bond fingers, and wiring between the interposer and the first and second semiconductor dies. The wiring between the interposer and the first and second semiconductor dies thereby reduces the count of inner bond fingers needed for the wiring between the first and second semiconductor dies and the inner bond fingers. The interposer further provides indirect access to the inner bond fingers when the inner bond fingers are inaccessible by the first and second semiconductor dies. | 10-23-2008 |
20090269891 | THERMAL ENHANCED PACKAGE - A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit package. The method includes attaching a first surface of a semiconductor die to a thermally and/or electrically conductive substrate, forming a plurality of die connectors on a second surface of the semiconductor die, and encapsulating the semiconductor die and the plurality of die connectors in an encapsulant material. The method also includes removing a portion of the encapsulant material to expose one or more of the plurality of die connectors, thereby forming a routing surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of conductive traces on the routing surface. Each of the plurality of conductive traces is characterized by a first portion in electrical communication with one of the plurality of die connectors and a second portion in electrical communication with a package connector. | 10-29-2009 |
20100283143 | Die Exposed Chip Package - This disclosure describes a chip package. In one embodiment, a semiconductor chip package includes a thermal dissipater placed on top of an integrated-circuit die, the thermal dissipater having a same or similar coefficient of thermal expansion as that of the integrated-circuit die. | 11-11-2010 |
20110012240 | Multi-Connect Lead - This disclosure describes a multi-connect lead providing multiple connections using one external pin. In one embodiment, a lead frame for a lead-frame-based chip package includes a multi-connect lead that uses one external pin and enables multiple electrical connections to an integrated circuit die. | 01-20-2011 |
20130011964 | THERMAL ENHANCED PACKAGE - A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit package. The method includes attaching a first surface of a semiconductor die to a thermally and/or electrically conductive substrate, forming a plurality of die connectors on a second surface of the semiconductor die, and encapsulating the semiconductor die and the plurality of die connectors in an encapsulant material. The method also includes removing a portion of the encapsulant material to expose one or more of the plurality of die connectors, thereby forming a routing surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of conductive traces on the routing surface. Each of the plurality of conductive traces is characterized by a first portion in electrical communication with one of the plurality of die connectors and a second portion in electrical communication with a package connector. | 01-10-2013 |
20130045573 | CHIP ON LEADS - Described herein are microelectronic packages including a plurality of bonding fingers and multiple integrated circuit chips, at least one integrated circuit chip being mounted onto the bonding fingers. According to various embodiments of the present invention, mounting the integrated circuit chip onto the bonding fingers may reduce the pin-out count by allowing multiple integrated circuit chips to be interconnected within the same microelectronic package. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 02-21-2013 |
20130193572 | BALL GRID ARRAY PACKAGE SUBSTRATE WITH THROUGH HOLES AND METHOD OF FORMING SAME - In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a substrate of a ball grid array package that includes a first layer including reinforcement fibers. The reinforcement fibers reinforce the first layer such that the first layer has a higher tensile strength relative to a layer in the ball grid array package that is free of reinforcement fibers. In an embodiment, the substrate comprises a second layer disposed adjacent to the first layer with the second layer being free of reinforcement fibers. In an embodiment, the substrate also includes a through hole penetrating each of the first layer and the second layer. The through hole penetrates each of the first layer and the second layer based on each of the first layer and the second layer having been drilled in accordance with a mechanical drilling process. | 08-01-2013 |
20140069703 | DUAL ROW QUAD FLAT NO-LEAD SEMICONDUCTOR PACKAGE - Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a Quad Flat No-Lead package comprising: an outer row of outer peripheral leads disposed on an outer periphery of a bottom surface of the Quad Flat No-Lead package; and an inner row of inner peripheral leads disposed on an inner periphery of the bottom surface of the Quad Flat No-Lead package, wherein each of the inner peripheral leads has a substantially rectangular shape, and wherein the substantially rectangular shape has two rounded corners adjacent to the outer row of outer peripheral leads. | 03-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100020441 | METHOD AND MANUFACTURE PROCESS FOR EXCHANGE DECOUPLED FIRST MAGNETIC LAYER - A perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a dual-layer magnetic film is disclosed. The bottom layer is completely exchange decoupled, and the top layer contains a certain amount of exchange coupling optimized for recording performance. Preferably, the bottom magnetic layer contains stable oxide material (for example, TiO | 01-28-2010 |
20100021763 | EASY TO WRITE AND HARD TO DECAY MEDIA FOR HARD DISK DRIVE APPLICATIONS - A magnetic recording medium is presented, characterized by having a nonmonotonicity in the DCD curve, resulting in low dynamic coercivity when writing information to the medium, with high static coercivity and thermal stability during storage. A method is also presented for producing the magnetic recording medium of the present invention. | 01-28-2010 |
20100021770 | NICKEL BASED ALLOYS AS CRYSTAL GROWTH ENHANCING AND MECHANICAL STRENGTHENING LAYER FOR PERPENDICULAR RECORDING MEDIA - The invention relates to a perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a substrate and a seed layer comprising a Ni alloy. | 01-28-2010 |
20100209739 | MAGNETIC STORAGE MEDIA WITH Ag, Au-CONTAINING MAGNETIC LAYERS - A magnetic recording medium having a Au, Ag-containing magnetic layer having Co, Cr, Ag and Au; the magnetic recording layer having Co-containing magnetic grains surrounded by substantially nonmagnetic Cr-containing grain boundaries; wherein said Ag and said Au are substantially immiscible in the Co-containing magnetic grains is disclosed. | 08-19-2010 |
20110003175 | COMPOSITE PERPENDICULAR MEDIA WITH GRADED ANISOTROPY LAYERS AND EXCHANGE BREAK LAYERS - A perpendicular magnetic recording layer may include a hard granular layer, an exchange break layer formed on the hard granular layer, and a soft granular layer formed on the exchange break layer. In some embodiments, the exchange break layer may consist essentially of ruthenium. In some embodiments, the perpendicular magnetic recording layer may include n magnetic layers and n−1 exchange break layers, where n is greater than or equal to three, and where the n−1 exchange break layers alternate with the n magnetic layers in the magnetic recording layer. | 01-06-2011 |
20130163118 | RECORDING MEDIUM WITH THIN STABILIZATION LAYER HAVING HIGH MAGNETIC SATURATION AND ANISOTROPIC FIELD CHARACTERISTICS - A perpendicular recording medium with enhanced magnetic stability. In accordance with some embodiments, a multi-layer recording structure is formed on a base substrate and adapted to magnetically store a magnetic bit sequence in domains substantially perpendicular to said layers. A thin magnetic stabilization layer is formed on the multi-layer recording substrate to magnetically stabilize an upper portion of the recording structure. | 06-27-2013 |
20130280556 | MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIA WITH SOFT MAGNETIC UNDERLAYERS - Provided herein, is an apparatus that includes a nonmagnetic substrate having a surface; and a plurality of overlying thin film layers forming a layer stack on the substrate surface. The layer stack includes a magnetically hard perpendicular magnetic recording layer structure and an underlying soft magnetic underlayer (SUL), wherein the sum of a magnetic thickness of the layer stack is a magnetic thickness of up to about 2 memu/cm̂2. | 10-24-2013 |
20140178714 | Method and Manufacture Process for Exchange Decoupled First Magnetic Layer - A perpendicular magnetic recording medium having a dual-layer magnetic film is disclosed. The bottom layer is completely exchange decoupled, and the top layer contains a certain amount of exchange coupling optimized for recording performance. Preferably, the bottom magnetic layer contains stable oxide material (for example, TiO | 06-26-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100109106 | High density spin-transfer torque MRAM process - A STT-MRAM integration scheme is disclosed wherein the connection between a MTJ and CMOS metal is simplified by forming an intermediate via contact (VAC) on a CMOS landing pad, a metal (VAM) pad that contacts and covers the VAC, and a MTJ on the VAM. A dual damascene process is performed to connect BIT line metal to CMOS landing pads through VAC/VAM/MTJ stacks in a device region, and to connect BIT line connection pads to CMOS connection pads through BIT connection vias outside the device region. The VAM pad is a single layer or composite made of Ta, TaN, or other conductors which serves as a diffusion barrier, has a highly smooth surface for MTJ formation, and provides excellent selectivity with refill dielectric materials during a chemical mechanical polish process. Each VAC is from 500 to 3000 Angstroms thick to minimize additional circuit resistance and minimize etch burden. | 05-06-2010 |
20110101478 | High density spin-transfer torque MRAM process - A STT-MRAM integration scheme is disclosed wherein the connection between a MTJ and CMOS metal is simplified by forming an intermediate via contact (VAC) on a CMOS landing pad, a metal (VAM) pad that contacts and covers the VAC, and a MTJ on the VAM. A dual damascene process is performed to connect BIT line metal to CMOS landing pads through VAC/VAM/MTJ stacks in a device region, and to connect BIT line connection pads to CMOS connection pads through BIT connection vias outside the device region. The VAM pad is a single layer or composite made of Ta, TaN, or other conductors which serves as a diffusion barrier, has a highly smooth surface for MTJ formation, and provides excellent selectivity with refill dielectric materials during a chemical mechanical polish process. Each VAC is from 500 to 3000 Angstroms thick to minimize additional circuit resistance and minimize etch burden. | 05-05-2011 |
20110129946 | High density spin-transfer torque MRAM process - A STT-MRAM integration scheme is disclosed wherein the connection between a MTJ and CMOS metal is simplified by forming an intermediate via contact (VAC) on a CMOS landing pad, a metal (VAM) pad that contacts and covers the VAC, and a MTJ on the VAM. A dual damascene process is performed to connect BIT line metal to CMOS landing pads through VAC/VAM/MTJ stacks in a device region, and to connect BIT line connection pads to CMOS connection pads through BIT connection vias outside the device region. The VAM pad is a single layer or composite made of Ta, TaN, or other conductors which serves as a diffusion barrier, has a highly smooth surface for MTJ formation, and provides excellent selectivity with refill dielectric materials during a chemical mechanical polish process. Each VAC is from 500 to 3000 Angstroms thick to minimize additional circuit resistance and minimize etch burden. | 06-02-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080277787 | METHOD AND PAD DESIGN FOR THE REMOVAL OF BARRIER MATERIAL BY ELECTROCHEMICAL MECHANICAL PROCESSING - A method and apparatus for processing barrier and metals disposed on a substrate in an electrochemical mechanical planarizing system are provided. In certain embodiments a method for electroprocessing a substrate is provided. The method comprises contacting the substrate with the non-conductive surface of a polishing pad assembly, establishing a first electrically conductive path through an electrolyte between an exposed layer of barrier material and a first electrode, establishing a second electrically conductive path through the electrolyte between the exposed layer of barrier material and a second electrode, applying a voltage to the first electrode to cause a voltage drop between the substrate and the second electrode, and removing the barrier material from the substrate. | 11-13-2008 |
