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11,100 | 11,100 | 15,117,692 | 2,693 | A wearable device with an optical sensor is disclosed that can be used to recognize gestures of a user wearing the device. Light sources can be positioned on the back or skin-facing side of a wearable device, and an optical sensor can be positioned near the light sources. During operation, light can be emitted from the light sources and sensed using the optical sensor. Changes in the sensed light can be used to recognize user gestures. For example, light emitted from a light source can reflect off a wearer's skin, and the reflected light can be sensed using the optical sensor. When the wearer gestures in a particular way, the reflected light can change perceptibly due to muscle contraction, device shifting, skin stretching, or the distance changing between the optical sensor and the wearer's skin. Recognized gestures can be interpreted as commands for interacting with the wearable device. | 1. A computer-implemented method for determining gestures, the method comprising:
causing light to be emitted from a wearable user device; sensing a portion of the light that is reflected by a wearer's skin; and determining a gesture made by the wearer based on changes in the sensed portion of the light. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the changes in the sensed portion of the light correspond to a change in a distance between an optical sensor of the wearable user device and the wearer's skin; and
wherein sensing the portion of the light that is reflected by the wearer's skin comprises sensing the portion of the light using the optical sensor. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the changes in the sensed portion of the light correspond to a change in an intensity of the sensed portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein causing the light to be emitted from the wearable user device comprises:
causing the light to be emitted from a first LED at a first wavelength and a second LED at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein causing the light to be emitted from the wearable user device comprises:
causing the light to be emitted at an angle relative to the wearable device, wherein the emitted light is incident on the wearer's skin at a non-perpendicular angle. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein sensing the portion of the light that is reflected by the wearer's skin comprises:
generating a signal based on the sensed portion of the light using an optical sensor positioned between a first LED and a second LED; and wherein causing the light to be emitted from the wearable user device comprises causing the light to be emitted from the first LED and the second LED. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the gesture based on changes in the sensed portion of the light comprises:
identifying a positive peak, a negative peak, and a zero crossing in a derivative of a signal generated by an optical sensor used for sensing the portion of the light that is reflected by the wearer's skin. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the gesture comprises a first clench. 9-10. (canceled) 11. A wearable device for determining gestures, the device comprising:
a light source configured to emit light from the device toward a wearer's skin when the wearable device is worn; an optical sensor configured to generate a signal based on sensing a portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for determining a gesture made by the wearer based on changes in the signal; and a processor coupled to receive the signal, wherein the processor is capable of executing the computer-executable instructions. 12. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the changes in the signal correspond to a change in a distance between the optical sensor and the wearer's skin. 13. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the signal generated by the optical sensor changes based on an intensity of the sensed portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin. 14. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a first LED configured to emit light at a first wavelength and a second LED configured to emit light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. 15. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a first LED and a second LED; and
wherein the optical sensor is positioned between the first LED and the second LED. 16. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the light source is angled relative to the wearable device to direct light to be incident on the wearer's skin at a non-perpendicular angle. 17. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the computer-executable instructions for determining the gesture comprise computer-executable instructions for determining the gesture by identifying a positive peak, a negative peak, and a zero crossing in a derivative of the signal. 18. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the gesture comprises a first clench. 19. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the optical sensor is configured to sense a wavelength of light that corresponds to a wavelength of light emitted by the light source. 20. A system for determining gestures, the system comprising:
a light source configured to emit light from a wearable user device toward a wearer's skin when the wearable user device is worn; an optical sensor configured to generate a signal based on sensing a portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for determining a gesture made by the wearer based on changes in the signal; a processor coupled to receive the signal, wherein the processor is capable of executing the computer-executable instructions; and a communication module coupled to the processor, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate with a mobile device. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises instructions for communicating a command to the mobile device via the communication module in response to determining the gesture. 22. A computer-implemented method for indirectly determining a hand gesture using a wearable device worn on a wearer's wrist, the method comprising:
causing light to be emitted toward the wearer's wrist from a light source of the wearable device, wherein the light source is positioned proximate to skin at the wearer's wrist; sensing a portion of the light that is reflected by the skin at the wearer's wrist using an optical sensor of the wearable device, wherein the optical sensor is positioned proximate to the skin at the wearer's wrist; indirectly determining a hand gesture made by the wearer based on a change in the sensed portion of the light that is reflected by the skin at the wearer's wrist, wherein the change results from a distance between the optical sensor and the skin at the wearer's wrist increasing or decreasing due to the hand gesture. 23-25. (canceled) | A wearable device with an optical sensor is disclosed that can be used to recognize gestures of a user wearing the device. Light sources can be positioned on the back or skin-facing side of a wearable device, and an optical sensor can be positioned near the light sources. During operation, light can be emitted from the light sources and sensed using the optical sensor. Changes in the sensed light can be used to recognize user gestures. For example, light emitted from a light source can reflect off a wearer's skin, and the reflected light can be sensed using the optical sensor. When the wearer gestures in a particular way, the reflected light can change perceptibly due to muscle contraction, device shifting, skin stretching, or the distance changing between the optical sensor and the wearer's skin. Recognized gestures can be interpreted as commands for interacting with the wearable device.1. A computer-implemented method for determining gestures, the method comprising:
causing light to be emitted from a wearable user device; sensing a portion of the light that is reflected by a wearer's skin; and determining a gesture made by the wearer based on changes in the sensed portion of the light. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the changes in the sensed portion of the light correspond to a change in a distance between an optical sensor of the wearable user device and the wearer's skin; and
wherein sensing the portion of the light that is reflected by the wearer's skin comprises sensing the portion of the light using the optical sensor. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the changes in the sensed portion of the light correspond to a change in an intensity of the sensed portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein causing the light to be emitted from the wearable user device comprises:
causing the light to be emitted from a first LED at a first wavelength and a second LED at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein causing the light to be emitted from the wearable user device comprises:
causing the light to be emitted at an angle relative to the wearable device, wherein the emitted light is incident on the wearer's skin at a non-perpendicular angle. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein sensing the portion of the light that is reflected by the wearer's skin comprises:
generating a signal based on the sensed portion of the light using an optical sensor positioned between a first LED and a second LED; and wherein causing the light to be emitted from the wearable user device comprises causing the light to be emitted from the first LED and the second LED. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the gesture based on changes in the sensed portion of the light comprises:
identifying a positive peak, a negative peak, and a zero crossing in a derivative of a signal generated by an optical sensor used for sensing the portion of the light that is reflected by the wearer's skin. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the gesture comprises a first clench. 9-10. (canceled) 11. A wearable device for determining gestures, the device comprising:
a light source configured to emit light from the device toward a wearer's skin when the wearable device is worn; an optical sensor configured to generate a signal based on sensing a portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for determining a gesture made by the wearer based on changes in the signal; and a processor coupled to receive the signal, wherein the processor is capable of executing the computer-executable instructions. 12. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the changes in the signal correspond to a change in a distance between the optical sensor and the wearer's skin. 13. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the signal generated by the optical sensor changes based on an intensity of the sensed portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin. 14. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a first LED configured to emit light at a first wavelength and a second LED configured to emit light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. 15. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the light source comprises a first LED and a second LED; and
wherein the optical sensor is positioned between the first LED and the second LED. 16. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the light source is angled relative to the wearable device to direct light to be incident on the wearer's skin at a non-perpendicular angle. 17. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the computer-executable instructions for determining the gesture comprise computer-executable instructions for determining the gesture by identifying a positive peak, a negative peak, and a zero crossing in a derivative of the signal. 18. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the gesture comprises a first clench. 19. The wearable device of claim 11, wherein the optical sensor is configured to sense a wavelength of light that corresponds to a wavelength of light emitted by the light source. 20. A system for determining gestures, the system comprising:
a light source configured to emit light from a wearable user device toward a wearer's skin when the wearable user device is worn; an optical sensor configured to generate a signal based on sensing a portion of the light reflected by the wearer's skin; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for determining a gesture made by the wearer based on changes in the signal; a processor coupled to receive the signal, wherein the processor is capable of executing the computer-executable instructions; and a communication module coupled to the processor, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate with a mobile device. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises instructions for communicating a command to the mobile device via the communication module in response to determining the gesture. 22. A computer-implemented method for indirectly determining a hand gesture using a wearable device worn on a wearer's wrist, the method comprising:
causing light to be emitted toward the wearer's wrist from a light source of the wearable device, wherein the light source is positioned proximate to skin at the wearer's wrist; sensing a portion of the light that is reflected by the skin at the wearer's wrist using an optical sensor of the wearable device, wherein the optical sensor is positioned proximate to the skin at the wearer's wrist; indirectly determining a hand gesture made by the wearer based on a change in the sensed portion of the light that is reflected by the skin at the wearer's wrist, wherein the change results from a distance between the optical sensor and the skin at the wearer's wrist increasing or decreasing due to the hand gesture. 23-25. (canceled) | 2,600 |
11,101 | 11,101 | 16,231,370 | 2,668 | A universal sensor interface enables selective coupling of one or more sensor module units to a wireless node. Each sensor module unit can contain a suite of sensors selected for a particular sensor application at a monitored location. Reconfiguration of the wireless sensor network can occur seamlessly through the plug-and-play connectivity between the sensor module units and the wireless node. | 1. (canceled) 2. A device, comprising:
a wireless communication subsystem that includes a wireless transceiver and a first controller; and an extension subsystem connected to the wireless communication subsystem via a wired communication interface, the extension subsystem having a second controller that communicates sensor data to the first controller via the wired communication interface for transmission by the wireless communication subsystem, the sensor data generated by a set of one or more sensors supported by the extension subsystem. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver communicates using the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the wired communication interface is a serial interface. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the wired communication interface is a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the extension subsystem is an expansion module of the device. 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second extension subsystem connected to the wireless communication subsystem via a second wired communication interface, the second extension subsystem having a third controller that communicates second sensor data to the first controller via the second wired communication interface for transmission by the wireless communication subsystem, the sensor data generated by a second set of one or more sensors supported by the second extension subsystem. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an air quality sensor. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an environmental sensor. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes a sensor for utility consumption. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is transmitted to a gateway device at a monitored location at which the device is installed. 12. A method, comprising:
initiating, by a first controller in an extension subsystem of a device, a transmission of sensor data from the extension subsystem to a wireless communication subsystem of the device via a wired communication interface that connects the extension subsystem to the wireless communication subsystem, wherein the sensor data is generated by a set of one or more sensors supported by the extension subsystem; and initiating, by a second controller in the wireless communication subsystem, a wireless transmission of the sensor data by a wireless transceiver in the wireless communication subsystem for delivery of the sensor data to a host system that is remote from a monitored location at which the device is installed. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the wireless transmission is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the wired communication interface is a serial interface. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the wired communication interface is a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising initiating, by a third controller in a second extension subsystem of the device, a transmission of second sensor data from the second extension subsystem to the wireless communication subsystem via a second wired communication interface that connects the second extension subsystem to the wireless communication subsystem, wherein the second sensor data is generated by a second set of one or more sensors supported by the second extension subsystem. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an air quality sensor. 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an environmental sensor. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes a sensor for utility consumption. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensor data is transmitted to a gateway device at the monitored location. 21. A device, comprising:
an extension subsystem configured for connection to a wireless communication subsystem via a wired communication interface, the wireless communication subsystem including a wireless transceiver and a first controller, the extension subsystem having a second controller that communicates sensor data to the first controller via the wired communication interface for transmission by the wireless communication subsystem, the sensor data generated by a set of one or more sensors supported by the extension subsystem. | A universal sensor interface enables selective coupling of one or more sensor module units to a wireless node. Each sensor module unit can contain a suite of sensors selected for a particular sensor application at a monitored location. Reconfiguration of the wireless sensor network can occur seamlessly through the plug-and-play connectivity between the sensor module units and the wireless node.1. (canceled) 2. A device, comprising:
a wireless communication subsystem that includes a wireless transceiver and a first controller; and an extension subsystem connected to the wireless communication subsystem via a wired communication interface, the extension subsystem having a second controller that communicates sensor data to the first controller via the wired communication interface for transmission by the wireless communication subsystem, the sensor data generated by a set of one or more sensors supported by the extension subsystem. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless transceiver communicates using the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the wired communication interface is a serial interface. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the wired communication interface is a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the extension subsystem is an expansion module of the device. 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second extension subsystem connected to the wireless communication subsystem via a second wired communication interface, the second extension subsystem having a third controller that communicates second sensor data to the first controller via the second wired communication interface for transmission by the wireless communication subsystem, the sensor data generated by a second set of one or more sensors supported by the second extension subsystem. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an air quality sensor. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an environmental sensor. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes a sensor for utility consumption. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is transmitted to a gateway device at a monitored location at which the device is installed. 12. A method, comprising:
initiating, by a first controller in an extension subsystem of a device, a transmission of sensor data from the extension subsystem to a wireless communication subsystem of the device via a wired communication interface that connects the extension subsystem to the wireless communication subsystem, wherein the sensor data is generated by a set of one or more sensors supported by the extension subsystem; and initiating, by a second controller in the wireless communication subsystem, a wireless transmission of the sensor data by a wireless transceiver in the wireless communication subsystem for delivery of the sensor data to a host system that is remote from a monitored location at which the device is installed. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the wireless transmission is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the wired communication interface is a serial interface. 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the wired communication interface is a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). 16. The method of claim 12, further comprising initiating, by a third controller in a second extension subsystem of the device, a transmission of second sensor data from the second extension subsystem to the wireless communication subsystem via a second wired communication interface that connects the second extension subsystem to the wireless communication subsystem, wherein the second sensor data is generated by a second set of one or more sensors supported by the second extension subsystem. 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an air quality sensor. 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes an environmental sensor. 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the set of one or more sensors includes a sensor for utility consumption. 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the sensor data is transmitted to a gateway device at the monitored location. 21. A device, comprising:
an extension subsystem configured for connection to a wireless communication subsystem via a wired communication interface, the wireless communication subsystem including a wireless transceiver and a first controller, the extension subsystem having a second controller that communicates sensor data to the first controller via the wired communication interface for transmission by the wireless communication subsystem, the sensor data generated by a set of one or more sensors supported by the extension subsystem. | 2,600 |
11,102 | 11,102 | 16,241,728 | 2,616 | Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating, conducting, and reporting digital surveys utilizing augmented reality devices and/or virtual reality devices. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods assist administrators in generating digital surveys utilizing interactive virtual environments via a virtual reality device and/or augmented reality elements via an augmented reality device. Similarly, the disclosed systems and methods can provide digital surveys via augmented reality devices and/or virtual reality devices, for instance, by monitoring user interactions via the augmented reality and/or virtual reality devices and providing digital surveys based on the monitored user interactions. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods can present survey results and allow administrators to interact with survey results utilizing augmented reality devices and/or virtual reality devices. | 1. A method comprising:
identifying a real-world environmental component from data received from an augmented reality device of a user; determining a digital survey related to the real-world environmental component based on identifying the real-world environmental component; providing, to the augmented reality device of the user, a digital survey results indicator corresponding to the digital survey relating to the real-world environmental component as an augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component; and based on receiving an indication of a user interaction with the digital survey results indicator displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, providing, to the augmented reality device and for presentation to the user, a survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, wherein the survey results augmented reality element comprises survey results related to the real-world environmental component. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the real-world environmental component is an individual, the method further comprising utilizing a facial recognition algorithm to determine an identity of the individual. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:
the digital survey comprises one or more questions related to the identity of the individual; and the survey results are based on responses to the one or more survey questions related to the identity of the individual. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the real-world environmental component comprises a defined location associated with a plurality of individuals; and the survey results are based on survey responses to the digital survey from the plurality of individuals associated with the defined location. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein:
the defined location comprises a defined section of a venue; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the defined section of the venue. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein:
the defined location comprises a passenger vehicle; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the passenger vehicle. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the real-world environment component comprises a product; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the product. 8. A system comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: identify a real-world environmental component from data received from an augmented reality device of a user; determine a digital survey related to the real-world environmental component based on identifying the real-world environmental component; provide, to the augmented reality device of the user, a digital survey results indicator corresponding to the digital survey relating to the real-world environmental component as an augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component; and based on receiving an indication of a user interaction with the digital survey results indicator displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, provide, to the augmented reality device and for presentation to the user, a survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, wherein the survey results augmented reality element comprises survey results related to the real-world environmental component. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the real-world environmental component is an individual, the system further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to utilize a facial recognition algorithm to determine an identity of the individual. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein:
the digital survey comprises one or more questions related to the identity of the individual; and the survey results are based on responses to the one or more survey questions related to the identity of the individual. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein:
the real-world environmental component comprises a defined location associated with a plurality of individuals; and the survey results are based on survey responses to the digital survey from the plurality of individuals associated with the defined location. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the defined location comprises a defined section of a venue; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the defined section of the venue. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the defined location comprises a passenger vehicle; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the passenger vehicle. 14. The system of claim 8, wherein:
the real-world environment component comprises a product; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the product. 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a computer system to:
identify a real-world environmental component from data received from an augmented reality device of a user; determine a digital survey related to the real-world environmental component based on identifying the real-world environmental component; provide, to the augmented reality device of the user, a digital survey results indicator corresponding to the digital survey relating to the real-world environmental component as an augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component; and based on receiving an indication of a user interaction with the digital survey results indicator displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, provide, to the augmented reality device and for presentation to the user, a survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, wherein the survey results augmented reality element comprises survey results related to the real-world environmental component. 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the real-world environmental component is an individual, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to utilize a facial recognition algorithm to determine an identity of the individual. 17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein:
the digital survey comprises one or more questions related to the identity of the individual; and the survey results are based on responses to the one or more survey questions related to the identity of the individual. 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein:
the real-world environmental component comprises a defined location associated with a plurality of individuals; and the survey results are based on survey responses to the digital survey from the plurality of individuals associated with the defined location. 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein:
the defined location comprises a defined section of a venue; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the defined section of the venue. 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein:
the real-world environment component comprises a product; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the product. | Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to generating, conducting, and reporting digital surveys utilizing augmented reality devices and/or virtual reality devices. In particular, in one or more embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods assist administrators in generating digital surveys utilizing interactive virtual environments via a virtual reality device and/or augmented reality elements via an augmented reality device. Similarly, the disclosed systems and methods can provide digital surveys via augmented reality devices and/or virtual reality devices, for instance, by monitoring user interactions via the augmented reality and/or virtual reality devices and providing digital surveys based on the monitored user interactions. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods can present survey results and allow administrators to interact with survey results utilizing augmented reality devices and/or virtual reality devices.1. A method comprising:
identifying a real-world environmental component from data received from an augmented reality device of a user; determining a digital survey related to the real-world environmental component based on identifying the real-world environmental component; providing, to the augmented reality device of the user, a digital survey results indicator corresponding to the digital survey relating to the real-world environmental component as an augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component; and based on receiving an indication of a user interaction with the digital survey results indicator displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, providing, to the augmented reality device and for presentation to the user, a survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, wherein the survey results augmented reality element comprises survey results related to the real-world environmental component. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the real-world environmental component is an individual, the method further comprising utilizing a facial recognition algorithm to determine an identity of the individual. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:
the digital survey comprises one or more questions related to the identity of the individual; and the survey results are based on responses to the one or more survey questions related to the identity of the individual. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the real-world environmental component comprises a defined location associated with a plurality of individuals; and the survey results are based on survey responses to the digital survey from the plurality of individuals associated with the defined location. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein:
the defined location comprises a defined section of a venue; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the defined section of the venue. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein:
the defined location comprises a passenger vehicle; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the passenger vehicle. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein:
the real-world environment component comprises a product; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the product. 8. A system comprising:
at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to: identify a real-world environmental component from data received from an augmented reality device of a user; determine a digital survey related to the real-world environmental component based on identifying the real-world environmental component; provide, to the augmented reality device of the user, a digital survey results indicator corresponding to the digital survey relating to the real-world environmental component as an augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component; and based on receiving an indication of a user interaction with the digital survey results indicator displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, provide, to the augmented reality device and for presentation to the user, a survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, wherein the survey results augmented reality element comprises survey results related to the real-world environmental component. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the real-world environmental component is an individual, the system further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the system to utilize a facial recognition algorithm to determine an identity of the individual. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein:
the digital survey comprises one or more questions related to the identity of the individual; and the survey results are based on responses to the one or more survey questions related to the identity of the individual. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein:
the real-world environmental component comprises a defined location associated with a plurality of individuals; and the survey results are based on survey responses to the digital survey from the plurality of individuals associated with the defined location. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the defined location comprises a defined section of a venue; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the defined section of the venue. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein:
the defined location comprises a passenger vehicle; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the passenger vehicle. 14. The system of claim 8, wherein:
the real-world environment component comprises a product; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the product. 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause a computer system to:
identify a real-world environmental component from data received from an augmented reality device of a user; determine a digital survey related to the real-world environmental component based on identifying the real-world environmental component; provide, to the augmented reality device of the user, a digital survey results indicator corresponding to the digital survey relating to the real-world environmental component as an augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component; and based on receiving an indication of a user interaction with the digital survey results indicator displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, provide, to the augmented reality device and for presentation to the user, a survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component, wherein the survey results augmented reality element comprises survey results related to the real-world environmental component. 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the real-world environmental component is an individual, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium further comprising instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the computer system to utilize a facial recognition algorithm to determine an identity of the individual. 17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 16, wherein:
the digital survey comprises one or more questions related to the identity of the individual; and the survey results are based on responses to the one or more survey questions related to the identity of the individual. 18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein:
the real-world environmental component comprises a defined location associated with a plurality of individuals; and the survey results are based on survey responses to the digital survey from the plurality of individuals associated with the defined location. 19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein:
the defined location comprises a defined section of a venue; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the defined section of the venue. 20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein:
the real-world environment component comprises a product; and providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the real-world environmental component comprises providing the survey results augmented reality element displayed in relation to the product. | 2,600 |
11,103 | 11,103 | 16,386,863 | 2,657 | A transient detector analyzes a given frame n of the input audio signal to determine, based on audio signal characteristics of the given frame n, a transient hangover indicator for a following frame n+1, and signals the determined transient hangover indicator to an associated audio encoder to enable proper encoding of the following frame n+1. | 1. A transient detector operating on an audio signal, wherein said transient detector is configured to:
analyze a given frame n of said audio signal to determine, based on audio signal characteristics of said given frame n, a transient hangover indicator for a following frame n+1; and signal said determined transient hangover indicator to an associated audio encoder to enable proper encoding of said following frame n+1. 2. An audio encoder apparatus, wherein audio encoder apparatus is configured to:
analyze a given frame n of an audio signal comprising a plurality of frames including frame n and a frame n+1, wherein frame n of the audio signal comprises at least a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, and frame n of the audio signal is immediately followed by frame n+1 of the audio signal, to determine whether a transient hangover condition is satisfied for frame n+1; and trigger a transient for frame n+1 as a result of determining that the transient hangover condition for frame n+1 is satisfied, thereby enabling proper encoding of frame n+1, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is configured to determine whether the transient hangover condition for frame n+1 is satisfied by performing a first process comprising determining whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal, the audio encoder apparatus is configured to determine whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal by performing a transient detector process comprising: i) calculating a short term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (E(1)), ii) calculating a long term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (ELT(1)), and iii) determining whether a ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) satisfies a first condition, and the audio encoder apparatus is configured such that the audio encoder apparatus determines that a transient is not present in frame n of the audio signal as a result of determining that the ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) does not satisfy the first condition. 3. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first process further comprises determining whether audio signal characteristics representative of a transient in said given frame n is not suppressed after a windowing operation based on a window function. 4. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 3, wherein said window function corresponds to a window function used for transform coding of frame n of said audio signal in said audio encoder apparatus, but shifted one frame forward in time. 5. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 4, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is further configured to encode the audio signal using a lapped transform. 6. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 3, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is further configured to:
scale said given frame n by said window function to produce a first scaled frame; determine a transient indicator for said given frame n based on the first scaled frame; scale said given frame n by said window function shifted one frame forward in time to produce a second scaled frame; and determine a transient hangover indicator for said following frame n+1 based on the second scaled frame. 7. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 2, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining a location of the transient in said given frame n. 8. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 7, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining that the transient in said given frame n is located at the center or end of frame n. 9. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 8, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining whether a transient that is present in frame n is located at the beginning of frame n. 10. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 2, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is further configured to encode frame n+1 based on the triggering of the transient for frame n+1. 11. An audio encoding method, the method comprising:
obtaining a given frame n of an audio signal comprising a plurality of frames including frame n and a frame n+1, wherein frame n of the audio signal is immediately followed by frame n+1 of the audio signal; determining, based on frame n, whether a transient hangover condition is satisfied for frame n+1; and triggering a transient for frame n+1 as a result of determining that the transient hangover condition for frame n+1 is satisfied, thereby enabling proper encoding of frame n+1. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied for frame n+1 comprises determining whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein
frame n of the audio signal comprises at least a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, determining whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal comprises performing a transient detector process comprising: i) calculating a short term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (E(1)), ii) calculating a long term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (ELT(1)), and iii) determining whether a ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) satisfies a first condition. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a transient is determined not to be present in frame n of the audio signal as a result of determining that the ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) does not satisfy the first condition. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein determining whether the transient hangover condition is satisfied in comprises determining whether audio signal characteristics representative of a transient in said given frame n is not suppressed after a windowing operation based on a window function. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said window function corresponds to a window function used for transform coding of frame n of said audio signal in said audio encoder apparatus, but shifted one frame forward in time. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising encoding the audio signal using a lapped transform. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
scaling said given frame n by said window function to produce a first scaled frame; determining a transient indicator for said given frame n based on the first scaled frame; scaling said given frame n by said window function shifted one frame forward in time to produce a second scaled frame; and determining a transient hangover indicator for said following frame n+1 based on the second scaled frame. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining a location of the transient in said given frame n. 20. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing software for configuring an audio encoder to perform the method of claim 11. | A transient detector analyzes a given frame n of the input audio signal to determine, based on audio signal characteristics of the given frame n, a transient hangover indicator for a following frame n+1, and signals the determined transient hangover indicator to an associated audio encoder to enable proper encoding of the following frame n+1.1. A transient detector operating on an audio signal, wherein said transient detector is configured to:
analyze a given frame n of said audio signal to determine, based on audio signal characteristics of said given frame n, a transient hangover indicator for a following frame n+1; and signal said determined transient hangover indicator to an associated audio encoder to enable proper encoding of said following frame n+1. 2. An audio encoder apparatus, wherein audio encoder apparatus is configured to:
analyze a given frame n of an audio signal comprising a plurality of frames including frame n and a frame n+1, wherein frame n of the audio signal comprises at least a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, and frame n of the audio signal is immediately followed by frame n+1 of the audio signal, to determine whether a transient hangover condition is satisfied for frame n+1; and trigger a transient for frame n+1 as a result of determining that the transient hangover condition for frame n+1 is satisfied, thereby enabling proper encoding of frame n+1, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is configured to determine whether the transient hangover condition for frame n+1 is satisfied by performing a first process comprising determining whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal, the audio encoder apparatus is configured to determine whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal by performing a transient detector process comprising: i) calculating a short term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (E(1)), ii) calculating a long term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (ELT(1)), and iii) determining whether a ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) satisfies a first condition, and the audio encoder apparatus is configured such that the audio encoder apparatus determines that a transient is not present in frame n of the audio signal as a result of determining that the ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) does not satisfy the first condition. 3. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first process further comprises determining whether audio signal characteristics representative of a transient in said given frame n is not suppressed after a windowing operation based on a window function. 4. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 3, wherein said window function corresponds to a window function used for transform coding of frame n of said audio signal in said audio encoder apparatus, but shifted one frame forward in time. 5. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 4, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is further configured to encode the audio signal using a lapped transform. 6. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 3, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is further configured to:
scale said given frame n by said window function to produce a first scaled frame; determine a transient indicator for said given frame n based on the first scaled frame; scale said given frame n by said window function shifted one frame forward in time to produce a second scaled frame; and determine a transient hangover indicator for said following frame n+1 based on the second scaled frame. 7. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 2, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining a location of the transient in said given frame n. 8. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 7, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining that the transient in said given frame n is located at the center or end of frame n. 9. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 8, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining whether a transient that is present in frame n is located at the beginning of frame n. 10. The audio encoder apparatus of claim 2, wherein the audio encoder apparatus is further configured to encode frame n+1 based on the triggering of the transient for frame n+1. 11. An audio encoding method, the method comprising:
obtaining a given frame n of an audio signal comprising a plurality of frames including frame n and a frame n+1, wherein frame n of the audio signal is immediately followed by frame n+1 of the audio signal; determining, based on frame n, whether a transient hangover condition is satisfied for frame n+1; and triggering a transient for frame n+1 as a result of determining that the transient hangover condition for frame n+1 is satisfied, thereby enabling proper encoding of frame n+1. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied for frame n+1 comprises determining whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein
frame n of the audio signal comprises at least a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame, determining whether a transient is present in frame n of the audio signal comprises performing a transient detector process comprising: i) calculating a short term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (E(1)), ii) calculating a long term energy value for the first sub-frame of frame n (ELT(1)), and iii) determining whether a ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) satisfies a first condition. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a transient is determined not to be present in frame n of the audio signal as a result of determining that the ratio of E(1) to ELT(1) does not satisfy the first condition. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein determining whether the transient hangover condition is satisfied in comprises determining whether audio signal characteristics representative of a transient in said given frame n is not suppressed after a windowing operation based on a window function. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said window function corresponds to a window function used for transform coding of frame n of said audio signal in said audio encoder apparatus, but shifted one frame forward in time. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising encoding the audio signal using a lapped transform. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
scaling said given frame n by said window function to produce a first scaled frame; determining a transient indicator for said given frame n based on the first scaled frame; scaling said given frame n by said window function shifted one frame forward in time to produce a second scaled frame; and determining a transient hangover indicator for said following frame n+1 based on the second scaled frame. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein determining that the transient hangover condition is satisfied further comprises determining a location of the transient in said given frame n. 20. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing software for configuring an audio encoder to perform the method of claim 11. | 2,600 |
11,104 | 11,104 | 16,135,829 | 2,652 | A hearing assistance system is described that includes a hearable device and a portable case. The hearable device includes an in-ear portion coupled via a tether to a behind-ear portion. The portable case is configured to store and charge at least the behind-ear portion of the hearable device, and includes a retention structure configured to retain the behind-ear portion. At least one processor within the portable case is communicatively coupled with at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. | 1. A hearing assistance system comprising:
a hearable device that includes an in-ear portion and a behind-ear portion, the in-ear portion being coupled via a tether to the behind-ear portion; a portable case configured to store and charge at least the behind-ear portion of the hearable device, and including a retention structure configured to retain the behind-ear portion; and at least one processor within the portable case, the at least one processor within the portable case being communicatively coupled with at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. 2. The hearing assistance system of claim 1, the portable case further comprising a wired or wireless connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is positioned in the retention structure of the portable case. 3. The hearing assistance system of claim 1, the portable case further comprising a wireless connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is not retained by the retention structure of the portable case. 4. The hearing assistance system of claim 1, further comprising an external computing device, wherein the at least one processor of the portable case is configured to:
receive, from the external computing device, first data according to a first communication protocol; and send, to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion, according to a second communication protocol, the first data. 5. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the first and second communication protocols are different or same communication protocols. 6. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein at least one processor of the portable case is configured to send the first data to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is inside or outside the retention structure of the portable case. 7. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor of the portable case is configured to;
receive, from the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion, second data; and send, to the external computing device, the second data. 8. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor of the portable case is configured to receive the second data from the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is inside or outside the retention structure of the portable case. 9. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the external computing device comprises one or more of: a hearable device programmer, another hearable device, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device, or a server. 10. A method comprising:
receiving, by a portable case of a hearing assistance system, from an external computing device of the hearing assistance system, first data according to a first communication protocol; sending, by the portable case, to a behind-ear portion of a hearable device of the hearing assistance system, the first data; receiving, by the portable case, from the behind-ear portion, second data; and sending, by the portable case, to the external computing device, the second data. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein sending the first data comprises sending, by the portable case, to the behind-ear portion, the first data according to the first communication protocol. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the second data comprises receiving, by the portable case, from the behind-ear portion, the second data according to the first communication protocol. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein sending the first data comprises sending, by the portable case, to the behind-ear portion, the first data according to a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the second data comprises receiving, by the portable case, from the behind-ear portion, the second data according to the second communication protocol. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the first data comprises receiving the first data via a wired or wireless connection that communicatively couples at least one processor of the portable case to at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wired or wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is positioned at the retention structure. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is outside the retention structure. 18. A method comprising:
receiving, by a behind-ear portion of a hearable device of a hearing assistance system, from a portable case of the hearing assistance system, first data; and generating, by the behind-ear portion, based on the first data, second data in response to performing an operation based on the first data. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
sending, by the behind-ear portion, to at least one in-ear portion of the hearing assistance system, the second data. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one in-ear portion of the hearing assistance system includes an in-ear portion of a different hearable device. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one in-ear portion of the hearing assistance system includes an in-ear portion of the hearable device. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein:
the first data is received according to a first communication protocol; and the second data is sent according to a second communication protocol. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are corresponding communication protocols. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are different or same communication protocols. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving the first data comprises receiving the first data via a wired or wireless connection that communicatively couples at least one processor of the portable case to at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wired or wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is positioned at the retention structure. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is outside the retention structure. | A hearing assistance system is described that includes a hearable device and a portable case. The hearable device includes an in-ear portion coupled via a tether to a behind-ear portion. The portable case is configured to store and charge at least the behind-ear portion of the hearable device, and includes a retention structure configured to retain the behind-ear portion. At least one processor within the portable case is communicatively coupled with at least one processor of the behind-ear portion.1. A hearing assistance system comprising:
a hearable device that includes an in-ear portion and a behind-ear portion, the in-ear portion being coupled via a tether to the behind-ear portion; a portable case configured to store and charge at least the behind-ear portion of the hearable device, and including a retention structure configured to retain the behind-ear portion; and at least one processor within the portable case, the at least one processor within the portable case being communicatively coupled with at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. 2. The hearing assistance system of claim 1, the portable case further comprising a wired or wireless connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is positioned in the retention structure of the portable case. 3. The hearing assistance system of claim 1, the portable case further comprising a wireless connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is not retained by the retention structure of the portable case. 4. The hearing assistance system of claim 1, further comprising an external computing device, wherein the at least one processor of the portable case is configured to:
receive, from the external computing device, first data according to a first communication protocol; and send, to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion, according to a second communication protocol, the first data. 5. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the first and second communication protocols are different or same communication protocols. 6. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein at least one processor of the portable case is configured to send the first data to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is inside or outside the retention structure of the portable case. 7. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor of the portable case is configured to;
receive, from the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion, second data; and send, to the external computing device, the second data. 8. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor of the portable case is configured to receive the second data from the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion when the behind-ear portion is inside or outside the retention structure of the portable case. 9. The hearing assistance system of claim 4, wherein the external computing device comprises one or more of: a hearable device programmer, another hearable device, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device, or a server. 10. A method comprising:
receiving, by a portable case of a hearing assistance system, from an external computing device of the hearing assistance system, first data according to a first communication protocol; sending, by the portable case, to a behind-ear portion of a hearable device of the hearing assistance system, the first data; receiving, by the portable case, from the behind-ear portion, second data; and sending, by the portable case, to the external computing device, the second data. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein sending the first data comprises sending, by the portable case, to the behind-ear portion, the first data according to the first communication protocol. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the second data comprises receiving, by the portable case, from the behind-ear portion, the second data according to the first communication protocol. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein sending the first data comprises sending, by the portable case, to the behind-ear portion, the first data according to a second communication protocol that is different than the first communication protocol. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the second data comprises receiving, by the portable case, from the behind-ear portion, the second data according to the second communication protocol. 15. The method of claim 10, wherein receiving the first data comprises receiving the first data via a wired or wireless connection that communicatively couples at least one processor of the portable case to at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wired or wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is positioned at the retention structure. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is outside the retention structure. 18. A method comprising:
receiving, by a behind-ear portion of a hearable device of a hearing assistance system, from a portable case of the hearing assistance system, first data; and generating, by the behind-ear portion, based on the first data, second data in response to performing an operation based on the first data. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
sending, by the behind-ear portion, to at least one in-ear portion of the hearing assistance system, the second data. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one in-ear portion of the hearing assistance system includes an in-ear portion of a different hearable device. 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one in-ear portion of the hearing assistance system includes an in-ear portion of the hearable device. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein:
the first data is received according to a first communication protocol; and the second data is sent according to a second communication protocol. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are corresponding communication protocols. 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are different or same communication protocols. 25. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving the first data comprises receiving the first data via a wired or wireless connection that communicatively couples at least one processor of the portable case to at least one processor of the behind-ear portion. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wired or wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is positioned at the retention structure. 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the connection that communicatively couples the at least one processor of the portable case to the at least one processor of the behind-ear portion is a wireless connection formed when at least part of the behind-ear portion is outside the retention structure. | 2,600 |
11,105 | 11,105 | 16,569,282 | 2,689 | An internal combustion engine-based system including an engine, a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine, a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit, and a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller. The controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval. | 1. A internal combustion engine-based system comprising:
an engine; a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine; a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit; a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval. 2. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the shutdown circuit calculates a variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval to determine an environment of the generator. 3. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 2, wherein the shutdown circuit is structured to determine the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment. 4. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 3, wherein the shutdown circuit is further structured to complete a shutdown procedure upon determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. 5. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 4, wherein the shutdown circuit is communicably and operatively coupled to two opto-isolated outputs, each of the two opto-isolated outputs structured to transmit an engine shutdown signal in response to determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. 6. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the shutdown circuit determines the environment of the generator by calculating a slope variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval. 7. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, further comprising a secondary sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the secondary sensor is at least one of an ambient lighting sensor, an acoustic sensor, a radar sensor, or a wind speed sensor. 8. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the shutdown circuit is further structured to complete a shutdown procedure upon determining a predetermined absolute CO threshold is exceeded. 9. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine is integral in a generator, wherein the generator is configured to transform mechanical power created by the internal combustion engine into electrical power. 10. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined CO threshold concentration is updated by the controller based on detected CO levels over the set time interval. 11. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, further comprises tamper resistant CO sensor including power and communication wires combined into a single wire harness. 12. Outdoor power equipment comprising:
an engine; a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine; a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit; a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval. 13. The outdoor power equipment of claim 12, wherein the shutdown circuit calculates a variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval to determine an environment of the generator and determines the predetermined threshold CO concentration based on the determined environment. 14. The outdoor power equipment of claim 13, wherein the shutdown circuit is further structured to complete a shutdown procedure upon determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. 15. The outdoor power equipment of claim 12, wherein the shutdown circuit determines the environment of the generator by calculating a slope variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval. 16. A method of shutting down a generator including an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:
detecting, by a CO sensor, a CO level proximate an internal combustion engine over a period of time; determining, by a CO sensor controller, a variance of the CO level from the CO sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold; and completing, by the CO sensor controller, a shutdown procedure upon determining the variance exceeds the predetermined threshold. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
determining a slope of variance of the CO level exceeds a slope variance threshold; and completing the shutdown procedure upon determining the slope of variance exceeds the slope variance threshold. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising calculating, by the CO sensor controller, a variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over a set time interval to determine an environment of the generator. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising completing a shutdown procedure upon determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. | An internal combustion engine-based system including an engine, a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine, a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit, and a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller. The controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval.1. A internal combustion engine-based system comprising:
an engine; a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine; a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit; a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval. 2. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the shutdown circuit calculates a variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval to determine an environment of the generator. 3. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 2, wherein the shutdown circuit is structured to determine the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment. 4. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 3, wherein the shutdown circuit is further structured to complete a shutdown procedure upon determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. 5. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 4, wherein the shutdown circuit is communicably and operatively coupled to two opto-isolated outputs, each of the two opto-isolated outputs structured to transmit an engine shutdown signal in response to determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. 6. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the shutdown circuit determines the environment of the generator by calculating a slope variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval. 7. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, further comprising a secondary sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the secondary sensor is at least one of an ambient lighting sensor, an acoustic sensor, a radar sensor, or a wind speed sensor. 8. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the shutdown circuit is further structured to complete a shutdown procedure upon determining a predetermined absolute CO threshold is exceeded. 9. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the internal combustion engine is integral in a generator, wherein the generator is configured to transform mechanical power created by the internal combustion engine into electrical power. 10. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined CO threshold concentration is updated by the controller based on detected CO levels over the set time interval. 11. The internal combustion engine-based system of claim 1, further comprises tamper resistant CO sensor including power and communication wires combined into a single wire harness. 12. Outdoor power equipment comprising:
an engine; a shutdown circuit coupled to the engine to shut down the engine; a controller in communication with the shutdown circuit; a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor in communication with the controller, wherein the controller communicates with the shutdown circuit to shut down the engine at a predetermined CO threshold concentration when the CO sensor provides the controller with signals that are representative of a CO level proximate the engine that indicate a trend of building CO levels over a set time interval. 13. The outdoor power equipment of claim 12, wherein the shutdown circuit calculates a variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval to determine an environment of the generator and determines the predetermined threshold CO concentration based on the determined environment. 14. The outdoor power equipment of claim 13, wherein the shutdown circuit is further structured to complete a shutdown procedure upon determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. 15. The outdoor power equipment of claim 12, wherein the shutdown circuit determines the environment of the generator by calculating a slope variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over the set time interval. 16. A method of shutting down a generator including an internal combustion engine, the method comprising:
detecting, by a CO sensor, a CO level proximate an internal combustion engine over a period of time; determining, by a CO sensor controller, a variance of the CO level from the CO sensor exceeds a predetermined threshold; and completing, by the CO sensor controller, a shutdown procedure upon determining the variance exceeds the predetermined threshold. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
determining a slope of variance of the CO level exceeds a slope variance threshold; and completing the shutdown procedure upon determining the slope of variance exceeds the slope variance threshold. 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising calculating, by the CO sensor controller, a variance of output CO levels from the CO sensor over a set time interval to determine an environment of the generator. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising completing a shutdown procedure upon determining the predetermined threshold CO concentration for the determined environment is exceeded. | 2,600 |
11,106 | 11,106 | 16,458,941 | 2,611 | A display device includes a controller and a display panel. The controller receives original image data and output a display image signal. The display panel receives the display image signal and displays a display image corresponding to the display image signal. The controller includes an image shift controller and a memory. The image shift controller generates shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image sequentially along a preset shift path on the display panel. The memory stores a shift path value indicating a distance by which the display image has been shifted on the preset shift path. The image shift controller generates the display image signal by processing the shifted image data. When the display device is powered on, the image shift controller generates shifted image data corresponding to a shift path value stored in the memory. | 1. A display device, comprising:
a controller configured to receive original image data and output a display image signal; and a display panel configured to receive the display image signal and display a display image corresponding to the display image signal, wherein the controller includes: an image shift controller configured to generate shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image sequentially along a preset shift path on the display panel; a memory configured to store a shift path value indicating a distance by which the display image has been shifted on the preset shift path, the shift path value to be stored in the memory when the display device is powered on and to be retained in the memory when the display device is powered off; and a timing controller configured to generate the display image signal by processing the shifted image data, wherein, when the display device is powered on after being powered off, the image shift controller is configured to generate shifted image data corresponding to the shift path value stored in the memory, and a first display image is displayed for a first period of time when the display device is powered on after being powered off, a second display image is displayed for a second period of time after the first display image is displayed, the first period of time is longer than the second period of time, the first display image is corresponding to the shift path value stored in the memory, and the second display image is shifted from the first display image along the preset shift path. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data for at least two successive frames, and when a proportion of same image data in the at least two successive frames exceeds a preset threshold value, generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path. 3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data corresponding to at least two successive frames, count the image data corresponding to the at least two successive frames as being identical when the proportion of the same image data exceeds the preset threshold value, and generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path, when a cumulative count value for image data corresponding to three or more frames is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. 4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image continuously and sequentially along a series of locations on the preset shift path at predetermined time intervals. 5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preset shift path includes a quadrilateral spiral pattern which winds outwardly from a center location. 6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preset shift path includes a zigzag pattern in which the display image is to be shifted in a first direction multiple times, shifted in a second direction once, and then shifted in a third direction multiple times in a repeated manner. 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
at least one of the first display image and the second display image includes a blank between at least an edge of the display panel and an edge of the display image, and the blank corresponds to no image in the original image data. 8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second display image is to be shifted from the first display image by one pixel column or one pixel row for each shift. 9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile memory. 10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein:
the memory includes a lookup table indicating the preset shift path, and the image shift controller is configured to receive an operation start signal when the display device is powered on, read a shift path value stored in the memory based on the operation start signal, and generate shifted image data corresponding to the stored shift path value by referring to the lookup table. 11. A display device, comprising:
a controller configured to receive original image data and output a display image signal; and a display panel configured to receive the display image signal and display a display image corresponding to the display image signal, wherein the controller includes: an image shift controller configured to generate shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image sequentially along a preset shift path on the display panel; a memory configured to store a shift path value indicating a distance by which the display image has been shifted on the preset shift path, the shift path value to be stored in the memory when the display device is powered on and to be retained in the memory when the display device is powered off; and a timing controller configured to generate the display image signal by processing the shifted image data, wherein when the display device is powered on after being powered off, the image shift controller is to generate shifted image data corresponding to the shift path value stored in the memory, wherein the image shift controller includes an image smoother, the image shift controller is configured to receive current frame image data and previous frame image data, generate shifted image data for the current frame image data and shifted image data for the previous frame image data by referring to the shift path value, and send the shifted image data for the current frame image data and the shifted image data for the previous frame image data to the image smoother, and the image smoother is configured to compare the shifted image data for the current frame image data and the shifted image data for the previous frame image data, and to modulate the shifted image data for the current frame image data to increase or decrease a gray value for pixels having gray values different from those of corresponding pixels of the shifted image data for the previous frame image data by more than a predetermined threshold value. 12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data for at least two successive frames, and when a proportion of same image data in the at least two successive frames exceeds a preset threshold value, generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path. 13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data corresponding to at least two successive frames, count the image data corresponding to the at least two successive frames as being identical when the proportion of the same image data exceeds the preset threshold value, and generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path, when a cumulative count value for image data corresponding to three or more frames is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. 14. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image continuously and sequentially along a series of locations on the preset shift path at predetermined time intervals. 15. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preset shift path includes a quadrilateral spiral pattern which winds outwardly from a center location. 16. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preset shift path includes a zigzag pattern in which the display image is to be shifted in a first direction multiple times, shifted in a second direction once, and then shifted in a third direction multiple times in a repeated manner. 17. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein:
a display image corresponding to the shifted image data includes a blank between at least an edge of the display panel and an edge of the display image, and the blank corresponds to no image in the original image data. 18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
a portion of the display image adjacent to the blank is to be enlarged, and the blank of the display image corresponding to the shifted image data is to be filled with the enlarged portion. 19. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile memory,
the memory includes a lookup table indicating the preset shift path, and the image shift controller is configured to receive an operation start signal when the display device is powered on, read a shift path value stored in the memory based on the operation start signal, and generate shifted image data corresponding to the stored shift path value by referring to the lookup table. 20. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the image smoother is configured to modulate the shifted image data for the current frame image data such to increase or decrease the gray value by one gray value in each frame for the pixels having gray values different from those of the corresponding pixels of the shifted image data for the previous frame image data by more than the predetermined threshold value. | A display device includes a controller and a display panel. The controller receives original image data and output a display image signal. The display panel receives the display image signal and displays a display image corresponding to the display image signal. The controller includes an image shift controller and a memory. The image shift controller generates shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image sequentially along a preset shift path on the display panel. The memory stores a shift path value indicating a distance by which the display image has been shifted on the preset shift path. The image shift controller generates the display image signal by processing the shifted image data. When the display device is powered on, the image shift controller generates shifted image data corresponding to a shift path value stored in the memory.1. A display device, comprising:
a controller configured to receive original image data and output a display image signal; and a display panel configured to receive the display image signal and display a display image corresponding to the display image signal, wherein the controller includes: an image shift controller configured to generate shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image sequentially along a preset shift path on the display panel; a memory configured to store a shift path value indicating a distance by which the display image has been shifted on the preset shift path, the shift path value to be stored in the memory when the display device is powered on and to be retained in the memory when the display device is powered off; and a timing controller configured to generate the display image signal by processing the shifted image data, wherein, when the display device is powered on after being powered off, the image shift controller is configured to generate shifted image data corresponding to the shift path value stored in the memory, and a first display image is displayed for a first period of time when the display device is powered on after being powered off, a second display image is displayed for a second period of time after the first display image is displayed, the first period of time is longer than the second period of time, the first display image is corresponding to the shift path value stored in the memory, and the second display image is shifted from the first display image along the preset shift path. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data for at least two successive frames, and when a proportion of same image data in the at least two successive frames exceeds a preset threshold value, generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path. 3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data corresponding to at least two successive frames, count the image data corresponding to the at least two successive frames as being identical when the proportion of the same image data exceeds the preset threshold value, and generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path, when a cumulative count value for image data corresponding to three or more frames is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. 4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image continuously and sequentially along a series of locations on the preset shift path at predetermined time intervals. 5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preset shift path includes a quadrilateral spiral pattern which winds outwardly from a center location. 6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preset shift path includes a zigzag pattern in which the display image is to be shifted in a first direction multiple times, shifted in a second direction once, and then shifted in a third direction multiple times in a repeated manner. 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
at least one of the first display image and the second display image includes a blank between at least an edge of the display panel and an edge of the display image, and the blank corresponds to no image in the original image data. 8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second display image is to be shifted from the first display image by one pixel column or one pixel row for each shift. 9. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile memory. 10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein:
the memory includes a lookup table indicating the preset shift path, and the image shift controller is configured to receive an operation start signal when the display device is powered on, read a shift path value stored in the memory based on the operation start signal, and generate shifted image data corresponding to the stored shift path value by referring to the lookup table. 11. A display device, comprising:
a controller configured to receive original image data and output a display image signal; and a display panel configured to receive the display image signal and display a display image corresponding to the display image signal, wherein the controller includes: an image shift controller configured to generate shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image sequentially along a preset shift path on the display panel; a memory configured to store a shift path value indicating a distance by which the display image has been shifted on the preset shift path, the shift path value to be stored in the memory when the display device is powered on and to be retained in the memory when the display device is powered off; and a timing controller configured to generate the display image signal by processing the shifted image data, wherein when the display device is powered on after being powered off, the image shift controller is to generate shifted image data corresponding to the shift path value stored in the memory, wherein the image shift controller includes an image smoother, the image shift controller is configured to receive current frame image data and previous frame image data, generate shifted image data for the current frame image data and shifted image data for the previous frame image data by referring to the shift path value, and send the shifted image data for the current frame image data and the shifted image data for the previous frame image data to the image smoother, and the image smoother is configured to compare the shifted image data for the current frame image data and the shifted image data for the previous frame image data, and to modulate the shifted image data for the current frame image data to increase or decrease a gray value for pixels having gray values different from those of corresponding pixels of the shifted image data for the previous frame image data by more than a predetermined threshold value. 12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data for at least two successive frames, and when a proportion of same image data in the at least two successive frames exceeds a preset threshold value, generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path. 13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
compare image data corresponding to at least two successive frames, count the image data corresponding to the at least two successive frames as being identical when the proportion of the same image data exceeds the preset threshold value, and generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image to a next location on the preset shift path, when a cumulative count value for image data corresponding to three or more frames is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. 14. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the image shift controller is configured to:
generate the shifted image data by modulating the original image data to shift the display image continuously and sequentially along a series of locations on the preset shift path at predetermined time intervals. 15. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preset shift path includes a quadrilateral spiral pattern which winds outwardly from a center location. 16. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the preset shift path includes a zigzag pattern in which the display image is to be shifted in a first direction multiple times, shifted in a second direction once, and then shifted in a third direction multiple times in a repeated manner. 17. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein:
a display image corresponding to the shifted image data includes a blank between at least an edge of the display panel and an edge of the display image, and the blank corresponds to no image in the original image data. 18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
a portion of the display image adjacent to the blank is to be enlarged, and the blank of the display image corresponding to the shifted image data is to be filled with the enlarged portion. 19. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the memory is a nonvolatile memory,
the memory includes a lookup table indicating the preset shift path, and the image shift controller is configured to receive an operation start signal when the display device is powered on, read a shift path value stored in the memory based on the operation start signal, and generate shifted image data corresponding to the stored shift path value by referring to the lookup table. 20. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the image smoother is configured to modulate the shifted image data for the current frame image data such to increase or decrease the gray value by one gray value in each frame for the pixels having gray values different from those of the corresponding pixels of the shifted image data for the previous frame image data by more than the predetermined threshold value. | 2,600 |
11,107 | 11,107 | 16,362,013 | 2,643 | Embodiments of the disclosure provide a communication system and method. In one example, the method includes receiving an incoming call message that is being transmitted by a caller's communication device to a callee's communication device, analyzing a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call message, comparing the caller ID with a set of known caller IDs, determining that the caller ID does not match any known caller ID from the set of known caller IDs, and blocking the incoming call message from being transferred to the callee's communication device in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any known caller ID from the set of known caller IDs. | 1. A communication server, comprising:
a communications interface; a processor coupled to the communications interface; and a computer readable medium coupled with the processor, the computer readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions that include:
instructions that receive an incoming call setup message that is being transmitted from a caller's communication device addressed to a callee's communication device;
instruction that analyze a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call setup message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call setup message;
instructions that compare the caller ID with a set of known caller IDs;
instructions that, upon determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs, performing a subsequent analysis of the call setup message and determining therefrom if the incoming call is permitted or not permitted;
instructions that, determine the incoming call is permitted upon determining that the caller ID does match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs and
wherein the call setup message is forwarded to the callee's communication device when permitted; and wherein the instructions are provided as part of a mobile core positioned between the caller's communication device and the callee's communication device in a mobile communication network. 2. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that extract header information from the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the extracted header information in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs. 3. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that determine a communication standard used by the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the communication standard in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs. 4. The communication server of claim 3, wherein the communication standard comprises at least one of a signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standard, a secure telephony identity revisited standard, and a personal assertion token/passport standard that uses a web token and web signature format. 5. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device in response to blocking the incoming call setup message. 6. The communication server of claim 5, wherein the instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device are configured to provide a voice prompt to the caller's communication device indicating a reason for blocking the incoming call setup message. 7. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the incoming call setup message comprises a voice call directed to a mobile communication device. 8. (canceled) 9. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that notify the callee's communication device that a call was attempted by a caller's communication device with an unverified caller ID. 10. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein which, when executed by a processor, the instructions comprising:
instructions that receive an incoming call setup message that is being transmitted by a caller's communication device; instruction that analyze a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call setup message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call setup message; instructions that reference a database of valid caller IDs; instructions that compare the caller ID with at least some of the valid caller IDs; instructions that, upon determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs, performing a subsequent analysis of the call setup message and determining therefrom if the incoming call is permitted or not permitted; instructions that, determine the incoming call is permitted upon determining that the caller ID does match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs and instructions that forward the call setup message to the callee's communication device when permitted; and wherein the instructions are provided as part of a mobile core positioned between the caller's communication device and the callee's communication device in a mobile communication network. 11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that extract header information from the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the extracted header information in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs. 12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that determine a communication standard used by the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the communication standard in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs. 13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein the communication standard comprises at least one of a signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standard, a secure telephony identity revisited standard, and a personal assertion token/passport standard that uses a web token and web signature format. 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device in response to blocking the incoming call setup message, wherein the instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device are configured to provide a voice prompt to the caller's communication device indicating a reason for blocking the incoming call setup message. 15. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a processor of a mobile communication server, an incoming call setup message that is being transmitted by a caller's communication device to a callee's communication device; analyzing, at the processor, a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call setup message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call setup message; comparing the caller ID with a set of known caller IDs; determining that the caller ID does not match any known caller ID from the set of known caller IDs; and upon determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs, perform a subsequent analysis of the call setup message and determining therefrom if the incoming call is permitted or not permitted; determining the incoming call is permitted upon determining that the caller ID does match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs; and forwarding the call setup message to the callee's communication device when permitted; and wherein at least the steps of receiving and blocking are provided as part of a mobile core positioned between the caller's communication device and the callee's communication device in a mobile communication network. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
extracting, with the processor, header information from the incoming call setup message; analyzing, with the processor, the extracted header information in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs; and based on the analysis of the extracted header information, unblocking the incoming call setup message thereby allowing the incoming call setup message to be transmitted to the callee's communication device. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
determining, with the processor, a communication standard used by the incoming call setup message; analyzing, with the processor, the communication standard in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs; and based on the analysis of the communication standard, unblocking the incoming call setup message thereby allowing the incoming call setup message to be transmitted to the callee's communication device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the communication standard comprises at least one of a signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standard, a secure telephony identity revisited standard, and a personal assertion token/passport standard that uses a web token and web signature format. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
providing, with the processor, a message back to the caller's communication device in response to blocking the incoming call setup message. 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
notifying, with the processor, the callee's communication device that a call was attempted by the caller's communication device with an unverified caller ID. | Embodiments of the disclosure provide a communication system and method. In one example, the method includes receiving an incoming call message that is being transmitted by a caller's communication device to a callee's communication device, analyzing a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call message, comparing the caller ID with a set of known caller IDs, determining that the caller ID does not match any known caller ID from the set of known caller IDs, and blocking the incoming call message from being transferred to the callee's communication device in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any known caller ID from the set of known caller IDs.1. A communication server, comprising:
a communications interface; a processor coupled to the communications interface; and a computer readable medium coupled with the processor, the computer readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions that include:
instructions that receive an incoming call setup message that is being transmitted from a caller's communication device addressed to a callee's communication device;
instruction that analyze a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call setup message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call setup message;
instructions that compare the caller ID with a set of known caller IDs;
instructions that, upon determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs, performing a subsequent analysis of the call setup message and determining therefrom if the incoming call is permitted or not permitted;
instructions that, determine the incoming call is permitted upon determining that the caller ID does match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs and
wherein the call setup message is forwarded to the callee's communication device when permitted; and wherein the instructions are provided as part of a mobile core positioned between the caller's communication device and the callee's communication device in a mobile communication network. 2. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that extract header information from the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the extracted header information in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs. 3. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that determine a communication standard used by the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the communication standard in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs. 4. The communication server of claim 3, wherein the communication standard comprises at least one of a signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standard, a secure telephony identity revisited standard, and a personal assertion token/passport standard that uses a web token and web signature format. 5. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device in response to blocking the incoming call setup message. 6. The communication server of claim 5, wherein the instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device are configured to provide a voice prompt to the caller's communication device indicating a reason for blocking the incoming call setup message. 7. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the incoming call setup message comprises a voice call directed to a mobile communication device. 8. (canceled) 9. The communication server of claim 1, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that notify the callee's communication device that a call was attempted by a caller's communication device with an unverified caller ID. 10. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored therein which, when executed by a processor, the instructions comprising:
instructions that receive an incoming call setup message that is being transmitted by a caller's communication device; instruction that analyze a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call setup message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call setup message; instructions that reference a database of valid caller IDs; instructions that compare the caller ID with at least some of the valid caller IDs; instructions that, upon determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs, performing a subsequent analysis of the call setup message and determining therefrom if the incoming call is permitted or not permitted; instructions that, determine the incoming call is permitted upon determining that the caller ID does match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs and instructions that forward the call setup message to the callee's communication device when permitted; and wherein the instructions are provided as part of a mobile core positioned between the caller's communication device and the callee's communication device in a mobile communication network. 11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that extract header information from the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the extracted header information in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs. 12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that determine a communication standard used by the incoming call setup message; and instructions that analyze the communication standard in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs. 13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein the communication standard comprises at least one of a signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standard, a secure telephony identity revisited standard, and a personal assertion token/passport standard that uses a web token and web signature format. 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions further include:
instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device in response to blocking the incoming call setup message, wherein the instructions that provide a message back to the caller's communication device are configured to provide a voice prompt to the caller's communication device indicating a reason for blocking the incoming call setup message. 15. A method, comprising:
receiving, at a processor of a mobile communication server, an incoming call setup message that is being transmitted by a caller's communication device to a callee's communication device; analyzing, at the processor, a caller identification (ID) field of the incoming call setup message to determine a caller ID associated with the incoming call setup message; comparing the caller ID with a set of known caller IDs; determining that the caller ID does not match any known caller ID from the set of known caller IDs; and upon determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs, perform a subsequent analysis of the call setup message and determining therefrom if the incoming call is permitted or not permitted; determining the incoming call is permitted upon determining that the caller ID does match any caller ID in the set of known caller IDs; and forwarding the call setup message to the callee's communication device when permitted; and wherein at least the steps of receiving and blocking are provided as part of a mobile core positioned between the caller's communication device and the callee's communication device in a mobile communication network. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
extracting, with the processor, header information from the incoming call setup message; analyzing, with the processor, the extracted header information in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs; and based on the analysis of the extracted header information, unblocking the incoming call setup message thereby allowing the incoming call setup message to be transmitted to the callee's communication device. 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
determining, with the processor, a communication standard used by the incoming call setup message; analyzing, with the processor, the communication standard in response to determining that the caller ID does not match any caller ID in the at least some valid caller IDs; and based on the analysis of the communication standard, unblocking the incoming call setup message thereby allowing the incoming call setup message to be transmitted to the callee's communication device. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the communication standard comprises at least one of a signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens standard, a secure telephony identity revisited standard, and a personal assertion token/passport standard that uses a web token and web signature format. 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
providing, with the processor, a message back to the caller's communication device in response to blocking the incoming call setup message. 20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
notifying, with the processor, the callee's communication device that a call was attempted by the caller's communication device with an unverified caller ID. | 2,600 |
11,108 | 11,108 | 12,811,220 | 2,647 | Apparatus for constructing a digital telephone message including a message defining unit, configured for allowing a sender to define a message for sending to a recipient, and a response defining unit, configured for allowing the sender to predefine a recipient response, and to include the predefined recipient response in the message for activation at the recipient. Apparatus for receiving a digital telephone message, the message including an activatable sender-defined response, the apparatus including a receiving unit for receiving the message, a notification unit for notifying a recipient of the arrival of the message, and a response activation unit for displaying the sender-defined response, and associating the sender-defined response with a user action for providing user input to send the response. Related apparatus and methods are also described. | 1. Apparatus for constructing a digital telephone message comprising:
a message defining unit, configured for enabling a sender to define a message for sending to a recipient, and a response defining unit, configured for allowing the sender to predefine a recipient response, and to include the predefined recipient response in the message for activation at the recipient. 2-9. (canceled) 10. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the activation at a recipient comprises sending the predefined recipient response to a response recipient. 11-13. (canceled) 14. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the activation is performed by a single action. 15. (canceled) 16. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the response recipient comprises a third party other than the sender of the message. 17. (canceled) 18. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the response defining unit further provides for allowing the sender to include code configured to run upon the recipient's apparatus to support caller defined responses, and the code is configured to activate sending the predefined recipient response. 19. (canceled) 20. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising an authentication defining unit for allowing the sender to define a required authentication, thereby to limit display of the message to recipients who input the defined authentication. 21. (canceled) 22. A method for constructing a digital telephone message comprising:
constructing the message; predefining a recipient response; and including the predefined recipient response with the constructed message for automatic activation at a recipient. 23. A server configured to transmit a digital telephone message comprising a sender-defined response component for activation by a recipient. 24. A method for producing a digital message containing a component which enables responding to the message upon receipt, without a need for any one of selecting, opening, and reading the message. 25. A communication system for transmitting a digital message containing a component which enables responding to the message upon receipt, without a need for any one of selecting, opening, and reading the message. 26. Apparatus for receiving a digital telephone message, the message comprising an activatable sender-defined response, the apparatus comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving the message; a notification unit for notifying a recipient of the arrival of the message; and a response activation unit for displaying the sender-defined response, and associating the sender-defined response with a user action for providing user input to send the response. 27. The apparatus of claim 26 in which at least the response activation unit is part of an enhanced native SMS client software. 28. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the enhanced native SMS client software is adapted to parse a plain text message, and performs the displaying and the associating based, at least in part, on the parsing. 29-34. (canceled) 35. The apparatus of claim 26 in which the user action comprises a single key depression. 36-42. (canceled) 43. The apparatus of claim 26 in which the user action is operable to activate the apparatus to send the response before opening the message. 44. The apparatus of claim 26 and further comprising a message display unit for displaying the message, the display unit displaying the message only after the recipient inputs a form of authentication. 45. (canceled) 46. The apparatus of claim 26 in which the sending the response comprises sending the response to a third party other than the sender of the message, the third party destination having been received with the message. 47. A method for receiving a digital telephone message, the message comprising an activatable sender-defined response, the method comprising:
receiving the message; notifying a recipient of the arrival of the message; and displaying the sender-defined response, and associating the sender-defined response with a user action for providing user input to send the response. 48-51. (canceled) 52. A method for tracking responses to a digital telephone message, the message comprising an activatable sender-defined response, comprising:
receiving a response to a sent message; and displaying a recipient identifier associated with the sent message together with a response identifier associated with the sent message, the response identifier comprising an indication of whether a response to the message was received. 53. (canceled) 54. The method according to claim 52 in which the response identifier comprises an icon. 55-64. (canceled) 65. A system for tracking responses to sent messages comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving a response to a sent message; and a display for displaying a message identifier associated with the sent message together with a response identifier associated with the response, the response identifier comprising an indication of whether a response to the message was received. 66. A system for sending a message over a cellular link and tracking responses to the message, the system comprising:
a message defining unit for defining the message; a response defining unit for predefining one or more recipient responses, and for including the one or more predefined recipient responses in the message for activation at a recipient; a tracking unit for tracking responses to the message, and for displaying responses to the message. 67-71. (canceled) 72. A communication system for transmitting an SMS message to which a flag has been added, the flag indicating that one or more pre-defined responses are comprised in an SMS message. 73. A communication system for transmitting an SMS message to which a field has been added, the field comprising one or more pre-defined responses. 74. Apparatus for receiving a first digital telephone message and for constructing a second digital telephone message, comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving the first digital telephone message; a message defining unit, configured for allowing a user to define a message for sending to a recipient, and a response defining unit, configured for allowing the user to predefine a response, and to include the predefined response in the message for activation at the recipient, thereby constructing a second digital telephone message. | Apparatus for constructing a digital telephone message including a message defining unit, configured for allowing a sender to define a message for sending to a recipient, and a response defining unit, configured for allowing the sender to predefine a recipient response, and to include the predefined recipient response in the message for activation at the recipient. Apparatus for receiving a digital telephone message, the message including an activatable sender-defined response, the apparatus including a receiving unit for receiving the message, a notification unit for notifying a recipient of the arrival of the message, and a response activation unit for displaying the sender-defined response, and associating the sender-defined response with a user action for providing user input to send the response. Related apparatus and methods are also described.1. Apparatus for constructing a digital telephone message comprising:
a message defining unit, configured for enabling a sender to define a message for sending to a recipient, and a response defining unit, configured for allowing the sender to predefine a recipient response, and to include the predefined recipient response in the message for activation at the recipient. 2-9. (canceled) 10. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the activation at a recipient comprises sending the predefined recipient response to a response recipient. 11-13. (canceled) 14. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the activation is performed by a single action. 15. (canceled) 16. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the response recipient comprises a third party other than the sender of the message. 17. (canceled) 18. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the response defining unit further provides for allowing the sender to include code configured to run upon the recipient's apparatus to support caller defined responses, and the code is configured to activate sending the predefined recipient response. 19. (canceled) 20. The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising an authentication defining unit for allowing the sender to define a required authentication, thereby to limit display of the message to recipients who input the defined authentication. 21. (canceled) 22. A method for constructing a digital telephone message comprising:
constructing the message; predefining a recipient response; and including the predefined recipient response with the constructed message for automatic activation at a recipient. 23. A server configured to transmit a digital telephone message comprising a sender-defined response component for activation by a recipient. 24. A method for producing a digital message containing a component which enables responding to the message upon receipt, without a need for any one of selecting, opening, and reading the message. 25. A communication system for transmitting a digital message containing a component which enables responding to the message upon receipt, without a need for any one of selecting, opening, and reading the message. 26. Apparatus for receiving a digital telephone message, the message comprising an activatable sender-defined response, the apparatus comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving the message; a notification unit for notifying a recipient of the arrival of the message; and a response activation unit for displaying the sender-defined response, and associating the sender-defined response with a user action for providing user input to send the response. 27. The apparatus of claim 26 in which at least the response activation unit is part of an enhanced native SMS client software. 28. The apparatus of claim 27 in which the enhanced native SMS client software is adapted to parse a plain text message, and performs the displaying and the associating based, at least in part, on the parsing. 29-34. (canceled) 35. The apparatus of claim 26 in which the user action comprises a single key depression. 36-42. (canceled) 43. The apparatus of claim 26 in which the user action is operable to activate the apparatus to send the response before opening the message. 44. The apparatus of claim 26 and further comprising a message display unit for displaying the message, the display unit displaying the message only after the recipient inputs a form of authentication. 45. (canceled) 46. The apparatus of claim 26 in which the sending the response comprises sending the response to a third party other than the sender of the message, the third party destination having been received with the message. 47. A method for receiving a digital telephone message, the message comprising an activatable sender-defined response, the method comprising:
receiving the message; notifying a recipient of the arrival of the message; and displaying the sender-defined response, and associating the sender-defined response with a user action for providing user input to send the response. 48-51. (canceled) 52. A method for tracking responses to a digital telephone message, the message comprising an activatable sender-defined response, comprising:
receiving a response to a sent message; and displaying a recipient identifier associated with the sent message together with a response identifier associated with the sent message, the response identifier comprising an indication of whether a response to the message was received. 53. (canceled) 54. The method according to claim 52 in which the response identifier comprises an icon. 55-64. (canceled) 65. A system for tracking responses to sent messages comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving a response to a sent message; and a display for displaying a message identifier associated with the sent message together with a response identifier associated with the response, the response identifier comprising an indication of whether a response to the message was received. 66. A system for sending a message over a cellular link and tracking responses to the message, the system comprising:
a message defining unit for defining the message; a response defining unit for predefining one or more recipient responses, and for including the one or more predefined recipient responses in the message for activation at a recipient; a tracking unit for tracking responses to the message, and for displaying responses to the message. 67-71. (canceled) 72. A communication system for transmitting an SMS message to which a flag has been added, the flag indicating that one or more pre-defined responses are comprised in an SMS message. 73. A communication system for transmitting an SMS message to which a field has been added, the field comprising one or more pre-defined responses. 74. Apparatus for receiving a first digital telephone message and for constructing a second digital telephone message, comprising:
a receiving unit for receiving the first digital telephone message; a message defining unit, configured for allowing a user to define a message for sending to a recipient, and a response defining unit, configured for allowing the user to predefine a response, and to include the predefined response in the message for activation at the recipient, thereby constructing a second digital telephone message. | 2,600 |
11,109 | 11,109 | 16,774,188 | 2,688 | This invention relates to a security tag for use in a retail environment. In particular this invention relates to a security tag including a flexible member or lanyard that can be formed into a loop to attach the security tag to an article. A security tag comprises a main body comprising a casing having opposite first and second end walls; an elongate flexible member for securing around an object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop, the locking mechanism being releasable by application of a magnetic force such that the second end of the flexible member can be withdrawn from the casing; and two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensors housed within the casing, a first one of the sensors being proximate the first end wall of the casing and a second one of the sensors being proximate the second end wall of the casing. | 1. A security tag comprising:
a main body comprising a casing having opposite first and second end walls; an elongate flexible member for securing around an object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop, the locking mechanism being releasable by application of a magnetic force such that the second end of the flexible member can be withdrawn from the casing; and two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensors housed within the casing, a first one of the sensors being proximate the first end wall of the casing and a second one of the sensors being proximate the second end wall of the casing. 2. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing comprises a first aperture through which a first end section of the flexible member extends and a second aperture with which the locking mechanism is associated, the first aperture being disposed proximate the first end wall and the second aperture being disposed proximate the second end wall. 3. A security tag as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second apertures are provided in a side wall of the casing, the side wall extending between the first and second end walls. 4. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the second end of the flexible member is retained in the casing by the locking mechanism, a centre of gravity of the main body lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to at least one of the first and second end walls that is disposed halfway between the first and second apertures. 5. A security tag as claimed in claim 2, wherein a passage extends between the second aperture and the locking mechanism. 6. A security tag as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises grip means moveable between a gripping position in which the grip means applies a gripping force to a part of the flexible member and a released position in which the grip means does not grip the flexible member, and wherein the grip means is biased into the gripping position. 7. A security tag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a biasing means configured to apply a force to the grip means in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the passage. 8. A security tag as claimed in claim 7, wherein the biasing means comprises a compression spring. 9. A security tag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the grip means comprises a plurality of grip members configured to move radially inwardly to grip the flexible member and to move radially outwardly to release the flexible member. 10. A security tag as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is releasable by application of a magnetic force in a direction substantially parallel to the passage. 11. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a metal cord or wire. 12. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an alarm in the main body. 13. A security tag as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a control member biased to extend into the passage and arranged to contact a part of the flexible member located within the passage. 14. A security tag as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control member is moveable by contact with the flexible member between a first position in which a part of the control member extends a first distance into the passage and a second position in which a part of the control member extends a second distance into the passage, the second distance being less than the first distance. 15. A security tag as claimed in claim 13, wherein the security tag comprises an alarm and wherein contact between the flexible member and the control member completes a circuit connected to the alarm, such that if the flexible member is severed the alarm is triggered. 16. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a conductive element housed within the casing and connected to an alarm, a first section of the conductive element disposed proximate a first side wall of the casing and a second section of the conductive element disposed proximate a second side wall of the casing, the conductive element being configured such that if the conductive element is severed the alarm is triggered. 17. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two EAS sensors operates at a different frequency. 18. A security tag as claimed in claim 17, wherein a first one of the EAS sensors operates at a frequency of about 58 kHz and a second one of the EAS sensors operates at a frequency of about 8.2 MHz. | This invention relates to a security tag for use in a retail environment. In particular this invention relates to a security tag including a flexible member or lanyard that can be formed into a loop to attach the security tag to an article. A security tag comprises a main body comprising a casing having opposite first and second end walls; an elongate flexible member for securing around an object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop, the locking mechanism being releasable by application of a magnetic force such that the second end of the flexible member can be withdrawn from the casing; and two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensors housed within the casing, a first one of the sensors being proximate the first end wall of the casing and a second one of the sensors being proximate the second end wall of the casing.1. A security tag comprising:
a main body comprising a casing having opposite first and second end walls; an elongate flexible member for securing around an object, a first end of the flexible member being connected to the main body; a releasable locking mechanism in the main body, the locking mechanism configured to retain a second end of the flexible member within the casing such that a part of the flexible member external to the casing forms a loop, the locking mechanism being releasable by application of a magnetic force such that the second end of the flexible member can be withdrawn from the casing; and two electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensors housed within the casing, a first one of the sensors being proximate the first end wall of the casing and a second one of the sensors being proximate the second end wall of the casing. 2. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing comprises a first aperture through which a first end section of the flexible member extends and a second aperture with which the locking mechanism is associated, the first aperture being disposed proximate the first end wall and the second aperture being disposed proximate the second end wall. 3. A security tag as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and second apertures are provided in a side wall of the casing, the side wall extending between the first and second end walls. 4. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the second end of the flexible member is retained in the casing by the locking mechanism, a centre of gravity of the main body lies in a plane extending substantially parallel to at least one of the first and second end walls that is disposed halfway between the first and second apertures. 5. A security tag as claimed in claim 2, wherein a passage extends between the second aperture and the locking mechanism. 6. A security tag as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism comprises grip means moveable between a gripping position in which the grip means applies a gripping force to a part of the flexible member and a released position in which the grip means does not grip the flexible member, and wherein the grip means is biased into the gripping position. 7. A security tag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a biasing means configured to apply a force to the grip means in a direction substantially parallel to an axis of the passage. 8. A security tag as claimed in claim 7, wherein the biasing means comprises a compression spring. 9. A security tag as claimed in claim 6, wherein the grip means comprises a plurality of grip members configured to move radially inwardly to grip the flexible member and to move radially outwardly to release the flexible member. 10. A security tag as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism is releasable by application of a magnetic force in a direction substantially parallel to the passage. 11. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flexible member comprises a metal cord or wire. 12. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an alarm in the main body. 13. A security tag as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a control member biased to extend into the passage and arranged to contact a part of the flexible member located within the passage. 14. A security tag as claimed in claim 13, wherein the control member is moveable by contact with the flexible member between a first position in which a part of the control member extends a first distance into the passage and a second position in which a part of the control member extends a second distance into the passage, the second distance being less than the first distance. 15. A security tag as claimed in claim 13, wherein the security tag comprises an alarm and wherein contact between the flexible member and the control member completes a circuit connected to the alarm, such that if the flexible member is severed the alarm is triggered. 16. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a conductive element housed within the casing and connected to an alarm, a first section of the conductive element disposed proximate a first side wall of the casing and a second section of the conductive element disposed proximate a second side wall of the casing, the conductive element being configured such that if the conductive element is severed the alarm is triggered. 17. A security tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the two EAS sensors operates at a different frequency. 18. A security tag as claimed in claim 17, wherein a first one of the EAS sensors operates at a frequency of about 58 kHz and a second one of the EAS sensors operates at a frequency of about 8.2 MHz. | 2,600 |
11,110 | 11,110 | 16,119,827 | 2,685 | An emergency detection and alert system includes an emergency server configured to provide an alert to each person on an alert feed list when an emergency event is detected. In addition, the system includes a client device to communicate with the emergency server, and a microphone for detecting audible signals. In addition, the system includes an emergency validator comprising a warning database and a processor. The processor in configured to receive at least one audible signal from the client device, compare the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and transmit a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. | 1. An emergency detection and alert system comprising:
an emergency server comprising an alert database storing contact information for each person on an alert feed list, and the emergency server configured to provide an alert to each person on the alert feed list using the respective contact information when an emergency event is detected; a client device having a display, and configured to communicate with the emergency server, and comprising a microphone for detecting audible signals; and an emergency validator comprising a warning database for assessing safety situations and a processor, and the processor configured to perform the following:
receive at least one audible signal from the client device,
compare the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and
transmit a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. 2. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the emergency validator is configured to transmit the trigger signal in response to manual input of a user. 3. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the emergency validator is configured to wait a predetermined time period between when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal and when the trigger signal is transmitted to the emergency server to provide an opportunity for a user to cancel the alert using the client device before it is transmitted to each person on the alert feed list in the event of a false alarm. 4. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the client device further comprising a visual indicator configured to be viewable on the display of the client device when the system is operational. 5. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the alert comprises at least one of a voice message, a siren, email, and text message. 6. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the emergency validator is configured to determine and transmit a physical location of the emergency event and user location and to associate same with the trigger alert and transmit to the emergency server. 7. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 6, wherein the emergency server is configured to store pictures and/or video of at an emergency exit proximate to the user location and to transmit same to the client device. 8. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 7, wherein the emergency server is configured to generate a visual map of a particular egress route to transmit to the client device to guide the user to the emergency exit. 9. A method for emergency detection and providing alerts comprising:
operating an emergency server comprising an alert database storing contact information for each person on an alert feed list, and the emergency server configured to provide an alert to each person on the alert feed list using the respective contact information when an emergency event is detected; operating a client device having a display, and configured to communicate with the emergency server, and comprising a microphone for detecting audible signals; and operating an emergency validator comprising a warning database for assessing safety situations, and configured to perform the following:
receiving at least one audible signal from the client device,
comparing the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and
transmitting a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. 10. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein the emergency validator is configured to transmit the trigger signal in response to manual input of a user. 11. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein operating the emergency validator further comprises waiting a predetermined time period between when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal and when the trigger signal is transmitted to the emergency server to provide an opportunity for a user to cancel the alert using the client device before it is transmitted to each person on the alert feed list in the event of a false alarm. 12. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein the client device further comprising a visual indicator configured to be viewable on the display of the client device when the system is operational. 13. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein the alert comprises at least one of a voice message, a siren, email, and text message. 14. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein operating the emergency validator further comprises determining and transmitting a physical location of the emergency event and user location and associating same with the trigger alert. 15. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 14, wherein operating the emergency server further comprises storing pictures and/or video of at an emergency exit proximate to the user location. 16. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 15, wherein operating the emergency server further comprises generating a visual map of a particular egress route to guide the user to the emergency exit. 17. A non-transitory computer readable medium for operating an emergency validator having a warning database and interfacing between a client device and an emergency server, and with the non-transitory computer readable medium having a plurality of computer executable instructions for causing the emergency validator to perform steps comprising:
receiving at least one audible signal from the client device; comparing the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and transmitting a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the emergency validator further comprises determining and transmitting a physical location of the emergency event and user location and associating same with the trigger alert. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the emergency server further comprises storing pictures and/or video of at an emergency exit proximate to the user location. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the emergency server further comprises generating a visual map of a particular egress route to guide the user to the emergency exit. | An emergency detection and alert system includes an emergency server configured to provide an alert to each person on an alert feed list when an emergency event is detected. In addition, the system includes a client device to communicate with the emergency server, and a microphone for detecting audible signals. In addition, the system includes an emergency validator comprising a warning database and a processor. The processor in configured to receive at least one audible signal from the client device, compare the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and transmit a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected.1. An emergency detection and alert system comprising:
an emergency server comprising an alert database storing contact information for each person on an alert feed list, and the emergency server configured to provide an alert to each person on the alert feed list using the respective contact information when an emergency event is detected; a client device having a display, and configured to communicate with the emergency server, and comprising a microphone for detecting audible signals; and an emergency validator comprising a warning database for assessing safety situations and a processor, and the processor configured to perform the following:
receive at least one audible signal from the client device,
compare the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and
transmit a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. 2. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the emergency validator is configured to transmit the trigger signal in response to manual input of a user. 3. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the emergency validator is configured to wait a predetermined time period between when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal and when the trigger signal is transmitted to the emergency server to provide an opportunity for a user to cancel the alert using the client device before it is transmitted to each person on the alert feed list in the event of a false alarm. 4. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the client device further comprising a visual indicator configured to be viewable on the display of the client device when the system is operational. 5. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the alert comprises at least one of a voice message, a siren, email, and text message. 6. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 1, wherein the emergency validator is configured to determine and transmit a physical location of the emergency event and user location and to associate same with the trigger alert and transmit to the emergency server. 7. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 6, wherein the emergency server is configured to store pictures and/or video of at an emergency exit proximate to the user location and to transmit same to the client device. 8. The emergency detection and alert system of claim 7, wherein the emergency server is configured to generate a visual map of a particular egress route to transmit to the client device to guide the user to the emergency exit. 9. A method for emergency detection and providing alerts comprising:
operating an emergency server comprising an alert database storing contact information for each person on an alert feed list, and the emergency server configured to provide an alert to each person on the alert feed list using the respective contact information when an emergency event is detected; operating a client device having a display, and configured to communicate with the emergency server, and comprising a microphone for detecting audible signals; and operating an emergency validator comprising a warning database for assessing safety situations, and configured to perform the following:
receiving at least one audible signal from the client device,
comparing the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and
transmitting a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. 10. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein the emergency validator is configured to transmit the trigger signal in response to manual input of a user. 11. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein operating the emergency validator further comprises waiting a predetermined time period between when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal and when the trigger signal is transmitted to the emergency server to provide an opportunity for a user to cancel the alert using the client device before it is transmitted to each person on the alert feed list in the event of a false alarm. 12. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein the client device further comprising a visual indicator configured to be viewable on the display of the client device when the system is operational. 13. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein the alert comprises at least one of a voice message, a siren, email, and text message. 14. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 9, wherein operating the emergency validator further comprises determining and transmitting a physical location of the emergency event and user location and associating same with the trigger alert. 15. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 14, wherein operating the emergency server further comprises storing pictures and/or video of at an emergency exit proximate to the user location. 16. The method for emergency detection and providing alerts of claim 15, wherein operating the emergency server further comprises generating a visual map of a particular egress route to guide the user to the emergency exit. 17. A non-transitory computer readable medium for operating an emergency validator having a warning database and interfacing between a client device and an emergency server, and with the non-transitory computer readable medium having a plurality of computer executable instructions for causing the emergency validator to perform steps comprising:
receiving at least one audible signal from the client device; comparing the at least one audible signal to the warning database, the warning database having a plurality of warning signals stored therein, and transmitting a trigger signal to the emergency server when the at least one audible signal is a match to at least one warning signal of the plurality of warning signals to indicate an emergency event has been detected. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein the emergency validator further comprises determining and transmitting a physical location of the emergency event and user location and associating same with the trigger alert. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the emergency server further comprises storing pictures and/or video of at an emergency exit proximate to the user location. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein the emergency server further comprises generating a visual map of a particular egress route to guide the user to the emergency exit. | 2,600 |
11,111 | 11,111 | 16,186,955 | 2,658 | There is provided a method in a peripheral device comprising one or more microphones. The peripheral device is connectable to a host device via a digital connection. The method comprises: receiving, from the one or more microphones, an audio data stream relating to speech from a user, the audio data stream comprising a stream of data segments; and, responsive to detection of a trigger phrase in one or more first data segments of the audio data stream: effecting activation of the digital connection; and transmitting one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments to the host device via the digital connection for use in a voice biometric authentication process. | 1. A method in a peripheral device comprising one or more microphones, the peripheral device being connectable to a host device via a digital connection, the method comprising:
receiving, from the one or more microphones, an audio data stream relating to speech from a user, the audio data stream comprising a stream of data segments; and responsive to detection of a trigger phrase in one or more first data segments of the audio data stream:
effecting activation of the digital connection; and
transmitting, to the host device via the digital connection, one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments for use in a voice biometric authentication process. 2. The method according to claim 15, further comprising transmitting one or more second data segments of the audio data stream, not including the one or more first data segments, to the host device via the digital connection. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the digital connection comprises a first data channel and a second data channel, wherein the one or more biometric features are transmitted over the first data channel and the one or more second data segments are transmitted over the second data channel. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the one or more second data segments comprise one or more command phrases uttered by the user. 5. An audio transmission device for a peripheral device, the peripheral device comprising one or more microphones, the peripheral device being connectable to a host device via a digital connection, the audio transmission device comprising:
a first input for receiving, from the one or more microphones, an audio data stream relating to speech from a user, the audio data stream comprising a stream of data segments; trigger-phrase detection circuitry, configured to detect a trigger phrase in one or more first data segments of the audio data stream; interface circuitry, configured to:
effect activation of the digital connection responsive to detection of the trigger phrase; and
transmit one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments to the host device via the digital connection for use in a voice biometric authentication process. 6. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the interface circuitry is further configured to transmit one or more second data segments of the audio data stream, not including the one or more first data segments, to the host device via the digital connection. 7. The audio transmission device according to claim 6, wherein the digital connection comprises a first data channel and a second data channel, wherein the one or more biometric features are transmitted over the first data channel and the one or more second data segments are transmitted over the second data channel. 8. The audio transmission device according to claim 7, wherein the first data channel has a lower bandwidth than the second data channel. 9. The audio transmission device according to claim 30, wherein the first data channel comprises an asynchronous data channel. 10. The audio transmission device according to claim 7, wherein the second data channel comprises an isochronous audio channel. 11. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the one or more second data segments comprise one or more command phrases uttered by the user. 12. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising:
a cryptographic device configured to sign or encrypt the one or more biometric features, and wherein the interface circuitry is configured to transmit the one or more biometric features by transmitting the one or more cryptographically signed or encrypted biometric features. 13. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising:
a buffer memory for storing one or more audio input signals from the microphones. 14. The audio transmission device according to claim 15, wherein the one or more biometric features are extracted based on the content of the buffer memory. 15. The audio transmission device according to claim 12, wherein the trigger-phrase detection circuitry is configured to detect the trigger phrase based on the content of the buffer memory. 16. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the trigger-phrase detection circuitry is configured to detect the trigger phrase based on the audio input signals received from the one or more microphones. 17. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising a second input for receiving the one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments. 18. The audio transmission device according to claim 30, further comprising:
a feature extract device configured to extract the one or more biometric features from the one or more first data segments. 19. A peripheral device, comprising:
one of more microphones; and an audio transmission device according to claim 5. 20. A combination, comprising:
a peripheral device according to claim 19; and a host device comprising a voice biometric authentication module, wherein the voice biometric authentication module is configured to receive the one or more biometric features, and to perform a voice biometric authentication algorithm using the one or more biometric features to determine whether or not the user is an authorised user. | There is provided a method in a peripheral device comprising one or more microphones. The peripheral device is connectable to a host device via a digital connection. The method comprises: receiving, from the one or more microphones, an audio data stream relating to speech from a user, the audio data stream comprising a stream of data segments; and, responsive to detection of a trigger phrase in one or more first data segments of the audio data stream: effecting activation of the digital connection; and transmitting one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments to the host device via the digital connection for use in a voice biometric authentication process.1. A method in a peripheral device comprising one or more microphones, the peripheral device being connectable to a host device via a digital connection, the method comprising:
receiving, from the one or more microphones, an audio data stream relating to speech from a user, the audio data stream comprising a stream of data segments; and responsive to detection of a trigger phrase in one or more first data segments of the audio data stream:
effecting activation of the digital connection; and
transmitting, to the host device via the digital connection, one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments for use in a voice biometric authentication process. 2. The method according to claim 15, further comprising transmitting one or more second data segments of the audio data stream, not including the one or more first data segments, to the host device via the digital connection. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the digital connection comprises a first data channel and a second data channel, wherein the one or more biometric features are transmitted over the first data channel and the one or more second data segments are transmitted over the second data channel. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the one or more second data segments comprise one or more command phrases uttered by the user. 5. An audio transmission device for a peripheral device, the peripheral device comprising one or more microphones, the peripheral device being connectable to a host device via a digital connection, the audio transmission device comprising:
a first input for receiving, from the one or more microphones, an audio data stream relating to speech from a user, the audio data stream comprising a stream of data segments; trigger-phrase detection circuitry, configured to detect a trigger phrase in one or more first data segments of the audio data stream; interface circuitry, configured to:
effect activation of the digital connection responsive to detection of the trigger phrase; and
transmit one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments to the host device via the digital connection for use in a voice biometric authentication process. 6. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the interface circuitry is further configured to transmit one or more second data segments of the audio data stream, not including the one or more first data segments, to the host device via the digital connection. 7. The audio transmission device according to claim 6, wherein the digital connection comprises a first data channel and a second data channel, wherein the one or more biometric features are transmitted over the first data channel and the one or more second data segments are transmitted over the second data channel. 8. The audio transmission device according to claim 7, wherein the first data channel has a lower bandwidth than the second data channel. 9. The audio transmission device according to claim 30, wherein the first data channel comprises an asynchronous data channel. 10. The audio transmission device according to claim 7, wherein the second data channel comprises an isochronous audio channel. 11. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the one or more second data segments comprise one or more command phrases uttered by the user. 12. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising:
a cryptographic device configured to sign or encrypt the one or more biometric features, and wherein the interface circuitry is configured to transmit the one or more biometric features by transmitting the one or more cryptographically signed or encrypted biometric features. 13. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising:
a buffer memory for storing one or more audio input signals from the microphones. 14. The audio transmission device according to claim 15, wherein the one or more biometric features are extracted based on the content of the buffer memory. 15. The audio transmission device according to claim 12, wherein the trigger-phrase detection circuitry is configured to detect the trigger phrase based on the content of the buffer memory. 16. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, wherein the trigger-phrase detection circuitry is configured to detect the trigger phrase based on the audio input signals received from the one or more microphones. 17. The audio transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising a second input for receiving the one or more biometric features extracted from the one or more first data segments. 18. The audio transmission device according to claim 30, further comprising:
a feature extract device configured to extract the one or more biometric features from the one or more first data segments. 19. A peripheral device, comprising:
one of more microphones; and an audio transmission device according to claim 5. 20. A combination, comprising:
a peripheral device according to claim 19; and a host device comprising a voice biometric authentication module, wherein the voice biometric authentication module is configured to receive the one or more biometric features, and to perform a voice biometric authentication algorithm using the one or more biometric features to determine whether or not the user is an authorised user. | 2,600 |
11,112 | 11,112 | 16,150,600 | 2,628 | Aspects of the present disclosure relate to shadowing objects displayed in head worn computing. A method includes capturing an image of an environment in proximity to a person, analyzing the image to determine a position of each of a plurality of light sources collectively producing a naturally formed shadow in the environment, wherein the naturally formed shadow comprises multiple shadows cast from an individual object in the environment, each of the multiple shadows formed from light traveling from a position of one of the plurality of light sources to the individual object, and displaying a computer-generated object in association with a computer generated shadow, wherein the computer-generated shadow appears as though produced by light striking the computer generated object from the position of a dominant one of the plurality of light sources. | 1. (canceled) 2. A method comprising:
presenting, on a transmissive display of a wearable head device, a virtual object, wherein the presenting comprises presenting the virtual object at a position on the transmissive display corresponding to a first location in a real environment of the wearable head device; determining a location of a first light source in the real environment, the first light source corresponding to light directed at the first location and visible to a user of the wearable head device via the transmissive display; determining, based on the virtual object and the location of the first light source, a virtual shadow indicative of an occlusion of the first light source by the virtual object; and presenting, on the transmissive display, concurrently with presenting the object, the determined virtual shadow. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:
the wearable head device comprises one or more sensors; and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on an output of the one or more sensors. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a GPS unit and the output of the one or more sensors comprises a GPS location. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein:
the one or more sensors comprises a camera, and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining a location corresponding to a dominant light source detected via the camera. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the first light source comprises the sun and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on one or more of a compass output, a time of year, and a time of day. 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising determining a location of a second light source in the real environment, the second light source corresponding to light directed at the first location, wherein the virtual shadow is determined based further on the location of the second light source. 8. A wearable head device comprising:
a transmissive display; and one or more processors configured to perform a method comprising:
presenting, on the transmissive display, a virtual object, wherein the presenting comprises presenting the virtual object at a position on the transmissive display corresponding to a first location in a real environment of the wearable head device;
determining a location of a first light source in the real environment, the first light source corresponding to light directed at the first location and visible to a user of the wearable head device via the transmissive display;
determining, based on the virtual object and the location of the first light source, a virtual shadow indicative of an occlusion of the first light source by the virtual object; and
presenting, on the transmissive display, concurrently with presenting the object, the determined virtual shadow. 9. The wearable head device of claim 8, wherein:
the wearable head device further comprises one or more sensors; and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on an output of the one or more sensors. 10. The wearable head device of claim 9, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a GPS unit and the output of the one or more sensors comprises a GPS location. 11. The wearable head device of claim 9, wherein:
the one or more sensors comprises a camera, and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining a location corresponding to a dominant light source detected via the camera. 12. The wearable head device of claim 8, wherein the first light source comprises the sun and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on one or more of a compass output, a time of year, and a time of day. 13. The wearable head device of claim 8, the method further comprising determining a location of a second light source in the real environment, the second light source corresponding to light directed at the first location, wherein the virtual shadow is determined based further on the location of the second light source. | Aspects of the present disclosure relate to shadowing objects displayed in head worn computing. A method includes capturing an image of an environment in proximity to a person, analyzing the image to determine a position of each of a plurality of light sources collectively producing a naturally formed shadow in the environment, wherein the naturally formed shadow comprises multiple shadows cast from an individual object in the environment, each of the multiple shadows formed from light traveling from a position of one of the plurality of light sources to the individual object, and displaying a computer-generated object in association with a computer generated shadow, wherein the computer-generated shadow appears as though produced by light striking the computer generated object from the position of a dominant one of the plurality of light sources.1. (canceled) 2. A method comprising:
presenting, on a transmissive display of a wearable head device, a virtual object, wherein the presenting comprises presenting the virtual object at a position on the transmissive display corresponding to a first location in a real environment of the wearable head device; determining a location of a first light source in the real environment, the first light source corresponding to light directed at the first location and visible to a user of the wearable head device via the transmissive display; determining, based on the virtual object and the location of the first light source, a virtual shadow indicative of an occlusion of the first light source by the virtual object; and presenting, on the transmissive display, concurrently with presenting the object, the determined virtual shadow. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:
the wearable head device comprises one or more sensors; and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on an output of the one or more sensors. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a GPS unit and the output of the one or more sensors comprises a GPS location. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein:
the one or more sensors comprises a camera, and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining a location corresponding to a dominant light source detected via the camera. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the first light source comprises the sun and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on one or more of a compass output, a time of year, and a time of day. 7. The method of claim 2, further comprising determining a location of a second light source in the real environment, the second light source corresponding to light directed at the first location, wherein the virtual shadow is determined based further on the location of the second light source. 8. A wearable head device comprising:
a transmissive display; and one or more processors configured to perform a method comprising:
presenting, on the transmissive display, a virtual object, wherein the presenting comprises presenting the virtual object at a position on the transmissive display corresponding to a first location in a real environment of the wearable head device;
determining a location of a first light source in the real environment, the first light source corresponding to light directed at the first location and visible to a user of the wearable head device via the transmissive display;
determining, based on the virtual object and the location of the first light source, a virtual shadow indicative of an occlusion of the first light source by the virtual object; and
presenting, on the transmissive display, concurrently with presenting the object, the determined virtual shadow. 9. The wearable head device of claim 8, wherein:
the wearable head device further comprises one or more sensors; and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on an output of the one or more sensors. 10. The wearable head device of claim 9, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a GPS unit and the output of the one or more sensors comprises a GPS location. 11. The wearable head device of claim 9, wherein:
the one or more sensors comprises a camera, and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining a location corresponding to a dominant light source detected via the camera. 12. The wearable head device of claim 8, wherein the first light source comprises the sun and determining the location of the first light source comprises determining the location of the first light source based on one or more of a compass output, a time of year, and a time of day. 13. The wearable head device of claim 8, the method further comprising determining a location of a second light source in the real environment, the second light source corresponding to light directed at the first location, wherein the virtual shadow is determined based further on the location of the second light source. | 2,600 |
11,113 | 11,113 | 14,413,404 | 2,865 | Systems, methods, and software for determining a thickness of a well casing are described. In some aspects, the thickness of the well casing is determined based on results of comparing a measured waveform and model waveforms. The measured waveform and model waveforms are generated based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing. | 1. A method comprising:
accessing a measured waveform associated with an acoustic signal returned via a well casing based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing; comparing the measured waveform to a plurality of model waveforms, wherein each of the plurality of model waveforms corresponds to a different thickness of the well casing; and determining, by operation of data processing apparatus, a thickness of the well casing based on results of comparing the measured waveform and the plurality of model waveforms. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing the measured waveform to the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining correlations between at least a portion of the measured waveform and at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least a portion of the measured waveform corresponds to a reverberation window of the measured waveform. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining cross-correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein:
determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining differences between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms; and determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining a thickness corresponding to a model waveform of the plurality of model waveforms corresponding to a minimum difference of the determined differences. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating the plurality of model waveforms for a plurality of assumed thicknesses based on one or more of (i) a reflection of the acoustic signal, (ii) a radiation pattern of the acoustic transmitter, and (iii) a curvature of the well casing. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining the thickness of the well casing in real time during drilling operations or wireline logging operations. 8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
accessing a measured waveform associated with an acoustic signal returned via a well casing based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing; comparing the measured waveform to a plurality of model waveforms, wherein each of the plurality of model waveforms corresponds to a different thickness of the well casing; and determining a thickness of the well casing based on results of comparing the measured waveform and the plurality of model waveforms. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein comparing the measured waveform to the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining correlations between at least a portion of the measured waveform and at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the measured waveform corresponds to a reverberation window of the measured waveform. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining cross-correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein:
determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining differences between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms; and determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining a thickness corresponding to a model waveform of the plurality of model waveforms corresponding to a minimum difference of the determined differences. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise:
generating the plurality of model waveforms for a plurality of assumed thicknesses based on one or more of (i) a reflection of the acoustic signal, (ii) a radiation pattern of the acoustic transmitter, and (iii) a curvature of the well casing. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining the thickness of the well casing in real time during drilling operations or wireline logging operations. 15. A system comprising:
an acoustic transmitter-receiver pair to be disposed within a wellbore comprising a well casing; and a computing system coupled with the acoustic transmitter-receiver pair, the computing system is configured to:
access a measured waveform associated with an acoustic signal returned via the well casing based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within an interior portion of the well casing;
compare the measured waveform to a plurality of model waveforms, wherein each of the plurality of model waveforms corresponds to a different thickness of the well casing; and
determine a thickness of the well casing based on results of comparing the measured waveform and the plurality of model waveforms. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing system is configured to compare the measured waveform to the plurality of model waveforms comprises the computing system is configured to determine correlations between at least a portion of the measured waveform and at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least a portion of the measured waveform corresponds to a reverberation window of the measured waveform. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the computing system is configured to determine the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises the computing system is configured to determine cross-correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the computing system is configured to determine the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises the computing system is configured to determine differences between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms; and the computing system is configured to determine the thickness of the well casing comprises the computing system is configured to determine a thickness corresponding to a model waveform of the plurality of model waveforms corresponding to a minimum difference of the determined differences. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing system is configured to generate the plurality of model waveforms for a plurality of assumed thicknesses based on one or more of (i) a reflection of the acoustic signal, (ii) a radiation pattern of the acoustic transmitter, and (iii) a curvature of the well casing. 21. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing system is configured to determine the thickness of the well casing in real time during drilling operations or wireline logging operations. | Systems, methods, and software for determining a thickness of a well casing are described. In some aspects, the thickness of the well casing is determined based on results of comparing a measured waveform and model waveforms. The measured waveform and model waveforms are generated based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing.1. A method comprising:
accessing a measured waveform associated with an acoustic signal returned via a well casing based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing; comparing the measured waveform to a plurality of model waveforms, wherein each of the plurality of model waveforms corresponds to a different thickness of the well casing; and determining, by operation of data processing apparatus, a thickness of the well casing based on results of comparing the measured waveform and the plurality of model waveforms. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing the measured waveform to the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining correlations between at least a portion of the measured waveform and at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least a portion of the measured waveform corresponds to a reverberation window of the measured waveform. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining cross-correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein:
determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining differences between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms; and determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining a thickness corresponding to a model waveform of the plurality of model waveforms corresponding to a minimum difference of the determined differences. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating the plurality of model waveforms for a plurality of assumed thicknesses based on one or more of (i) a reflection of the acoustic signal, (ii) a radiation pattern of the acoustic transmitter, and (iii) a curvature of the well casing. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining the thickness of the well casing in real time during drilling operations or wireline logging operations. 8. A non-transitory computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
accessing a measured waveform associated with an acoustic signal returned via a well casing based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within a wellbore comprising the well casing; comparing the measured waveform to a plurality of model waveforms, wherein each of the plurality of model waveforms corresponds to a different thickness of the well casing; and determining a thickness of the well casing based on results of comparing the measured waveform and the plurality of model waveforms. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein comparing the measured waveform to the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining correlations between at least a portion of the measured waveform and at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the at least a portion of the measured waveform corresponds to a reverberation window of the measured waveform. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining cross-correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein:
determining the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises determining differences between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms; and determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining a thickness corresponding to a model waveform of the plurality of model waveforms corresponding to a minimum difference of the determined differences. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the operations further comprise:
generating the plurality of model waveforms for a plurality of assumed thicknesses based on one or more of (i) a reflection of the acoustic signal, (ii) a radiation pattern of the acoustic transmitter, and (iii) a curvature of the well casing. 14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein determining the thickness of the well casing comprises determining the thickness of the well casing in real time during drilling operations or wireline logging operations. 15. A system comprising:
an acoustic transmitter-receiver pair to be disposed within a wellbore comprising a well casing; and a computing system coupled with the acoustic transmitter-receiver pair, the computing system is configured to:
access a measured waveform associated with an acoustic signal returned via the well casing based on operating an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver within an interior portion of the well casing;
compare the measured waveform to a plurality of model waveforms, wherein each of the plurality of model waveforms corresponds to a different thickness of the well casing; and
determine a thickness of the well casing based on results of comparing the measured waveform and the plurality of model waveforms. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing system is configured to compare the measured waveform to the plurality of model waveforms comprises the computing system is configured to determine correlations between at least a portion of the measured waveform and at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least a portion of the measured waveform corresponds to a reverberation window of the measured waveform. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the computing system is configured to determine the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises the computing system is configured to determine cross-correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the computing system is configured to determine the correlations between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms comprises the computing system is configured to determine differences between the at least a portion of the measured waveform and the at least a portion of each of the plurality of model waveforms; and the computing system is configured to determine the thickness of the well casing comprises the computing system is configured to determine a thickness corresponding to a model waveform of the plurality of model waveforms corresponding to a minimum difference of the determined differences. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing system is configured to generate the plurality of model waveforms for a plurality of assumed thicknesses based on one or more of (i) a reflection of the acoustic signal, (ii) a radiation pattern of the acoustic transmitter, and (iii) a curvature of the well casing. 21. The system of claim 15, wherein the computing system is configured to determine the thickness of the well casing in real time during drilling operations or wireline logging operations. | 2,800 |
11,114 | 11,114 | 14,671,547 | 2,824 | A method for real-time testing of a control unit with a simulator is provided. The simulator calculates a load current and a load voltage as electrical load state variables via converter control data and via an electrical load model that does not take into account current discontinuities caused by the converter, and transmits at least a portion of the load state variables to the control unit. A control observer is additionally implemented on the simulator that calculates at least the load current as a load state variable taking into account the converter control data and an observer load model. The observer detects a zero-crossing of the load current and a current discontinuity caused thereby from the calculated load current, and upon detection of a current discontinuity the observer calculates an electrical compensating quantity. | 1. A computer-implemented method for real-time testing of a control unit with a simulator, the simulator having a simulator I/O interface and the control unit having a control unit I/O interface, the control unit and the simulator being connected to one another through their I/O interfaces via at least one data channel, the method comprising:
transmitting, via the control unit, converter control data to the simulator through the data channel; calculating by the simulator a load current and a load voltage as electrical load state variables via the converter control data and via an electrical load model that excludes current discontinuities caused by the converter; transmitting by the simulator at least a portion of the load state variables to the control unit; implementing a control observer on the simulator; calculating via the control observer at least the load current as a load state variable, based on the converter control data and an observer load model; detecting, via the control observer, a zero-crossing of the load current and a current discontinuity caused thereby from the calculated load current; and upon detection of a current discontinuity, calculating via the control observer an electrical compensating quantity such that when the compensating quantity is additionally applied to the electrical load in the load model, the calculation of the load current using the load model takes place with reduced error in the presence of current discontinuities. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the load modeled by the load model is a commutated machine, an asynchronous machine, or a synchronous machine, and wherein the phase or phases of the machine are mathematically reproduced by at least one RLC network or at least one RL network. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of the observer load model takes place in observer time intervals that are synchronized by external switching events of the converter that are determined by analysis of the converter control data. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the observer load model contains at least one explicit function for the load state variable to be calculated. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the explicit functions are solution functions for linear differential equations that constitute the observer load model. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the observer load model is an average-value model, or wherein the observer load model is calculated numerically. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the calculation of the observer load model is driven by load state variables calculated with the load model. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control observer detects a zero-crossing of the load current and a current discontinuity caused thereby by a change in sign of the calculated load current by analyzing values of the load current at a beginning and at an end of observer time intervals during which no element of the converter is switched on by corresponding converter control data. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a behavior of the current in observer time intervals with a zero-crossing of the load current is approximated linearly. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control observer calculates the current discontinuity time interval upon detection of a zero-crossing of the load current and of a current discontinuity caused thereby. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the control observer calculates a compensating voltage as the compensating quantity, wherein the compensating voltage depends in on a ratio of the current discontinuity time interval to the switching period duration of the converter. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the compensating voltage calculated by the control observer is added in the load model to the load voltage switched by the converter, so that the calculation of the load current with the load model takes place based on a summed voltage at the load. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical load model is calculated with a processor of the simulator, and wherein the control observer is calculated with a different processor of the simulator or the control observer is calculated with an FPGA of the simulator. | A method for real-time testing of a control unit with a simulator is provided. The simulator calculates a load current and a load voltage as electrical load state variables via converter control data and via an electrical load model that does not take into account current discontinuities caused by the converter, and transmits at least a portion of the load state variables to the control unit. A control observer is additionally implemented on the simulator that calculates at least the load current as a load state variable taking into account the converter control data and an observer load model. The observer detects a zero-crossing of the load current and a current discontinuity caused thereby from the calculated load current, and upon detection of a current discontinuity the observer calculates an electrical compensating quantity.1. A computer-implemented method for real-time testing of a control unit with a simulator, the simulator having a simulator I/O interface and the control unit having a control unit I/O interface, the control unit and the simulator being connected to one another through their I/O interfaces via at least one data channel, the method comprising:
transmitting, via the control unit, converter control data to the simulator through the data channel; calculating by the simulator a load current and a load voltage as electrical load state variables via the converter control data and via an electrical load model that excludes current discontinuities caused by the converter; transmitting by the simulator at least a portion of the load state variables to the control unit; implementing a control observer on the simulator; calculating via the control observer at least the load current as a load state variable, based on the converter control data and an observer load model; detecting, via the control observer, a zero-crossing of the load current and a current discontinuity caused thereby from the calculated load current; and upon detection of a current discontinuity, calculating via the control observer an electrical compensating quantity such that when the compensating quantity is additionally applied to the electrical load in the load model, the calculation of the load current using the load model takes place with reduced error in the presence of current discontinuities. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the load modeled by the load model is a commutated machine, an asynchronous machine, or a synchronous machine, and wherein the phase or phases of the machine are mathematically reproduced by at least one RLC network or at least one RL network. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation of the observer load model takes place in observer time intervals that are synchronized by external switching events of the converter that are determined by analysis of the converter control data. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the observer load model contains at least one explicit function for the load state variable to be calculated. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the explicit functions are solution functions for linear differential equations that constitute the observer load model. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the observer load model is an average-value model, or wherein the observer load model is calculated numerically. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the calculation of the observer load model is driven by load state variables calculated with the load model. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control observer detects a zero-crossing of the load current and a current discontinuity caused thereby by a change in sign of the calculated load current by analyzing values of the load current at a beginning and at an end of observer time intervals during which no element of the converter is switched on by corresponding converter control data. 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein a behavior of the current in observer time intervals with a zero-crossing of the load current is approximated linearly. 10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control observer calculates the current discontinuity time interval upon detection of a zero-crossing of the load current and of a current discontinuity caused thereby. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the control observer calculates a compensating voltage as the compensating quantity, wherein the compensating voltage depends in on a ratio of the current discontinuity time interval to the switching period duration of the converter. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the compensating voltage calculated by the control observer is added in the load model to the load voltage switched by the converter, so that the calculation of the load current with the load model takes place based on a summed voltage at the load. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrical load model is calculated with a processor of the simulator, and wherein the control observer is calculated with a different processor of the simulator or the control observer is calculated with an FPGA of the simulator. | 2,800 |
11,115 | 11,115 | 14,651,382 | 2,862 | Methods ( 700 ) and devices ( 600 ) for seismic data processing estimate ( 720 ) signal-to-noise ratios of data in a spatio-temporal block of data, determine ( 730 ) data-domain weights associated to the data based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios, and then generate ( 740 ) a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights. | 1. A method for processing seismic data recorded by receivers while exploring an underground formation, the method comprising:
selecting a spatio-temporal block of data from the seismic data; estimating signal-to-noise ratios of data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a signal that is coherent with first seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a noise that is not coherent with the first seismic waves; determining data-domain weights associated to the data, the data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios; generating a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights; and creating an image of the underground formation using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data-domain weights are used to derive a model of the data. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the model is an anti-leakage Radon transform. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
determining an order used when applying the anti-leakage Radon transform to the spatio-temporal block of data, the order being determined based on the data-domain weights. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
re-estimating the signal-to-noise ratios based on the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise; recalculating the data-domain weights based on the re-estimated signal-to-noise ratios; and updating the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise using the recalculated data-domain weights. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the re-estimating, the recalculating and the updating are performed iteratively until a predetermined criterion is met. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
decreasing at least one weight among the data-domain weights, the at least one weight being selected based on a statistical analysis of the data. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
attenuating the noise in the spatio-temporal block of data using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
evaluating the signal for seismic data other than data included in the spatio-temporal block of data, using the model of the signal. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
excluding one or more weights corresponding to a subset of the spatio-temporal block of data, from the data-domain weights used to generate the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise; and interpolating the signal and/or the noise for the subset of the spatio-temporal block of data using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
estimating second signal-to-noise ratios of the data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a second signal that is coherent with second seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a second noise that is not coherent with the second seismic waves; determining second data-domain weights associated to the data, the second data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated second signal-to-noise ratios; and generating a second model of the second signal and/or a second model of the second noise using the second data-domain weights, wherein at least some of the receivers detected simultaneously the signal coherent with the first waves and the second signal coherent with the second seismic waves. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
re-estimating the signal-to-noise ratios and/or the second signal-to-noise ratios based on the model of the signals, the model of the noise, the second model of the second signal and/or the second model of the second noise, respectively; recalculating the data-domain weights and/or the second data-domain weights based on the re-estimated signal-to-noise ratios and/or the re-estimated second signal-to-noise ratios, respectively; and updating the model of the signal, the model of the noise, the second model of the second signal and/or the second model of the second noise using the recalculated data-domain weights and/or the recalculated second data-domain weights. 13. The method of claim 12,
the re-estimating, the recalculating and the updating are performed iteratively until one or more predetermined criteria are met. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
determining a first level of similarity between the model of the signal and the second model of the noise and/or a second level of similarity between the second model of the second signal and the model of the noise, wherein the one or more predetermined criteria are related to the first and/or second levels of similarity. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
deblending the spatio-temporal block of data into first data focusing on the signal and second data focusing on the second signal based on the model of the signal, the second model of the second signal, the model of the noise and/or the second model of the second noise. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating a changemap associating a noise measure to each data on a trace; identifying at least one noise-dominated point based on the changemap; and adjusting at least one of the data-domain weights associated to the at least one noise-dominated point. 17. The method of claim 2, wherein a model-domain signal is obtained using an inversion. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the data domain weights are used as constraints for the inversion. 19. An apparatus configured to process seismic data recorded by receivers while exploring an underground formation, the apparatus comprising:
an input/output interface configured to receive the seismic data and/or to output an image of the explored underground formation; and a data processing unit configured
to select a spatio-temporal block of data from the seismic data;
to estimate signal-to-noise ratios of data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a signal that is coherent with first seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a noise that is not coherent with the first seismic waves;
to determine data-domain weights associated to the data, the data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios;
to generate a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights; and
to create the image of the explored underground formation using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing executable codes which when executed by a computer make the computer to perform a method for processing seismic data recorded by receivers while exploring an underground formation, the method comprising:
selecting a spatio-temporal block of data from the seismic data; estimating signal-to-noise ratios for data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a signal that is coherent with first seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a noise that is not coherent with the first seismic waves; determining data-domain weights associated to the data, the data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios; generating a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights; and creating an image of the underground formation using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. | Methods ( 700 ) and devices ( 600 ) for seismic data processing estimate ( 720 ) signal-to-noise ratios of data in a spatio-temporal block of data, determine ( 730 ) data-domain weights associated to the data based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios, and then generate ( 740 ) a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights.1. A method for processing seismic data recorded by receivers while exploring an underground formation, the method comprising:
selecting a spatio-temporal block of data from the seismic data; estimating signal-to-noise ratios of data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a signal that is coherent with first seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a noise that is not coherent with the first seismic waves; determining data-domain weights associated to the data, the data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios; generating a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights; and creating an image of the underground formation using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data-domain weights are used to derive a model of the data. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the model is an anti-leakage Radon transform. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:
determining an order used when applying the anti-leakage Radon transform to the spatio-temporal block of data, the order being determined based on the data-domain weights. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
re-estimating the signal-to-noise ratios based on the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise; recalculating the data-domain weights based on the re-estimated signal-to-noise ratios; and updating the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise using the recalculated data-domain weights. 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the re-estimating, the recalculating and the updating are performed iteratively until a predetermined criterion is met. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
decreasing at least one weight among the data-domain weights, the at least one weight being selected based on a statistical analysis of the data. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
attenuating the noise in the spatio-temporal block of data using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
evaluating the signal for seismic data other than data included in the spatio-temporal block of data, using the model of the signal. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
excluding one or more weights corresponding to a subset of the spatio-temporal block of data, from the data-domain weights used to generate the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise; and interpolating the signal and/or the noise for the subset of the spatio-temporal block of data using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
estimating second signal-to-noise ratios of the data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a second signal that is coherent with second seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a second noise that is not coherent with the second seismic waves; determining second data-domain weights associated to the data, the second data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated second signal-to-noise ratios; and generating a second model of the second signal and/or a second model of the second noise using the second data-domain weights, wherein at least some of the receivers detected simultaneously the signal coherent with the first waves and the second signal coherent with the second seismic waves. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
re-estimating the signal-to-noise ratios and/or the second signal-to-noise ratios based on the model of the signals, the model of the noise, the second model of the second signal and/or the second model of the second noise, respectively; recalculating the data-domain weights and/or the second data-domain weights based on the re-estimated signal-to-noise ratios and/or the re-estimated second signal-to-noise ratios, respectively; and updating the model of the signal, the model of the noise, the second model of the second signal and/or the second model of the second noise using the recalculated data-domain weights and/or the recalculated second data-domain weights. 13. The method of claim 12,
the re-estimating, the recalculating and the updating are performed iteratively until one or more predetermined criteria are met. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
determining a first level of similarity between the model of the signal and the second model of the noise and/or a second level of similarity between the second model of the second signal and the model of the noise, wherein the one or more predetermined criteria are related to the first and/or second levels of similarity. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
deblending the spatio-temporal block of data into first data focusing on the signal and second data focusing on the second signal based on the model of the signal, the second model of the second signal, the model of the noise and/or the second model of the second noise. 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
calculating a changemap associating a noise measure to each data on a trace; identifying at least one noise-dominated point based on the changemap; and adjusting at least one of the data-domain weights associated to the at least one noise-dominated point. 17. The method of claim 2, wherein a model-domain signal is obtained using an inversion. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the data domain weights are used as constraints for the inversion. 19. An apparatus configured to process seismic data recorded by receivers while exploring an underground formation, the apparatus comprising:
an input/output interface configured to receive the seismic data and/or to output an image of the explored underground formation; and a data processing unit configured
to select a spatio-temporal block of data from the seismic data;
to estimate signal-to-noise ratios of data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a signal that is coherent with first seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a noise that is not coherent with the first seismic waves;
to determine data-domain weights associated to the data, the data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios;
to generate a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights; and
to create the image of the explored underground formation using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing executable codes which when executed by a computer make the computer to perform a method for processing seismic data recorded by receivers while exploring an underground formation, the method comprising:
selecting a spatio-temporal block of data from the seismic data; estimating signal-to-noise ratios for data in the spatio-temporal block of data, for a signal that is coherent with first seismic waves used to explore the underground formation and a noise that is not coherent with the first seismic waves; determining data-domain weights associated to the data, the data-domain weights being determined based on the estimated signal-to-noise ratios; generating a model of the signal and/or a model of the noise using the data-domain weights; and creating an image of the underground formation using the model of the signal and/or the model of the noise. | 2,800 |
11,116 | 11,116 | 13,840,447 | 2,883 | A single-piece multi-fiber ferrule interconnect assembly including a ferrule body having a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame includes a front face and a back face; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame, wherein inside edges of the well are curved and wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule body align the ferrule front faces such that ends of the optical fibers align. | 1. A single-structure ferrule assembly comprising:
a ferrule body comprising a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame comprises a front face and a back face; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule body align the ferrule front faces such that ends of the optical fibers align. 2. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, further comprising a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame, wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy. 3. The ferrule assembly of claim 2, wherein inside edges of the well are curved. 4. The ferrule assembly of claim 2, further comprising circular wells along first and second sides of the well. 5. The ferrule assembly of claim 2, wherein the length of the well forms a T-shaped slot relative to the main surface of the ferrule body. 6. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways comprises a chamfer, wherein a transition from the chamfer to the guide pin passageways is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 7. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways comprises a counter-bore, wherein a transition from the counter-bore to the guide pin passageways is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 8. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways is recessed such that the recess is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 9. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein the main surface is recessed to form a channel for receiving the plurality of fibers. 10. The ferrule assembly of claim 9, wherein the cross-section of the rear opening and the channel formed on the main surface is dovetail shaped. 11. A ferrule assembly comprising:
a ferrule body comprising a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame comprises a front face and a back face, wherein the main surface is recessed to form a channel for receiving the plurality of fibers, wherein the cross-section of the rear opening and the channel formed on the main surface is dovetail shaped, and wherein edges of the back face are curved; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main surface, wherein inside edges of the well are curved and wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule body align the ferrule front faces such that ends of the optical fiber align. 12. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of grooves for receiving and locating the plurality of fibers are V-shaped. 13. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, further comprising circular wells along first and second sides of the well. 14. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein the length of the well forms a T-shaped slot relative to the main surface of the ferrule body. 15. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways comprises at least one of a chamfer or a counter-bore, wherein a transition from the chamfer or the counter-bore to the guide pin passageways is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 16. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways is recessed such that the recess is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. | A single-piece multi-fiber ferrule interconnect assembly including a ferrule body having a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame includes a front face and a back face; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame, wherein inside edges of the well are curved and wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule body align the ferrule front faces such that ends of the optical fibers align.1. A single-structure ferrule assembly comprising:
a ferrule body comprising a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame comprises a front face and a back face; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule body align the ferrule front faces such that ends of the optical fibers align. 2. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, further comprising a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame, wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy. 3. The ferrule assembly of claim 2, wherein inside edges of the well are curved. 4. The ferrule assembly of claim 2, further comprising circular wells along first and second sides of the well. 5. The ferrule assembly of claim 2, wherein the length of the well forms a T-shaped slot relative to the main surface of the ferrule body. 6. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways comprises a chamfer, wherein a transition from the chamfer to the guide pin passageways is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 7. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways comprises a counter-bore, wherein a transition from the counter-bore to the guide pin passageways is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 8. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways is recessed such that the recess is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 9. The ferrule assembly of claim 1, wherein the main surface is recessed to form a channel for receiving the plurality of fibers. 10. The ferrule assembly of claim 9, wherein the cross-section of the rear opening and the channel formed on the main surface is dovetail shaped. 11. A ferrule assembly comprising:
a ferrule body comprising a main surface, a front frame, and a rear opening, wherein the front frame comprises a front face and a back face, wherein the main surface is recessed to form a channel for receiving the plurality of fibers, wherein the cross-section of the rear opening and the channel formed on the main surface is dovetail shaped, and wherein edges of the back face are curved; a plurality of lenses arranged to form a lens array, wherein the lenses are fabricated within the front frame and recessed from the front face; a plurality of grooves on the main surface for receiving a plurality of optical fibers, the grooves extending from the back face toward the rear opening, wherein each groove comprises a terminus located at the focal point of a corresponding lens on the front frame; a well located on the main surface along the back face of the front frame and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main surface, wherein inside edges of the well are curved and wherein the well is capable of accommodating an epoxy; and a plurality of guide pin passageways on the ferrule body each having a pin aperture for receiving alignment pins from a complementary ferrule body, wherein the pin aperture and the alignment pin from the complementary ferrule body align the ferrule front faces such that ends of the optical fiber align. 12. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of grooves for receiving and locating the plurality of fibers are V-shaped. 13. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, further comprising circular wells along first and second sides of the well. 14. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein the length of the well forms a T-shaped slot relative to the main surface of the ferrule body. 15. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways comprises at least one of a chamfer or a counter-bore, wherein a transition from the chamfer or the counter-bore to the guide pin passageways is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. 16. The ferrule assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of guide passageways is recessed such that the recess is along a plane locating the plurality of lenses. | 2,800 |
11,117 | 11,117 | 14,836,616 | 2,866 | A method of checking a seal of a probe chamber or test chamber (thermal chamber) during a freezing temperature chamber condition. The thermal chamber provided includes a probe card or a contactor for electrically testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), a gas inlet, a chiller which provides a freezing chamber temperature, and a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure in the thermal chamber (chamber pressure). Using the pressure sensor, the chamber pressure is sensed while flowing a dry gas through the gas inlet sufficient to render the chamber pressure a positive pressure. The positive pressure is compared to a reference pressure, and from the comparing it is determined whether the thermal chamber is properly sealed. | 1. A method of checking a seal of a probe chamber or test chamber (thermal chamber), comprising:
providing said thermal chamber, said thermal chamber including a probe card or a contactor for electrically testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), a gas inlet, a chiller which provides a freezing chamber temperature (freezing temperature), and a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure in said thermal chamber (chamber pressure); using said pressure sensor, sensing said chamber pressure while flowing a dry gas through said gas inlet sufficient to render said chamber pressure a positive pressure; comparing said positive pressure to a reference pressure, and from said comparing, determining whether said thermal chamber is properly sealed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said comparing and said determining are both performed automatically. 3. The method of claim 1, provided said positive pressure meets a predetermined positive pressure differential above an ambient pressure surrounding said probe chamber and provided said freezing temperature satisfies a predetermined low temperature specification, automatically probing or testing said DUT with said probe card or said contactor coupled by an interface adapter to automatic test equipment (ATE) including a computing device, and
wherein when said positive pressure does not meet said predetermined positive pressure differential, said ATE automatically suspending said probing or said testing of said DUT or increasing a flow of said dry gas. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising setting said flow of said dry gas so that said positive pressure provides said predetermined positive pressure differential within a predetermined measured chamber pressure range. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor is permanently secured to an inside of a panel of said thermal chamber. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor is secured to said thermal chamber by a removably attached adapter fixture (AF) which forms a seal over an aperture in said thermal chamber, further comprising removing said AF and positioning said probe card on bond pads of said DUT when said DUT comprises a semiconductor die for said probing or positioning said contactor for said testing said DUT when said DUT comprises a semiconductor package. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said AF includes an O-ring seal. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor comprises a manometer. 9. A system for electrically testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), comprising:
a probe chamber or test chamber (thermal chamber) including a refrigeration unit, said thermal chamber having a gas inlet for flowing a dry gas therethrough; a pressure sensor secured to an inside of a panel of said thermal chamber for sensing a pressure within said thermal chamber (chamber pressure); a temperature sensor within said thermal chamber for sensing a temperature in said thermal chamber (chamber temperature); a probe card or a contactor coupled by an interface adapter to automatic test equipment (ATE) including a computing device and associated memory storing a chamber icing monitoring (CIM) algorithm for automatically probing or testing said DUT, wherein said ATE is coupled to receive said chamber pressure and said chamber temperature; wherein said CIM algorithm initiates steps including:
provided said chamber pressure meets a predetermined positive pressure differential above an ambient pressure surrounding said thermal chamber and provided said chamber temperature satisfies a predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE automatically probing or testing said DUT with said probe card or with said contactor, and
wherein when said chamber pressure does not meet said predetermined positive pressure differential or said chamber temperature does not satisfy said predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE suspending said probing or said testing of said DUT. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said thermal chamber comprises said probe chamber. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said thermal chamber comprises said test chamber. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said pressure sensor comprises a manometer. 13. The system of claim 9, wherein said CIM algorithm further includes code for determining an increased flow of said dry gas when said chamber pressure is below said predetermined positive pressure differential. 14. A system for probing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), comprising:
a probe chamber including a refrigeration unit, said probe chamber having a gas inlet for flowing a dry gas therethrough; a pressure sensor secured to an inside of a panel of said probe chamber for sensing a pressure (chamber pressure); a temperature sensor within said probe chamber for sensing a temperature in said probe chamber (chamber temperature); a probe card or a contactor coupled by an interface adapter to automatic test equipment (ATE) including a computing device and associated memory storing a chamber icing monitoring (CIM) algorithm for automatically probing said DUT, wherein said ATE is coupled to receive said chamber pressure and said chamber temperature; wherein said CIM algorithm initiates steps including:
provided said chamber pressure meets a predetermined positive pressure differential above an ambient pressure surrounding said probe chamber and provided said chamber temperature satisfies a predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE automatically probing said DUT with said probe card, and
wherein when said chamber pressure does not meet said predetermined positive pressure differential or said chamber temperature does not satisfy said predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE suspending said probing of said DUT. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said pressure sensor is secured to said probe chamber by a removably attached adapter fixture (AF) which forms a seal with an O-ring over an aperture in said probe chamber, further comprising removing said AF and positioning said probe card on bond pads of said DUT. | A method of checking a seal of a probe chamber or test chamber (thermal chamber) during a freezing temperature chamber condition. The thermal chamber provided includes a probe card or a contactor for electrically testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), a gas inlet, a chiller which provides a freezing chamber temperature, and a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure in the thermal chamber (chamber pressure). Using the pressure sensor, the chamber pressure is sensed while flowing a dry gas through the gas inlet sufficient to render the chamber pressure a positive pressure. The positive pressure is compared to a reference pressure, and from the comparing it is determined whether the thermal chamber is properly sealed.1. A method of checking a seal of a probe chamber or test chamber (thermal chamber), comprising:
providing said thermal chamber, said thermal chamber including a probe card or a contactor for electrically testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), a gas inlet, a chiller which provides a freezing chamber temperature (freezing temperature), and a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure in said thermal chamber (chamber pressure); using said pressure sensor, sensing said chamber pressure while flowing a dry gas through said gas inlet sufficient to render said chamber pressure a positive pressure; comparing said positive pressure to a reference pressure, and from said comparing, determining whether said thermal chamber is properly sealed. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said comparing and said determining are both performed automatically. 3. The method of claim 1, provided said positive pressure meets a predetermined positive pressure differential above an ambient pressure surrounding said probe chamber and provided said freezing temperature satisfies a predetermined low temperature specification, automatically probing or testing said DUT with said probe card or said contactor coupled by an interface adapter to automatic test equipment (ATE) including a computing device, and
wherein when said positive pressure does not meet said predetermined positive pressure differential, said ATE automatically suspending said probing or said testing of said DUT or increasing a flow of said dry gas. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising setting said flow of said dry gas so that said positive pressure provides said predetermined positive pressure differential within a predetermined measured chamber pressure range. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor is permanently secured to an inside of a panel of said thermal chamber. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor is secured to said thermal chamber by a removably attached adapter fixture (AF) which forms a seal over an aperture in said thermal chamber, further comprising removing said AF and positioning said probe card on bond pads of said DUT when said DUT comprises a semiconductor die for said probing or positioning said contactor for said testing said DUT when said DUT comprises a semiconductor package. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said AF includes an O-ring seal. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressure sensor comprises a manometer. 9. A system for electrically testing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), comprising:
a probe chamber or test chamber (thermal chamber) including a refrigeration unit, said thermal chamber having a gas inlet for flowing a dry gas therethrough; a pressure sensor secured to an inside of a panel of said thermal chamber for sensing a pressure within said thermal chamber (chamber pressure); a temperature sensor within said thermal chamber for sensing a temperature in said thermal chamber (chamber temperature); a probe card or a contactor coupled by an interface adapter to automatic test equipment (ATE) including a computing device and associated memory storing a chamber icing monitoring (CIM) algorithm for automatically probing or testing said DUT, wherein said ATE is coupled to receive said chamber pressure and said chamber temperature; wherein said CIM algorithm initiates steps including:
provided said chamber pressure meets a predetermined positive pressure differential above an ambient pressure surrounding said thermal chamber and provided said chamber temperature satisfies a predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE automatically probing or testing said DUT with said probe card or with said contactor, and
wherein when said chamber pressure does not meet said predetermined positive pressure differential or said chamber temperature does not satisfy said predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE suspending said probing or said testing of said DUT. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said thermal chamber comprises said probe chamber. 11. The system of claim 9, wherein said thermal chamber comprises said test chamber. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said pressure sensor comprises a manometer. 13. The system of claim 9, wherein said CIM algorithm further includes code for determining an increased flow of said dry gas when said chamber pressure is below said predetermined positive pressure differential. 14. A system for probing a semiconductor device under test (DUT), comprising:
a probe chamber including a refrigeration unit, said probe chamber having a gas inlet for flowing a dry gas therethrough; a pressure sensor secured to an inside of a panel of said probe chamber for sensing a pressure (chamber pressure); a temperature sensor within said probe chamber for sensing a temperature in said probe chamber (chamber temperature); a probe card or a contactor coupled by an interface adapter to automatic test equipment (ATE) including a computing device and associated memory storing a chamber icing monitoring (CIM) algorithm for automatically probing said DUT, wherein said ATE is coupled to receive said chamber pressure and said chamber temperature; wherein said CIM algorithm initiates steps including:
provided said chamber pressure meets a predetermined positive pressure differential above an ambient pressure surrounding said probe chamber and provided said chamber temperature satisfies a predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE automatically probing said DUT with said probe card, and
wherein when said chamber pressure does not meet said predetermined positive pressure differential or said chamber temperature does not satisfy said predetermined low temperature specification, said ATE suspending said probing of said DUT. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein said pressure sensor is secured to said probe chamber by a removably attached adapter fixture (AF) which forms a seal with an O-ring over an aperture in said probe chamber, further comprising removing said AF and positioning said probe card on bond pads of said DUT. | 2,800 |
11,118 | 11,118 | 14,442,367 | 2,816 | An object is to provide a method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer having higher gettering capability and a reduced haze level of the surface of a semiconductor epitaxial layer.
The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to the present invention includes: a first step of irradiating a semiconductor wafer 10 with cluster ions 16 thereby forming a modifying layer 18 formed from a constituent element of the cluster ions 16 contained as a solid solution, in a surface portion 10 A of the semiconductor wafer; a second step of performing heat treatment for crystallinity recovery on the semiconductor wafer 10 after the first step such that the haze level of the semiconductor wafer surface portion 10 A is 0.20 ppm or less; and a third step of forming an epitaxial layer 20 on the modifying layer 18 of the semiconductor wafer after the second step. | 1. A method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, comprising:
a first step of irradiating a semiconductor wafer with cluster ions thereby forming a modifying layer formed from a constituent element of the cluster ions contained as a solid solution, in a surface portion of the semiconductor wafer; a second step of performing heat treatment for crystallinity recovery on the semiconductor wafer after the first step such that the haze level of the surface portion of the semiconductor wafer is 0.20 ppm or less; and a third step of forming an epitaxial layer on the modifying layer of the semiconductor wafer after the second step. 2. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor wafer is a silicon wafer. 3. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor wafer is an epitaxial silicon wafer in which a silicon epitaxial layer is formed on a surface of a silicon wafer, and the modifying layer is formed in a surface portion of the silicon epitaxial layer in the first step. 4. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 1, wherein the cluster ions contain carbon as a constituent element. 5. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 4, wherein the cluster ions contain at least two kinds of elements including carbon as constituent elements. 6. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 4, wherein the dose of the cluster ions of carbon is 2.0×1014 atoms/cm2 or more. 7. A semiconductor epitaxial wafer, comprising:
a semiconductor wafer; a modifying layer formed from a certain element contained as a solid solution in the semiconductor wafer, the modifying layer being formed in a surface portion of the semiconductor wafer; and an epitaxial layer on the modifying layer, wherein the half width of the concentration profile of the certain element in the depth direction of the modifying layer is 100 nm or less, and the haze level of the surface portion of the epitaxial layer is 0.30 ppm or less. 8. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor wafer is a silicon wafer. 9. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor wafer is an epitaxial silicon wafer in which an epitaxial silicon layer is formed on a surface of a silicon wafer, and the modifying layer is placed in the surface portion of the epitaxial silicon layer. 10. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the peak of the concentration profile in the modifying layer lies at a depth within 150 nm from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. 11. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the peak concentration of the concentration profile of the modifying layer is 1×1015 atoms/cm3 or more. 12. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the certain element includes carbon. 13. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 12, wherein the certain element includes at least two kinds of elements including carbon. 14. A method of producing a solid-state image sensing device, wherein a solid-state image sensing device is formed in an epitaxial layer located in the surface portion of the epitaxial wafer fabricated by the production method according to claim 1. 15. A method of producing a solid-state image sensing device, wherein a solid-state image sensing device is formed in an epitaxial layer located in the surface portion of the epitaxial wafer according to claim 1. | An object is to provide a method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer having higher gettering capability and a reduced haze level of the surface of a semiconductor epitaxial layer.