20090008600 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR POLISHING A SUBSTRATE - Polishing compositions and methods for removing conductive materials and barrier materials from a substrate surface are provided. Polishing compositions are provided for removing at least a barrier material from a substrate surface by a chemical mechanical polishing process or by an electrochemical mechanical polishing process. The polishing compositions used in barrier removal may further be used after a process for electrochemical mechanical planarization process of a conductive material. The polishing compositions and methods described herein improve the effective removal rate of materials from the substrate surface with a reduction in planarization type defects. | 01-08-2009 |
20090036032 | TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR ECMP PROCESS - Methods for polishing a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes pressing a substrate against a pad assembly disposed on rotating platen assembly, the pad assembly comprising an electrode coupled to a power source, flowing an electrolyte fluid onto the pad assembly, wherein the electrolyte fluid is in contact with the substrate and the electrode, creating an electrical bias between the electrode and the substrate, and heating the electrolyte fluid with an infrared lamp to a temperature of at least 10 degrees Celsius above room temperature. | 02-05-2009 |
20090088050 | CONDUCTIVE POLISHING ARTICLE FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL MECHANICAL POLISHING - A conductive polishing article is provided. The conductive polishing article at least has a polishing pad, cathodes and anodes. Cathodes and anodes are disposed below the polishing surface of the polishing pad, and an ion exchange membrane at least partially covers the anodes. | 04-02-2009 |
20100116990 | METROLOGY FOR GST FILM THICKNESS AND PHASE - Methods of determining thickness and phase of a GST layer on a semiconductor substrate are described using intensity spectra within the infra-red range. In particular, techniques for using certain transmission at certain frequencies are disclosed for faster thickness and phase determination in an in-line or standalone metrology/monitoring system for CMP processes. | 05-13-2010 |
20100130013 | SLURRY COMPOSITION FOR GST PHASE CHANGE MEMORY MATERIALS POLISHING - A CMP method for polishing a phase change alloy on a substrate surface including positioning the substrate comprising a phase change alloy material on a platen containing a polishing pad and delivering a polishing slurry to the polishing pad. The polishing slurry includes colloidal particles with a particle size less than 60 nm, in an amount between 0.2% to about 10% by weight of slurry, a pH adjustor, a chelating agent, an oxidizing agent in an amount less than 1% by weight of slurry, and polyacrylic acid. The substrate on the platen is polished to remove a portion of the phase change alloy. A rinsing solution for rinsing the substrate on the platen includes deionized water and at least one component in the deionized water where the component selected from the group consisting of polyethylene imine, polyethylene glycol, polyacrylic amide, alcohol ethoxylates, polyacrylic acid, an azole containing compound, benzo-triazole, and combinations thereof. | 05-27-2010 |
20110053465 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LOCAL POLISHING CONTROL - A method and apparatus for local polishing and deposition control in a process cell is generally provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for electrochemically processing a substrate is provided that selectively polishes discrete conductive portions of a substrate by controlling an electrical bias profile across a processing area, thereby controlling processing rates between two or more conductive portions of the substrate. | 03-03-2011 |
20110294293 | CHEMICAL PLANARIZATION OF COPPER WAFER POLISHING - Embodiments described herein relate to removing material from a substrate. More particularly, the embodiments described herein relate to polishing or planarzing a substrate by a chemical mechanical polishing process. In one embodiment, a method of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a substrate is provided. The method comprises exposing a substrate having a conductive material layer formed thereon to a polishing solution comprising phosphoric acid, one or more chelating agents, one or more corrosion inhibitors, and one or more oxidizers, forming a passivation layer on the conductive material layer, providing relative motion between the substrate and a polishing pad and removing at least a portion of the passivation layer to expose a portion of the underlying conductive material layer, and removing a portion of the exposed conductive material layer. | 12-01-2011 |
20120064801 | Feedback Control of Polishing Using Optical Detection of Clearance - A method of controlling polishing includes polishing a first substrate having an overlying layer on an underlying layer or layer structure. During polishing, the substrate is monitored with an in-situ monitoring system to generate a sequence of measurements. The measurements are sorted into groups, each group associated with a different zone of a plurality of zones on the substrate. For each zone, a time at which the overlying layer is cleared is determined based on the measurements from the associated group. At least one second adjusted polishing pressure for at least zone is calculated based on a pressure applied in the at least one zone during polishing the substrate, the time for the at least one zone, and the time for another zone. A second substrate is polished using the at least one adjusted polishing pressure. | 03-15-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120014591 | Cross-Color Image Processing Systems And Methods For Sharpness Enhancement - Systems and methods for processing a detected composite color image to form a processed composite color image includes the following, for each of a plurality of pixels in the image: (1) identifying a window of pixels in the image that surrounds the pixel, (2) calculating a weight factor coefficient for each detected color from detected color intensity values of the pixels that surround the pixel, (3) calculating raw color contributions corresponding to each nonselected color, (4) multiplying each of the detected color values of a selected color and the raw color contributions corresponding to the nonselected colors, with corresponding weight factor coefficients, to form weighted color contributions, and (5) summing the weighted color contributions to form a processed color intensity value for the pixel. | 01-19-2012 |
20120038588 | Optical Position Input System And Method - Optical position input systems and methods determine positions of at least one pointing objects within an active touch area. At least three imager modules form images of at least one pointing objects within the active touch area. A processor computes a position of each of the at least one pointing object based upon the images formed by the at least three imager modules. | 02-16-2012 |
20130147994 | Imaging System And Method Having Extended Depth of Field - An imaging system and method having a selected depth of field include an imaging lens for forming images of an object, the imaging lens having chromatic aberration and a color image sensor for receiving the images of the object. The color image sensor has a selected spectral response, the selected spectral response of the color image sensor defining a selected first center wavelength, a selected second center wavelength and a selected third center wavelength, wherein the selected first center wavelength is larger than the selected second center wavelength and the selected second center wavelength is larger than the selected third center wavelength. The selected spectral response defines the depth of field of the imaging system. A difference between the selected first center wavelength and the selected third center wavelength is greater than 150 nm. | 06-13-2013 |
20140139642 | Camera Array Systems Including At Least One Bayer Type Camera And Associated Methods - A method for processing a plurality of images of a scene recorded from different vantage points, where the plurality of images includes a color reference image captured by a Bayer type camera and at least one additional image, the method including (a) registering at least a portion of the plurality of images, and (b) generating a unitary color image from the plurality of images, wherein color information of the unitary color image is determined exclusively from the color reference image. | 05-22-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110318905 | SILICON/GERMANIUM NANOPARTICLE INKS, LASER PYROLYSIS REACTORS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Laser pyrolysis reactor designs and corresponding reactant inlet nozzles are described to provide desirable particle quenching that is particularly suitable for the synthesis of elemental silicon particles. In particular, the nozzles can have a design to encourage nucleation and quenching with inert gas based on a significant flow of inert gas surrounding the reactant precursor flow and with a large inert entrainment flow effectively surrounding the reactant precursor and quench gas flows. Improved silicon nanoparticle inks are described that has silicon nanoparticles without any surface modification with organic compounds. The silicon ink properties can be engineered for particular printing applications, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing or screen printing. Appropriate processing methods are described to provide flexibility for ink designs without surface modifying the silicon nanoparticles. | 12-29-2011 |
20120024229 | CONTROL OF PLASMA PROFILE USING MAGNETIC NULL ARRANGEMENT BY AUXILIARY MAGNETS - Magnetrons for use in physical vapor deposition (PVD) chambers and methods of use thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a support member having an axis of rotation; a plurality of first magnets coupled to the support member on a first side of the axis of rotation and having a first polarity oriented in a first direction perpendicular to the support member; and a second magnet coupled to the support member on a second side of the axis of rotation opposite the first side and having a second polarity oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the apparatus is capable of forming a magnetic field including one or more magnetic nulls that modulate local plasma uniformity in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber. | 02-02-2012 |
20120193769 | SILICON SUBSTRATES WITH DOPED SURFACE CONTACTS FORMED FROM DOPED SILICON INKS AND CORRESPONDING PROCESSES - The use of doped silicon nanoparticle inks and other liquid dopant sources can provide suitable dopant sources for driving dopant elements into a crystalline silicon substrate using a thermal process if a suitable cap is provided. Suitable caps include, for example, a capping slab, a cover that may or may not rest on the surface of the substrate and a cover layer. Desirable dopant profiled can be achieved. The doped nanoparticles can be delivered using a silicon ink. The residual silicon ink can be removed after the dopant drive-in or at least partially densified into a silicon material that is incorporated into the product device. The silicon doping is suitable for the introduction of dopants into crystalline silicon for the formation of solar cells. | 08-02-2012 |
20130105806 | STRUCTURES INCORPORATING SILICON NANOPARTICLE INKS, DENSIFIED SILICON MATERIALS FROM NANOPARTICLE SILICON DEPOSITS AND CORRESPONDING METHODS | 05-02-2013 |
20130196507 | Method Of Depositing Metals Using High Frequency Plasma - Methods for depositing metal layers, and more specifically TaN layers, using CVD and ALD techniques are provided. In one or more embodiments, the method includes sequentially exposing a substrate to a metal precursor, or more specifically a tantalum precursor, followed by a high frequency plasma. | 08-01-2013 |
20130221286 | SILICON/GERMANIUM NANOPARTICLE INKS, LASER PYROLYSIS REACTORS FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF NANOPARTICLES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Laser pyrolysis reactor designs and corresponding reactant inlet nozzles are described to provide desirable particle quenching that is particularly suitable for the synthesis of elemental silicon particles. In particular, the nozzles can have a design to encourage nucleation and quenching with inert gas based on a significant flow of inert gas surrounding the reactant precursor flow and with a large inert entrainment flow effectively surrounding the reactant precursor and quench gas flows. Improved silicon nanoparticle inks are described that has silicon nanoparticles without any surface modification with organic compounds. The silicon ink properties can be engineered for particular printing applications, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing or screen printing. Appropriate processing methods are described to provide flexibility for ink designs without surface modifying the silicon nanoparticles. | 08-29-2013 |
20130330920 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUBSTRATE PRECLEAN WITH HYDROGEN CONTAINING HIGH FREQUENCY RF PLASMA - A high-frequency, hydrogen-based radio-frequency (RF) plasma is used to reduce a metal oxide and other contaminant disposed in an aperture that is formed in an ultra-low k dielectric material. Because the frequency of the plasma is at least about 40 MHz and the primary gas in the plasma is hydrogen, metal oxide can be advantageously removed without damaging the dielectric material. | 12-12-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080240021 | MAC coordination architecture for multi-ratio coexistence and a method for connecting over sideband channels - A wireless device with a multi-radio platform includes a scheduling coordinator connected by a control bus to enable the radios to share frequency spectrum by operating during time slots requested by the radios, avoid collisions, mitigate interference and control shared hardware components. | 10-02-2008 |
20080242329 | Methods and arrangements for link rate adaptation in multi-radio co-existence platforms - Methods and arrangements for link rate adaptation in multi-radio co-existence platforms (MRPs) are contemplated. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to determine an overlap between receiving by a wireless device of the MRP and transmitting by other of the wireless devices of the MRP and to select a link rate of the wireless device of the MRP based upon the determining an overlap. The embodiments may also include communicating the determined link rate to a wireless device transmitting to the wireless device of the MRP. Embodiments may also include selecting a previously used link rate if the receiving overlaps the transmitting. Embodiments may also include basing the link rate upon an overlapping or non-overlapping Signal-to-Interference-Plus-Noise-Ratio depending on the relative amounts of overlapping and non-overlapping. | 10-02-2008 |
20080247445 | ARCHITECTURE AND METHODS FOR COEXISTENCE OF WIRELESS RADIOS HAVING DIFFERING PROTOCOLS - Embodiments of systems and methods for the coexistence of wireless radios having differing protocols are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments systems and methods for synchronizing clocks between two radios, and using a signal to notify one of the radios to refrain from transmitting for a timeperiod are described. | 10-09-2008 |
20090003294 | Multiple radio platform transmission power control - In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that includes a first radio to communicate with a first wireless network and a second radio to communicate with a second wireless network. A controller is used to estimate signal to noise and interference ratio (SINR) for signal being received by the first radio when the second radio is transmitting. The controller is also to determine if the estimate meets a threshold. Transmissions are permitted from the second radio while the first radio is receiving if the threshold is met. | 01-01-2009 |
20090054009 | MULTI-RADIO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR COORDINATING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN POTENTIALLY INTERFERING RADIOS - Embodiments of a multi-radio wireless communication device having a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) radio module and a Bluetooth (BT) radio module and methods for communicating are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a WiMax active signal is asserted by a coexist controller of the WiMax radio module during receipt of a downlink subframe, and the BT radio module aligns a BT slot boundary of either master-to-slave or slave-to-master slot based on timing information conveyed by the WiMax active signal. The WiMax active signal may be de-asserted by the coexist controller during transmission of an uplink subframe by the WiMax radio module. | 02-26-2009 |
20090088177 | COLLOCATED RADIO COEXISTENCE METHOD - A collocated radio coexistence method is disclosed. The method operates in the frequency domain to protect WiMAX downlink traffic from narrow band interference (e.g. harmonics) caused by other collocated radios, such as GSM 800 MHz, operating simultaneously with an 802.16-capable (WiMAX) radio in a multiple radio coexistence platform (MRP). | 04-02-2009 |
20100316089 | FREQUENCY SELECTION METHOD TO MITIGATE IN-BAND INTERFERENCE FROM INTER-MODULATION SPUR OF THE COLLOCATED RADIO TRANSMITTER - A radio transmitter select its operating frequency based on the frequency characteristics of a collocated receiver and clock harmonics. | 12-16-2010 |
20100329230 | Avoiding beacon conflicts in multi-radio platforms - In a multi-radio platform that operates in two networks, both the announced beacon intervals and the actual beacon intervals in one network may be periodically increased and decreased in defined amounts so that the beacons will not overlap scheduled communications with the other network. The determination of how much and how often to adjust these beacon intervals may be based, at least partially, on the minimum increments in which the beacons intervals are permitted to be adjusted, and on the scheduled communications intervals of the other network. | 12-30-2010 |
20110134891 | WiMAX Scheduling Algorithm for Co-Located WiFi and WiMAX Central Points - After receiving an indication that a co-located central point is receiving co-location interference, a scheduling algorithm may be initiated. The scheduling may include allocating equal number of central points within each WiMAX frame. Each central point is allocated into a minimum number of frames subject to WiMAX capacity constraints. | 06-09-2011 |
20110149920 | MULTI-RADIO PLATFORM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING INTERFERENCE BETWEEN CO-LOCATED RADIOS - Embodiments of a multi-radio platform and method for mitigating the effects of interference are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the multi-radio platform includes co-located radios including a Bluetooth transceiver and a wireless network transceiver. The wireless network transceiver may apply a transmit-active noise-cancellation matrix to signals received by the wireless network transceiver when the Bluetooth transceiver is transmitting and may apply a transmit-inactive noise-cancellation matrix to signals received when the Bluetooth transceiver is not transmitting. The transmit-active noise-cancellation matrix may mitigate effects of emissions generated by the Bluetooth transceiver when the Bluetooth transceiver is transmitting. The transmit-inactive noise-cancellation matrix is to mitigate effects of platform noise generated by platform elements of the multi-radio platform. | 06-23-2011 |
20120230303 | ARCHITECTURE AND METHODS FOR COEXISTENCE OF WIRELESS RADIOS HAVING DIFFERING PROTOCOLS - Embodiments of systems and methods for the coexistence of wireless radios having differing protocols are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments systems and methods for synchronizing clocks between two radios, and using a signal to notify one of the radios to refrain from transmitting for a timeperiod are described. | 09-13-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120120839 | Methods for monitoring channel sounding quality in WLAN devices - A method of monitoring channel-sounding quality for VHT WiFi devices is provided. A mobile station (the receiver) receives a sounding signal transmitted from an access point (the transmitter) over one or multiple sub-channels of a wide channel in a wireless network. The receiver performs channel estimation and determines an estimated channel response matrix. The receiver then calculates sounding quality for each valid sub-channel by computing an estimation error of the received sounding signal based on the estimated channel matrix. The receiver transmits a feedback message to the transmitter. The feedback message contains sounding quality information derived from the calculated channel sounding quality. If the channel sounding qualities for all valid sub-channels are poor, then a null VHT channel feedback frame is sent back to the transmitter. | 05-17-2012 |
20120263055 | Fast Link Adaptation and Transmit Power Control in Wireless Networks - An open-loop fast link adaptation scheme is proposed in an OFDM system. An access point first transmits a downlink packet comprising an open-loop link metric to a wireless station. The open-loop link metric contains a transmit power of the downlink packet plus a receiver sensitivity of the access point. The wireless station measures a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value of the downlink packet. The wireless station then applies open-loop link adaptation and determines a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) based on the open-loop link metric and the RSSI value. The open-loop link adaptation scheme is especially suitable for smart meter/sensor networks as it reduces overhead and increases link capacity. | 10-18-2012 |
20130010632 | Simultaneous Feedback Signaling for Dynamic Bandwidth Selection - A method of simultaneously providing channel quality feedback information in all valid sub-channels is provided to facilitate and improve the performance of dynamic transmission bandwidth adjustment and fast link adaptation. A receiving device receives a sounding signal over a wide channel in a wireless system. The sounding signal is transmitted from a transmitting device over multiple sub-channels of the wide channel. The receiving device estimates channel quality information based on the sounding signal for each sub-channel. The channel quality information includes estimated average SNR and recommended MCS and other channel quality metrics. The receiving device transmits a feedback message to the transmitting device. The feedback message contains the estimated channel quality information for all valid sub-channels within the transmission bandwidth. The transmitting device performs dynamic transmission bandwidth selection and fast link adaptation based on the channel quality information for all valid sub-channels. | 01-10-2013 |
20130107916 | Methods for Inter-User Interference Indication Feedback and Usage in MU-MIMO Wireless Systems | 05-02-2013 |
20130195029 | Method and System for Supporting Incompatible Channelization of a Wireless Communications System - A method of supporting incompatible channelization in a wireless communications system is provided. A coordinating device determines a first set of physical parameters of a first wireless channel. The first set of physical parameters includes a channel bandwidth, a central frequency, a transmit power limit, and a modulation and coding scheme. The coordinating device establishes communication with a first set of communications devices over the first wireless channel. The coordinating device then broadcasts a channel-adjustment message and determines a protection period. The channel-adjustment message comprises a set of instructions on how to adjust to a second set of physical parameters of a second wireless channel. A second set of communications devices adjust physical parameters based on the channel-adjustment message. Finally, the coordinating device communicates with the second set of communications devices over the second wireless channel during the protection period. | 08-01-2013 |