The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to the present invention includes: a first step of irradiating a semiconductor wafer 10 with cluster ions 16 thereby forming a modifying layer 18 formed from a constituent element of the cluster ions 16 contained as a solid solution, in a surface portion 10 A of the semiconductor wafer; a second step of performing heat treatment for crystallinity recovery on the semiconductor wafer 10 after the first step such that the haze level of the semiconductor wafer surface portion 10 A is 0.20 ppm or less; and a third step of forming an epitaxial layer 20 on the modifying layer 18 of the semiconductor wafer after the second step.1. A method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, comprising:
a first step of irradiating a semiconductor wafer with cluster ions thereby forming a modifying layer formed from a constituent element of the cluster ions contained as a solid solution, in a surface portion of the semiconductor wafer; a second step of performing heat treatment for crystallinity recovery on the semiconductor wafer after the first step such that the haze level of the surface portion of the semiconductor wafer is 0.20 ppm or less; and a third step of forming an epitaxial layer on the modifying layer of the semiconductor wafer after the second step. 2. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor wafer is a silicon wafer. 3. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor wafer is an epitaxial silicon wafer in which a silicon epitaxial layer is formed on a surface of a silicon wafer, and the modifying layer is formed in a surface portion of the silicon epitaxial layer in the first step. 4. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 1, wherein the cluster ions contain carbon as a constituent element. 5. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 4, wherein the cluster ions contain at least two kinds of elements including carbon as constituent elements. 6. The method of producing a semiconductor epitaxial wafer, according to claim 4, wherein the dose of the cluster ions of carbon is 2.0×1014 atoms/cm2 or more. 7. A semiconductor epitaxial wafer, comprising:
a semiconductor wafer; a modifying layer formed from a certain element contained as a solid solution in the semiconductor wafer, the modifying layer being formed in a surface portion of the semiconductor wafer; and an epitaxial layer on the modifying layer, wherein the half width of the concentration profile of the certain element in the depth direction of the modifying layer is 100 nm or less, and the haze level of the surface portion of the epitaxial layer is 0.30 ppm or less. 8. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor wafer is a silicon wafer. 9. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the semiconductor wafer is an epitaxial silicon wafer in which an epitaxial silicon layer is formed on a surface of a silicon wafer, and the modifying layer is placed in the surface portion of the epitaxial silicon layer. 10. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the peak of the concentration profile in the modifying layer lies at a depth within 150 nm from the surface of the semiconductor wafer. 11. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the peak concentration of the concentration profile of the modifying layer is 1×1015 atoms/cm3 or more. 12. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 7, wherein the certain element includes carbon. 13. The semiconductor epitaxial wafer according to claim 12, wherein the certain element includes at least two kinds of elements including carbon. 14. A method of producing a solid-state image sensing device, wherein a solid-state image sensing device is formed in an epitaxial layer located in the surface portion of the epitaxial wafer fabricated by the production method according to claim 1. 15. A method of producing a solid-state image sensing device, wherein a solid-state image sensing device is formed in an epitaxial layer located in the surface portion of the epitaxial wafer according to claim 1. | 2,800 |
11,119 | 11,119 | 14,862,227 | 2,856 | The invention relates to a measurement device for measuring the rotational speed of a vehicle wheel, the measurement device comprising a body ( 22 ) incorporating:
a rotor ( 30 ) which can be rotated by the wheel and on which at least one permanent magnet ( 33 ) is mounted; a stator ( 31 ) comprising a winding ( 36 ) generating a measurement voltage when the wheel ( 2 ) and therefore the permanent magnet turn, the measurement voltage being indicative of the rotational speed of the wheel; an electronic board ( 32 ) comprising processing means for processing the measurement voltage; power supply means designed to generate, from the measurement voltage, a power supply voltage intended to power the electronic board. | 1. Measurement device for measuring the rotational speed of a vehicle wheel, the measurement device comprising a body incorporating:
a rotor which can be rotated by the wheel and on which at least one permanent magnet is mounted; a stator comprising a winding generating a measurement voltage (Vmes) when the wheel and therefore the permanent magnet turn, the measurement voltage being indicative of the rotational speed of the wheel; an electronic board comprisi6ng processing means for processing the measurement voltage; power supply means designed to generate, from the measurement voltage, a power supply voltage (Vali) intended to power the electronic board; the electronic board comprising first voltage-matching means intended to drop the power supply voltage when the latter is above a predetermined first voltage threshold and to raise the power supply voltage when the latter is below a predetermined second voltage threshold. 2. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the first voltage-matching means comprise a first converter of the Buck-Boost type. 3. Measurement device according to claim 2, in which the first voltage-matching means comprise a control circuit intended to adjust a control law of pulse width modulation type to operate the first converter of Buck-Boost type. 4. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the electronic board further comprises energy-storage means intended to store electrical energy when the rotational speed of the wheel is above a predetermined first speed threshold and to release the stored electrical energy to power the electronic board when the rotational speed of the wheel is below a predetermined second speed threshold. 5. Measurement device according to claim 4, in which the energy-storage means collaborate with second voltage-matching means intended to drop the power supply voltage when the latter is above a predetermined third voltage threshold so as to charge a storage component at the time of storage of the electrical energy, and to raise a storage voltage across the terminals of the storage component at the moment when the electrical energy is released. 6. Measurement device according to claim 5, in which the second voltage-matching means comprise a second converter of the Buck-Boost type. 7. Measurement device according to claim 5, in which the storage component is a supercapacitor. 8. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the processing means are designed to digitize the measurement voltage and/or to convert the measurement voltage into rotational-speed information. 9. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the electronic board is connected to a first external equipment item situated near the wheel and is designed to exchange data with the first external equipment item. 10. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the electronic board is connected to a second external equipment item situated near the wheel and is designed to power the second external equipment item. 11. Measurement device according to claim 9, in which the first external equipment item or the second external equipment item comprises a sensor intended to measure a parameter associated with the wheel. 12. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the rotor is rotated by a rod that rotates as one with a cap of the wheel. | The invention relates to a measurement device for measuring the rotational speed of a vehicle wheel, the measurement device comprising a body ( 22 ) incorporating:
a rotor ( 30 ) which can be rotated by the wheel and on which at least one permanent magnet ( 33 ) is mounted; a stator ( 31 ) comprising a winding ( 36 ) generating a measurement voltage when the wheel ( 2 ) and therefore the permanent magnet turn, the measurement voltage being indicative of the rotational speed of the wheel; an electronic board ( 32 ) comprising processing means for processing the measurement voltage; power supply means designed to generate, from the measurement voltage, a power supply voltage intended to power the electronic board.1. Measurement device for measuring the rotational speed of a vehicle wheel, the measurement device comprising a body incorporating:
a rotor which can be rotated by the wheel and on which at least one permanent magnet is mounted; a stator comprising a winding generating a measurement voltage (Vmes) when the wheel and therefore the permanent magnet turn, the measurement voltage being indicative of the rotational speed of the wheel; an electronic board comprisi6ng processing means for processing the measurement voltage; power supply means designed to generate, from the measurement voltage, a power supply voltage (Vali) intended to power the electronic board; the electronic board comprising first voltage-matching means intended to drop the power supply voltage when the latter is above a predetermined first voltage threshold and to raise the power supply voltage when the latter is below a predetermined second voltage threshold. 2. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the first voltage-matching means comprise a first converter of the Buck-Boost type. 3. Measurement device according to claim 2, in which the first voltage-matching means comprise a control circuit intended to adjust a control law of pulse width modulation type to operate the first converter of Buck-Boost type. 4. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the electronic board further comprises energy-storage means intended to store electrical energy when the rotational speed of the wheel is above a predetermined first speed threshold and to release the stored electrical energy to power the electronic board when the rotational speed of the wheel is below a predetermined second speed threshold. 5. Measurement device according to claim 4, in which the energy-storage means collaborate with second voltage-matching means intended to drop the power supply voltage when the latter is above a predetermined third voltage threshold so as to charge a storage component at the time of storage of the electrical energy, and to raise a storage voltage across the terminals of the storage component at the moment when the electrical energy is released. 6. Measurement device according to claim 5, in which the second voltage-matching means comprise a second converter of the Buck-Boost type. 7. Measurement device according to claim 5, in which the storage component is a supercapacitor. 8. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the processing means are designed to digitize the measurement voltage and/or to convert the measurement voltage into rotational-speed information. 9. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the electronic board is connected to a first external equipment item situated near the wheel and is designed to exchange data with the first external equipment item. 10. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the electronic board is connected to a second external equipment item situated near the wheel and is designed to power the second external equipment item. 11. Measurement device according to claim 9, in which the first external equipment item or the second external equipment item comprises a sensor intended to measure a parameter associated with the wheel. 12. Measurement device according to claim 1, in which the rotor is rotated by a rod that rotates as one with a cap of the wheel. | 2,800 |
11,120 | 11,120 | 14,979,657 | 2,881 | A target material is provided at a target location, the target material including a material that emits extreme ultraviolet light when converted to plasma, and the target material extending in a first extent along a first direction and in a second extent along a second direction; an amplified light beam is directed along a direction of propagation toward the target location; and the amplified light beam is focused in a focal plane, where the target location is outside of the focal plane and an interaction between the amplified light beam and the target material converts at least part of the target material to plasma that emits EUV light. | 1. Method comprising:
directing a target along a target path toward a target location in a vacuum chamber, the target comprising target material in a geometric distribution that comprises a first extent along a first direction, and a second extent along a second direction, the first and second direction being orthogonal directions, the first extent and the second extent being different, the target material emitting extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light when in a plasma state; and directing an amplified light beam toward the target location, the amplified light beam traveling along a propagation path and having an energy sufficient to convert at least some of the target material in the target to a plasma that emits EUV light, wherein the propagation path and the target path are non-orthogonal at the target location. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein
the second extent is greater than the first extent, the target comprises a region that receives the amplified light beam, the region extending in the second direction, and the propagation path and the first direction are non-orthogonal at the target location. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the geometric distribution of the target material is substantially disk shaped. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the target path is along the second direction at the target location. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein directing a target along a target path comprises directing a plurality of targets along the target path. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the geometric distributions of the targets are substantially disk shaped. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising forming the substantially disk shaped geometric distributions. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the substantially disk shaped geometric distributions are formed outside of the target location. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising directing a first beam of light toward the target path prior to directing the amplified light beam toward the target location, the first beam of light having an energy that is less than the energy of the amplified light beam, and wherein an interaction between a target of the plurality of targets and the first beam forms the substantially disk shaped geometric distribution of target material. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the target material comprises a metallic material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the target material comprises tin. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the amplified light beam has a wavelength of 10.6 microns (μm). 13. A system comprising:
a vacuum chamber that receives an amplified light beam; and a target material supply system coupled to the vacuum chamber, the target material supply system being configured to provide a target comprising target material arranged in a geometric distribution to a target location in the vacuum chamber, the target material emitting EUV light when in a plasma state, wherein the amplified light beam has an energy sufficient to convert at least some of the target material in the target to plasma that emits EUV light, the amplified light beam propagates along a propagation path, the target travels along a target path, and the target path and the propagation path are non-orthogonal at the target location. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising an optical element in the vacuum chamber, the optical element being positioned to receive EUV light emitted from the target location. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the optical element comprises a collector mirror, the collector mirror comprising a surface that reflects EUV light. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the collector mirror defines an aperture, and the propagation path of the amplified light beam passes through the aperture. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the collector mirror defines a first focal point and an intermediate focal point, and the target location at least partially coincides with the first focal point, and at least some of the EUV light emitted from the target location is reflected from the reflective surface of the collector mirror and focused at the second focal point. 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the target material supply apparatus is configured to provide substantially disk shaped targets. 19. The system of claim 13, further comprising an optical source configured to emit the amplified light beam. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system comprises a plurality of optical sources, at least one of which comprises a solid state laser. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the optical source comprises a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. 22. A photolithography system comprising:
a lithography tool configured to process wafers; and an extreme ultraviolet light source comprising: a vacuum chamber configured to receive a target in an interior of the vacuum chamber at a target location, the target comprising a target material that emits extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light when converted to plasma; an optical source configured to produce pulses of radiation, the pulses of radiation comprising at least a first pulse of radiation and a second pulse of radiation, at least one of the first pulse of radiation and the second pulse of radiation having an energy sufficient to convert at least some of the target material in the target to a plasma that emits EUV light; and an EUV collecting optic in the vacuum chamber configured to direct EUV light emitted by the plasma to the lithography tool, wherein the first pulse of radiation and the second pulse of radiation propagate along a propagation path, the target travels along a target path, the target has a first extent in a first direction and a second extent in a second direction, the first extent being different from the second extent, the first direction being orthogonal to the second direction, and the target path and the propagation path are non-orthogonal at the target location. | A target material is provided at a target location, the target material including a material that emits extreme ultraviolet light when converted to plasma, and the target material extending in a first extent along a first direction and in a second extent along a second direction; an amplified light beam is directed along a direction of propagation toward the target location; and the amplified light beam is focused in a focal plane, where the target location is outside of the focal plane and an interaction between the amplified light beam and the target material converts at least part of the target material to plasma that emits EUV light.1. Method comprising:
directing a target along a target path toward a target location in a vacuum chamber, the target comprising target material in a geometric distribution that comprises a first extent along a first direction, and a second extent along a second direction, the first and second direction being orthogonal directions, the first extent and the second extent being different, the target material emitting extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light when in a plasma state; and directing an amplified light beam toward the target location, the amplified light beam traveling along a propagation path and having an energy sufficient to convert at least some of the target material in the target to a plasma that emits EUV light, wherein the propagation path and the target path are non-orthogonal at the target location. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein
the second extent is greater than the first extent, the target comprises a region that receives the amplified light beam, the region extending in the second direction, and the propagation path and the first direction are non-orthogonal at the target location. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the geometric distribution of the target material is substantially disk shaped. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the target path is along the second direction at the target location. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein directing a target along a target path comprises directing a plurality of targets along the target path. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the geometric distributions of the targets are substantially disk shaped. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising forming the substantially disk shaped geometric distributions. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the substantially disk shaped geometric distributions are formed outside of the target location. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising directing a first beam of light toward the target path prior to directing the amplified light beam toward the target location, the first beam of light having an energy that is less than the energy of the amplified light beam, and wherein an interaction between a target of the plurality of targets and the first beam forms the substantially disk shaped geometric distribution of target material. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the target material comprises a metallic material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the target material comprises tin. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the amplified light beam has a wavelength of 10.6 microns (μm). 13. A system comprising:
a vacuum chamber that receives an amplified light beam; and a target material supply system coupled to the vacuum chamber, the target material supply system being configured to provide a target comprising target material arranged in a geometric distribution to a target location in the vacuum chamber, the target material emitting EUV light when in a plasma state, wherein the amplified light beam has an energy sufficient to convert at least some of the target material in the target to plasma that emits EUV light, the amplified light beam propagates along a propagation path, the target travels along a target path, and the target path and the propagation path are non-orthogonal at the target location. 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising an optical element in the vacuum chamber, the optical element being positioned to receive EUV light emitted from the target location. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the optical element comprises a collector mirror, the collector mirror comprising a surface that reflects EUV light. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the collector mirror defines an aperture, and the propagation path of the amplified light beam passes through the aperture. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the collector mirror defines a first focal point and an intermediate focal point, and the target location at least partially coincides with the first focal point, and at least some of the EUV light emitted from the target location is reflected from the reflective surface of the collector mirror and focused at the second focal point. 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the target material supply apparatus is configured to provide substantially disk shaped targets. 19. The system of claim 13, further comprising an optical source configured to emit the amplified light beam. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the system comprises a plurality of optical sources, at least one of which comprises a solid state laser. 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the optical source comprises a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. 22. A photolithography system comprising:
a lithography tool configured to process wafers; and an extreme ultraviolet light source comprising: a vacuum chamber configured to receive a target in an interior of the vacuum chamber at a target location, the target comprising a target material that emits extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light when converted to plasma; an optical source configured to produce pulses of radiation, the pulses of radiation comprising at least a first pulse of radiation and a second pulse of radiation, at least one of the first pulse of radiation and the second pulse of radiation having an energy sufficient to convert at least some of the target material in the target to a plasma that emits EUV light; and an EUV collecting optic in the vacuum chamber configured to direct EUV light emitted by the plasma to the lithography tool, wherein the first pulse of radiation and the second pulse of radiation propagate along a propagation path, the target travels along a target path, the target has a first extent in a first direction and a second extent in a second direction, the first extent being different from the second extent, the first direction being orthogonal to the second direction, and the target path and the propagation path are non-orthogonal at the target location. | 2,800 |
11,121 | 11,121 | 15,268,097 | 2,881 | The present disclosure provides a system and method for mass spectrometry imaging in a multi-stage ionization applying different technologies by decoupling the desorption and ionization events. At a first stage, a primary beam, such as an ion beam, desorbs one or more molecules of a targeted sample, and at a second stage the desorbed molecules are ionized. The system and method can act independent of a matrix application to the target sample for a direct analysis and has the spatial resolution needed to operate in nano-meters resolution for a cell-by-cell analysis, if desired. The first stage desorption applies a first technique that allows neutral molecules of the target sample to become desorbed from the surface without requiring the molecules to be ionized during the desorption. The second stage ionizes the neutral molecules after the desorption in the first stage, when the defined target molecules have been volatilized. | 1. A system for mass spectrometry, comprising:
a desorption beam configured to desorb neutral molecules from a target of a material; and an ionization source configured to ionize at least a portion of the neutral molecules after desorption from the target of the material to form ionized molecules, the ionization source being a radiofrequency ionization (“RFI”) source. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the desorption beam comprises an on beam. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the desorption beam comprises a laser photon beam. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mass spectrometer configured to receive the ionized molecules. 5. A method of imaging a target molecule with a mass spectrometer, comprising:
desorbing one or more neutral molecules from a target of a material: and ionizing at least a portion of the neutral molecules into ionized molecules with a radiofrequency ionization (“RFI”) source after the desorbing of the neutral molecules. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein desorbing the neutral molecules comprises desorbing with an ion beam. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein desorbing the neutral molecules comprises desorbing with a laser photon beam. 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising analyzing at least a portion of the ionized molecules passing through a magnetic field. 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising analyzing at least a portion of the ionized molecules independent of a magnetic field. | The present disclosure provides a system and method for mass spectrometry imaging in a multi-stage ionization applying different technologies by decoupling the desorption and ionization events. At a first stage, a primary beam, such as an ion beam, desorbs one or more molecules of a targeted sample, and at a second stage the desorbed molecules are ionized. The system and method can act independent of a matrix application to the target sample for a direct analysis and has the spatial resolution needed to operate in nano-meters resolution for a cell-by-cell analysis, if desired. The first stage desorption applies a first technique that allows neutral molecules of the target sample to become desorbed from the surface without requiring the molecules to be ionized during the desorption. The second stage ionizes the neutral molecules after the desorption in the first stage, when the defined target molecules have been volatilized.1. A system for mass spectrometry, comprising:
a desorption beam configured to desorb neutral molecules from a target of a material; and an ionization source configured to ionize at least a portion of the neutral molecules after desorption from the target of the material to form ionized molecules, the ionization source being a radiofrequency ionization (“RFI”) source. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the desorption beam comprises an on beam. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the desorption beam comprises a laser photon beam. 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a mass spectrometer configured to receive the ionized molecules. 5. A method of imaging a target molecule with a mass spectrometer, comprising:
desorbing one or more neutral molecules from a target of a material: and ionizing at least a portion of the neutral molecules into ionized molecules with a radiofrequency ionization (“RFI”) source after the desorbing of the neutral molecules. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein desorbing the neutral molecules comprises desorbing with an ion beam. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein desorbing the neutral molecules comprises desorbing with a laser photon beam. 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising analyzing at least a portion of the ionized molecules passing through a magnetic field. 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising analyzing at least a portion of the ionized molecules independent of a magnetic field. | 2,800 |
11,122 | 11,122 | 14,607,974 | 2,865 | A method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface includes the steps of obtaining a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; dividing a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I): R=0.062/ø 1.5 ; averaging the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval; and giving a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø 1.5 . The method may also include giving a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning down point in its trajectory. | 1. A method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface, comprising:
obtaining a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; dividing, using a processor, a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I):
R=0.062/ø1.5 (I)
wherein R is the resistivity log value and ø is the porosity log value;
averaging the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval;
rejecting intervals where the subsurface is a sand formation that is not water saturated and rejecting porosity values that are larger than a specified threshold; and
giving a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø1.5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
normalizing the first representative values of resistivity and porosity after the first warning is given to obtain a resistivity reference and a porosity reference; creating a new cross plot of normalized values of resistivity and porosity to form a trajectory; giving a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning point in their normalized trajectory; and defining a new reference for resistivity and porosity to obtain a new normalized plot. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
adjusting, using the processor, a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
adjusting, using the processor, a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the second warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 11. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions to perform a method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface, the instructions executable on a processor and comprising functionality for:
obtaining a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; dividing a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I):
R=0.062/ø1.5 (I)
wherein R is the resistivity log value and o is the porosity log value;
averaging the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval;
rejecting intervals where the subsurface is a sand formation that is not water saturated and rejecting porosity values that are larger than a specified threshold; and
giving a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø1.5. 12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions further comprise functionality for adjusting a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the first warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions further comprise functionality for:
normalizing the first representative values of resistivity and porosity after the first warning is given to obtain a resistivity reference and a porosity reference; creating a new cross plot of normalized values of resistivity and porosity to form a trajectory; giving a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning point in the trajectory; and defining a new reference for resistivity and porosity to obtain a new normalized plot. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions further comprise functionality for adjusting a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the second warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 21. A downhole tool configured to perform a method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface, the downhole tool comprising:
a processor; a memory comprising software instructions for enabling the downhole tool under control of the processor to: obtain a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; divide a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I):
R=0.062/ø 1.5 (I)
wherein R is the resistivity log value and ø is the porosity log value;
average the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval;
reject intervals where the subsurface is a sand formation that is not water saturated and reject porosity values that are larger than a specified threshold; and
give a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø1.5. 22. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the memory also enables the downhole tool to adjust a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 23. The downhole tool of claim 22, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 24. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 25. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the first warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 26. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the memory also enables the downhole tool to:
normalize the first representative values of resistivity and porosity to obtain a resistivity reference and a porosity reference; create a new cross plot of normalized values of resistivity and porosity to form a trajectory; give a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning point in the trajectory; and defining a new reference for resistivity and porosity to obtain a new normalized plot. 27. The downhole tool of claim 26, wherein the memory also enables the downhole tool to adjust a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 28. The downhole tool of claim 27, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 29. The downhole tool of claim 26, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 30. The downhole tool of claim 26, wherein the second warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. | A method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface includes the steps of obtaining a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; dividing a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I): R=0.062/ø 1.5 ; averaging the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval; and giving a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø 1.5 . The method may also include giving a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning down point in its trajectory.1. A method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface, comprising:
obtaining a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; dividing, using a processor, a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I):
R=0.062/ø1.5 (I)
wherein R is the resistivity log value and ø is the porosity log value;
averaging the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval;
rejecting intervals where the subsurface is a sand formation that is not water saturated and rejecting porosity values that are larger than a specified threshold; and
giving a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø1.5. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
normalizing the first representative values of resistivity and porosity after the first warning is given to obtain a resistivity reference and a porosity reference; creating a new cross plot of normalized values of resistivity and porosity to form a trajectory; giving a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning point in their normalized trajectory; and defining a new reference for resistivity and porosity to obtain a new normalized plot. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
adjusting, using the processor, a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 4. The method of claim 2, further comprising:
adjusting, using the processor, a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 6. The method of claim 4, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the second warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 11. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions to perform a method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface, the instructions executable on a processor and comprising functionality for:
obtaining a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; dividing a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I):
R=0.062/ø1.5 (I)
wherein R is the resistivity log value and o is the porosity log value;
averaging the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval;
rejecting intervals where the subsurface is a sand formation that is not water saturated and rejecting porosity values that are larger than a specified threshold; and
giving a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø1.5. 12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions further comprise functionality for adjusting a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the first warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the instructions further comprise functionality for:
normalizing the first representative values of resistivity and porosity after the first warning is given to obtain a resistivity reference and a porosity reference; creating a new cross plot of normalized values of resistivity and porosity to form a trajectory; giving a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning point in the trajectory; and defining a new reference for resistivity and porosity to obtain a new normalized plot. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the instructions further comprise functionality for adjusting a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the second warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 21. A downhole tool configured to perform a method for predicting jumps in pore pressure of a subsurface, the downhole tool comprising:
a processor; a memory comprising software instructions for enabling the downhole tool under control of the processor to: obtain a porosity and a resistivity log value while drilling; divide a cross plot of the porosity and the resistivity log values into two regions where the split of the two regions is based on the following (I):
R=0.062/ø 1.5 (I)
wherein R is the resistivity log value and ø is the porosity log value;
average the obtained porosity and resistivity log values in the subsurface within a set interval to obtain a representative value of resistivity and porosity for the subsurface within the set interval;
reject intervals where the subsurface is a sand formation that is not water saturated and reject porosity values that are larger than a specified threshold; and
give a first warning of a high overpressure region if the representative value of resistivity at the representative value of porosity is lower than 0.062/ø1.5. 22. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the memory also enables the downhole tool to adjust a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 23. The downhole tool of claim 22, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 24. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 25. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the first warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. 26. The downhole tool of claim 21, wherein the memory also enables the downhole tool to:
normalize the first representative values of resistivity and porosity to obtain a resistivity reference and a porosity reference; create a new cross plot of normalized values of resistivity and porosity to form a trajectory; give a second warning that a jump in pore pressure is coming within 100-300 meters if the normalized values of resistivity and porosity has a turning point in the trajectory; and defining a new reference for resistivity and porosity to obtain a new normalized plot. 27. The downhole tool of claim 26, wherein the memory also enables the downhole tool to adjust a drilling operation associated with the drilling location based on the predicted jump in pore pressure. 28. The downhole tool of claim 27, wherein adjusting the drilling operation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of adjusting a drilling fluid density, adjusting a drilling trajectory, and optimizing a number of casing strings in a borehole. 29. The downhole tool of claim 26, wherein the drilling location comprises a location below an operating drill bit in a borehole. 30. The downhole tool of claim 26, wherein the second warning is displayed on a graphical user interface. | 2,800 |
11,123 | 11,123 | 15,068,922 | 2,841 | A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprises an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output. The inverter includes an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and a bulkhead connector interface having a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line. The first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the AC port. The second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port. | 1. An apparatus for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprising:
an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output, the inverter including
an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and
a bulkhead connector interface having
a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and
a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line,
wherein the first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the first two terminal port, from being plugged into the second two terminal port, and
wherein the second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the second two terminal port, from being plugged into the first two terminal port. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first keying feature or the second keying feature is an asymmetrical feature. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first keying feature includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of the first two terminal port and oriented asymmetrically relative to a vertical plane bisecting the first two terminal port. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first keying feature further prevents the DC plug from being plugged into the first two terminal port with a wrong polarity. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first keying feature includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of the first port. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first keying feature further prevents the DC plug from being plugged into the first port with the wrong polarity. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second keying feature includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of the second two terminal port. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first two terminal port further comprises a third keying feature dimensioned and arranged to mechanically lock the DC plug to the first two terminal port. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second two terminal port further comprises a fourth keying feature dimensioned and arranged to mechanically lock the AC plug to the second two terminal port. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inverter comprises (i) a pair of DC bus bars that electrically couple the first two terminal port to at least one printed circuit board (PCB) of the inverter, and (ii) a pair of AC bus bars that electrically couple the second two terminal port to the at least one PCB. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pair of DC bus bars have press-pin tips that press-fit to the at least one PCB to electrically couple the first two terminal port to the at least one PCB, and wherein the pair of AC bus bars have press-pin tips that press-fit to the at least one PCB to electrically couple the second two terminal port to the at least one PCB. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pair of DC bus bars and the pair of AC bus bars terminate in through-hole solder pins that are through-hole soldered to the one or more PCBs to electrically couple the pair of DC bus bars and the pair of AC bus bars to the one or more PCBs. 13. A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprising:
a plurality of inverters, wherein each inverter of the plurality of inverters is dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output, and wherein each inverter includes (i) an enclosure formed from an insulating material and (ii) a bulkhead connector interface having a two terminal DC port that receives the DC input, and a two terminal AC port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line, wherein the DC port of each inverter of the plurality of inverters comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the second port, and wherein the AC port of each inverter of the plurality of inverters comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port; and an AC trunk cable assembly comprising an AC trunk cable and a plurality of AC trunk splice connectors spaced along the AC trunk cable. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein (a) the AC trunk cable comprises first and second conductors extending through the AC trunk cable, and (b) each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors is coupled the first and second conductors and to a different inverter of the plurality of inverters such that the first AC line voltage carrying output is electrically coupled to the first conductor and the second AC line voltage carrying output is electrically coupled to the second conductor. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first and the second conductors are each continuous within the AC trunk cable. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors comprises first and second AC pins electrically coupled to the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs of the corresponding inverter via an AC port of the corresponding inverter, and wherein the first AC pin is electrically coupled to the first conductor by a Y-splice, and wherein the second AC pin is electrically coupled to the second conductor by a Y-splice. 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first keying feature or the second keying feature of each bulkhead connector interface is an asymmetrical feature. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first keying feature of each bulkhead connector interface includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of a corresponding DC port and oriented asymmetrically relative to a vertical plane bisecting the corresponding DC port. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first keying feature of each bulkhead connector interface further prevents a respective DC plug from being plugged into the corresponding DC port with the wrong polarity. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the DC port of each bulkhead connector interface further comprises a third keying feature dimensioned and arranged to mechanically lock a respective DC plug to a corresponding DC port. | A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprises an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output. The inverter includes an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and a bulkhead connector interface having a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line. The first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the AC port. The second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port.1. An apparatus for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprising:
an inverter dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output, the inverter including
an enclosure formed from an insulating material, and
a bulkhead connector interface having
a first two terminal port that receives the DC input, and
a second two terminal port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line,
wherein the first two terminal port comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the first two terminal port, from being plugged into the second two terminal port, and
wherein the second two terminal port comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the second two terminal port, from being plugged into the first two terminal port. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first keying feature or the second keying feature is an asymmetrical feature. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first keying feature includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of the first two terminal port and oriented asymmetrically relative to a vertical plane bisecting the first two terminal port. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first keying feature further prevents the DC plug from being plugged into the first two terminal port with a wrong polarity. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first keying feature includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of the first port. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first keying feature further prevents the DC plug from being plugged into the first port with the wrong polarity. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second keying feature includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of the second two terminal port. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first two terminal port further comprises a third keying feature dimensioned and arranged to mechanically lock the DC plug to the first two terminal port. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second two terminal port further comprises a fourth keying feature dimensioned and arranged to mechanically lock the AC plug to the second two terminal port. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inverter comprises (i) a pair of DC bus bars that electrically couple the first two terminal port to at least one printed circuit board (PCB) of the inverter, and (ii) a pair of AC bus bars that electrically couple the second two terminal port to the at least one PCB. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pair of DC bus bars have press-pin tips that press-fit to the at least one PCB to electrically couple the first two terminal port to the at least one PCB, and wherein the pair of AC bus bars have press-pin tips that press-fit to the at least one PCB to electrically couple the second two terminal port to the at least one PCB. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pair of DC bus bars and the pair of AC bus bars terminate in through-hole solder pins that are through-hole soldered to the one or more PCBs to electrically couple the pair of DC bus bars and the pair of AC bus bars to the one or more PCBs. 13. A system for power conversion without a connection to ground, comprising:
a plurality of inverters, wherein each inverter of the plurality of inverters is dimensioned and arranged to receive a DC input and generate, from the DC input, a first AC line voltage carrying output and a second AC line voltage carrying output, and wherein each inverter includes (i) an enclosure formed from an insulating material and (ii) a bulkhead connector interface having a two terminal DC port that receives the DC input, and a two terminal AC port that couples the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs to an AC line, wherein the DC port of each inverter of the plurality of inverters comprises a first keying feature to prevent a DC plug, adapted for being plugged into the DC port, from being plugged into the second port, and wherein the AC port of each inverter of the plurality of inverters comprises a second keying feature to prevent an AC plug, adapted for being plugged into the AC port, from being plugged into the DC port; and an AC trunk cable assembly comprising an AC trunk cable and a plurality of AC trunk splice connectors spaced along the AC trunk cable. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein (a) the AC trunk cable comprises first and second conductors extending through the AC trunk cable, and (b) each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors is coupled the first and second conductors and to a different inverter of the plurality of inverters such that the first AC line voltage carrying output is electrically coupled to the first conductor and the second AC line voltage carrying output is electrically coupled to the second conductor. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first and the second conductors are each continuous within the AC trunk cable. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein each AC trunk splice connector of the plurality of AC trunk splice connectors comprises first and second AC pins electrically coupled to the first and the second AC line voltage carrying outputs of the corresponding inverter via an AC port of the corresponding inverter, and wherein the first AC pin is electrically coupled to the first conductor by a Y-splice, and wherein the second AC pin is electrically coupled to the second conductor by a Y-splice. 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first keying feature or the second keying feature of each bulkhead connector interface is an asymmetrical feature. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first keying feature of each bulkhead connector interface includes a pair of projections extending from opposite exterior surfaces of a corresponding DC port and oriented asymmetrically relative to a vertical plane bisecting the corresponding DC port. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first keying feature of each bulkhead connector interface further prevents a respective DC plug from being plugged into the corresponding DC port with the wrong polarity. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the DC port of each bulkhead connector interface further comprises a third keying feature dimensioned and arranged to mechanically lock a respective DC plug to a corresponding DC port. | 2,800 |
11,124 | 11,124 | 14,843,484 | 2,824 | A memory circuit includes a memory element which includes a first electrode layer including lithium. The memory element further includes a second electrode layer and a solid-state electrolyte layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The memory circuit also includes a memory access circuit configured to determine a memory state of the memory element. | 1. A memory circuit, comprising:
a memory element comprising a first electrode layer comprising lithium, a second electrode layer and a solid-state electrolyte layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and a memory access circuit configured to determine a memory state of the memory element. 2. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element has a lateral size of less than 1 μm2. 3. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element is configured to switch to a predefined memory state based on a predefined write bias level applied by the memory access circuit between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 4. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element is configured to switch to one of a plurality of predefined memory states based on a transport of ions to the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer via the solid-state electrolyte layer. 5. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the second electrode layer comprises a plurality of crystalline layers, and wherein ions collected at the second electrode layer are intercalated in the plurality of crystalline layers. 6. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element and the memory access circuit are formed in a common semiconductor die. 7. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the first electrode layer comprises lithium cobalt oxide. 8. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the second electrode layer comprises carbon or silicon. 9. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the solid-state electrolyte layer comprises lithium phosphorus oxynitride. 10. The memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a first collector layer in contact with the first electrode layer; and a second collector layer in contact with the second electrode layer, wherein the first collector layer and the second collector layer comprise titanium nitride or tungsten nitride. 11. The memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
an access transistor coupled to the memory element, wherein the memory access circuit is configured to individually address the memory element by applying a selection control signal to a control terminal of the access transistor. 12. The memory circuit of claim 11, wherein the access transistor coupled to the memory element comprises:
a first terminal coupled to a reference potential or a bias generator circuit; and a second terminal coupled to the first electrode layer of the memory element or the second electrode layer of the memory element. 13. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory access circuit comprises a sensing circuit configured to determine a memory state of the memory element based on a voltage present between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 14. The memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of memory elements arranged in an array, each memory element comprising a first electrode layer comprising lithium, a second electrode layer and a solid-state electrolyte layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 15. The memory circuit of claim 14, wherein the memory access circuit comprises an addressing circuit configured to trigger a selection of one or more memory elements of the memory array. 16. The memory circuit of claim 14, wherein the memory access circuit comprises:
a bias generator circuit; and a set of word lines and a set of bit lines; wherein the bias generator circuit is configured to provide a selection control signal to a selected one of the memory elements via a designated word line, and to provide a bias signal to the selected memory element via a designated bit line. 17. The memory circuit of claim 16, wherein the bias generator circuit is configured to provide the bias signal to the selected memory element or to a terminal of an access transistor coupled to the selected memory element so as to switch the selected memory element from a first predefined memory state to a second predefined memory state based on a predefined bias level of the bias signal. 18. A memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a battery element configured to provide stored charge to at least the memory access circuit to supply energy for determining the memory state of the memory element. 19. A method for forming a memory circuit, the method comprising:
forming a first electrode layer comprising lithium over a substrate surface; forming a solid-state electrolyte layer over the first electrode layer; forming a second electrode layer over the solid state electrolyte; and etching the second electrode layer and the solid-state electrolyte layer so that at least one memory element stack of a memory element remains. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the etching of the second electrode layer and the solid-state electrolyte layer is carried out so that at least a battery element stack of a battery element and the least one memory element stack remain. | A memory circuit includes a memory element which includes a first electrode layer including lithium. The memory element further includes a second electrode layer and a solid-state electrolyte layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The memory circuit also includes a memory access circuit configured to determine a memory state of the memory element.1. A memory circuit, comprising:
a memory element comprising a first electrode layer comprising lithium, a second electrode layer and a solid-state electrolyte layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and a memory access circuit configured to determine a memory state of the memory element. 2. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element has a lateral size of less than 1 μm2. 3. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element is configured to switch to a predefined memory state based on a predefined write bias level applied by the memory access circuit between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 4. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element is configured to switch to one of a plurality of predefined memory states based on a transport of ions to the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer via the solid-state electrolyte layer. 5. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the second electrode layer comprises a plurality of crystalline layers, and wherein ions collected at the second electrode layer are intercalated in the plurality of crystalline layers. 6. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory element and the memory access circuit are formed in a common semiconductor die. 7. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the first electrode layer comprises lithium cobalt oxide. 8. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the second electrode layer comprises carbon or silicon. 9. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the solid-state electrolyte layer comprises lithium phosphorus oxynitride. 10. The memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a first collector layer in contact with the first electrode layer; and a second collector layer in contact with the second electrode layer, wherein the first collector layer and the second collector layer comprise titanium nitride or tungsten nitride. 11. The memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
an access transistor coupled to the memory element, wherein the memory access circuit is configured to individually address the memory element by applying a selection control signal to a control terminal of the access transistor. 12. The memory circuit of claim 11, wherein the access transistor coupled to the memory element comprises:
a first terminal coupled to a reference potential or a bias generator circuit; and a second terminal coupled to the first electrode layer of the memory element or the second electrode layer of the memory element. 13. The memory circuit of claim 1, wherein the memory access circuit comprises a sensing circuit configured to determine a memory state of the memory element based on a voltage present between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 14. The memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of memory elements arranged in an array, each memory element comprising a first electrode layer comprising lithium, a second electrode layer and a solid-state electrolyte layer between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 15. The memory circuit of claim 14, wherein the memory access circuit comprises an addressing circuit configured to trigger a selection of one or more memory elements of the memory array. 16. The memory circuit of claim 14, wherein the memory access circuit comprises:
a bias generator circuit; and a set of word lines and a set of bit lines; wherein the bias generator circuit is configured to provide a selection control signal to a selected one of the memory elements via a designated word line, and to provide a bias signal to the selected memory element via a designated bit line. 17. The memory circuit of claim 16, wherein the bias generator circuit is configured to provide the bias signal to the selected memory element or to a terminal of an access transistor coupled to the selected memory element so as to switch the selected memory element from a first predefined memory state to a second predefined memory state based on a predefined bias level of the bias signal. 18. A memory circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a battery element configured to provide stored charge to at least the memory access circuit to supply energy for determining the memory state of the memory element. 19. A method for forming a memory circuit, the method comprising:
forming a first electrode layer comprising lithium over a substrate surface; forming a solid-state electrolyte layer over the first electrode layer; forming a second electrode layer over the solid state electrolyte; and etching the second electrode layer and the solid-state electrolyte layer so that at least one memory element stack of a memory element remains. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the etching of the second electrode layer and the solid-state electrolyte layer is carried out so that at least a battery element stack of a battery element and the least one memory element stack remain. | 2,800 |
11,125 | 11,125 | 14,820,850 | 2,836 | In one aspect, a wireless charge receiver includes a first coil, a second coil, and a circuit operatively coupleable to the first coil and the second coil. The circuit couples and decouples from being able to receive power from the first coil and the second coil based on at least one parameter. | 1. A device, comprising:
system components; a battery which supplies power to the system components; at least one wireless charge receiver that charges the battery while influenced by a magnetic field of a wireless charge transmitter, the at least one wireless charge receiver comprising a circuit coupled to the battery, a first coil coupled to the circuit, and a second coil coupled to the circuit; and at least one magnetic field barrier at least in part separating the first coil from the second coil. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the battery is a motor vehicle battery, and wherein the system components comprise:
a vehicle computer system disposed in a vehicle; and a motor which powers the vehicle. 3. The device of claim 1, comprising a processor and storage. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the wireless charge receiver charges the battery under control of the processor. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the wireless charge receiver comprises the processor. 6. The device of claim 4, wherein the processor is a central processing unit (CPU). 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless charge receiver comprises only one circuit. 8. The device of claim 3, wherein the storage is accessible to the processor, and wherein the storage bears instructions executable by the processor to:
determine which of the first coil and the second coil is capable of providing a greater amount of power; in response to a determination that the first coil is capable of providing a greater amount of power than the second coil, electrically decouple the second coil from providing power to the circuit; and in response to a determination that the second coil is capable of providing a greater amount of power than the first coil, electrically decouple the first coil from providing power to the circuit. 9. The device of claim 3, wherein the storage is accessible to the processor, and wherein the storage bears instructions executable by the processor to:
identify at least one of an orientation of the device and a physical configuration of one portion of the device relative to another portion of the device; and at least in part responsive to the identification, electrically decouple one of the first coil and the second coil from providing power to the circuit. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the circuit electrically decouples the second coil from providing power to the circuit based on the first coil being able to provide a greater amount of power than the second coil, and wherein the circuit electrically decouples the first coil from providing power to the circuit based on the second coil being able to provide a greater amount of power than the first coil. 11. The device of claim 1, comprising at least a first magnetic field barrier disposed adjacent at least to the first coil and a second magnetic field barrier disposed adjacent at least to the second coil. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic field barrier comprises a ceramic. 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic field barrier comprises ferrite. 14. A method, comprising:
electrically decoupling a first coil from providing power to a circuit of a wireless charge receiver based on a first factor; and electrically decoupling a second coil different from the first coil from providing power to the circuit based on a second factor different from the first factor. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first factor is a first orientation of a device in which the wireless charge receiver disposed, and wherein the second factor is a second orientation of the device different from the first orientation. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first factor is a first arrangement of a first portion of a device in which the wireless charge receiver is disposed relative to a second portion of the device different from the first portion, and wherein the second factor is a second arrangement of the first portion of the device relative to the second portion that is different from the first arrangement. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first factor is the second coil receiving more power wirelessly than the first coil, and wherein the second factor is the first coil receiving more power wirelessly than the second coil. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises:
electrically coupling the second coil to the circuit to provide power to the circuit based on the first factor; and electrically coupling the first coil to the circuit to provide power to the circuit based on the second factor. 19. A wireless charge receiver, comprising:
a first coil and a second coil; and a circuit operatively coupleable to the first coil and the second coil, wherein the circuit couples and decouples from being able to receive power from the first coil and the second coil based on at least one parameter. 20. The wireless charge receiver of claim 19, comprising:
at least one magnetic field barrier at least in part separating the first coil from the second coil. 21. The wireless charge receiver of claim 19, wherein the at least one parameter comprises one or more of:
an orientation of a device in which the wireless charge device is disposed, and which of the first coil and the second coil is capable of providing more power to the circuit at a particular time. | In one aspect, a wireless charge receiver includes a first coil, a second coil, and a circuit operatively coupleable to the first coil and the second coil. The circuit couples and decouples from being able to receive power from the first coil and the second coil based on at least one parameter.1. A device, comprising:
system components; a battery which supplies power to the system components; at least one wireless charge receiver that charges the battery while influenced by a magnetic field of a wireless charge transmitter, the at least one wireless charge receiver comprising a circuit coupled to the battery, a first coil coupled to the circuit, and a second coil coupled to the circuit; and at least one magnetic field barrier at least in part separating the first coil from the second coil. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the battery is a motor vehicle battery, and wherein the system components comprise:
a vehicle computer system disposed in a vehicle; and a motor which powers the vehicle. 3. The device of claim 1, comprising a processor and storage. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the wireless charge receiver charges the battery under control of the processor. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the wireless charge receiver comprises the processor. 6. The device of claim 4, wherein the processor is a central processing unit (CPU). 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the wireless charge receiver comprises only one circuit. 8. The device of claim 3, wherein the storage is accessible to the processor, and wherein the storage bears instructions executable by the processor to:
determine which of the first coil and the second coil is capable of providing a greater amount of power; in response to a determination that the first coil is capable of providing a greater amount of power than the second coil, electrically decouple the second coil from providing power to the circuit; and in response to a determination that the second coil is capable of providing a greater amount of power than the first coil, electrically decouple the first coil from providing power to the circuit. 9. The device of claim 3, wherein the storage is accessible to the processor, and wherein the storage bears instructions executable by the processor to:
identify at least one of an orientation of the device and a physical configuration of one portion of the device relative to another portion of the device; and at least in part responsive to the identification, electrically decouple one of the first coil and the second coil from providing power to the circuit. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the circuit electrically decouples the second coil from providing power to the circuit based on the first coil being able to provide a greater amount of power than the second coil, and wherein the circuit electrically decouples the first coil from providing power to the circuit based on the second coil being able to provide a greater amount of power than the first coil. 11. The device of claim 1, comprising at least a first magnetic field barrier disposed adjacent at least to the first coil and a second magnetic field barrier disposed adjacent at least to the second coil. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic field barrier comprises a ceramic. 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic field barrier comprises ferrite. 14. A method, comprising:
electrically decoupling a first coil from providing power to a circuit of a wireless charge receiver based on a first factor; and electrically decoupling a second coil different from the first coil from providing power to the circuit based on a second factor different from the first factor. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first factor is a first orientation of a device in which the wireless charge receiver disposed, and wherein the second factor is a second orientation of the device different from the first orientation. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first factor is a first arrangement of a first portion of a device in which the wireless charge receiver is disposed relative to a second portion of the device different from the first portion, and wherein the second factor is a second arrangement of the first portion of the device relative to the second portion that is different from the first arrangement. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first factor is the second coil receiving more power wirelessly than the first coil, and wherein the second factor is the first coil receiving more power wirelessly than the second coil. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises:
electrically coupling the second coil to the circuit to provide power to the circuit based on the first factor; and electrically coupling the first coil to the circuit to provide power to the circuit based on the second factor. 19. A wireless charge receiver, comprising:
a first coil and a second coil; and a circuit operatively coupleable to the first coil and the second coil, wherein the circuit couples and decouples from being able to receive power from the first coil and the second coil based on at least one parameter. 20. The wireless charge receiver of claim 19, comprising:
at least one magnetic field barrier at least in part separating the first coil from the second coil. 21. The wireless charge receiver of claim 19, wherein the at least one parameter comprises one or more of:
an orientation of a device in which the wireless charge device is disposed, and which of the first coil and the second coil is capable of providing more power to the circuit at a particular time. | 2,800 |
11,126 | 11,126 | 14,101,391 | 2,834 | A rotating electric machine is equipped with a consequent-pole type rotor that includes a magnetic pole having a permanent magnet buried therein and a soft magnetic material pole that interposes two magnetic poles. The thickness of the permanent magnet and a circumferential width of the soft magnetic material pole have a relationship that prevents a spread of magnetic flux distribution in the circumferential direction within a gap between the soft magnetic material pole and a stator. As a result, a magnetic flux density difference in the circumferential direction is prevented, which enables a reduction of cogging torque based on an effective reduction of low-frequency space order components that originate from components other than a main component. | 1. A rotor for a rotating electric machine comprising:
a rotor boss having a plurality of soft magnetic material poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss; a plurality of magnetic poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss and separated from the plurality of soft magnetic material poles by a circumferential gap; and a permanent magnet that is buried in each of the plurality of magnetic poles, wherein d0 is defined as a product of a radial thickness of the permanent magnet and a number (p) of soft magnetic material poles, w0 is defined as a product of a circumferential width of each soft magnetic material pole and the number of soft magnetic material poles, and
360≦(w02 /d0)≦400. 2. A rotating electric machine comprising:
a rotor boss having a plurality of soft magnetic material poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss; a plurality of magnetic poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss and separated from the plurality of soft magnetic material poles by a circumferential gap; a permanent magnet that is buried in each of the plurality of magnetic poles; a yoke having a cylindrical shape that connects a plurality of teeth that are positioned along an inner periphery of the yoke and extend radially inward toward the rotor from the inner periphery of the yoke; and a winding disposed in a slot that is defined as a space between two teeth, wherein d0 is defined as a product of a radial thickness of the permanent magnet and a number (p) of soft magnetic material poles, w0 is defined as a product of a circumferential width of each soft magnetic material pole and the number of soft magnetic material poles, and
360≦(w02 /d0)≦400, and
G is defined as a circumferential width of the circumferential gap on a circumferential edge of the rotor between each magnetic pole and each soft magnetic material pole, B is defined as a circumferential width of an inner end of each tooth along an inner circumferential edge of the inner end of each tooth, and
G<B. 3. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the winding is a full-pitch winding. 4. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
w1 is defined as a circumferential width of each tooth at a narrowest region of a leg portion of each tooth, and
d0/p≧2w1. 5. The rotating electric machine of claim 4, wherein
δ1 is defined as a length of a narrowest gap in the radial direction between the rotor and the plurality of teeth, and
2w1≦d0/p≦2w1+δ1. 6. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the rotor boss, the soft magnetic material pole, and the magnetic pole are formed as a plurality of layered board members that are layered along the axial direction, the magnetic pole has an accommodation aperture that houses the permanent magnet, t is defined as a thickness of each of the plurality of layered board member, w2 is defined as a circumferential width of the permanent magnet, w3 is defined as a circumferential width of the accommodation aperture of the magnetic pole, and
w3≦w2+2t. 7. The rotating electric machine of claim 6, wherein
w4 is defined as a circumferential width of the magnetic pole,
w4=w0/p+2t+2β, and
t≦β≦2t. 8. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the magnetic pole has a first convex surface extending radially outward, the soft magnetic material pole has a second convex surface extending radially outward, and the first convex surface has a radius of curvature that is equal to a radius of curvature of the second convex surface. 9. The rotating electric machine of claim 8, wherein
a gap between the first convex surface and the plurality of teeth and a gap between the second convex surface and the plurality of teeth are respectively smallest at a center of the circumferential width of the convex surfaces, and respectively wider toward both ends of the convex surfaces. 10. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
an outer diameter of the rotor is less than or equal to 60 millimeters. 11. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the rotating electric machine is used in a vehicular electric power steering system. | A rotating electric machine is equipped with a consequent-pole type rotor that includes a magnetic pole having a permanent magnet buried therein and a soft magnetic material pole that interposes two magnetic poles. The thickness of the permanent magnet and a circumferential width of the soft magnetic material pole have a relationship that prevents a spread of magnetic flux distribution in the circumferential direction within a gap between the soft magnetic material pole and a stator. As a result, a magnetic flux density difference in the circumferential direction is prevented, which enables a reduction of cogging torque based on an effective reduction of low-frequency space order components that originate from components other than a main component.1. A rotor for a rotating electric machine comprising:
a rotor boss having a plurality of soft magnetic material poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss; a plurality of magnetic poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss and separated from the plurality of soft magnetic material poles by a circumferential gap; and a permanent magnet that is buried in each of the plurality of magnetic poles, wherein d0 is defined as a product of a radial thickness of the permanent magnet and a number (p) of soft magnetic material poles, w0 is defined as a product of a circumferential width of each soft magnetic material pole and the number of soft magnetic material poles, and
360≦(w02 /d0)≦400. 2. A rotating electric machine comprising:
a rotor boss having a plurality of soft magnetic material poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss; a plurality of magnetic poles extending radially outward from the rotor boss and separated from the plurality of soft magnetic material poles by a circumferential gap; a permanent magnet that is buried in each of the plurality of magnetic poles; a yoke having a cylindrical shape that connects a plurality of teeth that are positioned along an inner periphery of the yoke and extend radially inward toward the rotor from the inner periphery of the yoke; and a winding disposed in a slot that is defined as a space between two teeth, wherein d0 is defined as a product of a radial thickness of the permanent magnet and a number (p) of soft magnetic material poles, w0 is defined as a product of a circumferential width of each soft magnetic material pole and the number of soft magnetic material poles, and
360≦(w02 /d0)≦400, and
G is defined as a circumferential width of the circumferential gap on a circumferential edge of the rotor between each magnetic pole and each soft magnetic material pole, B is defined as a circumferential width of an inner end of each tooth along an inner circumferential edge of the inner end of each tooth, and
G<B. 3. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the winding is a full-pitch winding. 4. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
w1 is defined as a circumferential width of each tooth at a narrowest region of a leg portion of each tooth, and
d0/p≧2w1. 5. The rotating electric machine of claim 4, wherein
δ1 is defined as a length of a narrowest gap in the radial direction between the rotor and the plurality of teeth, and
2w1≦d0/p≦2w1+δ1. 6. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the rotor boss, the soft magnetic material pole, and the magnetic pole are formed as a plurality of layered board members that are layered along the axial direction, the magnetic pole has an accommodation aperture that houses the permanent magnet, t is defined as a thickness of each of the plurality of layered board member, w2 is defined as a circumferential width of the permanent magnet, w3 is defined as a circumferential width of the accommodation aperture of the magnetic pole, and
w3≦w2+2t. 7. The rotating electric machine of claim 6, wherein
w4 is defined as a circumferential width of the magnetic pole,
w4=w0/p+2t+2β, and
t≦β≦2t. 8. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the magnetic pole has a first convex surface extending radially outward, the soft magnetic material pole has a second convex surface extending radially outward, and the first convex surface has a radius of curvature that is equal to a radius of curvature of the second convex surface. 9. The rotating electric machine of claim 8, wherein
a gap between the first convex surface and the plurality of teeth and a gap between the second convex surface and the plurality of teeth are respectively smallest at a center of the circumferential width of the convex surfaces, and respectively wider toward both ends of the convex surfaces. 10. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
an outer diameter of the rotor is less than or equal to 60 millimeters. 11. The rotating electric machine of claim 2, wherein
the rotating electric machine is used in a vehicular electric power steering system. | 2,800 |
11,127 | 11,127 | 14,932,224 | 2,859 | A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling charging of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle over a plurality of charging locations of a drive route, the controlling step including scheduling charging based at least on a cost to charge at each of the plurality of charging locations and an amount of charging time available at each of the plurality of charging locations. | 1. A method to control charging of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle over a plurality of charging locations of a drive route, comprising:
charging the vehicle at each of the plurality of charging locations based at least on a cost to charge at each of the plurality of charging locations and an amount of charging time available at each of the plurality of charging locations. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein controlling the charging includes determining a drive route expected to be traveled by the electrified vehicle. 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein determining the drive route includes inferring the drive route based on historical route information associated with the electrified vehicle. 4. The method as recited in claim 2, comprising determining a location of each of the plurality of charging locations that are available along the drive route. 5. The method as recited in claim 4, comprising determining the cost to charge associated with each of the plurality of charging locations. 6. The method as recited in claim 4, comprising creating a charging schedule for charging the battery pack along the drive route, the charging schedule including instructions for prioritizing charging at a first charging location of the plurality of charging locations over charging at a second charging location of the plurality of charging locations. 7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein controlling the charging includes prioritizing charging at the first charging location if the cost to charge at the first charging location is less than the cost to charge at the second charging location. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein controlling the charging includes executing a charge optimization sequence for determining an amount of charging that is to occur for charging the battery pack at each of the plurality of charging locations. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the charge optimization sequence includes creating a charging schedule for charging at each of the plurality of charging locations. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, comprising determining a Route Confidence Value and an SOC Safety Margin for a remaining portion of the drive route upon arriving at a first charging location of the drive route. 11. The method as recited in claim 10, comprising determining whether the first charging location is a cheapest charging location along the drive route. 12. The method as recited in claim 11, comprising charging the battery pack to a 100% SOC if the first charging location is the cheapest charging location along the drive route. 13. The method as recited in claim 11, comprising calculating a distance to a next cheapest charging location if the first charging location is not the cheapest charging location along the drive route. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, comprising charging the battery pack to a target SOC that is sufficient to travel the distance to a next cheapest charging location. 15. The method as recited in claim 14, comprising:
determining a 95% Confidence Charge Time associated with both the first charging location and the next cheapest charging location. 16. A vehicle system, comprising:
a battery pack; a charging system configured to selectively charge the battery pack; and a control system configured with instructions for prioritizing charging of the battery pack at a first charging station along a drive route over charging at a second charging station of the drive route. 17. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, comprising a navigation system configured to communicate information regarding the drive route to the control system. 18. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, wherein the control system includes at least one control module configured to execute a charge optimization sequence for charging the battery pack along the drive route. 19. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, wherein the charging system includes a switch selectively actuated to shut-off charging of the battery pack. 20. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, wherein said control system is configured to prepare the charging schedule based at least on a cost to charge at each of the first charging location and the second charging location and an amount of charging time available at each of the first charging location and the second charging location. | A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling charging of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle over a plurality of charging locations of a drive route, the controlling step including scheduling charging based at least on a cost to charge at each of the plurality of charging locations and an amount of charging time available at each of the plurality of charging locations.1. A method to control charging of a battery pack of an electrified vehicle over a plurality of charging locations of a drive route, comprising:
charging the vehicle at each of the plurality of charging locations based at least on a cost to charge at each of the plurality of charging locations and an amount of charging time available at each of the plurality of charging locations. 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein controlling the charging includes determining a drive route expected to be traveled by the electrified vehicle. 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein determining the drive route includes inferring the drive route based on historical route information associated with the electrified vehicle. 4. The method as recited in claim 2, comprising determining a location of each of the plurality of charging locations that are available along the drive route. 5. The method as recited in claim 4, comprising determining the cost to charge associated with each of the plurality of charging locations. 6. The method as recited in claim 4, comprising creating a charging schedule for charging the battery pack along the drive route, the charging schedule including instructions for prioritizing charging at a first charging location of the plurality of charging locations over charging at a second charging location of the plurality of charging locations. 7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein controlling the charging includes prioritizing charging at the first charging location if the cost to charge at the first charging location is less than the cost to charge at the second charging location. 8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein controlling the charging includes executing a charge optimization sequence for determining an amount of charging that is to occur for charging the battery pack at each of the plurality of charging locations. 9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the charge optimization sequence includes creating a charging schedule for charging at each of the plurality of charging locations. 10. The method as recited in claim 9, comprising determining a Route Confidence Value and an SOC Safety Margin for a remaining portion of the drive route upon arriving at a first charging location of the drive route. 11. The method as recited in claim 10, comprising determining whether the first charging location is a cheapest charging location along the drive route. 12. The method as recited in claim 11, comprising charging the battery pack to a 100% SOC if the first charging location is the cheapest charging location along the drive route. 13. The method as recited in claim 11, comprising calculating a distance to a next cheapest charging location if the first charging location is not the cheapest charging location along the drive route. 14. The method as recited in claim 13, comprising charging the battery pack to a target SOC that is sufficient to travel the distance to a next cheapest charging location. 15. The method as recited in claim 14, comprising:
determining a 95% Confidence Charge Time associated with both the first charging location and the next cheapest charging location. 16. A vehicle system, comprising:
a battery pack; a charging system configured to selectively charge the battery pack; and a control system configured with instructions for prioritizing charging of the battery pack at a first charging station along a drive route over charging at a second charging station of the drive route. 17. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, comprising a navigation system configured to communicate information regarding the drive route to the control system. 18. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, wherein the control system includes at least one control module configured to execute a charge optimization sequence for charging the battery pack along the drive route. 19. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, wherein the charging system includes a switch selectively actuated to shut-off charging of the battery pack. 20. The vehicle system as recited in claim 16, wherein said control system is configured to prepare the charging schedule based at least on a cost to charge at each of the first charging location and the second charging location and an amount of charging time available at each of the first charging location and the second charging location. | 2,800 |
11,128 | 11,128 | 15,134,488 | 2,875 | An external endoscope light source system includes light emitting diodes for providing a light output to an endoscope. The light is provided to a fiber optic cable for transmission to the endoscope. | 1. A light source comprising:
a first LED for emitting light in a first wavelength range; a first collecting optic for receiving light from the first LED and transmitting light along a first light pathway; a first optic member for reflecting light from the first light pathway; a second LED for emitting light in a second wavelength range; a second collecting optic for receiving light from the second LED and transmitting light along a second light pathway; a second optic member for reflecting light from the second light pathway, the second optic member receiving and passing light in the first wavelength range, thereby combining light in the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range; a third LED for emitting light in a third wavelength range; a third collecting optic for receiving light from the third LED and transmitting light along a third light pathway; a third optic member for reflecting light from the third light pathway, the third optic member receiving and passing light in both the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, thereby combining light in the first wavelength range, the second wavelength range, and the third wavelength range; and a focusing optic for condensing combined light from the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED to create a light output to be emitted from the light source. 2. The light source of claim 1, wherein the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED are aligned sequentially. 3. The light source of claim 2, and further comprising a light output port for transmitting the light output out of the light source. 4. The light source of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED emits light in the red visible wavelength range. 5. The light source of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED emits light in the green visible wavelength range. 6. The light source of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED emits light in the blue visible wavelength range. 7. The light source of claim 1, wherein the first optic member is a reflector or mirror. 8. The light source of claim 7, wherein the second optic member and the third optic member are both dichroic filters. 9. The light source of claim 1, wherein the first optic member, the second optic member, and the third optic member each reflect light substantially 90°. 10. The light source of claim 1, wherein the light output is a collimated light. 11. A light source comprising:
a first LED which emits red visible light; a second LED which emits green visible light; a third LED which emits blue visible light; a reflecting optic for reflecting red visible light emitted by the first LED; a first dichroic filter for receiving and passing red visible light and for reflecting green visible light, thereby combining the red visible light emitted by the first LED and the green visible light emitted by the second LED; a second dichroic filter for receiving and passing red visible light and green visible light, and for reflecting blue visible light, thereby combining the red visible light emitted by the first LED, the green visible light emitted by the second LED, and the blue visible light emitted by the third LED; and a focusing optic for receiving light emitted by the first LED, the second LED, and/or the third LED and focusing the light to create a light output, wherein the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED are aligned sequentially, the first LED being positioned farthest from the focusing optic and the third LED positioned nearest the focusing optic. 12. The light source according to claim 11, wherein the reflecting optic, the first dichroic filter, and the second dichroic filter each reflect light substantially 90°. 13. The light source of claim 11, wherein the light output is a collimated light. | An external endoscope light source system includes light emitting diodes for providing a light output to an endoscope. The light is provided to a fiber optic cable for transmission to the endoscope.1. A light source comprising:
a first LED for emitting light in a first wavelength range; a first collecting optic for receiving light from the first LED and transmitting light along a first light pathway; a first optic member for reflecting light from the first light pathway; a second LED for emitting light in a second wavelength range; a second collecting optic for receiving light from the second LED and transmitting light along a second light pathway; a second optic member for reflecting light from the second light pathway, the second optic member receiving and passing light in the first wavelength range, thereby combining light in the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range; a third LED for emitting light in a third wavelength range; a third collecting optic for receiving light from the third LED and transmitting light along a third light pathway; a third optic member for reflecting light from the third light pathway, the third optic member receiving and passing light in both the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, thereby combining light in the first wavelength range, the second wavelength range, and the third wavelength range; and a focusing optic for condensing combined light from the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED to create a light output to be emitted from the light source. 2. The light source of claim 1, wherein the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED are aligned sequentially. 3. The light source of claim 2, and further comprising a light output port for transmitting the light output out of the light source. 4. The light source of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED emits light in the red visible wavelength range. 5. The light source of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED emits light in the green visible wavelength range. 6. The light source of claim 5, wherein at least one of the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED emits light in the blue visible wavelength range. 7. The light source of claim 1, wherein the first optic member is a reflector or mirror. 8. The light source of claim 7, wherein the second optic member and the third optic member are both dichroic filters. 9. The light source of claim 1, wherein the first optic member, the second optic member, and the third optic member each reflect light substantially 90°. 10. The light source of claim 1, wherein the light output is a collimated light. 11. A light source comprising:
a first LED which emits red visible light; a second LED which emits green visible light; a third LED which emits blue visible light; a reflecting optic for reflecting red visible light emitted by the first LED; a first dichroic filter for receiving and passing red visible light and for reflecting green visible light, thereby combining the red visible light emitted by the first LED and the green visible light emitted by the second LED; a second dichroic filter for receiving and passing red visible light and green visible light, and for reflecting blue visible light, thereby combining the red visible light emitted by the first LED, the green visible light emitted by the second LED, and the blue visible light emitted by the third LED; and a focusing optic for receiving light emitted by the first LED, the second LED, and/or the third LED and focusing the light to create a light output, wherein the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED are aligned sequentially, the first LED being positioned farthest from the focusing optic and the third LED positioned nearest the focusing optic. 12. The light source according to claim 11, wherein the reflecting optic, the first dichroic filter, and the second dichroic filter each reflect light substantially 90°. 13. The light source of claim 11, wherein the light output is a collimated light. | 2,800 |
11,129 | 11,129 | 13,363,264 | 2,853 | This invention discloses an offset printing press for printing securities, which includes an offset printing unit, inspection camera unit, and sheet quality determination unit. The offset printing unit prints a ground tint pattern on a transported paper sheet. The inspection camera unit is arranged upstream of the offset printing unit in the direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and captures an image of the paper sheet. The sheet quality determination unit determines the quality of the paper sheet based on image data output from the inspection camera unit. | 1. An offset printing press for printing securities, comprising:
an offset printing unit which prints a ground tint pattern on a transported paper sheet; an inspection camera unit which is arranged upstream of said offset printing unit in a direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and captures an image of the paper sheet; and a sheet quality determination unit which determines a quality of the paper sheet based on image data output from said inspection camera unit. 2. A press according to claim 1, wherein said inspection camera includes at least one of an infrared absorption image and color image inspection camera which captures an infrared absorption image and color image formed on the paper sheet, an infrared camera which captures an infrared absorption image formed on the paper sheet, a color camera which captures a color image formed on the paper sheet, and an ultraviolet camera which captures an ultraviolet image formed on the paper sheet. 3. A press according to claim 1, wherein said inspection camera unit includes
a first inspection camera which captures an infrared absorption image and color image formed on the paper sheet, and a second inspection camera which captures an ultraviolet image formed on the paper sheet. 4. A press according to claim 1, further comprising:
a sheet delivery device including a normal sheet pile to which a normal paper sheet is delivered, and an abnormal sheet pile to which an abnormal paper sheet is delivered; a switching device which switches a delivery destination of the paper sheet between said normal sheet pile and said abnormal sheet pile; and a switching control unit which controls said switching device to deliver the paper sheet determined to have poor quality by said sheet quality determination unit to said abnormal sheet pile. 5. A press according to claim 1, further comprising a transport cylinder which is arranged upstream of said offset printing unit in the direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and includes a sheet holding device which holds the paper sheet,
wherein said inspection camera unit captures an image of the paper sheet transported by said transport cylinder. 6. A press according to claim 5, further comprising:
a sheet supply device which supplies the paper sheet onto said transport cylinder; and a feed stop unit which controls said sheet supply device to stop supply of any more paper sheets when said sheet quality determination unit determines that a predetermined number of abnormal paper sheets are detected successively. 7. A press according to claim 1, wherein said offset printing unit includes
a one-side printing unit which prints on one surface of the paper sheet, and includes a first impression cylinder including a sheet holding device holding the paper sheet, and a first blanket cylinder which is in contact with said first impression cylinder and onto which ink is transferred from a first plate cylinder, and a the-other-side printing unit which prints on the other surface of the paper sheet, and includes a second impression cylinder which includes a sheet holding device holding the paper sheet, is opposed to said first impression cylinder, and receives the paper sheet from said first impression cylinder, and a second blanket cylinder which is in contact with said second impression cylinder and onto which ink is transferred from a second plate cylinder. 8. A press according to claim 7, further comprising:
cylinder throw-on and throw-off devices which throw said first blanket cylinder on and off said first impression cylinder, and throw said second blanket cylinder on and off said second impression cylinder; and a cylinder throw-off control unit which controls said cylinder throw-on and throw-off devices to throw off said first blanket cylinder and said second blanket cylinder when said sheet quality determination unit determines that a predetermined number of abnormal paper sheets are detected successively. 9. A press according to claim 1, wherein
said offset printing unit includes a first blanket cylinder which includes a sheet holding device holding and transporting the paper sheet, and has a circumferential surface which is opposed to the paper sheet and onto which ink is transferred from a first plate cylinder, and a second blanket cylinder which is opposed to said first blanket cylinder and onto which ink is transferred from a second plate cylinder, and two surfaces of the paper sheet are printed when the paper sheet passes through a gap between said first blanket cylinder and said second blanket cylinder. 10. A press according to claim 9, further comprising:
a first cylinder throw-on and throw-off device which throw said first plate cylinder on and off said first blanket cylinder; a second cylinder throw-on and throw-off device which throw said second plate cylinder on and off said second blanket cylinder; and a cylinder throw-off control unit which controls said first and second cylinder throw-on and throw-off devices to throw off said first and second plate cylinders when said sheet quality determination unit determines that a predetermined number of abnormal paper sheets are detected successively. | This invention discloses an offset printing press for printing securities, which includes an offset printing unit, inspection camera unit, and sheet quality determination unit. The offset printing unit prints a ground tint pattern on a transported paper sheet. The inspection camera unit is arranged upstream of the offset printing unit in the direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and captures an image of the paper sheet. The sheet quality determination unit determines the quality of the paper sheet based on image data output from the inspection camera unit.1. An offset printing press for printing securities, comprising:
an offset printing unit which prints a ground tint pattern on a transported paper sheet; an inspection camera unit which is arranged upstream of said offset printing unit in a direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and captures an image of the paper sheet; and a sheet quality determination unit which determines a quality of the paper sheet based on image data output from said inspection camera unit. 2. A press according to claim 1, wherein said inspection camera includes at least one of an infrared absorption image and color image inspection camera which captures an infrared absorption image and color image formed on the paper sheet, an infrared camera which captures an infrared absorption image formed on the paper sheet, a color camera which captures a color image formed on the paper sheet, and an ultraviolet camera which captures an ultraviolet image formed on the paper sheet. 3. A press according to claim 1, wherein said inspection camera unit includes
a first inspection camera which captures an infrared absorption image and color image formed on the paper sheet, and a second inspection camera which captures an ultraviolet image formed on the paper sheet. 4. A press according to claim 1, further comprising:
a sheet delivery device including a normal sheet pile to which a normal paper sheet is delivered, and an abnormal sheet pile to which an abnormal paper sheet is delivered; a switching device which switches a delivery destination of the paper sheet between said normal sheet pile and said abnormal sheet pile; and a switching control unit which controls said switching device to deliver the paper sheet determined to have poor quality by said sheet quality determination unit to said abnormal sheet pile. 5. A press according to claim 1, further comprising a transport cylinder which is arranged upstream of said offset printing unit in the direction in which the paper sheet is transported, and includes a sheet holding device which holds the paper sheet,
wherein said inspection camera unit captures an image of the paper sheet transported by said transport cylinder. 6. A press according to claim 5, further comprising:
a sheet supply device which supplies the paper sheet onto said transport cylinder; and a feed stop unit which controls said sheet supply device to stop supply of any more paper sheets when said sheet quality determination unit determines that a predetermined number of abnormal paper sheets are detected successively. 7. A press according to claim 1, wherein said offset printing unit includes
a one-side printing unit which prints on one surface of the paper sheet, and includes a first impression cylinder including a sheet holding device holding the paper sheet, and a first blanket cylinder which is in contact with said first impression cylinder and onto which ink is transferred from a first plate cylinder, and a the-other-side printing unit which prints on the other surface of the paper sheet, and includes a second impression cylinder which includes a sheet holding device holding the paper sheet, is opposed to said first impression cylinder, and receives the paper sheet from said first impression cylinder, and a second blanket cylinder which is in contact with said second impression cylinder and onto which ink is transferred from a second plate cylinder. 8. A press according to claim 7, further comprising:
cylinder throw-on and throw-off devices which throw said first blanket cylinder on and off said first impression cylinder, and throw said second blanket cylinder on and off said second impression cylinder; and a cylinder throw-off control unit which controls said cylinder throw-on and throw-off devices to throw off said first blanket cylinder and said second blanket cylinder when said sheet quality determination unit determines that a predetermined number of abnormal paper sheets are detected successively. 9. A press according to claim 1, wherein
said offset printing unit includes a first blanket cylinder which includes a sheet holding device holding and transporting the paper sheet, and has a circumferential surface which is opposed to the paper sheet and onto which ink is transferred from a first plate cylinder, and a second blanket cylinder which is opposed to said first blanket cylinder and onto which ink is transferred from a second plate cylinder, and two surfaces of the paper sheet are printed when the paper sheet passes through a gap between said first blanket cylinder and said second blanket cylinder. 10. A press according to claim 9, further comprising:
a first cylinder throw-on and throw-off device which throw said first plate cylinder on and off said first blanket cylinder; a second cylinder throw-on and throw-off device which throw said second plate cylinder on and off said second blanket cylinder; and a cylinder throw-off control unit which controls said first and second cylinder throw-on and throw-off devices to throw off said first and second plate cylinders when said sheet quality determination unit determines that a predetermined number of abnormal paper sheets are detected successively. | 2,800 |
11,130 | 11,130 | 15,341,102 | 2,833 | Barrel connectors, a right angled adaptor and a single ended fitting include at least one axially displaceable traveling sleeve for insuring electrical continuity with coaxial connector, nominally an F-connector. Each barrel connector described comprises a rigid, metallic hollow body housing an internal contact tube. At least one coiled spring is retained within the body. At least one elongated, tubular traveling sleeve is coaxially disposed within each body end and normally biased outwardly by the springs. The metallic traveling sleeves comprise an elongated shank that contacts the spring, and a head that seats against the connector body ends during installation. Catches or rings defined upon or mounted to travelling sleeve shanks are received within suitable grooves for anchoring the traveling sleeves while facilitating limited axial displacements. The traveling sleeves, and the contact tube therewithin, normally are biased outwardly so that even limited torquing of an F-connector will establish a ground path. | 1-30. (canceled) 31. An apparatus comprising: a female socket adapted to be engaged by a coaxial connector wherein the female socket comprises:
a body comprising an end for engaging the coaxial connector; a sleeve disposed within the body, wherein the sleeve is configured for axial movement within the body and outwardly from the body, and wherein the sleeve is configured to promote electrical continuity with the coaxial connector by exerting pressure on the coaxial connector, by promoting electrical contact with the coaxial connector, or by exerting pressure on the coaxial connector and promoting electrical contact with the coaxial connector; and a tube disposed within the sleeve, wherein the tube is configured to accept a center conductor from the coaxial connector. 32. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve. 33. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a catch, a barb, a notch, or a prong configured to limit the axial movement of the sleeve. 34. The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the sleeve comprises an elongated shank that contacts the spring. 35. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a bushing slidably seated within the sleeve, wherein the tube is slidably seated within the bushing. 36. The apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a tubular spring housing disposed within the body, wherein the tubular spring housing is retained within the body by one or more protrusions, one or more anchoring grooves, or one or more shanks. 37. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the sleeve is electrically conductive. 38. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a second female socket wherein:
the second female socket shares the body and the tube of the female socket;
the second female socket further comprises a second sleeve disposed within the body;
the second sleeve is configured for axial movement within the body;
the tube is disposed within the second sleeve; and wherein
the tube is configured to accept a center conductor from a second coaxial connector. 39. The apparatus according to claim 38 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve and a second spring disposed within the body, wherein the second spring is configured to axially bias the second sleeve. 40. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a male end at a right angle with reference to the female socket and that is adapted to engage a socket, wherein the male end comprises an L-shaped junction pin. 41. The apparatus according to claim 40 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve. 42. The apparatus according to claim 41 further comprising a catch, a barb, a notch, or a prong configured to limit the axial movement of the sleeve. 43. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a male end axially aligned with the female socket and that is adapted to engage a socket, wherein the male end comprises a projecting conductor coupled to the tube. 44. The apparatus according to claim 43 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve. 45. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the female socket is of the type selected from the group consisting of F, RCA, BNC, and PL-259 connectors. 46. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the female socket is an F-connector type having external threads. 47. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the sleeve and the spring are configured to maintain electrical connection with the coaxial connector even when the coaxial connector is not fully installed upon the female socket. 48. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the sleeve and the spring are configured to maintain electrical connection with the coaxial connector even when the coaxial connector is not fully installed upon the female socket and wherein the second sleeve and the second spring are configured to maintain electrical connection with the second coaxial connector even when the second coaxial connector is not fully installed upon the second female socket. | Barrel connectors, a right angled adaptor and a single ended fitting include at least one axially displaceable traveling sleeve for insuring electrical continuity with coaxial connector, nominally an F-connector. Each barrel connector described comprises a rigid, metallic hollow body housing an internal contact tube. At least one coiled spring is retained within the body. At least one elongated, tubular traveling sleeve is coaxially disposed within each body end and normally biased outwardly by the springs. The metallic traveling sleeves comprise an elongated shank that contacts the spring, and a head that seats against the connector body ends during installation. Catches or rings defined upon or mounted to travelling sleeve shanks are received within suitable grooves for anchoring the traveling sleeves while facilitating limited axial displacements. The traveling sleeves, and the contact tube therewithin, normally are biased outwardly so that even limited torquing of an F-connector will establish a ground path.1-30. (canceled) 31. An apparatus comprising: a female socket adapted to be engaged by a coaxial connector wherein the female socket comprises:
a body comprising an end for engaging the coaxial connector; a sleeve disposed within the body, wherein the sleeve is configured for axial movement within the body and outwardly from the body, and wherein the sleeve is configured to promote electrical continuity with the coaxial connector by exerting pressure on the coaxial connector, by promoting electrical contact with the coaxial connector, or by exerting pressure on the coaxial connector and promoting electrical contact with the coaxial connector; and a tube disposed within the sleeve, wherein the tube is configured to accept a center conductor from the coaxial connector. 32. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve. 33. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a catch, a barb, a notch, or a prong configured to limit the axial movement of the sleeve. 34. The apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the sleeve comprises an elongated shank that contacts the spring. 35. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a bushing slidably seated within the sleeve, wherein the tube is slidably seated within the bushing. 36. The apparatus according to claim 32 further comprising a tubular spring housing disposed within the body, wherein the tubular spring housing is retained within the body by one or more protrusions, one or more anchoring grooves, or one or more shanks. 37. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the sleeve is electrically conductive. 38. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a second female socket wherein:
the second female socket shares the body and the tube of the female socket;
the second female socket further comprises a second sleeve disposed within the body;
the second sleeve is configured for axial movement within the body;
the tube is disposed within the second sleeve; and wherein
the tube is configured to accept a center conductor from a second coaxial connector. 39. The apparatus according to claim 38 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve and a second spring disposed within the body, wherein the second spring is configured to axially bias the second sleeve. 40. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a male end at a right angle with reference to the female socket and that is adapted to engage a socket, wherein the male end comprises an L-shaped junction pin. 41. The apparatus according to claim 40 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve. 42. The apparatus according to claim 41 further comprising a catch, a barb, a notch, or a prong configured to limit the axial movement of the sleeve. 43. The apparatus according to claim 31 further comprising a male end axially aligned with the female socket and that is adapted to engage a socket, wherein the male end comprises a projecting conductor coupled to the tube. 44. The apparatus according to claim 43 further comprising a spring disposed within the body, wherein the spring is configured to axially bias the sleeve. 45. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the female socket is of the type selected from the group consisting of F, RCA, BNC, and PL-259 connectors. 46. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the female socket is an F-connector type having external threads. 47. The apparatus according to claim 31 wherein the sleeve and the spring are configured to maintain electrical connection with the coaxial connector even when the coaxial connector is not fully installed upon the female socket. 48. The apparatus according to claim 39 wherein the sleeve and the spring are configured to maintain electrical connection with the coaxial connector even when the coaxial connector is not fully installed upon the female socket and wherein the second sleeve and the second spring are configured to maintain electrical connection with the second coaxial connector even when the second coaxial connector is not fully installed upon the second female socket. | 2,800 |
11,131 | 11,131 | 14,429,254 | 2,866 | Systems, methods, and software for estimating the viscosity of a subterranean fluid based on NMR logging data are described. In some aspects, a viscosity model relates subterranean fluid viscosity to apparent hydrogen index. An apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region is computed based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data acquired from a subterranean region. A subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. | 1. A method of determining subterranean fluid viscosity based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data, the method comprising:
accessing a viscosity model that relates a subterranean fluid viscosity variable to an apparent hydrogen index variable; computing an apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data acquired from the subterranean region; and computing a subterranean fluid viscosity value for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable, and the subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed by substituting the apparent hydrogen index value into the function. 3. The method of claim 2, comprising:
selecting a subset of the NMR logging data having a specified inter-echo time; and computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the selected subset of the NMR logging data. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable for NMR logging data having the specified inter-echo time. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the function comprises at least one of a linear function, a cubic function, or a quadratic function. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the NMR logging data and other logging data. 8. The method claim 1, further comprising acquiring the NMR logging data by operation of a downhole NMR logging instrument. 9. A system comprising:
a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement system; and a computing system comprising: data processing apparatus; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising: accessing a viscosity model that relates a subterranean fluid viscosity variable to an apparent hydrogen index variable; computing an apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region based on NMR logging data acquired from the subterranean region by the NMR measurement system; and computing a subterranean fluid viscosity value for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the viscosity model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable, and the subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed by substituting the apparent hydrogen index value into the function. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise:
selecting a subset of the NMR logging data having a specified inter-echo time; and computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the selected subset of the NMR logging data. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable for NMR logging data having the specified inter-echo time. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the NMR logging data and other logging data. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
accessing a viscosity model that relates a subterranean fluid viscosity variable to an apparent hydrogen index variable; computing an apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data acquired from the subterranean region; and computing a subterranean fluid viscosity value for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the viscosity model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable, and the subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed by substituting the apparent hydrogen index value into the function. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the operations comprise:
selecting a subset of the NMR logging data having a specified inter-echo time; and computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the selected subset of the NMR logging data. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable for NMR logging data having the specified inter-echo time. 19. The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 20. The method of claim 4, further comprising generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 21. The system of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 22. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. | Systems, methods, and software for estimating the viscosity of a subterranean fluid based on NMR logging data are described. In some aspects, a viscosity model relates subterranean fluid viscosity to apparent hydrogen index. An apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region is computed based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data acquired from a subterranean region. A subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value.1. A method of determining subterranean fluid viscosity based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data, the method comprising:
accessing a viscosity model that relates a subterranean fluid viscosity variable to an apparent hydrogen index variable; computing an apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data acquired from the subterranean region; and computing a subterranean fluid viscosity value for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscosity model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable, and the subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed by substituting the apparent hydrogen index value into the function. 3. The method of claim 2, comprising:
selecting a subset of the NMR logging data having a specified inter-echo time; and computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the selected subset of the NMR logging data. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable for NMR logging data having the specified inter-echo time. 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the function comprises at least one of a linear function, a cubic function, or a quadratic function. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the NMR logging data and other logging data. 8. The method claim 1, further comprising acquiring the NMR logging data by operation of a downhole NMR logging instrument. 9. A system comprising:
a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurement system; and a computing system comprising: data processing apparatus; and memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising: accessing a viscosity model that relates a subterranean fluid viscosity variable to an apparent hydrogen index variable; computing an apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region based on NMR logging data acquired from the subterranean region by the NMR measurement system; and computing a subterranean fluid viscosity value for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the viscosity model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable, and the subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed by substituting the apparent hydrogen index value into the function. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise:
selecting a subset of the NMR logging data having a specified inter-echo time; and computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the selected subset of the NMR logging data. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable for NMR logging data having the specified inter-echo time. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the operations further comprise generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the NMR logging data and other logging data. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:
accessing a viscosity model that relates a subterranean fluid viscosity variable to an apparent hydrogen index variable; computing an apparent hydrogen index value for a subterranean region based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging data acquired from the subterranean region; and computing a subterranean fluid viscosity value for the subterranean region based on the viscosity model and the apparent hydrogen index value. 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the viscosity model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable, and the subterranean fluid viscosity value is computed by substituting the apparent hydrogen index value into the function. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the operations comprise:
selecting a subset of the NMR logging data having a specified inter-echo time; and computing the apparent hydrogen index value based on the selected subset of the NMR logging data. 18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the model models subterranean fluid viscosity as a function of the apparent hydrogen index variable for NMR logging data having the specified inter-echo time. 19. The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 20. The method of claim 4, further comprising generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 21. The system of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. 22. The system of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise generating the viscosity model, wherein generating the viscosity model includes fitting one or more parameters of the function to test data. | 2,800 |
11,132 | 11,132 | 13,579,770 | 2,862 | A technique and device ( 12 ) may be utilized to determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture of a sample ( 10 ) based on a detected ultrasonic waveform. The device may be configured to receive ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample from an ultrasonic detector ( 14 ). The device may select a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data and apply a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain. The device then may identify a dominant frequency ( 98 ) of the portion in the frequency domain and determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. | 1. A system comprising:
a data analysis device configured to:
receive from an ultrasonic waveform detector ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample;
select a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data;
apply a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain;
identify a dominant frequency of the portion in the frequency domain; and
determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
an ultrasonic waveform generator; and the ultrasonic waveform detector, wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
cause the ultrasonic transducer to generate an ultrasonic waveform that propagates through a first surface of the sample to a second surface of the sample, wherein at least a portion of the ultrasonic waveform reflects from the second surface of the sample to form the reflected ultrasonic waveform. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sample comprises at least one of a polycrystalline material, titanium, or a titanium alloy. 4. (canceled) 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises a crystallographic orientation value. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the data analysis device is configured to:
determine the crystallographic orientation value for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion by:
determining a velocity, νid, for the portion based on the dominant frequency, and
determining the crystallographic orientation value, fid, according to the equation:
v
id
≈
C
11
0
ρ
-
2
A
1
7
ρ
(
f
id
-
1
3
)
,
wherein ρ, Co 11, and A1 are constants selected according to a composition of the sample. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises a micro-texture zone size. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, and wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
select a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; apply the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identify a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determine the micro-texture zone size based on the dominant frequency of the first portion and a dominant frequency of the second portion. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, and wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
select a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; apply the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identify a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the second portion based on the dominant frequency of the second portion. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
output the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the data analysis device is configured to:
output a three-dimensional representation of the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion with respect to the sample. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
output the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the portion. 13. A method comprising:
receiving from an ultrasonic waveform detector ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample; selecting a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; applying a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain; identifying a dominant frequency of the portion in the frequency domain; and determining a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
causing an ultrasonic waveform generator to generate an ultrasonic waveform that propagates through a first surface of the sample to a second surface of the sample, wherein at least a portion of the ultrasonic waveform reflects from the second surface of the sample to form the reflected ultrasonic waveform. 15. (canceled) 16. (canceled) 17. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises determining a crystallographic orientation value. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the crystallographic orientation value comprises:
determining a velocity, νid, for the portion based on the dominant frequency, and determining the crystallographic orientation value, fid, according to the equation:
v
id
≈
C
11
0
ρ
-
2
A
1
7
ρ
(
f
id
-
1
3
)
,
wherein ρ, Co 11, and A1 are constants selected according to a composition of the sample. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises determining a micro-texture zone size. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, the method further comprising:
selecting a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; applying the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identifying a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determining the micro-texture zone size based on the dominant frequency of the first portion and the dominant frequency of the second portion. 21. The method of claim 13, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, the method further comprising:
selecting a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; applying the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identifying a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determining a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the second portion based on the dominant frequency of the second portion. 22. (canceled) 23. The method of claim 22, wherein outputting the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion comprises outputting a three-dimensional representation of the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion with respect to the sample. 24. (canceled) 25. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause a programmable processor to:
receive from an ultrasonic waveform detector ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample; select a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; apply a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain; identify a dominant frequency of the portion in the frequency domain; and determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. 26-34. (canceled) | A technique and device ( 12 ) may be utilized to determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture of a sample ( 10 ) based on a detected ultrasonic waveform. The device may be configured to receive ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample from an ultrasonic detector ( 14 ). The device may select a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data and apply a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain. The device then may identify a dominant frequency ( 98 ) of the portion in the frequency domain and determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion.1. A system comprising:
a data analysis device configured to:
receive from an ultrasonic waveform detector ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample;
select a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data;
apply a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain;
identify a dominant frequency of the portion in the frequency domain; and
determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
an ultrasonic waveform generator; and the ultrasonic waveform detector, wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
cause the ultrasonic transducer to generate an ultrasonic waveform that propagates through a first surface of the sample to a second surface of the sample, wherein at least a portion of the ultrasonic waveform reflects from the second surface of the sample to form the reflected ultrasonic waveform. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sample comprises at least one of a polycrystalline material, titanium, or a titanium alloy. 4. (canceled) 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises a crystallographic orientation value. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the data analysis device is configured to:
determine the crystallographic orientation value for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion by:
determining a velocity, νid, for the portion based on the dominant frequency, and
determining the crystallographic orientation value, fid, according to the equation:
v
id
≈
C
11
0
ρ
-
2
A
1
7
ρ
(
f
id
-
1
3
)
,
wherein ρ, Co 11, and A1 are constants selected according to a composition of the sample. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises a micro-texture zone size. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, and wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
select a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; apply the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identify a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determine the micro-texture zone size based on the dominant frequency of the first portion and a dominant frequency of the second portion. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, and wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
select a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; apply the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identify a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the second portion based on the dominant frequency of the second portion. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
output the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the data analysis device is configured to:
output a three-dimensional representation of the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion with respect to the sample. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the data analysis device is further configured to:
output the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the portion. 13. A method comprising:
receiving from an ultrasonic waveform detector ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample; selecting a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; applying a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain; identifying a dominant frequency of the portion in the frequency domain; and determining a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
causing an ultrasonic waveform generator to generate an ultrasonic waveform that propagates through a first surface of the sample to a second surface of the sample, wherein at least a portion of the ultrasonic waveform reflects from the second surface of the sample to form the reflected ultrasonic waveform. 15. (canceled) 16. (canceled) 17. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises determining a crystallographic orientation value. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the crystallographic orientation value comprises:
determining a velocity, νid, for the portion based on the dominant frequency, and determining the crystallographic orientation value, fid, according to the equation:
v
id
≈
C
11
0
ρ
-
2
A
1
7
ρ
(
f
id
-
1
3
)
,
wherein ρ, Co 11, and A1 are constants selected according to a composition of the sample. 19. The method of claim 13, wherein determining the characteristic of the crystallographic texture comprises determining a micro-texture zone size. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, the method further comprising:
selecting a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; applying the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identifying a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determining the micro-texture zone size based on the dominant frequency of the first portion and the dominant frequency of the second portion. 21. The method of claim 13, wherein the portion comprises a first portion, the method further comprising:
selecting a second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; applying the Fast Fourier Transform to the second portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the second portion from the time domain to the frequency domain; identifying a dominant frequency of the second portion in the frequency domain; and determining a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the second portion based on the dominant frequency of the second portion. 22. (canceled) 23. The method of claim 22, wherein outputting the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion comprises outputting a three-dimensional representation of the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the first portion and the characteristic of the crystallographic texture of the second portion with respect to the sample. 24. (canceled) 25. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause a programmable processor to:
receive from an ultrasonic waveform detector ultrasonic waveform data representative of a reflected ultrasonic waveform that propagated through a sample; select a portion of the ultrasonic waveform data; apply a Fast Fourier Transform to the portion of the ultrasonic waveform data to transform the portion from a time domain to a frequency domain; identify a dominant frequency of the portion in the frequency domain; and determine a characteristic of a crystallographic texture for the portion based on the dominant frequency of the portion. 26-34. (canceled) | 2,800 |
11,133 | 11,133 | 14,827,007 | 2,844 | A lighting management system includes communications circuitry, processing circuitry, and a memory. The memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to receive a message from a lighting fixture via the communications circuitry, the message indicating a proximal presence of a detected mobile device to the lighting fixture, and performing one or more actions in response to receipt of the message. By performing the one or more actions upon receipt of the message as described above, a lighting system may be provided with additional functionality that enhances the lighting system. | 1. A lighting management system comprising:
communications circuitry; processing circuitry; and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to:
receive a message from a lighting fixture via the communications circuitry, the message indicating a proximal presence of a detected mobile device to the lighting fixture; and
perform one or more actions in response to receipt of the message. 2. The lighting management system of claim 1 wherein the one or more actions comprise logging an event indicating the detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device by the lighting fixture. 3. The lighting management system of claim 2 wherein the lighting fixture is associated with fixture location information describing a location of the lighting fixture. 4. The lighting management system of claim 3 wherein the message includes mobile device distance information describing a distance of the detected mobile device relative to the lighting fixture. 5. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein logging the event indicating the detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device comprises storing a time that the detected mobile device was detected by the lighting fixture and the mobile device distance information. 6. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface displaying a visual representation showing an approximate location of the detected mobile device with relation to the lighting fixture over time. 7. The lighting management system of claim 6 wherein the visual representation is an indicator on a map. 8. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface displaying a visual representation illustrating a number of detected mobile devices detected by the lighting fixture in a period of time. 9. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface displaying a visual representation of a frequency of detection of one or more mobile devices detected by the lighting fixture in a period of time. 10. The lighting management system of claim 9 wherein the one or more actions comprise:
determining if the detected mobile device is associated with a settings profile indicating one or more desired actions to be taken upon detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device; and
upon determining that the detected mobile device is associated with the settings profile indicating the one or more desired actions to be taken upon detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device, performing the one or more desired actions indicated by the settings profile. 11. The lighting management system of claim 10 wherein the one or more desired actions further comprise forwarding at least a portion of the one or more desired actions to one or more additional lighting fixtures. 12. The lighting management system of claim 10 wherein the one or more desired actions further comprise forwarding at least a portion of the one or more desired actions to one or more additional devices. 13. The lighting management system of claim 10 wherein the one or more desired actions include an action to adjust one or more light output parameters of the lighting fixture. 14. The lighting management system of claim 13 wherein performing the one or more desired actions comprises sending a message to the lighting fixture with instructions to adjust a light output thereof. 15. The lighting management system of claim 14 wherein the one or more light output parameters comprise a light intensity, a color, and a color temperature. 16. The lighting management system of claim 14 wherein the one or more desired actions further comprise sending a message to one or more additional lighting fixtures with instructions to adjust a light output thereof. 17. A lighting management system comprising:
communications circuitry; processing circuitry; and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to:
receive a message from each one of a plurality of lighting fixtures via the communications circuitry, wherein the plurality of lighting fixtures are distributed throughout a space such that a location of each one of the lighting fixtures is known and each one of the messages indicates a proximal presence of a detected mobile device to the one of the plurality of lighting fixtures from which the message was received; and
analyze the messages to determine an approximate location of the detected mobile device in the space. 18. The lighting management system of claim 17 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to store the approximate location of the detected mobile device. 19. The lighting management system of claim 18 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface showing the approximate location of the detected mobile device in the space overtime. 20. The lighting management system of claim 18 wherein the memory stores an approximate location of one or more areas of interest with respect to the plurality of lighting fixtures. 21. The lighting management system of claim 20 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to analyze a plurality of stored location information for the detected mobile device in order to determine a level of interest associated 22. The lighting management system of claim 21 wherein analyzing the plurality of stored location information for the detected mobile device in order to determine the level of interest associated with one or more features of interest comprises determining an amount of time the detected mobile device remains in the proximal presence of the one or more areas of interest. | A lighting management system includes communications circuitry, processing circuitry, and a memory. The memory stores instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to receive a message from a lighting fixture via the communications circuitry, the message indicating a proximal presence of a detected mobile device to the lighting fixture, and performing one or more actions in response to receipt of the message. By performing the one or more actions upon receipt of the message as described above, a lighting system may be provided with additional functionality that enhances the lighting system.1. A lighting management system comprising:
communications circuitry; processing circuitry; and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to:
receive a message from a lighting fixture via the communications circuitry, the message indicating a proximal presence of a detected mobile device to the lighting fixture; and
perform one or more actions in response to receipt of the message. 2. The lighting management system of claim 1 wherein the one or more actions comprise logging an event indicating the detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device by the lighting fixture. 3. The lighting management system of claim 2 wherein the lighting fixture is associated with fixture location information describing a location of the lighting fixture. 4. The lighting management system of claim 3 wherein the message includes mobile device distance information describing a distance of the detected mobile device relative to the lighting fixture. 5. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein logging the event indicating the detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device comprises storing a time that the detected mobile device was detected by the lighting fixture and the mobile device distance information. 6. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface displaying a visual representation showing an approximate location of the detected mobile device with relation to the lighting fixture over time. 7. The lighting management system of claim 6 wherein the visual representation is an indicator on a map. 8. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface displaying a visual representation illustrating a number of detected mobile devices detected by the lighting fixture in a period of time. 9. The lighting management system of claim 4 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface displaying a visual representation of a frequency of detection of one or more mobile devices detected by the lighting fixture in a period of time. 10. The lighting management system of claim 9 wherein the one or more actions comprise:
determining if the detected mobile device is associated with a settings profile indicating one or more desired actions to be taken upon detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device; and
upon determining that the detected mobile device is associated with the settings profile indicating the one or more desired actions to be taken upon detection of the proximal presence of the detected mobile device, performing the one or more desired actions indicated by the settings profile. 11. The lighting management system of claim 10 wherein the one or more desired actions further comprise forwarding at least a portion of the one or more desired actions to one or more additional lighting fixtures. 12. The lighting management system of claim 10 wherein the one or more desired actions further comprise forwarding at least a portion of the one or more desired actions to one or more additional devices. 13. The lighting management system of claim 10 wherein the one or more desired actions include an action to adjust one or more light output parameters of the lighting fixture. 14. The lighting management system of claim 13 wherein performing the one or more desired actions comprises sending a message to the lighting fixture with instructions to adjust a light output thereof. 15. The lighting management system of claim 14 wherein the one or more light output parameters comprise a light intensity, a color, and a color temperature. 16. The lighting management system of claim 14 wherein the one or more desired actions further comprise sending a message to one or more additional lighting fixtures with instructions to adjust a light output thereof. 17. A lighting management system comprising:
communications circuitry; processing circuitry; and a memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to:
receive a message from each one of a plurality of lighting fixtures via the communications circuitry, wherein the plurality of lighting fixtures are distributed throughout a space such that a location of each one of the lighting fixtures is known and each one of the messages indicates a proximal presence of a detected mobile device to the one of the plurality of lighting fixtures from which the message was received; and
analyze the messages to determine an approximate location of the detected mobile device in the space. 18. The lighting management system of claim 17 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to store the approximate location of the detected mobile device. 19. The lighting management system of claim 18 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to instruct a display to provide a user interface showing the approximate location of the detected mobile device in the space overtime. 20. The lighting management system of claim 18 wherein the memory stores an approximate location of one or more areas of interest with respect to the plurality of lighting fixtures. 21. The lighting management system of claim 20 wherein the memory stores further instructions, which, when executed by the processing circuitry cause the lighting management system to analyze a plurality of stored location information for the detected mobile device in order to determine a level of interest associated 22. The lighting management system of claim 21 wherein analyzing the plurality of stored location information for the detected mobile device in order to determine the level of interest associated with one or more features of interest comprises determining an amount of time the detected mobile device remains in the proximal presence of the one or more areas of interest. | 2,800 |
11,134 | 11,134 | 15,073,964 | 2,839 | Hysteretic control for power converters. In an example arrangement, an apparatus includes a converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage including a transformer; at least one primary side driver switch coupled to supply current from an input voltage terminal to the primary side of the transformer; at least one inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal; at least one secondary side switch coupled between the inductor and a ground potential; and a hysteretic controller coupled to supply a first on-time signal to the at least one primary side switch and a second on-time signal to the at least one secondary side switch, the hysteretic controller configured for sensing the output voltage and having at least one current input coupled for sensing current flowing in the inductor and generating primary side driver switch on-time pulses to control the output voltage. | 1. An apparatus, comprising:
a power converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage, the power converter further comprising:
a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side coupled between an input voltage terminal and an output voltage terminal, respectively;
at least one primary side power switch coupled to supply current from the input voltage terminal to the primary side of the transformer;
at least one inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal;
at least one secondary side switch coupled between a node coupled to the inductor and the secondary side of the transformer, and a ground potential; and
a hysteretic controller coupled to supply a first on-time signal to the at least one primary side switch and a second on-time signal to the at least one secondary side switch, the hysteretic controller having a feedback input coupled to the output voltage and configured for sensing the voltage at the output and having at least one current input coupled to the at least one inductor, and further configured for receiving a signal corresponding to the current flowing in the at least one inductor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power converter further comprises a half-bridge converter with a current doubler output. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power converter further comprises:
a second primary side power switch coupled between the primary side of the transformer and a negative voltage input; a second inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal; and a second secondary side switch coupled between a second node coupled to the second inductor and the secondary side of the transformer, and a terminal for receiving a ground potential; wherein the hysteretic controller is further configured to supply on-time signals to the second primary side power switch and the second secondary side switch. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power converter further comprises two alternating cycles and the at least one inductor and second inductor form a current doubler at the output voltage terminal. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power converter further comprises an amplifier configured to compare the output voltage received to a reference voltage and to output an error signal, the hysteretic controller outputting the on-time signal to the at least one primary side power switch responsive to the error signal. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the power converter further comprises a compensator amplifier which amplifies and filters the error signal, and outputs a droop voltage signal. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the power converter further comprises a pulse sequencer to generate the at least one on-time signal to the at least one primary side driver switch responsive to a comparator that receives a voltage corresponding to summed current in the at least one inductor, and at least one of the error signal and droop voltage signal, and outputs an on-time pulse responsive to a comparison. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one primary side power switch and the secondary side switch further comprise field effect transistors (FETs). 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the FET transistors further comprise silicon MOSFET devices. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one primary side power switch and the secondary side switch further comprise GaN devices. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power converter further comprises a full-bridge converter with a current doubler output. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the full-bridge converter further comprises a second primary side driver switch coupled between the primary side of the transformer and a negative input voltage terminal, a third driver switch coupled between the input voltage terminal and the primary side of the transformer, and a fourth driver switch coupled between the primary side of the transformer and the negative input terminal. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth switches further comprise GaN transistors. 14. A half-bridge transformer-based power converter; comprising:
a transformer having a primary side with a first terminal and a second terminal and a secondary side with a third terminal and a fourth terminal; a first primary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a first voltage input terminal for receiving a positive input voltage and the first terminal of the primary side of the transformer, and having a gate terminal; a second primary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a second voltage terminal for receiving a negative input voltage and the first terminal of the primary side of the transformer, and having a gate terminal; a first secondary side driver transistor having a current conduction path between the first terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and a terminal for a ground potential, and having a gate terminal; a second secondary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between the second terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and the terminal for a ground potential, and having a gate terminal; a first inductor coupled between the first terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and an output terminal for an output voltage; a second inductor coupled between the second terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and the output terminal for an output voltage; and a hysteretic controller coupled to the output voltage and having inputs for receiving sensed current signals for the first and second inductors, and having outputs for driving gate signals for each of the first and second primary side driver transistors, and for driving gate signals for each of the first and second secondary side transistors, configured to output on-time pulses on the gate terminals of the first and second primary side driver transistors to create an output voltage at the output voltage terminal. 15. The half-bridge power converter of claim 14, wherein the hysteretic controller further comprises a first amplifier for comparing the output voltage to a reference voltage and for outputting an error voltage. 16. The half-bridge power converter of claim 15, wherein the hysteretic controller further comprises a summer configured to add the sensed current signals and a second comparator comparing the sum of the sensed current signals to the error voltage, and configured to output a switch signal responsive to a comparison. 17. The half-bridge power converter of claim 14, wherein the first and second primary side driver transistors each comprise a GaN transistor. 18. The half-bridge power converter of claim 14, wherein the first and second primary side driver transistors each comprise a MOSFET. 19. A circuit for controlling driver transistors for a transformer based power converter, comprising:
a hysteretic controller integrated circuit having output signals for driving gate terminals of primary side driver transistors and secondary side driver transistors to form a voltage converter, the hysteretic controller circuit having an input for receiving a feedback output voltage, and having inputs for receiving signals corresponding to sensed inductor currents; the hysteretic controller integrated circuit outputting a first gate signal to at least one primary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a terminal for receiving a positive input voltage and a terminal for coupling to the primary side of a transformer; and the hysteretic controller integrated circuit outputting a second gate signal to at least one secondary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a terminal for coupling to the secondary side of the transformer and a terminal for a ground potential; wherein the hysteretic controller integrated circuit is configured to output on-time pulses to the at least one primary side driver to control an output voltage using an approximately constant switching frequency. 20. The circuit of claim 19, wherein the hysteretic controller integrated circuit is adapted to provide gate signals to control a half-bridge isolated power converter. | Hysteretic control for power converters. In an example arrangement, an apparatus includes a converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage including a transformer; at least one primary side driver switch coupled to supply current from an input voltage terminal to the primary side of the transformer; at least one inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal; at least one secondary side switch coupled between the inductor and a ground potential; and a hysteretic controller coupled to supply a first on-time signal to the at least one primary side switch and a second on-time signal to the at least one secondary side switch, the hysteretic controller configured for sensing the output voltage and having at least one current input coupled for sensing current flowing in the inductor and generating primary side driver switch on-time pulses to control the output voltage.1. An apparatus, comprising:
a power converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage, the power converter further comprising:
a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side coupled between an input voltage terminal and an output voltage terminal, respectively;
at least one primary side power switch coupled to supply current from the input voltage terminal to the primary side of the transformer;
at least one inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal;
at least one secondary side switch coupled between a node coupled to the inductor and the secondary side of the transformer, and a ground potential; and
a hysteretic controller coupled to supply a first on-time signal to the at least one primary side switch and a second on-time signal to the at least one secondary side switch, the hysteretic controller having a feedback input coupled to the output voltage and configured for sensing the voltage at the output and having at least one current input coupled to the at least one inductor, and further configured for receiving a signal corresponding to the current flowing in the at least one inductor. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power converter further comprises a half-bridge converter with a current doubler output. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power converter further comprises:
a second primary side power switch coupled between the primary side of the transformer and a negative voltage input; a second inductor coupled between the secondary side of the transformer and the output voltage terminal; and a second secondary side switch coupled between a second node coupled to the second inductor and the secondary side of the transformer, and a terminal for receiving a ground potential; wherein the hysteretic controller is further configured to supply on-time signals to the second primary side power switch and the second secondary side switch. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the power converter further comprises two alternating cycles and the at least one inductor and second inductor form a current doubler at the output voltage terminal. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power converter further comprises an amplifier configured to compare the output voltage received to a reference voltage and to output an error signal, the hysteretic controller outputting the on-time signal to the at least one primary side power switch responsive to the error signal. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the power converter further comprises a compensator amplifier which amplifies and filters the error signal, and outputs a droop voltage signal. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the power converter further comprises a pulse sequencer to generate the at least one on-time signal to the at least one primary side driver switch responsive to a comparator that receives a voltage corresponding to summed current in the at least one inductor, and at least one of the error signal and droop voltage signal, and outputs an on-time pulse responsive to a comparison. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one primary side power switch and the secondary side switch further comprise field effect transistors (FETs). 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the FET transistors further comprise silicon MOSFET devices. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one primary side power switch and the secondary side switch further comprise GaN devices. 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the power converter further comprises a full-bridge converter with a current doubler output. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the full-bridge converter further comprises a second primary side driver switch coupled between the primary side of the transformer and a negative input voltage terminal, a third driver switch coupled between the input voltage terminal and the primary side of the transformer, and a fourth driver switch coupled between the primary side of the transformer and the negative input terminal. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth switches further comprise GaN transistors. 14. A half-bridge transformer-based power converter; comprising:
a transformer having a primary side with a first terminal and a second terminal and a secondary side with a third terminal and a fourth terminal; a first primary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a first voltage input terminal for receiving a positive input voltage and the first terminal of the primary side of the transformer, and having a gate terminal; a second primary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a second voltage terminal for receiving a negative input voltage and the first terminal of the primary side of the transformer, and having a gate terminal; a first secondary side driver transistor having a current conduction path between the first terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and a terminal for a ground potential, and having a gate terminal; a second secondary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between the second terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and the terminal for a ground potential, and having a gate terminal; a first inductor coupled between the first terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and an output terminal for an output voltage; a second inductor coupled between the second terminal of the secondary side of the transformer and the output terminal for an output voltage; and a hysteretic controller coupled to the output voltage and having inputs for receiving sensed current signals for the first and second inductors, and having outputs for driving gate signals for each of the first and second primary side driver transistors, and for driving gate signals for each of the first and second secondary side transistors, configured to output on-time pulses on the gate terminals of the first and second primary side driver transistors to create an output voltage at the output voltage terminal. 15. The half-bridge power converter of claim 14, wherein the hysteretic controller further comprises a first amplifier for comparing the output voltage to a reference voltage and for outputting an error voltage. 16. The half-bridge power converter of claim 15, wherein the hysteretic controller further comprises a summer configured to add the sensed current signals and a second comparator comparing the sum of the sensed current signals to the error voltage, and configured to output a switch signal responsive to a comparison. 17. The half-bridge power converter of claim 14, wherein the first and second primary side driver transistors each comprise a GaN transistor. 18. The half-bridge power converter of claim 14, wherein the first and second primary side driver transistors each comprise a MOSFET. 19. A circuit for controlling driver transistors for a transformer based power converter, comprising:
a hysteretic controller integrated circuit having output signals for driving gate terminals of primary side driver transistors and secondary side driver transistors to form a voltage converter, the hysteretic controller circuit having an input for receiving a feedback output voltage, and having inputs for receiving signals corresponding to sensed inductor currents; the hysteretic controller integrated circuit outputting a first gate signal to at least one primary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a terminal for receiving a positive input voltage and a terminal for coupling to the primary side of a transformer; and the hysteretic controller integrated circuit outputting a second gate signal to at least one secondary side driver transistor having a current conduction path coupled between a terminal for coupling to the secondary side of the transformer and a terminal for a ground potential; wherein the hysteretic controller integrated circuit is configured to output on-time pulses to the at least one primary side driver to control an output voltage using an approximately constant switching frequency. 20. The circuit of claim 19, wherein the hysteretic controller integrated circuit is adapted to provide gate signals to control a half-bridge isolated power converter. | 2,800 |
11,135 | 11,135 | 15,174,184 | 2,887 | A color image of a target is captured by a color sensor in an imaging reader. A color image processing pipeline processes the captured color image with a plurality of color image processing components to display the image of a target with high fidelity. One or more of the components are bypassed to decode the image of a symbol target to prevent degradation of reader performance. | 1. An imaging reader for reading targets by image capture, the reader comprising:
an imaging assembly including a solid-state color imager and a color filter array, the imaging assembly being operative for capturing color images of the targets; a controller for controlling the reader to operate in one of an image capture mode in which a color image of at least one of the targets is captured, and in a decode mode in which a color image of a target configured as a symbol target is decoded; and a color image processing pipeline including a set of color image processing components for processing the captured color image of the at least one target along a first path in the image capture mode, at least one of the color image processing components degrading reader performance in the decode mode, and a subset of the color image processing components without the at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the color image of the symbol target along a different, second path for decoding in the decode mode. 2. The reader of claim 1, wherein the color image processing pipeline includes a bypass component for bypassing the at least one color image processing component in the decode mode to prevent degradation of the reader performance in the decode mode, the color image processing components without the bypassed at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the captured color image of the symbol target for decoding. 3. The reader of claim 2, wherein the set of color image processing components includes a white balance component for adjusting pixel luminance among bands of red (R), blue (B) and green (G) colors in output raw image data from the color imager, a de-mosaic component for processing the output raw image data from the color imager to reconstruct the captured color image, a pixel transform component for adjusting a bit depth of the output raw image data, a color correction component for applying a blending matrix to convert an RGB color space from the color imager to a different standard color space, a gamma correction component for adjusting image quality to modify nonlinearities in the output raw image data, a noise filter component for removing noise from the output raw image data, and an encoding component for converting between color image formats in the output raw image data. 4. The reader of claim 3, wherein the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed includes at least one of the color correction component, the gamma correction component, and the noise filter component. 5. The reader of claim 1, wherein the at least one color image processing component includes at least one of a color correction component, a gamma correction component, and a noise filter component. 6. The reader of claim 2, wherein the set of color image processing components are connected along the first path, and wherein the bypass component includes an actuatable control switching assembly for switching the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed out of the first path. 7. The reader of claim 6, wherein the control switching assembly is actuated in response to a manual action performed by an operator of the reader. 8. The reader of claim 6, wherein the control switching assembly is actuated automatically by the controller. 9. The reader of claim 1, and a processor in which the set of color image processing components is integrated. 10. A color image processing pipeline for processing output raw image data from a color imager in an imaging reader for reading targets by image capture, the color pipeline comprising:
a set of color image processing components for processing the output raw image data captured from at least one of the targets along a first path in an image capture mode of the reader, at least one of the color image processing components degrading reader performance in the decode mode, and a subset of the color image processing components without the at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the output raw image data captured from a symbol target along a different, second path for decoding in a decode mode of the reader. 11. The color pipeline of claim 10, wherein the color image processing components include a bypass component for bypassing the at least one color image processing component in the decode mode to prevent degradation of the reader performance in the decode mode, the color image processing components without the bypassed at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the output raw image data captured from the symbol target for decoding. 12. The color pipeline of claim 11, wherein the plurality of color image processing components includes a white balance component for adjusting pixel luminance among bands of red (R), blue (B) and green (G) colors in the output raw image data from the color imager, a de-mosaic component for processing the output raw image data from the color imager to reconstruct the captured color image, a pixel transform component for adjusting a bit depth of the output raw image data, a color correction component for applying a blending matrix to convert an RGB color space from the color imager to a different standard color space, a gamma correction component for adjusting image quality to modify nonlinearities in the output raw image data, a noise filter component for removing noise from the output raw image data, and an encoding component for converting between color image formats in the output raw image data; and wherein the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed includes at least one of the color correction component, the gamma correction component, and the noise filter component. 13. A method of reading targets by image capture with an imaging reader, the method comprising:
capturing color images of the targets with a color imager; operating the imaging reader in one of an image capture mode in which a color image of at least one of the targets is captured, and in a decode mode in which a color image of a target configured as a symbol target is decoded; processing the captured color image of the at least one target in the image capture mode with a set of color image processing components along a first path, at least one of the color image processing components degrading reader performance in the decode mode; and processing the color image of the symbol target along a different, second path for decoding in the decode mode with a subset of the color image processing components without the at least one color image processing component. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the processing with the subset of the color image processing components is performed by bypassing the at least one color image processing component in the decode mode to prevent degradation of the reader performance in the decode mode. 15. The method of claim 14, and configuring the set of color image processing components to include a white balance component for adjusting pixel luminance among bands of red (R), blue (B) and green (G) colors in output raw image data from the color imager, a de-mosaic component for processing the output raw image data from the color imager to reconstruct the captured color image, a pixel transform component for adjusting a bit depth of the output raw image data, a color correction component for applying a blending matrix to convert an RGB color space from the color imager to a different standard color space, a gamma correction component for adjusting image quality to modify nonlinearities in the output raw image data, a noise filter component for removing noise from the output raw image data, and an encoding component for converting between color image formats in the output raw image data. 16. The method of claim 15, and configuring the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed to include at least one of the color correction component, the gamma correction component, and the noise filter component. 17. The method of claim 13, and configuring the at least one color image processing component to include at least one of a color correction component, a gamma correction component, and a noise filter component. 18. The method of claim 14, and connecting the set of color image processing components along the first path, and wherein the bypassing is performed by switching the at least one color image processing component out of the first path. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bypassing is performed in response to a manual action performed by an operator of the reader. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the bypassing is performed automatically. | A color image of a target is captured by a color sensor in an imaging reader. A color image processing pipeline processes the captured color image with a plurality of color image processing components to display the image of a target with high fidelity. One or more of the components are bypassed to decode the image of a symbol target to prevent degradation of reader performance.1. An imaging reader for reading targets by image capture, the reader comprising:
an imaging assembly including a solid-state color imager and a color filter array, the imaging assembly being operative for capturing color images of the targets; a controller for controlling the reader to operate in one of an image capture mode in which a color image of at least one of the targets is captured, and in a decode mode in which a color image of a target configured as a symbol target is decoded; and a color image processing pipeline including a set of color image processing components for processing the captured color image of the at least one target along a first path in the image capture mode, at least one of the color image processing components degrading reader performance in the decode mode, and a subset of the color image processing components without the at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the color image of the symbol target along a different, second path for decoding in the decode mode. 2. The reader of claim 1, wherein the color image processing pipeline includes a bypass component for bypassing the at least one color image processing component in the decode mode to prevent degradation of the reader performance in the decode mode, the color image processing components without the bypassed at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the captured color image of the symbol target for decoding. 3. The reader of claim 2, wherein the set of color image processing components includes a white balance component for adjusting pixel luminance among bands of red (R), blue (B) and green (G) colors in output raw image data from the color imager, a de-mosaic component for processing the output raw image data from the color imager to reconstruct the captured color image, a pixel transform component for adjusting a bit depth of the output raw image data, a color correction component for applying a blending matrix to convert an RGB color space from the color imager to a different standard color space, a gamma correction component for adjusting image quality to modify nonlinearities in the output raw image data, a noise filter component for removing noise from the output raw image data, and an encoding component for converting between color image formats in the output raw image data. 4. The reader of claim 3, wherein the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed includes at least one of the color correction component, the gamma correction component, and the noise filter component. 5. The reader of claim 1, wherein the at least one color image processing component includes at least one of a color correction component, a gamma correction component, and a noise filter component. 6. The reader of claim 2, wherein the set of color image processing components are connected along the first path, and wherein the bypass component includes an actuatable control switching assembly for switching the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed out of the first path. 7. The reader of claim 6, wherein the control switching assembly is actuated in response to a manual action performed by an operator of the reader. 8. The reader of claim 6, wherein the control switching assembly is actuated automatically by the controller. 9. The reader of claim 1, and a processor in which the set of color image processing components is integrated. 10. A color image processing pipeline for processing output raw image data from a color imager in an imaging reader for reading targets by image capture, the color pipeline comprising:
a set of color image processing components for processing the output raw image data captured from at least one of the targets along a first path in an image capture mode of the reader, at least one of the color image processing components degrading reader performance in the decode mode, and a subset of the color image processing components without the at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the output raw image data captured from a symbol target along a different, second path for decoding in a decode mode of the reader. 11. The color pipeline of claim 10, wherein the color image processing components include a bypass component for bypassing the at least one color image processing component in the decode mode to prevent degradation of the reader performance in the decode mode, the color image processing components without the bypassed at least one color image processing component being operative for processing the output raw image data captured from the symbol target for decoding. 12. The color pipeline of claim 11, wherein the plurality of color image processing components includes a white balance component for adjusting pixel luminance among bands of red (R), blue (B) and green (G) colors in the output raw image data from the color imager, a de-mosaic component for processing the output raw image data from the color imager to reconstruct the captured color image, a pixel transform component for adjusting a bit depth of the output raw image data, a color correction component for applying a blending matrix to convert an RGB color space from the color imager to a different standard color space, a gamma correction component for adjusting image quality to modify nonlinearities in the output raw image data, a noise filter component for removing noise from the output raw image data, and an encoding component for converting between color image formats in the output raw image data; and wherein the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed includes at least one of the color correction component, the gamma correction component, and the noise filter component. 13. A method of reading targets by image capture with an imaging reader, the method comprising:
capturing color images of the targets with a color imager; operating the imaging reader in one of an image capture mode in which a color image of at least one of the targets is captured, and in a decode mode in which a color image of a target configured as a symbol target is decoded; processing the captured color image of the at least one target in the image capture mode with a set of color image processing components along a first path, at least one of the color image processing components degrading reader performance in the decode mode; and processing the color image of the symbol target along a different, second path for decoding in the decode mode with a subset of the color image processing components without the at least one color image processing component. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the processing with the subset of the color image processing components is performed by bypassing the at least one color image processing component in the decode mode to prevent degradation of the reader performance in the decode mode. 15. The method of claim 14, and configuring the set of color image processing components to include a white balance component for adjusting pixel luminance among bands of red (R), blue (B) and green (G) colors in output raw image data from the color imager, a de-mosaic component for processing the output raw image data from the color imager to reconstruct the captured color image, a pixel transform component for adjusting a bit depth of the output raw image data, a color correction component for applying a blending matrix to convert an RGB color space from the color imager to a different standard color space, a gamma correction component for adjusting image quality to modify nonlinearities in the output raw image data, a noise filter component for removing noise from the output raw image data, and an encoding component for converting between color image formats in the output raw image data. 16. The method of claim 15, and configuring the at least one color image processing component that is bypassed to include at least one of the color correction component, the gamma correction component, and the noise filter component. 17. The method of claim 13, and configuring the at least one color image processing component to include at least one of a color correction component, a gamma correction component, and a noise filter component. 18. The method of claim 14, and connecting the set of color image processing components along the first path, and wherein the bypassing is performed by switching the at least one color image processing component out of the first path. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the bypassing is performed in response to a manual action performed by an operator of the reader. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the bypassing is performed automatically. | 2,800 |
11,136 | 11,136 | 14,158,483 | 2,822 | An interconnect structure of an integrated circuit and a method for forming the same are provided. The interconnect structure includes a conductive line, and optionally, a cap layer over the conductive line. A treatment is performed to remove impurities prior to forming a layer, e.g., an etch stop layer, ILD, or the like, over the conductive line and/or the cap layer. | 1. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising:
providing a workpiece, the workpiece having a first dielectric layer and a conductive feature formed in the first dielectric layer; treating the workpiece to remove impurities; and after the treating, forming a second dielectric layer over the conductive feature. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the treating the workpiece comprises a thermal process. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the thermal process comprises vacuum process. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the thermal process comprises a gas soak process in Ar, H2, NH3, or a combination thereof. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the treating the workpiece comprises a plasma process. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the plasma process uses an Ar plasma, an H2 plasma, an NH3 plasma, or a combination thereof. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the plasma process is a remote plasma process. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the plasma process is a direct plasma process. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a cap layer over the conductive feature prior to the treating. 10. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising:
forming a trench in a first dielectric layer; filling the trench with a conductive material; planarizing a surface of the conductive material; removing impurities; and forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and the conductive material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the removing comprises a thermal process. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermal process comprises vacuum process or gas soak process in Ar, H2, NH3, or a combination thereof. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the removing comprises a plasma process. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasma process uses an Ar plasma, an H2 plasma, an NH3 plasma, or a combination thereof. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasma process is a remote plasma process. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasma process is a direct plasma process. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming a cap layer over the conductive material prior to the removing. 18. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising:
providing a workpiece having a copper line in a first dielectric layer; forming a cap layer over the copper line; removing impurities from the workpiece; and forming an overlying layer over the first dielectric layer. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the removing comprises a thermal process, a gas soak, or a plasma process. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the removing uses Ar, H2, or NH3. | An interconnect structure of an integrated circuit and a method for forming the same are provided. The interconnect structure includes a conductive line, and optionally, a cap layer over the conductive line. A treatment is performed to remove impurities prior to forming a layer, e.g., an etch stop layer, ILD, or the like, over the conductive line and/or the cap layer.1. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising:
providing a workpiece, the workpiece having a first dielectric layer and a conductive feature formed in the first dielectric layer; treating the workpiece to remove impurities; and after the treating, forming a second dielectric layer over the conductive feature. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the treating the workpiece comprises a thermal process. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the thermal process comprises vacuum process. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the thermal process comprises a gas soak process in Ar, H2, NH3, or a combination thereof. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the treating the workpiece comprises a plasma process. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the plasma process uses an Ar plasma, an H2 plasma, an NH3 plasma, or a combination thereof. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the plasma process is a remote plasma process. 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the plasma process is a direct plasma process. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming a cap layer over the conductive feature prior to the treating. 10. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising:
forming a trench in a first dielectric layer; filling the trench with a conductive material; planarizing a surface of the conductive material; removing impurities; and forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and the conductive material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the removing comprises a thermal process. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermal process comprises vacuum process or gas soak process in Ar, H2, NH3, or a combination thereof. 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the removing comprises a plasma process. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasma process uses an Ar plasma, an H2 plasma, an NH3 plasma, or a combination thereof. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasma process is a remote plasma process. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the plasma process is a direct plasma process. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising forming a cap layer over the conductive material prior to the removing. 18. A method for forming an interconnect structure, the method comprising:
providing a workpiece having a copper line in a first dielectric layer; forming a cap layer over the copper line; removing impurities from the workpiece; and forming an overlying layer over the first dielectric layer. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the removing comprises a thermal process, a gas soak, or a plasma process. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the removing uses Ar, H2, or NH3. | 2,800 |
11,137 | 11,137 | 13,409,643 | 2,894 | Methods of blocking ionizing radiation to reduce soft errors and resulting IC chips are disclosed. One embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming at least one back end of line (BEOL) dielectric layer including ionizing radiation blocking material therein. Another embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming an ionizing radiation blocking layer positioned in a back end of line (BEOL) of the IC chip. The ionizing radiation blocking material or layer absorbs ionizing radiation and reduces soft errors within the IC chip. | 1. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:
a first layer of the integrated circuit chip; a first metallization layer over the first layer; and at least one dielectric layer over the first metallization layer, the at least one dielectric layer including ionizing radiation blocking material therein, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material is configured to block or absorb ionizing radiation. 2. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the at least one dielectric layer includes a polyimide and the ionizing radiation blocking material includes copper (Cu). 3. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material is selected from the group consisting of: hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), graphite (C), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu). 4. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein a dielectric of the at least one dielectric layer is selected from the group consisting of: a polymer and an oxide. 5. The IC chip of claim 4, wherein the polymer includes a polyimide. 6. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation includes an alpha particle. 7. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the at least one dielectric layer includes one of: a last dielectric layer or a penultimate dielectric layer. 8. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the at least one dielectric layer includes a single dielectric layer. 9. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation includes at least one of beta radiation, cosmic rays, or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. 10. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:
a first metallization layer; and a dielectric layer over the first metallization layer, the dielectric layer including an ionizing radiation blocking layer configured to block or absorb ionizing radiation. 11. The IC chip of claim 10, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking layer includes a discontinuous ionizing radiation blocking film and an operational conductor overlapping a discontinuity of the ionizing radiation blocking film. 12. The IC chip of claim 11, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking film is selected from the group consisting of: hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), graphite (C), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu). 13. The IC chip of claim 11, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking film is distanced from the conductor. 14. The IC chip of claim 10, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking layer is positioned across a plurality of dielectric layers, the ionizing radiation blocking layer being laterally discontinuous in any one dielectric layer but forming a complete plane in a vertical sense. 15. The IC chip of claim 10, wherein the ionizing radiation includes at least one of an alpha particle, beta radiation, cosmic rays, or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. 16. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:
a first back end of the line (BEOL) dielectric layer; a conductor located within the BEOL dielectric layer; a second BEOL dielectric layer over the first BEOL dielectric layer; and an ionizing radiation blocking material layer over the second BEOL, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material layer is configured to block or absorb ionizing radiation, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material layer is distanced from the conductor. 17. The IC chip of claim 16, further comprising a contact extending from the conductor through the second BEOL dielectric layer. 18. The IC chip of claim 17, wherein an inner edge of the ionizing radiation blocking material layer is distanced from the contact. | Methods of blocking ionizing radiation to reduce soft errors and resulting IC chips are disclosed. One embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming at least one back end of line (BEOL) dielectric layer including ionizing radiation blocking material therein. Another embodiment includes forming a front end of line (FEOL) for an integrated circuit (IC) chip; and forming an ionizing radiation blocking layer positioned in a back end of line (BEOL) of the IC chip. The ionizing radiation blocking material or layer absorbs ionizing radiation and reduces soft errors within the IC chip.1. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:
a first layer of the integrated circuit chip; a first metallization layer over the first layer; and at least one dielectric layer over the first metallization layer, the at least one dielectric layer including ionizing radiation blocking material therein, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material is configured to block or absorb ionizing radiation. 2. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the at least one dielectric layer includes a polyimide and the ionizing radiation blocking material includes copper (Cu). 3. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material is selected from the group consisting of: hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), graphite (C), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu). 4. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein a dielectric of the at least one dielectric layer is selected from the group consisting of: a polymer and an oxide. 5. The IC chip of claim 4, wherein the polymer includes a polyimide. 6. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation includes an alpha particle. 7. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the at least one dielectric layer includes one of: a last dielectric layer or a penultimate dielectric layer. 8. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the at least one dielectric layer includes a single dielectric layer. 9. The IC chip of claim 1, wherein the ionizing radiation includes at least one of beta radiation, cosmic rays, or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. 10. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:
a first metallization layer; and a dielectric layer over the first metallization layer, the dielectric layer including an ionizing radiation blocking layer configured to block or absorb ionizing radiation. 11. The IC chip of claim 10, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking layer includes a discontinuous ionizing radiation blocking film and an operational conductor overlapping a discontinuity of the ionizing radiation blocking film. 12. The IC chip of claim 11, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking film is selected from the group consisting of: hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), graphite (C), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu). 13. The IC chip of claim 11, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking film is distanced from the conductor. 14. The IC chip of claim 10, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking layer is positioned across a plurality of dielectric layers, the ionizing radiation blocking layer being laterally discontinuous in any one dielectric layer but forming a complete plane in a vertical sense. 15. The IC chip of claim 10, wherein the ionizing radiation includes at least one of an alpha particle, beta radiation, cosmic rays, or high-frequency electromagnetic radiation. 16. An integrated circuit (IC) chip comprising:
a first back end of the line (BEOL) dielectric layer; a conductor located within the BEOL dielectric layer; a second BEOL dielectric layer over the first BEOL dielectric layer; and an ionizing radiation blocking material layer over the second BEOL, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material layer is configured to block or absorb ionizing radiation, wherein the ionizing radiation blocking material layer is distanced from the conductor. 17. The IC chip of claim 16, further comprising a contact extending from the conductor through the second BEOL dielectric layer. 18. The IC chip of claim 17, wherein an inner edge of the ionizing radiation blocking material layer is distanced from the contact. | 2,800 |
11,138 | 11,138 | 14,864,849 | 2,861 | A wireless sensing device including a vibration plate, an antenna, a sensor, an energy harvesting circuit and a data processing circuit is provided. The antenna and the sensor are disposed on the vibration plate. The sensor generates a sensing data according to the vibration of the vibration plate. The energy harvesting circuit generates an electrical energy in response to the vibration of the vibration plate. The data processing circuit is coupled to the sensor and the antenna, and the data processing circuit is operated by the electrical energy to store the sensing data, or to transmit the sensing data through the antenna. | 1. A wireless sensing device, comprising:
a vibration plate; an antenna, disposed on the vibration plate; a sensor, disposed on the vibration plate and generating a sensing data according to the vibration of the vibration plate; an energy harvesting circuit, generating an electrical energy in response to the vibration of the vibration plate; and a data processing circuit, coupled to the sensor and the antenna, wherein the data processing circuit is operated by the electrical energy to store the sensing data, or to transmit the sensing data through the antenna. 2. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storing element storing the electrical energy. 3. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless sensing device enables the data processing circuit through the electrical energy, thereby allowing the data processing circuit to be switched between a detection mode and a transmission mode, wherein under the detection mode, the data processing circuit activates the sensor through the electrical energy and stores the sensing data generated from the sensor, whereas under the transmission mode, the data processing circuit transmits the sensing data through the antenna. 4. The wireless sensing device according to claim 3, wherein when the energy harvesting circuit stops generating the electrical energy, the data processing circuit is switched to a sleep mode. 5. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the data processing circuit comprises:
a transceiver, electrically connected to the antenna; a switching element, receiving the electrical energy; and a controller, wherein the wireless sensing device enables the controller through the electrical energy, thereby allowing the data processing circuit to be switched between a detection mode and a transmission mode, wherein under the detection mode, the controller drives the switching element to transmit the electrical energy to the sensor, and the controller stores the sensing data from the sensor, whereas under the transmission mode, the controller drives the switching element to transmit the electrical energy to the transceiver transmitting the sensing data through the antenna. 6. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting circuit comprises:
an energy converter, generating an electrical signal in response to the vibration of the vibration plate; and an energy capture unit, converting the electrical signal into the electrical energy. 7. The wireless sensing device according to claim 6, wherein the antenna is a printed antenna, and an orthogonal projection of the printed antenna on the vibration plate and an orthogonal projection of the energy converter on the vibration plate do not overlap with each other. 8. The wireless sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the vibration plate comprises at least one bent portion and a body portion, the at least one bent portion and the body portion form an angle, and a part of the printed antenna is disposed at the at least one bent portion. 9. The wireless sensing device according to claim 6, wherein the antenna is a stamped antenna, and an orthogonal projection of the stamped antenna on the vibration plate and an orthogonal projection of the energy converter on the vibration plate are partially overlapped. 10. The wireless sensing device according to claim 6, wherein the data processing circuit is electrically connected to the sensor through a wire disposed on the vibration plate, wherein an orthogonal projection of the wire on the vibration plate and an orthogonal projection of the energy converter on the vibration plate do not overlap with each other. 11. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a micro-electro-mechanical system sensor and the sensing data comprises acceleration data and vibration frequency data. | A wireless sensing device including a vibration plate, an antenna, a sensor, an energy harvesting circuit and a data processing circuit is provided. The antenna and the sensor are disposed on the vibration plate. The sensor generates a sensing data according to the vibration of the vibration plate. The energy harvesting circuit generates an electrical energy in response to the vibration of the vibration plate. The data processing circuit is coupled to the sensor and the antenna, and the data processing circuit is operated by the electrical energy to store the sensing data, or to transmit the sensing data through the antenna.1. A wireless sensing device, comprising:
a vibration plate; an antenna, disposed on the vibration plate; a sensor, disposed on the vibration plate and generating a sensing data according to the vibration of the vibration plate; an energy harvesting circuit, generating an electrical energy in response to the vibration of the vibration plate; and a data processing circuit, coupled to the sensor and the antenna, wherein the data processing circuit is operated by the electrical energy to store the sensing data, or to transmit the sensing data through the antenna. 2. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storing element storing the electrical energy. 3. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless sensing device enables the data processing circuit through the electrical energy, thereby allowing the data processing circuit to be switched between a detection mode and a transmission mode, wherein under the detection mode, the data processing circuit activates the sensor through the electrical energy and stores the sensing data generated from the sensor, whereas under the transmission mode, the data processing circuit transmits the sensing data through the antenna. 4. The wireless sensing device according to claim 3, wherein when the energy harvesting circuit stops generating the electrical energy, the data processing circuit is switched to a sleep mode. 5. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the data processing circuit comprises:
a transceiver, electrically connected to the antenna; a switching element, receiving the electrical energy; and a controller, wherein the wireless sensing device enables the controller through the electrical energy, thereby allowing the data processing circuit to be switched between a detection mode and a transmission mode, wherein under the detection mode, the controller drives the switching element to transmit the electrical energy to the sensor, and the controller stores the sensing data from the sensor, whereas under the transmission mode, the controller drives the switching element to transmit the electrical energy to the transceiver transmitting the sensing data through the antenna. 6. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the energy harvesting circuit comprises:
an energy converter, generating an electrical signal in response to the vibration of the vibration plate; and an energy capture unit, converting the electrical signal into the electrical energy. 7. The wireless sensing device according to claim 6, wherein the antenna is a printed antenna, and an orthogonal projection of the printed antenna on the vibration plate and an orthogonal projection of the energy converter on the vibration plate do not overlap with each other. 8. The wireless sensing device according to claim 7, wherein the vibration plate comprises at least one bent portion and a body portion, the at least one bent portion and the body portion form an angle, and a part of the printed antenna is disposed at the at least one bent portion. 9. The wireless sensing device according to claim 6, wherein the antenna is a stamped antenna, and an orthogonal projection of the stamped antenna on the vibration plate and an orthogonal projection of the energy converter on the vibration plate are partially overlapped. 10. The wireless sensing device according to claim 6, wherein the data processing circuit is electrically connected to the sensor through a wire disposed on the vibration plate, wherein an orthogonal projection of the wire on the vibration plate and an orthogonal projection of the energy converter on the vibration plate do not overlap with each other. 11. The wireless sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a micro-electro-mechanical system sensor and the sensing data comprises acceleration data and vibration frequency data. | 2,800 |
11,139 | 11,139 | 14,586,416 | 2,838 | A method for operating a DC-DC converter. The method comprises: matching, based on a turns ratio of a transformer of the DC-DC converter, a primary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter and a secondary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter to result in a matched capacitance; and operating the DC-DC converter with at least one operating parameter set to cause a primary current to oscillate between a peak value and zero such that a valley of the primary current coincides with a zero crossing of a secondary switching element voltage. | 1.-20. (canceled) 21. Apparatus for power conversion, comprising:
a power conversion circuit having a switching voltage that has no overshoot. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit comprises:
a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; and a current control switch coupled to the transformer for controlling current flow through the primary winding, wherein (i) a primary capacitance of the power conversion circuit and a secondary capacitance of the power conversion circuit are matched, and (ii) at least one operating parameter of the power conversion circuit is based on the matched capacitance such that the switching voltage has no overshoot, wherein the switching voltage is the drain-source voltage of the current control switch. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a secondary-side switching element coupled to the secondary winding, wherein the at least one operating parameter is set to cause a primary current waveform to have a value of zero and a slope of zero when a voltage of the secondary-side switching element has a zero-crossing. 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a DC-DC converter. 25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a flyback converter. 26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a boost converter. 27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a buck-boost converter. 28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a forward converter. 29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a full-bridge converter. 30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a DC-AC inverter. 31. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the primary capacitance comprises a first parasitic capacitance of the current control switch and the secondary capacitance comprises a second parasitic capacitance of the secondary-side switching element. 32. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one operating parameter is a peak primary winding current value. 33. Apparatus for power conversion, comprising:
a power conversion circuit having a primary capacitance and a secondary capacitance that are matched based on a transformer turns ratio. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the primary capacitance comprises a parasitic capacitance of a current control switch and the secondary capacitance comprises a parasitic capacitance of a secondary-side switching element. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein (i) the primary capacitance comprises the parasitic capacitance of the current control switch and an effective capacitance of at least one capacitor coupled to the power conversion circuit in a manner electronically equivalent to being coupled across the current control switch, and (ii) the secondary capacitance comprises the parasitic capacitance of the secondary-side switching element and an effective capacitance of at least one capacitor coupled to the power conversion circuit in a manner electronically equivalent to being coupled across the secondary-side switching element. 36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the primary capacitance and the secondary capacitance are matched by dynamically adjusting a capacitance of the power conversion circuit. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein dynamically adjusting the capacitance comprises at least one of (i) tuning one or more of at least one capacitor of the power conversion circuit, (ii) switching one or more of the at least one capacitor into the power conversion circuit, or (iii) switching one or more of the at least one capacitor out of the power conversion circuit. 38. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein an inductance of the power conversion circuit is set based on the matched capacitance. 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the inductance is set by dynamically adjusting at least one inductor of the power conversion circuit. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein dynamically adjusting the at least one inductor comprises at least one of (i) tuning one or more of at least one inductor of the power conversion circuit, (ii) switching one or more of the at least one inductor into the power conversion circuit, or (iii) switching one or more of the at least one inductor out of the power conversion circuit. | A method for operating a DC-DC converter. The method comprises: matching, based on a turns ratio of a transformer of the DC-DC converter, a primary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter and a secondary side capacitance of the DC-DC converter to result in a matched capacitance; and operating the DC-DC converter with at least one operating parameter set to cause a primary current to oscillate between a peak value and zero such that a valley of the primary current coincides with a zero crossing of a secondary switching element voltage.1.-20. (canceled) 21. Apparatus for power conversion, comprising:
a power conversion circuit having a switching voltage that has no overshoot. 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit comprises:
a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; and a current control switch coupled to the transformer for controlling current flow through the primary winding, wherein (i) a primary capacitance of the power conversion circuit and a secondary capacitance of the power conversion circuit are matched, and (ii) at least one operating parameter of the power conversion circuit is based on the matched capacitance such that the switching voltage has no overshoot, wherein the switching voltage is the drain-source voltage of the current control switch. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a secondary-side switching element coupled to the secondary winding, wherein the at least one operating parameter is set to cause a primary current waveform to have a value of zero and a slope of zero when a voltage of the secondary-side switching element has a zero-crossing. 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a DC-DC converter. 25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a flyback converter. 26. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a boost converter. 27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a buck-boost converter. 28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a forward converter. 29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a full-bridge converter. 30. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the power conversion circuit is part of a DC-AC inverter. 31. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the primary capacitance comprises a first parasitic capacitance of the current control switch and the secondary capacitance comprises a second parasitic capacitance of the secondary-side switching element. 32. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one operating parameter is a peak primary winding current value. 33. Apparatus for power conversion, comprising:
a power conversion circuit having a primary capacitance and a secondary capacitance that are matched based on a transformer turns ratio. 34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the primary capacitance comprises a parasitic capacitance of a current control switch and the secondary capacitance comprises a parasitic capacitance of a secondary-side switching element. 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein (i) the primary capacitance comprises the parasitic capacitance of the current control switch and an effective capacitance of at least one capacitor coupled to the power conversion circuit in a manner electronically equivalent to being coupled across the current control switch, and (ii) the secondary capacitance comprises the parasitic capacitance of the secondary-side switching element and an effective capacitance of at least one capacitor coupled to the power conversion circuit in a manner electronically equivalent to being coupled across the secondary-side switching element. 36. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the primary capacitance and the secondary capacitance are matched by dynamically adjusting a capacitance of the power conversion circuit. 37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein dynamically adjusting the capacitance comprises at least one of (i) tuning one or more of at least one capacitor of the power conversion circuit, (ii) switching one or more of the at least one capacitor into the power conversion circuit, or (iii) switching one or more of the at least one capacitor out of the power conversion circuit. 38. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein an inductance of the power conversion circuit is set based on the matched capacitance. 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the inductance is set by dynamically adjusting at least one inductor of the power conversion circuit. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein dynamically adjusting the at least one inductor comprises at least one of (i) tuning one or more of at least one inductor of the power conversion circuit, (ii) switching one or more of the at least one inductor into the power conversion circuit, or (iii) switching one or more of the at least one inductor out of the power conversion circuit. | 2,800 |
11,140 | 11,140 | 13,161,544 | 2,835 | A fuse element ( 10 ), in particular suited for use in electric and/or electronic circuits constructed by multilayer technology, including a printed circuit board substrate material ( 11 ), which is usable particularly in the multilayer technology and is coated with a metal or metal alloy ( 15 ), from which metal or metal alloy the fuse ( 12 ) is generated by means of photolithographic and/or printing image-producing techniques and ensuing etching or engraving processes, is proposed. The fuse ( 10 ) is distinguished in that the printed circuit board substrate material ( 11 ), on which the fuse ( 12 ) can be provided, includes at least a high-temperature-stable, electrically insulating material, with a coefficient of thermal expansion that varies essentially analogously to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal or metal alloy ( 15 ) from which the fuse ( 12 ) is made. | 1. A fuse element for use in electric and/or electronic circuits constructed by multilayer technology, comprising a printed circuit board material, coated with a metal or metal alloy defining a fuse and being formed by photolithographic and/or printing image-producing techniques and ensuing etching or engraving processes, wherein the printed circuit board substrate material, on which the fuse is provided, comprises at least a high-temperature-stable, electrically insulating material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that varies essentially corresponding with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal or metal alloy from which the fuse is formed. 2. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the metal material or metal alloy defining the fuse comprises copper or a copper alloy. 3. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the metal material or the metal alloy defining the fuse comprises silver or a silver alloy. 4. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the fuse comprises a plurality of layers of metal or a metal alloy. 5. The fuse element as defined by claim 4, wherein an outer layer of the plurality of layers comprises silver or a silver alloy. 6. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board substrate material comprises at least one heat-hardened, glass-fiber-reinforced hydrocarbon/ceramic laminate. 7. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board substrate material comprises at least one ceramic-enriched, temperature-conducting epoxy resin laminate. 8. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, comprising a first printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided and a second printed circuit board substrate disposed adjacent to the first printed circuit board substrate. 9. The fuse element as defined by claim 8, wherein in the vicinity of the location of the first printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided, a void is provided in the second printed circuit board substrate, the void being in the form of a recess in the second printed circuit board substrate. 10. The fuse element as defined by claim 8, wherein in the vicinity of the location of a printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided, one void each is provided both in the second printed circuit board substrate and in the vicinity of the location of the first printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided, the voids being in the form of respective recesses. 11. The fuse element as defined by claim 9, wherein the void is closed off with a layer on a side facing away from the fuse. 12. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer is a membrane. 13. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer is a flexible layer. 14. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer is a foil-like structure. 15. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer comprises a metal layer. 16. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board substrate, at least in the vicinity of a meltable part of the fuse, has a plurality of through-holes. 17. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the metal or metal alloy defining melting part of the fuse has a plurality of through-holes. 18. The fuse element as defined by claim 9, wherein the void is at least partly filled with an insulating material. 19. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein a face on which the layer is provided essentially determines a face of the body of the fuse. 20. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein at least the thickness of two printed circuit board substrates resting on one another, plus the thickness of the conductor forming a melting part of the fuse element, determines the thickness of a body of the fuse element. 21. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein opposing ends of a melting part of the fuse element are provided with connection contacts. 22. The fuse element as defined by claim 21, wherein, in a three-dimensional embodiment of a body forming the fuse element, the connection contacts are connected to ends of the melting part of the fuse by plated through-hole connections. | A fuse element ( 10 ), in particular suited for use in electric and/or electronic circuits constructed by multilayer technology, including a printed circuit board substrate material ( 11 ), which is usable particularly in the multilayer technology and is coated with a metal or metal alloy ( 15 ), from which metal or metal alloy the fuse ( 12 ) is generated by means of photolithographic and/or printing image-producing techniques and ensuing etching or engraving processes, is proposed. The fuse ( 10 ) is distinguished in that the printed circuit board substrate material ( 11 ), on which the fuse ( 12 ) can be provided, includes at least a high-temperature-stable, electrically insulating material, with a coefficient of thermal expansion that varies essentially analogously to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal or metal alloy ( 15 ) from which the fuse ( 12 ) is made.1. A fuse element for use in electric and/or electronic circuits constructed by multilayer technology, comprising a printed circuit board material, coated with a metal or metal alloy defining a fuse and being formed by photolithographic and/or printing image-producing techniques and ensuing etching or engraving processes, wherein the printed circuit board substrate material, on which the fuse is provided, comprises at least a high-temperature-stable, electrically insulating material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that varies essentially corresponding with the coefficient of thermal expansion of the metal or metal alloy from which the fuse is formed. 2. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the metal material or metal alloy defining the fuse comprises copper or a copper alloy. 3. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the metal material or the metal alloy defining the fuse comprises silver or a silver alloy. 4. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the fuse comprises a plurality of layers of metal or a metal alloy. 5. The fuse element as defined by claim 4, wherein an outer layer of the plurality of layers comprises silver or a silver alloy. 6. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board substrate material comprises at least one heat-hardened, glass-fiber-reinforced hydrocarbon/ceramic laminate. 7. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board substrate material comprises at least one ceramic-enriched, temperature-conducting epoxy resin laminate. 8. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, comprising a first printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided and a second printed circuit board substrate disposed adjacent to the first printed circuit board substrate. 9. The fuse element as defined by claim 8, wherein in the vicinity of the location of the first printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided, a void is provided in the second printed circuit board substrate, the void being in the form of a recess in the second printed circuit board substrate. 10. The fuse element as defined by claim 8, wherein in the vicinity of the location of a printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided, one void each is provided both in the second printed circuit board substrate and in the vicinity of the location of the first printed circuit board substrate on which the fuse is provided, the voids being in the form of respective recesses. 11. The fuse element as defined by claim 9, wherein the void is closed off with a layer on a side facing away from the fuse. 12. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer is a membrane. 13. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer is a flexible layer. 14. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer is a foil-like structure. 15. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein the layer comprises a metal layer. 16. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board substrate, at least in the vicinity of a meltable part of the fuse, has a plurality of through-holes. 17. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein the metal or metal alloy defining melting part of the fuse has a plurality of through-holes. 18. The fuse element as defined by claim 9, wherein the void is at least partly filled with an insulating material. 19. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein a face on which the layer is provided essentially determines a face of the body of the fuse. 20. The fuse element as defined by claim 11, wherein at least the thickness of two printed circuit board substrates resting on one another, plus the thickness of the conductor forming a melting part of the fuse element, determines the thickness of a body of the fuse element. 21. The fuse element as defined by claim 1, wherein opposing ends of a melting part of the fuse element are provided with connection contacts. 22. The fuse element as defined by claim 21, wherein, in a three-dimensional embodiment of a body forming the fuse element, the connection contacts are connected to ends of the melting part of the fuse by plated through-hole connections. | 2,800 |
11,141 | 11,141 | 12,769,038 | 2,875 | An underwater light having a sealed polymer housing and a method of manufacture are provided. The light includes a rear housing component formed at least in part from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material, an electronic assembly having at least one light-emitting element mounted thereto, the electronic assembly in thermal communication with the rear housing component, and a lens mounted to the rear housing component and forming a watertight seal therebetween, the lens and the rear housing component enclosing the electronic assembly. At least a portion of the rear housing component conducts heat away from the electronic assembly to cool the electronic assembly. Heat-radiating structures are provided on the rear housing component for dissipating heat conducted by the rear housing component. The electronic assembly could be mounted to the rear component by a thermally conductive adhesive. A latch could be provided on the rear housing component or a bezel of the light, and is operable to selectively install or remove the light from an installation location. One or more optical components, such as light culminators, an internal collimator lens, and/or light pipes could be provided for enhanced illumination. An optically-transparent potting compound could be used to encapsulate the at least one light-emitting element and/or the electronic assembly. A cable attachment assembly could also be provided for creating a watertight seal between the rear housing component and the cable, and terminal posts could be included for attaching conductors of the cable to the electronic assembly. | 1. An underwater light, comprising:
a rear housing component formed at least in part from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material; an electronic assembly having at least one light-emitting element mounted thereto, the electronic assembly in thermal communication with the rear housing component; and a lens mounted to the rear housing component and forming a watertight seal therebetween, the lens and the rear housing component enclosing the electronic assembly, wherein at least a portion of the rear housing component conducts heat away from the electronic assembly to cool the electronic assembly. 2. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising heat-radiating structures on the rear housing component for dissipating heat conducted by the rear housing component. 3. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned radially on a surface of the rear housing component. 4. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned vertically on a surface of the rear housing component. 5. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned horizontally on a surface of the rear housing component. 6. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned about a circumference of the underwater light. 7. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned proximal to heat-generating components of the electronic assembly. 8. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are formed integrally with the rear housing component. 9. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are formed from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material. 10. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly is mounted to the rear component by a thermally conductive adhesive. 11. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the rear housing component includes a first set of annular projections and the lens includes a second set of annular projections, the first and second sets of annular projections interconnected to form a watertight seal. 12. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the lens further comprises an annular recess for receiving an annular projection formed on the rear housing component, the annular projection inserted into the annular recess to form a watertight seal between the rear housing component and the lens. 13. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the rear housing component further comprises an annular recess for receiving an annular projection formed on the lens, the annular projection inserted into the annular recess to form a watertight seal between the rear housing component and the lens. 14. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a bezel positioned about the lens. 15. The underwater light of claim 14, wherein the bezel is rotatable with respect to the lens. 16. The underwater light of claim 14, wherein the bezel includes an elongate aperture for receiving a screw for mounting the underwater light. 17. The underwater light of claim 14, wherein the bezel includes a plurality of apertures for receiving a screw for mounting the underwater light in recesses or niches having different sizes. 18. The underwater light of claim 14, further comprising a latch attached to the bezel and operable to selectively install or remove the light from an installation location. 19. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the lens is formed from a plastic material. 20. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a latch attached to the rear housing component and operable to selectively install or remove the light from an installation location. 21. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a cable in electrical communication with the electronic assembly, the cable being in watertight communication with the rear housing component. 22. The underwater light of claim 21, further comprising a cable attachment assembly for attaching the cable to the light, the cable attachment assembly including a threaded bushing positioned about and attached to the cable and means for sealing the threaded bushing to the rear housing component. 23. The underwater light of claim 22, further comprising at least one terminal post connected to a conductor of the cable, the at least one terminal post including a projecting end. 24. The underwater light of claim 23, wherein the projecting end of the at least one terminal post extends through an aperture in the electronic assembly and is in electrical communication with the electronic assembly. 25. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising an internal heat sink positioned between the electronic assembly and the rear housing component, the heat sink dissipating heat from the electronic assembly and through rear housing component. 26. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a second lens proximal to the at least one light-emitting element, the second lens internal to the underwater light. 27. The underwater light of claim 26, wherein the second lens comprises a collimator lens. 28. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising at least one light culminator in optical communication with the at least one light-emitting element. 29. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising an optically-transparent potting compound encapsulating the at least one light-emitting element. 30. The underwater light of claim 29, wherein the potting compound encapsulates the electronic assembly. 31. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising at least one light pipe in optical communication with the at least one light-emitting element and the lens. 32. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising an impeller for circulating fluid past the underwater light. 33. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a printed circuit board and the at least one light-emitting element comprises a light-emitting diode. 34. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a plurality of printed circuit boards. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of attaching the electronic assembly to the rear housing component further comprises attaching the electronic assembly to the rear housing component using a thermally conductive material. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of attaching the lens to the rear housing component further comprises attaching the lens to the rear housing component using an adhesive. 37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of providing heat sink heat-radiating structures on the rear housing component. 38. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of forming the lens comprises forming the lens from a plastic material. 39. The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of forming a bezel and affixing the bezel to the lens. 40. The method of claim 34, further comprising forming a latch for releasably mounting the light. 41. An underwater light, comprising:
a watertight housing including a lens and a rear housing component; at least one light-emitting element positioned within the housing; and an impeller for circulating fluid past an exterior surface of the watertight housing to cool the underwater light. 42. The underwater light of claim 41, further comprising at least one heat-dissipating structure attached to the watertight housing, the impeller circulating fluid past the at least one heat-dissipating structure. 43. An underwater light, comprising:
a watertight housing including a lens and a rear housing component; at least one light-emitting element positioned within the housing; and at least one heat-dissipating structure attached to an exterior surface of the watertight housing. 44. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure is formed integrally with the exterior surface of the watertight housing. 45. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure is formed circumferentially about the exterior surface of the watertight housing. 46. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure comprises a fin. 47. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure comprises a rod. | An underwater light having a sealed polymer housing and a method of manufacture are provided. The light includes a rear housing component formed at least in part from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material, an electronic assembly having at least one light-emitting element mounted thereto, the electronic assembly in thermal communication with the rear housing component, and a lens mounted to the rear housing component and forming a watertight seal therebetween, the lens and the rear housing component enclosing the electronic assembly. At least a portion of the rear housing component conducts heat away from the electronic assembly to cool the electronic assembly. Heat-radiating structures are provided on the rear housing component for dissipating heat conducted by the rear housing component. The electronic assembly could be mounted to the rear component by a thermally conductive adhesive. A latch could be provided on the rear housing component or a bezel of the light, and is operable to selectively install or remove the light from an installation location. One or more optical components, such as light culminators, an internal collimator lens, and/or light pipes could be provided for enhanced illumination. An optically-transparent potting compound could be used to encapsulate the at least one light-emitting element and/or the electronic assembly. A cable attachment assembly could also be provided for creating a watertight seal between the rear housing component and the cable, and terminal posts could be included for attaching conductors of the cable to the electronic assembly.1. An underwater light, comprising:
a rear housing component formed at least in part from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material; an electronic assembly having at least one light-emitting element mounted thereto, the electronic assembly in thermal communication with the rear housing component; and a lens mounted to the rear housing component and forming a watertight seal therebetween, the lens and the rear housing component enclosing the electronic assembly, wherein at least a portion of the rear housing component conducts heat away from the electronic assembly to cool the electronic assembly. 2. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising heat-radiating structures on the rear housing component for dissipating heat conducted by the rear housing component. 3. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned radially on a surface of the rear housing component. 4. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned vertically on a surface of the rear housing component. 5. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned horizontally on a surface of the rear housing component. 6. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned about a circumference of the underwater light. 7. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are positioned proximal to heat-generating components of the electronic assembly. 8. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are formed integrally with the rear housing component. 9. The underwater light of claim 2, wherein the heat-radiating structures are formed from a thermally conductive and electrically insulative material. 10. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly is mounted to the rear component by a thermally conductive adhesive. 11. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the rear housing component includes a first set of annular projections and the lens includes a second set of annular projections, the first and second sets of annular projections interconnected to form a watertight seal. 12. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the lens further comprises an annular recess for receiving an annular projection formed on the rear housing component, the annular projection inserted into the annular recess to form a watertight seal between the rear housing component and the lens. 13. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the rear housing component further comprises an annular recess for receiving an annular projection formed on the lens, the annular projection inserted into the annular recess to form a watertight seal between the rear housing component and the lens. 14. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a bezel positioned about the lens. 15. The underwater light of claim 14, wherein the bezel is rotatable with respect to the lens. 16. The underwater light of claim 14, wherein the bezel includes an elongate aperture for receiving a screw for mounting the underwater light. 17. The underwater light of claim 14, wherein the bezel includes a plurality of apertures for receiving a screw for mounting the underwater light in recesses or niches having different sizes. 18. The underwater light of claim 14, further comprising a latch attached to the bezel and operable to selectively install or remove the light from an installation location. 19. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the lens is formed from a plastic material. 20. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a latch attached to the rear housing component and operable to selectively install or remove the light from an installation location. 21. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a cable in electrical communication with the electronic assembly, the cable being in watertight communication with the rear housing component. 22. The underwater light of claim 21, further comprising a cable attachment assembly for attaching the cable to the light, the cable attachment assembly including a threaded bushing positioned about and attached to the cable and means for sealing the threaded bushing to the rear housing component. 23. The underwater light of claim 22, further comprising at least one terminal post connected to a conductor of the cable, the at least one terminal post including a projecting end. 24. The underwater light of claim 23, wherein the projecting end of the at least one terminal post extends through an aperture in the electronic assembly and is in electrical communication with the electronic assembly. 25. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising an internal heat sink positioned between the electronic assembly and the rear housing component, the heat sink dissipating heat from the electronic assembly and through rear housing component. 26. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising a second lens proximal to the at least one light-emitting element, the second lens internal to the underwater light. 27. The underwater light of claim 26, wherein the second lens comprises a collimator lens. 28. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising at least one light culminator in optical communication with the at least one light-emitting element. 29. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising an optically-transparent potting compound encapsulating the at least one light-emitting element. 30. The underwater light of claim 29, wherein the potting compound encapsulates the electronic assembly. 31. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising at least one light pipe in optical communication with the at least one light-emitting element and the lens. 32. The underwater light of claim 1, further comprising an impeller for circulating fluid past the underwater light. 33. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a printed circuit board and the at least one light-emitting element comprises a light-emitting diode. 34. The underwater light of claim 1, wherein the electronic assembly further comprises a plurality of printed circuit boards. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of attaching the electronic assembly to the rear housing component further comprises attaching the electronic assembly to the rear housing component using a thermally conductive material. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of attaching the lens to the rear housing component further comprises attaching the lens to the rear housing component using an adhesive. 37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of providing heat sink heat-radiating structures on the rear housing component. 38. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of forming the lens comprises forming the lens from a plastic material. 39. The method of claim 34, further comprising the steps of forming a bezel and affixing the bezel to the lens. 40. The method of claim 34, further comprising forming a latch for releasably mounting the light. 41. An underwater light, comprising:
a watertight housing including a lens and a rear housing component; at least one light-emitting element positioned within the housing; and an impeller for circulating fluid past an exterior surface of the watertight housing to cool the underwater light. 42. The underwater light of claim 41, further comprising at least one heat-dissipating structure attached to the watertight housing, the impeller circulating fluid past the at least one heat-dissipating structure. 43. An underwater light, comprising:
a watertight housing including a lens and a rear housing component; at least one light-emitting element positioned within the housing; and at least one heat-dissipating structure attached to an exterior surface of the watertight housing. 44. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure is formed integrally with the exterior surface of the watertight housing. 45. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure is formed circumferentially about the exterior surface of the watertight housing. 46. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure comprises a fin. 47. The underwater light of claim 43, wherein the at least one heat-dissipating structure comprises a rod. | 2,800 |
11,142 | 11,142 | 14,362,944 | 2,884 | A gas sensor for measuring concentration of a predetermined gas comprises a light source arranged to emit pulses of light, a measurement volume, a detector arranged to receive light that has passed through the measurement volume, and an adaptable filter disposed between the light source and the detector. The gas sensor has a measurement state in which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and a reference state in which said wavelength band is attenuated relative to the measurement state. The adaptable filter is arranged to change between one of said measurement state and said reference state to the other at least once during each pulse. | 1. A gas sensor for measuring a concentration of a gas comprising:
a light source arranged to emit pulses of light; a measurement volume; a detector arranged to receive light that has passed through the measurement volume; and an adaptable filter disposed between the light source and the detector and having a measurement state in which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and a reference state in which said wavelength band is attenuated relative to the measurement state wherein the adaptable filter is arranged to change between one of said measurement state and said reference state to the other at least once during each pulse. 2. The gas sensor of claim 1, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). 3. The gas sensor of claim 2, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a diffractive optical element having a plurality of grating bands arranged to be moved by an electrostatic potential. 4. The gas sensor of claim 2, wherein said MEMS filter comprises an arrangement for measuring a change of capacitance therein for diagnostic purposes. 5. The gas sensor of claim 1, further comprising a single light source and a single detector. 6. The gas sensor of claim 1, arranged to measure a rate at which an output from the detector for no input, changes with time. 7. The gas sensor of claim 1, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a plurality of measurement states in each of which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and for each measurement at least one reference state in which the wavelength band corresponding to the measurement state is attenuated relative to said measurement state. 8. A wireless, battery-operated gas detector unit comprising the gas sensor of claim 1. 9. A method of measuring a concentration of a gas comprising:
passing a pulse of light through a measurement volume to a detector via an adaptable filter disposed between the light source and the detector; switching said filter at least once in each pulse to/from a measurement state in which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and a reference state in which the wavelength band is attenuated compared to the measurement state; and determining said concentration of the gas from a difference in light received by the detector in said measurement and reference states respectively. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining said concentration from a single pulse. 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising measuring said concentration using a single light source and the detector. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising repeatedly switching said filter between said measurement and reference states a plurality of times during each pulse. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising measuring said concentration using a modulation amplitude of a signal detected by the detector. 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising measuring a rate at which an output from the detector for no input, changes with time. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a plurality of measurement states in each of which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and for each measurement at least one reference state in which the wavelength band corresponding to the measurement state is attenuated relative to said measurement state, and the method further comprises switching to each of said measurement states at least once during each pulse. | A gas sensor for measuring concentration of a predetermined gas comprises a light source arranged to emit pulses of light, a measurement volume, a detector arranged to receive light that has passed through the measurement volume, and an adaptable filter disposed between the light source and the detector. The gas sensor has a measurement state in which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and a reference state in which said wavelength band is attenuated relative to the measurement state. The adaptable filter is arranged to change between one of said measurement state and said reference state to the other at least once during each pulse.1. A gas sensor for measuring a concentration of a gas comprising:
a light source arranged to emit pulses of light; a measurement volume; a detector arranged to receive light that has passed through the measurement volume; and an adaptable filter disposed between the light source and the detector and having a measurement state in which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and a reference state in which said wavelength band is attenuated relative to the measurement state wherein the adaptable filter is arranged to change between one of said measurement state and said reference state to the other at least once during each pulse. 2. The gas sensor of claim 1, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). 3. The gas sensor of claim 2, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a diffractive optical element having a plurality of grating bands arranged to be moved by an electrostatic potential. 4. The gas sensor of claim 2, wherein said MEMS filter comprises an arrangement for measuring a change of capacitance therein for diagnostic purposes. 5. The gas sensor of claim 1, further comprising a single light source and a single detector. 6. The gas sensor of claim 1, arranged to measure a rate at which an output from the detector for no input, changes with time. 7. The gas sensor of claim 1, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a plurality of measurement states in each of which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and for each measurement at least one reference state in which the wavelength band corresponding to the measurement state is attenuated relative to said measurement state. 8. A wireless, battery-operated gas detector unit comprising the gas sensor of claim 1. 9. A method of measuring a concentration of a gas comprising:
passing a pulse of light through a measurement volume to a detector via an adaptable filter disposed between the light source and the detector; switching said filter at least once in each pulse to/from a measurement state in which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and a reference state in which the wavelength band is attenuated compared to the measurement state; and determining said concentration of the gas from a difference in light received by the detector in said measurement and reference states respectively. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining said concentration from a single pulse. 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising measuring said concentration using a single light source and the detector. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising repeatedly switching said filter between said measurement and reference states a plurality of times during each pulse. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising measuring said concentration using a modulation amplitude of a signal detected by the detector. 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising measuring a rate at which an output from the detector for no input, changes with time. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the adaptable filter comprises a plurality of measurement states in each of which it passes at least one wavelength band which is absorbed by the gas and for each measurement at least one reference state in which the wavelength band corresponding to the measurement state is attenuated relative to said measurement state, and the method further comprises switching to each of said measurement states at least once during each pulse. | 2,800 |
11,143 | 11,143 | 13,853,122 | 2,834 | A dual magnetic phase rotor lamination for use in induction machines is disclosed. A rotor assembly is provided that includes a rotor core and a plurality of rotor conductors mechanically coupled to the rotor core and positioned thereabout, with the plurality of rotor conductors positioned within slots formed in the rotor core. The rotor core comprises a plurality of rotor laminations that collectively form the rotor core, with each of the rotor laminations being composed of a dual magnetic phase material and including a first rotor lamination portion comprising a magnetic portion and a second rotor lamination portion comprising a non-magnetic portion, wherein the second rotor lamination portion comprises a treated portion of the rotor lamination that is rendered non-magnetic so as to adjust a leakage inductance of the induction machine. | 1. An induction machine comprising:
a stator including a plurality of windings and being configured to generate a rotating magnetic field when a current is provided to the plurality of windings; and a rotor assembly positioned within the stator and configured to rotate relative thereto responsive to the rotating magnetic field, the rotor assembly comprising:
a rotor core; and
a plurality of rotor conductors mechanically coupled to the rotor core and positioned thereabout, with the plurality of rotor conductors positioned within slots formed in the rotor core;
wherein the rotor core comprises a plurality of rotor laminations that collectively form the rotor core, with each of the rotor laminations being composed of a dual magnetic phase material and including:
a first rotor lamination portion comprising a magnetic portion; and
a second rotor lamination portion comprising a non-magnetic portion;
wherein the second rotor lamination portion comprises a treated portion of the rotor lamination, with the treating of the second rotor lamination portion rendering the dual magnetic phase material of the rotor lamination non-magnetic at the locations of the second rotor lamination portion, so as to adjust a leakage inductance of the induction machine. 2. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the second lamination portion comprises a plurality of slot closures positioned adjacent the plurality of rotor conductors and radially outward therefrom, with each slot closure being non-magnetic. 3. The induction machine of claim 2 wherein the non-magnetic slot closures minimize a flux leakage there through so as to minimize rotor slot leakage reactance. 4. The induction machine of claim 3 wherein minimizing of the rotor slot leakage reactance provides for increased high-speed power and torque capability in the induction machine and for constant output power over a wide speed range. 5. The induction machine of claim 2 wherein the plurality of slot closures of the rotor core serve to completely enclose the plurality of rotor conductors within the slots of the rotor core. 6. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of rotor laminations comprises an integral, non-segmented rotor lamination formed as a single piece from the dual magnetic phase material. 7. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the second rotor lamination portion of the rotor lamination comprises one of a heat treated portion, a portion having a nitriding treatment performed thereon, or a portion having mechanical stress applied thereto. 8. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the plurality of rotor conductors comprise a plurality of rotor bars, and wherein the rotor assembly further comprises an end ring positioned on each end of the rotor core, with the end rings being coupled to the plurality of rotor bars to form a squirrel cage rotor. 9. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the plurality of rotor conductors comprise a plurality of wires wound on the rotor core so as to be positioned in the slots formed in the rotor core, so as to form a wound field rotor. 10. A rotor assembly for an induction machine, the rotor assembly comprising:
a rotor core having a plurality of slots formed therein, the slots being enclosed within the rotor core by a plurality of slot closure portions of the rotor core; a plurality of rotor conductors coupled to the rotor core and positioned thereabout within the slots of the rotor core, with the plurality of rotor conductors enclosed within the rotor core by the plurality of slot enclosure portions; wherein the rotor core comprises a plurality of integral, non-segmented rotor laminations that are stacked and joined to collectively form the rotor core, with each of the rotor laminations being composed of a dual magnetic phase material; and wherein the slot closure portions of each rotor lamination are in a non-magnetic state and a remaining portion of each rotor lamination is in a magnetic state, such that the non-magnetic slot closure portions reduce a leakage inductance of the rotor core. 11. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein the slot closure portions comprise treated portions of the rotor lamination, with the treating of the slot closure portions rendering the dual magnetic phase material of the rotor lamination non-magnetic at the slot closure portions. 12. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein the non-magnetic slot closure portions minimize a flux leakage through the slot closure portions, so as to minimize rotor slot leakage inductance in the rotor assembly. 13. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein reducing the leakage inductance of the rotor core provides for increased high-speed power and torque capability in the induction machine. 14. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein reducing the leakage inductance of the rotor core provides for constant output power over a wide speed range. 15. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein the plurality of rotor conductors comprise one of rotor bars wires wound on the rotor core, such that the rotor assembly comprises one of a squirrel cage rotor assembly and a wound field rotor assembly, respectively. 16. A method for manufacturing an induction machine, the method comprising:
providing a stator including a plurality of windings thereon, the stator being configured to generate a rotating magnetic field when a current is provided to the plurality of windings; providing a rotor assembly for positioning within the stator that is configured to rotate relative thereto responsive to the rotating magnetic field, wherein providing the rotor assembly comprises:
providing a plurality of rotor laminations formed of a dual magnetic phase material that is magnetic in a first state and non-magnetic in a second state, each of the plurality of rotor laminations having a plurality of slot closures positioned about a circumference thereof to define a plurality of slots in each rotor lamination;
joining the plurality of rotor laminations to form a rotor core, the rotor core having a plurality of slots formed therein corresponding to the plurality of slots in the rotor laminations; and
positioning a plurality of rotor conductors within slots defined in the rotor core, with the plurality of rotor conductors enclosed within the rotor core by the plurality of slot closures; and
wherein the slot closures of each of the plurality of rotor laminations are in the second state so as to be non-magnetic and a remaining portion of the plurality of rotor laminations is in the first state so as to be magnetic. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising treating the plurality of slot closures on each of the plurality of rotor laminations so as to cause the slot closures to transition from the first state to the second state, such that the slot closures are non-magnetic. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein treating the slot closures of the rotor laminations comprises one of heat treating, nitriding or applying mechanical stress to render the slot closure non-magnetic minimizes leakage inductance in the rotor assembly. 19. The method of claim 17 wherein treating the slot closures of the rotor laminations to render the slot closure non-magnetic minimizes leakage inductance in the rotor assembly so as to provide for increased high-speed power and torque capability in the induction machine and constant output power over a wide speed range. 20. The method of claim 16 wherein minimizing of the leakage inductance provides for constant output power over a wide speed range. | A dual magnetic phase rotor lamination for use in induction machines is disclosed. A rotor assembly is provided that includes a rotor core and a plurality of rotor conductors mechanically coupled to the rotor core and positioned thereabout, with the plurality of rotor conductors positioned within slots formed in the rotor core. The rotor core comprises a plurality of rotor laminations that collectively form the rotor core, with each of the rotor laminations being composed of a dual magnetic phase material and including a first rotor lamination portion comprising a magnetic portion and a second rotor lamination portion comprising a non-magnetic portion, wherein the second rotor lamination portion comprises a treated portion of the rotor lamination that is rendered non-magnetic so as to adjust a leakage inductance of the induction machine.1. An induction machine comprising:
a stator including a plurality of windings and being configured to generate a rotating magnetic field when a current is provided to the plurality of windings; and a rotor assembly positioned within the stator and configured to rotate relative thereto responsive to the rotating magnetic field, the rotor assembly comprising:
a rotor core; and
a plurality of rotor conductors mechanically coupled to the rotor core and positioned thereabout, with the plurality of rotor conductors positioned within slots formed in the rotor core;
wherein the rotor core comprises a plurality of rotor laminations that collectively form the rotor core, with each of the rotor laminations being composed of a dual magnetic phase material and including:
a first rotor lamination portion comprising a magnetic portion; and
a second rotor lamination portion comprising a non-magnetic portion;
wherein the second rotor lamination portion comprises a treated portion of the rotor lamination, with the treating of the second rotor lamination portion rendering the dual magnetic phase material of the rotor lamination non-magnetic at the locations of the second rotor lamination portion, so as to adjust a leakage inductance of the induction machine. 2. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the second lamination portion comprises a plurality of slot closures positioned adjacent the plurality of rotor conductors and radially outward therefrom, with each slot closure being non-magnetic. 3. The induction machine of claim 2 wherein the non-magnetic slot closures minimize a flux leakage there through so as to minimize rotor slot leakage reactance. 4. The induction machine of claim 3 wherein minimizing of the rotor slot leakage reactance provides for increased high-speed power and torque capability in the induction machine and for constant output power over a wide speed range. 5. The induction machine of claim 2 wherein the plurality of slot closures of the rotor core serve to completely enclose the plurality of rotor conductors within the slots of the rotor core. 6. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of rotor laminations comprises an integral, non-segmented rotor lamination formed as a single piece from the dual magnetic phase material. 7. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the second rotor lamination portion of the rotor lamination comprises one of a heat treated portion, a portion having a nitriding treatment performed thereon, or a portion having mechanical stress applied thereto. 8. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the plurality of rotor conductors comprise a plurality of rotor bars, and wherein the rotor assembly further comprises an end ring positioned on each end of the rotor core, with the end rings being coupled to the plurality of rotor bars to form a squirrel cage rotor. 9. The induction machine of claim 1 wherein the plurality of rotor conductors comprise a plurality of wires wound on the rotor core so as to be positioned in the slots formed in the rotor core, so as to form a wound field rotor. 10. A rotor assembly for an induction machine, the rotor assembly comprising:
a rotor core having a plurality of slots formed therein, the slots being enclosed within the rotor core by a plurality of slot closure portions of the rotor core; a plurality of rotor conductors coupled to the rotor core and positioned thereabout within the slots of the rotor core, with the plurality of rotor conductors enclosed within the rotor core by the plurality of slot enclosure portions; wherein the rotor core comprises a plurality of integral, non-segmented rotor laminations that are stacked and joined to collectively form the rotor core, with each of the rotor laminations being composed of a dual magnetic phase material; and wherein the slot closure portions of each rotor lamination are in a non-magnetic state and a remaining portion of each rotor lamination is in a magnetic state, such that the non-magnetic slot closure portions reduce a leakage inductance of the rotor core. 11. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein the slot closure portions comprise treated portions of the rotor lamination, with the treating of the slot closure portions rendering the dual magnetic phase material of the rotor lamination non-magnetic at the slot closure portions. 12. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein the non-magnetic slot closure portions minimize a flux leakage through the slot closure portions, so as to minimize rotor slot leakage inductance in the rotor assembly. 13. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein reducing the leakage inductance of the rotor core provides for increased high-speed power and torque capability in the induction machine. 14. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein reducing the leakage inductance of the rotor core provides for constant output power over a wide speed range. 15. The rotor lamination of claim 10 wherein the plurality of rotor conductors comprise one of rotor bars wires wound on the rotor core, such that the rotor assembly comprises one of a squirrel cage rotor assembly and a wound field rotor assembly, respectively. 16. A method for manufacturing an induction machine, the method comprising:
providing a stator including a plurality of windings thereon, the stator being configured to generate a rotating magnetic field when a current is provided to the plurality of windings; providing a rotor assembly for positioning within the stator that is configured to rotate relative thereto responsive to the rotating magnetic field, wherein providing the rotor assembly comprises:
providing a plurality of rotor laminations formed of a dual magnetic phase material that is magnetic in a first state and non-magnetic in a second state, each of the plurality of rotor laminations having a plurality of slot closures positioned about a circumference thereof to define a plurality of slots in each rotor lamination;
joining the plurality of rotor laminations to form a rotor core, the rotor core having a plurality of slots formed therein corresponding to the plurality of slots in the rotor laminations; and
positioning a plurality of rotor conductors within slots defined in the rotor core, with the plurality of rotor conductors enclosed within the rotor core by the plurality of slot closures; and
wherein the slot closures of each of the plurality of rotor laminations are in the second state so as to be non-magnetic and a remaining portion of the plurality of rotor laminations is in the first state so as to be magnetic. 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising treating the plurality of slot closures on each of the plurality of rotor laminations so as to cause the slot closures to transition from the first state to the second state, such that the slot closures are non-magnetic. 18. The method of claim 17 wherein treating the slot closures of the rotor laminations comprises one of heat treating, nitriding or applying mechanical stress to render the slot closure non-magnetic minimizes leakage inductance in the rotor assembly. 19. The method of claim 17 wherein treating the slot closures of the rotor laminations to render the slot closure non-magnetic minimizes leakage inductance in the rotor assembly so as to provide for increased high-speed power and torque capability in the induction machine and constant output power over a wide speed range. 20. The method of claim 16 wherein minimizing of the leakage inductance provides for constant output power over a wide speed range. | 2,800 |
11,144 | 11,144 | 13,362,639 | 2,896 | A system for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT) includes first and second signal sources, first and second receivers, and a processor. The first signal source generates a first signal to be input to the DUT as a stimulus signal and provides a second signal that is phase coherent with the first signal. The second signal source receives the second signal and generates a reference signal based on the second signal, which is phase coherent with the stimulus signal. The first receiver measures an output signal from the DUT responsive to the stimulus signal, and the second receiver measures the reference signal from the second signal source. The processor mathematically suppresses a carrier of the output signal by determining a difference between the measured output signal and the measured reference signal, and determines the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the difference. | 1. A system for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the system comprising:
a first signal source configured to generate a first signal to be input to the DUT as a stimulus signal and to provide a second signal that is phase coherent with the first signal; a second signal source configured to receive the second signal and to generate a reference signal based on the second signal, the reference signal being phase coherent with the stimulus signal; a first receiver configured to receive and measure an output signal from the DUT responsive to the stimulus signal; a second receiver configured to receive and measure the reference signal from the second signal source; and a processor configured to receive the measured output signal from the first receiver and the measured reference signal from the second receiver, to mathematically suppress a carrier of the output signal by determining a difference between the measured output signal and the measured reference signal, and to determine the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the difference. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust a phase and a magnitude of the reference signal at the second signal source, such that the phase of the reference signal is about 180 degrees out of phase with a phase of the output signal and a magnitude of the reference signal is sufficiently equal to a magnitude of the output signal to cancel the carrier of the output signal. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second receivers are swept over a specified span, centered at a carrier frequency of the output signal, while keeping the carrier frequency fixed. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein an IF bandwidth of each of the first and second receivers is set an order of magnitude smaller than the specified span, and a number of frequency points in each sweep is set such that point spacing is half the IF bandwidth or less. 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the second signal source comprises IQ modulation functionality, and is further configured to download an IQ file generated by the processor for shifting the phase of the second signal to be about 180 degrees out of phase with the phase of the output signal via the IQ modification functionality. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first signal source, the first receiver, the second receiver and the processor are internal to a vector network analyzer. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second signal source is external to the vector network analyzer. 8. A computer readable medium storing code, executable by a processor, for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the DUT providing an output signal responsive to a stimulus signal, the computer readable medium comprising:
receiving code for receiving measurements of the output signal from a first receiver and measurements of a reference signal from a second receiver, the reference signal being phase coherent with the output signal; difference determining code for mathematically determining a difference between the output signal and the reference signal based on the received measurements of the output signal and the reference signal; and determining code for determining the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the difference between the output signal and the reference signal. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, further comprising:
adjusting code for adjusting the reference signal to have a phase 180 degrees out of phase with the measured output signal and to have a magnitude sufficiently equal to a magnitude of the measured output signal to suppress a carrier of the output signal. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the adjusting code comprises code for adjusting the phase and the magnitude of the reference signal using a ratio of the measured output signal to the measured reference signal. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the adjusting code comprises code for shifting the phase of the reference signal using a downloaded IQ file. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein determining the difference between the output signal and the reference signal mathematically cancels a carrier of the measured output signal. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the difference determining code comprises code for repeatedly determining the difference between the output signal and the reference signal based on multiple received measurements of the output signal and the reference signal to obtain a plurality of differences, the computer readable medium further comprising:
averaging code for averaging the plurality of differences to obtain an average difference, wherein the determining code determines the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the average difference. 14. The computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the output signal measurements and the reference signal measurements are performed simultaneously. 15. A system for determining residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the system comprising:
a signal source configured to generate a stimulus signal to be input to the DUT; a first receiver configured to receive and measure the stimulus signal input to the DUT; a second receiver configured to receive and measure an output signal from the DUT responsive to the stimulus signal; and a processor configured to receive the measured stimulus signal from the first receiver and the measured output signal from the second receiver, to determine actual gain of the DUT using the measured stimulus signal and the measured output signal, to determine an ideal output signal of the DUT based on a product of the actual gain of the DUT and the measured stimulus signal, to determine residual noise power based on a difference between the ideal output signal and the output signal, and to determine residual phase noise by normalizing the residual noise power. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the signal source, the first receiver and the second receiver are swept over a full frequency span of interest, a carrier frequency of the stimulus signal being at the center of the span for measuring the stimulus signal and the output signal for the processor to determine the actual gain of the DUT. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the actual gain of the DUT comprises the forward gain S-parameter S21 of the DUT. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the first receiver and the second receiver are swept over the full frequency span of interest, while the signal source is maintained at the carrier frequency of the stimulus signal, for measuring the stimulus signal and the output signal after the actual gain of the DUT has been determined. 19. A computer readable medium storing code, executable by a processor, for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the DUT providing an output signal responsive to a stimulus signal, the computer readable medium comprising:
gain determining code for determining actual gain of the DUT in response to a stimulus signal provided by a signal source and input to the DUT; receiving code for receiving measurements of the stimulus signal from a first receiver and measurements of an output signal, output by the DUT in response to the stimulus signal, from a second receiver; determining code for determining an ideal output signal of the DUT based on a product of the actual gain of the DUT and the measured stimulus signal; noise power determining code for determining residual noise power based on a difference between the ideal output signal and the measured output signal; and phase noise determining code for determining residual phase noise based on the residual noise power. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the phase noise determining code comprises code for normalizing the residual noise power to determine the residual phase noise. | A system for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT) includes first and second signal sources, first and second receivers, and a processor. The first signal source generates a first signal to be input to the DUT as a stimulus signal and provides a second signal that is phase coherent with the first signal. The second signal source receives the second signal and generates a reference signal based on the second signal, which is phase coherent with the stimulus signal. The first receiver measures an output signal from the DUT responsive to the stimulus signal, and the second receiver measures the reference signal from the second signal source. The processor mathematically suppresses a carrier of the output signal by determining a difference between the measured output signal and the measured reference signal, and determines the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the difference.1. A system for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the system comprising:
a first signal source configured to generate a first signal to be input to the DUT as a stimulus signal and to provide a second signal that is phase coherent with the first signal; a second signal source configured to receive the second signal and to generate a reference signal based on the second signal, the reference signal being phase coherent with the stimulus signal; a first receiver configured to receive and measure an output signal from the DUT responsive to the stimulus signal; a second receiver configured to receive and measure the reference signal from the second signal source; and a processor configured to receive the measured output signal from the first receiver and the measured reference signal from the second receiver, to mathematically suppress a carrier of the output signal by determining a difference between the measured output signal and the measured reference signal, and to determine the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the difference. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to adjust a phase and a magnitude of the reference signal at the second signal source, such that the phase of the reference signal is about 180 degrees out of phase with a phase of the output signal and a magnitude of the reference signal is sufficiently equal to a magnitude of the output signal to cancel the carrier of the output signal. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second receivers are swept over a specified span, centered at a carrier frequency of the output signal, while keeping the carrier frequency fixed. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein an IF bandwidth of each of the first and second receivers is set an order of magnitude smaller than the specified span, and a number of frequency points in each sweep is set such that point spacing is half the IF bandwidth or less. 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the second signal source comprises IQ modulation functionality, and is further configured to download an IQ file generated by the processor for shifting the phase of the second signal to be about 180 degrees out of phase with the phase of the output signal via the IQ modification functionality. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first signal source, the first receiver, the second receiver and the processor are internal to a vector network analyzer. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second signal source is external to the vector network analyzer. 8. A computer readable medium storing code, executable by a processor, for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the DUT providing an output signal responsive to a stimulus signal, the computer readable medium comprising:
receiving code for receiving measurements of the output signal from a first receiver and measurements of a reference signal from a second receiver, the reference signal being phase coherent with the output signal; difference determining code for mathematically determining a difference between the output signal and the reference signal based on the received measurements of the output signal and the reference signal; and determining code for determining the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the difference between the output signal and the reference signal. 9. The computer readable medium of claim 8, further comprising:
adjusting code for adjusting the reference signal to have a phase 180 degrees out of phase with the measured output signal and to have a magnitude sufficiently equal to a magnitude of the measured output signal to suppress a carrier of the output signal. 10. The computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the adjusting code comprises code for adjusting the phase and the magnitude of the reference signal using a ratio of the measured output signal to the measured reference signal. 11. The computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the adjusting code comprises code for shifting the phase of the reference signal using a downloaded IQ file. 12. The computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein determining the difference between the output signal and the reference signal mathematically cancels a carrier of the measured output signal. 13. The computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the difference determining code comprises code for repeatedly determining the difference between the output signal and the reference signal based on multiple received measurements of the output signal and the reference signal to obtain a plurality of differences, the computer readable medium further comprising:
averaging code for averaging the plurality of differences to obtain an average difference, wherein the determining code determines the residual phase noise of the DUT based on the average difference. 14. The computer readable medium of claim 10, wherein the output signal measurements and the reference signal measurements are performed simultaneously. 15. A system for determining residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the system comprising:
a signal source configured to generate a stimulus signal to be input to the DUT; a first receiver configured to receive and measure the stimulus signal input to the DUT; a second receiver configured to receive and measure an output signal from the DUT responsive to the stimulus signal; and a processor configured to receive the measured stimulus signal from the first receiver and the measured output signal from the second receiver, to determine actual gain of the DUT using the measured stimulus signal and the measured output signal, to determine an ideal output signal of the DUT based on a product of the actual gain of the DUT and the measured stimulus signal, to determine residual noise power based on a difference between the ideal output signal and the output signal, and to determine residual phase noise by normalizing the residual noise power. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the signal source, the first receiver and the second receiver are swept over a full frequency span of interest, a carrier frequency of the stimulus signal being at the center of the span for measuring the stimulus signal and the output signal for the processor to determine the actual gain of the DUT. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the actual gain of the DUT comprises the forward gain S-parameter S21 of the DUT. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the first receiver and the second receiver are swept over the full frequency span of interest, while the signal source is maintained at the carrier frequency of the stimulus signal, for measuring the stimulus signal and the output signal after the actual gain of the DUT has been determined. 19. A computer readable medium storing code, executable by a processor, for measuring residual phase noise of a device under test (DUT), the DUT providing an output signal responsive to a stimulus signal, the computer readable medium comprising:
gain determining code for determining actual gain of the DUT in response to a stimulus signal provided by a signal source and input to the DUT; receiving code for receiving measurements of the stimulus signal from a first receiver and measurements of an output signal, output by the DUT in response to the stimulus signal, from a second receiver; determining code for determining an ideal output signal of the DUT based on a product of the actual gain of the DUT and the measured stimulus signal; noise power determining code for determining residual noise power based on a difference between the ideal output signal and the measured output signal; and phase noise determining code for determining residual phase noise based on the residual noise power. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the phase noise determining code comprises code for normalizing the residual noise power to determine the residual phase noise. | 2,800 |
11,145 | 11,145 | 15,003,932 | 2,863 | A method of charging a battery pack is provided. The method includes: providing a charger comprising a battery interface, a set of terminals, and a power supply circuit for providing a charging current scheme; providing a set of battery packs, each battery of the set of battery packs comprising a charger interface having a physical configuration to mate with the battery interface and a set of terminals having a physical configuration to mate with the set of charger terminals; and providing a charging scheme defined by a relationship between the set of battery terminals and the set of charger terminals. | 1. A combination of a battery charger and a set of battery packs, comprising:
a charger comprising a battery interface, a set of terminals, and a power supply circuit for providing a charging current scheme; a set of battery packs, each battery of the set of battery packs comprising a charger interface having a physical configuration to mate with the battery interface and a set of terminals having a physical configuration to mate with the set of charger terminals; wherein the power supply circuit provided charging scheme is defined by a relationship between the set of battery terminals and the set of charger terminals. 2. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the charging scheme is defined by which of the battery terminals electrically mate with which of the charger terminals when the battery pack is physically mated with the charger. 3. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the set of charger terminals has a predefined configuration and each set of battery terminals has a predetermined configuration and the charging scheme is defined by a number of battery terminals that electrically mate with the charger terminals. 4. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first charging path is established between the battery charger and a first battery pack of the set of battery packs and a second charging scheme when a second charging path is established between the battery charger and a second battery pack of the set of battery packs. 5. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme for a first configuration of the set of battery terminals and a second charging scheme for a second configuration of the set of battery terminals. 6. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the set of charger terminals comprises a first subset of charger terminals and a second subset of charger terminals and wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first set of battery terminals electrically mates with the first subset of charger terminals and a second charging scheme when a second set of battery terminals electrically mates with the second subset of charger terminals. 7. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein a first battery pack has a first chemistry and a first set of battery terminals having a first configuration and a second battery pack has a second chemistry and a second set of battery terminals having a second configuration and wherein the first set of battery terminals electrically mates with a first subset of charger terminals when the first battery pack is physically mated to the charger and the second set of battery terminals electrically mates with a second subset of charger terminals when the second battery pack is physically mated to the charger. 8. The combination, as recited in claim 7, wherein the power supply circuit provides a charging scheme defined by which subset of charger terminals electrically mates with the set of battery terminals. 9. A method of charging a battery pack, comprising the steps of:
providing a charger comprising a battery interface, a set of terminals, and a power supply circuit for providing a charging current scheme; providing a set of battery packs, each battery of the set of battery packs comprising a charger interface having a physical configuration to mate with the battery interface and a set of terminals having a physical configuration to mate with the set of charger terminals; and providing a charging scheme defined by a relationship between the set of battery terminals and the set of charger terminals. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the charging scheme is defined by which of the battery terminals electrically mate with which of the charger terminals when the battery pack is physically mated with the charger. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the set of charger terminals has a predefined configuration and each set of battery terminals has a predetermined configuration and the charging scheme is defined by a number of battery terminals that electrically mate with the charger terminals. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first charging path is established between the battery charger and a first battery pack of the set of battery packs and a second charging scheme when a second charging path is established between the battery charger and a second battery pack of the set of battery packs. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme for a first configuration of the set of battery terminals and a second charging scheme for a second configuration of the set of battery terminals. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the set of charger terminals comprises a first subset of charger terminals and a second subset of charger terminals and wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first set of battery terminals electrically mates with the first subset of charger terminals and a second charging scheme when a second set of battery terminals electrically mates with the second subset of charger terminals. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein a first battery pack has a first chemistry and a first set of battery terminals having a first configuration and a second battery pack has a second chemistry and a second set of battery terminals having a second configuration and wherein the first set of battery terminals electrically mates with a first subset of charger terminals when the first battery pack is physically mated to the charger and the second set of battery terminals electrically mates with a second subset of charger terminals when the second battery pack is physically mated to the charger. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the power supply circuit provides a charging scheme defined by which subset of charger terminals electrically mates with the set of battery terminals. | A method of charging a battery pack is provided. The method includes: providing a charger comprising a battery interface, a set of terminals, and a power supply circuit for providing a charging current scheme; providing a set of battery packs, each battery of the set of battery packs comprising a charger interface having a physical configuration to mate with the battery interface and a set of terminals having a physical configuration to mate with the set of charger terminals; and providing a charging scheme defined by a relationship between the set of battery terminals and the set of charger terminals.1. A combination of a battery charger and a set of battery packs, comprising:
a charger comprising a battery interface, a set of terminals, and a power supply circuit for providing a charging current scheme; a set of battery packs, each battery of the set of battery packs comprising a charger interface having a physical configuration to mate with the battery interface and a set of terminals having a physical configuration to mate with the set of charger terminals; wherein the power supply circuit provided charging scheme is defined by a relationship between the set of battery terminals and the set of charger terminals. 2. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the charging scheme is defined by which of the battery terminals electrically mate with which of the charger terminals when the battery pack is physically mated with the charger. 3. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the set of charger terminals has a predefined configuration and each set of battery terminals has a predetermined configuration and the charging scheme is defined by a number of battery terminals that electrically mate with the charger terminals. 4. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first charging path is established between the battery charger and a first battery pack of the set of battery packs and a second charging scheme when a second charging path is established between the battery charger and a second battery pack of the set of battery packs. 5. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme for a first configuration of the set of battery terminals and a second charging scheme for a second configuration of the set of battery terminals. 6. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein the set of charger terminals comprises a first subset of charger terminals and a second subset of charger terminals and wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first set of battery terminals electrically mates with the first subset of charger terminals and a second charging scheme when a second set of battery terminals electrically mates with the second subset of charger terminals. 7. The combination, as recited in claim 1, wherein a first battery pack has a first chemistry and a first set of battery terminals having a first configuration and a second battery pack has a second chemistry and a second set of battery terminals having a second configuration and wherein the first set of battery terminals electrically mates with a first subset of charger terminals when the first battery pack is physically mated to the charger and the second set of battery terminals electrically mates with a second subset of charger terminals when the second battery pack is physically mated to the charger. 8. The combination, as recited in claim 7, wherein the power supply circuit provides a charging scheme defined by which subset of charger terminals electrically mates with the set of battery terminals. 9. A method of charging a battery pack, comprising the steps of:
providing a charger comprising a battery interface, a set of terminals, and a power supply circuit for providing a charging current scheme; providing a set of battery packs, each battery of the set of battery packs comprising a charger interface having a physical configuration to mate with the battery interface and a set of terminals having a physical configuration to mate with the set of charger terminals; and providing a charging scheme defined by a relationship between the set of battery terminals and the set of charger terminals. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the charging scheme is defined by which of the battery terminals electrically mate with which of the charger terminals when the battery pack is physically mated with the charger. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the set of charger terminals has a predefined configuration and each set of battery terminals has a predetermined configuration and the charging scheme is defined by a number of battery terminals that electrically mate with the charger terminals. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first charging path is established between the battery charger and a first battery pack of the set of battery packs and a second charging scheme when a second charging path is established between the battery charger and a second battery pack of the set of battery packs. 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme for a first configuration of the set of battery terminals and a second charging scheme for a second configuration of the set of battery terminals. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the set of charger terminals comprises a first subset of charger terminals and a second subset of charger terminals and wherein the power supply circuit provides a first charging scheme when a first set of battery terminals electrically mates with the first subset of charger terminals and a second charging scheme when a second set of battery terminals electrically mates with the second subset of charger terminals. 15. The method of claim 9, wherein a first battery pack has a first chemistry and a first set of battery terminals having a first configuration and a second battery pack has a second chemistry and a second set of battery terminals having a second configuration and wherein the first set of battery terminals electrically mates with a first subset of charger terminals when the first battery pack is physically mated to the charger and the second set of battery terminals electrically mates with a second subset of charger terminals when the second battery pack is physically mated to the charger. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the power supply circuit provides a charging scheme defined by which subset of charger terminals electrically mates with the set of battery terminals. | 2,800 |
11,146 | 11,146 | 14,722,747 | 2,859 | A method is provided for charging an electrical energy store on an electric vehicle at a socket providing a power supply, particularly a single-phase 230 V or 120 V domestic socket. The charging current used to charge the electrical energy store after failure and subsequent restoration of the power supply is automatically reduced over the charging current prior to failure of the power supply. | 1. A method for charging an electrical energy storage device of an electric vehicle at a power socket which serves as a power supply, the method comprising the act of:
following a failure of the power supply and a subsequent restoration of the power supply, using a charging current, which is automatically reduced compared to the charging current before the failure of the power supply, to charge the electrical energy storage device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, prior to the failure of the power supply and following the restoration of the power supply, a maximum charging current is limited by an active charging current limit in both cases, and the active charging current limit is lower following the restoration of the power supply than the active charging current limit prior to the failure of the power supply. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the active charging current is lower by at least 10%. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reduction of the charging current is performed at a vehicle end, by:
there being a variable charging current limit in the vehicle for the purpose of limiting the maximum charging current, prior to the failure of the power supply, and the charging current limit being automatically reduced at the vehicle end following the failure of the power supply. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the reduced charging current limit is not used for a renewed charging process for the purpose of limiting the charging current, on the condition that the available charging current of the power supply is greater than or equal to a certain threshold value, wherein said condition is recognized at the vehicle end utilizing a received pilot signal. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reduction in the charging current is performed on a side of an in-cable control device of the charging cable fitting, by:
a reduced charging current limit being saved in the power supply device prior to the failure of the power supply, and the saved, reduced charging current limit being used following restoration of the power supply for the purpose of limiting the charging current. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the reduced charging current limit is saved after the vehicle signals readiness for charging, and before the charging of the vehicle begins. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the active charging current limit is taken as the charging current limit for the charging of the motor vehicle and is saved in the control device if the charging ends without a failure in the power supply. 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the active charging current limit is taken as the charging current limit for the charging of the motor vehicle and is saved in the control device if the charging ends without a failure in the power supply. 10. The method according to claim 6, wherein a charging current limit is settable via an operating element of the charging cable fitting, and persists when the charging cable fitting is removed from the power socket. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power socket is a single-phase 230V or 120V household power socket. 12. An electric vehicle, comprising:
an electrical energy storage device which is chargeable at a power socket which serves as a power supply, wherein the vehicle has a variable charging current limit for the purpose of limiting a maximum charging current, and the vehicle is configured to automatically reduce the charging current limit following failure of the power supply. 13. A control device for a charging cable fitting for the purpose of charging an electric vehicle at a power socket, wherein the control device is configured to save a reduced charging current limit, for the purpose of limiting the charging current, prior to a failure in the power supply, such that the saved, reduced charging current limit is used for the purpose of limiting the charging current for the charging process following restoration of the power supply. 14. A method for charging an electric energy storage device of an electric vehicle at a power socket providing a power supply, the method comprising the acts of:
providing a charging current prior to a failure of the power supply; and automatically reducing the charging current used to charge the electric energy storage device in a subsequent restoration of the power supply after the failure of the power supply. | A method is provided for charging an electrical energy store on an electric vehicle at a socket providing a power supply, particularly a single-phase 230 V or 120 V domestic socket. The charging current used to charge the electrical energy store after failure and subsequent restoration of the power supply is automatically reduced over the charging current prior to failure of the power supply.1. A method for charging an electrical energy storage device of an electric vehicle at a power socket which serves as a power supply, the method comprising the act of:
following a failure of the power supply and a subsequent restoration of the power supply, using a charging current, which is automatically reduced compared to the charging current before the failure of the power supply, to charge the electrical energy storage device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, prior to the failure of the power supply and following the restoration of the power supply, a maximum charging current is limited by an active charging current limit in both cases, and the active charging current limit is lower following the restoration of the power supply than the active charging current limit prior to the failure of the power supply. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the active charging current is lower by at least 10%. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reduction of the charging current is performed at a vehicle end, by:
there being a variable charging current limit in the vehicle for the purpose of limiting the maximum charging current, prior to the failure of the power supply, and the charging current limit being automatically reduced at the vehicle end following the failure of the power supply. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the reduced charging current limit is not used for a renewed charging process for the purpose of limiting the charging current, on the condition that the available charging current of the power supply is greater than or equal to a certain threshold value, wherein said condition is recognized at the vehicle end utilizing a received pilot signal. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reduction in the charging current is performed on a side of an in-cable control device of the charging cable fitting, by:
a reduced charging current limit being saved in the power supply device prior to the failure of the power supply, and the saved, reduced charging current limit being used following restoration of the power supply for the purpose of limiting the charging current. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the reduced charging current limit is saved after the vehicle signals readiness for charging, and before the charging of the vehicle begins. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the active charging current limit is taken as the charging current limit for the charging of the motor vehicle and is saved in the control device if the charging ends without a failure in the power supply. 9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the active charging current limit is taken as the charging current limit for the charging of the motor vehicle and is saved in the control device if the charging ends without a failure in the power supply. 10. The method according to claim 6, wherein a charging current limit is settable via an operating element of the charging cable fitting, and persists when the charging cable fitting is removed from the power socket. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power socket is a single-phase 230V or 120V household power socket. 12. An electric vehicle, comprising:
an electrical energy storage device which is chargeable at a power socket which serves as a power supply, wherein the vehicle has a variable charging current limit for the purpose of limiting a maximum charging current, and the vehicle is configured to automatically reduce the charging current limit following failure of the power supply. 13. A control device for a charging cable fitting for the purpose of charging an electric vehicle at a power socket, wherein the control device is configured to save a reduced charging current limit, for the purpose of limiting the charging current, prior to a failure in the power supply, such that the saved, reduced charging current limit is used for the purpose of limiting the charging current for the charging process following restoration of the power supply. 14. A method for charging an electric energy storage device of an electric vehicle at a power socket providing a power supply, the method comprising the acts of:
providing a charging current prior to a failure of the power supply; and automatically reducing the charging current used to charge the electric energy storage device in a subsequent restoration of the power supply after the failure of the power supply. | 2,800 |
11,147 | 11,147 | 14,583,052 | 2,859 | Methods and apparatus relating to enhanced wireless charging through active cooling are described. An embodiment integrates wireless charging with active cooling functionality to improve wireless charging efficiency, as well as overall system performance by mitigating thermal energy transfer between a charging pad and a mobile computing device. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of a portable computing device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise the logic. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the logic is to cause modification to the wireless power level of the wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on an indication that the portable computing device is coupled to a wireless charging pad that is to comprise the wireless charging transmitter. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising logic to cause modification to speed of one or more fans, coupled to a wireless charging pad, based at least in part on one or more of: a docking status of the portable computing device, the one or more temperature values, ambient noise, a current performance level of the portable computing device, one or more hotspots, a battery charge level, and one or more wireless charging pad temperature values to be detected by one or more wireless charging pad sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of a wireless charging pad. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more antennae to receive electromagnetic waves from the wireless charging transmitter. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a wireless charging pad is to comprise the wireless charging transmitter. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one or more of: a System On Chip (SOC) device; a processor, having one or more processor cores; a flat panel display device, and memory. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a UMPC (Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer), a laptop computer, an Ultrabook™ computing device, and a wearable device. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the logic, a processor having one or more processor cores, the one or more sensors, and memory are on a single integrated circuit die. 10. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause a wireless charging pad to modify speed of one or more fans, coupled to the wireless charging pad, based at least in part on a docking status of a portable computing device. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise the logic. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the logic is to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter of the wireless charging pad based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the logic to cause modification to the speed of the one or more fans based at least in part on one or more of: ambient noise, a current performance level of the portable computing device, one or more hotspots, a battery charge level, and one or more temperature values to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising one or more antennae to receive electromagnetic waves from a wireless charging transmitter of the wireless charging pad. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one or more of: a System On Chip (SOC) device; a processor, having one or more processor cores; a flat panel display device, and memory. 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a UMPC (Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer), a laptop computer, an Ultrabook™ computing device, and a wearable device. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein one or more of the logic, a processor having one or more processor cores, one or more sensors, and memory are on a single integrated circuit die. 18. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of a wireless charging pad. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the wireless charging pad is to comprise the logic. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the logic is to cause modification to the wireless power level of the wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on an indication that a portable computing device is coupled to the wireless charging pad. 21. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising logic to cause modification to speed of one or more fans, coupled to the wireless charging pad, based at least in part on one or more of:
a docking status of a portable computing device, the one or more temperature values, ambient noise, a current performance level of the portable computing device, one or more hotspots, a battery charge level, and one or more device temperature values to be detected by one or more device sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device. 22. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising one or more antennae to transmit electromagnetic waves from the wireless charging transmitter. 23. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause modification to speed of one or more fans, coupled to a wireless charging pad, based at least in part on a docking status of a portable computing device. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the wireless charging pad is to comprise the logic. 25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the logic is to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter of the wireless charging pad based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device or one or more components of the wireless charging pad. | Methods and apparatus relating to enhanced wireless charging through active cooling are described. An embodiment integrates wireless charging with active cooling functionality to improve wireless charging efficiency, as well as overall system performance by mitigating thermal energy transfer between a charging pad and a mobile computing device. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.1. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of a portable computing device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise the logic. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the logic is to cause modification to the wireless power level of the wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on an indication that the portable computing device is coupled to a wireless charging pad that is to comprise the wireless charging transmitter. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising logic to cause modification to speed of one or more fans, coupled to a wireless charging pad, based at least in part on one or more of: a docking status of the portable computing device, the one or more temperature values, ambient noise, a current performance level of the portable computing device, one or more hotspots, a battery charge level, and one or more wireless charging pad temperature values to be detected by one or more wireless charging pad sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of a wireless charging pad. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more antennae to receive electromagnetic waves from the wireless charging transmitter. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a wireless charging pad is to comprise the wireless charging transmitter. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one or more of: a System On Chip (SOC) device; a processor, having one or more processor cores; a flat panel display device, and memory. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a UMPC (Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer), a laptop computer, an Ultrabook™ computing device, and a wearable device. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or more of the logic, a processor having one or more processor cores, the one or more sensors, and memory are on a single integrated circuit die. 10. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause a wireless charging pad to modify speed of one or more fans, coupled to the wireless charging pad, based at least in part on a docking status of a portable computing device. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise the logic. 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the logic is to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter of the wireless charging pad based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the logic to cause modification to the speed of the one or more fans based at least in part on one or more of: ambient noise, a current performance level of the portable computing device, one or more hotspots, a battery charge level, and one or more temperature values to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising one or more antennae to receive electromagnetic waves from a wireless charging transmitter of the wireless charging pad. 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one or more of: a System On Chip (SOC) device; a processor, having one or more processor cores; a flat panel display device, and memory. 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the portable computing device is to comprise one of: a smartphone, a tablet, a phablet, a UMPC (Ultra-Mobile Personal Computer), a laptop computer, an Ultrabook™ computing device, and a wearable device. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein one or more of the logic, a processor having one or more processor cores, one or more sensors, and memory are on a single integrated circuit die. 18. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of a wireless charging pad. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the wireless charging pad is to comprise the logic. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the logic is to cause modification to the wireless power level of the wireless charging transmitter based at least in part on an indication that a portable computing device is coupled to the wireless charging pad. 21. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising logic to cause modification to speed of one or more fans, coupled to the wireless charging pad, based at least in part on one or more of:
a docking status of a portable computing device, the one or more temperature values, ambient noise, a current performance level of the portable computing device, one or more hotspots, a battery charge level, and one or more device temperature values to be detected by one or more device sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device. 22. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising one or more antennae to transmit electromagnetic waves from the wireless charging transmitter. 23. An apparatus comprising:
logic, the logic at least partially comprising hardware logic, to cause modification to speed of one or more fans, coupled to a wireless charging pad, based at least in part on a docking status of a portable computing device. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the wireless charging pad is to comprise the logic. 25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the logic is to cause modification to a wireless power level of a wireless charging transmitter of the wireless charging pad based at least in part on one or more temperature values, wherein the one or more temperature values are to be detected by one or more sensors that are to be proximate to one or more components of the portable computing device or one or more components of the wireless charging pad. | 2,800 |
11,148 | 11,148 | 15,254,770 | 2,822 | A first region is formed by injecting a first condition type first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate. A second region is formed by injecting a second condition type second dopant into a region of the IGBT section shallower than the first region. An amorphous third region is formed by injecting the first conduction type third dopant into a surface layer portion of a diode section at a concentration higher than that of the second dopant. Thereafter, the IGBT section and the diode section are laser-annealed under conditions in which the third region is partially melted and the first dopant is activated. Subsequently, a surface layer portion which is shallower than the second injection region in the entire region of the IGBT section and the diode section is melted and crystallized by annealing the IGBT section and the diode section. | 1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising:
(a) a process of forming a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; (b) a process of forming a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region; (c) a process of forming a third injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized; (d) a process of scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the third injection region is partially melted and the first dopant of the first injection region is activated after the processes (a), (b), and (c); and (e) a process of melting and crystallizing a surface layer portion which is shallower than the second injection region in the entire region of the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam after the process (d). 2. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 1,
wherein the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate are scanned with the first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the IGBT section of the semiconductor device is not melted, in the process (d). 3. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 1,
wherein the third injection region formed in the process (c) is shallower than the first injection region formed in the process (a). 4. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising:
(a) a process of forming a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; (b) a process of activating the first dopant of the first injection region by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the surface of the semiconductor substrate is not melted; (c) a process of forming a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region after the process (b); (d) a process of forming a third injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized; and (e) a process of scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam after the processes (c) and (d) and melting and crystallizing at least the surface layer portions of the second injection region and the third injection region of the semiconductor substrate to activate the second dopant and the third dopant. 5. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 4,
wherein the semiconductor substrate is scanned with the first pulse laser beam used in the process (b) under conditions in which at least the surface layer portion of the amorphized third injection region formed in the process (d) is melted. 6. A semiconductor device comprising:
a first ion injection unit which forms a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; a second ion injection unit which forms a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region; and a third ion injection unit which forms a third ion injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized, wherein the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate are scanned with a first pulse laser beam under the conditions in which the third injection region is partially melted and the first dopant of the first injection region is activated, and a surface layer portion which is shallower than the second injection region is melted and crystallized in the entire region of the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam after the scanning of the first pulse laser beam. 7. The semiconductor device according to claim 6,
wherein the third injection region is shallower than the first injection region. 8. A semiconductor device comprising:
a first ion injection unit which forms a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; a second ion injection unit which forms a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region; and a third ion injection unit which forms a third ion injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized, wherein the first dopant of the first injection region is activated by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the surface of the semiconductor substrate is not melted, and the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate are scanned with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam and at least the surface layer portions of the second injection region and the third injection region of the semiconductor substrate are melted and crystallized to activate the second dopant and the third dopant. | A first region is formed by injecting a first condition type first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate. A second region is formed by injecting a second condition type second dopant into a region of the IGBT section shallower than the first region. An amorphous third region is formed by injecting the first conduction type third dopant into a surface layer portion of a diode section at a concentration higher than that of the second dopant. Thereafter, the IGBT section and the diode section are laser-annealed under conditions in which the third region is partially melted and the first dopant is activated. Subsequently, a surface layer portion which is shallower than the second injection region in the entire region of the IGBT section and the diode section is melted and crystallized by annealing the IGBT section and the diode section.1. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising:
(a) a process of forming a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; (b) a process of forming a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region; (c) a process of forming a third injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized; (d) a process of scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the third injection region is partially melted and the first dopant of the first injection region is activated after the processes (a), (b), and (c); and (e) a process of melting and crystallizing a surface layer portion which is shallower than the second injection region in the entire region of the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam after the process (d). 2. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 1,
wherein the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate are scanned with the first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the IGBT section of the semiconductor device is not melted, in the process (d). 3. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 1,
wherein the third injection region formed in the process (c) is shallower than the first injection region formed in the process (a). 4. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising:
(a) a process of forming a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; (b) a process of activating the first dopant of the first injection region by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the surface of the semiconductor substrate is not melted; (c) a process of forming a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region after the process (b); (d) a process of forming a third injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized; and (e) a process of scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam after the processes (c) and (d) and melting and crystallizing at least the surface layer portions of the second injection region and the third injection region of the semiconductor substrate to activate the second dopant and the third dopant. 5. The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to claim 4,
wherein the semiconductor substrate is scanned with the first pulse laser beam used in the process (b) under conditions in which at least the surface layer portion of the amorphized third injection region formed in the process (d) is melted. 6. A semiconductor device comprising:
a first ion injection unit which forms a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; a second ion injection unit which forms a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region; and a third ion injection unit which forms a third ion injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized, wherein the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate are scanned with a first pulse laser beam under the conditions in which the third injection region is partially melted and the first dopant of the first injection region is activated, and a surface layer portion which is shallower than the second injection region is melted and crystallized in the entire region of the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam after the scanning of the first pulse laser beam. 7. The semiconductor device according to claim 6,
wherein the third injection region is shallower than the first injection region. 8. A semiconductor device comprising:
a first ion injection unit which forms a first injection region by ion-injecting a first conduction type of first dopant into a surface layer portion of an IGBT section of a semiconductor substrate including a surface in which the IGBT section and a diode section are defined; a second ion injection unit which forms a second injection region by ion-injecting a second dopant of a second conduction type which is the opposite to the first conduction type into a shallower region of the IGBT section of the semiconductor substrate than the first injection region; and a third ion injection unit which forms a third ion injection region by ion-injecting the first conduction type of third dopant into a surface layer portion of the diode section of the semiconductor substrate at a concentration higher than the concentration of the second dopant so that the injected region becomes amorphized, wherein the first dopant of the first injection region is activated by scanning the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate with a first pulse laser beam under conditions in which the surface of the semiconductor substrate is not melted, and the IGBT section and the diode section of the semiconductor substrate are scanned with a second pulse laser beam having a pulse width shorter than the pulse width of the first pulse laser beam and at least the surface layer portions of the second injection region and the third injection region of the semiconductor substrate are melted and crystallized to activate the second dopant and the third dopant. | 2,800 |
11,149 | 11,149 | 14,851,431 | 2,844 | A smart watch includes a watch casing with a display disposed along the watch casing. One or more processors are operable with the display. An energy storage device powers the one or more processors. When an amount of stored energy in the energy storage device is above a predefined threshold, the one or more processors perform a timekeeping function and at least one additional function. When the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, the one or more processors disable the at least one additional function while continuing to perform the timekeeping function. | 1. A smart watch, comprising:
a watch casing; a display disposed along the watch casing, the display comprising a plurality of pixels to present information on the display; one or more processors, operable with the display, disposed within the watch casing; and an energy storage device powering the one or more processors; the one or more processors:
when an amount of stored energy in the energy storage device is above a predefined threshold, performing a timekeeping function and at least one additional function;
when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disabling the at least one additional function while continuing to perform the timekeeping function; and
presenting the at least the time of day on only every other interlaced subset of the plurality of pixels. 2. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors to, when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disable the at least one additional function while continuing to perform only the timekeeping function. 3. The smart watch of claim 2, the predefined threshold comprising about ten percent of an energy storage capacity of the energy storage device. 4. The smart watch of claim 1, the at least one additional function comprising:
a first function operating the display in a continuously ON mode; a second function to receive wireless communications from a remote device with a wireless communication circuit operable with the one or more processors; a third function to receive voice input from a microphone operable with the one or more processors; and a fourth function to receive touch input from a touch sensor operable with the one or more processors. 5. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors comprising a first processor and a second processor, the first processor consuming more power from the energy storage device when in an active mode of operation than the second processor, wherein:
the first processor performs the at least one additional function; the second processor performs the timekeeping function; and the one or more processors disable the at least one additional function by transforming the first processor from the active mode of operation to an inactive mode. 6. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors to disable the at least one additional function by switching from a first operating system of a multi-operating system environment to a second operating system of the multi-operating system environment. 7. The smart watch of claim 1, the smart watch further comprising a user interface, the predefined threshold user selectable by the user interface. 8. The smart watch of claim 7, the predefined threshold between zero and twenty-five percent, inclusive, of an energy storage capacity of the energy storage device. 9. The smart watch of claim 1, the timekeeping function to:
determine a time of day; and present at least the time of day on the display. 10. The smart watch of claim 9, the timekeeping function to update a presentation of the at least the time of day on the display only at predetermined intervals. 11. The smart watch of claim 6, the first operating system comprising a real-time operating system and the second operating system comprising a fully contained, local memory, non-multi-threading operating system. 12. The smart watch of claim 9, the timekeeping function to present the at least the time of day on the display temporarily in response to user input, the smart watch comprising one or more of a mechanical control device or a motion sensor, the user input comprising one of actuation of the mechanical control device or detection of gesture input by the motion sensor. 13. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors to:
when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device is above the predefined threshold, perform:
the timekeeping function;
the at least one additional function; and
at least a third function; and
when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disable the at least one additional function while continuing to perform the timekeeping function and the at least the third function. 14. The smart watch of claim 13, the at least the third function selected from a plurality of functions by most recent usage. 15. The smart watch of claim 13, the at least the third function comprising one of a biometric function or a navigation function. 16. A method of operating a smart watch, comprising:
performing, with one or more processors of the smart watch, a timekeeping function and at least one other function while an amount of stored energy in an energy storage device is above a predefined threshold; and when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disabling the at least one other function by disabling a first operating system of a multi-operating system environment, while continuing to perform the timekeeping function by switching from the first operating system to a second operating system, the second operating system configured to perform fewer functions than the first operating system environment. 17. The method of claim 16, the continuing performing only the timekeeping function while disabling all additional functions of the smart watch. 18. The method of claim 16, the disabling of the at least one other function occurring automatically when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold. 19. The method of claim 16, the disabling comprising placing at least one processor of the one or more processors into a sleep mode. 20. The method of claim 16, the first operating system comprising a real-time operating system, and the second operating system comprising a full direction operating system. | A smart watch includes a watch casing with a display disposed along the watch casing. One or more processors are operable with the display. An energy storage device powers the one or more processors. When an amount of stored energy in the energy storage device is above a predefined threshold, the one or more processors perform a timekeeping function and at least one additional function. When the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, the one or more processors disable the at least one additional function while continuing to perform the timekeeping function.1. A smart watch, comprising:
a watch casing; a display disposed along the watch casing, the display comprising a plurality of pixels to present information on the display; one or more processors, operable with the display, disposed within the watch casing; and an energy storage device powering the one or more processors; the one or more processors:
when an amount of stored energy in the energy storage device is above a predefined threshold, performing a timekeeping function and at least one additional function;
when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disabling the at least one additional function while continuing to perform the timekeeping function; and
presenting the at least the time of day on only every other interlaced subset of the plurality of pixels. 2. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors to, when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disable the at least one additional function while continuing to perform only the timekeeping function. 3. The smart watch of claim 2, the predefined threshold comprising about ten percent of an energy storage capacity of the energy storage device. 4. The smart watch of claim 1, the at least one additional function comprising:
a first function operating the display in a continuously ON mode; a second function to receive wireless communications from a remote device with a wireless communication circuit operable with the one or more processors; a third function to receive voice input from a microphone operable with the one or more processors; and a fourth function to receive touch input from a touch sensor operable with the one or more processors. 5. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors comprising a first processor and a second processor, the first processor consuming more power from the energy storage device when in an active mode of operation than the second processor, wherein:
the first processor performs the at least one additional function; the second processor performs the timekeeping function; and the one or more processors disable the at least one additional function by transforming the first processor from the active mode of operation to an inactive mode. 6. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors to disable the at least one additional function by switching from a first operating system of a multi-operating system environment to a second operating system of the multi-operating system environment. 7. The smart watch of claim 1, the smart watch further comprising a user interface, the predefined threshold user selectable by the user interface. 8. The smart watch of claim 7, the predefined threshold between zero and twenty-five percent, inclusive, of an energy storage capacity of the energy storage device. 9. The smart watch of claim 1, the timekeeping function to:
determine a time of day; and present at least the time of day on the display. 10. The smart watch of claim 9, the timekeeping function to update a presentation of the at least the time of day on the display only at predetermined intervals. 11. The smart watch of claim 6, the first operating system comprising a real-time operating system and the second operating system comprising a fully contained, local memory, non-multi-threading operating system. 12. The smart watch of claim 9, the timekeeping function to present the at least the time of day on the display temporarily in response to user input, the smart watch comprising one or more of a mechanical control device or a motion sensor, the user input comprising one of actuation of the mechanical control device or detection of gesture input by the motion sensor. 13. The smart watch of claim 1, the one or more processors to:
when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device is above the predefined threshold, perform:
the timekeeping function;
the at least one additional function; and
at least a third function; and
when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disable the at least one additional function while continuing to perform the timekeeping function and the at least the third function. 14. The smart watch of claim 13, the at least the third function selected from a plurality of functions by most recent usage. 15. The smart watch of claim 13, the at least the third function comprising one of a biometric function or a navigation function. 16. A method of operating a smart watch, comprising:
performing, with one or more processors of the smart watch, a timekeeping function and at least one other function while an amount of stored energy in an energy storage device is above a predefined threshold; and when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold, disabling the at least one other function by disabling a first operating system of a multi-operating system environment, while continuing to perform the timekeeping function by switching from the first operating system to a second operating system, the second operating system configured to perform fewer functions than the first operating system environment. 17. The method of claim 16, the continuing performing only the timekeeping function while disabling all additional functions of the smart watch. 18. The method of claim 16, the disabling of the at least one other function occurring automatically when the amount of stored energy in the energy storage device falls below the predefined threshold. 19. The method of claim 16, the disabling comprising placing at least one processor of the one or more processors into a sleep mode. 20. The method of claim 16, the first operating system comprising a real-time operating system, and the second operating system comprising a full direction operating system. | 2,800 |
11,150 | 11,150 | 14,525,451 | 2,864 | A computer-implemented process includes: performing a first foil waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. The process may be performed by a suitably programmed computing apparatus, the program residing on some form of non-transitory program storage medium. | 1. A computer-implemented process, comprising:
performing a first roll waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. 2. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the first full waveform inversion comprises a frequency domain full waveform inversion. 3. The computer-implemented process of claim 2, wherein the frequency domain full waveform inversion includes time-domain finite-difference modeling. 4. The computer-implemented process of claim 2, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain full waveform inversion. 5. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain full waveform inversion. 6. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 4 Hz. 7. The computer-implemented process of claim 6, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 2 Hz. 8. The computer-implemented process of claim 6, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 1.5 Hz. 9. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, known source signature, humming seismic data comprises less than 10 frequencies. 10. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature seismic data are acquired at between about 2 Hz and about 8 Hz. 11. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data are acquired at between about 1.5 Hz and about 6 Hz. 12. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the first full waveform inversion omits true source signature determination. 13. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the first updated subsurface attribute model comprises recovered low-frequency information. 14. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the second full waveform inversion omits true source signature determination. 15. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the second updated subsurface attribute model comprises both low-wavenumber and high-wavenumber information. 16. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, known source signature, humming seismic data and the low-frequency, narrowband, known source signature, swept seismic data include common frequencies. 17. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein performing the second full waveform inversion using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data includes performing the second full waveform inversion using the physical record of the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data. 18. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein performing the second full waveform inversion using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data includes performing the second full waveform inversion using a single complex-valued scalar, representing the phase and amplitude of the humming source. 19. A computing apparatus, comprising:
a processor; a communication medium; a storage; and a software component residing on storage that, when executed by the processor over the communication medium, performs a method including:
performing a first full waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and
performing a second lull waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model 20. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first full waveform inversion comprises a frequency domain full waveform inversion. 21. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain full waveform inversion. 22. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 4 Hz. 23. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data are acquired at between about 1.5 Hz and about 6 Hz. 24. A non-transitory program storage medium, encoded with instructions that, when executed, perform a computer-implemented method, the method comprising:
performing a first full waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. 25. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the first full waveform inversion comprises a frequency domain full waveform inversion. 26. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain lull waveform inversion. 27. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 4 Hz. 28. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data are acquired at between about 1.5 Hz and about 6 Hz. | A computer-implemented process includes: performing a first foil waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. The process may be performed by a suitably programmed computing apparatus, the program residing on some form of non-transitory program storage medium.1. A computer-implemented process, comprising:
performing a first roll waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. 2. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the first full waveform inversion comprises a frequency domain full waveform inversion. 3. The computer-implemented process of claim 2, wherein the frequency domain full waveform inversion includes time-domain finite-difference modeling. 4. The computer-implemented process of claim 2, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain full waveform inversion. 5. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain full waveform inversion. 6. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 4 Hz. 7. The computer-implemented process of claim 6, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 2 Hz. 8. The computer-implemented process of claim 6, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 1.5 Hz. 9. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, known source signature, humming seismic data comprises less than 10 frequencies. 10. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature seismic data are acquired at between about 2 Hz and about 8 Hz. 11. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data are acquired at between about 1.5 Hz and about 6 Hz. 12. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the first full waveform inversion omits true source signature determination. 13. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the first updated subsurface attribute model comprises recovered low-frequency information. 14. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the second full waveform inversion omits true source signature determination. 15. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the second updated subsurface attribute model comprises both low-wavenumber and high-wavenumber information. 16. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein the low-frequency, known source signature, humming seismic data and the low-frequency, narrowband, known source signature, swept seismic data include common frequencies. 17. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein performing the second full waveform inversion using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data includes performing the second full waveform inversion using the physical record of the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data. 18. The computer-implemented process of claim 1, wherein performing the second full waveform inversion using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data includes performing the second full waveform inversion using a single complex-valued scalar, representing the phase and amplitude of the humming source. 19. A computing apparatus, comprising:
a processor; a communication medium; a storage; and a software component residing on storage that, when executed by the processor over the communication medium, performs a method including:
performing a first full waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and
performing a second lull waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model 20. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first full waveform inversion comprises a frequency domain full waveform inversion. 21. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain full waveform inversion. 22. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 4 Hz. 23. The computing apparatus of claim 19, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data are acquired at between about 1.5 Hz and about 6 Hz. 24. A non-transitory program storage medium, encoded with instructions that, when executed, perform a computer-implemented method, the method comprising:
performing a first full waveform inversion on an initial subsurface attribute model using low frequency, known source-signature data and low frequency humming seismic data to generate a first updated subsurface attribute model; and performing a second full waveform inversion on the first updated subsurface attribute model using low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data and low-frequency, swept seismic data to generate a second updated subsurface attribute model. 25. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the first full waveform inversion comprises a frequency domain full waveform inversion. 26. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the second full waveform inversion comprises a time domain lull waveform inversion. 27. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the low-frequency, humming seismic data includes data acquired at a seismic frequency of less than about 4 Hz. 28. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 24, wherein the low-frequency, narrowband sweeping known source-signature data are acquired at between about 1.5 Hz and about 6 Hz. | 2,800 |
11,151 | 11,151 | 15,190,656 | 2,883 | A fiber optic cable includes a core assembly including an optical fiber, a polymeric sleeve surrounding the core assembly, water-swellable material integrated with the polymeric sleeve, and a jacket surrounding the polymeric sleeve. The polymeric sleeve is continuous peripherally around the core assembly, forming a continuous closed loop when viewed in cross-section, and continuous lengthwise along a length of the cable. | 1. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core assembly comprising: an optical fiber, and a tube through which the optical fiber extends; a polymeric sleeve surrounding the core assembly, wherein the polymeric sleeve is continuous peripherally around the core assembly, forming a continuous closed loop when viewed in cross-section, and continuous lengthwise along a length of the cable that is at least 10 meters, wherein the polymeric sleeve conforms to an exterior geometry of the core assembly, thereby limiting the space for water to flow between the polymeric sleeve and the core assembly; water-swellable powder partially embedded in the polymeric sleeve such that the particles of the water-swellable powder have a portion thereof submerged in the polymeric sleeve passing partly through a surface plane of the polymeric sleeve and another portion thereof exposed partially projecting away from the surface plane of the polymeric sleeve; and a jacket surrounding the polymeric sleeve. 2. The fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein the polymeric sleeve directly surrounds the tube and conforms to shape of the tube. 3. The fiber optic cable of claim 2, wherein the cable is a central tube cable, and wherein the tube is positioned in the center of the cable when viewed in cross section. 4. The fiber optic cable of claim 2, wherein the polymeric sleeve is tightly drawn onto the tube such that the polymeric sleeve has a positive hoop stress when the cable is straight and at room temperature of about 21° C. 5. The fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein the polymeric sleeve is water-impermeable. 6. The fiber optic cable of claim 5, wherein the polymeric sleeve includes segments supporting water-swellable powder separated by bare segments. 7. The fiber optic cable of claim 6, wherein the average length of the bare segments in a 100 meter section of the cable is at least 10 mm. 8. The fiber optic cable of claim 6, wherein the segments supporting water-swellable powder are more specifically supporting super-absorbent polymer particles. 9. The fiber optic cable of claim 8, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is at least 20 grams per square meter of sleeve surface area to which the super-absorbent polymer particles are coupled while the bare segments have less than 10 grams per square meter, on average in a 100 meter section of the cable. 10. The fiber optic cable of claim 9, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is less than 100 grams per square meter, on average in the 100 meter section of the cable. 11. The fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein particles of the water-swellable powder penetrate the polymeric sleeve, passing entirely through the sleeve. 12. The fiber optic cable of claim 11, wherein the particles penetrating the polymeric sleeve have an average particle size of at least 200 micrometers. 13. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core assembly comprising an optical fiber; a polymeric sleeve surrounding the core assembly, wherein the polymeric sleeve is continuous peripherally around the core assembly, forming a continuous closed loop when viewed in cross-section, and continuous lengthwise along a length of the cable that is at least 10 meters, wherein the polymeric sleeve comprises: water-swelling segments extending lengthwise along the polymeric sleeve supporting water-swellable powder; bare segments between the water-swelling segments, wherein the bare segments extend radially around the full perimeter of the sleeve; and a jacket surrounding the polymeric sleeve. 14. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein for a 100-meter long section of the cable, the bare segments therein provide an average separation between the water-swellable segments in the section of at least 10 mm. 15. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein particles of the water-swellable powder are partially embedded in the polymeric sleeve such that the particles of the water-swellable powder have a portion thereof submerged in the polymeric sleeve passing partly through a surface plane of the polymeric sleeve and another portion thereof exposed partially projecting away from the surface plane of the polymeric sleeve. 16. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein the segments supporting water-swellable powder are more specifically supporting super-absorbent polymer particles. 17. The fiber optic cable of claim 16, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is at least 20 grams per square meter of sleeve surface area to which the super-absorbent polymer particles are coupled while the bare segments have less than 10 grams per square meter, on average in a 100 meter section of the cable. 18. The fiber optic cable of claim 17, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is less than 100 grams per square meter, on average in the 100 meter section of the cable. 19. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein particles of the water-swellable powder penetrate the polymeric sleeve, passing entirely through the sleeve. 20. The fiber optic cable of claim 19, wherein the particles penetrating the polymeric sleeve have an average particle size of at least 200 micrometers. | A fiber optic cable includes a core assembly including an optical fiber, a polymeric sleeve surrounding the core assembly, water-swellable material integrated with the polymeric sleeve, and a jacket surrounding the polymeric sleeve. The polymeric sleeve is continuous peripherally around the core assembly, forming a continuous closed loop when viewed in cross-section, and continuous lengthwise along a length of the cable.1. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core assembly comprising: an optical fiber, and a tube through which the optical fiber extends; a polymeric sleeve surrounding the core assembly, wherein the polymeric sleeve is continuous peripherally around the core assembly, forming a continuous closed loop when viewed in cross-section, and continuous lengthwise along a length of the cable that is at least 10 meters, wherein the polymeric sleeve conforms to an exterior geometry of the core assembly, thereby limiting the space for water to flow between the polymeric sleeve and the core assembly; water-swellable powder partially embedded in the polymeric sleeve such that the particles of the water-swellable powder have a portion thereof submerged in the polymeric sleeve passing partly through a surface plane of the polymeric sleeve and another portion thereof exposed partially projecting away from the surface plane of the polymeric sleeve; and a jacket surrounding the polymeric sleeve. 2. The fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein the polymeric sleeve directly surrounds the tube and conforms to shape of the tube. 3. The fiber optic cable of claim 2, wherein the cable is a central tube cable, and wherein the tube is positioned in the center of the cable when viewed in cross section. 4. The fiber optic cable of claim 2, wherein the polymeric sleeve is tightly drawn onto the tube such that the polymeric sleeve has a positive hoop stress when the cable is straight and at room temperature of about 21° C. 5. The fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein the polymeric sleeve is water-impermeable. 6. The fiber optic cable of claim 5, wherein the polymeric sleeve includes segments supporting water-swellable powder separated by bare segments. 7. The fiber optic cable of claim 6, wherein the average length of the bare segments in a 100 meter section of the cable is at least 10 mm. 8. The fiber optic cable of claim 6, wherein the segments supporting water-swellable powder are more specifically supporting super-absorbent polymer particles. 9. The fiber optic cable of claim 8, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is at least 20 grams per square meter of sleeve surface area to which the super-absorbent polymer particles are coupled while the bare segments have less than 10 grams per square meter, on average in a 100 meter section of the cable. 10. The fiber optic cable of claim 9, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is less than 100 grams per square meter, on average in the 100 meter section of the cable. 11. The fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein particles of the water-swellable powder penetrate the polymeric sleeve, passing entirely through the sleeve. 12. The fiber optic cable of claim 11, wherein the particles penetrating the polymeric sleeve have an average particle size of at least 200 micrometers. 13. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core assembly comprising an optical fiber; a polymeric sleeve surrounding the core assembly, wherein the polymeric sleeve is continuous peripherally around the core assembly, forming a continuous closed loop when viewed in cross-section, and continuous lengthwise along a length of the cable that is at least 10 meters, wherein the polymeric sleeve comprises: water-swelling segments extending lengthwise along the polymeric sleeve supporting water-swellable powder; bare segments between the water-swelling segments, wherein the bare segments extend radially around the full perimeter of the sleeve; and a jacket surrounding the polymeric sleeve. 14. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein for a 100-meter long section of the cable, the bare segments therein provide an average separation between the water-swellable segments in the section of at least 10 mm. 15. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein particles of the water-swellable powder are partially embedded in the polymeric sleeve such that the particles of the water-swellable powder have a portion thereof submerged in the polymeric sleeve passing partly through a surface plane of the polymeric sleeve and another portion thereof exposed partially projecting away from the surface plane of the polymeric sleeve. 16. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein the segments supporting water-swellable powder are more specifically supporting super-absorbent polymer particles. 17. The fiber optic cable of claim 16, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is at least 20 grams per square meter of sleeve surface area to which the super-absorbent polymer particles are coupled while the bare segments have less than 10 grams per square meter, on average in a 100 meter section of the cable. 18. The fiber optic cable of claim 17, wherein the concentration of super-absorbent polymer particles in the segments supporting water-swellable powder is less than 100 grams per square meter, on average in the 100 meter section of the cable. 19. The fiber optic cable of claim 13, wherein particles of the water-swellable powder penetrate the polymeric sleeve, passing entirely through the sleeve. 20. The fiber optic cable of claim 19, wherein the particles penetrating the polymeric sleeve have an average particle size of at least 200 micrometers. | 2,800 |
11,152 | 11,152 | 13,862,135 | 2,839 | A system can include a device under test (DUT) having a DUT voltage, a cable connected to the DUT, the cable having a cable inductance, and a power supply configured as a current source to provide a wide bandwidth voltage source to the DUT, wherein the DUT voltage is independent of the cable inductance. | 1. A system for sourcing a voltage, comprising:
a remote capacitor; a voltage-control-current-source having a deterministic transconduction; a first cable connecting an output of the voltage-controlled-current-source to the remote capacitor; a second cable connecting an input of the voltage-controlled-current-source to the remote capacitor, wherein the remote capacitor is of a size such that it dominates the open loop gain frequency roll-off though a gain of one. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage-controlled-current-source comprises:
a voltage-controlled-voltage-source connected to a resistance to a reference point as the current output; and a differential amplifier referencing said reference point to its voltage output, wherein the output of said differential amplifier is connected to the input of said voltage-controlled-voltage-source. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a means to set and/or change the voltage sourced across the remote capacitor and device under test (DUT). 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote capacitor is positioned in close proximity to the DUT. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote capacitor is incorporated as part of the DUT. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the means to set and/or change the voltage sourced across the remote capacitor and DUT can be varied with time to produce an arbitrary voltage waveform on the remote capacitor within a limitation of the system bandwidth. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the transconductance of the voltage-controlled-current-source can be adjusted. | A system can include a device under test (DUT) having a DUT voltage, a cable connected to the DUT, the cable having a cable inductance, and a power supply configured as a current source to provide a wide bandwidth voltage source to the DUT, wherein the DUT voltage is independent of the cable inductance.1. A system for sourcing a voltage, comprising:
a remote capacitor; a voltage-control-current-source having a deterministic transconduction; a first cable connecting an output of the voltage-controlled-current-source to the remote capacitor; a second cable connecting an input of the voltage-controlled-current-source to the remote capacitor, wherein the remote capacitor is of a size such that it dominates the open loop gain frequency roll-off though a gain of one. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage-controlled-current-source comprises:
a voltage-controlled-voltage-source connected to a resistance to a reference point as the current output; and a differential amplifier referencing said reference point to its voltage output, wherein the output of said differential amplifier is connected to the input of said voltage-controlled-voltage-source. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a means to set and/or change the voltage sourced across the remote capacitor and device under test (DUT). 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote capacitor is positioned in close proximity to the DUT. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the remote capacitor is incorporated as part of the DUT. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the means to set and/or change the voltage sourced across the remote capacitor and DUT can be varied with time to produce an arbitrary voltage waveform on the remote capacitor within a limitation of the system bandwidth. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the transconductance of the voltage-controlled-current-source can be adjusted. | 2,800 |
11,153 | 11,153 | 12,676,980 | 2,844 | A flash unit ( 1 ) with a flash generator ( 20 ) with at least one energy store ( 21 ) and at least two luminaire channels and with at least two flash tubes ( 11, 12, 13 ), wherein the flash tubes ( 11, 12, 13 ) are supplied with energy by the energy store ( 21 ) via the luminaire channels, with an energy quantity control apparatus ( 14 ), by means of which any desired quantity of energy from the minimum charge up to the maximum charge of the at least one energy store ( 21 ) can be provided for each luminaire channel, and with a colour temperature control apparatus ( 15 ), by means of which a coloured temperature can be set for each luminaire channel independently of the quantity of energy provided therefor, and a corresponding method therefor. | 1. Flash unit (1) with a flash generator (20) having at least one energy store (21) and at least two light source channels as well as having at least two flash tubes (11, 12, 13), the flash tubes (11, 12, 13) being supplied with energy by the energy store by means of the light source channels,
characterized by an energy quantity control device (14), by means of which it is possible to provide for each light source channel any desired energy quantity from the minimum charge to the maximum charge of the at least one energy store (21), and a colour temperature control device (15), by means of which it is possible to set a colour temperature for each light source channel independently of the energy quantity provided therefor. 2. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that all light source channels are equivalent in respect of their function and their setting. 3. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the colour temperature is identical for all light source channels. 4. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that all light source channels are independent of one another and especially in respect of their function and/or the energy quantity provided therefor can be set separately from one another. 5. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that if only some of the light source channels are equipped with flash tubes (11, 12, 13) or light sources, the channels so equipped are freely selectable. 6. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized by a trigger device which at a preset timepoint supplies a first light source channel with energy and which at a further number of predetermined timepoints, which are defined by the voltage present at the first light source channel, supplies a respective predetermined number of light source channels with energy. 7. Flash unit (1) according to claim 6,
characterized by a cut-off device (33) which switches off the first and the further light source channel(s) when a predetermined target energy quantity and/or a target colour temperature, especially an averaged target colour temperature, has been reached for the respective light source channels. 8. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the energy store (21) has a plurality of rechargeable energy store elements (23), especially capacitors. 9. Flash unit (1) according to claim 8,
characterized in that the energy store (21) is arranged to connect a plurality of the energy store elements (23) to the flash tubes in parallel for the emission of more charge for a flash or sequentially for a plurality of successive flashes of the flash unit. 10. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a charging device (22) for the energy store (21) is provided which has a charging control means for introducing a preset charge into one or more of the energy store elements (23). 11. Flash unit (1) according to claim 10,
characterized in that the charging device (22) for setting charging time, charging current and charging voltage is constructed in such a way that the discharge of the energy store elements (23) by means of the flash tubes (11, 12, 13) produces a preset amount of light in a preset discharge time at a preset colour temperature. 12. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the energy store (21) is housed in a generator (20) and the flash tubes in a light source (10). 13. Flash unit (1) according to claim 12,
characterized in that the time control means and the charging control means are housed in respective modules or in a common module and the generator (20) and/or the light source (10) has(have) a connection for the modules. 14. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flash control is effected by means of a cut-off means. 15. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flash quantity control is effected by means of a combination of an ignition delay means and a/the cut-off means. 16. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flashes produced are caused to be centred, superimposed or generated in series. 17. Method of controlling a flash unit (1) having at least one energy store (21) and at least two light source channels as well as having at least two flash tubes (11, 12, 13), each associated with a respective light source channel, which are excited to emit light by the discharge of the energy store (21),
characterized in that any desired energy quantity is set for each flash discharge of each flash tube (11, 12, 13) and a colour temperature is set for each flash discharge independently of the energy quantity provided therefor. 18. Method according to claim 17,
characterized in that the flash unit (1) additionally has a third and/or further flash tube(s) (11, 12, 13), and the flash discharges of the third and/or further flash tube(s) (11, 12, 13) are delayed in time with respect to that of the first flash tube (11, 12, 13) and the cut-off timepoint for the flash discharge of the third and/or further flash tube(s) (11, 12, 13) is set independently of that of the first flash tube (11, 12, 13). 19. Method according to either one of claims 17 and 18,
characterized in that
the ignition and cut-off timepoints of each flash tube (11, 12, 13) are set so that each flash tube (11, 12, 13) emits light of a preset colour temperature averaged over the time of the flash discharge. 20. Method according to claim 19,
characterized in that the preset colour temperatures are identical. 21. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
characterized in that
the flash discharges of the flash tubes (11, 12, 13) produce a preset amount of light in a preset discharge time at a preset colour temperature. 22. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 21,
characterized in that
the flashes produced are caused to be centred, superimposed or generated in series. | A flash unit ( 1 ) with a flash generator ( 20 ) with at least one energy store ( 21 ) and at least two luminaire channels and with at least two flash tubes ( 11, 12, 13 ), wherein the flash tubes ( 11, 12, 13 ) are supplied with energy by the energy store ( 21 ) via the luminaire channels, with an energy quantity control apparatus ( 14 ), by means of which any desired quantity of energy from the minimum charge up to the maximum charge of the at least one energy store ( 21 ) can be provided for each luminaire channel, and with a colour temperature control apparatus ( 15 ), by means of which a coloured temperature can be set for each luminaire channel independently of the quantity of energy provided therefor, and a corresponding method therefor.1. Flash unit (1) with a flash generator (20) having at least one energy store (21) and at least two light source channels as well as having at least two flash tubes (11, 12, 13), the flash tubes (11, 12, 13) being supplied with energy by the energy store by means of the light source channels,
characterized by an energy quantity control device (14), by means of which it is possible to provide for each light source channel any desired energy quantity from the minimum charge to the maximum charge of the at least one energy store (21), and a colour temperature control device (15), by means of which it is possible to set a colour temperature for each light source channel independently of the energy quantity provided therefor. 2. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that all light source channels are equivalent in respect of their function and their setting. 3. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the colour temperature is identical for all light source channels. 4. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that all light source channels are independent of one another and especially in respect of their function and/or the energy quantity provided therefor can be set separately from one another. 5. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that if only some of the light source channels are equipped with flash tubes (11, 12, 13) or light sources, the channels so equipped are freely selectable. 6. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized by a trigger device which at a preset timepoint supplies a first light source channel with energy and which at a further number of predetermined timepoints, which are defined by the voltage present at the first light source channel, supplies a respective predetermined number of light source channels with energy. 7. Flash unit (1) according to claim 6,