20130315325 | Method and Apparatus of Beam Training for MIMO Operation - The disclosed invention provides an efficient method for beam training to enable spatial multiplexing MIMO operation and spatial combining in a wireless network. The invention discloses a simple and efficient beam-training algorithm and protocol for MIMO operation that operates in high SNR condition for reliable MIMO operation. In one novel aspect, the best MIMO beam combinations are determined after TX sector sweeping and RX sector sweeping. In addition, the selection criteria includes not only signal quality, but also considers mutual interference and leakage among multiple MIMO spatial streams to improve overall MIMO performance. | 11-28-2013 |
20130343211 | Beam-Change Indication for Channel Estimation Improvement in Wireless Networks - A method of channel estimation enhancement is provided. In a wireless communications system, a transmitting device transmits a long preamble frame comprising a first training field, a signal field, and a second training field. The signal field has a beam-change indicator bit indicates whether there is beam change between the first training field and the second training field. A receiving device receives the long preamble frame, performs a first channel estimation based on the first training field, and performs a second channel estimation based on the second training field. If the beam-change indicator bit indicates negative beam change, then the receiving device performs channel estimation enhancement by combining the first channel estimation and the second channel estimation. As a result, channel estimation performance is improved. | 12-26-2013 |
20140071892 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DATA COMMUNICATIONS IN MILLIMETER WAVE NETWORK - The method and apparatus of data communications for a transmitter in a millimeter wave network are provided. The method includes: generating a control physical layer (CPHY) preamble; generating a header, wherein the header includes a mode indicator; modulating and encoding a payload according to the mode indicator; generating a packet according to the control physical layer (CPHY) preamble, the header and the payload; and transmitting the packet. | 03-13-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110090955 | Predictive Adaptive Scan Ordering for Video Coding - An apparatus comprising an inter-prediction motion compensation unit, a transform unit coupled to the inter-prediction motion compensation unit, a quantization unit coupled to the transform unit such that the transform unit is positioned between the inter-prediction motion compensation unit and the quantization unit, a scanning unit coupled to the quantization unit such that the quantization unit is positioned between the transform unit and the scanning unit, and an adaptive scan order predictor unit coupled to the inter-prediction motion compensation unit, the quantization unit, and the scanning unit. An apparatus comprising an entropy decoding unit, an inverse scanning unit coupled to the entropy decoding unit, an inverse quantization unit coupled to the inverse scanning unit such that the inverse scanning unit is positioned between the entropy coding unit and the inverse quantization unit, and an adaptive scan order predictor unit coupled to the entropy decoding unit and the inverse scanning unit. | 04-21-2011 |
20110243230 | Multiple Predictor Sets for Intra-Frame Coding - An apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive a current block of an image, select an optimal prediction mode of a plurality of prediction modes for the current block, wherein the selected prediction mode corresponds to a selected one of a plurality of group-numbers and a selected one of a plurality of index-numbers, predict one of the plurality of group-numbers based on a first known group-number and a second known group-number, wherein the predicted group-number is predicted independent from any known index-numbers, clear a first flag when the predicted group-number matches the selected group-number, and set the first flag and encode the selected group-number into a coded data stream when the predicted group-number does not match the selected group-number, wherein the first flag is located in an overhead of the coded data stream. | 10-06-2011 |
20110262050 | Two-Layer Prediction Method for Multiple Predictor-Set Intra Coding - An apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive a current block of an image, determine an optimal prediction mode of a plurality of prediction modes for the current block, wherein the optimal prediction mode corresponds to either a standard predictor set or a non-standard predictor set, predict a predicted predictor set based on a first known predictor set and a second known predictor set, clear a first flag if the predicted predictor set matches the optimal predictor set; and set the first flag if the predicted predictor set does not match the optimal predictor set. | 10-27-2011 |
20120082221 | Multiple Predictor Set For Intra Coding with Intra Mode Prediction - An apparatus comprising a codec configured to predict an intra mode for a considered block based on a plurality of group numbers and a plurality of corresponding group indices for a plurality used modes of a plurality of adjacent blocks to the considered block, wherein a group number corresponding to an actual intra mode for the considered block is coded and sent if the predicted intra mode does not match the actual intra mode. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a processor configured to predict an intra mode for a considered block based on a minimum group number and a minimum group index of two used modes for two adjacent blocks of the considered block, and a transmitter configured to send coded bits of a group number for an actual intra mode for the considered block if the actual intra mode does not match the predicted intra mode. | 04-05-2012 |
20120230403 | Using Multiple Prediction Sets to Encode Extended Unified Directional Intra Mode Numbers for Robustness - An apparatus comprising a codec configured to predict an intra mode for a considered pixel block based on a plurality of coded intra modes for a plurality of adjacent pixel blocks to the considered pixel block, wherein the predicted intra mode and the coded intra modes correspond to a set of intra-frame modes that comprise a plurality of directional intra modes and at least two non-directional intra modes and that are assigned a plurality of corresponding group numbers and group index numbers, and wherein the intra mode is predicted based on the group numbers and group index numbers of the coded intra modes. | 09-13-2012 |
20120320974 | Mode Dependent Intra Smoothing Filter Table Mapping Methods for Non-Square Prediction Units - An apparatus comprising a processor configured to determine whether to use an intra smoothing filter for a rectangular prediction unit (PU) based on a lookup table (LUT) used for square PUs, wherein a width of the rectangular PU is not equal to a height of the rectangular PU. | 12-20-2012 |
20130003832 | Simplified Bilateral Intra Smoothing Filter - A method comprising receiving a plurality of reference pixels, computing a plurality of filter coefficients based on differences between a reference pixel and neighboring reference pixels in the plurality of reference pixels, and combining the filter coefficients with the reference pixel and the neighboring reference pixels to generate a filtered value, wherein the filtered value is used for intra prediction. | 01-03-2013 |
20130114696 | Angular Table for Improving Intra Prediction - A method of intra prediction comprising computing a prediction block for a luma block, wherein computing the prediction block includes using a plurality of directional intra prediction modes and an angular table (angTable) comprising a plurality of entries, and wherein a value of each entry is determined via a mathematical derivation. An apparatus comprising a memory configured to store an angTable comprising a plurality of entries, wherein a value of each entry is determined via a mathematical derivation, and a processor configured to compute a prediction block for a luma block using a plurality of directional intra prediction modes and the angTable. | 05-09-2013 |
20130188696 | Reduced Look-Up Table for LM Mode Calculation - A video codec comprising a processor configured to generate a prediction block for a chroma block, wherein the prediction block comprises a plurality of predicted chroma samples, wherein each of the plurality of predicted chroma samples is based on a first plurality of reconstructed luma samples located in a corresponding reconstructed luma block, a second plurality of reconstructed luma samples located in neighboring blocks of the corresponding reconstructed luma block, and a look-up table, wherein an index of the look-up table is based on the second plurality of reconstructed luma samples, wherein an index of the look-up table has less than 63 values. | 07-25-2013 |
20130188702 | Simplification of Mode Dependent Intra Smoothing - An apparatus comprising a processor configured to determine whether to apply an intra smoothing filter for a prediction unit (PU) based on a lookup table (LUT), wherein the LUT comprises data indicating the intra smoothing filter should not be applied for any PU with a block size of 8×8 pixels and associated with directional prediction mode. The disclosure also includes a method comprising generating reference samples, determining a size of a PU block, and selecting the reference samples based on PU block size, wherein filtered reference samples are not selected for PU blocks with a size of 8×8 pixels and associated with directional prediction mode. | 07-25-2013 |
20130188703 | Reference Pixel Reduction for Intra LM Prediction - A video codec comprising a processor configured to generate a prediction block for a chroma block, wherein the prediction block comprises a predicted chroma sample, wherein the predicted chroma sample is based on a filtered reconstructed luma sample located in a corresponding reconstructed luma block, a plurality of downsampled filtered reconstructed luma samples located in positions neighboring the corresponding reconstructed luma block, and a plurality of downsampled chroma samples located in positions neighboring the chroma block. | 07-25-2013 |
20130188705 | Simplification of LM Mode - A video codec comprising a processor configured to compute an average of a plurality of reconstructed chroma samples located in neighboring blocks of a chroma block and adjacent to the chroma block, compute an intermediate variable by applying an integer function on the average of the reconstructed chroma samples, and generate a predicted chroma sample for the chroma block based on the intermediate variable. | 07-25-2013 |
20130272396 | LM Mode with Uniform Bit-Width Multipliers - A video codec comprising a processor configured to generate a predicted chroma sample for a chroma block based on a plurality of reconstructed luma samples located in neighboring blocks of a corresponding reconstructed luma block and adjacent to the corresponding reconstructed luma block, and a plurality of reconstructed chroma samples located in neighboring blocks of the chroma block and adjacent to the chroma block, wherein generating the predicted chroma sample comprises computing a plurality of multipliers, wherein each of the plurality of multipliers has a bit width no greater than an input bit depth of the chroma block, and wherein generating the predicted chroma sample does not require any multiplier that has a bit width greater than the input bit depth of the chroma block. | 10-17-2013 |
20140192898 | CODING UNIT BIT NUMBER LIMITATION - Systems, devices and methods related to video coding including a coding unit bit number limitation are described. | 07-10-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080218127 | Battery management systems with controllable adapter output - A battery management system comprises a control circuit and an adapter. The control circuit can be used to generate a control signal according to a status of each cell of a plurality of cells in a battery pack. The adapter receives the control signal and charges the battery pack. An output power of the adapter is adjusted according to the control signal. | 09-11-2008 |
20090001937 | Power management systems with controllable adapter output - A power management system includes a battery pack having a battery controller and includes an adapter operable for charging the battery pack and powering a system load. The adapter generates a power recognition signal indicative of a maximum adapter power and receives a control signal. The battery controller in the battery pack receives the power recognition signal and generates the control signal to adjust an output power of the adapter according to a status of the battery pack and a status of the system load. | 01-01-2009 |
20100007350 | OVER VOLTAGE TRANSIENT CONTROLLER - An over voltage transient controller to protect a rechargeable battery from an over voltage transient condition. The over voltage transient controller may comprise a comparator to compare a first signal with a second signal representative of a reference voltage level and to provide an output signal representative of an over voltage transient condition to a switch if the first signal is greater than or equal to the second signal. The switch is responsive to the output signal to protect the rechargeable battery from the over voltage transient condition. The over voltage transient controller may further comprise a DAC, wherein the second signal is based, at least in part, on an output of the DAC. An apparatus comprising a charge switch and such an over voltage transient controller is also provided. | 01-14-2010 |
20100188046 | BATTERY CELL MONITORING AND BALANCING CIRCUIT - A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided. | 07-29-2010 |
20100188047 | BATTERY CELL MONITORING AND BALANCING CIRCUIT - A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided. | 07-29-2010 |
20110001357 | VERTICAL BUS CIRCUITS - A vertical bus circuit includes multiple devices for transmitting signals between the bus devices. The multiple devices share multiple common voltage levels. Each of the devices includes a bus block and two input/output (I/O) devices powered by a first voltage level and a second voltage level of the common voltage levels, respectively. The bus block enables signal transmission between the two I/O devices, and the common voltage levels enable the signal transmission between the devices. | 01-06-2011 |
20110298425 | BATTERY CELL MONITORING AND BALANCING CIRCUIT - A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided. | 12-08-2011 |
20120038483 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BATTERY STATUS INDICATION - A method and apparatus are provided to indicate battery capacity status. Different blinking frequencies of an LED correspond to different battery states of charge. Furthermore, the present invention provides a smooth visual brightness change of the LED by providing the appropriate LED current according to human eye characteristics. | 02-16-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110145567 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO COMBINE MULTIPLE DIGITAL CERTIFICATES USING THE SUBJECT ALTERNATIVE NAME EXTENSION - A method for forming a digital certificate includes receiving contact information associated with the digital certificate. The contact information includes at least a name, a mailing address, and an email address. The method also includes receiving billing information associated with the digital certificate and receiving a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for the digital certificate. The method further includes receiving a first name for use in forming the digital certificate and receiving a second name for use in forming the digital certificate. Moreover, the method includes receiving an indication of a vendor of web server software, receiving an indication of a service period for the digital certificate, and forming the digital certificate. The first name is stored in a Subject field of the digital certificate and the second name is stored in the SubjectAltName extension of the digital certificate. | 06-16-2011 |
20110145569 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVISIONING MULTIPLE DIGITAL CERTIFICATES - A method of provisioning a first digital certificate and a second digital certificate based on an existing digital certificate includes receiving information related to the existing digital certificate. The existing digital certificate includes a first name listed in a Subject field and a second name listed in a SubjectAltName extension. The method also includes receiving an indication from a user to split the existing digital certificate and extracting the first name from the Subject field and the second name from the SubjectAltName extension of the existing digital certificate. The method further includes extracting the public key from the existing digital certificate, provisioning the first digital certificate with the first name listed in a Subject field of the first digital certificate and the public key, and provisioning the second digital certificate with the second name listed in a Subject field of the second digital certificate and the public key. | 06-16-2011 |
20110153479 | Alternative Approach to Deployment and Payment for Digital Certificates - A method for managing payment of digital certificates includes receiving a request to issue a digital certificate to a subscriber, capturing and saving payment information of the subscriber, performing a first authentication and verification of the subscriber at a first time, and performing at least one additional authentication and verification of the subscriber at least once every authentication period. A long-lived certificate is issued to the subscriber provided the subscriber is authenticated and verified. The long-lived certificate is valid for an expiration period. However, the long-lived certificate is revoked if (1) the additional authentications and verification produce invalid results, or (2) if payment is not received during a payment period. The authentication period is shorter than the expiration period and there are at least a first and a second authentication period within the expiration period. The expiration period is longer than the authentication period. | 06-23-2011 |
20110154027 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CO-TERMINATION OF DIGITAL CERTIFICATES - A method of renewing a plurality of digital certificates includes receiving, at a first time, a request from a user to renew a first digital certificate and determining an expiration date for the first digital certificate. The method also includes receiving, at a second time, a request from the user to renew a second digital certificate and determining an expiration date for the second digital certificate. The expiration date for the second certificate is later than the expiration date for the first certificate. The method further includes determining a new expiration date occurring after the first time and the second time and renewing the first digital certificate. An expiration date for the renewed first digital certificate is equal to the new expiration date. Moreover, the method includes renewing the second digital certificate. An expiration date for the renewed second digital certificate is equal to the new expiration date. | 06-23-2011 |
20130138953 | COMBINING MULTIPLE DIGITAL CERTIFICATES - A method for forming a digital certificate includes receiving contact information associated with the digital certificate. The contact information includes at least a name, a mailing address, and an email address. The method also includes receiving billing information associated with the digital certificate and receiving a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) for the digital certificate. The method further includes receiving a first name for use in forming the digital certificate and receiving a second name for use in forming the digital certificate. Moreover, the method includes receiving an indication of a vendor of web server software, receiving an indication of a service period for the digital certificate, and forming the digital certificate. The first name is stored in a Subject field of the digital certificate and the second name is stored in the SubjectAltName extension of the digital certificate. | 05-30-2013 |
20130145155 | PROVISIONING MULTIPLE DIGITAL CERTIFICATES - A method of provisioning a first digital certificate and a second digital certificate based on an existing digital certificate includes receiving information related to the existing digital certificate. The existing digital certificate includes a first name listed in a Subject field and a second name listed in a SubjectAltName extension. The method also includes receiving an indication from a user to split the existing digital certificate and extracting the first name from the Subject field and the second name from the SubjectAltName extension of the existing digital certificate. The method further includes extracting the public key from the existing digital certificate, provisioning the first digital certificate with the first name listed in a Subject field of the first digital certificate and the public key, and provisioning the second digital certificate with the second name listed in a Subject field of the second digital certificate and the public key. | 06-06-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090103920 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPARENT ETHERNET MULTIPLEXING AND DEMULTIPLEXING - A method and apparatus for multiplexing multiple Ethernet-based data streams in an optical network reduce the number of optical transceivers required by the optical network. Multiple data streams are multiplexed into a combined data stream, transmitted from a node in the optical network as the combined data stream, and demultiplexed at the receiving node. Data streams are multiplexed and demultiplexed at the bit level, and packets from each data stream are routed based on a VLAN tag that is contained in the header of each packet. By transmitting the information contained in multiple data streams as a single multiplexed data stream, the number of optical transceivers required for the optical network may be reduced by more than half. An optical supervisory channel may also be bundled with one of the data streams to eliminate the need for a dedicated transceiver for the optical supervisory channel. | 04-23-2009 |
20090116847 | OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER WITH IN-BAND MANAGEMENT CHANNEL - A supervisory signal is superimposed onto a high-speed data stream so that the number of optical transceivers needed by an optical network is reduced. The supervisory signal is superimposed onto the high-speed data stream as an in-band modulation of the data stream. To improve signal-to-noise ratio of the in-band supervisory signal, the supervisory signal is first modulated to a higher frequency before it is superimposed onto the high-speed data stream. | 05-07-2009 |
20100014858 | Reduction Of Packet Loss Through Optical Layer Protection - Packet loss in an optical network transporting Ethernet-based data traffic is reduced using a switch in a transmitting node. When the transmitting node of the optical network detects a fault in an optical link, the switch buffers incoming data traffic until the optical link is reestablished. The switch may be an Ethernet switch that re-routes data traffic along one or more additional optical fibers that are connected in parallel with a defunct optical fiber to reestablish the optical link between two nodes. The switch may also be an optical switch that is configured to re-route optical data traffic from a defunct optical fiber to a redundant optical fiber. | 01-21-2010 |
20100061726 | Dynamically Reconfiguring An Optical Network Using An Ethernet Switch - An Ethernet switch is used to dynamically reconfigure an optical network having a fixed optical layer. The Ethernet switch is incorporated into a transmission node of the optical network to selectively route data streams received through its input channels to one of the output channels. The data streams at the output channels are multiplexed into multiple wavelength channels of a multiplexed optical signal, and the wavelength channels are selectively dropped at local nodes of the optical network. In addition, the Ethernet switch can be used to reroute data from a single data stream to multiple wavelength channels, and thereby perform sub-wavelength multiplexing. | 03-11-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120106624 | Method and Apparatus of Slice Boundary Filtering for High Efficiency Video Coding - An apparatus and method for video coding having intra-slice deblocking, intra-slice adaptive loop filter, and intra-slice adaptive offset are disclosed. In a video coding system, a picture is often divided into slices and each slice is independently processed so that errors or missing data from one slice cannot propagate to any other slice within the picture. In the recent high efficiency video coding (HEVC) development, deblock filtering (DF), adaptive loop filter (ALF) and adaptive offset (AO) may be applied to reconstructed slices. When the processing is applied across slice boundaries, it may rely on pixels outside the current slice and cause dependency of the current slice on other slice(s). Consequently, the DF/ALF/AO processing on a reconstructed slice may have to wait until the reconstructed slices that it is dependent from complete the DF/ALF/AO processing. To overcome the slice boundary issue, intra-slice DF/ALF/AO is developed that does not rely on any pixel outside the currently slice. An optional slice boundary filter may be applied to slice boundaries after all slices are processed by the intra-slice DF/ALF/AO. | 05-03-2012 |
20120128067 | Apparatus and Method of Constrained Partition Size for High Efficiency Video Coding - An apparatus and method for video coding and decoding with constrained PU partition are disclosed. In the High Efficient Video Coding (HEVC) system, rate-distortion function or other performance criterion usually is evaluated for various CU partition and PU partition during the encoding process in order to select a configuration with best possible performance. The PU design in the current HEVC development results in some redundancy that causes rate-distortion function or other performance criterion repeatedly evaluated for same PU configuration. Accordingly, constrained PU partition is developed to eliminate or reduce the redundancy in processing. Furthermore, necessary syntax to convey the information related to constrained PU partition between an encoder and a decoder is developed. Systems embodying the present invention has been shown to result in sizeable reduction in encoding and decoding time while the performance in terms of RD-rate remains approximately the same or slightly higher than a conventional HEVC system. | 05-24-2012 |
20120195366 | Method and Apparatus of Adaptive Inter Mode Coding Using Variable Length Codes - A method and apparatus for adaptive inter prediction mode coding are disclosed. In the current HEVC, a fixed set of variable length codes is used for the underlying video data, which may not optimally match the statistics of underlying video data. Consequently, the compression efficiency associated with the fixed set of variable length codes will be compromised. Accordingly, an adaptive coding scheme for inter prediction modes is disclosed. The variable length codes used for each inter prediction mode in each coding unit depth is adaptively determined by its respective statistics. The statistics can be measured as the frequency of occurrence of each mode. In one embodiment according to the present invention, counters are used to collect the statistics. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the statistics of inter prediction modes are collected from the previous slice and the set of variable length codes is determined for the subsequent slice (immediately following the previous slice) accordingly. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the statistics of inter prediction modes are updated for each coding unit and the variable length code for each mode is adjusted according to the statistics change during the coding process. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the variable length code for each mode is reset in the beginning of each slice. The reset code word table is either a predefined code word table for whole sequence or a code word table determined by the previous slice. | 08-02-2012 |
20120230411 | Method and Apparatus of Transform Unit Partition with Reduced Complexity - Three block concepts are introduced in HEVC: coding unit (CU), prediction unit (PU), and transform unit (TU). The overall coding structure is characterized by the various sizes of CU, PU and TU in a recursive fashion. For transform processing in current HEVC, a hierarchy RQT (Residual Quad Tree) is used and the TU size is related to the CU size, but independent of the PU size. This results in high encoding complexity and also causes increased processing time to process the syntax of residual quad tree. Accordingly a modified transform unit partition with reduced complexity is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the TU size may be restricted to the minimum of PU width and height, except for a 2N×2N coding unit with the 2N×2N partition type. In another embodiment, the maximum TU size equals to maximum of PU width and height, and the minimum TU size equals to minimum of the PU width and height, except for a 2N×2N coding unit with the 2N×2N partition type. In yet another embodiment, the TU size is selected between 2N×2N and N×N for the 2N×2N, 2N×N, N×2N and N×N partition types. The syntax element, split_transform_flag, is used to indicate the selection of 2N×2N or N×N TU size when needed. Furthermore, a method with reduced complexity of selecting the best merge candidate for the 2N×2N CU merge mode is disclosed. The method relies on R-D cost associated with the motion vector of merge candidate to reduce required computation. | 09-13-2012 |
20130022129 | Method and Apparatus for Compressing Coding Unit in High Efficiency Video Coding - In HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), a 2N×2N coding unit can be partitioned into various partition types hierarchically. The coding system uses a criterion to determine the best partition, where RD-rate is often used as the criterion. N×N partition at level k becomes redundant if 2N×2N at level k+1 will be evaluated. In order to eliminate the above redundancy, the allowable partition sizes are constrained according to a method previously disclosed. In the current invention, the complexity is further reduced. According to one embodiment, N×N partition is not allowed for any INTER mode regardless of the coding unit size. Furthermore, flexibility is provided so that either the method and apparatus with further complexity reduction can be selected or an alternative method and apparatus can be selected. Syntaxes to support embodiments according to the present invention are also disclosed. | 01-24-2013 |
20130266064 | Method and Apparatus for Intra Mode Coding in HEVC - A method and apparatus for Intra prediction mode encoding or decoding based on multi-level most probable modes (MPMs) are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the method and apparatus for encoding or decoding Intra prediction mode for 4×4 prediction unit (PU) use 19 Intra mode candidates to have full directional coverage or 35 Intra mode candidates as used by 8×8, 16×16 and 32×32 PUs. In another embodiment of the present invention, three MPMs are used to code the Intra modes. Various methods to derive the three MPMs based on the Intra modes of neighboring blocks are disclosed. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the coding method for the remaining modes comprises fixed length coding. In addition, variable length coding for the remaining modes are also disclosed. | 10-10-2013 |
20130266207 | METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING VIEW ORDER OF IMAGE FRAMES OF STEREO IMAGE PAIR ACCORDING TO IMAGE CHARACTERISTICS AND RELATED MACHINE READABLE MEDIUM THEREOF - A method for identifying an actual view order of image frames of a stereo image pair includes at least the following steps: receiving the image frames; obtaining image characteristics by analyzing the image frames according to an assumed view order; and identifying the actual view order by checking the image characteristics. In addition, a machine readable medium storing a program code is provided. The program causes a processor to perform at least the following steps for identifying an actual view order of image frames of a stereo image pair when executed by the processor: receiving the image frames; obtaining image characteristics by analyzing the image frames according to an assumed view order; and identifying the actual view order by checking the image characteristics. | 10-10-2013 |
20140086323 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CODING OF INTRA PREDICTION MODE - Embodiments according to the present invention configure the intra prediction mode candidates into multi-level MPM sets, which comprise at least a first-level MPM set and a second-level MPM set. Encoding or decoding a current intra prediction mode is based on the multi-level MPM sets, where one syntax element of the syntax information to be generated or decoded respectively is associated with evaluating the current intra prediction mode using the first-level MPM set. A method and apparatus for spectively is associated with evaluating the current intra prediction mode using the first-level MPM set. A method and apparatus for chroma intra prediction mode encoding and decoding are also disclosed. The chroma intra prediction mode set includes a Luma-based chroma prediction Mode (LM), a Direct Mode (DM) and four other modes. The codeword set comprises variable-length codewords and fixed-length codewords, and the fixed-length codewords are longer than the variable-length codewords. The variable-length codewords are used for the DM and LM, and the fixed-length codewords are used for the four other modes. | 03-27-2014 |
20140140404 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTRA PREDICTION USING NON-SQUARE BLOCKS - A method and apparatus for Intra prediction of a block based on neighboring pixels around the block are disclosed. Embodiments according to the present invention use square blocks as well as non-square blocks for Intra prediction. For a 2N×2N Luma CU (coding unit), the CU can be partitioned into 2N×N, N×2N, 2N×2N or N×N PUs. The 2N×N and N×2N PUs can be further processed by either square transforms only or both non-square and square transforms. In one embodiment, the 2N×N PU or the N×2N PU is processed as two N×N TUs (transform units) and each of the N×N TU is further split into smaller N×N TUs based on quad-tree split. In another embodiment, the 2N×N and N×2N PUs are processed as two 2N×0.5N and 0.5N×2N TUs respectively. | 05-22-2014 |
20140177728 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF TRANSFORM BLOCK PROCESSING ACCORDING TO QUANTIZATION MATRIX IN VIDEO CODING - A method and system for processing transform blocks according to quantization matrices in a video coding system are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention derive one or more derived quantization matrices from one or more initial quantization matrices or from one previously derived quantization matrix. In one embodiment, the initial quantization matrices include a 4×4 and 8×8 quantization matrices, which can be either default or user-defined. All quantization matrices larger than 8×8 can be derived from the 4×4 and 8×8 initial quantization matrices. Non-square quantization matrices can be derived from at least one initial square quantization matrix or at least one derived square quantization matrix. Individual initial quantization matrices may be used to derive respective larger quantization matrices. Furthermore, the individual initial quantization matrices may be derived from larger quantization matrices designed for corresponding transform sizes. Syntax design to enable the quantization matrix representation is also disclosed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140211850 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTION MODE AND PARTITION MODE SYNTAX CODIND FOR CODING UNITS IN HEVC - A method and apparatus for coding of syntax elements are disclosed to allow prediction units in P and B slices to share the same syntax coding table. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the method and apparatus coding of syntax elements selectively apply a syntax coding table to encode or decode the syntax element associated with the partition mode of a coding unit of a picture region according to the slice type of the picture region. A first syntax coding table is used to process the syntax element if the slice type is an I mode and a second syntax coding table is used to process the syntax element if the slice type is not an I mode. | 07-31-2014 |
20140328396 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTEXT ADAPTIVE BINARY ARITHMETIC CODING OF SYNTAX ELEMENTS - A method and apparatus for context-adaptive Start arithmetic coding (CABAC) of a syntax element are disclosed. The bin string corresponding to a syntax element is processed by context-adaptive arithmetic coding with a reduced number of contexts using the bin-level bypass mode, bin-level context sharing, or both. The syntax element belongs to a group comprising merge_idx, ref_idx_lc/ref_idx_10/ref_idx_11, pred_type, and cu_qp_delta. In one embodiment, the syntax element corresponds to merge_idx and three bins of the bin string with bin indices corresponding to 1, 2 and 3 are coded in the bin by-pass mode. In another embodiment, the syntax element corresponds to ref_idx_lc/ref_idx_10/ref_idx_11 and one or more bins of the bin string with bin indices larger than 1 for larger than 2 are coded in the bin bypass mode. | 11-06-2014 |
20150049817 | Method and Apparatus for Compressing Coding Unit in High Efficiency Video Coding - In HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), a 2N×2N coding unit can be partitioned into various partition types hierarchically. The coding system uses a criterion to determine the best partition, where RD-rate is often used as the criterion. N×N partition at level k becomes redundant if 2N×2N at level k+1 will be evaluated. In order to eliminate the above redundancy, the allowable partition sizes are constrained according to a method previously disclosed. In the current invention, the complexity is further reduced. According to one embodiment, N×N partition is not allowed for any INTER mode regardless of the coding unit size. Furthermore, flexibility is provided so that either the method and apparatus with further complexity reduction can be selected or an alternative method and apparatus can be selected. Syntaxes to support embodiments according to the present invention are also disclosed. | 02-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120103403 | MULTI-JUNCTION SOLAR CELL WITH DILUTE NITRIDE SUB-CELL HAVING GRADED DOPING - A lattice-matched solar cell having a dilute nitride-based sub-cell has exponential doping to thereby control current-carrying capacity of the solar cell. Specifically a solar cell with at least one dilute nitride sub-cell that has a variably doped base or emitter is disclosed. In one embodiment, a lattice matched multi junction solar cell has an upper sub-cell, a middle sub-cell and a lower dilute nitride sub-cell, the lower dilute nitride sub-cell having doping in the base and/or the emitter that is at least partially exponentially doped so as to improve its solar cell performance characteristics. In construction, the dilute nitride sub-cell may have the lowest bandgap and be lattice matched to a substrate, the middle cell typically has a higher bandgap than the dilute nitride sub-cell while it is lattice matched to the dilute nitride sub-cell. The upper sub-cell typically has the highest bandgap and is lattice matched to the adjacent sub-cell. In further embodiments, a multi junction solar cell according to the invention may comprise four, five or more sub-cells in which the one or more sub-cells may each comprise exponentially doped dilute nitride alloys. | 05-03-2012 |
20130118546 | High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells - Multijunction solar cells having at least four subcells are disclosed, in which at least one of the subcells comprises a base layer formed of an alloy of one or more elements from group III on the periodic table, nitrogen, arsenic, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb and Bi, and each of the subcells is substantially lattice matched. Methods of manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic systems comprising at least one of the multijunction solar cells are also disclosed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130118566 | HIGH EFFICIENCY MULTIJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - Multijunction solar cells having at least four subcells are disclosed, in which at least one of the subcells comprises a base layer formed of an alloy of one or more elements from group III on the periodic table, nitrogen, arsenic, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb and Bi, and each of the subcells is substantially lattice matched. Methods of manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic systems comprising at least one of the multijunction solar cells are also disclosed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130122638 | High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells - Multijunction solar cells having at least four subcells are disclosed, in which at least one of the subcells comprises a base layer formed of an alloy of one or more elements from group III on the periodic table, nitrogen, arsenic, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sb and Bi, and each of the subcells is substantially lattice matched. Methods of manufacturing solar cells and photovoltaic systems comprising at least one of the multijunction solar cells are also disclosed. | 05-16-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110291007 | Movable Detector for Charged Particle Beam Inspection or Review - The present invention generally relates to a detection unit of a charged particle imaging system. More particularly, portion of the detection unit can move into or out of the detection system as imaging condition required. With the assistance of a Wein filter (also known as an E×B charged particle analyzer) and a movable detector design, the present invention provides a stereo imaging system that suitable for both low current, high resolution mode and high current, high throughput mode. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to a scanning electron beam inspection system. But it would be recognized that the invention could apply to other system using charged particle beam as an observation tool. | 12-01-2011 |
20130112889 | WIEN FILTER - This invention provides a multi-pole type Wien filter, which acts more purely approaching its fundamentally expected performance. A 12-electrode electric device acts as an electric deflector,or acts as an electric deflector and an electric stigmator together. A cylindrical 4-coil magnetic device with a magnetic core acts as a magnetic deflector. Both can produce a dipole field while only incurring a negligibly-small 3rd order field harmonic. The magnetic core enhances the strength and more preciously regulates the distribution of the magnetic field originally generated by the coils. Then two ways to construct a Wien filter are proposed. One way is based on both of the foregoing electric and magnetic devices, and the other way is based on the foregoing electric device and a conventional magnetic deflector. The astigmatism in each of such Wien filters can be compensated by the electric stigmator of the electric device. | 05-09-2013 |
20130181138 | Multi-axis Magnetic Lens for Focusing a Plurality of Charged Particle Beams - A cellular-type PD unit is proposed and a plurality of the cellular-type PD units is used in pairs in a multi-axis magnetic lens for focusing a plurality of charged beams. First type PD units or second type PD units (called as hybrid PD unit as well) can be applied to cellular-type PD units to flexibly construct sub-lenses. Furthermore, magnetic shielding plates with a plurality of through openings can be placed above and/or below the multi-axis magnetic lens to make magnetic flux leaking out of the multi-axis magnetic lens vanish away rapidly outside the magnetic shielding plates. | 07-18-2013 |
20130277554 | Charged Particle Beam Apparatus - The present invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus which employs LVSEM to inspect sample surface with a throughput much higher than the prior art. The high throughput is realized by providing a probe current and a FOV both several times of those of the prior art. Accordingly several means are proposed to avoid obvious degradation of image resolution due to the increases in Coulomb effect and geometric aberrations, and increase efficiency and uniformity of secondary charged particle collection. | 10-24-2013 |
20150060662 | APPARATUS OF PLURAL CHARGED PARTICLE BEAMS WITH MULTI-AXIS MAGNETIC LENS - An apparatus of plural charged particle beams with multi-axis magnetic lens is provided to perform multi-functions of observing a specimen surface, such as high-throughput inspection and high-resolution review of interested features thereof and charge-up control for enhancing image contrast and image resolution. In the apparatus, two or more sub-columns are formed and each of the sub-columns performs one of the multi-functions. Basically the sub-columns take normal illumination to get high image resolutions, but one or more may take oblique illuminations to get high image contrasts. | 03-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090026912 | INTENSITY MODULATED ELECTRON BEAM AND APPLICATION TO ELECTRON BEAM BLANKER - Method and apparatus for achieving an intensity modulated electron blanker are disclosed. An apparatus includes a cathode exposed to an activation source to generate an electron beam. Cathode control circuitry adjusts a cathode control amplifier to regulate cathode voltage and the potential of the electron beam. In some approaches the electron beam potential is used to control the blanking frequency, switching speeds, and duty cycle. In another approach electron generating beams directed on to the cathode are modulated to control the electron beam. | 01-29-2009 |
20110228263 | ILLUMINATING A SPECIMEN FOR METROLOGY OR INSPECTION - Illumination subsystems of a metrology or inspection system, metrology systems, inspection systems, and methods for illuminating a specimen for metrology measurements or for inspection are provided. | 09-22-2011 |
20110279819 | ILLUMINATION SUBSYSTEMS OF A METROLOGY SYSTEM, METROLOGY SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ILLUMINATING A SPECIMEN FOR METROLOGY MEASUREMENTS - Illumination subsystems of a metrology system, metrology systems, and methods for illuminating a specimen for metrology measurements are provided. | 11-17-2011 |
20120323356 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING AN OPTICAL PARAMETRIC MODEL FOR STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS USING OPTICAL CRITICAL DIMENSION (OCD) METROLOGY - Optimization of optical parametric models for structural analysis using optical critical dimension metrology is described. A method includes determining a first optical model fit for a parameter of a structure. The first optical model fit is based on a domain of quantities for a first model of the structure. A first near optical field response is determined for a first quantity of the domain of quantities and a second near optical field response is determined for a second, different quantity of the domain of quantities. The first and second near optical field responses are compared to locate a common region of high optical field intensity for the parameter of the structure. The first model of the structure is modified to provide a second, different model of the structure. A second, different optical model fit is determined for the parameter of the structure based on the second model of the structure. | 12-20-2012 |
20130080984 | PROCESS AWARE METROLOGY - Systems and methods for process aware metrology are provided. | 03-28-2013 |
20130148112 | Electron-Bombarded Charge-Coupled Device And Inspection Systems Using EBCCD Detectors - A focusing EBCCD includes a control device positioned between a photocathode and a CCD. The control device has a plurality of holes therein, wherein the plurality of holes are formed perpendicular to a surface of the photocathode, and wherein a pattern of the plurality of holes is aligned with a pattern of pixels in the CCD. Each hole is surrounded by at least one first electrode, which is formed on a surface of the control device facing the photocathode. The control device may include a plurality of ridges between the holes. The control device may be separated from the photocathode by approximately half a shorter dimension of a CCD pixel or less. A plurality of first electrodes may be provided, wherein each first electrode surrounds a given hole and is separated from the given hole by a gap. | 06-13-2013 |
20130215420 | Method and System for Determining One or More Optical Characteristics of Structure of a Semiconductor Wafer - Determination of one or more optical characteristics of a structure of a semiconductor wafer includes measuring one or more optical signals from one or more structures of a sample, determining a background optical field associated with a reference structure having a selected set of nominal characteristics based on the one or more structures, determining a correction optical field suitable for at least partially correcting the background field, wherein a difference between the measured one or more optical signals and a signal associated with a sum of the correction optical field and the background optical field is below a selected tolerance level, and extracting one or more characteristics associated with the one or more structures utilizing the correction optical field. | 08-22-2013 |
20130282340 | Process Aware Metrology - Systems and methods for process aware metrology are provided. One method includes selecting nominal values and one or more different values of process parameters for one or more process steps used to form the structure on the wafer, simulating one or more characteristics of the structure that would be formed on the wafer using the nominal values, and determining parameterization of the optical model based on how the one or more characteristics of the structure vary between at least two of the nominal values and the one or more different values. | 10-24-2013 |
20140222380 | METHOD OF ELECTROMAGNETIC MODELING OF FINITE STRUCTURES AND FINITE ILLUMINATION FOR METROLOGY AND INSPECTION - Electromagnetic modeling of finite structures and finite illumination for metrology and inspection are described herein. In one embodiment, a method for evaluating a diffracting structure involves providing a model of the diffracting structure. The method involves computing background electric or magnetic fields of an environment of the diffracting structure. The method involves computing scattered electric or magnetic fields from the diffracting structure using a scattered field formulation based on the computed background fields. The method further involves computing spectral information for the model of the diffracting structure based on the computed scattered fields, and comparing the computed spectral information for the model with measured spectral information for the diffracting structure. In response to a good model fit, the method involves determining a physical characteristic of the diffracting structure based on the model of the diffracting structure. | 08-07-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080294758 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ADJUSTING BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION DURING A COLLABORATION SESSION - In one embodiment, the systems and methods determine an initial bandwidth at a client device; allocate an allocated bandwidth to the client device between a first server and a second server; monitor the allocated bandwidth; and adjust the allocated bandwidth based on a target bandwidth from the first server to the client. | 11-27-2008 |
20110276635 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR ADJUSTING BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION DURING A COLLABORATION SESSION - In one embodiment, a participant device joins a collaboration session among a plurality of participant devices. The content shared within the collaboration session includes lower-priority data and higher-priority data. An initial available bandwidth for use with the collaboration session is determined. Based on the initial available bandwidth and an expected second bandwidth for higher-priority data shared within the collaboration session, a first bandwidth is allocated for lower-priority data shared within the collaboration session. During the collaboration session, an actual second bandwidth for the higher-priority data shared within the collaboration session is monitored. The expected second bandwidth is compared to the monitored actual second bandwidth, and a bandwidth variant is determined. Based on the determined bandwidth variant, the first bandwidth allocated for the lower-priority data shared within the collaboration session is adjusted to increase the bandwidth allocated for the lower-priority data. | 11-10-2011 |
20130321156 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AN INTELLIGENT MUTE STATUS REMINDER FOR AN ACTIVE SPEAKER IN A CONFERENCE - In one embodiment, a method includes capturing samples of sound associated with an environment, and processing the samples of sound to determine whether the samples of sound likely include voice activity. The samples of sound are captured while a microphone is muted. When it is determined that the samples of sound likely include the voice activity, the method also includes providing a first notification arranged to indicate that voice activity is detected and that the microphone is muted. | 12-05-2013 |
20140118472 | Active Speaker Indicator for Conference Participants - In one embodiment, a method includes receiving requests to join a conference from a plurality of user devices proximate a first endpoint. The requests include a username. The method also includes receiving an audio signal for the conference from the first endpoint. The first endpoint is operable to capture audio proximate the first endpoint. The method also includes transmitting the audio signal to a second endpoint, remote from the first endpoint. The method also includes identifying, by a processor, an active speaker proximate the first endpoint based on information received from the plurality of user devices. | 05-01-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100032289 | METHOD FOR ULTRA-UNIFORM SPUTTER DEPOSITION USING SIMULTANEOUS RF AND DC POWER ON TARGET - In a plasma-enhanced physical vapor deposition reactor, uniformity of radial distribution of the deposition rate across the workpiece is enhanced by applying both RF and D.C. power to the target and adjusting the power levels of the RF and D.C. power independently. Further optimization is obtained by adjusting the height of the magnet above the target, adjusting the radius of the orbital motion of the magnet above the target and providing an angle edge surface of the target. | 02-11-2010 |
20100252416 | Sputtering Target for PVD Chamber - Target assemblies and PVD chambers including target assemblies are disclosed. The target assembly includes a target that has a concave shaped target. When used in a PVD chamber, the concave target provides more radially uniform deposition on a substrate disposed in the sputtering chamber. | 10-07-2010 |
20100252417 | HIGH PRESSURE RF-DC SPUTTERING AND METHODS TO IMPROVE FILM UNIFORMITY AND STEP-COVERAGE OF THIS PROCESS - Embodiments of the invention generally provide a processing chamber used to perform a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process and methods of depositing multi-compositional films. The processing chamber may include: an improved RF feed configuration to reduce any standing wave effects; an improved magnetron design to enhance RF plasma uniformity, deposited film composition and thickness uniformity; an improved substrate biasing configuration to improve process control; and an improved process kit design to improve RF field uniformity near the critical surfaces of the substrate. The method includes forming a plasma in a processing region of a chamber using an RF supply coupled to a multi-compositional target, translating a magnetron relative to the multi-compositional target, wherein the magnetron is positioned in a first position relative to a center point of the multi-compositional target while the magnetron is translating and the plasma is formed, and depositing a multi-compositional film on a substrate in the chamber. | 10-07-2010 |
20110018073 | SUBSTRATE DEVICE HAVING A TUNED WORK FUNCTION AND METHODS OF FORMING THEREOF - Substrate devices having tuned work functions and methods of forming thereof are provided. In some embodiments, forming devices on substrates may include depositing a dielectric layer atop a substrate having a conductivity well; depositing a work function layer comprising titanium aluminum or titanium aluminum nitride having a first nitrogen composition atop the dielectric layer; etching the work function layer to selectively remove at least a portion of the work function layer from atop the dielectric layer; depositing a layer comprising titanium aluminum or titanium aluminum nitride having a second nitrogen composition atop the work function layer and the substrate, wherein at least one of the work function layer or the layer comprises nitrogen; etching the layer and the dielectric layer to selectively remove a portion of the layer and the dielectric layer from atop the substrate; and annealing the substrate at a temperature less than about 1500 degrees Celsius. | 01-27-2011 |
20110278165 | PROCESS KIT SHIELD FOR IMPROVED PARTICLE REDUCTION - Apparatus for improved particle reduction are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include a process kit shield comprising a one-piece metal body having an upper portion and a lower portion and having an opening disposed through the one-piece metal body, wherein the upper portion includes an opening-facing surface configured to be disposed about and spaced apart from a target of a physical vapor deposition chamber and wherein the opening-facing surface is configured to limit particle deposition on an upper surface of the upper portion of the one-piece metal body during sputtering of a target material from the target of the physical vapor deposition chamber. | 11-17-2011 |
20110303960 | LOW RESISTIVITY TUNGSTEN PVD WITH ENHANCED IONIZATION AND RF POWER COUPLING - Embodiments described herein provide a semiconductor device and methods and apparatuses of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a source and drain region and a gate electrode stack on the substrate between the source and drain regions. The gate electrode stack includes a conductive film layer on a gate dielectric layer, a refractory metal nitride film layer on the conductive film layer, a silicon-containing film layer on the refractory metal nitride film layer, and a tungsten film layer on the silicon-containing film layer. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate includes a source and drain region, a gate dielectric layer between the source and drain regions, and a conductive film layer on the gate dielectric layer. The method also includes depositing a refractory metal nitride film layer on the conductive film layer, depositing a silicon-containing film layer on the refractory metal nitride film layer, and depositing a tungsten film layer on the silicon-containing film layer. | 12-15-2011 |
20120027954 | MAGNET FOR PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION PROCESSES TO PRODUCE THIN FILMS HAVING LOW RESISTIVITY AND NON-UNIFORMITY - Methods and apparatus for depositing thin films having high thickness uniformity and low resistivity are provided herein. In some embodiments, a magnetron assembly includes a shunt plate, the shunt plate rotatable about an axis, an inner closed loop magnetic pole coupled to the shunt plate, and an outer closed loop magnetic pole coupled the shunt plate, wherein an unbalance ratio of a magnetic field strength of the outer closed loop magnetic pole to a magnetic field strength of the inner closed loop magnetic pole is less than about 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is about 0.57. In some embodiments, the shunt plate and the outer close loop magnetic pole have a cardioid shape. A method utilizing RF and DC power in combination with the inventive magnetron assembly is also disclosed. | 02-02-2012 |
20120036637 | Rotating Bed to Reduce the Risk of Developing Pressure Ulcers - Bed-bound patients are at risk for developing pressure ulcers after lying in the same position on a standard home/hospital bed for an extended period of time. In order to prevent pressure ulcers, patients' bodies need to be repositioned at certain time intervals by other personnel. This involves labor-intensive care, and the friction and shear forces during assisted turning often causes skin damage. The rotating bed enables bed-bound patients to reposition their body easily and frequently, thereby reducing external forces such as shearing forces and friction caused by assisted turning, and most importantly reducing the risk of developing pressure ulcers. | 02-16-2012 |
20130327641 | PROTECTIVE OFFSET SPUTTERING - Sputtering in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber may, in one embodiment, utilize a target laterally offset from and tilted with respect to the substrate. In another aspect, target power may be reduced to enhance film protection. In yet another aspect, magnetron magnets may be relatively strong and well balanced to enhance film protection. In another aspect, a shutter may be provided to protect the substrate in start up conditions. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-12-2013 |
20140001576 | LOWERING TUNGSTEN RESISTIVITY BY REPLACING TITANIUM NITRIDE WITH TITANIUM SILICON NITRIDE | 01-02-2014 |