characterized by a cut-off device (33) which switches off the first and the further light source channel(s) when a predetermined target energy quantity and/or a target colour temperature, especially an averaged target colour temperature, has been reached for the respective light source channels. 8. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the energy store (21) has a plurality of rechargeable energy store elements (23), especially capacitors. 9. Flash unit (1) according to claim 8,
characterized in that the energy store (21) is arranged to connect a plurality of the energy store elements (23) to the flash tubes in parallel for the emission of more charge for a flash or sequentially for a plurality of successive flashes of the flash unit. 10. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that a charging device (22) for the energy store (21) is provided which has a charging control means for introducing a preset charge into one or more of the energy store elements (23). 11. Flash unit (1) according to claim 10,
characterized in that the charging device (22) for setting charging time, charging current and charging voltage is constructed in such a way that the discharge of the energy store elements (23) by means of the flash tubes (11, 12, 13) produces a preset amount of light in a preset discharge time at a preset colour temperature. 12. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the energy store (21) is housed in a generator (20) and the flash tubes in a light source (10). 13. Flash unit (1) according to claim 12,
characterized in that the time control means and the charging control means are housed in respective modules or in a common module and the generator (20) and/or the light source (10) has(have) a connection for the modules. 14. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flash control is effected by means of a cut-off means. 15. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flash quantity control is effected by means of a combination of an ignition delay means and a/the cut-off means. 16. Flash unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flashes produced are caused to be centred, superimposed or generated in series. 17. Method of controlling a flash unit (1) having at least one energy store (21) and at least two light source channels as well as having at least two flash tubes (11, 12, 13), each associated with a respective light source channel, which are excited to emit light by the discharge of the energy store (21),
characterized in that any desired energy quantity is set for each flash discharge of each flash tube (11, 12, 13) and a colour temperature is set for each flash discharge independently of the energy quantity provided therefor. 18. Method according to claim 17,
characterized in that the flash unit (1) additionally has a third and/or further flash tube(s) (11, 12, 13), and the flash discharges of the third and/or further flash tube(s) (11, 12, 13) are delayed in time with respect to that of the first flash tube (11, 12, 13) and the cut-off timepoint for the flash discharge of the third and/or further flash tube(s) (11, 12, 13) is set independently of that of the first flash tube (11, 12, 13). 19. Method according to either one of claims 17 and 18,
characterized in that
the ignition and cut-off timepoints of each flash tube (11, 12, 13) are set so that each flash tube (11, 12, 13) emits light of a preset colour temperature averaged over the time of the flash discharge. 20. Method according to claim 19,
characterized in that the preset colour temperatures are identical. 21. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
characterized in that
the flash discharges of the flash tubes (11, 12, 13) produce a preset amount of light in a preset discharge time at a preset colour temperature. 22. Method according to any one of claims 17 to 21,
characterized in that
the flashes produced are caused to be centred, superimposed or generated in series. | 2,800 |
11,154 | 11,154 | 14,760,142 | 2,826 | At least some of the disclosed systems and methods employ one or more seismic receivers that gather seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation. Further, at least some of the disclosed systems and methods employ a memory to store the gathered seismic data. Further, at least some of the disclosed systems and methods employ logic that inverts the seismic data for simultaneous determination of asymmetric axis velocity (V 0 ) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ), in a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model. | 1. A seismic data analysis system, comprising:
one or more seismic receivers that gather seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation; memory that stores the seismic data; and logic that inverts the seismic data for simultaneous determination of asymmetric axis velocity (V0) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ), in a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model. 2. The seismic data analysis system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface that displays the TTI model. 3. The seismic data analysis system of claim 1, wherein the logic determines values for V0, ε, and δ by minimizing the difference between a first arrival pick and a calculated first arrival time, and wherein the logic receives Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) walkaway data and uses the VSP walkaway data to minimize the difference between the first arrival pick and the calculated first arrival time. 4. The seismic data analysis system of claim 3, wherein the logic produces a seismic section from the VSP walkaway data, wherein the first arrival pick is selected from the seismic section, and wherein the calculated first arrival time corresponds to a travel time from a seismic source to a geophone through the TTI model. 5. The seismic data analysis system of claim 1, wherein the simultaneous inversion is based on a Very Fast Simulated Annealing (VFSA) process. 6. The seismic data analysis system of claim 5, wherein the VFSA process uses an objective function, a temperature cooling schedule, and generation of a random variable to perturb values for V0, ε, and δ. 7. The seismic data analysis system of claim 5, wherein the VFSA process terminates in response to a misfit that does not vary for a predetermined number of iterations or in response to a number of iterations reaching a predetermined threshold. 8. The seismic data analysis system of claim 5, wherein the VFSA process terminates in response to a misfit that is smaller than a predetermined value. 9. The seismic data analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the logic is part of a downhole tool that includes the set of seismic receivers and the memory. 10. The seismic data analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein logic is part of a surface computer in communication with a downhole tool that includes the set of seismic receivers. 11. A method for seismic data analysis, comprising:
retrieving seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation; analyzing the seismic data using a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model based on simultaneous inversion of an asymmetric axis velocity (V0) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ); and displaying a representation of the formation based on the analyzed seismic data. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining values for V0, ε, and δ by minimizing the difference between a first arrival pick and a calculated first arrival time. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving VSP walkaway data and using the VSP walkaway data to minimize the difference between the first arrival pick and the calculated first arrival time. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising producing a seismic section from the VSP walkaway data, selecting the first arrival pick from the seismic section, and calculating the first arrival time as a travel time from a seismic source to a geophone through the TTI model. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying a VFSA process with TTI model update criteria and termination criteria to optimize the TTI model. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying to the VFSA process an objective function, a temperature cooling schedule, and generation of a random variable to perturb values for V0, ε, and δ. 17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing seismic data analysis software that, when executed, causes one or more processors to:
optimize a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model based on simultaneous inversion of an asymmetric axis velocity (V0) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ); and use the TTI model to analyze seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation; and display a representation of the formation based on the analyzed seismic data. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the seismic data analysis software, when executed, further causes the one or more processors to:
produce a seismic section from Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) walkaway data; select a first arrival pick from the seismic section; calculate a first arrival time as a travel time from a seismic source to a geophone through the TTI model; and determine values for V0, ε, and δ by minimizing the difference between the first arrival pick and the calculated first arrival time. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the seismic data analysis software, when executed, further causes the one or more processors to perform the simultaneous inversion using a Very Fast Simulated Annealing (VFSA) process with TTI model update criteria and termination criteria. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the seismic data analysis software, when executed, further causes the one or more processors to:
solve for a vector of unknowns
X=(V 0I ,V 0N,δI ,L,δ N,εI ,L,ε N)T,
where N is the number of layers to be optimized; V0i is the P-wave velocity (V0) along the symmetry axis for layer i; and δi and εi are the Thomsen parameters δ and ε for layer i; apply an objective function
E
(
X
)
=
1
R
∑
i
=
1
R
(
t
i
pick
-
t
i
ca
l
)
2
,
where R is the total number of arrival time picks; t is the direct arrival times;
subscript i refer to the ith receiver; and superscripts pick and cal refer to picked and calculated times;
apply a temperature cooling schedule Tk
T k =T 0exp(−ck 1/(2M)),
where T0 is the initial temperature, c is a parameter to be used to control the temperature schedule and help tune the algorithm for a specific problem, k is the iteration number in the optimization, and M is the total number of unknowns;
generate a random variable u to perturb the X vector, where an unknown xi k generated at annealing iteration k, xi k can be updated to xi k+1 as:
x i k+1 =x i k +q(x i max −x i min),
where q is a random number and xi min and xi max are bounds for the unknowns of layer i, which is constrained by xiε[xi min,xi max], and where q is generated from a uniformly distributed random number u between zero and one (uεU[0,1]) by the formula:
q=sgn(u−0.5)T k[1+1/T)|2u-1|−1], and
where sgn is the sign function. | At least some of the disclosed systems and methods employ one or more seismic receivers that gather seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation. Further, at least some of the disclosed systems and methods employ a memory to store the gathered seismic data. Further, at least some of the disclosed systems and methods employ logic that inverts the seismic data for simultaneous determination of asymmetric axis velocity (V 0 ) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ), in a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model.1. A seismic data analysis system, comprising:
one or more seismic receivers that gather seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation; memory that stores the seismic data; and logic that inverts the seismic data for simultaneous determination of asymmetric axis velocity (V0) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ), in a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model. 2. The seismic data analysis system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface that displays the TTI model. 3. The seismic data analysis system of claim 1, wherein the logic determines values for V0, ε, and δ by minimizing the difference between a first arrival pick and a calculated first arrival time, and wherein the logic receives Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) walkaway data and uses the VSP walkaway data to minimize the difference between the first arrival pick and the calculated first arrival time. 4. The seismic data analysis system of claim 3, wherein the logic produces a seismic section from the VSP walkaway data, wherein the first arrival pick is selected from the seismic section, and wherein the calculated first arrival time corresponds to a travel time from a seismic source to a geophone through the TTI model. 5. The seismic data analysis system of claim 1, wherein the simultaneous inversion is based on a Very Fast Simulated Annealing (VFSA) process. 6. The seismic data analysis system of claim 5, wherein the VFSA process uses an objective function, a temperature cooling schedule, and generation of a random variable to perturb values for V0, ε, and δ. 7. The seismic data analysis system of claim 5, wherein the VFSA process terminates in response to a misfit that does not vary for a predetermined number of iterations or in response to a number of iterations reaching a predetermined threshold. 8. The seismic data analysis system of claim 5, wherein the VFSA process terminates in response to a misfit that is smaller than a predetermined value. 9. The seismic data analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the logic is part of a downhole tool that includes the set of seismic receivers and the memory. 10. The seismic data analysis system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein logic is part of a surface computer in communication with a downhole tool that includes the set of seismic receivers. 11. A method for seismic data analysis, comprising:
retrieving seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation; analyzing the seismic data using a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model based on simultaneous inversion of an asymmetric axis velocity (V0) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ); and displaying a representation of the formation based on the analyzed seismic data. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining values for V0, ε, and δ by minimizing the difference between a first arrival pick and a calculated first arrival time. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising receiving VSP walkaway data and using the VSP walkaway data to minimize the difference between the first arrival pick and the calculated first arrival time. 14. The method of claim 12, further comprising producing a seismic section from the VSP walkaway data, selecting the first arrival pick from the seismic section, and calculating the first arrival time as a travel time from a seismic source to a geophone through the TTI model. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising applying a VFSA process with TTI model update criteria and termination criteria to optimize the TTI model. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising applying to the VFSA process an objective function, a temperature cooling schedule, and generation of a random variable to perturb values for V0, ε, and δ. 17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing seismic data analysis software that, when executed, causes one or more processors to:
optimize a tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) model based on simultaneous inversion of an asymmetric axis velocity (V0) and Thomsen parameters, epsilon (ε) and delta (δ); and use the TTI model to analyze seismic data from a plurality of positions in a borehole that penetrates a formation; and display a representation of the formation based on the analyzed seismic data. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the seismic data analysis software, when executed, further causes the one or more processors to:
produce a seismic section from Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) walkaway data; select a first arrival pick from the seismic section; calculate a first arrival time as a travel time from a seismic source to a geophone through the TTI model; and determine values for V0, ε, and δ by minimizing the difference between the first arrival pick and the calculated first arrival time. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the seismic data analysis software, when executed, further causes the one or more processors to perform the simultaneous inversion using a Very Fast Simulated Annealing (VFSA) process with TTI model update criteria and termination criteria. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the seismic data analysis software, when executed, further causes the one or more processors to:
solve for a vector of unknowns
X=(V 0I ,V 0N,δI ,L,δ N,εI ,L,ε N)T,
where N is the number of layers to be optimized; V0i is the P-wave velocity (V0) along the symmetry axis for layer i; and δi and εi are the Thomsen parameters δ and ε for layer i; apply an objective function
E
(
X
)
=
1
R
∑
i
=
1
R
(
t
i
pick
-
t
i
ca
l
)
2
,
where R is the total number of arrival time picks; t is the direct arrival times;
subscript i refer to the ith receiver; and superscripts pick and cal refer to picked and calculated times;
apply a temperature cooling schedule Tk
T k =T 0exp(−ck 1/(2M)),
where T0 is the initial temperature, c is a parameter to be used to control the temperature schedule and help tune the algorithm for a specific problem, k is the iteration number in the optimization, and M is the total number of unknowns;
generate a random variable u to perturb the X vector, where an unknown xi k generated at annealing iteration k, xi k can be updated to xi k+1 as:
x i k+1 =x i k +q(x i max −x i min),
where q is a random number and xi min and xi max are bounds for the unknowns of layer i, which is constrained by xiε[xi min,xi max], and where q is generated from a uniformly distributed random number u between zero and one (uεU[0,1]) by the formula:
q=sgn(u−0.5)T k[1+1/T)|2u-1|−1], and
where sgn is the sign function. | 2,800 |
11,155 | 11,155 | 14,811,388 | 2,832 | A vehicle power system includes a controller that reduces a voltage setpoint of an alternator by a predetermined amount in response to a magnitude of electric charge provided by the alternator during a predetermined time period exceeding a first threshold and a rate of change of power output by the alternator exceeding a second threshold during the time period. The controller also regulates an output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint. | 1. A vehicle power system comprising:
an alternator; and a controller configured to, in response to a magnitude of electric charge provided by the alternator during a predetermined time period exceeding a first threshold and a rate of change of power output by the alternator exceeding a second threshold during the time period, reduce a voltage setpoint of the alternator by a predetermined amount, and regulate an output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further programmed to initiate the reduction of the setpoint after a delay time that begins with the rate of change exceeding the second threshold. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnitude and rate of change are indicative of a load being coupled with the alternator and wherein the controller is further configured to increase the setpoint in response to the load being disconnected from the alternator. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the predetermined amount is based on a first extent to which the magnitude exceeds the first threshold or a second extent to which the rate of change exceeds the second threshold. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the predetermined amount is selected from a plurality of predetermined amounts based on the rate of change. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the electric charge is associated with a current flowing through a field coil of the alternator. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the rate of change is based on a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated switch disposed between a field coil of the alternator and an output of the alternator. 8. A method of regulating alternator output voltage comprising:
receiving data indicative of an amount of electric charge provided by an alternator to a load and a magnitude of power output by the alternator; in response to the amount exceeding a first threshold and the magnitude exceeding a second threshold, reducing an output voltage setpoint of the alternator by a predetermined amount; and regulating the output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising, in response to the load being disconnected from the alternator, increasing the setpoint. 10. The method of claim 8 further comprising, in response to the amount falling below a third threshold and the magnitude falling below a fourth threshold, increasing the setpoint. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined amount is based on an extent to which the amount exceeds the first threshold or the magnitude exceeds the second threshold. 12. A vehicle power system comprising:
an alternator; and a controller configured to selectively alter by a predetermined amount an output voltage setpoint for the alternator in response to a magnitude of electric charge and a rate of change of power output by the alternator crossing respective thresholds during a predetermined time period. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the magnitude and rate of change are indicative of a load being connected with or disconnected from the alternator. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined amount is based on an extent to which the magnitude and rate of change cross the respective thresholds. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined amount is selected from a plurality of predetermined amounts based on the rate of change. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein selectively altering by a predetermined amount an output voltage setpoint includes increasing by the predetermined amount the output voltage setpoint. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein selectively altering by a predetermined amount an output voltage setpoint includes decreasing by the predetermined amount the output voltage setpoint. | A vehicle power system includes a controller that reduces a voltage setpoint of an alternator by a predetermined amount in response to a magnitude of electric charge provided by the alternator during a predetermined time period exceeding a first threshold and a rate of change of power output by the alternator exceeding a second threshold during the time period. The controller also regulates an output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint.1. A vehicle power system comprising:
an alternator; and a controller configured to, in response to a magnitude of electric charge provided by the alternator during a predetermined time period exceeding a first threshold and a rate of change of power output by the alternator exceeding a second threshold during the time period, reduce a voltage setpoint of the alternator by a predetermined amount, and regulate an output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further programmed to initiate the reduction of the setpoint after a delay time that begins with the rate of change exceeding the second threshold. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnitude and rate of change are indicative of a load being coupled with the alternator and wherein the controller is further configured to increase the setpoint in response to the load being disconnected from the alternator. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the predetermined amount is based on a first extent to which the magnitude exceeds the first threshold or a second extent to which the rate of change exceeds the second threshold. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the predetermined amount is selected from a plurality of predetermined amounts based on the rate of change. 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the electric charge is associated with a current flowing through a field coil of the alternator. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the rate of change is based on a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated switch disposed between a field coil of the alternator and an output of the alternator. 8. A method of regulating alternator output voltage comprising:
receiving data indicative of an amount of electric charge provided by an alternator to a load and a magnitude of power output by the alternator; in response to the amount exceeding a first threshold and the magnitude exceeding a second threshold, reducing an output voltage setpoint of the alternator by a predetermined amount; and regulating the output voltage of the alternator based on the setpoint. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising, in response to the load being disconnected from the alternator, increasing the setpoint. 10. The method of claim 8 further comprising, in response to the amount falling below a third threshold and the magnitude falling below a fourth threshold, increasing the setpoint. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the predetermined amount is based on an extent to which the amount exceeds the first threshold or the magnitude exceeds the second threshold. 12. A vehicle power system comprising:
an alternator; and a controller configured to selectively alter by a predetermined amount an output voltage setpoint for the alternator in response to a magnitude of electric charge and a rate of change of power output by the alternator crossing respective thresholds during a predetermined time period. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the magnitude and rate of change are indicative of a load being connected with or disconnected from the alternator. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined amount is based on an extent to which the magnitude and rate of change cross the respective thresholds. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the predetermined amount is selected from a plurality of predetermined amounts based on the rate of change. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein selectively altering by a predetermined amount an output voltage setpoint includes increasing by the predetermined amount the output voltage setpoint. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein selectively altering by a predetermined amount an output voltage setpoint includes decreasing by the predetermined amount the output voltage setpoint. | 2,800 |
11,156 | 11,156 | 13,471,393 | 2,855 | A pressure sensitive keyboard includes multiple pressure sensors associated with the keys of the keyboard. In response to pressure applied to one or more keys of the keyboard, a determination is made as to whether the pressure applied is a key strike (a user selection of a key). Various different factors can be used in determining whether the pressure applied is a key strike, such as the amount of the pressure applied, a rate at which the pressure is applied, a number of keys to which pressure is applied, when the pressure is applied relative to previous key strikes, and so forth. | 1. A method comprising:
obtaining an indication of pressure applied to a key of a pressure sensitive keyboard configured to be physically and communicatively removable from a computing device; and determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to the pressure applied to the key rising to a key press threshold amount. 2. A method as recited in claim 1, the determining comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and no more than a threshold number of keys concurrently being pressed. 3. A method as recited in claim 1, the determining comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and a threshold amount of time having elapsed since the key was previously struck and released. 4. A method as recited in claim 1, the determining comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and a threshold amount of time having elapsed since a different key of the keyboard was previously struck. 5. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is not a key strike in response to the pressure applied to the key not rising to the key press threshold amount. 6. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising repeating the receiving and determining for an indication of pressure applied to an additional key of the keyboard concurrently with the pressure applied to the key of the keyboard. 7. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising providing, via an input device including the keyboard and in response to the determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike, feedback indicating the key that was struck. 8. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining that the key is released in response to the pressure applied to the key dropping to a key release threshold amount only after a de-bouncing amount of time has elapsed. 9. A method as recited in claim 1, the key press threshold amount varying for different keys of the keyboard. 10. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising identifying a particular value for the key press threshold amount for a user as part of a user customization process. 11. A method as recited in claim 10, the identifying comprising receiving a user input specifying the particular value for the user and/or identifying the particular value based on a received user input of particular characters as part of a training process. 12. A method as recited in claim 10, further comprising maintaining the particular value as associated with a computing device account of the user. 13. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining the key press threshold amount based at least in part on a configuration of the computing device, an orientation of the computing device, and/or an application running on the computing device. 14. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining, after determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike and based on the pressure applied to the key, a manner in which a character corresponding to the key is to be presented and/or a manner in which feedback to the user in response to the key strike is to be provided. 15. A method comprising:
obtaining an indication of pressure applied to a key of a keyboard; and determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both (a) the pressure applied to the key rising to a key press threshold amount, and (b) within a particular amount of time of the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount the pressure applied to the key also rising to a selection threshold amount or the pressure applied to the key rising to a threshold rate. 16. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
determining, in response to the pressure applied to the key exceeding a particular amount but not rising to the key press threshold amount, that fingers or hands are resting on the keyboard; and disabling, in response to determining that fingers or hands are resting on the keyboard, one or more additional input components of an input device that includes the keyboard. 17. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
identifying, in response to the pressure applied to the key exceeding a particular amount but not rising to the key press threshold amount on a particular one or more keys of the keyboard, a homing behavior and enabling, in response to identifying the homing behavior, a feedback component to provide haptic feedback in response to the determining that the pressure subsequently applied at least one key of the keyboard is a key strike. 18. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising determining that the key is not struck in response to both the pressure applied to the key not rising to the selection threshold amount within the particular amount of time of the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and the pressure applied to the key not rising to the threshold rate within the particular amount of time of the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount. 19. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising determining that the key is released in response to the pressure applied to the key dropping to a key release threshold amount only after a de-bouncing amount of time has elapsed. 20. A method comprising:
obtaining an indication of pressure applied to a key of a pressure sensitive keyboard; and determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to:
the pressure applied to the key rising to a key press threshold amount;
no more than a threshold number of keys concurrently being pressed;
a first threshold amount of time having elapsed since the key was previously struck and released; and
a second threshold amount of time having elapsed since a different key of the keyboard was previously struck. | A pressure sensitive keyboard includes multiple pressure sensors associated with the keys of the keyboard. In response to pressure applied to one or more keys of the keyboard, a determination is made as to whether the pressure applied is a key strike (a user selection of a key). Various different factors can be used in determining whether the pressure applied is a key strike, such as the amount of the pressure applied, a rate at which the pressure is applied, a number of keys to which pressure is applied, when the pressure is applied relative to previous key strikes, and so forth.1. A method comprising:
obtaining an indication of pressure applied to a key of a pressure sensitive keyboard configured to be physically and communicatively removable from a computing device; and determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to the pressure applied to the key rising to a key press threshold amount. 2. A method as recited in claim 1, the determining comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and no more than a threshold number of keys concurrently being pressed. 3. A method as recited in claim 1, the determining comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and a threshold amount of time having elapsed since the key was previously struck and released. 4. A method as recited in claim 1, the determining comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and a threshold amount of time having elapsed since a different key of the keyboard was previously struck. 5. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining that the pressure applied to the key is not a key strike in response to the pressure applied to the key not rising to the key press threshold amount. 6. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising repeating the receiving and determining for an indication of pressure applied to an additional key of the keyboard concurrently with the pressure applied to the key of the keyboard. 7. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising providing, via an input device including the keyboard and in response to the determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike, feedback indicating the key that was struck. 8. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining that the key is released in response to the pressure applied to the key dropping to a key release threshold amount only after a de-bouncing amount of time has elapsed. 9. A method as recited in claim 1, the key press threshold amount varying for different keys of the keyboard. 10. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising identifying a particular value for the key press threshold amount for a user as part of a user customization process. 11. A method as recited in claim 10, the identifying comprising receiving a user input specifying the particular value for the user and/or identifying the particular value based on a received user input of particular characters as part of a training process. 12. A method as recited in claim 10, further comprising maintaining the particular value as associated with a computing device account of the user. 13. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining the key press threshold amount based at least in part on a configuration of the computing device, an orientation of the computing device, and/or an application running on the computing device. 14. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising determining, after determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike and based on the pressure applied to the key, a manner in which a character corresponding to the key is to be presented and/or a manner in which feedback to the user in response to the key strike is to be provided. 15. A method comprising:
obtaining an indication of pressure applied to a key of a keyboard; and determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to both (a) the pressure applied to the key rising to a key press threshold amount, and (b) within a particular amount of time of the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount the pressure applied to the key also rising to a selection threshold amount or the pressure applied to the key rising to a threshold rate. 16. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
determining, in response to the pressure applied to the key exceeding a particular amount but not rising to the key press threshold amount, that fingers or hands are resting on the keyboard; and disabling, in response to determining that fingers or hands are resting on the keyboard, one or more additional input components of an input device that includes the keyboard. 17. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising:
identifying, in response to the pressure applied to the key exceeding a particular amount but not rising to the key press threshold amount on a particular one or more keys of the keyboard, a homing behavior and enabling, in response to identifying the homing behavior, a feedback component to provide haptic feedback in response to the determining that the pressure subsequently applied at least one key of the keyboard is a key strike. 18. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising determining that the key is not struck in response to both the pressure applied to the key not rising to the selection threshold amount within the particular amount of time of the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount and the pressure applied to the key not rising to the threshold rate within the particular amount of time of the pressure applied to the key rising to the key press threshold amount. 19. A method as recited in claim 15, further comprising determining that the key is released in response to the pressure applied to the key dropping to a key release threshold amount only after a de-bouncing amount of time has elapsed. 20. A method comprising:
obtaining an indication of pressure applied to a key of a pressure sensitive keyboard; and determining that the pressure applied to the key is a key strike in response to:
the pressure applied to the key rising to a key press threshold amount;
no more than a threshold number of keys concurrently being pressed;
a first threshold amount of time having elapsed since the key was previously struck and released; and
a second threshold amount of time having elapsed since a different key of the keyboard was previously struck. | 2,800 |
11,157 | 11,157 | 13,042,857 | 2,864 | A method is disclosed. The method includes analyzing an image of a flush line pattern applied to a print medium to extract print quality information for an ink jet print head. | 1. A printing system comprising:
one or more print engines each having a plurality of ink jet nozzles to print a flush line pattern on a medium; a reader to capture an image of the flush line pattern; and a controller to analyze the image of the flush line pattern to extract print quality information. 2. The printing system of claim 1 wherein the flush line pattern comprises:
a first line formed by non black ink colors implemented at the print engines; and
a second line by black ink 3. The printing system of claim 1 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a tic mark separating the first line and the second line to define corresponding ink jet nozzle locations. 4. The printing system of claim 3 wherein the controller analyzes the image of the flush line pattern by detecting a density and a color change at each component of the flush line pattern corresponding to a ink jet nozzle location. 5. The printing system of claim 4 wherein the controller provides an indication of a defective jet condition at an ink jet nozzle location upon detecting a density or a color change at a component of the flush line pattern corresponding to the ink jet nozzle location. 6. The printing system of claim 3 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a control bar having two or more color components. 7. The printing system of claim 6 wherein the controller analyzes the image of the control bar by measuring the color density information of each color component. 8. The printing system of claim 6 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a second tic mark separating the color bar and the second line. 9. The printing system of claim 1 further comprising a post processing device to remove the flush line pattern. 10. A method comprising:
printing a flush line pattern on a medium; capturing an image of the flush line pattern; and analyzing the image of the flush line pattern to extract print quality information. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
determining whether a defective jet condition has been detected; and
performing an action if a defective jet condition has been detected. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein performing an action comprises at least one of recording an analysis performed, correcting an error responsible for the defective jet condition and halting a corresponding print job. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the flush line pattern comprises:
a first line formed by non black ink colors implemented at the print engines; and
a second line by black ink 14. The method of claim 13 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern comprises measuring color values of the first line and the second line in order to detect a density and a color change. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a control bar having two or more color components. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern comprises measuring the color density information of the two or more color components of the color bar. 17. The method of claim 10 further comprising removing the flush line pattern from the medium. 18. A method comprising analyzing an image of a flush line pattern applied to a print medium to extract print quality information for an ink jet print head. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern comprises measuring color values of the flush line pattern in order to detect a density and a color change. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern further comprises measuring color density information of the flush line pattern. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the measured color density information of the flush line pattern is used to manually or automatically adjust the print engine for constant color density output. | A method is disclosed. The method includes analyzing an image of a flush line pattern applied to a print medium to extract print quality information for an ink jet print head.1. A printing system comprising:
one or more print engines each having a plurality of ink jet nozzles to print a flush line pattern on a medium; a reader to capture an image of the flush line pattern; and a controller to analyze the image of the flush line pattern to extract print quality information. 2. The printing system of claim 1 wherein the flush line pattern comprises:
a first line formed by non black ink colors implemented at the print engines; and
a second line by black ink 3. The printing system of claim 1 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a tic mark separating the first line and the second line to define corresponding ink jet nozzle locations. 4. The printing system of claim 3 wherein the controller analyzes the image of the flush line pattern by detecting a density and a color change at each component of the flush line pattern corresponding to a ink jet nozzle location. 5. The printing system of claim 4 wherein the controller provides an indication of a defective jet condition at an ink jet nozzle location upon detecting a density or a color change at a component of the flush line pattern corresponding to the ink jet nozzle location. 6. The printing system of claim 3 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a control bar having two or more color components. 7. The printing system of claim 6 wherein the controller analyzes the image of the control bar by measuring the color density information of each color component. 8. The printing system of claim 6 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a second tic mark separating the color bar and the second line. 9. The printing system of claim 1 further comprising a post processing device to remove the flush line pattern. 10. A method comprising:
printing a flush line pattern on a medium; capturing an image of the flush line pattern; and analyzing the image of the flush line pattern to extract print quality information. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising:
determining whether a defective jet condition has been detected; and
performing an action if a defective jet condition has been detected. 12. The method of claim 11 wherein performing an action comprises at least one of recording an analysis performed, correcting an error responsible for the defective jet condition and halting a corresponding print job. 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the flush line pattern comprises:
a first line formed by non black ink colors implemented at the print engines; and
a second line by black ink 14. The method of claim 13 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern comprises measuring color values of the first line and the second line in order to detect a density and a color change. 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the flush line pattern further comprises a control bar having two or more color components. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern comprises measuring the color density information of the two or more color components of the color bar. 17. The method of claim 10 further comprising removing the flush line pattern from the medium. 18. A method comprising analyzing an image of a flush line pattern applied to a print medium to extract print quality information for an ink jet print head. 19. The method of claim 18 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern comprises measuring color values of the flush line pattern in order to detect a density and a color change. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein analyzing the image of the flush line pattern further comprises measuring color density information of the flush line pattern. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the measured color density information of the flush line pattern is used to manually or automatically adjust the print engine for constant color density output. | 2,800 |
11,158 | 11,158 | 14,160,706 | 2,825 | A negative bit line write assist system includes an array voltage supply and a static random access memory (SRAM) cell that is coupled to the array voltage supply and controlled by bit lines during a write operation. Additionally, the negative bit line write assist system includes a bit line voltage unit that is coupled to the SRAM cell, wherein a distributed capacitance is controlled by a write assist command to provide generation of a negative bit line voltage during the write operation. A negative bit line write assist method is also provided. | 1. A negative bit line write assist system, comprising:
an array voltage supply; a static random access memory (SRAM) cell that is coupled to the array voltage supply and controlled by bit lines during a write operation; and a bit line voltage unit that is coupled to the SRAM cell, wherein a distributed capacitance is controlled by a write assist command to provide generation of a negative bit line voltage during the write operation. 2. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the distributed capacitance includes an upper metal coupling capacitance. 3. The system as recited in claim 2 wherein the upper metal coupling capacitance includes interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections. 4. The system as recited in claim 3 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers having minimum allowable width or spacing. 5. The system as recited in claim 3 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers of about the same length. 6. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the distributed capacitance includes a fringing capacitance. 7. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the write assist command provides for charging the distributed capacitance to an initial voltage based on a voltage value of the array voltage supply. 8. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the write assist command is initiated within a write enable command time period. 9. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the write assist command is initiated when one of the bit lines reaches a predetermined discharge potential. 10. The system as recited in claim 9 wherein the predetermined discharge potential corresponds to a common or ground potential. 11. A negative bit line write assist method, comprising:
providing an array supply voltage; providing a static random access memory (SRAM) cell coupled to the array supply voltage and controlled by bit lines during a write operation; and generating a negative bit line voltage for the SRAM cell employing a distributed capacitance controlled by a write assist command during the write operation. 12. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the distributed capacitance includes an upper metal coupling capacitance. 13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the upper metal coupling capacitance includes interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections. 14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers having minimum allowable width or spacing. 15. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers of about the same length. 16. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the distributed capacitance includes a fringing capacitance. 17. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the write assist command provides for charging the distributed capacitance to an initial voltage based on the array supply voltage. 18. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the write assist command is initiated within a write enable command time period. 19. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the write assist command is initiated when one of the bit lines reaches a predetermined discharge potential. 20. The method as recited in claim 19 wherein the predetermined discharge potential corresponds to a common or ground potential. | A negative bit line write assist system includes an array voltage supply and a static random access memory (SRAM) cell that is coupled to the array voltage supply and controlled by bit lines during a write operation. Additionally, the negative bit line write assist system includes a bit line voltage unit that is coupled to the SRAM cell, wherein a distributed capacitance is controlled by a write assist command to provide generation of a negative bit line voltage during the write operation. A negative bit line write assist method is also provided.1. A negative bit line write assist system, comprising:
an array voltage supply; a static random access memory (SRAM) cell that is coupled to the array voltage supply and controlled by bit lines during a write operation; and a bit line voltage unit that is coupled to the SRAM cell, wherein a distributed capacitance is controlled by a write assist command to provide generation of a negative bit line voltage during the write operation. 2. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the distributed capacitance includes an upper metal coupling capacitance. 3. The system as recited in claim 2 wherein the upper metal coupling capacitance includes interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections. 4. The system as recited in claim 3 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers having minimum allowable width or spacing. 5. The system as recited in claim 3 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers of about the same length. 6. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the distributed capacitance includes a fringing capacitance. 7. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the write assist command provides for charging the distributed capacitance to an initial voltage based on a voltage value of the array voltage supply. 8. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the write assist command is initiated within a write enable command time period. 9. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the write assist command is initiated when one of the bit lines reaches a predetermined discharge potential. 10. The system as recited in claim 9 wherein the predetermined discharge potential corresponds to a common or ground potential. 11. A negative bit line write assist method, comprising:
providing an array supply voltage; providing a static random access memory (SRAM) cell coupled to the array supply voltage and controlled by bit lines during a write operation; and generating a negative bit line voltage for the SRAM cell employing a distributed capacitance controlled by a write assist command during the write operation. 12. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the distributed capacitance includes an upper metal coupling capacitance. 13. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the upper metal coupling capacitance includes interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections. 14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers having minimum allowable width or spacing. 15. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the interleaved voltage coupling connections and bit line coupling connections include metal fingers of about the same length. 16. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the distributed capacitance includes a fringing capacitance. 17. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the write assist command provides for charging the distributed capacitance to an initial voltage based on the array supply voltage. 18. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the write assist command is initiated within a write enable command time period. 19. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the write assist command is initiated when one of the bit lines reaches a predetermined discharge potential. 20. The method as recited in claim 19 wherein the predetermined discharge potential corresponds to a common or ground potential. | 2,800 |
11,159 | 11,159 | 13,490,315 | 2,865 | A method includes receiving data associated with operation of a high-voltage system, determining a power spectrum associated with the data, and dividing the power spectrum into multiple bands. The method also includes filtering one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands and generating an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. Filtering the interfering signal(s) could include identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands and at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands. The arc detection result can be generated by summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands and applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations. | 1. A method comprising:
receiving data associated with operation of a high-voltage system; determining a power spectrum associated with the data; dividing the power spectrum into multiple bands; filtering one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands; and generating an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein filtering the one or more interfering signals comprises:
identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands; and at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein generating the arc detection result comprises:
summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands to generate a summation for each of the bands; and applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations to generate at least one scaled summation. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein generating the arc detection result further comprises:
generating a total sum of the summations or scaled summations; applying a function to the total sum to generate a function value; and applying at least one correction or compensation to the function value to generate the arc detection result. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein applying the at least one correction or compensation comprises:
applying at least one correction to the function value to compensate for time domain processing of the data; and applying at least one calibration factor to the function value to compensate for device variations. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
applying time domain processing to the data to generate processed data before determining the power spectrum; and transforming the processed data into a frequency domain to generate frequency domain data before determining the power spectrum. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein applying the time domain processing comprises:
identifying a range and an average value of the data; subtracting the average value from the data to generate resulting data; applying a Hanning window to the resulting data to generate windowed data; and dynamically scaling the windowed data based on the range. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the power spectrum comprises:
converting the frequency domain data into the power spectrum. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating a score using multiple arc detection results; and determining that an electrical arc is present when the score exceeds a threshold. 10. An apparatus comprising:
at least one interface configured to receive data associated with operation of a high-voltage system; and at least one processing unit configured to determine a power spectrum associated with the data, divide the power spectrum into multiple bands, filter one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands, and generate an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to filter the one or more interfering signals by:
identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands; and at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to generate the arc detection result by:
summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands to generate a summation for each of the bands; and applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations to generate at least one scaled summation. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to generate the arc detection result further by:
generating a total sum of the summations or scaled summations; applying a function to the total sum to generate a function value; and applying at least one correction or compensation to the function value to generate the arc detection result. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to:
apply time domain processing to the data to generate processed data; and transform the processed data into a frequency domain to generate frequency domain data. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to apply the time domain processing by:
identifying a range and an average value of the data; subtracting the average value from the data to generate resulting data; applying a Hanning window to the resulting data to generate windowed data; and dynamically scaling the windowed data based on the range. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to determine the power spectrum by converting the frequency domain data into the power spectrum. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to:
generate a score using multiple arc detection results; and determine that an electrical arc is present when the score exceeds a threshold. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a computer program, the computer program comprising computer readable program code for:
receiving data associated with operation of a high-voltage system; determining a power spectrum associated with the data; dividing the power spectrum into multiple bands; filtering one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands; and generating an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable program code for filtering the one or more interfering signals and the computer readable program code for generating the arc detection result comprise computer readable program code for:
identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands; at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands; summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands to generate a summation for each of the bands; applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations to generate at least one scaled summation; generating a total sum of the summations or scaled summations; applying a function to the total sum to generate a function value; and applying at least one correction or compensation to the function value to generate the arc detection result. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein:
the computer program further comprises computer readable program code for applying time domain processing to the data to generate processed data, the time domain processing comprising:
identifying a range and an average value of the data;
subtracting the average value from the data to generate resulting data;
applying a Hanning window to the resulting data to generate windowed data; and
dynamically scaling the windowed data based on the range;
the computer program further comprises computer readable program code for transforming the processed data into a frequency domain to generate frequency domain data; and the computer readable program code for determining the power spectrum comprises computer readable program code for converting the frequency domain data into the power spectrum. | A method includes receiving data associated with operation of a high-voltage system, determining a power spectrum associated with the data, and dividing the power spectrum into multiple bands. The method also includes filtering one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands and generating an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. Filtering the interfering signal(s) could include identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands and at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands. The arc detection result can be generated by summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands and applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations.1. A method comprising:
receiving data associated with operation of a high-voltage system; determining a power spectrum associated with the data; dividing the power spectrum into multiple bands; filtering one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands; and generating an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein filtering the one or more interfering signals comprises:
identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands; and at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein generating the arc detection result comprises:
summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands to generate a summation for each of the bands; and applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations to generate at least one scaled summation. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein generating the arc detection result further comprises:
generating a total sum of the summations or scaled summations; applying a function to the total sum to generate a function value; and applying at least one correction or compensation to the function value to generate the arc detection result. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein applying the at least one correction or compensation comprises:
applying at least one correction to the function value to compensate for time domain processing of the data; and applying at least one calibration factor to the function value to compensate for device variations. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
applying time domain processing to the data to generate processed data before determining the power spectrum; and transforming the processed data into a frequency domain to generate frequency domain data before determining the power spectrum. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein applying the time domain processing comprises:
identifying a range and an average value of the data; subtracting the average value from the data to generate resulting data; applying a Hanning window to the resulting data to generate windowed data; and dynamically scaling the windowed data based on the range. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the power spectrum comprises:
converting the frequency domain data into the power spectrum. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating a score using multiple arc detection results; and determining that an electrical arc is present when the score exceeds a threshold. 10. An apparatus comprising:
at least one interface configured to receive data associated with operation of a high-voltage system; and at least one processing unit configured to determine a power spectrum associated with the data, divide the power spectrum into multiple bands, filter one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands, and generate an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to filter the one or more interfering signals by:
identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands; and at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to generate the arc detection result by:
summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands to generate a summation for each of the bands; and applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations to generate at least one scaled summation. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to generate the arc detection result further by:
generating a total sum of the summations or scaled summations; applying a function to the total sum to generate a function value; and applying at least one correction or compensation to the function value to generate the arc detection result. 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to:
apply time domain processing to the data to generate processed data; and transform the processed data into a frequency domain to generate frequency domain data. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to apply the time domain processing by:
identifying a range and an average value of the data; subtracting the average value from the data to generate resulting data; applying a Hanning window to the resulting data to generate windowed data; and dynamically scaling the windowed data based on the range. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one processing unit is configured to determine the power spectrum by converting the frequency domain data into the power spectrum. 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to:
generate a score using multiple arc detection results; and determine that an electrical arc is present when the score exceeds a threshold. 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying a computer program, the computer program comprising computer readable program code for:
receiving data associated with operation of a high-voltage system; determining a power spectrum associated with the data; dividing the power spectrum into multiple bands; filtering one or more interfering signals from the power spectrum within the bands; and generating an arc detection result indicative of whether an electrical arc is present in the high-voltage system using remaining signals within the bands. 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable program code for filtering the one or more interfering signals and the computer readable program code for generating the arc detection result comprise computer readable program code for:
identifying one or more peak values at one or more frequencies in each of the bands; at least partially reducing a magnitude of the power spectrum at each of the one or more frequencies in each of the bands; summing magnitudes of the remaining signals in each of the bands to generate a summation for each of the bands; applying at least one scaling factor to at least one of the summations to generate at least one scaled summation; generating a total sum of the summations or scaled summations; applying a function to the total sum to generate a function value; and applying at least one correction or compensation to the function value to generate the arc detection result. 20. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein:
the computer program further comprises computer readable program code for applying time domain processing to the data to generate processed data, the time domain processing comprising:
identifying a range and an average value of the data;
subtracting the average value from the data to generate resulting data;
applying a Hanning window to the resulting data to generate windowed data; and
dynamically scaling the windowed data based on the range;
the computer program further comprises computer readable program code for transforming the processed data into a frequency domain to generate frequency domain data; and the computer readable program code for determining the power spectrum comprises computer readable program code for converting the frequency domain data into the power spectrum. | 2,800 |
11,160 | 11,160 | 13,825,621 | 2,853 | The invention relates to a device, system and method for producing magnetically induced visual effects in coatings, particularly security or decorative features, containing orientable magnetic particles. The device comprises a printing unit, an orientation means, a substrate-guiding system and a photocuring unit. The printing unit is arranged to print with the coating composition an image on a first side of a substrate. The orientation means comprises a magnetic field generating element for orienting the magnetic particles in the coating composition of the printed image. The substrate-guiding system is arranged to bring and hold the substrate in contact with the orientation means. The photocuring unit irradiates the image printed on the substrate to at least partially cure the coating composition of the image while the substrate is still in contact with the orientation means. The photocuring unit is configured such that its emission of thermal radiation energy is such limited as to not heat the orientation means to an average temperature T 1 exceeding 100° C. | 1. A device for producing a magnetically induced visual effect, the device comprising:
a printing unit arranged to print with a coating composition containing orientable magnetic particles an image on a first side of a substrate; an orientation means comprising at least one magnetic field generating element for orienting the magnetic particles in the coating composition of the printed image; a substrate-guiding system arranged to hold a second side of the substrate in contact with the orientation means; a photocuring unit comprising a radiation source arranged with respect to the orientation means so as to irradiate the image printed on the first side of the substrate to cure the coating composition of the image while the second side of the substrate is still in contact with the said orientation means; characterized in that the photocuring unit is configured such that its emission of thermal radiation energy towards the orientation means is limited such as to not heat the orientation means and its at least one magnetic field generating element to an average temperature (T1) exceeding 100° C. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said photocuring unit is further configured such that its emission of thermal radiation energy towards the orientation means is limited such as to not heat the orientation means and its at least one magnetic field generating element to an average temperature (T1) exceeding 70° C., or more preferably not exceeding 50° C. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the orientation means is a cylindrical body comprising at least one magnetic field generating element. 4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said radiation source is a UV-lamp. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said UV-lamp is a LED UV-lamp. 6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said photocuring unit (102) further comprises at least one first dichroic reflector directing the radiation of the radiation source corresponding to the UV-spectrum wavelengths towards the substrate and at least one second dichroic reflector directing the radiation of the radiation source corresponding to the IR-spectrum wavelengths away from the substrate. 7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said photocuring unit (102) further comprises a waveguide for directing the radiation of radiation source towards the cylindrical body so as to irradiate the image printed on the first side of the substrate, while the second side of the substrate is in contact with the said cylindrical body. 8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate-guiding system comprises a gripper and/or a vacuum system. 9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate-guiding system comprises at least one substrate-guiding piece of equipment selected from the group consisting of a brush, a set of brushes, a roller, a set of rollers, a set of narrow rollers, a belt, a set of belts, a blade, a set of blades, a spring or a set of springs. 10. A system for producing a magnetically induced visual effect, the system comprising:
a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a coating composition containing orientable magnetic particles. 11. A method of producing a magnetically induced visual effect, the method comprising the steps of:
printing with a coating composition containing orientable magnetic particles an image on a first side of a substrate; holding a second side of the substrate in contact with an orientation means generating a magnetic field; orienting the magnetic particles in the coating composition of the printed image by the magnetic field of the orientation means; irradiating the image by a curing unit to cure the coating composition containing the oriented magnetic particles at least partially while the second side of the substrate is still in contact with the cylindrical body; characterized by limiting the emission of thermal radiation energy by the curing unit such as to not heat the orienting means to an average temperature exceeding 100° C. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coating composition containing the oriented magnetic particles is cured completely by irradiating the image by a curing unit while the second side of the substrate is still in contact with the cylindrical body. 13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step of removing the substrate from the orienting means at a time (t2) after the beginning of the irradiation step. 14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the irradiation of the printed image is stopped at a time (t3) anterior or simultaneous to the time (t2) when the substrate is removed from the orienting means. 15. The method according to claim 13 wherein the irradiation of the printed image is stopped at a time (t3) posterior to the time (t2) when the substrate is removed from the orienting means. 16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the magnetically induced image is a security element for protecting a banknote or other document of value or a decorative element to embellish an article. 17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein said coating composition comprises at least one type of orientable magnetic particles being reflective and/or plate-like. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the orientable magnetic particles are optically-variable particles. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said coating composition contains in addition at least one of:
non-colour-shifting magnetic particles;
colourless magnetic particles;
colour-shifting non-magnetic pigment particles;
non-colour-shifting non-magnetic pigment particles;
colourless non-magnetic pigment particles. | The invention relates to a device, system and method for producing magnetically induced visual effects in coatings, particularly security or decorative features, containing orientable magnetic particles. The device comprises a printing unit, an orientation means, a substrate-guiding system and a photocuring unit. The printing unit is arranged to print with the coating composition an image on a first side of a substrate. The orientation means comprises a magnetic field generating element for orienting the magnetic particles in the coating composition of the printed image. The substrate-guiding system is arranged to bring and hold the substrate in contact with the orientation means. The photocuring unit irradiates the image printed on the substrate to at least partially cure the coating composition of the image while the substrate is still in contact with the orientation means. The photocuring unit is configured such that its emission of thermal radiation energy is such limited as to not heat the orientation means to an average temperature T 1 exceeding 100° C.1. A device for producing a magnetically induced visual effect, the device comprising:
a printing unit arranged to print with a coating composition containing orientable magnetic particles an image on a first side of a substrate; an orientation means comprising at least one magnetic field generating element for orienting the magnetic particles in the coating composition of the printed image; a substrate-guiding system arranged to hold a second side of the substrate in contact with the orientation means; a photocuring unit comprising a radiation source arranged with respect to the orientation means so as to irradiate the image printed on the first side of the substrate to cure the coating composition of the image while the second side of the substrate is still in contact with the said orientation means; characterized in that the photocuring unit is configured such that its emission of thermal radiation energy towards the orientation means is limited such as to not heat the orientation means and its at least one magnetic field generating element to an average temperature (T1) exceeding 100° C. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said photocuring unit is further configured such that its emission of thermal radiation energy towards the orientation means is limited such as to not heat the orientation means and its at least one magnetic field generating element to an average temperature (T1) exceeding 70° C., or more preferably not exceeding 50° C. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the orientation means is a cylindrical body comprising at least one magnetic field generating element. 4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said radiation source is a UV-lamp. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said UV-lamp is a LED UV-lamp. 6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said photocuring unit (102) further comprises at least one first dichroic reflector directing the radiation of the radiation source corresponding to the UV-spectrum wavelengths towards the substrate and at least one second dichroic reflector directing the radiation of the radiation source corresponding to the IR-spectrum wavelengths away from the substrate. 7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said photocuring unit (102) further comprises a waveguide for directing the radiation of radiation source towards the cylindrical body so as to irradiate the image printed on the first side of the substrate, while the second side of the substrate is in contact with the said cylindrical body. 8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate-guiding system comprises a gripper and/or a vacuum system. 9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said substrate-guiding system comprises at least one substrate-guiding piece of equipment selected from the group consisting of a brush, a set of brushes, a roller, a set of rollers, a set of narrow rollers, a belt, a set of belts, a blade, a set of blades, a spring or a set of springs. 10. A system for producing a magnetically induced visual effect, the system comprising:
a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and a coating composition containing orientable magnetic particles. 11. A method of producing a magnetically induced visual effect, the method comprising the steps of:
printing with a coating composition containing orientable magnetic particles an image on a first side of a substrate; holding a second side of the substrate in contact with an orientation means generating a magnetic field; orienting the magnetic particles in the coating composition of the printed image by the magnetic field of the orientation means; irradiating the image by a curing unit to cure the coating composition containing the oriented magnetic particles at least partially while the second side of the substrate is still in contact with the cylindrical body; characterized by limiting the emission of thermal radiation energy by the curing unit such as to not heat the orienting means to an average temperature exceeding 100° C. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the coating composition containing the oriented magnetic particles is cured completely by irradiating the image by a curing unit while the second side of the substrate is still in contact with the cylindrical body. 13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the step of removing the substrate from the orienting means at a time (t2) after the beginning of the irradiation step. 14. The method according to claim 13 wherein the irradiation of the printed image is stopped at a time (t3) anterior or simultaneous to the time (t2) when the substrate is removed from the orienting means. 15. The method according to claim 13 wherein the irradiation of the printed image is stopped at a time (t3) posterior to the time (t2) when the substrate is removed from the orienting means. 16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15 wherein the magnetically induced image is a security element for protecting a banknote or other document of value or a decorative element to embellish an article. 17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein said coating composition comprises at least one type of orientable magnetic particles being reflective and/or plate-like. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the orientable magnetic particles are optically-variable particles. 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said coating composition contains in addition at least one of:
non-colour-shifting magnetic particles;
colourless magnetic particles;
colour-shifting non-magnetic pigment particles;
non-colour-shifting non-magnetic pigment particles;
colourless non-magnetic pigment particles. | 2,800 |
11,161 | 11,161 | 15,006,000 | 2,842 | A gate driving circuit includes a plurality of driving stages, wherein an ith (where i is a natural number of 2 or more) driving stage among the plurality of driving stages includes: a output unit outputting an ith output signal including a high voltage generated based on a clock signal in response to a low voltage at a Q-node; a stabilization unit providing the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a switching signal applied to an A-node after the ith output signal is outputted; and an inverter unit outputting the switching signal for controlling the stabilization unit to the A-node. | 1. A gate driving circuit comprising a plurality of driving stages, wherein an ith driving stage of the plurality of driving stages comprises:
an output unit configured to output an ith output signal, the output signal including a high voltage and a low voltage, the high voltage is generated based on a clock signal in response to a voltage of a Q-node; a stabilization unit configured to provide the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a switching signal applied to an A-node after the ith output signal is outputted; and an inverter unit configured to output the switching signal to the A-node for controlling the stabilization unit, the inverter unit comprising:
a first inverter transistor configured to provide the switching signal generated based on the clock signal to the A-node, in response to a voltage of a B-node;
a second inverter transistor configured to control the voltage of the B-node based on the clock signal, in response to the clock signal; and
a third inverter transistor configured to output the low voltage in response to the ith output signal,
wherein the gate driving circuit is turned on in a section where the ith output signal is outputted to deliver an output of the third inverter transistor to the B-node, wherein i is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. 2. The gate driving circuit of claim 1, wherein
the first inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the clock signal, a control electrode connected to the B-node, and an output electrode connected to the A-node; the second inverter transistor comprises an input electrode and a control electrode both configured to commonly receive the clock signal and an output electrode connected to the B-node; the third inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage, a control electrode configured to receive the ith output signal, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the fourth inverter transistor; and the fourth inverter transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the third inverter transistor, a control electrode configured to receive the ith output signal, and an output electrode connected to the B-node. 3. The gate driving circuit of claim 2, wherein the inverter unit further comprises a fifth inverter transistor configured to provide the low voltage to the A-node in response to the ith output signal. 4. The gate driving circuit of claim 3, wherein the fifth inverter transistor comprises:
an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage; a control electrode configured to receive the ith output signal; and an output electrode connected to the A-node. 5. The gate driving circuit of claim 4, wherein the stabilization unit comprises a first stabilization transistor and a second stabilization transistor connected in series to each other and configured to output the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a voltage of the A-node. 6. The gate driving circuit of claim 5, wherein
the first stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the second stabilization transistor, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to the Q-node; and the second stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the first stabilization transistor. 7. The gate driving circuit of claim 6, wherein
the low voltage comprises a first low voltage and a second low voltage, the first low voltage being different from the second low voltage; the ith output signal comprises:
an ith gate signal comprising the first low voltage and the high voltage; and
an ith carry signal comprising the second low voltage and the high voltage; and
the output unit comprises a first output unit configured to output the gate signal, and a second output unit configured to output the ith carry signal. 8. The gate driving circuit of claim 7, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises a control unit configured to control a potential level of the Q-node during a section where i−1th, ith, and i+1th output signals are outputted. 9. The gate driving circuit of claim 8, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises:
a first pull-down unit configured to pull down the gate signal outputted from the first output unit to the first low voltage; and a second pull-down unit configured to pull down the carry signal outputted from the second output unit to the second low voltage. 10. The gate driving circuit of claim 9, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises:
a first holding unit configured to maintain the gate signal as the first low voltage after the gate signal is pulled down to the first low voltage; and a second holding unit configured to maintain the carry signal as the second low voltage after the carry signal is pulled down to the second low voltage. 11. The gate driving circuit of claim 10, wherein a potential level of the second low voltage is less than a potential level of the first low voltage. 12. The gate driving circuit of claim 1, wherein
the first inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the clock signal, a control electrode connected to the B-node, and an output electrode connected to the A-node; the second inverter transistor comprises an input electrode and a control electrode both configured to commonly receive the clock signal and an output electrode connected to the B-node; the third inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the second low voltage, a control electrode configured to receive the output signal, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the fourth inverter transistor; and the fourth inverter transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the third inverter transistor, a control electrode connected to the Q-node, and an output electrode connected to the B-node. 13. The gate driving circuit of claim 12, wherein the inverter unit further comprises a fifth inverter transistor configured to provide the second low voltage to the A-node in response to the output signal. 14. The gate driving circuit of claim 13, wherein the fifth inverter transistor comprises:
an input electrode configured to receive the second low voltage; a control electrode configured to receive the output signal; and an output electrode connected to the A-node. 15. The gate driving circuit of claim 14, wherein the stabilization unit comprises a first stabilization transistor and a second stabilization transistor connected in series to each other, and configured to output the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a voltage of the A-node,
wherein the first stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the second stabilization transistor, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to the Q-node; and the second stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the first stabilization transistor. 16. The gate driving circuit of claim 15, wherein
the low voltage comprises a first low voltage and a second low voltage, the first low voltage being different in level from the second low voltage; the ith output signal comprises:
an ith gate signal comprising the first low voltage and the high voltage; and
an ith carry signal comprising the second low voltage and the high voltage; and
the output unit comprises a first output unit configured to output the gate signal, and a second output unit configured to output the ith carry signal. 17. The gate driving circuit of claim 16, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises:
a control unit configured to control a potential level of the Q-node during a section where i−1th, ith, and i+1th output signals are outputted; a first pull-down unit configured to pull down the gate signal outputted from the first output unit to the first low voltage; a second pull-down unit configured to pull down the carry signal outputted from the second output unit to the second low voltage; a first holding unit configured to maintain the gate signal as the first low voltage after the gate signal is pulled down to the first low voltage; and a second holding unit configured to maintain the carry signal as the second low voltage after the carry signal is pulled down to the second low voltage. 18. The gate driving circuit of claim 17, wherein the second low voltage is less in level than the first low voltage. | A gate driving circuit includes a plurality of driving stages, wherein an ith (where i is a natural number of 2 or more) driving stage among the plurality of driving stages includes: a output unit outputting an ith output signal including a high voltage generated based on a clock signal in response to a low voltage at a Q-node; a stabilization unit providing the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a switching signal applied to an A-node after the ith output signal is outputted; and an inverter unit outputting the switching signal for controlling the stabilization unit to the A-node.1. A gate driving circuit comprising a plurality of driving stages, wherein an ith driving stage of the plurality of driving stages comprises:
an output unit configured to output an ith output signal, the output signal including a high voltage and a low voltage, the high voltage is generated based on a clock signal in response to a voltage of a Q-node; a stabilization unit configured to provide the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a switching signal applied to an A-node after the ith output signal is outputted; and an inverter unit configured to output the switching signal to the A-node for controlling the stabilization unit, the inverter unit comprising:
a first inverter transistor configured to provide the switching signal generated based on the clock signal to the A-node, in response to a voltage of a B-node;
a second inverter transistor configured to control the voltage of the B-node based on the clock signal, in response to the clock signal; and
a third inverter transistor configured to output the low voltage in response to the ith output signal,
wherein the gate driving circuit is turned on in a section where the ith output signal is outputted to deliver an output of the third inverter transistor to the B-node, wherein i is a natural number equal to or greater than 2. 2. The gate driving circuit of claim 1, wherein
the first inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the clock signal, a control electrode connected to the B-node, and an output electrode connected to the A-node; the second inverter transistor comprises an input electrode and a control electrode both configured to commonly receive the clock signal and an output electrode connected to the B-node; the third inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage, a control electrode configured to receive the ith output signal, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the fourth inverter transistor; and the fourth inverter transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the third inverter transistor, a control electrode configured to receive the ith output signal, and an output electrode connected to the B-node. 3. The gate driving circuit of claim 2, wherein the inverter unit further comprises a fifth inverter transistor configured to provide the low voltage to the A-node in response to the ith output signal. 4. The gate driving circuit of claim 3, wherein the fifth inverter transistor comprises:
an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage; a control electrode configured to receive the ith output signal; and an output electrode connected to the A-node. 5. The gate driving circuit of claim 4, wherein the stabilization unit comprises a first stabilization transistor and a second stabilization transistor connected in series to each other and configured to output the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a voltage of the A-node. 6. The gate driving circuit of claim 5, wherein
the first stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the second stabilization transistor, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to the Q-node; and the second stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the first stabilization transistor. 7. The gate driving circuit of claim 6, wherein
the low voltage comprises a first low voltage and a second low voltage, the first low voltage being different from the second low voltage; the ith output signal comprises:
an ith gate signal comprising the first low voltage and the high voltage; and
an ith carry signal comprising the second low voltage and the high voltage; and
the output unit comprises a first output unit configured to output the gate signal, and a second output unit configured to output the ith carry signal. 8. The gate driving circuit of claim 7, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises a control unit configured to control a potential level of the Q-node during a section where i−1th, ith, and i+1th output signals are outputted. 9. The gate driving circuit of claim 8, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises:
a first pull-down unit configured to pull down the gate signal outputted from the first output unit to the first low voltage; and a second pull-down unit configured to pull down the carry signal outputted from the second output unit to the second low voltage. 10. The gate driving circuit of claim 9, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises:
a first holding unit configured to maintain the gate signal as the first low voltage after the gate signal is pulled down to the first low voltage; and a second holding unit configured to maintain the carry signal as the second low voltage after the carry signal is pulled down to the second low voltage. 11. The gate driving circuit of claim 10, wherein a potential level of the second low voltage is less than a potential level of the first low voltage. 12. The gate driving circuit of claim 1, wherein
the first inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the clock signal, a control electrode connected to the B-node, and an output electrode connected to the A-node; the second inverter transistor comprises an input electrode and a control electrode both configured to commonly receive the clock signal and an output electrode connected to the B-node; the third inverter transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the second low voltage, a control electrode configured to receive the output signal, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the fourth inverter transistor; and the fourth inverter transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the third inverter transistor, a control electrode connected to the Q-node, and an output electrode connected to the B-node. 13. The gate driving circuit of claim 12, wherein the inverter unit further comprises a fifth inverter transistor configured to provide the second low voltage to the A-node in response to the output signal. 14. The gate driving circuit of claim 13, wherein the fifth inverter transistor comprises:
an input electrode configured to receive the second low voltage; a control electrode configured to receive the output signal; and an output electrode connected to the A-node. 15. The gate driving circuit of claim 14, wherein the stabilization unit comprises a first stabilization transistor and a second stabilization transistor connected in series to each other, and configured to output the low voltage to the Q-node in response to a voltage of the A-node,
wherein the first stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode connected to an output electrode of the second stabilization transistor, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to the Q-node; and the second stabilization transistor comprises an input electrode configured to receive the low voltage, a control electrode connected to the A-node, and an output electrode connected to an input electrode of the first stabilization transistor. 16. The gate driving circuit of claim 15, wherein
the low voltage comprises a first low voltage and a second low voltage, the first low voltage being different in level from the second low voltage; the ith output signal comprises:
an ith gate signal comprising the first low voltage and the high voltage; and
an ith carry signal comprising the second low voltage and the high voltage; and
the output unit comprises a first output unit configured to output the gate signal, and a second output unit configured to output the ith carry signal. 17. The gate driving circuit of claim 16, wherein the ith driving stage further comprises:
a control unit configured to control a potential level of the Q-node during a section where i−1th, ith, and i+1th output signals are outputted; a first pull-down unit configured to pull down the gate signal outputted from the first output unit to the first low voltage; a second pull-down unit configured to pull down the carry signal outputted from the second output unit to the second low voltage; a first holding unit configured to maintain the gate signal as the first low voltage after the gate signal is pulled down to the first low voltage; and a second holding unit configured to maintain the carry signal as the second low voltage after the carry signal is pulled down to the second low voltage. 18. The gate driving circuit of claim 17, wherein the second low voltage is less in level than the first low voltage. | 2,800 |
11,162 | 11,162 | 14,268,000 | 2,859 | A vehicle includes a battery and a charge plate electrically connected with the battery. The vehicle also includes a control system that causes an association signal to be repeatedly transmitted during a battery charge procedure to maintain charging of the battery via the charge plate, and in response to an object being detected in the vicinity or predicted to enter the vicinity of the charge plate, causes the transmission of the association signal to be interrupted to stop charging of the battery. | 1. A vehicle comprising:
a battery; a charge plate electrically connected with the battery; and at least one controller programmed to repeatedly transmit an association signal for a charge station during a battery charge procedure such that charging of the battery via the charge plate is maintained, and in response to an object entering a vicinity of the charge plate, interrupt transmission of the association signal to stop the charging. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to interrupt transmission of the association signal before the object enters the vicinity based on a predicted trajectory of the object. 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to interrupt transmission of the association signal based on a classification of the object. 4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the classification defines a sensitivity of the object to energy associated with an electromagnetic field emanating from the charge plate. 5. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the classification is based on a change in temperature of the object when in the vicinity. 6. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the predicted trajectory is based on wind or ground slope near the vicinity. 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the charging is performed when the vehicle is on a roadway. 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to, in response to the object entering the vicinity, transmit a signal to de-energize the charge plate. 9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to, in response to the object entering the vicinity, generate an alert. 10. A vehicle comprising:
a battery; a charge plate electrically connected with the battery; and at least one controller programmed to transmit an association signal to a charge system such that the charge system provides energy for the battery via the charge plate, and to transmit a halt signal in response to an object entering a vicinity of the charge plate such that the charge system stops providing energy for the battery via the charge plate. 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to transmit the halt signal before the object enters the vicinity based on a predicted trajectory of the object. 12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to output a clearance signal in response to the object exiting the vicinity such that the charge system resumes providing energy for the battery via the charge plate. 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to resume transmission of the association signal after outputting the clearance signal such that the charge system resumes providing energy for the battery via the charge plate. 14. A method for charging a vehicle battery comprising:
transmitting an association signal to a charge system such that the charge system provides energy for the battery via a charge plate; outputting a detection signal in response to an object being detected within or predicted to enter a vicinity of the charge plate such that the charge system stops providing the energy; and outputting a clearance signal after the detection signal in response to the object exiting the vicinity such that the charge system resumes providing the energy. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the vicinity of the charge plate is defined by a perimeter of the charge plate. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the prediction is based on wind or ground slope near the vicinity. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the detection signal includes data indicative of a sensitivity of the object to the energy. | A vehicle includes a battery and a charge plate electrically connected with the battery. The vehicle also includes a control system that causes an association signal to be repeatedly transmitted during a battery charge procedure to maintain charging of the battery via the charge plate, and in response to an object being detected in the vicinity or predicted to enter the vicinity of the charge plate, causes the transmission of the association signal to be interrupted to stop charging of the battery.1. A vehicle comprising:
a battery; a charge plate electrically connected with the battery; and at least one controller programmed to repeatedly transmit an association signal for a charge station during a battery charge procedure such that charging of the battery via the charge plate is maintained, and in response to an object entering a vicinity of the charge plate, interrupt transmission of the association signal to stop the charging. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to interrupt transmission of the association signal before the object enters the vicinity based on a predicted trajectory of the object. 3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to interrupt transmission of the association signal based on a classification of the object. 4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the classification defines a sensitivity of the object to energy associated with an electromagnetic field emanating from the charge plate. 5. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein the classification is based on a change in temperature of the object when in the vicinity. 6. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the predicted trajectory is based on wind or ground slope near the vicinity. 7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the charging is performed when the vehicle is on a roadway. 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to, in response to the object entering the vicinity, transmit a signal to de-energize the charge plate. 9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to, in response to the object entering the vicinity, generate an alert. 10. A vehicle comprising:
a battery; a charge plate electrically connected with the battery; and at least one controller programmed to transmit an association signal to a charge system such that the charge system provides energy for the battery via the charge plate, and to transmit a halt signal in response to an object entering a vicinity of the charge plate such that the charge system stops providing energy for the battery via the charge plate. 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to transmit the halt signal before the object enters the vicinity based on a predicted trajectory of the object. 12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to output a clearance signal in response to the object exiting the vicinity such that the charge system resumes providing energy for the battery via the charge plate. 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to resume transmission of the association signal after outputting the clearance signal such that the charge system resumes providing energy for the battery via the charge plate. 14. A method for charging a vehicle battery comprising:
transmitting an association signal to a charge system such that the charge system provides energy for the battery via a charge plate; outputting a detection signal in response to an object being detected within or predicted to enter a vicinity of the charge plate such that the charge system stops providing the energy; and outputting a clearance signal after the detection signal in response to the object exiting the vicinity such that the charge system resumes providing the energy. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the vicinity of the charge plate is defined by a perimeter of the charge plate. 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the prediction is based on wind or ground slope near the vicinity. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the detection signal includes data indicative of a sensitivity of the object to the energy. | 2,800 |
11,163 | 11,163 | 14,292,487 | 2,896 | Disclosed herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for seismic data processing. The method may receive seismic data for a region of interest. The seismic data may be acquired in a seismic survey. The method may determine an exclusion criterion. The exclusion criterion may provide rules for selecting shot points in the acquired seismic data. The method may determine sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based on the exclusion criterion and the acquired seismic data. The method may determine simulated seismic data based on the earth model and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data. The method may determine an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data. The method may update the earth model using the objective function. | 1. A method for seismic data processing, comprising:
receiving seismic data for a region of interest, wherein the seismic data were acquired in a seismic survey; determining at least one exclusion criterion that provides one or more rules for selecting shot points in the acquired seismic data; determining sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based at least in part on the at least one exclusion criterion and the acquired seismic data; determining simulated seismic data based at least in part on an earth model for the region of interest and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data; determining an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data; and updating the earth model based at least in part on the objective function. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the earth model comprises:
determining a gradient of the objective function; updating the gradient of the objective function; and updating the earth model using the updated gradient. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein updating the earth model further comprises iteratively updating the earth model and the gradient of the objective function until the objective function satisfies predetermined stopping criteria or converges. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein updating the gradient of the objective function comprises smoothing the gradient of the objective function. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one exclusion criterion comprises an exclusion radius that provides a predetermined minimum distance between shot points in the sparse seismic data. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the exclusion radius is based on reducing the acquired seismic data down to a predetermined size. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the exclusion radius is based on selecting a predetermined sampling frequency of shot points to produce a non-aliased seismic dataset. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one exclusion criterion comprises dividing the acquired seismic data into a grid of seismic data cells. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the sparse seismic data comprises selecting a single shot point in a respective seismic data cell in the grid. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the sparse seismic data comprises selecting shot points in a manner that would prevent aliasing in the sparse seismic data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the simulated seismic data is determined by performing a computer simulation of a seismic survey using the shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data with the earth model. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the updated earth model to facilitate hydrocarbon exploration or production. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the earth model comprises one or more of the following elastic properties:
density; P-velocity (Vp); S-velocity (Vs); acoustic impedance; shear impedance; Poisson's ratio; elastic stiffness; elastic compliances; or a combination thereof. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the earth model comprises using a search direction and a step size found by a line search method to update elastic property values in the earth model. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:
receive seismic data for a region of interest, wherein the seismic data were acquired in a seismic survey; determine an exclusion radius that provides a predetermined minimum distance between sampled shot points in the acquired seismic data; determine sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based on the exclusion radius and the acquired seismic data; determine simulated seismic data based at least in part on an earth model for the region of interest and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data; determine an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data; update the earth model based on the objective function; and use the updated earth model to facilitate hydrocarbon exploration or production. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to update the earth model comprises computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to:
determine a gradient of the objective function; and iteratively update the earth model and the gradient of the objective function until the objective function satisfies one or more predetermined stopping criteria or converges. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the exclusion radius is determined based on reducing the acquired seismic data down to a predetermined size. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the exclusion radius is determined based on selecting a predetermined sampling frequency of shot points to produce a non-aliased seismic dataset. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to determine the sparse seismic data using statistical sampling comprises computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to select shot points in a manner that would prevent aliasing in the sparse seismic data. 20. A method, comprising:
receiving survey data for a multi-dimensional region of interest, wherein the survey data were acquired in an imaging procedure; determining at least one exclusion criterion that provides one or more rules for selecting survey points in the acquired survey data; determining sparse survey data using statistical sampling based on the at least one exclusion criterion and the acquired survey data; determining simulated survey data based at least in part on a model for the multi-dimensional region of interest and survey points corresponding to the sparse survey data; determining an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse survey data and the simulated survey data; and updating the model for the multi-dimensional region of interest using the objective function. | Disclosed herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for seismic data processing. The method may receive seismic data for a region of interest. The seismic data may be acquired in a seismic survey. The method may determine an exclusion criterion. The exclusion criterion may provide rules for selecting shot points in the acquired seismic data. The method may determine sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based on the exclusion criterion and the acquired seismic data. The method may determine simulated seismic data based on the earth model and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data. The method may determine an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data. The method may update the earth model using the objective function.1. A method for seismic data processing, comprising:
receiving seismic data for a region of interest, wherein the seismic data were acquired in a seismic survey; determining at least one exclusion criterion that provides one or more rules for selecting shot points in the acquired seismic data; determining sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based at least in part on the at least one exclusion criterion and the acquired seismic data; determining simulated seismic data based at least in part on an earth model for the region of interest and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data; determining an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data; and updating the earth model based at least in part on the objective function. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the earth model comprises:
determining a gradient of the objective function; updating the gradient of the objective function; and updating the earth model using the updated gradient. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein updating the earth model further comprises iteratively updating the earth model and the gradient of the objective function until the objective function satisfies predetermined stopping criteria or converges. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein updating the gradient of the objective function comprises smoothing the gradient of the objective function. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one exclusion criterion comprises an exclusion radius that provides a predetermined minimum distance between shot points in the sparse seismic data. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the exclusion radius is based on reducing the acquired seismic data down to a predetermined size. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the exclusion radius is based on selecting a predetermined sampling frequency of shot points to produce a non-aliased seismic dataset. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one exclusion criterion comprises dividing the acquired seismic data into a grid of seismic data cells. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the sparse seismic data comprises selecting a single shot point in a respective seismic data cell in the grid. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the sparse seismic data comprises selecting shot points in a manner that would prevent aliasing in the sparse seismic data. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the simulated seismic data is determined by performing a computer simulation of a seismic survey using the shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data with the earth model. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising using the updated earth model to facilitate hydrocarbon exploration or production. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the earth model comprises one or more of the following elastic properties:
density; P-velocity (Vp); S-velocity (Vs); acoustic impedance; shear impedance; Poisson's ratio; elastic stiffness; elastic compliances; or a combination thereof. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein updating the earth model comprises using a search direction and a step size found by a line search method to update elastic property values in the earth model. 15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:
receive seismic data for a region of interest, wherein the seismic data were acquired in a seismic survey; determine an exclusion radius that provides a predetermined minimum distance between sampled shot points in the acquired seismic data; determine sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based on the exclusion radius and the acquired seismic data; determine simulated seismic data based at least in part on an earth model for the region of interest and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data; determine an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data; update the earth model based on the objective function; and use the updated earth model to facilitate hydrocarbon exploration or production. 16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to update the earth model comprises computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to:
determine a gradient of the objective function; and iteratively update the earth model and the gradient of the objective function until the objective function satisfies one or more predetermined stopping criteria or converges. 17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the exclusion radius is determined based on reducing the acquired seismic data down to a predetermined size. 18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the exclusion radius is determined based on selecting a predetermined sampling frequency of shot points to produce a non-aliased seismic dataset. 19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to determine the sparse seismic data using statistical sampling comprises computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the computer, cause the computer to select shot points in a manner that would prevent aliasing in the sparse seismic data. 20. A method, comprising:
receiving survey data for a multi-dimensional region of interest, wherein the survey data were acquired in an imaging procedure; determining at least one exclusion criterion that provides one or more rules for selecting survey points in the acquired survey data; determining sparse survey data using statistical sampling based on the at least one exclusion criterion and the acquired survey data; determining simulated survey data based at least in part on a model for the multi-dimensional region of interest and survey points corresponding to the sparse survey data; determining an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse survey data and the simulated survey data; and updating the model for the multi-dimensional region of interest using the objective function. | 2,800 |
11,164 | 11,164 | 15,140,539 | 2,833 | A barrier includes a cover and an attachment apparatus and is usable with an electrical interruption device. The attachment apparatus includes a number of attachment structures that are situated on the cover and that are each structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing of the electrical interruption device and a number of terminal assemblies of the electrical interruption device. The cover is configured to overlie at least a portion of the electrical interruption device and to resist the entry of a probe of known dimensions into electrical contact with components that are electrified even when the electrical interruption device is in an OFF condition. | 1. A barrier that is structured to be used with an electrical interruption device having a housing and further having a number of terminal assemblies that are situated on the housing, the number of terminal assemblies being electrically conductive and being electrically connected with a number of line conductors, the barrier being structured to resist access to the number of terminal assemblies by a probe of predetermined dimensions, the barrier comprising:
a cover comprising a first cover portion and a second cover portion connected together, the cover being structured to limit access by the probe to the number of terminal assemblies; the first cover portion being plate-like and having a number of openings formed therein that are structured to receive therein the number of line conductors; the second cover portion being plate-like and being structured to overlie the number of terminal assemblies and having formed therein a number of access ports that are structured to receive therein a tool that is cooperable with the number of terminal assemblies to facilitate connection and disconnection of the number of line conductors; the cover further comprising a pair of lateral cover portions, each of which is plate-like and is situated on an edge of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion and that extends from and along the edge to another edge of the other of the first cover, portion and the second cover portion; and an attachment apparatus comprising a number of attachment structures that are situated on the cover and that are each structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing and at least a first terminal assembly of the number of terminal assemblies to retain the barrier on the electrical interruption device. 2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the number of attachment structures comprise an attachment structure having a tab situated on the cover and a retainer that is situated on the tab at a location thereon spaced from the cover and that is structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly to retain the barrier on the electrical interruption device. 3. The barrier of claim 2 wherein the number of attachment structures further comprise another attachment structure having another tab and another retainer, the retainer protruding in a direction away from the tab, the another retainer protruding in another direction away from the another tab, the direction and another directions being away from one another. 4. The barrier of claim 3 wherein the tab and the another tab are situated on a surface of the cover that is structured to face generally toward the electrical interruption device, and wherein the cover further comprises a lug that is disposed adjacent one of the tab and the another tab but that is situated on another surface of the cover that is structured to face generally away from the electrical interruption device, the lug and the one of the tab and the another tab extending away from the cover in generally opposite directions, the lug being manually engageable to deform to cover to cause disengagement of the one of the tab and the another tab from the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 5. The barrier of claim 3 wherein the tab and the another tab are both situated on one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion, and wherein the one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion has a number of receptacles formed therein that are structured to receive a device that is engageable with at least one of the attachment structure and the another attachment structure to cause the at least one of the attachment structure and the another attachment structure to become disengaged from the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 6. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the cover has formed therein a number of ventilation apertures that are structured to permit convective air flow therethrough to facilitate convective cooling. 7. (canceled) 8. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the pair of lateral cover portions each extend along the edge to a location situated adjacent the another edge but are each disconnected from the other of the first cover portion and the second cover portion at the location. 9. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a number of alignment structures that are situated on a surface of the cover that is structured to face generally toward the electrical interruption device, at least a first alignment structure of the number of alignment structures being structured to be received in a first direction into a notch formed in the housing. 10. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a number of lids that overlie the number of access ports and a number of living hinges that extend between the number of lids and the second cover portion to movably connect the number of lids with the second cover portion. 11. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the number of attachment structures comprise a first attachment structure and a second attachment structure, the first attachment structure having a first retainer and a first ramped insertion surface, the second attachment structure having a second retainer and a second ramped insertion surface, the first and second ramped insertion surfaces being structured to engage the electrical interruption device during installation of the barrier on the electrical interruption device to facilitate engagement of the first and second retainers with the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 12. The barrier of claim 11 wherein the first retainer is a first ledge that is structured to be engaged with the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly, and wherein the second retainer is a second ledge that is structured to be engaged with the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 13. The barrier of claim 12 wherein at least one of:
the first ledge is situated adjacent the first ramped insertion surface; and
the second ledge is situated adjacent the second ramped insertion surface. 14. The barrier of claim 12 wherein the first attachment structure is situated on the first cover portion, and wherein the second attachment structure is situated on the second cover portion, and wherein the first and second ledges together face generally toward one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion. 15. The barrier of claim 14 wherein the second cover portion is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first cover portion. 16. The barrier of claim 15 wherein the pair of lateral cover portions each extend along the edge to a location situated adjacent the another edge but are each disconnected from the other of the first cover portion and the second cover portion at the location. 17. The barrier of claim 16 wherein the pair of lateral cover portions are each oriented substantially parallel with one another while being oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second cover portions. 18. The barrier of claim 12 wherein one of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure is an elongated tab that is situated on and extends away from one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion and has formed therein a hole, a portion of the tab adjacent the hole being at least one of the first retainer and the second retainer. | A barrier includes a cover and an attachment apparatus and is usable with an electrical interruption device. The attachment apparatus includes a number of attachment structures that are situated on the cover and that are each structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing of the electrical interruption device and a number of terminal assemblies of the electrical interruption device. The cover is configured to overlie at least a portion of the electrical interruption device and to resist the entry of a probe of known dimensions into electrical contact with components that are electrified even when the electrical interruption device is in an OFF condition.1. A barrier that is structured to be used with an electrical interruption device having a housing and further having a number of terminal assemblies that are situated on the housing, the number of terminal assemblies being electrically conductive and being electrically connected with a number of line conductors, the barrier being structured to resist access to the number of terminal assemblies by a probe of predetermined dimensions, the barrier comprising:
a cover comprising a first cover portion and a second cover portion connected together, the cover being structured to limit access by the probe to the number of terminal assemblies; the first cover portion being plate-like and having a number of openings formed therein that are structured to receive therein the number of line conductors; the second cover portion being plate-like and being structured to overlie the number of terminal assemblies and having formed therein a number of access ports that are structured to receive therein a tool that is cooperable with the number of terminal assemblies to facilitate connection and disconnection of the number of line conductors; the cover further comprising a pair of lateral cover portions, each of which is plate-like and is situated on an edge of at least one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion and that extends from and along the edge to another edge of the other of the first cover, portion and the second cover portion; and an attachment apparatus comprising a number of attachment structures that are situated on the cover and that are each structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing and at least a first terminal assembly of the number of terminal assemblies to retain the barrier on the electrical interruption device. 2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the number of attachment structures comprise an attachment structure having a tab situated on the cover and a retainer that is situated on the tab at a location thereon spaced from the cover and that is structured to be engaged with at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly to retain the barrier on the electrical interruption device. 3. The barrier of claim 2 wherein the number of attachment structures further comprise another attachment structure having another tab and another retainer, the retainer protruding in a direction away from the tab, the another retainer protruding in another direction away from the another tab, the direction and another directions being away from one another. 4. The barrier of claim 3 wherein the tab and the another tab are situated on a surface of the cover that is structured to face generally toward the electrical interruption device, and wherein the cover further comprises a lug that is disposed adjacent one of the tab and the another tab but that is situated on another surface of the cover that is structured to face generally away from the electrical interruption device, the lug and the one of the tab and the another tab extending away from the cover in generally opposite directions, the lug being manually engageable to deform to cover to cause disengagement of the one of the tab and the another tab from the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 5. The barrier of claim 3 wherein the tab and the another tab are both situated on one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion, and wherein the one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion has a number of receptacles formed therein that are structured to receive a device that is engageable with at least one of the attachment structure and the another attachment structure to cause the at least one of the attachment structure and the another attachment structure to become disengaged from the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 6. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the cover has formed therein a number of ventilation apertures that are structured to permit convective air flow therethrough to facilitate convective cooling. 7. (canceled) 8. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the pair of lateral cover portions each extend along the edge to a location situated adjacent the another edge but are each disconnected from the other of the first cover portion and the second cover portion at the location. 9. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a number of alignment structures that are situated on a surface of the cover that is structured to face generally toward the electrical interruption device, at least a first alignment structure of the number of alignment structures being structured to be received in a first direction into a notch formed in the housing. 10. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a number of lids that overlie the number of access ports and a number of living hinges that extend between the number of lids and the second cover portion to movably connect the number of lids with the second cover portion. 11. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the number of attachment structures comprise a first attachment structure and a second attachment structure, the first attachment structure having a first retainer and a first ramped insertion surface, the second attachment structure having a second retainer and a second ramped insertion surface, the first and second ramped insertion surfaces being structured to engage the electrical interruption device during installation of the barrier on the electrical interruption device to facilitate engagement of the first and second retainers with the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 12. The barrier of claim 11 wherein the first retainer is a first ledge that is structured to be engaged with the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly, and wherein the second retainer is a second ledge that is structured to be engaged with the at least one of the housing and the at least first terminal assembly. 13. The barrier of claim 12 wherein at least one of:
the first ledge is situated adjacent the first ramped insertion surface; and
the second ledge is situated adjacent the second ramped insertion surface. 14. The barrier of claim 12 wherein the first attachment structure is situated on the first cover portion, and wherein the second attachment structure is situated on the second cover portion, and wherein the first and second ledges together face generally toward one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion. 15. The barrier of claim 14 wherein the second cover portion is oriented substantially perpendicular to the first cover portion. 16. The barrier of claim 15 wherein the pair of lateral cover portions each extend along the edge to a location situated adjacent the another edge but are each disconnected from the other of the first cover portion and the second cover portion at the location. 17. The barrier of claim 16 wherein the pair of lateral cover portions are each oriented substantially parallel with one another while being oriented substantially perpendicular to the first and second cover portions. 18. The barrier of claim 12 wherein one of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure is an elongated tab that is situated on and extends away from one of the first cover portion and the second cover portion and has formed therein a hole, a portion of the tab adjacent the hole being at least one of the first retainer and the second retainer. | 2,800 |
11,165 | 11,165 | 14,755,523 | 2,859 | A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is angled relative to the second surface. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing, a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, and a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The first charging port configured to support the first battery pack, and the second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack. The battery charger further includes an indicator light associated with the first charging port. The indicator light includes a lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface. | 1. A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack, the battery charger comprising:
a housing having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being connected at an oblique angle to the second surface; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the first charging port configured to support the first battery pack; a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the second charging port configured to support the second battery pack; and an indicator light associated with the first charging port, the indicator light including a lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface. 2. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack. 3. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at a first speed when charging of the first battery pack connected to the first charging port is pending, and wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at a second speed that is different than the first speed when the first charging port detects a fault in the first battery pack. 4. The battery charger of claim 3, wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at the second speed when a temperature of the first battery pack connected to the first charging port is outside of a predetermined range. 5. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port includes a first connecting structure and the second charging port includes a second connecting structure that is different than the first connecting structure. 6. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port is configured to support and charge a battery pack having a first voltage, and wherein the second charging port is configured to support and charge a battery pack having a second voltage that is different than the first voltage. 7. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the indicator light is a first indicator light, and further comprising a second indicator light associated with the second charging port, the second indicator light including a second lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface. 8. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port defines a first connection axis along which the first battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit, and wherein the second surface is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the first connection axis. 9. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a bottom surface for supporting the battery charger, and wherein the second surface is oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom surface. 10. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port is positioned on the first surface. 11. A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack, the battery charger comprising:
a housing having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the first surface and the second surface being connected together at a first oblique angle, the second surface and the third surface being connected together at a second oblique angle; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the first charging port configured to support the first battery pack; a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the second charging port configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack; a first indicator light associated with the first charging port, the first indicator light including a first lens that extends over a portion of the second surface and a portion of the third surface; and a second indicator light associated with the second charging port, the second indicator light including a second lens that extends over a portion of the second surface and a portion of the third surface. 12. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the first charging port is positioned on the first surface, and the second charging port is positioned on the second surface. 13. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the first indicator light is operable to blink at a first speed when charging of the first battery pack connected to the first charging port is pending, and wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at a second speed that is different than the first speed when the first charging port detects a fault in the first battery pack. 14. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the second surface is positioned between the first surface and the third surface. 15. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the housing further includes a bottom surface to support the battery charger, wherein the first surface and the second surface from a top of the battery charger, and wherein the third surface is a side surface of the battery charger. 16. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the housing defines a width of the housing, and wherein the first indicator light and the second indicator light are offset from a centerline of the width of the housing. 17. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the second surface of the housing defines a plurality of vents. 18. The battery charger of claim 17, wherein the plurality of vents are positioned adjacent to the first surface. 19. The battery charger of claim 17, wherein the plurality of vents remains uncovered when both the first charging port supports the first battery pack and the second charging port supports the second battery pack. 20. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the first charging port includes a first connecting structure and the second charging port includes a second connecting structure that is different than the first connecting structure. | A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is angled relative to the second surface. The battery charger also includes a charging circuit positioned within the housing, a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, and a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit. The first charging port configured to support the first battery pack, and the second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack. The battery charger further includes an indicator light associated with the first charging port. The indicator light includes a lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface.1. A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack, the battery charger comprising:
a housing having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being connected at an oblique angle to the second surface; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the first charging port configured to support the first battery pack; a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the second charging port configured to support the second battery pack; and an indicator light associated with the first charging port, the indicator light including a lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface. 2. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the second charging port is configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack. 3. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at a first speed when charging of the first battery pack connected to the first charging port is pending, and wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at a second speed that is different than the first speed when the first charging port detects a fault in the first battery pack. 4. The battery charger of claim 3, wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at the second speed when a temperature of the first battery pack connected to the first charging port is outside of a predetermined range. 5. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port includes a first connecting structure and the second charging port includes a second connecting structure that is different than the first connecting structure. 6. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port is configured to support and charge a battery pack having a first voltage, and wherein the second charging port is configured to support and charge a battery pack having a second voltage that is different than the first voltage. 7. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the indicator light is a first indicator light, and further comprising a second indicator light associated with the second charging port, the second indicator light including a second lens that extends over a portion of the first surface and a portion of the second surface. 8. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port defines a first connection axis along which the first battery pack is movable to connect with the charging circuit, and wherein the second surface is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the first connection axis. 9. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a bottom surface for supporting the battery charger, and wherein the second surface is oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom surface. 10. The battery charger of claim 1, wherein the first charging port is positioned on the first surface. 11. A battery charger for charging a first battery pack and a second battery pack, the battery charger comprising:
a housing having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, the first surface and the second surface being connected together at a first oblique angle, the second surface and the third surface being connected together at a second oblique angle; a charging circuit positioned within the housing; a first charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the first charging port configured to support the first battery pack; a second charging port coupled to the housing and electrically coupled to the charging circuit, the second charging port configured to support the second battery pack while the first charging port supports the first battery pack; a first indicator light associated with the first charging port, the first indicator light including a first lens that extends over a portion of the second surface and a portion of the third surface; and a second indicator light associated with the second charging port, the second indicator light including a second lens that extends over a portion of the second surface and a portion of the third surface. 12. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the first charging port is positioned on the first surface, and the second charging port is positioned on the second surface. 13. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the first indicator light is operable to blink at a first speed when charging of the first battery pack connected to the first charging port is pending, and wherein the indicator light is operable to blink at a second speed that is different than the first speed when the first charging port detects a fault in the first battery pack. 14. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the second surface is positioned between the first surface and the third surface. 15. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the housing further includes a bottom surface to support the battery charger, wherein the first surface and the second surface from a top of the battery charger, and wherein the third surface is a side surface of the battery charger. 16. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the housing defines a width of the housing, and wherein the first indicator light and the second indicator light are offset from a centerline of the width of the housing. 17. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the second surface of the housing defines a plurality of vents. 18. The battery charger of claim 17, wherein the plurality of vents are positioned adjacent to the first surface. 19. The battery charger of claim 17, wherein the plurality of vents remains uncovered when both the first charging port supports the first battery pack and the second charging port supports the second battery pack. 20. The battery charger of claim 11, wherein the first charging port includes a first connecting structure and the second charging port includes a second connecting structure that is different than the first connecting structure. | 2,800 |
11,166 | 11,166 | 14,585,675 | 2,862 | Systems and methods for anomaly detection and guided analysis using structural time-series model. A server may receive a request from a client to analyze a time-series data comprising a plurality of data points. A database of global calendars may be accessed. A structural time-series model may be built from the time-series data and the database of global calendars, the structural time-series model comprising a hidden structure and a plurality of probability distributions, each probability distribution corresponding to a data point. For each data point of the time-series data, a range of expected values is determined from a respective probability distribution, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective probability distribution. An anomaly is detected at a first data point of the time-series data responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values. The anomaly is transmitted to the client for display with the time-series data. | 1. A computer-implemented method for anomaly detection and forecasting time-series data, the method comprising:
receiving, at a server, a request from a client to analyze a time-series data comprising a plurality of data points; accessing a database of global calendars; building a structural time-series model from the time-series data and the database of global calendars, the structural time-series model comprising a hidden structure and a plurality of probability distributions, each probability distribution corresponding to a data point; determining, for each data point of the time-series data, a range of expected values from a respective probability distribution, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective probability distribution; detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series data responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values; and transmitting the anomaly to the client for display with the time-series data. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the range of expected values is defined by:
a probability distribution corresponding to the respective data point; and a percentage value or a standard deviation multiplier. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden structure comprises a plurality of local levels, a plurality of local trends, a plurality of seasonal covariates, observation noise, a regression coefficients vector, a covariates selection vector, and diffusion variances. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating forecast values from the structural time-series model by extending the hidden structure; and transmitting the forecast values for display with the time-series data. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating a slice data from the time-series data, the slice data comprising a portion of the plurality of data points; building a second structural time-series model from the slice data and the database of global calendars, the second structural time-series model comprising a second hidden structure and a second plurality of probability distributions, each second probability distribution corresponding to a slice data point; determining, for each slice data point, a range of expected values from a respective second probability distributions, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective second probability distribution; detecting a slice anomaly at a slice data point of the slice data responsive to comparing the slice data point with a respective range of expected values; and transmitting the slice anomaly for display with the time-series data. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising assigning the slice data for analysis to an additional analysis server. 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
comparing the slice anomaly with the anomaly; and detecting the slice anomaly in response to the comparison of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein comparing the slice anomaly comprises:
comparing a time of the slice anomaly with a time of the anomaly; and determining a similarity of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting an anomaly comprises
detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values and using a rule comprising a threshold. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the rule further comprises one of time and action components. 11. A computer-implemented system for anomaly detection and forecasting time-series data, the system comprising:
a network interface of a server receiving a request from a client to analyze a time-series data comprising a plurality of data points; a structural time-series module of the server:
accessing a database of global calendars;
building a structural time-series model from the time-series data and the database of global calendars, the structural time-series model comprising a hidden structure and a plurality of probability distributions, each probability distribution corresponding to a data point;
an anomaly detector of the server:
determining, for each data point of the time-series data, a range of expected values from a respective probability distribution, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective probability distribution;
detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series data responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values; and
a report generator of the server,
transmitting the anomaly to the client for display with the time-series data. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the anomaly detector defines a range of expected values by:
a probability distribution corresponding to the respective data point; and a percentage value or a standard deviation multiplier. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the hidden structure comprises a plurality of local levels, a plurality of local trends, a plurality of seasonal covariates, observation noise, a regression coefficients vector, a covariates selection vector, and diffusion variances. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the structural time-series module further comprises:
generating forecast values from the structural time-series model by extending the hidden structure; and wherein the report generator further comprises transmitting the forecast values for display with the time-series data. 15. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
a parallelization module of the server,
generating a slice data from the time-series data, the slice data comprising a portion of the plurality of data points;
a structural time-series module of an additional server,
building a second structural time-series model from the slice data and the database of global calendars, the second structural time-series model comprising a second hidden structure and a second plurality of probability distributions, each second probability distribution corresponding to a slice data point;
an anomaly detector of the additional server:
determining, for each slice data point, a range of expected values from a respective second probability distributions, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective second probability distribution;
detecting a slice anomaly at a slice data point of the slice data responsive to comparing the slice data point with a respective range of expected values; and
the report generator of the server
transmitting the slice anomaly for display with the time-series data. 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising the parallelization module assigning the slice data for analysis to an additional analysis server. 17. The system of claim 15, further comprising the anomaly detector of the additional server:
comparing the slice anomaly with the anomaly; and detecting the slice anomaly in response to the comparison of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the anomaly detector of the additional server further comprises:
comparing a time of the slice anomaly with a time of the anomaly; and determining a similarity of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the anomaly detector of the server detecting an anomaly comprises
detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values and using a rule comprising a threshold. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the rule further comprises one of time and action components. | Systems and methods for anomaly detection and guided analysis using structural time-series model. A server may receive a request from a client to analyze a time-series data comprising a plurality of data points. A database of global calendars may be accessed. A structural time-series model may be built from the time-series data and the database of global calendars, the structural time-series model comprising a hidden structure and a plurality of probability distributions, each probability distribution corresponding to a data point. For each data point of the time-series data, a range of expected values is determined from a respective probability distribution, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective probability distribution. An anomaly is detected at a first data point of the time-series data responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values. The anomaly is transmitted to the client for display with the time-series data.1. A computer-implemented method for anomaly detection and forecasting time-series data, the method comprising:
receiving, at a server, a request from a client to analyze a time-series data comprising a plurality of data points; accessing a database of global calendars; building a structural time-series model from the time-series data and the database of global calendars, the structural time-series model comprising a hidden structure and a plurality of probability distributions, each probability distribution corresponding to a data point; determining, for each data point of the time-series data, a range of expected values from a respective probability distribution, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective probability distribution; detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series data responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values; and transmitting the anomaly to the client for display with the time-series data. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the range of expected values is defined by:
a probability distribution corresponding to the respective data point; and a percentage value or a standard deviation multiplier. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden structure comprises a plurality of local levels, a plurality of local trends, a plurality of seasonal covariates, observation noise, a regression coefficients vector, a covariates selection vector, and diffusion variances. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating forecast values from the structural time-series model by extending the hidden structure; and transmitting the forecast values for display with the time-series data. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating a slice data from the time-series data, the slice data comprising a portion of the plurality of data points; building a second structural time-series model from the slice data and the database of global calendars, the second structural time-series model comprising a second hidden structure and a second plurality of probability distributions, each second probability distribution corresponding to a slice data point; determining, for each slice data point, a range of expected values from a respective second probability distributions, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective second probability distribution; detecting a slice anomaly at a slice data point of the slice data responsive to comparing the slice data point with a respective range of expected values; and transmitting the slice anomaly for display with the time-series data. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising assigning the slice data for analysis to an additional analysis server. 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising:
comparing the slice anomaly with the anomaly; and detecting the slice anomaly in response to the comparison of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein comparing the slice anomaly comprises:
comparing a time of the slice anomaly with a time of the anomaly; and determining a similarity of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting an anomaly comprises
detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values and using a rule comprising a threshold. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the rule further comprises one of time and action components. 11. A computer-implemented system for anomaly detection and forecasting time-series data, the system comprising:
a network interface of a server receiving a request from a client to analyze a time-series data comprising a plurality of data points; a structural time-series module of the server:
accessing a database of global calendars;
building a structural time-series model from the time-series data and the database of global calendars, the structural time-series model comprising a hidden structure and a plurality of probability distributions, each probability distribution corresponding to a data point;
an anomaly detector of the server:
determining, for each data point of the time-series data, a range of expected values from a respective probability distribution, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective probability distribution;
detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series data responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values; and
a report generator of the server,
transmitting the anomaly to the client for display with the time-series data. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the anomaly detector defines a range of expected values by:
a probability distribution corresponding to the respective data point; and a percentage value or a standard deviation multiplier. 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the hidden structure comprises a plurality of local levels, a plurality of local trends, a plurality of seasonal covariates, observation noise, a regression coefficients vector, a covariates selection vector, and diffusion variances. 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the structural time-series module further comprises:
generating forecast values from the structural time-series model by extending the hidden structure; and wherein the report generator further comprises transmitting the forecast values for display with the time-series data. 15. The system of claim 11, further comprising:
a parallelization module of the server,
generating a slice data from the time-series data, the slice data comprising a portion of the plurality of data points;
a structural time-series module of an additional server,
building a second structural time-series model from the slice data and the database of global calendars, the second structural time-series model comprising a second hidden structure and a second plurality of probability distributions, each second probability distribution corresponding to a slice data point;
an anomaly detector of the additional server:
determining, for each slice data point, a range of expected values from a respective second probability distributions, the range of expected values capturing a predefined percentage of the respective second probability distribution;
detecting a slice anomaly at a slice data point of the slice data responsive to comparing the slice data point with a respective range of expected values; and
the report generator of the server
transmitting the slice anomaly for display with the time-series data. 16. The system of claim 15, further comprising the parallelization module assigning the slice data for analysis to an additional analysis server. 17. The system of claim 15, further comprising the anomaly detector of the additional server:
comparing the slice anomaly with the anomaly; and detecting the slice anomaly in response to the comparison of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the anomaly detector of the additional server further comprises:
comparing a time of the slice anomaly with a time of the anomaly; and determining a similarity of the slice anomaly with the anomaly. 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the anomaly detector of the server detecting an anomaly comprises
detecting an anomaly at a first data point of the time-series responsive to comparing the first data point with a respective range of expected values and using a rule comprising a threshold. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the rule further comprises one of time and action components. | 2,800 |
11,167 | 11,167 | 14,268,404 | 2,884 | An imaging system is provided including a selectable pre-object filter module, a detector, and a processing unit. The selectable pre-object filter module is configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to an object to be imaged. The selectable pre-object filter module has plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions, and is selectable between the plural configurations to provide a selected pre-object filter configuration for a scan of the object. The detector is configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object. The processing unit is operably coupled to the selectable pre-object filter module and the detector, and is configured to identify an anatomy to be imaged, determine a corresponding image quality and radiation dose for each of the plural pre-object filter configurations; and select the selected pre-object filter configuration based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses. | 1. A computed tomography (CT) imaging system comprising:
a selectable pre-object filter module interposed between an X-ray source and an object to be imaged, the selectable pre-object filter module configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to the object to be imaged, the selectable pre-object filter module comprising plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions, wherein the selectable pre-object filter module is selectable between the plural configurations to provide a selected pre-object filter configuration of the plural pre-object filter configurations to perform a scan of the object to be imaged; a detector configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object to be imaged; and a processing unit operably coupled to the selectable pre-object filter module and the detector, the processing unit configured to:
identify an anatomy to be imaged;
determine a corresponding image quality metric and radiation dose metric for each of the plural bowtie configurations; and
select the selected pre-object filter configuration based upon the determined corresponding image quality metrics and radiation dose metrics. 2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further configured to implement the selected pre-object filter configuration for use in performing the scan of the object to be imaged. 3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the selectable pre-object filter module comprises a plurality of discrete bowtie filters, wherein the processing unit 150 is configured to select one of the discrete bowtie filters for use in performing the scan of the object to be imaged. 4. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the selectable pre-object filter module comprises a dynamically adjustable bowtie filter, wherein the processing unit is configured to adjust the dynamically adjustable bowtie filter to provide the selected bowtie configuration. 5. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further configured to obtain a pre-scan, and determine a position of the object relative to a centered position using the pre-scan. 6. The imaging system of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is further configured to alert a user if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 7. The imaging system of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is further configured to adjust a cradle dimension of a cradle upon which the object to be imaged is supported if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 8. The imaging system of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of the detector having a signal metric above a threshold, and to determine the position based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 9. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of the detector having a signal metric above a threshold, and to determine an attenuation for the object to be imaged based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 10. A method comprising:
identifying, with at least one processing unit, an anatomy to be scanned by a computed tomography (CT) imaging system including a selectable pre-object filter module having plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions; determining, with the at least one processing unit, a corresponding image quality for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; determining, with the at least one processing unit, a corresponding radiation dosage for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; and selecting, with the at least one processing unit, a selected pre-object filter configuration for performing a scan of the anatomy to be scanned based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising automatically implementing the selected pre-object filter configuration and performing the scan using the selected pre-object filter configuration. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the plural pre-object filter configurations correspond to a corresponding plurality of discrete bowtie filters, and wherein the selecting comprises selecting one of the discrete bowtie filters for performing the scan. 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising obtaining a pre-scan, and determining, with the at least one processing unit, a position of an object to be imaged relative to a centered position using the pre-scan. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising alerting a user if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising, adjusting a cradle dimension of a cradle upon which the object to be imaged is supported if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
determining, with the at least one processing unit, a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of a detector having a signal metric above a threshold; and determining, with the at least one processing unit, the position based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of a detector having a signal metric above a threshold; and determining an attenuation for the object to be imaged based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 18. A tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to select a pre-object filter configuration for an object to be imaged, the tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium comprising one or more computer software modules configured to direct one or more processors to:
identify, an anatomy to be scanned by a computed tomography (CT) imaging system including a selectable pre-object filter module having plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions; determine a corresponding image quality for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; determine a corresponding radiation dosage for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; and select a selected pre-object filter configuration for performing a scan of the anatomy to be scanned based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses. 19. The tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium is further configured to direct the one or more processors to obtain a pre-scan, and determine a position of an object to be imaged relative to a centered position using the pre-scan. 20. The tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium is further configured to direct the one or more processors to
determine a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of a detector having a signal metric above a threshold; and determine an attenuation for the object to be imaged based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. | An imaging system is provided including a selectable pre-object filter module, a detector, and a processing unit. The selectable pre-object filter module is configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to an object to be imaged. The selectable pre-object filter module has plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions, and is selectable between the plural configurations to provide a selected pre-object filter configuration for a scan of the object. The detector is configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object. The processing unit is operably coupled to the selectable pre-object filter module and the detector, and is configured to identify an anatomy to be imaged, determine a corresponding image quality and radiation dose for each of the plural pre-object filter configurations; and select the selected pre-object filter configuration based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses.1. A computed tomography (CT) imaging system comprising:
a selectable pre-object filter module interposed between an X-ray source and an object to be imaged, the selectable pre-object filter module configured to absorb radiation from the X-ray source to control distribution of X-rays passed to the object to be imaged, the selectable pre-object filter module comprising plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions, wherein the selectable pre-object filter module is selectable between the plural configurations to provide a selected pre-object filter configuration of the plural pre-object filter configurations to perform a scan of the object to be imaged; a detector configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the object to be imaged; and a processing unit operably coupled to the selectable pre-object filter module and the detector, the processing unit configured to:
identify an anatomy to be imaged;
determine a corresponding image quality metric and radiation dose metric for each of the plural bowtie configurations; and
select the selected pre-object filter configuration based upon the determined corresponding image quality metrics and radiation dose metrics. 2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further configured to implement the selected pre-object filter configuration for use in performing the scan of the object to be imaged. 3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the selectable pre-object filter module comprises a plurality of discrete bowtie filters, wherein the processing unit 150 is configured to select one of the discrete bowtie filters for use in performing the scan of the object to be imaged. 4. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the selectable pre-object filter module comprises a dynamically adjustable bowtie filter, wherein the processing unit is configured to adjust the dynamically adjustable bowtie filter to provide the selected bowtie configuration. 5. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further configured to obtain a pre-scan, and determine a position of the object relative to a centered position using the pre-scan. 6. The imaging system of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is further configured to alert a user if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 7. The imaging system of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is further configured to adjust a cradle dimension of a cradle upon which the object to be imaged is supported if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 8. The imaging system of claim 5, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of the detector having a signal metric above a threshold, and to determine the position based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 9. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of the detector having a signal metric above a threshold, and to determine an attenuation for the object to be imaged based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 10. A method comprising:
identifying, with at least one processing unit, an anatomy to be scanned by a computed tomography (CT) imaging system including a selectable pre-object filter module having plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions; determining, with the at least one processing unit, a corresponding image quality for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; determining, with the at least one processing unit, a corresponding radiation dosage for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; and selecting, with the at least one processing unit, a selected pre-object filter configuration for performing a scan of the anatomy to be scanned based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses. 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising automatically implementing the selected pre-object filter configuration and performing the scan using the selected pre-object filter configuration. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the plural pre-object filter configurations correspond to a corresponding plurality of discrete bowtie filters, and wherein the selecting comprises selecting one of the discrete bowtie filters for performing the scan. 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising obtaining a pre-scan, and determining, with the at least one processing unit, a position of an object to be imaged relative to a centered position using the pre-scan. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising alerting a user if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 15. The method of claim 13, further comprising, adjusting a cradle dimension of a cradle upon which the object to be imaged is supported if the position of the object differs from the centered position by more than a threshold. 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
determining, with the at least one processing unit, a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of a detector having a signal metric above a threshold; and determining, with the at least one processing unit, the position based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 17. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of a detector having a signal metric above a threshold; and determining an attenuation for the object to be imaged based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. 18. A tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium configured to select a pre-object filter configuration for an object to be imaged, the tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium comprising one or more computer software modules configured to direct one or more processors to:
identify, an anatomy to be scanned by a computed tomography (CT) imaging system including a selectable pre-object filter module having plural pre-object filter configurations providing corresponding X-ray distributions; determine a corresponding image quality for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; determine a corresponding radiation dosage for the plural pre-object filter configurations based on the anatomy identified; and select a selected pre-object filter configuration for performing a scan of the anatomy to be scanned based upon the determined corresponding image qualities and radiation doses. 19. The tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium is further configured to direct the one or more processors to obtain a pre-scan, and determine a position of an object to be imaged relative to a centered position using the pre-scan. 20. The tangible and non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer readable medium is further configured to direct the one or more processors to
determine a cradle dimension and channel occupancy for the object to be imaged, the channel occupancy corresponding to channels of a detector having a signal metric above a threshold; and determine an attenuation for the object to be imaged based on the cradle dimension and channel occupancy. | 2,800 |
11,168 | 11,168 | 14,980,373 | 2,861 | A pressure sensor designed to detect a value of ambient pressure of the environment external to the pressure sensor includes: a first substrate having a buried cavity and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; a second substrate having a recess, hermetically coupled to the first substrate so that the recess defines a sealed cavity the internal pressure value of which provides a pressure-reference value; and a channel formed at least in part in the first substrate and configured to arrange the buried cavity in communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor. The membrane undergoes deflection as a function of a difference of pressure between the pressure-reference value in the sealed cavity and the ambient-pressure value in the buried cavity. | 1. A pressure sensor configured to detect a value of ambient pressure of an environment external to the pressure sensor, comprising:
a first semiconductor body having an inner buried cavity, and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; a second semiconductor body having a recess, the second semiconductor body being hermetically coupled to the first semiconductor body in such a way that said recess faces the membrane, thus defining a sealed cavity having an internal pressure value that provides a pressure-reference value; and a channel formed at least in part in the first semiconductor body and configured to set the buried cavity in fluidic communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor, said membrane being configured to undergo deflection as a function of a pressure difference between the pressure-reference value in the sealed cavity and a pressure value in the buried cavity. 2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein said membrane houses a transducer assembly configured to generate a transduced electrical signal as a function of the deflection of the membrane, said transducer assembly being arranged in a surface portion of the membrane facing inside of the sealed cavity. 3. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the channel extends as partial prolongation of the buried cavity in a same plane as the buried cavity, reaching a side wall, orthogonal to said plane, of the first semiconductor body. 4. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the channel extends as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, in part along a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity and in part along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, reaching a side of the first semiconductor body exposed to the external environment. 5. The pressure sensor according to claim 4, further comprising:
a coupling region that completely surrounds the membrane, said first semiconductor body and second semiconductor body being hermetically coupled together via the coupling region, wherein said channel extends along the second direction in a portion of the first semiconductor body external to the coupling region. 6. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
the channel extends in the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, in part along a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity and in part along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, reaching a side of the first semiconductor body facing the second semiconductor body, and the channel further extends completely through the second semiconductor body, the buried cavity being in fluidic communication with the external environment through the channel in the second semiconductor body. 7. The pressure sensor according to claim 6, further comprising:
a coupling region that completely surrounds the membrane, said first and second semiconductor bodies being hermetically coupled together via the coupling region, wherein said channel further extends in the second direction through the coupling region. 8. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, comprising a getter layer housed in said recess and configured to reduce, when activated, the pressure value inside the sealed cavity. 9. A method, comprising:
manufacturing a pressure sensor configured to detect a value of ambient pressure of an environment external to the pressure sensor, the manufacturing including: forming, in a first semiconductor body, a buried cavity and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; forming, in a second semiconductor body, a recess; hermetically coupling the second semiconductor body to the first semiconductor body so that said recess faces the membrane, thus defining a sealed cavity having an internal pressure value that provides a pressure-reference value; forming a channel at least in part in the first semiconductor body; and arranging the buried cavity in fluidic communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor via said channel. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the manufacturing includes forming a transducer assembly in a surface region of the membrane facing inside of the sealed cavity, the transducer assembly being configured to generate a transduced electrical signal as a function of a deflection of the membrane. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the buried cavity and forming the channel in the first semiconductor body are performed simultaneously. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the channel comprises:
etching the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, in a same plane as the buried cavity; and cutting the first semiconductor body for exposing the channel at a side wall, orthogonal to said plane, of the first semiconductor body. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the channel comprises:
etching the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity in a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity, to form a first subchannel; and etching the first semiconductor body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, for connecting the first subchannel fluidically with a side of the first semiconductor body exposed towards the external environment, to form a second subchannel. 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the channel comprises:
etching the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, along a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity, to form a first subchannel; etching the first semiconductor body along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, for connecting the first subchannel fluidically with a side of the first semiconductor body facing the second semiconductor body, to form a second subchannel; and etching the second semiconductor body to form a through hole fluidically connected to the buried cavity via the first and second subchannels. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the manufacturing includes:
forming a coupling region that surrounds the membrane completely; and hermetically coupling together said first and second semiconductor bodies via the coupling region, wherein forming the second subchannel comprises etching the first semiconductor body outside the coupling region. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the manufacturing includes:
forming a coupling region that surrounds the membrane completely; forming a through hole in the coupling region; and hermetically coupling together said first and second semiconductor bodies via the coupling region, wherein forming the second subchannel comprises etching the first and second semiconductor bodies in an area corresponding to said through hole of the coupling region. 17. The method according to claim 9 wherein forming the membrane and the buried cavity comprise:
etching first trenches in the first semiconductor body, said first trenches delimiting between them first walls of semiconductor material;
growing epitaxially, starting from said first walls, a closing layer of semiconductor material, said closing layer closing said first trenches at the top to form said membrane; and
carrying out a thermal treatment such as to cause migration of the semiconductor material of said first walls and forming the buried cavity. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein:
forming the channel comprises etching second trenches in the first semiconductor body, as partial prolongation of the first trenches, said second trenches delimiting between them second walls of semiconductor material; growing the closing layer epitaxially further comprises closing said second trenches at tops of the second trenches; and carrying out the thermal treatment further comprises causing migration of the semiconductor material of said second walls and forming the channel. 19. A pressure sensor configured to detect a value of ambient pressure of an environment external to the pressure sensor, comprising:
a first semiconductor body having an inner buried cavity, and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; a second semiconductor body hermetically coupled to the first semiconductor and defining a sealed cavity between the first and second semiconductor bodies, the sealed cavity having an internal pressure value that provides a pressure-reference value; and a channel formed at least in part in the first semiconductor body and configured to set the buried cavity in fluidic communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor, said membrane being configured to undergo deflection as a function of a pressure difference between the pressure-reference value in the sealed cavity and a pressure value in the buried cavity. 20. The pressure sensor according to claim 19, wherein said membrane houses a transducer assembly configured to generate a transduced electrical signal as a function of the deflection of the membrane, said transducer assembly being arranged in a surface portion of the membrane. | A pressure sensor designed to detect a value of ambient pressure of the environment external to the pressure sensor includes: a first substrate having a buried cavity and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; a second substrate having a recess, hermetically coupled to the first substrate so that the recess defines a sealed cavity the internal pressure value of which provides a pressure-reference value; and a channel formed at least in part in the first substrate and configured to arrange the buried cavity in communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor. The membrane undergoes deflection as a function of a difference of pressure between the pressure-reference value in the sealed cavity and the ambient-pressure value in the buried cavity.1. A pressure sensor configured to detect a value of ambient pressure of an environment external to the pressure sensor, comprising:
a first semiconductor body having an inner buried cavity, and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; a second semiconductor body having a recess, the second semiconductor body being hermetically coupled to the first semiconductor body in such a way that said recess faces the membrane, thus defining a sealed cavity having an internal pressure value that provides a pressure-reference value; and a channel formed at least in part in the first semiconductor body and configured to set the buried cavity in fluidic communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor, said membrane being configured to undergo deflection as a function of a pressure difference between the pressure-reference value in the sealed cavity and a pressure value in the buried cavity. 2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein said membrane houses a transducer assembly configured to generate a transduced electrical signal as a function of the deflection of the membrane, said transducer assembly being arranged in a surface portion of the membrane facing inside of the sealed cavity. 3. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the channel extends as partial prolongation of the buried cavity in a same plane as the buried cavity, reaching a side wall, orthogonal to said plane, of the first semiconductor body. 4. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the channel extends as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, in part along a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity and in part along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, reaching a side of the first semiconductor body exposed to the external environment. 5. The pressure sensor according to claim 4, further comprising:
a coupling region that completely surrounds the membrane, said first semiconductor body and second semiconductor body being hermetically coupled together via the coupling region, wherein said channel extends along the second direction in a portion of the first semiconductor body external to the coupling region. 6. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein:
the channel extends in the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, in part along a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity and in part along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, reaching a side of the first semiconductor body facing the second semiconductor body, and the channel further extends completely through the second semiconductor body, the buried cavity being in fluidic communication with the external environment through the channel in the second semiconductor body. 7. The pressure sensor according to claim 6, further comprising:
a coupling region that completely surrounds the membrane, said first and second semiconductor bodies being hermetically coupled together via the coupling region, wherein said channel further extends in the second direction through the coupling region. 8. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, comprising a getter layer housed in said recess and configured to reduce, when activated, the pressure value inside the sealed cavity. 9. A method, comprising:
manufacturing a pressure sensor configured to detect a value of ambient pressure of an environment external to the pressure sensor, the manufacturing including: forming, in a first semiconductor body, a buried cavity and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; forming, in a second semiconductor body, a recess; hermetically coupling the second semiconductor body to the first semiconductor body so that said recess faces the membrane, thus defining a sealed cavity having an internal pressure value that provides a pressure-reference value; forming a channel at least in part in the first semiconductor body; and arranging the buried cavity in fluidic communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor via said channel. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the manufacturing includes forming a transducer assembly in a surface region of the membrane facing inside of the sealed cavity, the transducer assembly being configured to generate a transduced electrical signal as a function of a deflection of the membrane. 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the buried cavity and forming the channel in the first semiconductor body are performed simultaneously. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the channel comprises:
etching the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, in a same plane as the buried cavity; and cutting the first semiconductor body for exposing the channel at a side wall, orthogonal to said plane, of the first semiconductor body. 13. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the channel comprises:
etching the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity in a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity, to form a first subchannel; and etching the first semiconductor body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, for connecting the first subchannel fluidically with a side of the first semiconductor body exposed towards the external environment, to form a second subchannel. 14. The method according to claim 9, wherein forming the channel comprises:
etching the first semiconductor body as partial prolongation of the buried cavity, along a first direction belonging to a plane of the buried cavity, to form a first subchannel; etching the first semiconductor body along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, for connecting the first subchannel fluidically with a side of the first semiconductor body facing the second semiconductor body, to form a second subchannel; and etching the second semiconductor body to form a through hole fluidically connected to the buried cavity via the first and second subchannels. 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the manufacturing includes:
forming a coupling region that surrounds the membrane completely; and hermetically coupling together said first and second semiconductor bodies via the coupling region, wherein forming the second subchannel comprises etching the first semiconductor body outside the coupling region. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the manufacturing includes:
forming a coupling region that surrounds the membrane completely; forming a through hole in the coupling region; and hermetically coupling together said first and second semiconductor bodies via the coupling region, wherein forming the second subchannel comprises etching the first and second semiconductor bodies in an area corresponding to said through hole of the coupling region. 17. The method according to claim 9 wherein forming the membrane and the buried cavity comprise:
etching first trenches in the first semiconductor body, said first trenches delimiting between them first walls of semiconductor material;
growing epitaxially, starting from said first walls, a closing layer of semiconductor material, said closing layer closing said first trenches at the top to form said membrane; and
carrying out a thermal treatment such as to cause migration of the semiconductor material of said first walls and forming the buried cavity. 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein:
forming the channel comprises etching second trenches in the first semiconductor body, as partial prolongation of the first trenches, said second trenches delimiting between them second walls of semiconductor material; growing the closing layer epitaxially further comprises closing said second trenches at tops of the second trenches; and carrying out the thermal treatment further comprises causing migration of the semiconductor material of said second walls and forming the channel. 19. A pressure sensor configured to detect a value of ambient pressure of an environment external to the pressure sensor, comprising:
a first semiconductor body having an inner buried cavity, and a membrane suspended over the buried cavity; a second semiconductor body hermetically coupled to the first semiconductor and defining a sealed cavity between the first and second semiconductor bodies, the sealed cavity having an internal pressure value that provides a pressure-reference value; and a channel formed at least in part in the first semiconductor body and configured to set the buried cavity in fluidic communication with the environment external to the pressure sensor, said membrane being configured to undergo deflection as a function of a pressure difference between the pressure-reference value in the sealed cavity and a pressure value in the buried cavity. 20. The pressure sensor according to claim 19, wherein said membrane houses a transducer assembly configured to generate a transduced electrical signal as a function of the deflection of the membrane, said transducer assembly being arranged in a surface portion of the membrane. | 2,800 |
11,169 | 11,169 | 14,098,027 | 2,883 | This invention is a method and system for addressing structural weaknesses and geometric differentials introduced to a cable when splicing optic fibers. The apparatus and method utilize structurally integrated layers of protective polymers and bonding materials selected for strength and flexibility relative to their thickness. This results in an apparatus having a minimally increased circumference compared to the cable. The method and apparatus include one or more strengthening layers which allow the repaired cable substantially similar flexibility compared to the cable, but prevent formation of sharp bends or kinks. The strengthening layers also allow the repaired cable a resistance to tension similar to the original cable. The method and apparatus further include an outer layer having a geometric configuration which includes sloped terminating ends designed to prevent the reinforced area of the cable from being damaged by the force of objects or substances in contact with cable. | 1. A multi-layered optical fiber splice protection apparatus, comprising:
a strengthening tube over an optical fiber which has been spliced, said strengthening tube having an external tube surface with an external tube diameter and an internal tube surface with an internal tube diameter that is larger than an external cable diameter of an optical cable,
said optical cable having a tension modulus Ko and said strengthening tube having a tension modulus Ks greater than or equal to Ko,
said optical cable having a bending modulus Eo and said strengthening tube having a bending modulus Es within a range of about ten percent above or below Eo,
said strengthening tube having a tube adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal tube surface,
wherein said strengthening tube is cylindrical with a first and a second outer terminating rim forming a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical cable; and
an outer sleeve having an internal sleeve surface, a first sloped terminating end, a second sloped terminating end and a tubular center section with a first internal sleeve diameter that is larger than said external cable diameter and said external tube diameter and an external sleeve diameter that is about 10% to about 100% larger than said external cable diameter,
said outer sleeve further including a sleeve adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal sleeve surface,
said outer sleeve substantially enclosing said strengthening tube,
wherein said outer sleeve is fabricated from a heat-shrinkable material. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a curable layer which substantially conforms to a volume between said internal tube surface and said optical fiber. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said curable layer is chosen from the group consisting of silicone, epoxy, polymer, composites containing silicone, composites containing epoxy, and composites containing polymer. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes at least two securing components which apply pressure to said strengthening tube to reduce movement of said strengthening tube. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said at least two securing components are a first ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D1 from said first outer terminating rim and a second ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D2 from said first outer terminating rim, wherein a first inner pressure surface of said first ring-shaped pressure component and a second inner pressure surface of said second ring-shaped pressure component apply pressure to said strengthening tube. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said strengthening tube further includes at least one structural reinforcement component,
wherein a shape of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of band, braid, helix, mesh, sheet and strip. wherein a material of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of aramid, carbon, metallic and polymer materials. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said strengthening tube further includes a longitudinal slit extending along an entire length of said strengthening tube. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a maximum internal diameter approximately equal to said first internal sleeve diameter, and wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to said external cable diameter. 9. A multi-layered optical fiber splice protection system, comprising:
a splice contact tube over an optical fiber which has been spliced; a retaining tube over said splice contact tube; a strengthening tube over said retaining tube having an external tube surface with an external tube diameter and an internal tube surface with an internal tube diameter that is larger than an external cable diameter of an optical cable,
said optical cable having a tension modulus Ko and said strengthening tube having a tension modulus Ks greater than or equal to Ko,
said optical cable having a bending modulus Eo and said strengthening tube having a bending modulus Es within a range of about ten percent above or below Eo,
said strengthening tube having a tube adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal tube surface,
wherein said strengthening tube is cylindrical with a first and a second outer terminating rim forming a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical cable; and
an outer sleeve having an internal sleeve surface, a first sloped terminating end, a second sloped terminating end and a tubular center section with a first internal sleeve diameter that is larger than said external cable diameter and said external tube diameter and an external sleeve diameter that is about 10% to about 100% larger than said external cable diameter,
said outer sleeve further including a sleeve adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal sleeve surface,
said outer sleeve substantially enclosing said strengthening tube,
wherein said outer sleeve is fabricated from a heat-shrinkable material. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said system further includes a curable layer which substantially conforms to a volume between said internal tube surface and said retaining tube. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said curable layer is chosen from the group consisting of silicone, epoxy, polymer, composites containing silicone, composites containing epoxy, and composites containing polymer. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said system further includes at least two securing components which apply pressure to said strengthening tube to reduce movement of said strengthening tube. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said at least two securing components are a first ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D1 from said first outer terminating rim and a second ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D2 from said first outer terminating rim, wherein an inner pressure surface of said first ring-shaped pressure component and an inner pressure surface of said second ring-shaped pressure component apply pressure to said strengthening tube. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein said splice contact tube and said retaining tube are fabricated from said heat-shrinkable material without reinforcement or adhesive. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein said strengthening tube further includes at least one structural reinforcement component,
wherein a shape of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of band, braid, helix, mesh, sheet and strip. wherein a material of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of aramid, carbon, metallic and nylon materials. 16. The system of claim 9, wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a maximum internal diameter approximately equal to said first internal sleeve diameter, and wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to said external cable diameter. 17. A multi-layered optical fiber splice protection method, comprising the steps of:
providing a strengthening tube having an external tube surface with an external tube diameter and an internal tube surface with an internal tube diameter that is larger than an external cable diameter of an optical cable,
said optical cable having a tension modulus Ko and said strengthening tube having a tension modulus Ks greater than or equal to Ko,
said optical cable having a bending modulus Eo and said strengthening tube having a bending modulus Es within a range of about ten percent above or below Eo,
said strengthening tube having a tube adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal tube surface,
wherein said strengthening tube is cylindrical with a first and a second outer terminating rim forming a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical cable;
providing an outer sleeve having an internal sleeve surface and a tubular center section with a first internal sleeve diameter that is larger than said external cable diameter and said external tube diameter and an external sleeve diameter,
said outer sleeve further including a sleeve adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal sleeve surface,
wherein said outer sleeve is fabricated from a heat-shrinkable material;
positioning said strengthening tube on an optical cable outer surface and over an optical fiber which has been spliced; applying pressure to said strengthening tube to contact said optical cable outer surface with said strengthening tube adhesive layer; positioning said outer sleeve on said optical cable outer surface and over said optical fiber which has been spliced; and applying heat to said outer sleeve to cause said sleeve adhesive layer to contact said optical cable outer surface and an outer surface of said strengthening tube and to create a first sloped terminating end of said outer sleeve and a second sloped terminating end of said outer sleeve,
said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each having a maximum internal diameter approximately equal to said first internal sleeve diameter and a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to said external cable diameter,
wherein said external sleeve diameter is about 10% to about 100% larger than said external cable diameter. 18. The method of claim 17, further including the step of injecting a curable layer between said optical fiber and said internal tube surface. 19. The method of claim 17, further including the steps of:
positioning a first ring-shaped pressure component on said external tube surface a distance D1 from said first outer terminating rim, positioning a second ring-shaped pressure component on said external tube surface a distance D2 from said second outer terminating rim, and applying pressure to said strengthening tube through an inner pressure surface of said first ring-shaped pressure component and an inner pressure surface of said second ring-shaped pressure component. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein said providing steps are performed simultaneously, said positioning steps are performed simultaneously and said applying steps are performed simultaneously. | This invention is a method and system for addressing structural weaknesses and geometric differentials introduced to a cable when splicing optic fibers. The apparatus and method utilize structurally integrated layers of protective polymers and bonding materials selected for strength and flexibility relative to their thickness. This results in an apparatus having a minimally increased circumference compared to the cable. The method and apparatus include one or more strengthening layers which allow the repaired cable substantially similar flexibility compared to the cable, but prevent formation of sharp bends or kinks. The strengthening layers also allow the repaired cable a resistance to tension similar to the original cable. The method and apparatus further include an outer layer having a geometric configuration which includes sloped terminating ends designed to prevent the reinforced area of the cable from being damaged by the force of objects or substances in contact with cable.1. A multi-layered optical fiber splice protection apparatus, comprising:
a strengthening tube over an optical fiber which has been spliced, said strengthening tube having an external tube surface with an external tube diameter and an internal tube surface with an internal tube diameter that is larger than an external cable diameter of an optical cable,
said optical cable having a tension modulus Ko and said strengthening tube having a tension modulus Ks greater than or equal to Ko,
said optical cable having a bending modulus Eo and said strengthening tube having a bending modulus Es within a range of about ten percent above or below Eo,
said strengthening tube having a tube adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal tube surface,
wherein said strengthening tube is cylindrical with a first and a second outer terminating rim forming a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical cable; and
an outer sleeve having an internal sleeve surface, a first sloped terminating end, a second sloped terminating end and a tubular center section with a first internal sleeve diameter that is larger than said external cable diameter and said external tube diameter and an external sleeve diameter that is about 10% to about 100% larger than said external cable diameter,
said outer sleeve further including a sleeve adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal sleeve surface,
said outer sleeve substantially enclosing said strengthening tube,
wherein said outer sleeve is fabricated from a heat-shrinkable material. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a curable layer which substantially conforms to a volume between said internal tube surface and said optical fiber. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said curable layer is chosen from the group consisting of silicone, epoxy, polymer, composites containing silicone, composites containing epoxy, and composites containing polymer. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes at least two securing components which apply pressure to said strengthening tube to reduce movement of said strengthening tube. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said at least two securing components are a first ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D1 from said first outer terminating rim and a second ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D2 from said first outer terminating rim, wherein a first inner pressure surface of said first ring-shaped pressure component and a second inner pressure surface of said second ring-shaped pressure component apply pressure to said strengthening tube. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said strengthening tube further includes at least one structural reinforcement component,
wherein a shape of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of band, braid, helix, mesh, sheet and strip. wherein a material of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of aramid, carbon, metallic and polymer materials. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said strengthening tube further includes a longitudinal slit extending along an entire length of said strengthening tube. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a maximum internal diameter approximately equal to said first internal sleeve diameter, and wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to said external cable diameter. 9. A multi-layered optical fiber splice protection system, comprising:
a splice contact tube over an optical fiber which has been spliced; a retaining tube over said splice contact tube; a strengthening tube over said retaining tube having an external tube surface with an external tube diameter and an internal tube surface with an internal tube diameter that is larger than an external cable diameter of an optical cable,
said optical cable having a tension modulus Ko and said strengthening tube having a tension modulus Ks greater than or equal to Ko,
said optical cable having a bending modulus Eo and said strengthening tube having a bending modulus Es within a range of about ten percent above or below Eo,
said strengthening tube having a tube adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal tube surface,
wherein said strengthening tube is cylindrical with a first and a second outer terminating rim forming a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical cable; and
an outer sleeve having an internal sleeve surface, a first sloped terminating end, a second sloped terminating end and a tubular center section with a first internal sleeve diameter that is larger than said external cable diameter and said external tube diameter and an external sleeve diameter that is about 10% to about 100% larger than said external cable diameter,
said outer sleeve further including a sleeve adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal sleeve surface,
said outer sleeve substantially enclosing said strengthening tube,
wherein said outer sleeve is fabricated from a heat-shrinkable material. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said system further includes a curable layer which substantially conforms to a volume between said internal tube surface and said retaining tube. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein said curable layer is chosen from the group consisting of silicone, epoxy, polymer, composites containing silicone, composites containing epoxy, and composites containing polymer. 12. The system of claim 9, wherein said system further includes at least two securing components which apply pressure to said strengthening tube to reduce movement of said strengthening tube. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said at least two securing components are a first ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D1 from said first outer terminating rim and a second ring-shaped pressure component located a distance D2 from said first outer terminating rim, wherein an inner pressure surface of said first ring-shaped pressure component and an inner pressure surface of said second ring-shaped pressure component apply pressure to said strengthening tube. 14. The system of claim 9, wherein said splice contact tube and said retaining tube are fabricated from said heat-shrinkable material without reinforcement or adhesive. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein said strengthening tube further includes at least one structural reinforcement component,
wherein a shape of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of band, braid, helix, mesh, sheet and strip. wherein a material of said at least one structural reinforcement component is selected from the group consisting of aramid, carbon, metallic and nylon materials. 16. The system of claim 9, wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a maximum internal diameter approximately equal to said first internal sleeve diameter, and wherein said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each have a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to said external cable diameter. 17. A multi-layered optical fiber splice protection method, comprising the steps of:
providing a strengthening tube having an external tube surface with an external tube diameter and an internal tube surface with an internal tube diameter that is larger than an external cable diameter of an optical cable,
said optical cable having a tension modulus Ko and said strengthening tube having a tension modulus Ks greater than or equal to Ko,
said optical cable having a bending modulus Eo and said strengthening tube having a bending modulus Es within a range of about ten percent above or below Eo,
said strengthening tube having a tube adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal tube surface,
wherein said strengthening tube is cylindrical with a first and a second outer terminating rim forming a plane substantially perpendicular to said optical cable;
providing an outer sleeve having an internal sleeve surface and a tubular center section with a first internal sleeve diameter that is larger than said external cable diameter and said external tube diameter and an external sleeve diameter,
said outer sleeve further including a sleeve adhesive layer which substantially covers said internal sleeve surface,
wherein said outer sleeve is fabricated from a heat-shrinkable material;
positioning said strengthening tube on an optical cable outer surface and over an optical fiber which has been spliced; applying pressure to said strengthening tube to contact said optical cable outer surface with said strengthening tube adhesive layer; positioning said outer sleeve on said optical cable outer surface and over said optical fiber which has been spliced; and applying heat to said outer sleeve to cause said sleeve adhesive layer to contact said optical cable outer surface and an outer surface of said strengthening tube and to create a first sloped terminating end of said outer sleeve and a second sloped terminating end of said outer sleeve,
said first sloped terminating end and said second sloped terminating end each having a maximum internal diameter approximately equal to said first internal sleeve diameter and a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to said external cable diameter,
wherein said external sleeve diameter is about 10% to about 100% larger than said external cable diameter. 18. The method of claim 17, further including the step of injecting a curable layer between said optical fiber and said internal tube surface. 19. The method of claim 17, further including the steps of:
positioning a first ring-shaped pressure component on said external tube surface a distance D1 from said first outer terminating rim, positioning a second ring-shaped pressure component on said external tube surface a distance D2 from said second outer terminating rim, and applying pressure to said strengthening tube through an inner pressure surface of said first ring-shaped pressure component and an inner pressure surface of said second ring-shaped pressure component. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein said providing steps are performed simultaneously, said positioning steps are performed simultaneously and said applying steps are performed simultaneously. | 2,800 |
11,170 | 11,170 | 14,810,527 | 2,847 | A grommet ( 1 ) including a body portion ( 3 ) dividing an inside and an outside of a mounting member, an electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) extending from the body portion ( 3 ) toward the outside of the mounting member and configured to insert an electric wire, a seal portion ( 9 ) provided at an end of the electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) to be in close contact with an outer circumference of the electric wire, and a protective portion ( 11 ) disposed on the electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) and configured to extend along the electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) and to cover an outer circumference of the electric wire exposed from the seal portion ( 9 ). | 1. A grommet comprising:
a body portion configured to divide an inside and an outside of a mounting member; an electric wire insertion portion extending from the body portion toward the outside of the mounting member and configured to insert an electric wire; a seal portion provided at an end of the electric wire insertion portion to be in close contact with an outer circumference of the electric wire; and a protective portion disposed on the electric wire insertion portion and configured to extend along the electric wire insertion portion and to cover an outer circumference of the electric wire exposed from the seal portion. 2. The grommet according to claim 1,
wherein the body portion is provided with a plurality of the electric wire insertion portions, and wherein the protective portions formed on each of the plurality of electric wire insertion portions are provided with outside diameters set smaller than the outside diameter of the seal portion having a maximum diameter. 3. The grommet according to claim 1, wherein
the protective portion has the outside diameter on an opposite side of a seal portion side set smaller than the outside diameter on the seal portion side. 4. A wire harness including the grommet according to claim 1,
wherein a protective member is disposed on the outer circumference of the electric wire exposing from the protective portion and an end side of the protective portion is inserted into the protective member. | A grommet ( 1 ) including a body portion ( 3 ) dividing an inside and an outside of a mounting member, an electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) extending from the body portion ( 3 ) toward the outside of the mounting member and configured to insert an electric wire, a seal portion ( 9 ) provided at an end of the electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) to be in close contact with an outer circumference of the electric wire, and a protective portion ( 11 ) disposed on the electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) and configured to extend along the electric wire insertion portion ( 7 ) and to cover an outer circumference of the electric wire exposed from the seal portion ( 9 ).1. A grommet comprising:
a body portion configured to divide an inside and an outside of a mounting member; an electric wire insertion portion extending from the body portion toward the outside of the mounting member and configured to insert an electric wire; a seal portion provided at an end of the electric wire insertion portion to be in close contact with an outer circumference of the electric wire; and a protective portion disposed on the electric wire insertion portion and configured to extend along the electric wire insertion portion and to cover an outer circumference of the electric wire exposed from the seal portion. 2. The grommet according to claim 1,
wherein the body portion is provided with a plurality of the electric wire insertion portions, and wherein the protective portions formed on each of the plurality of electric wire insertion portions are provided with outside diameters set smaller than the outside diameter of the seal portion having a maximum diameter. 3. The grommet according to claim 1, wherein
the protective portion has the outside diameter on an opposite side of a seal portion side set smaller than the outside diameter on the seal portion side. 4. A wire harness including the grommet according to claim 1,
wherein a protective member is disposed on the outer circumference of the electric wire exposing from the protective portion and an end side of the protective portion is inserted into the protective member. | 2,800 |
11,171 | 11,171 | 15,068,891 | 2,819 | A multi-layer substrate with metal layers as a moisture diffusion barrier for reduced electrical performance degradation over time after moisture exposure and methods of design and manufacture. The method includes determining a diffusion rate of an insulator material provided between an upper metal layer and an underlying signal line. The method further includes calculating a diffusion distance between a plane opening of the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line using the diffusion rate of the insulator material. | 1. A method, comprising:
determining a diffusion coefficient of an insulator material provided between an upper metal layer and an underlying signal line; establishing environmental conditions; establishing a time in which an electrical circuit will maintain a predetermined electrical performance; and calculating a lateral offset distance between a plane opening of the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line using the diffusion coefficient, environmental conditions and time. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating of the lateral offset distance uses a diffusion rate of the insulator material based on the diffusion coefficient. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing of the time is a time in which moisture will make contact with the underlying signal line. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the lateral offset distance is a maximum distance between the plane opening of the upper metal layer and an edge of the underlying signal line. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the diffusion coefficient is calculated using Fick's law. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the environmental conditions include humidity and temperature. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating calculates E(max) which is equal to the diffusion distance plus an electrical design distance in an orthogonal orientation between the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the lateral offset distance is a diffusion distance calculated using a target moisture sensitivity level for high speed signal performance. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating a lateral offset distance comprises calculating a diffusion distance between a plane opening of the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line using the diffusion coefficient of the insulator material and a diffusion rate of the insulator material. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lateral offset distance is used for determining target insertion loss degradation over time. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the diffusion rate is based on a calculated diffusion coefficient of the insulator material. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the diffusion coefficient is calculated using Fick's law. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the diffusion rate is calculating using environmental conditions including humidity and temperature. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the calculating uses an established time in which moisture will make contact with the underlying signal line. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the calculating calculates E(max) which is equal to the diffusion distance plus an electrical design distance in an orthogonal orientation between the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line. | A multi-layer substrate with metal layers as a moisture diffusion barrier for reduced electrical performance degradation over time after moisture exposure and methods of design and manufacture. The method includes determining a diffusion rate of an insulator material provided between an upper metal layer and an underlying signal line. The method further includes calculating a diffusion distance between a plane opening of the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line using the diffusion rate of the insulator material.1. A method, comprising:
determining a diffusion coefficient of an insulator material provided between an upper metal layer and an underlying signal line; establishing environmental conditions; establishing a time in which an electrical circuit will maintain a predetermined electrical performance; and calculating a lateral offset distance between a plane opening of the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line using the diffusion coefficient, environmental conditions and time. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating of the lateral offset distance uses a diffusion rate of the insulator material based on the diffusion coefficient. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing of the time is a time in which moisture will make contact with the underlying signal line. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the lateral offset distance is a maximum distance between the plane opening of the upper metal layer and an edge of the underlying signal line. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the diffusion coefficient is calculated using Fick's law. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the environmental conditions include humidity and temperature. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating calculates E(max) which is equal to the diffusion distance plus an electrical design distance in an orthogonal orientation between the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the lateral offset distance is a diffusion distance calculated using a target moisture sensitivity level for high speed signal performance. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the calculating a lateral offset distance comprises calculating a diffusion distance between a plane opening of the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line using the diffusion coefficient of the insulator material and a diffusion rate of the insulator material. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lateral offset distance is used for determining target insertion loss degradation over time. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the diffusion rate is based on a calculated diffusion coefficient of the insulator material. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the diffusion coefficient is calculated using Fick's law. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the diffusion rate is calculating using environmental conditions including humidity and temperature. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the calculating uses an established time in which moisture will make contact with the underlying signal line. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the calculating calculates E(max) which is equal to the diffusion distance plus an electrical design distance in an orthogonal orientation between the upper metal layer and the underlying signal line. | 2,800 |
11,172 | 11,172 | 14,043,279 | 2,815 | The present disclosure relates to a method of forming pore sealing layer for porous low-k dielectric interconnects. The method is performed by removing hard mask layer before pore sealing and/or applying pore sealing layer before etching etch stop layer (ESL). These methods at least have advantages that aspect ratio is improved, line distortion introduced by the hard mask layer is avoided, and critical dimension is less affected by pore sealing layer. | 1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a first conductive layer; an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first conductive layer; a porous low-k dielectric layer formed over the ESL layer; an opening extending downwardly through both the porous low-k dielectric layer and the ESL and stopping at the first conductive layer, wherein the opening defines both a dielectric sidewall in the porous low-k dielectric layer and an ESL sidewall in the ESL; a pore seal layer disposed on the dielectric sidewall but not covering the ESL sidewall; and a conductive material formed over the pore seal layer and filling the opening to form an interconnect structure to a second conductive layer over the porous low-k dielectric layer. 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the pore seal layer comprises oxide, SiC, SiCN, SiN, or SiOCH. 3. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein thickness of the pore seal layer is between 1 and 10 . 4. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the conductive material is copper. 5. A semiconductor device comprising:
first and second conductive layers over a semiconductor substrate; a porous low-k dielectric material arranged between the first and second conductive layers and including a trench and a via disposed therein, wherein the trench includes trench sidewalls extending downwardly from the second conductive layer to a trench bottom surface, and wherein the via includes via sidewalls extending downwardly from the trench bottom surface to the first conductive layer, the via sidewalls being more closely spaced than the trench sidewalls; a pore seal material disposed on the trench sidewalls and disposed on an upper region of the via sidewalls near the porous low-k dielectric layer but not disposed on a lower region of the via sidewalls near the first conductive layer; a conductive material formed over the pore seal material and filling the trench and via to electrically couple the first and second conductive layers to one another. 6. The semiconductor device of claim 5, further comprising:
an etch stop layer (ESL) between the first conductive layer and the porous low-k dielectric material. 7. The semiconductor device of claim 6, wherein the via extends downwardly through the ESL, such that the lower region of the via sidewalls without pore seal material thereon corresponds to ESL sidewalls adjacent to the via. 8. The semiconductor device of claim 5, wherein the via sidewall forms a first non-perpendicular angle with regards to an upper surface of the porous low-k dielectric material layer and forms a second non-perpendicular angle with regards to an upper surface of the ESL. 9. The semiconductor device of claim 8, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. 10. The semiconductor device of claim 5, wherein a thickness of the pore seal material on the trench sidewalls is larger or smaller than a thickness of the pore seal layer on the via sidewalls. 11. A method of forming a pore sealing for conductive interconnect structure on an integrated circuit die, the method comprising:
providing a layer of porous low-k dielectric material on an etch stop layer; removing a selected portion of the dielectric material to form an opening therein; applying a pore seal layer to the opening; removing a selective portion of the etch stop layer downwardly from the opening, and concurrently removing the pore seal material from a bottom surface of the opening; and providing a conductive material in the opening downwardly to the bottom of the etch stop layer to form an interconnect structure. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a hard mask layer is patterned prior to the formation of the opening. 13. The method according to claim 12, the hard-mask layer is removed using wet or dry etching after the formation of the opening and prior to the deposition of pore seal layer. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pore seal material is applied prior to the removal of the selected portion of the etch stop layer. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the removal of a selective portion of the etch stop layer and the pore seal material on the bottom of the opening is accomplished by a liner removal method wherein a bottom etch rate is larger than a sidewall etch rate. 16. The method according to claim 16, wherein the liner removal method etching is highly anisotropic, wherein a pressure lower than 40 mtorr and a bias power larger than 100 W are used. 17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pore seal layer is applied by PECVD, CVD, ALD, PEALD, HDP, or Flowable CVD. 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein removing the selected portion of the dielectric material to form the opening comprises: forming a trench in the dielectric material and forming a via in the dielectric material under the trench. 19. The method according to claim 19, wherein the trench and the via are formed by a dual damascene method including via-first, trench first, or double patterning approach. 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein a chemical-mechanical polish is applied to remove a layer above the porous low-k layer top surface. | The present disclosure relates to a method of forming pore sealing layer for porous low-k dielectric interconnects. The method is performed by removing hard mask layer before pore sealing and/or applying pore sealing layer before etching etch stop layer (ESL). These methods at least have advantages that aspect ratio is improved, line distortion introduced by the hard mask layer is avoided, and critical dimension is less affected by pore sealing layer.1. A semiconductor device comprising:
a first conductive layer; an etch stop layer (ESL) over the first conductive layer; a porous low-k dielectric layer formed over the ESL layer; an opening extending downwardly through both the porous low-k dielectric layer and the ESL and stopping at the first conductive layer, wherein the opening defines both a dielectric sidewall in the porous low-k dielectric layer and an ESL sidewall in the ESL; a pore seal layer disposed on the dielectric sidewall but not covering the ESL sidewall; and a conductive material formed over the pore seal layer and filling the opening to form an interconnect structure to a second conductive layer over the porous low-k dielectric layer. 2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the pore seal layer comprises oxide, SiC, SiCN, SiN, or SiOCH. 3. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein thickness of the pore seal layer is between 1 and 10 . 4. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the conductive material is copper. 5. A semiconductor device comprising:
first and second conductive layers over a semiconductor substrate; a porous low-k dielectric material arranged between the first and second conductive layers and including a trench and a via disposed therein, wherein the trench includes trench sidewalls extending downwardly from the second conductive layer to a trench bottom surface, and wherein the via includes via sidewalls extending downwardly from the trench bottom surface to the first conductive layer, the via sidewalls being more closely spaced than the trench sidewalls; a pore seal material disposed on the trench sidewalls and disposed on an upper region of the via sidewalls near the porous low-k dielectric layer but not disposed on a lower region of the via sidewalls near the first conductive layer; a conductive material formed over the pore seal material and filling the trench and via to electrically couple the first and second conductive layers to one another. 6. The semiconductor device of claim 5, further comprising:
an etch stop layer (ESL) between the first conductive layer and the porous low-k dielectric material. 7. The semiconductor device of claim 6, wherein the via extends downwardly through the ESL, such that the lower region of the via sidewalls without pore seal material thereon corresponds to ESL sidewalls adjacent to the via. 8. The semiconductor device of claim 5, wherein the via sidewall forms a first non-perpendicular angle with regards to an upper surface of the porous low-k dielectric material layer and forms a second non-perpendicular angle with regards to an upper surface of the ESL. 9. The semiconductor device of claim 8, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. 10. The semiconductor device of claim 5, wherein a thickness of the pore seal material on the trench sidewalls is larger or smaller than a thickness of the pore seal layer on the via sidewalls. 11. A method of forming a pore sealing for conductive interconnect structure on an integrated circuit die, the method comprising:
providing a layer of porous low-k dielectric material on an etch stop layer; removing a selected portion of the dielectric material to form an opening therein; applying a pore seal layer to the opening; removing a selective portion of the etch stop layer downwardly from the opening, and concurrently removing the pore seal material from a bottom surface of the opening; and providing a conductive material in the opening downwardly to the bottom of the etch stop layer to form an interconnect structure. 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein a hard mask layer is patterned prior to the formation of the opening. 13. The method according to claim 12, the hard-mask layer is removed using wet or dry etching after the formation of the opening and prior to the deposition of pore seal layer. 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pore seal material is applied prior to the removal of the selected portion of the etch stop layer. 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the removal of a selective portion of the etch stop layer and the pore seal material on the bottom of the opening is accomplished by a liner removal method wherein a bottom etch rate is larger than a sidewall etch rate. 16. The method according to claim 16, wherein the liner removal method etching is highly anisotropic, wherein a pressure lower than 40 mtorr and a bias power larger than 100 W are used. 17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pore seal layer is applied by PECVD, CVD, ALD, PEALD, HDP, or Flowable CVD. 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein removing the selected portion of the dielectric material to form the opening comprises: forming a trench in the dielectric material and forming a via in the dielectric material under the trench. 19. The method according to claim 19, wherein the trench and the via are formed by a dual damascene method including via-first, trench first, or double patterning approach. 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein a chemical-mechanical polish is applied to remove a layer above the porous low-k layer top surface. | 2,800 |
11,173 | 11,173 | 15,275,818 | 2,862 | Computing device, computer instructions and method for processing input seismic data d. The method includes a step of receiving the input seismic data d recorded in a first domain by seismic receivers that travel in water, the input seismic data d including up-going and down-going wave-fields; a step of generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and a step of processing with a processor the model p to obtain an output seismic dataset indicative of the down-going wave-field and substantially free of the up-going wave-field. | 1. A method for processing input seismic data d, the method comprising:
receiving the input seismic data d recorded, in a first domain, by seismic receivers that travel in water; generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and processing with a processor the model p to generate an output particle motion dataset. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the input seismic data d includes only pressure measurements. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the input seismic data d includes only particle motion measurements. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the input seismic data d includes both pressure and particle motion measurements. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is not corrected for obliquity. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is corrected for obliquity. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the obliquity is defined by an angle between a respective wave-field propagation direction and a receiver orientation. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the receiver orientation is defined by an angle relative to gravity. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the receiver orientation is defined by an angle relative to the nominal shooting direction. 10. The method of claim 1 where the output particle motion data is re-orientated. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing step comprises:
wave-field reconstruction of the pressure wave-fields based on the model p. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein pressure wave-fields are reconstructed at the same positions as the input seismic data, d. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein incoming wave-fields are reconstructed at new receiver positions. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the new positions are at different depths to the input data and the new positions are in-between the streamers. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset includes both an up-going wave-field and a down-going wave-field. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is substantially free of the down-going wave-field. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is substantially free of the up-going wave-field. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is used for generating a final image of a surveyed subsurface. 19. A computing device for processing input seismic data d, the device comprising:
an interface configured to receive the input seismic data d recorded, in a first domain, by seismic receivers that travel in water; and a processor connected to the interface, the processor being configured to, generate a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and process the model p to generate an output particle motion dataset. 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, implement instructions for processing input seismic data d, the instructions comprising:
receiving the input seismic data d recorded, in a first domain, by seismic receivers that travel in water; generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and processing the model p to generate an output particle motion dataset. | Computing device, computer instructions and method for processing input seismic data d. The method includes a step of receiving the input seismic data d recorded in a first domain by seismic receivers that travel in water, the input seismic data d including up-going and down-going wave-fields; a step of generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and a step of processing with a processor the model p to obtain an output seismic dataset indicative of the down-going wave-field and substantially free of the up-going wave-field.1. A method for processing input seismic data d, the method comprising:
receiving the input seismic data d recorded, in a first domain, by seismic receivers that travel in water; generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and processing with a processor the model p to generate an output particle motion dataset. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the input seismic data d includes only pressure measurements. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the input seismic data d includes only particle motion measurements. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the input seismic data d includes both pressure and particle motion measurements. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is not corrected for obliquity. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is corrected for obliquity. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the obliquity is defined by an angle between a respective wave-field propagation direction and a receiver orientation. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the receiver orientation is defined by an angle relative to gravity. 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the receiver orientation is defined by an angle relative to the nominal shooting direction. 10. The method of claim 1 where the output particle motion data is re-orientated. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the processing step comprises:
wave-field reconstruction of the pressure wave-fields based on the model p. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein pressure wave-fields are reconstructed at the same positions as the input seismic data, d. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein incoming wave-fields are reconstructed at new receiver positions. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the new positions are at different depths to the input data and the new positions are in-between the streamers. 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset includes both an up-going wave-field and a down-going wave-field. 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is substantially free of the down-going wave-field. 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is substantially free of the up-going wave-field. 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the output particle motion dataset is used for generating a final image of a surveyed subsurface. 19. A computing device for processing input seismic data d, the device comprising:
an interface configured to receive the input seismic data d recorded, in a first domain, by seismic receivers that travel in water; and a processor connected to the interface, the processor being configured to, generate a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and process the model p to generate an output particle motion dataset. 20. A non-transitory computer readable medium including computer executable instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, implement instructions for processing input seismic data d, the instructions comprising:
receiving the input seismic data d recorded, in a first domain, by seismic receivers that travel in water; generating a model p in a second domain to describe the input seismic data d; and processing the model p to generate an output particle motion dataset. | 2,800 |
11,174 | 11,174 | 14,297,809 | 2,887 | Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a financial account with incentives. In one implementation, a method is provided that includes receiving a selection of at least one identified merchant from a customer, the customer being associated with the financial account. The method also includes providing a first incentive to the financial account for one or more purchases made with the financial account at a merchant other than the identified merchant. Further, the method may include providing a second incentive to the financial account for one or more purchases made at the identified merchant with the financial account, wherein the first incentive is different than the second incentive. | 1.-28. (canceled) 29. A system for incentivizing use of financial accounts comprising:
a processor; and a storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations comprising:
identifying a financial account associated with a customer,
determining a profitability score for a financial account issuer associated with the financial account based upon at least a profitability grid, a profitability model formula, and historical data associated with financial accounts of the customer,
allocating the customer to a profitability group based on the profitability score,
associating an incentive with the profitability group proportionate to the profitability score, and
providing the incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account. 30. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including creating the profitability grid by dividing profitability score determinations for a plurality of customers into a predetermined number of groups. 31. The system of claim 1, wherein the profitability model formula is a multivariate logistic regression model. 32. The system of claim 1, wherein historical data comprises cost of rewards, profit margins, length of relationships, financial forecasts, number of reward points redeemed, number of reward points that remain outstanding, number of reward points that have expired, and/or reward points redemption statistics. 33. The system of claim 1, wherein the profitability group is one of a plurality of profitability groups each associated with a profitability range. 34. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including:
identifying a set of preferred merchants; receiving a selection from a customer of one or more of the preferred merchants; determining a preferred incentive for the customer for transactions at the selected one or more preferred merchants based on the profitability score and a merchant profitability; and providing the preferred incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account at least one of the selected one or more preferred merchants. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the storage device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including determining the merchant profitability based on statistics regarding transactions made by a plurality of customers at the selected preferred merchants. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the statistics include number of transactions made, frequency of transactions, and forecasts of projected transactions. 37. A method for incentivizing use of financial accounts comprising:
identifying a financial account associated with a customer; determining, by a processor, a profitability score for a financial account issuer associated with the financial account for a plurality of incentives for the financial account based upon at least a profitability grid, a profitability model formula, and historical data associated with financial accounts of the customer;
allocating, by the processor, the customer to a profitability group based on the profitability score;
associating, by the processor, an incentive with the profitability group proportionate to the profitability score; and
providing, by the processor, the incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising creating the profitability grid by dividing profitability score determinations for a plurality of customers into a predetermined number of groups. 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the profitability model formula is a multivariate logistic regression model. 40. The method of claim 37, wherein historical data comprises cost of rewards, profit margins, length of relationships, financial forecasts, number of reward points redeemed, number of reward points that remain outstanding, number of reward points that have expired, and/or reward points redemption statistics. 41. The system of claim 37, wherein the profitability group is one of a plurality of profitability groups each associated with a profitability range. 42. The method of claim 37, further comprising:
identifying a set of preferred merchants; receiving, by the processor, a selection from a customer of one or more of the preferred merchants; determining, by the processor, a preferred incentive for the customer for transactions at the selected one or more preferred merchants based on the profitability score and a merchant profitability; and providing the preferred incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account at at least one of the selected one or more preferred merchants. 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising determining the merchant profitability based on statistics regarding transactions made by a plurality of the customers at the one or more selected preferred merchants. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the statistics include number of transactions made, frequency of transactions, and forecasts of projected transactions. 45. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including:
identifying a financial account associated with a customer; determining a profitability score for a financial account issuer associated with the financial account for a plurality of incentives for the financial account based upon at least a profitability grid, a profitability model formula, and historical data associated with financial accounts of the customer; allocating the customer to a profitability group based on the profitability score; associating an incentive with the profitability group proportionate to the profitability score; and providing the incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account. 46. The medium of claim 45, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to perform operations including:
identifying a set of preferred merchants; receiving a selection from a customer of one or more preferred merchants; determining a preferred incentive for the customer for transactions at the selected one or more preferred merchants based on the profitability score and a merchant profitability; and providing the preferred incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account at at least one of the selected one or more preferred merchants. | Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a financial account with incentives. In one implementation, a method is provided that includes receiving a selection of at least one identified merchant from a customer, the customer being associated with the financial account. The method also includes providing a first incentive to the financial account for one or more purchases made with the financial account at a merchant other than the identified merchant. Further, the method may include providing a second incentive to the financial account for one or more purchases made at the identified merchant with the financial account, wherein the first incentive is different than the second incentive.1.-28. (canceled) 29. A system for incentivizing use of financial accounts comprising:
a processor; and a storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations comprising:
identifying a financial account associated with a customer,
determining a profitability score for a financial account issuer associated with the financial account based upon at least a profitability grid, a profitability model formula, and historical data associated with financial accounts of the customer,
allocating the customer to a profitability group based on the profitability score,
associating an incentive with the profitability group proportionate to the profitability score, and
providing the incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account. 30. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including creating the profitability grid by dividing profitability score determinations for a plurality of customers into a predetermined number of groups. 31. The system of claim 1, wherein the profitability model formula is a multivariate logistic regression model. 32. The system of claim 1, wherein historical data comprises cost of rewards, profit margins, length of relationships, financial forecasts, number of reward points redeemed, number of reward points that remain outstanding, number of reward points that have expired, and/or reward points redemption statistics. 33. The system of claim 1, wherein the profitability group is one of a plurality of profitability groups each associated with a profitability range. 34. The system of claim 1, wherein the storage device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including:
identifying a set of preferred merchants; receiving a selection from a customer of one or more of the preferred merchants; determining a preferred incentive for the customer for transactions at the selected one or more preferred merchants based on the profitability score and a merchant profitability; and providing the preferred incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account at least one of the selected one or more preferred merchants. 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the storage device stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform operations including determining the merchant profitability based on statistics regarding transactions made by a plurality of customers at the selected preferred merchants. 36. The system of claim 35, wherein the statistics include number of transactions made, frequency of transactions, and forecasts of projected transactions. 37. A method for incentivizing use of financial accounts comprising:
identifying a financial account associated with a customer; determining, by a processor, a profitability score for a financial account issuer associated with the financial account for a plurality of incentives for the financial account based upon at least a profitability grid, a profitability model formula, and historical data associated with financial accounts of the customer;
allocating, by the processor, the customer to a profitability group based on the profitability score;
associating, by the processor, an incentive with the profitability group proportionate to the profitability score; and
providing, by the processor, the incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account. 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising creating the profitability grid by dividing profitability score determinations for a plurality of customers into a predetermined number of groups. 39. The method of claim 37, wherein the profitability model formula is a multivariate logistic regression model. 40. The method of claim 37, wherein historical data comprises cost of rewards, profit margins, length of relationships, financial forecasts, number of reward points redeemed, number of reward points that remain outstanding, number of reward points that have expired, and/or reward points redemption statistics. 41. The system of claim 37, wherein the profitability group is one of a plurality of profitability groups each associated with a profitability range. 42. The method of claim 37, further comprising:
identifying a set of preferred merchants; receiving, by the processor, a selection from a customer of one or more of the preferred merchants; determining, by the processor, a preferred incentive for the customer for transactions at the selected one or more preferred merchants based on the profitability score and a merchant profitability; and providing the preferred incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account at at least one of the selected one or more preferred merchants. 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising determining the merchant profitability based on statistics regarding transactions made by a plurality of the customers at the one or more selected preferred merchants. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the statistics include number of transactions made, frequency of transactions, and forecasts of projected transactions. 45. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations including:
identifying a financial account associated with a customer; determining a profitability score for a financial account issuer associated with the financial account for a plurality of incentives for the financial account based upon at least a profitability grid, a profitability model formula, and historical data associated with financial accounts of the customer; allocating the customer to a profitability group based on the profitability score; associating an incentive with the profitability group proportionate to the profitability score; and providing the incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account. 46. The medium of claim 45, wherein the instructions further cause the processor to perform operations including:
identifying a set of preferred merchants; receiving a selection from a customer of one or more preferred merchants; determining a preferred incentive for the customer for transactions at the selected one or more preferred merchants based on the profitability score and a merchant profitability; and providing the preferred incentive to the customer based on purchase transactions made using the financial account at at least one of the selected one or more preferred merchants. | 2,800 |
11,175 | 11,175 | 14,276,921 | 2,875 | A method for producing a hermetically gastight optoelectronic or electro-optical component with great robustness to heat and moisture is described. A housing cap is connected to a carrier in a hermetically gastight manner. Orifices in the housing cap are closed in a hermetically gastight manner by a window element. An electronic component with a housing has a housing cap, a carrier as base plate of the housing, and an interior space enclosed by the housing cap and the carrier. An optoelectronic or electro-optical converter element is arranged in the interior space. The housing cap is closed in a hermetically gastight manner by the carrier through a bonding connection of fused metal. The orifice is connected to the housing cap in a hermetically gastight manner by a window element along an edge metallization of the window element by a circumferential first seam of a fused metallic material. | 1. A method for producing a hermetically gastight optoelectronic or electro-optical component, the method comprising:
a) providing a carrier for at least one optoelectronic or electro-optical converter element, the carrier also serving as a base plate of a housing; b) providing a housing cap having an opening at a bottom surface such that, after the housing cap is placed on the carrier, an interior space for receiving the at least one converter element is formed by the housing cap above the carrier; c) producing at least one orifice in the housing cap for passing through desired radiation-through the at least one orifice in the housing cap along a desired beam path oriented substantially orthogonally to the carrier and having an axis that substantially centrally penetrates the at least one orifice and the at least one converter element; d) providing at least one window element transparent to the radiation, the at least one window element having a shape and a size adapted to the orifice of the housing cap and having an edge metallization as a contact surface for an edge area of the at least one orifice; e) assembling the carrier, the converter element, the housing cap and the at least one window element to form a hermetically gastight connection between the housing cap and the at least one window element by fusing a metallic material between the edge metallization of the at least one window element and the housing cap, and to form a hermetically gastight connection between the housing cap and the carrier by forming a fused metallic material in a hermetically gastight manner with the carrier, wherein positioning the housing cap on the carrier comprises aligning the at least one orifice along the beam path opposite the at least one converter element. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising producing the window element as a plate of transparent material selected from the group consisting of sapphire (Al2O3), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), magnesium oxide (MgO), lithium fluoride (LiF), calcium fluoride (CaF2), barium fluoride (BaF2), silicon (Si), silicon dioxide (SiO2), germanium (Ge), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), cadmium telluride (CdTe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), titanium dioxide (TiO2), Y-partially stabilized zirconia (ZrO2), a mixture of thallium bromide and thallium iodide (KRS 5; Tl(Br—I)), flint glass, fused silica, and combinations thereof. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the edge metallization comprises a layer sequence of at least two layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, nickel, iron, titanium, platinum, palladium and gold. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the edge metallization is produced by a vapor deposition process or by an electrochemical process. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interior space is either filled with a gas or a gas mixture or is evacuated before producing the hermetically gastight connection between the housing cap and the carrier. 6. An electronic component comprising:
a housing having a housing cap, a carrier also serving as a base plate of the housing, and an interior space formed by the housing cap and the carrier, the housing cap being closed in a hermetically gastight manner by the carrier through a bonding connection of fused metal; at least one optoelectronic or electro-optical converter element disposed in the interior space, the converter element having electric contacts which are guided through the carrier and arranged in the carrier in a hermetically tight manner; and at least one orifice provided in the housing cap and closed in a hermetically gastight manner by means of at least one window element such that desired radiation can pass through the at least one orifice in the housing cap along a beam path oriented substantially orthogonally to the carrier and having an axis that substantially centrally penetrates the at least one orifice and the at least one converter element; wherein the at least one window element is transparent to the desired radiation and is coupled to the housing cap in a hermetically gastight manner along an edge metallization of the at least one window element by a circumferential first seam of a fused metallic material around the at least one orifice. 7. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the at least one converter element is an optoelectronic receiver, and wherein the electronic component is a robust sensor. 8. The electronic component according to claim 7, further comprising at least one optical filter associated with the at least one orifice along the beam path. 9. The electronic component according to claim 7, further comprising an additional orifice for passing the desired radiation along an additional beam path toward an additional optoelectronic receiver, the additional orifice being associated in a hermetically gastight manner with the at least one window element. 10. The electronic component according to claim 9, wherein the beam path and the additional beam path correspond to at least one measurement beam path and at least one reference beam path. 11. The electronic component according to claim 8, further comprising an intermediate space between the at least one optical filter and the at least one window element. 12. The electronic component according to claim 11, wherein the interior space of the housing and the intermediate space are connected by at least one channel for gas exchange and pressure equalization. 13. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the converter element is an electro-optical radiation source, and wherein an inner reflector is disposed in a rotationally symmetrical manner along a portion of the beam path so that the electronic component serves as an emitter unit for emitting a directed bundle of the desired radiation. 14. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the converter element is an electro-optical radiation source, and wherein an outer reflector is disposed on the housing cap over the orifice so that the electronic component comprises the outer reflector and serves as an emitter unit for emitting a directed bundle of the desired radiation. 15. A housing cap of an electronic component comprising an opening at a bottom surface of the housing cap, that at least one orifice is provided in a wall of the housing cap, the at least one orifice being closed in a hermetically gastight manner by a window element of a predetermined transparency, the window element being connected to the housing cap in a hermetically gastight manner along an edge metallization of the at least one window element around the at least one orifice by a circumferential seam of transiently fused metal. 16. A measuring cell comprising at least two electronic components, a first electronic component constructed according to claim 13 and a second electronic component constructed according to claim 14, wherein the at least two electronic components are positioned opposite to one another along a common optical axis at a measuring path, the measuring path corresponding to a distance defined by a housing of the measuring cell. 17. The measuring cell comprising at least two electronic components, a first electronic component constructed according to claim 13 and a second electronic component constructed according to claim 14, wherein the at least two electronic components are arranged next to one another and positioned along a common optical axis deflected at least once by at least one mirror unit disposed in a housing of the measuring cell opposite the at least two electronic components. 18. The measuring cell according to claim 16, wherein the housing of the measuring cell is a tubular formation comprising through-holes for passing of a gas. 19. The measuring cell according to claim 17, wherein the housing of the measuring cell is a tubular formation comprising through-holes for passing of a gas. | A method for producing a hermetically gastight optoelectronic or electro-optical component with great robustness to heat and moisture is described. A housing cap is connected to a carrier in a hermetically gastight manner. Orifices in the housing cap are closed in a hermetically gastight manner by a window element. An electronic component with a housing has a housing cap, a carrier as base plate of the housing, and an interior space enclosed by the housing cap and the carrier. An optoelectronic or electro-optical converter element is arranged in the interior space. The housing cap is closed in a hermetically gastight manner by the carrier through a bonding connection of fused metal. The orifice is connected to the housing cap in a hermetically gastight manner by a window element along an edge metallization of the window element by a circumferential first seam of a fused metallic material.1. A method for producing a hermetically gastight optoelectronic or electro-optical component, the method comprising:
a) providing a carrier for at least one optoelectronic or electro-optical converter element, the carrier also serving as a base plate of a housing; b) providing a housing cap having an opening at a bottom surface such that, after the housing cap is placed on the carrier, an interior space for receiving the at least one converter element is formed by the housing cap above the carrier; c) producing at least one orifice in the housing cap for passing through desired radiation-through the at least one orifice in the housing cap along a desired beam path oriented substantially orthogonally to the carrier and having an axis that substantially centrally penetrates the at least one orifice and the at least one converter element; d) providing at least one window element transparent to the radiation, the at least one window element having a shape and a size adapted to the orifice of the housing cap and having an edge metallization as a contact surface for an edge area of the at least one orifice; e) assembling the carrier, the converter element, the housing cap and the at least one window element to form a hermetically gastight connection between the housing cap and the at least one window element by fusing a metallic material between the edge metallization of the at least one window element and the housing cap, and to form a hermetically gastight connection between the housing cap and the carrier by forming a fused metallic material in a hermetically gastight manner with the carrier, wherein positioning the housing cap on the carrier comprises aligning the at least one orifice along the beam path opposite the at least one converter element. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising producing the window element as a plate of transparent material selected from the group consisting of sapphire (Al2O3), magnesium fluoride (MgF2), magnesium oxide (MgO), lithium fluoride (LiF), calcium fluoride (CaF2), barium fluoride (BaF2), silicon (Si), silicon dioxide (SiO2), germanium (Ge), zinc selenide (ZnSe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), cadmium telluride (CdTe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), titanium dioxide (TiO2), Y-partially stabilized zirconia (ZrO2), a mixture of thallium bromide and thallium iodide (KRS 5; Tl(Br—I)), flint glass, fused silica, and combinations thereof. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the edge metallization comprises a layer sequence of at least two layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, nickel, iron, titanium, platinum, palladium and gold. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the edge metallization is produced by a vapor deposition process or by an electrochemical process. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interior space is either filled with a gas or a gas mixture or is evacuated before producing the hermetically gastight connection between the housing cap and the carrier. 6. An electronic component comprising:
a housing having a housing cap, a carrier also serving as a base plate of the housing, and an interior space formed by the housing cap and the carrier, the housing cap being closed in a hermetically gastight manner by the carrier through a bonding connection of fused metal; at least one optoelectronic or electro-optical converter element disposed in the interior space, the converter element having electric contacts which are guided through the carrier and arranged in the carrier in a hermetically tight manner; and at least one orifice provided in the housing cap and closed in a hermetically gastight manner by means of at least one window element such that desired radiation can pass through the at least one orifice in the housing cap along a beam path oriented substantially orthogonally to the carrier and having an axis that substantially centrally penetrates the at least one orifice and the at least one converter element; wherein the at least one window element is transparent to the desired radiation and is coupled to the housing cap in a hermetically gastight manner along an edge metallization of the at least one window element by a circumferential first seam of a fused metallic material around the at least one orifice. 7. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the at least one converter element is an optoelectronic receiver, and wherein the electronic component is a robust sensor. 8. The electronic component according to claim 7, further comprising at least one optical filter associated with the at least one orifice along the beam path. 9. The electronic component according to claim 7, further comprising an additional orifice for passing the desired radiation along an additional beam path toward an additional optoelectronic receiver, the additional orifice being associated in a hermetically gastight manner with the at least one window element. 10. The electronic component according to claim 9, wherein the beam path and the additional beam path correspond to at least one measurement beam path and at least one reference beam path. 11. The electronic component according to claim 8, further comprising an intermediate space between the at least one optical filter and the at least one window element. 12. The electronic component according to claim 11, wherein the interior space of the housing and the intermediate space are connected by at least one channel for gas exchange and pressure equalization. 13. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the converter element is an electro-optical radiation source, and wherein an inner reflector is disposed in a rotationally symmetrical manner along a portion of the beam path so that the electronic component serves as an emitter unit for emitting a directed bundle of the desired radiation. 14. The electronic component according to claim 6, wherein the converter element is an electro-optical radiation source, and wherein an outer reflector is disposed on the housing cap over the orifice so that the electronic component comprises the outer reflector and serves as an emitter unit for emitting a directed bundle of the desired radiation. 15. A housing cap of an electronic component comprising an opening at a bottom surface of the housing cap, that at least one orifice is provided in a wall of the housing cap, the at least one orifice being closed in a hermetically gastight manner by a window element of a predetermined transparency, the window element being connected to the housing cap in a hermetically gastight manner along an edge metallization of the at least one window element around the at least one orifice by a circumferential seam of transiently fused metal. 16. A measuring cell comprising at least two electronic components, a first electronic component constructed according to claim 13 and a second electronic component constructed according to claim 14, wherein the at least two electronic components are positioned opposite to one another along a common optical axis at a measuring path, the measuring path corresponding to a distance defined by a housing of the measuring cell. 17. The measuring cell comprising at least two electronic components, a first electronic component constructed according to claim 13 and a second electronic component constructed according to claim 14, wherein the at least two electronic components are arranged next to one another and positioned along a common optical axis deflected at least once by at least one mirror unit disposed in a housing of the measuring cell opposite the at least two electronic components. 18. The measuring cell according to claim 16, wherein the housing of the measuring cell is a tubular formation comprising through-holes for passing of a gas. 19. The measuring cell according to claim 17, wherein the housing of the measuring cell is a tubular formation comprising through-holes for passing of a gas. | 2,800 |
11,176 | 11,176 | 15,134,384 | 2,876 | An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash, a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging. | 1. (canceled) 2. An apparatus comprising:
an optical beam transformer; a mechanical coupler to couple the optical beam transformer to a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the mechanical coupler has at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the apparatus to an external surface of the smart phone and is formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. 7. An apparatus comprising:
an optical beam transformer; a mechanical coupler to couple the optical beam transformer to a removable enclosure usable to enclose a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the mechanical coupler has at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the apparatus to an external surface of the removable enclosure and is formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash when the smart phone is inserted in the removable enclosure; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the removable enclosure is one of a partial enclosure, a full enclosure, and a clip enclosure. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. 13. A method comprising:
transforming an optical beam via an optical beam transformer; maintaining alignment of the optical beam transformer to a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the maintaining alignment is via at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the optical beam transformer to an external surface of the smart phone and formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. 18. A method comprising:
transforming an optical beam via an optical beam transformer; maintaining alignment of the optical beam transformer to a removable enclosure usable to enclose a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the maintaining alignment is via at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the optical beam transformer to an external surface of the removable enclosure and formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash when the smart phone is inserted in the removable enclosure; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the removable enclosure is one of a partial enclosure, a full enclosure, and a clip enclosure. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. | An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash, a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.1. (canceled) 2. An apparatus comprising:
an optical beam transformer; a mechanical coupler to couple the optical beam transformer to a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the mechanical coupler has at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the apparatus to an external surface of the smart phone and is formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. 7. An apparatus comprising:
an optical beam transformer; a mechanical coupler to couple the optical beam transformer to a removable enclosure usable to enclose a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the mechanical coupler has at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the apparatus to an external surface of the removable enclosure and is formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash when the smart phone is inserted in the removable enclosure; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the removable enclosure is one of a partial enclosure, a full enclosure, and a clip enclosure. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. 13. A method comprising:
transforming an optical beam via an optical beam transformer; maintaining alignment of the optical beam transformer to a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the maintaining alignment is via at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the optical beam transformer to an external surface of the smart phone and formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. 18. A method comprising:
transforming an optical beam via an optical beam transformer; maintaining alignment of the optical beam transformer to a removable enclosure usable to enclose a smart phone; wherein the smart phone is a standard smart phone not having any barcode imaging application-specific hardware, is enabled to support general purpose mobile applications, and has a built-in flash and a built-in digital camera enabled to support general purpose photography; wherein the smart phone is enabled to execute a barcode software application to control the built-in flash, to control the built-in digital camera to capture an image of a barcode, to convert the captured barcode image to an internal form, and to store the internal form in a data file; wherein the maintaining alignment is via at least one surface shaped to be compatible with removable attachment of the optical beam transformer to an external surface of the removable enclosure and formed to retain the optical beam transformer in alignment with an aperture of the built-in flash when the smart phone is inserted in the removable enclosure; wherein the optical beam transformer has an optical input to receive light from the built-in flash aperture and an optical output to provide a transformation of the received light into an aiming pattern, the aiming pattern enabling a user to distance the smart phone in accordance with optimum speed focusing of the built-in digital camera; and wherein the aiming pattern assisted distancing enables the user to more rapidly process the barcode than possible with the smart phone alone. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the removable attachment is via at least one of slip-on, clip-on, snap-on, glue-on, and magnetic attachment. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the removable enclosure is one of a partial enclosure, a full enclosure, and a clip enclosure. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein a dimension of the aiming pattern approximates a dimension of the barcode. 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the optical beam transformer comprises at least one of a focusing lens, an arrangement of lenses, a mirror, a prism, a beam forming aperture, and a diffuser. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the aiming pattern comprises one or more dots, spots, circles, concentric circles, lines, chevrons, and rectangles. | 2,800 |
11,177 | 11,177 | 15,224,348 | 2,896 | A thermal sleeve for protecting an electronic member connected to a wiring harness against exposure to heat has a tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material. The tubular member extends along a central longitudinal axis between opposite open ends. A plurality of slits extends lengthwise through one of the ends to form a plurality of fingers. The fingers are plastically deformed to extend radially inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and form an opening for receipt of the wiring harness therethrough. | 1. A thermal sleeve for protecting an electronic member operably connected to an elongate wiring harness, comprising:
a tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material, said tubular member extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite ends, a plurality of slits extending lengthwise through one of said ends to form a plurality of fingers, said fingers extending radially inwardly toward said central longitudinal axis and forming an opening for receipt of the wiring harness therethrough. 2. The thermal sleeve of claim 1 wherein said tubular member has a generally cylindrical portion, said fingers being reverse folded into said generally cylindrical portion. 3. The thermal sleeve of claim 2 wherein a portion of said reverse folded fingers and said generally cylindrical portion of said tubular member abut one another in overlapping relation to form a generally cylindrical dual wall region of said tubular member. 4. The thermal sleeve of claim 3 wherein said dual wall region includes two separate layers of said insulative material substantially abutting one another and two separate layers of said reflective material spaced radially from one another by said two separate layers of said insulative material. 5. The thermal sleeve of claim 4 wherein said two separate layers of said insulative material are detached from one another. 6. The thermal sleeve of claim 2 wherein said generally cylindrical portion extends between opposite ends, said fingers extending radially inwardly from said generally cylindrical portion between, in axially spaced relation from, said opposite ends of said generally cylindrical portion. 7. The thermal sleeve of claim 1 wherein said insulative material is one of a nonwoven material, woven material, knit material or braided material. 8. A thermal sleeve in combination with a wiring harness configured in electrical communication with a sensor, comprising:
a tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material, said tubular member extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite open ends, a plurality of slits extend lengthwise through one of said ends to form a plurality of fingers, said fingers extending radially inwardly toward said central longitudinal axis to form an opening for receipt of said wiring harness therethrough. 9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said tubular member has a generally cylindrical portion, said fingers being reverse folded into said generally cylindrical portion. 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein a portion of said reverse folded fingers and said generally cylindrical portion of said tubular member abut one another in overlapping relation to form a generally cylindrical dual wall region of said tubular member. 11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said dual wall region includes two separate layers of said insulative material substantially abutting one another and two separate layers of said reflective material spaced radially from one another by said two separate layers of said insulative material. 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said two separate layers of said insulative material are detached from one another. 13. The combination of claim 9 wherein said generally cylindrical portion extends between opposite ends, said fingers extending radially inwardly from said generally cylindrical portion between, in axially spaced relation from, said opposite ends of said generally cylindrical portion. 14. The combination of claim 8 wherein said insulative material is non-heat-settable. 15. The combination of claim 8 wherein said wiring harness has a convolute outer surface and said fingers are configured to deflect in opposite axial directions over crests of said convolute outer surface and extend into valleys of said convolute outer surface. 16. A method of constructing a sleeve for protecting an electronic member connected to a wiring harness against exposure to heat, comprising:
providing a tubular member extending along a central longitudinal axis between open opposite ends, with the tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material; forming a plurality of slits extending lengthwise through one of the ends toward the other of the ends to form a plurality of fingers; and bending the fingers radially inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis, with free ends of the fingers forming an opening for receipt of the wiring harness therethrough. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the bending further includes reverse folding the fingers into the tubular member such that a portion of the fingers form a generally cylindrical portion extending about the central longitudinal axis and a portion of the fingers extend radially generally transversely to the central longitudinal axis. 18. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a nonwoven material. 19. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a woven material. 20. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a knit material. 21. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a braided material. | A thermal sleeve for protecting an electronic member connected to a wiring harness against exposure to heat has a tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material. The tubular member extends along a central longitudinal axis between opposite open ends. A plurality of slits extends lengthwise through one of the ends to form a plurality of fingers. The fingers are plastically deformed to extend radially inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis and form an opening for receipt of the wiring harness therethrough.1. A thermal sleeve for protecting an electronic member operably connected to an elongate wiring harness, comprising:
a tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material, said tubular member extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite ends, a plurality of slits extending lengthwise through one of said ends to form a plurality of fingers, said fingers extending radially inwardly toward said central longitudinal axis and forming an opening for receipt of the wiring harness therethrough. 2. The thermal sleeve of claim 1 wherein said tubular member has a generally cylindrical portion, said fingers being reverse folded into said generally cylindrical portion. 3. The thermal sleeve of claim 2 wherein a portion of said reverse folded fingers and said generally cylindrical portion of said tubular member abut one another in overlapping relation to form a generally cylindrical dual wall region of said tubular member. 4. The thermal sleeve of claim 3 wherein said dual wall region includes two separate layers of said insulative material substantially abutting one another and two separate layers of said reflective material spaced radially from one another by said two separate layers of said insulative material. 5. The thermal sleeve of claim 4 wherein said two separate layers of said insulative material are detached from one another. 6. The thermal sleeve of claim 2 wherein said generally cylindrical portion extends between opposite ends, said fingers extending radially inwardly from said generally cylindrical portion between, in axially spaced relation from, said opposite ends of said generally cylindrical portion. 7. The thermal sleeve of claim 1 wherein said insulative material is one of a nonwoven material, woven material, knit material or braided material. 8. A thermal sleeve in combination with a wiring harness configured in electrical communication with a sensor, comprising:
a tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material, said tubular member extending along a central longitudinal axis between opposite open ends, a plurality of slits extend lengthwise through one of said ends to form a plurality of fingers, said fingers extending radially inwardly toward said central longitudinal axis to form an opening for receipt of said wiring harness therethrough. 9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said tubular member has a generally cylindrical portion, said fingers being reverse folded into said generally cylindrical portion. 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein a portion of said reverse folded fingers and said generally cylindrical portion of said tubular member abut one another in overlapping relation to form a generally cylindrical dual wall region of said tubular member. 11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said dual wall region includes two separate layers of said insulative material substantially abutting one another and two separate layers of said reflective material spaced radially from one another by said two separate layers of said insulative material. 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein said two separate layers of said insulative material are detached from one another. 13. The combination of claim 9 wherein said generally cylindrical portion extends between opposite ends, said fingers extending radially inwardly from said generally cylindrical portion between, in axially spaced relation from, said opposite ends of said generally cylindrical portion. 14. The combination of claim 8 wherein said insulative material is non-heat-settable. 15. The combination of claim 8 wherein said wiring harness has a convolute outer surface and said fingers are configured to deflect in opposite axial directions over crests of said convolute outer surface and extend into valleys of said convolute outer surface. 16. A method of constructing a sleeve for protecting an electronic member connected to a wiring harness against exposure to heat, comprising:
providing a tubular member extending along a central longitudinal axis between open opposite ends, with the tubular member including an inner layer of insulative material and an outer layer of reflective material; forming a plurality of slits extending lengthwise through one of the ends toward the other of the ends to form a plurality of fingers; and bending the fingers radially inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis, with free ends of the fingers forming an opening for receipt of the wiring harness therethrough. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the bending further includes reverse folding the fingers into the tubular member such that a portion of the fingers form a generally cylindrical portion extending about the central longitudinal axis and a portion of the fingers extend radially generally transversely to the central longitudinal axis. 18. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a nonwoven material. 19. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a woven material. 20. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a knit material. 21. The method of claim 16 further including forming the inner layer of insulative material as a braided material. | 2,800 |
11,178 | 11,178 | 14,926,508 | 2,884 | A new apparatus and method within a portable Mudlogging gas detection system that determines the total amounts and various composition of an incoming mix of gases extracted from drilling fluid. The Mudlogging system consists of at least one electronic computing device, at least one infrared interferometer, and at least one other device for detecting gasses extracted from the drilling fluid. The Mudlogging system may switch from the primary gas detection means to a secondary gas detection means upon detection of a non-recoverable fault of the first gas detection means. | 1. An apparatus comprising:
a portable case housing at least one computing device connected to a wide band infrared emitter configured to emit focused infrared light into a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) interferometer; a gas cell is adapted to intersect a sample gas with a processed light from the FTIR interferometer to irradiate the sample gas; a detector positioned to collect unabsorbed light from the gas cell; at least one redundant detector configured to detect hydrocarbons from the FTIR interferometer; and at least one pump positioned to move the gas sample from the gas cell to the detector and at least one redundant detector. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is positioned within 100 feet of a wellbore. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is housed in a portable explosion proof case. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is housed in a portable plastic housing. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus also contains at least one radio transmitter and receiver. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus also contains external wiring connections to connect to and communicate in duplex to an external data source. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus communicates to a secondary dedicated external interface device for monitoring and control of the apparatus. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one pump alters a flow of the sample gas in response to detection of an obstruction to remove the obstruction. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device reverses a flow of the sample gas via the at least one pump to expel one or more detected contaminants. 10. An apparatus comprising a portable case housing at least one computing device, a wide band infrared emitter, a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) interferometer, a gas cell, a primary detector, a sample pump, and a redundant pump, the at least one computing device configured to analyze the composition of hydrocarbon gasses released from a drilling fluid, the wide band infrared emitter positioned to emit a focused infrared light into the FTIR interferometer, the interferometer positioned to emit a processed light into the gas cell to test a sample gas by irradiating the sample gas with the processed light, the primary detector positioned to collect an unabsorbed light from the gas cell, the sample pump positioned to successively pass the sample gas to a secondary wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector, a wide band Carbon Dioxide detector, an Oxygen detector, and an Acetylene detector, the redundant pump positioned to push sample gas from the assorted detectors. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus also contains external wiring connections to connect to an external data Well Information Transfer System (WITS). 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus also contains external wiring connections to connect to an external computer network. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus communicates wirelessly to a secondary dedicated external remote interface device for monitoring and control of the apparatus. 14. The apparatus in claim 10, wherein the system is able to compensate for internal temperatures by the use of the metal apparatus case as a heat sink. 15. A method comprising:
analyzing a composition of hydrocarbon gases released from drilling fluids; detecting a fault condition in a primary detector used to analyze the composition of hydrocarbon gases; attempting to autonomously adjust the primary spectrometer with a control module to correct the fault condition; recognizing a failure to autonomously correct the fault condition; switching analysis of the composition of hydrocarbon gases to a backup hydrocarbon detector to compensate for the fault condition. 16. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is an interferometer and the control module autonomously switches to a wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector to compensate for the fault condition. 17. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is a wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector and the control module identifies an inaccuracy in the primary detector prior to deactivating, adjusting, and/or compensating the wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector autonomously with at least one sensor. 18. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is an internal oxygen sensor and the control module identifies an inaccuracy in the primary detector prior to deactivating, adjusting, and/or compensating the oxygen sensor autonomously with at least one sensor. 19. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is an internal Acetylene detector and the control module identifies an inaccuracy prior to deactivating, adjusting, and/or compensating the Carbon Dioxide sensor autonomously with at least one sensor. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the autonomous adjustment of the primary spectrometer deactivates and subsequently reactivates the primary spectrometer. | A new apparatus and method within a portable Mudlogging gas detection system that determines the total amounts and various composition of an incoming mix of gases extracted from drilling fluid. The Mudlogging system consists of at least one electronic computing device, at least one infrared interferometer, and at least one other device for detecting gasses extracted from the drilling fluid. The Mudlogging system may switch from the primary gas detection means to a secondary gas detection means upon detection of a non-recoverable fault of the first gas detection means.1. An apparatus comprising:
a portable case housing at least one computing device connected to a wide band infrared emitter configured to emit focused infrared light into a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) interferometer; a gas cell is adapted to intersect a sample gas with a processed light from the FTIR interferometer to irradiate the sample gas; a detector positioned to collect unabsorbed light from the gas cell; at least one redundant detector configured to detect hydrocarbons from the FTIR interferometer; and at least one pump positioned to move the gas sample from the gas cell to the detector and at least one redundant detector. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is positioned within 100 feet of a wellbore. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is housed in a portable explosion proof case. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is housed in a portable plastic housing. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus also contains at least one radio transmitter and receiver. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus also contains external wiring connections to connect to and communicate in duplex to an external data source. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus communicates to a secondary dedicated external interface device for monitoring and control of the apparatus. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one pump alters a flow of the sample gas in response to detection of an obstruction to remove the obstruction. 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device reverses a flow of the sample gas via the at least one pump to expel one or more detected contaminants. 10. An apparatus comprising a portable case housing at least one computing device, a wide band infrared emitter, a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) interferometer, a gas cell, a primary detector, a sample pump, and a redundant pump, the at least one computing device configured to analyze the composition of hydrocarbon gasses released from a drilling fluid, the wide band infrared emitter positioned to emit a focused infrared light into the FTIR interferometer, the interferometer positioned to emit a processed light into the gas cell to test a sample gas by irradiating the sample gas with the processed light, the primary detector positioned to collect an unabsorbed light from the gas cell, the sample pump positioned to successively pass the sample gas to a secondary wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector, a wide band Carbon Dioxide detector, an Oxygen detector, and an Acetylene detector, the redundant pump positioned to push sample gas from the assorted detectors. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus also contains external wiring connections to connect to an external data Well Information Transfer System (WITS). 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus also contains external wiring connections to connect to an external computer network. 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus communicates wirelessly to a secondary dedicated external remote interface device for monitoring and control of the apparatus. 14. The apparatus in claim 10, wherein the system is able to compensate for internal temperatures by the use of the metal apparatus case as a heat sink. 15. A method comprising:
analyzing a composition of hydrocarbon gases released from drilling fluids; detecting a fault condition in a primary detector used to analyze the composition of hydrocarbon gases; attempting to autonomously adjust the primary spectrometer with a control module to correct the fault condition; recognizing a failure to autonomously correct the fault condition; switching analysis of the composition of hydrocarbon gases to a backup hydrocarbon detector to compensate for the fault condition. 16. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is an interferometer and the control module autonomously switches to a wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector to compensate for the fault condition. 17. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is a wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector and the control module identifies an inaccuracy in the primary detector prior to deactivating, adjusting, and/or compensating the wide band infrared hydrocarbon detector autonomously with at least one sensor. 18. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is an internal oxygen sensor and the control module identifies an inaccuracy in the primary detector prior to deactivating, adjusting, and/or compensating the oxygen sensor autonomously with at least one sensor. 19. The method in claim 15, wherein the primary detector is an internal Acetylene detector and the control module identifies an inaccuracy prior to deactivating, adjusting, and/or compensating the Carbon Dioxide sensor autonomously with at least one sensor. 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the autonomous adjustment of the primary spectrometer deactivates and subsequently reactivates the primary spectrometer. | 2,800 |
11,179 | 11,179 | 14,631,149 | 2,883 | A fiber optic cable includes a core and a jacket surrounding the core. The jacket includes a base layer formed from a foamed material including a polymer. A surface layer of the jacket is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition and also includes the polymer. An interface bonds the surface and base layers to one another. | 1. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core comprising:
at least one optical fiber; and
one or more of the following: a tubular element, a binding element, a strength element, a water-blocking element, a flame-retardant element, and an additional optical fiber;
a jacket surrounding the core, the jacket comprising:
a base layer formed from a first composition, wherein the first composition is a foamed material comprising a polymer;
a surface layer formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition, wherein the second composition comprises the polymer; and
an interface between the surface and base layers, the interface cohesively bonding the surface and base layers to one another at least in part due to molecular chain entanglement of the polymer of both the first and second compositions at the interface. 2. The cable of claim 1, wherein at least 20% by volume of the foamed material consists of gas-filled voids when the cable is uncompressed at sea level at about 23° C. 3. The cable of claim 2, wherein the second composition is substantially not foamed, having less that 5% by volume thereof consisting of gas-filled voids. 4. The cable of claim 2, wherein when loaded in compression between two generally parallel plates with a compressive load of about 220 N/cm length over a 10 cm section of the cable for 1 minute, the change in minimum cross-sectional diameters of the buffer tubes in the section, on average, is less than 25% of their pre-loaded diameter. 5. The cable of claim 2, wherein when loaded in compression between two generally parallel plates with a compressive load of about 110 N/cm length over a 10 cm section of the cable for 10 minute, the change in minimum cross-sectional diameters of the buffer tubes in the section, on average, is less than 25% of their pre-loaded diameter. 6. The cable of claim 1, wherein the polymer is polyethylene and, more specifically, wherein the second composition comprises a higher density polyethylene than the first composition. 7. The cable of claim 6, wherein the density of the polyethylene of the second composition is in the range of about 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3 and the density of the polyethylene of the first composition is 0.94 g/cm3 or less. 8. The cable of claim 6, wherein the cohesive bond between the base and surface layers at the interface is at least half as great as the internal tear strength of either the first or second composition. 9. The cable of claim 6, wherein the polyethylene of the base layer is recycled- or uncolored, natural-polyethylene. 10. The cable of claim 9, wherein the polyethylene of the surface layer is colored virgin-polyethylene. 11. The cable of claim 1, wherein the surface layer is thinner than the base layer, and wherein the surface layer has a thickness of at least about 300 micrometers. 12. The cable of claim 11, wherein the second composition further comprises one or more additives comprising paracrystalline carbon, and wherein the second composition has a percentage by volume of the paracrystalline carbon that is at least ten times greater than the percentage by volume thereof in the first composition, whereby the paracrystalline carbon is concentrated in the surface layer. 13. The cable of claim 11, wherein the paracrystalline carbon comprises carbon black having a particle size of between 20 and 350 nanometers and a tensile strength of between 9 and 26 MPa, thereby limiting penetration of ultra-violet light through the surface layer. 14. The cable of claim 13, wherein the concentration of the carbon black is at least 2% by volume in the surface layer, and the base layer has a concentration of carbon black that is 0.2% or less. 15. The cable of claim 1, wherein the core comprises the strength element, wherein the strength element comprises a central strength member, wherein the central strength member is dielectric, wherein the central strength member is a rod, wherein the rod comprises glass-reinforced plastic; the core of the fiber optic cable further comprising buffer tubes wound around the central strength member in a pattern of reverse-oscillatory stranding; wherein the at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers, and wherein the plurality of optical fibers extend through the buffer tubes. 16. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core comprising:
a strength element, wherein the strength element comprises a central strength member, wherein the central strength member is dielectric, and wherein the central strength member is a rod;
buffer tubes wound around the central strength member in a pattern of reverse-oscillatory stranding, wherein when loaded in compression between two generally parallel plates with a compressive load of about 220 N/cm length for 1 minute, the change in minimum cross-sectional diameters of the buffer tubes, on average, is less than 25% of their pre-loaded diameter;
optical fibers extending through the buffer tubes, wherein the buffer tubes and optical fibers therein are reinforced by the strength element; and
a bedding compound filling intersticial spaces between the buffer tubes and central strength member in the core; and
a jacket surrounding the core, the jacket comprising:
a base layer formed from a first composition, wherein the first composition is a foamed material comprising a polymer, wherein at least 20% by volume of the foamed material of the first composition consists of gas-filled voids when the cable is uncompressed at sea level at about 23° C.;
a surface layer defining an exterior surface of the fiber optic cable, wherein the surface layer is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition, wherein the second composition comprises the polymer, wherein the surface layer is thinner than the base layer, and wherein the surface layer has a thickness of at least about 300 micrometers, wherein the second composition further comprises one or more additives comprising paracrystalline carbon, and wherein the second composition has a percentage by volume of the paracrystalline carbon that is greater than a percentage by volume thereof in the first composition; and
an interface between the surface and base layers, the interface bonding the surface and base layers to one another. 17. The fiber optic cable of claim 16, wherein the bedding compound comprises a thermoplastic adhesive. 18. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a strength element, wherein the strength element comprises a central strength member, and wherein the central strength member is a rod; buffer tubes wound around the central strength member in a pattern of reverse-oscillatory stranding; optical fibers extending through the buffer tubes; a binder layer surrounding the buffer tubes, the binder layer formed from a third composition comprising a polymer; a base layer surrounding the binder layer and formed from a first composition that differs from the third composition, wherein the first composition is a foamed material comprising the polymer; a surface layer surrounding the base layer and defining an exterior surface of the fiber optic cable, wherein the surface layer is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition, wherein the second composition comprises the polymer; a first interface between the surface and base layers, the first interface bonding the surface and base layers to one another; and a second interface between the base and binder layers, the interface bonding the base and binder layers to one another. 19. The cable of claim 18, wherein at least 20% by volume of the foamed material of the first composition consists of gas-filled voids when the cable is uncompressed at sea level at about 23° C. 20. The cable of claim 18, wherein the polymer is polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene of the second composition is a higher-density polyethylene than the polyethylene of the first composition, and wherein the polyethylene of the second composition is also a higher-density than the polyethylene of the third composition. | A fiber optic cable includes a core and a jacket surrounding the core. The jacket includes a base layer formed from a foamed material including a polymer. A surface layer of the jacket is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition and also includes the polymer. An interface bonds the surface and base layers to one another.1. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core comprising:
at least one optical fiber; and
one or more of the following: a tubular element, a binding element, a strength element, a water-blocking element, a flame-retardant element, and an additional optical fiber;
a jacket surrounding the core, the jacket comprising:
a base layer formed from a first composition, wherein the first composition is a foamed material comprising a polymer;
a surface layer formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition, wherein the second composition comprises the polymer; and
an interface between the surface and base layers, the interface cohesively bonding the surface and base layers to one another at least in part due to molecular chain entanglement of the polymer of both the first and second compositions at the interface. 2. The cable of claim 1, wherein at least 20% by volume of the foamed material consists of gas-filled voids when the cable is uncompressed at sea level at about 23° C. 3. The cable of claim 2, wherein the second composition is substantially not foamed, having less that 5% by volume thereof consisting of gas-filled voids. 4. The cable of claim 2, wherein when loaded in compression between two generally parallel plates with a compressive load of about 220 N/cm length over a 10 cm section of the cable for 1 minute, the change in minimum cross-sectional diameters of the buffer tubes in the section, on average, is less than 25% of their pre-loaded diameter. 5. The cable of claim 2, wherein when loaded in compression between two generally parallel plates with a compressive load of about 110 N/cm length over a 10 cm section of the cable for 10 minute, the change in minimum cross-sectional diameters of the buffer tubes in the section, on average, is less than 25% of their pre-loaded diameter. 6. The cable of claim 1, wherein the polymer is polyethylene and, more specifically, wherein the second composition comprises a higher density polyethylene than the first composition. 7. The cable of claim 6, wherein the density of the polyethylene of the second composition is in the range of about 0.93 to 0.97 g/cm3 and the density of the polyethylene of the first composition is 0.94 g/cm3 or less. 8. The cable of claim 6, wherein the cohesive bond between the base and surface layers at the interface is at least half as great as the internal tear strength of either the first or second composition. 9. The cable of claim 6, wherein the polyethylene of the base layer is recycled- or uncolored, natural-polyethylene. 10. The cable of claim 9, wherein the polyethylene of the surface layer is colored virgin-polyethylene. 11. The cable of claim 1, wherein the surface layer is thinner than the base layer, and wherein the surface layer has a thickness of at least about 300 micrometers. 12. The cable of claim 11, wherein the second composition further comprises one or more additives comprising paracrystalline carbon, and wherein the second composition has a percentage by volume of the paracrystalline carbon that is at least ten times greater than the percentage by volume thereof in the first composition, whereby the paracrystalline carbon is concentrated in the surface layer. 13. The cable of claim 11, wherein the paracrystalline carbon comprises carbon black having a particle size of between 20 and 350 nanometers and a tensile strength of between 9 and 26 MPa, thereby limiting penetration of ultra-violet light through the surface layer. 14. The cable of claim 13, wherein the concentration of the carbon black is at least 2% by volume in the surface layer, and the base layer has a concentration of carbon black that is 0.2% or less. 15. The cable of claim 1, wherein the core comprises the strength element, wherein the strength element comprises a central strength member, wherein the central strength member is dielectric, wherein the central strength member is a rod, wherein the rod comprises glass-reinforced plastic; the core of the fiber optic cable further comprising buffer tubes wound around the central strength member in a pattern of reverse-oscillatory stranding; wherein the at least one optical fiber comprises a plurality of optical fibers, and wherein the plurality of optical fibers extend through the buffer tubes. 16. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a core comprising:
a strength element, wherein the strength element comprises a central strength member, wherein the central strength member is dielectric, and wherein the central strength member is a rod;
buffer tubes wound around the central strength member in a pattern of reverse-oscillatory stranding, wherein when loaded in compression between two generally parallel plates with a compressive load of about 220 N/cm length for 1 minute, the change in minimum cross-sectional diameters of the buffer tubes, on average, is less than 25% of their pre-loaded diameter;
optical fibers extending through the buffer tubes, wherein the buffer tubes and optical fibers therein are reinforced by the strength element; and
a bedding compound filling intersticial spaces between the buffer tubes and central strength member in the core; and
a jacket surrounding the core, the jacket comprising:
a base layer formed from a first composition, wherein the first composition is a foamed material comprising a polymer, wherein at least 20% by volume of the foamed material of the first composition consists of gas-filled voids when the cable is uncompressed at sea level at about 23° C.;
a surface layer defining an exterior surface of the fiber optic cable, wherein the surface layer is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition, wherein the second composition comprises the polymer, wherein the surface layer is thinner than the base layer, and wherein the surface layer has a thickness of at least about 300 micrometers, wherein the second composition further comprises one or more additives comprising paracrystalline carbon, and wherein the second composition has a percentage by volume of the paracrystalline carbon that is greater than a percentage by volume thereof in the first composition; and
an interface between the surface and base layers, the interface bonding the surface and base layers to one another. 17. The fiber optic cable of claim 16, wherein the bedding compound comprises a thermoplastic adhesive. 18. A fiber optic cable, comprising:
a strength element, wherein the strength element comprises a central strength member, and wherein the central strength member is a rod; buffer tubes wound around the central strength member in a pattern of reverse-oscillatory stranding; optical fibers extending through the buffer tubes; a binder layer surrounding the buffer tubes, the binder layer formed from a third composition comprising a polymer; a base layer surrounding the binder layer and formed from a first composition that differs from the third composition, wherein the first composition is a foamed material comprising the polymer; a surface layer surrounding the base layer and defining an exterior surface of the fiber optic cable, wherein the surface layer is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition, wherein the second composition comprises the polymer; a first interface between the surface and base layers, the first interface bonding the surface and base layers to one another; and a second interface between the base and binder layers, the interface bonding the base and binder layers to one another. 19. The cable of claim 18, wherein at least 20% by volume of the foamed material of the first composition consists of gas-filled voids when the cable is uncompressed at sea level at about 23° C. 20. The cable of claim 18, wherein the polymer is polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene of the second composition is a higher-density polyethylene than the polyethylene of the first composition, and wherein the polyethylene of the second composition is also a higher-density than the polyethylene of the third composition. | 2,800 |
11,180 | 11,180 | 15,628,774 | 2,844 | An illumination device is provided. The illumination device includes a light emitting source and a clamped series resonant converter (CSRC) coupled thereto. The CSRC includes a first rectifier to generate a direct current (DC) using an alternating current (AC) voltage. The CSRC further includes an inverter having a switching leg including a plurality of switches coupled in series and a diode leg having a plurality of diodes coupled in series. The diode leg is coupled in parallel with the switching leg. Furthermore, the inverter includes an inductor coupled to the switching leg and a capacitor coupled to the diode leg. The CSRC also includes a transformer coupled to the inverter, where a voltage developed across a primary winding of the transformer causes automatic power factor correction by drawing an input current flowing through the CSRC that is proportional to the AC voltage. | 1. An illumination device comprising:
a light emitting source; and a clamped series resonant converter electrically coupled to the light emitting source, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises:
a first rectifier configured to generate a direct current (DC) power from an input alternating current (AC) voltage of the first rectifier;
an inverter coupled to the first rectifier and configured to receive the DC power from the first rectifier and generate an intermediate AC power, wherein the inverter comprises:
a switching leg comprising a plurality of switches coupled in series;
a diode leg comprising a plurality of diodes coupled in series, wherein the diode leg is coupled in parallel with the switching leg, wherein the plurality of diodes comprises a first diode and a second diode;
an inductor coupled to the plurality of the switches;
a capacitor coupled in parallel with the second diode to facilitate generation of the intermediate AC power, wherein a voltage across the capacitor is clamped at a level equivalent to a level of a DC voltage at an input of the inverter or zero via the first diode and a second diode; and
a transformer coupled to the inverter, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding of the transformer is connected between the inductor and the capacitor, and wherein a voltage developed across the primary winding causes automatic power factor correction by drawing an input current flowing through the clamped series resonant converter that is proportional to the AC voltage. 2. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting source comprises a string of one or more light emitting diodes. 3. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the clamped series resonant converter further comprises a second rectifier coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer, wherein the second rectifier is configured to generate an output DC power. 4. The illumination device of claim 3, wherein light emitting source applies fixed voltage to an output of the clamped series resonant converter, and wherein the the clamped series resonant converter is configured to automatically regulate a load current flowing through the light emitting source to provide a fixed output DC power to the light emitting source. 5. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein switching of the plurality of switches is controlled via control signals applied to respective control terminals of the plurality of switches, wherein a load current flowing through the light emitting source is controlled based on a frequency of the control signals. 6. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein switching of the plurality of switches is controlled via control signals applied to respective control terminals of the plurality of switches, wherein a load current flowing through the light emitting source is controlled based on a duty-cycle of the control signals. 7. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises a magnetizing inductance induced by the transformer in the clamped series resonant converter when operatively coupled to the light emitting source. 8. The illumination device of claim 7, wherein the magnetizing inductance enables a zero-voltage switching in the clamped series resonant converter. 9. The illumination device of claim 7, wherein the clamped series resonant converter operates in a partial zero-voltage switching mode or a full zero-voltage switching mode. 10. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the clamped series resonant converter operates in a zero-voltage switching mode upon achieving a zero-current switching boundary condition. 11. A method for operating an illumination device comprising a clamped series resonant converter electrically coupled between a light emitting source coupled to, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises an inverter comprising a plurality of switches, the method comprising:
operating the plurality of switches of the inverter of the clamped series resonant converter at a fixed switching frequency for a predetermined time; drawing an input current by the clamped series resonant converter from a power source in phase with an input voltage supplied by the power source to achieve an automatic power factor correction; applying a fixed voltage at an output of the clamped series resonant converter by the light emitting source; and regulating a load current flowing through the light emitting source based on the fixed switching frequency. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the light emitting source comprises one or more light emitting diodes. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein operating the plurality of switches comprises applying control signals to respective control terminals of the plurality of switches, wherein the control signals comprise pulses of the fixed switching frequency. 14. An illumination device comprising:
a light emitting source; and a clamped series resonant converter electrically coupled to the light emitting source, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises:
a first rectifier configured to generate a direct current (DC) power from an input alternating current (AC) voltage of the first rectifier;
an inverter coupled to the first rectifier and configured to receive the DC power from the first rectifier and generate an intermediate AC power, wherein the inverter comprises:
a plurality of switches;
an inductor coupled to the plurality of the switches;
a capacitor coupled in parallel with one of the plurality of the switches to facilitate generation of the intermediate AC power, wherein a voltage across the capacitor is clamped at a level equivalent to a level of a DC voltage at an input of the inverter or zero; and
a transformer coupled to the inverter, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding of the transformer is connected between the inductor and the capacitor, and wherein a voltage developed across the primary winding causes automatic power factor correction by drawing an input current flowing through the clamped series resonant converter that is proportional to the AC voltage. 15. The illumination device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of switches are arranged in a first switching leg and a second switching leg coupled in parallel with each other. 16. The illumination device of claim 15, wherein the inductor is coupled to a node between at least two switches of the first switching leg. 17. The illumination device of claim 15, wherein the capacitor is coupled in parallel with one switch of the second switching leg. | An illumination device is provided. The illumination device includes a light emitting source and a clamped series resonant converter (CSRC) coupled thereto. The CSRC includes a first rectifier to generate a direct current (DC) using an alternating current (AC) voltage. The CSRC further includes an inverter having a switching leg including a plurality of switches coupled in series and a diode leg having a plurality of diodes coupled in series. The diode leg is coupled in parallel with the switching leg. Furthermore, the inverter includes an inductor coupled to the switching leg and a capacitor coupled to the diode leg. The CSRC also includes a transformer coupled to the inverter, where a voltage developed across a primary winding of the transformer causes automatic power factor correction by drawing an input current flowing through the CSRC that is proportional to the AC voltage.1. An illumination device comprising:
a light emitting source; and a clamped series resonant converter electrically coupled to the light emitting source, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises:
a first rectifier configured to generate a direct current (DC) power from an input alternating current (AC) voltage of the first rectifier;
an inverter coupled to the first rectifier and configured to receive the DC power from the first rectifier and generate an intermediate AC power, wherein the inverter comprises:
a switching leg comprising a plurality of switches coupled in series;
a diode leg comprising a plurality of diodes coupled in series, wherein the diode leg is coupled in parallel with the switching leg, wherein the plurality of diodes comprises a first diode and a second diode;
an inductor coupled to the plurality of the switches;
a capacitor coupled in parallel with the second diode to facilitate generation of the intermediate AC power, wherein a voltage across the capacitor is clamped at a level equivalent to a level of a DC voltage at an input of the inverter or zero via the first diode and a second diode; and
a transformer coupled to the inverter, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding of the transformer is connected between the inductor and the capacitor, and wherein a voltage developed across the primary winding causes automatic power factor correction by drawing an input current flowing through the clamped series resonant converter that is proportional to the AC voltage. 2. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting source comprises a string of one or more light emitting diodes. 3. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the clamped series resonant converter further comprises a second rectifier coupled to the secondary winding of the transformer, wherein the second rectifier is configured to generate an output DC power. 4. The illumination device of claim 3, wherein light emitting source applies fixed voltage to an output of the clamped series resonant converter, and wherein the the clamped series resonant converter is configured to automatically regulate a load current flowing through the light emitting source to provide a fixed output DC power to the light emitting source. 5. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein switching of the plurality of switches is controlled via control signals applied to respective control terminals of the plurality of switches, wherein a load current flowing through the light emitting source is controlled based on a frequency of the control signals. 6. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein switching of the plurality of switches is controlled via control signals applied to respective control terminals of the plurality of switches, wherein a load current flowing through the light emitting source is controlled based on a duty-cycle of the control signals. 7. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises a magnetizing inductance induced by the transformer in the clamped series resonant converter when operatively coupled to the light emitting source. 8. The illumination device of claim 7, wherein the magnetizing inductance enables a zero-voltage switching in the clamped series resonant converter. 9. The illumination device of claim 7, wherein the clamped series resonant converter operates in a partial zero-voltage switching mode or a full zero-voltage switching mode. 10. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the clamped series resonant converter operates in a zero-voltage switching mode upon achieving a zero-current switching boundary condition. 11. A method for operating an illumination device comprising a clamped series resonant converter electrically coupled between a light emitting source coupled to, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises an inverter comprising a plurality of switches, the method comprising:
operating the plurality of switches of the inverter of the clamped series resonant converter at a fixed switching frequency for a predetermined time; drawing an input current by the clamped series resonant converter from a power source in phase with an input voltage supplied by the power source to achieve an automatic power factor correction; applying a fixed voltage at an output of the clamped series resonant converter by the light emitting source; and regulating a load current flowing through the light emitting source based on the fixed switching frequency. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the light emitting source comprises one or more light emitting diodes. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein operating the plurality of switches comprises applying control signals to respective control terminals of the plurality of switches, wherein the control signals comprise pulses of the fixed switching frequency. 14. An illumination device comprising:
a light emitting source; and a clamped series resonant converter electrically coupled to the light emitting source, wherein the clamped series resonant converter comprises:
a first rectifier configured to generate a direct current (DC) power from an input alternating current (AC) voltage of the first rectifier;
an inverter coupled to the first rectifier and configured to receive the DC power from the first rectifier and generate an intermediate AC power, wherein the inverter comprises:
a plurality of switches;
an inductor coupled to the plurality of the switches;
a capacitor coupled in parallel with one of the plurality of the switches to facilitate generation of the intermediate AC power, wherein a voltage across the capacitor is clamped at a level equivalent to a level of a DC voltage at an input of the inverter or zero; and
a transformer coupled to the inverter, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the primary winding of the transformer is connected between the inductor and the capacitor, and wherein a voltage developed across the primary winding causes automatic power factor correction by drawing an input current flowing through the clamped series resonant converter that is proportional to the AC voltage. 15. The illumination device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of switches are arranged in a first switching leg and a second switching leg coupled in parallel with each other. 16. The illumination device of claim 15, wherein the inductor is coupled to a node between at least two switches of the first switching leg. 17. The illumination device of claim 15, wherein the capacitor is coupled in parallel with one switch of the second switching leg. | 2,800 |
11,181 | 11,181 | 14,152,217 | 2,862 | Methods and systems for dip constrained non-linear tomography in seismic data. An additional term, comprising the dip associated with the kinematic migration of locally coherent events, is introduced into the cost function. The velocity is then updated to match the expected dip of the re-migrated offset-dependent events. Volumetric dip information can be automatically selected at a greater density in shallow locations, therefor complementing the lower density of the RMO events associated with shallow locations. | 1. A method, stored in a memory and executing on a processor, for minimizing a cost function associated with non-linear tomography, said method comprising:
adding a dip constraint term to a cost function equation of said non-linear tomography; adjusting a velocity model, associated with said non-linear tomography, to match an expected dip of a plurality of re-migrated offset-dependent events; and outputting a minimized cost function. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said dip constraint term further comprises kinematic migration of locally coherent events. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said dip constraint term can be interpreted as a structural constraint. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said dip constraint term is
∑
dipevents
β
j
dip
j
-
dip
jref
n
. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said dip constraint term comprises the misfit between migrated dips and expected dips. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said dip constraint term is a weighted term. 7. The method of claim 4, wherein said dip constraint term is solved based on a non-linear iterative optimization scheme. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said non-linear iterative optimization scheme further comprises computing Fréchet derivatives for said dip constraint term based on techniques comprising a paraxial ray technique. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said cost function is described by the equation:
C
(
m
)
=
∑
rmoevents
α
i
δ
RMO
i
n
+
∑
dipevents
β
j
dip
j
-
dip
jref
n
+
R
(
m
)
. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said offset dependent events are selected volumetrically. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said minimized cost function is used in further processing to improve accuracy of a velocity model for seismic imaging. 12. A seismic system for generating a minimized cost function associated with non-linear slope tomography, said system comprising:
one or more processors configured to execute computer instructions and a memory configured to store said computer instructions wherein said computer instructions process seismic data and further comprise:
a dip constraint component (802) for adding a dip constraint term to a cost function equation;
a tuning component (804) for adjusting a velocity model, associated with said non-linear tomography, to match an expected dip of a plurality of re-migrated offset dependent events based on said seismic data; and
an output component (806) for outputting a minimized cost function. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint component further comprises kinematic migration of locally coherent events. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint term is a structural constraint. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein said offset dependent events are distortions comprising shallow heterogeneities, channels, faults, gas clouds, rough topography and flat spots. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint term is a weighted term. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint term comprises the misfit between migrated dips and expected dips. 18. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint component further comprises a solver based on a non-linear iterative optimization scheme. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said non-linear iterative optimization scheme further comprises computing Fréchet derivatives, for said dip constraint term, based on techniques comprising a paraxial ray technique. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein said tuning component selects offset dependent events volumetrically. | Methods and systems for dip constrained non-linear tomography in seismic data. An additional term, comprising the dip associated with the kinematic migration of locally coherent events, is introduced into the cost function. The velocity is then updated to match the expected dip of the re-migrated offset-dependent events. Volumetric dip information can be automatically selected at a greater density in shallow locations, therefor complementing the lower density of the RMO events associated with shallow locations.1. A method, stored in a memory and executing on a processor, for minimizing a cost function associated with non-linear tomography, said method comprising:
adding a dip constraint term to a cost function equation of said non-linear tomography; adjusting a velocity model, associated with said non-linear tomography, to match an expected dip of a plurality of re-migrated offset-dependent events; and outputting a minimized cost function. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said dip constraint term further comprises kinematic migration of locally coherent events. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said dip constraint term can be interpreted as a structural constraint. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said dip constraint term is
∑
dipevents
β
j
dip
j
-
dip
jref
n
. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said dip constraint term comprises the misfit between migrated dips and expected dips. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said dip constraint term is a weighted term. 7. The method of claim 4, wherein said dip constraint term is solved based on a non-linear iterative optimization scheme. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said non-linear iterative optimization scheme further comprises computing Fréchet derivatives for said dip constraint term based on techniques comprising a paraxial ray technique. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said cost function is described by the equation:
C
(
m
)
=
∑
rmoevents
α
i
δ
RMO
i
n
+
∑
dipevents
β
j
dip
j
-
dip
jref
n
+
R
(
m
)
. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said offset dependent events are selected volumetrically. 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said minimized cost function is used in further processing to improve accuracy of a velocity model for seismic imaging. 12. A seismic system for generating a minimized cost function associated with non-linear slope tomography, said system comprising:
one or more processors configured to execute computer instructions and a memory configured to store said computer instructions wherein said computer instructions process seismic data and further comprise:
a dip constraint component (802) for adding a dip constraint term to a cost function equation;
a tuning component (804) for adjusting a velocity model, associated with said non-linear tomography, to match an expected dip of a plurality of re-migrated offset dependent events based on said seismic data; and
an output component (806) for outputting a minimized cost function. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint component further comprises kinematic migration of locally coherent events. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint term is a structural constraint. 15. The system of claim 12, wherein said offset dependent events are distortions comprising shallow heterogeneities, channels, faults, gas clouds, rough topography and flat spots. 16. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint term is a weighted term. 17. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint term comprises the misfit between migrated dips and expected dips. 18. The system of claim 12, wherein said dip constraint component further comprises a solver based on a non-linear iterative optimization scheme. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein said non-linear iterative optimization scheme further comprises computing Fréchet derivatives, for said dip constraint term, based on techniques comprising a paraxial ray technique. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein said tuning component selects offset dependent events volumetrically. | 2,800 |
11,182 | 11,182 | 12,375,299 | 2,875 | The present invention is generally directed to illumination devices, and particularly directed to illumination devices which utilize thin light sources or edge-lit sources in combination with a light turning plate. The illumination devices may be used in a broad range of applications, and are particularly suited for the interior lighting of vehicles. | 1. An illumination device for the interior lighting of a vehicle, comprising:
a. at least one light source, b. at least one light management device comprising a front light guide having at least one light input face through which light from the source can be supplied to the light guide, a light directing face, and a light output face opposite the light directing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the light extraction layer having a light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the light guide through the light output face, and c. a cover operatively adapted to form a portion of the interior surface a vehicle. 2. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the cover has a metallic appearance. 3. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the cover is made of a material selected from the group consisting of mirror film, a fabric material, a textile material, a leather material, a polymer material, a faux wood grain, and leather. 4. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light guide is wedge-shaped. 5. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the light guide is curved about a longitudinal or lateral axis. 6. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the illumination device contains at least two light management devices. 7. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the illumination device includes a mirror film. 8. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is substantially flat. 9. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is flat. 10. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is curved. 11. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face is a substantially straight edge. 12. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face is a straight edge. 13. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face has a curved shape. 14. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face has a circular shape. 15. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face has a circuitous shape. 16. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein said illumination device is substantially thinner than it is either wide or long. 17. An illumination device for the interior or exterior lighting of a vehicle, comprising:
a. at least one light source, b. at least one light management device comprising a light guide having at least one light input face through which light from the source can be supplied to the light guide, a light directing face, and a light output face opposite the light directing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the light extraction layer having a light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the light guide through the light exit face, and c. a cover operatively adapted to form a portion of the interior or exterior surface a vehicle. 18. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the cover has a metallic appearance. 19. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the cover is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: a mirror film, a fabric material, a textile material, a leather material, a polymer material, a faux wood grain, and leather. 20. A vehicle glazing, comprising:
a. at least one light source, b. a first light management device comprising a front light guide having at least one light input face through which light from the source can be supplied to the light guide, a light directing face, and a light output face opposite the light directing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the light extraction layer having a light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the light guide through the light exit face, and c. a second light management device. 21. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the glazing forms at least part of the sunroof of a vehicle. 22. The vehicle glazing of claim 21 wherein the light output face of the light guide is positioned to project light into the vehicle. 23. The vehicle glazing of claim 20 wherein the second light management device is a brightness enhancement film (BEF). 24. The vehicle glazing of claim 20 wherein the glazing is at least partially transparent when the light source is turned off. 25. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the glazing is at least partially translucent when the light source is turned off. 26. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is substantially flat. 27. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is flat. 28. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is curved. 29. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light input face is a substantially straight edge. 30. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light input face is a straight edge. 31. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light input face has a curved shape. 32. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light guide is substantially planar. 33. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light guide is curved about a longitudinal or lateral axis. 34. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an optical fiber. 35. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the cover comprises an optical fiber. | The present invention is generally directed to illumination devices, and particularly directed to illumination devices which utilize thin light sources or edge-lit sources in combination with a light turning plate. The illumination devices may be used in a broad range of applications, and are particularly suited for the interior lighting of vehicles.1. An illumination device for the interior lighting of a vehicle, comprising:
a. at least one light source, b. at least one light management device comprising a front light guide having at least one light input face through which light from the source can be supplied to the light guide, a light directing face, and a light output face opposite the light directing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the light extraction layer having a light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the light guide through the light output face, and c. a cover operatively adapted to form a portion of the interior surface a vehicle. 2. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the cover has a metallic appearance. 3. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the cover is made of a material selected from the group consisting of mirror film, a fabric material, a textile material, a leather material, a polymer material, a faux wood grain, and leather. 4. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light guide is wedge-shaped. 5. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the light guide is curved about a longitudinal or lateral axis. 6. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the illumination device contains at least two light management devices. 7. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the illumination device includes a mirror film. 8. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is substantially flat. 9. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is flat. 10. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is curved. 11. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face is a substantially straight edge. 12. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face is a straight edge. 13. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face has a curved shape. 14. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face has a circular shape. 15. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein the light input face has a circuitous shape. 16. The illumination device of claim 1 wherein said illumination device is substantially thinner than it is either wide or long. 17. An illumination device for the interior or exterior lighting of a vehicle, comprising:
a. at least one light source, b. at least one light management device comprising a light guide having at least one light input face through which light from the source can be supplied to the light guide, a light directing face, and a light output face opposite the light directing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the light extraction layer having a light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the light guide through the light exit face, and c. a cover operatively adapted to form a portion of the interior or exterior surface a vehicle. 18. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the cover has a metallic appearance. 19. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the cover is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: a mirror film, a fabric material, a textile material, a leather material, a polymer material, a faux wood grain, and leather. 20. A vehicle glazing, comprising:
a. at least one light source, b. a first light management device comprising a front light guide having at least one light input face through which light from the source can be supplied to the light guide, a light directing face, and a light output face opposite the light directing face, the light output face having a light extraction layer thereon, the light extraction layer having a light exit face and containing buried reflective facets that extract supplied light from the light guide through the light exit face, and c. a second light management device. 21. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the glazing forms at least part of the sunroof of a vehicle. 22. The vehicle glazing of claim 21 wherein the light output face of the light guide is positioned to project light into the vehicle. 23. The vehicle glazing of claim 20 wherein the second light management device is a brightness enhancement film (BEF). 24. The vehicle glazing of claim 20 wherein the glazing is at least partially transparent when the light source is turned off. 25. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the glazing is at least partially translucent when the light source is turned off. 26. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is substantially flat. 27. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is flat. 28. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light exit face of the light extraction layer is curved. 29. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light input face is a substantially straight edge. 30. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light input face is a straight edge. 31. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light input face has a curved shape. 32. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light guide is substantially planar. 33. The vehicle glazing of claim 20, wherein the light guide is curved about a longitudinal or lateral axis. 34. The illumination device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an optical fiber. 35. The illumination device of claim 17, wherein the cover comprises an optical fiber. | 2,800 |
11,183 | 11,183 | 14,707,677 | 2,852 | An electric wire classified as an extra electric wire in any one of patterns and classified as a necessary electric wire in any one of the remaining patterns is determined to be a possibly-unused electric wire, and an electric wire classified as an extra electric wire in the entirety of the patterns is determined not to be a possibly-unused electric wire. | 1. A method of determining a possibly-unused electric wire, the method comprising:
a formation step of forming one pattern by assigning a wire harness with an arbitrary part number out of wire harnesses routed in each of divided regions into which a space of a vehicle is divided; a classification step of classifying for each pattern a group of electric wires of a first wire harness assigned to a first divided region of the divided regions into a necessary electric wire having a connection counterpart in a second divided region adjacent to the first divided region among the divided regions, and into an extra electric wire not having a connection counterpart in the second divided region; and a determination step of determining that an electric wire is a possibly-unused electric wire when the electric wire is classified as the extra electric wire in any one of the patterns and classified as the necessary electric wire in any one of the remaining patterns, and determining that an electric wire is not a possibly-unused electric wire when the electric wire is classified as the extra electric wire in entirety of the patterns. 2. The method of determining the possibly-unused electric wire according to claim 1, wherein
the determination step includes determining that an electric wire is a possibly-unused electric wire when the electric wire is classified as the extra electric wire for the first wire harness with a predetermined part number assigned to one or a plurality of the patterns and classified as the necessary electric wire for the first wire harness with the predetermined part number assigned to one or a plurality of the remaining patterns. 3. A computer-readable storage medium in which is stored a program that causes a computer to execute each step in the method of determining the possibly-unused electric wire according to claim 1. | An electric wire classified as an extra electric wire in any one of patterns and classified as a necessary electric wire in any one of the remaining patterns is determined to be a possibly-unused electric wire, and an electric wire classified as an extra electric wire in the entirety of the patterns is determined not to be a possibly-unused electric wire.1. A method of determining a possibly-unused electric wire, the method comprising:
a formation step of forming one pattern by assigning a wire harness with an arbitrary part number out of wire harnesses routed in each of divided regions into which a space of a vehicle is divided; a classification step of classifying for each pattern a group of electric wires of a first wire harness assigned to a first divided region of the divided regions into a necessary electric wire having a connection counterpart in a second divided region adjacent to the first divided region among the divided regions, and into an extra electric wire not having a connection counterpart in the second divided region; and a determination step of determining that an electric wire is a possibly-unused electric wire when the electric wire is classified as the extra electric wire in any one of the patterns and classified as the necessary electric wire in any one of the remaining patterns, and determining that an electric wire is not a possibly-unused electric wire when the electric wire is classified as the extra electric wire in entirety of the patterns. 2. The method of determining the possibly-unused electric wire according to claim 1, wherein
the determination step includes determining that an electric wire is a possibly-unused electric wire when the electric wire is classified as the extra electric wire for the first wire harness with a predetermined part number assigned to one or a plurality of the patterns and classified as the necessary electric wire for the first wire harness with the predetermined part number assigned to one or a plurality of the remaining patterns. 3. A computer-readable storage medium in which is stored a program that causes a computer to execute each step in the method of determining the possibly-unused electric wire according to claim 1. | 2,800 |
11,184 | 11,184 | 14,909,747 | 2,884 | A nuclear scanner includes an annular support structure ( 12 ) which supports a plurality of radiation detector units ( 14 ), each detector unit including crystals ( 52 ), tiles ( 66 ) containing an array of crystals, or modules ( 14 ) of tiles. The detector units define annular ranks of crystals, and the annular ranks of crystals define spaces between the ranks. In another embodiment, the crystals define axial spaces between crystals. Separate rings of crystals have axial spaces that are staggered such that no area of the imaging region is missed. The spaces between the detector units may be adjusted to form uniform or non-uniform spacing. Moving the patient through the annular support structure compensates for reduced sampling under the spaces between ranks. | 1. A PET scanner comprising:
an annular support structure which surrounds an examination region, the examination region extending axially parallel to an axis of the annular support structure; a plurality of radiation detector units mounted on the annular support structure and forming annular ranks surrounding the examination region; and a patient support which moves a patient axially in the examination region, wherein at least some of the annular ranks are spaced by annular gaps. 2. The PET scanner according to claim 1, further including a mechanism which adjusts the annular gaps. 3. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are smaller adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively larger toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 4. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are larger adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively smaller toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 5. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the annular gaps are uniform in axial length. 6. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the patient support moves the patient in the examination region during the scan. 7. The PET scanner according to claim 6, further including a sensor which determines a location of the patient support and a location unit which determines a location of the annular rings. 8. The PET scanner according to claim 7, wherein line of response data from the annular rings is translated from a frame of reference of the location of the annular rings to a frame of reference which moves with the patient support. 9. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein shields are disposed in the annular gaps. 10. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are ¼ of an axial length of one of the detector units. 11. The PET device according to claim 1, wherein the annular ranks include:
a first annular rank which includes a first plurality of circumferential gaps between the plurality of radiation detector units which form the first annular rank; and a second annular rank which includes a second plurality of circumferential gaps between the plurality of radiation detector units which from the second annular rank, the first plurality of circumferential gaps being staggered with respect to the second plurality of circumferential gaps such that no portion of the first plurality of circumferential gaps aligns axially with the second plurality of circumferential gaps. 12. A PET device comprising:
a first annular ring supporting at least a first ring of scintillation crystals; a second annular support ring supporting at least a second ring of scintillation crystals and being moveable with respect to the first annular support ring to change the spacing between the first and second rings of crystals; and a patient support which moves a patient in the PET device during a scan. 13. The PET device according to claim 12, wherein the first ring of scintillation crystals are contained in a first ring of tiles or modules and the second ring of crystals are contained in a second ring of tiles or modules. 14. A method of performing a PET scan comprising:
moving a patient with a patient support through a plurality of rings of radiation detector units which are spaced by at least one annular gap to collect PET data; reconstructing the PET data to produce a patient image. 15. The method according to claim 16, further including:
adjusting the annular gap. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the patient support is moved one of continuously or step-wise. 17. The method according to claim 14, further including:
detecting the location of the patient support; and detecting the location of the plurality of rings of radiation detectors. 18. The method according to claim 14, further including:
translating line of response data from a frame of reference of the plurality of rings to a frame of reference which moves with the patient support. 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein an examination region is surrounded by the plurality of rings and the annular gaps are smaller adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively larger toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein an examination region is surrounded by the plurality of rings and the annular gaps are larger adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively smaller toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 21. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of radiation detector units include radiation detector units at a center of the examination region. | A nuclear scanner includes an annular support structure ( 12 ) which supports a plurality of radiation detector units ( 14 ), each detector unit including crystals ( 52 ), tiles ( 66 ) containing an array of crystals, or modules ( 14 ) of tiles. The detector units define annular ranks of crystals, and the annular ranks of crystals define spaces between the ranks. In another embodiment, the crystals define axial spaces between crystals. Separate rings of crystals have axial spaces that are staggered such that no area of the imaging region is missed. The spaces between the detector units may be adjusted to form uniform or non-uniform spacing. Moving the patient through the annular support structure compensates for reduced sampling under the spaces between ranks.1. A PET scanner comprising:
an annular support structure which surrounds an examination region, the examination region extending axially parallel to an axis of the annular support structure; a plurality of radiation detector units mounted on the annular support structure and forming annular ranks surrounding the examination region; and a patient support which moves a patient axially in the examination region, wherein at least some of the annular ranks are spaced by annular gaps. 2. The PET scanner according to claim 1, further including a mechanism which adjusts the annular gaps. 3. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are smaller adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively larger toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 4. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are larger adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively smaller toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 5. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the annular gaps are uniform in axial length. 6. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the patient support moves the patient in the examination region during the scan. 7. The PET scanner according to claim 6, further including a sensor which determines a location of the patient support and a location unit which determines a location of the annular rings. 8. The PET scanner according to claim 7, wherein line of response data from the annular rings is translated from a frame of reference of the location of the annular rings to a frame of reference which moves with the patient support. 9. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein shields are disposed in the annular gaps. 10. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are ¼ of an axial length of one of the detector units. 11. The PET device according to claim 1, wherein the annular ranks include:
a first annular rank which includes a first plurality of circumferential gaps between the plurality of radiation detector units which form the first annular rank; and a second annular rank which includes a second plurality of circumferential gaps between the plurality of radiation detector units which from the second annular rank, the first plurality of circumferential gaps being staggered with respect to the second plurality of circumferential gaps such that no portion of the first plurality of circumferential gaps aligns axially with the second plurality of circumferential gaps. 12. A PET device comprising:
a first annular ring supporting at least a first ring of scintillation crystals; a second annular support ring supporting at least a second ring of scintillation crystals and being moveable with respect to the first annular support ring to change the spacing between the first and second rings of crystals; and a patient support which moves a patient in the PET device during a scan. 13. The PET device according to claim 12, wherein the first ring of scintillation crystals are contained in a first ring of tiles or modules and the second ring of crystals are contained in a second ring of tiles or modules. 14. A method of performing a PET scan comprising:
moving a patient with a patient support through a plurality of rings of radiation detector units which are spaced by at least one annular gap to collect PET data; reconstructing the PET data to produce a patient image. 15. The method according to claim 16, further including:
adjusting the annular gap. 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the patient support is moved one of continuously or step-wise. 17. The method according to claim 14, further including:
detecting the location of the patient support; and detecting the location of the plurality of rings of radiation detectors. 18. The method according to claim 14, further including:
translating line of response data from a frame of reference of the plurality of rings to a frame of reference which moves with the patient support. 19. The method according to claim 14, wherein an examination region is surrounded by the plurality of rings and the annular gaps are smaller adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively larger toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein an examination region is surrounded by the plurality of rings and the annular gaps are larger adjacent a center of the examination region and progressively smaller toward axially opposite ends of the examination region. 21. The PET scanner according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of radiation detector units include radiation detector units at a center of the examination region. | 2,800 |
11,185 | 11,185 | 15,301,249 | 2,896 | There is proposed a right angle time-of-flight detector ( 41, 117, 124, 143, 144, 145 ) comprising a conductive converter ( 46 ) for emitting and accelerating secondary electrons, a magnetic field formed by at least one magnet ( 47 ) for deflecting the secondary electrons at a right angle and a sealed photo-multiplier ( 26 ). The detector is expected to provide an extended resource and dynamic range and may be fit into tight assemblies, such as MR-TOF MS. | 1. A time-of-flight detector, comprising:
a conductive converter exposed parallel to a time-front of detected ion packets and generating secondary electrons; at least one electrode with a side window, wherein the converter is negatively floated relative to the electrode by a voltage difference between 100V and 1000V; at least one magnet with magnetic field strength between 10 Gauss and 1000 Gauss for bending electron trajectories towards said side window; a scintillator floated positively relative to a surface of said converter by 1 kV to 20 kV and located past said electrode window at 45 degrees to 180 degrees relative to said converter; and a sealed photo-multiplier past said scintillator. 2. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said scintillator is either coated or covered by a conductive mesh for removing surface charge from a surface of said scintillator. 3. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said scintillator is optically coupled to said sealed photo-multiplier. 4. A detector as in claim 1, wherein a positioning of said at least one magnet is adjusted for spatial focusing of said secondary electrons by a curvature of said magnetic field. 5. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said converter surface is curved or stepped for compensating time-per spatial spherical aberrations. 6. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said converter surface is electronically tilted relative to said time front of said ion packets by applying a potential bias at or past said side window. 7. A detector as in claim 1, further comprising a mesh or discrete dynode electron amplifier between said converter and said scintillator. 8. A detector as in claim 1, further comprising a microchannel plate set at an electron amplification gain under 100. 9. A detector as in claim 1, further comprising an elongated optical coupling between said scintillator and said sealed photo-multiplier, and wherein said sealed photo-multiplier is placed on an atmospheric side of said scintillator. 10. A multi-reflecting mass spectrometer comprising the detector of claim 1. 11. A right angle time-of-flight detector, comprising:
a single microchannel plate for converting detected ion packets into secondary electrons; an electrostatic bender of secondary electrons; a scintillator floated positively relative to said microchannel plate by 1 kV to 20 kV and located past said microchannel plate at 45 degrees to 180 degrees; and a sealed photo-multiplier past the scintillator. 12. A detector as in claim 11, wherein an electromagnetic shielding associates with said sealed photo-multiplier. 13. A detector as in claim 11, further comprising a mesh-based secondary electron multiplier accepting said secondary electrons from a converter. 14. A detector as in claim 11, wherein said scintillator optically connects to said sealed photo-multiplier through a light transmitter. | There is proposed a right angle time-of-flight detector ( 41, 117, 124, 143, 144, 145 ) comprising a conductive converter ( 46 ) for emitting and accelerating secondary electrons, a magnetic field formed by at least one magnet ( 47 ) for deflecting the secondary electrons at a right angle and a sealed photo-multiplier ( 26 ). The detector is expected to provide an extended resource and dynamic range and may be fit into tight assemblies, such as MR-TOF MS.1. A time-of-flight detector, comprising:
a conductive converter exposed parallel to a time-front of detected ion packets and generating secondary electrons; at least one electrode with a side window, wherein the converter is negatively floated relative to the electrode by a voltage difference between 100V and 1000V; at least one magnet with magnetic field strength between 10 Gauss and 1000 Gauss for bending electron trajectories towards said side window; a scintillator floated positively relative to a surface of said converter by 1 kV to 20 kV and located past said electrode window at 45 degrees to 180 degrees relative to said converter; and a sealed photo-multiplier past said scintillator. 2. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said scintillator is either coated or covered by a conductive mesh for removing surface charge from a surface of said scintillator. 3. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said scintillator is optically coupled to said sealed photo-multiplier. 4. A detector as in claim 1, wherein a positioning of said at least one magnet is adjusted for spatial focusing of said secondary electrons by a curvature of said magnetic field. 5. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said converter surface is curved or stepped for compensating time-per spatial spherical aberrations. 6. A detector as in claim 1, wherein said converter surface is electronically tilted relative to said time front of said ion packets by applying a potential bias at or past said side window. 7. A detector as in claim 1, further comprising a mesh or discrete dynode electron amplifier between said converter and said scintillator. 8. A detector as in claim 1, further comprising a microchannel plate set at an electron amplification gain under 100. 9. A detector as in claim 1, further comprising an elongated optical coupling between said scintillator and said sealed photo-multiplier, and wherein said sealed photo-multiplier is placed on an atmospheric side of said scintillator. 10. A multi-reflecting mass spectrometer comprising the detector of claim 1. 11. A right angle time-of-flight detector, comprising:
a single microchannel plate for converting detected ion packets into secondary electrons; an electrostatic bender of secondary electrons; a scintillator floated positively relative to said microchannel plate by 1 kV to 20 kV and located past said microchannel plate at 45 degrees to 180 degrees; and a sealed photo-multiplier past the scintillator. 12. A detector as in claim 11, wherein an electromagnetic shielding associates with said sealed photo-multiplier. 13. A detector as in claim 11, further comprising a mesh-based secondary electron multiplier accepting said secondary electrons from a converter. 14. A detector as in claim 11, wherein said scintillator optically connects to said sealed photo-multiplier through a light transmitter. | 2,800 |
11,186 | 11,186 | 15,078,615 | 2,835 | In a fuse unit for connecting a battery, including a fuse element having an external connection plate part to which a screw terminal fitting is screwed, a resin-made fuse housing for supporting the fuse element, and a rotation regulating part for stopping rotation of the screw terminal fitting screwed to the external connection plate part, the rotation regulating part includes a terminal abutting part which is formed by folding one edge of the external connection plate part and stops the rotation by abutting on one side edge of the screw terminal fitting, and a cover part which is formed integrally to the fuse housing and covers a back surface of the terminal abutting part. | 1. A fuse unit for connecting a battery, comprising:
a fuse element being integrally formed of a metal plate, and having a battery connection plate part to be connected to the battery, an external connection plate part for fastening a screw terminal fitting connected to an external circuit, and a fusible part which makes conductive connection between the battery connection plate part and the external connection plate part and is fused when a rated or more current flows, a resin-made fuse housing that supports the fuse element, and a rotation regulating part that stops rotation of the screw terminal fitting fastened to the external connection plate part, wherein the rotation regulating part has a terminal abutting part which is bent and formed by folding one edge of the external connection plate part and stops the rotation of the screw terminal fitting by abutting on one side edge of the screw terminal fitting, and a cover part which is formed integrally to the fuse housing and covers a back surface of the terminal abutting part. 2. The fuse unit according to claim 1,
wherein a height of the terminal abutting part is at least higher than a thickness of a screw part of the screw terminal fitting. 3. The fuse unit according to claim 1,
wherein an end surface of the terminal abutting part is covered by the cover part. 4. The fuse unit according to claim 3,
wherein the terminal abutting part and the cover part are flush in an abutting surface of the rotation regulating part abutting on the screw terminal fitting. | In a fuse unit for connecting a battery, including a fuse element having an external connection plate part to which a screw terminal fitting is screwed, a resin-made fuse housing for supporting the fuse element, and a rotation regulating part for stopping rotation of the screw terminal fitting screwed to the external connection plate part, the rotation regulating part includes a terminal abutting part which is formed by folding one edge of the external connection plate part and stops the rotation by abutting on one side edge of the screw terminal fitting, and a cover part which is formed integrally to the fuse housing and covers a back surface of the terminal abutting part.1. A fuse unit for connecting a battery, comprising:
a fuse element being integrally formed of a metal plate, and having a battery connection plate part to be connected to the battery, an external connection plate part for fastening a screw terminal fitting connected to an external circuit, and a fusible part which makes conductive connection between the battery connection plate part and the external connection plate part and is fused when a rated or more current flows, a resin-made fuse housing that supports the fuse element, and a rotation regulating part that stops rotation of the screw terminal fitting fastened to the external connection plate part, wherein the rotation regulating part has a terminal abutting part which is bent and formed by folding one edge of the external connection plate part and stops the rotation of the screw terminal fitting by abutting on one side edge of the screw terminal fitting, and a cover part which is formed integrally to the fuse housing and covers a back surface of the terminal abutting part. 2. The fuse unit according to claim 1,
wherein a height of the terminal abutting part is at least higher than a thickness of a screw part of the screw terminal fitting. 3. The fuse unit according to claim 1,
wherein an end surface of the terminal abutting part is covered by the cover part. 4. The fuse unit according to claim 3,
wherein the terminal abutting part and the cover part are flush in an abutting surface of the rotation regulating part abutting on the screw terminal fitting. | 2,800 |
11,187 | 11,187 | 14,211,693 | 2,868 | An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable energy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation. The interface provides for monitoring and for detecting performance and/or faults in power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels. | 1. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array, comprising;
a solar array having a multiplicity of solar panel groups with each solar panel groups having a plurality of solar panels mounted in a specific physical pattern; a micro-inverters secured to a single and identifiable solar panel of each of said solar panel groups;
each of said micro-inverters having a unique identification numeral and a plurality of numbered inverter ports;
a plurality of cables connecting said solar panels to specific numbered inverter ports of said micro-inverter for correlating said numbered inverter ports to specific physical locations of said plurality of solar panels within each of said solar panel groups; a trunk line connecting said micro-inverters to a circuit breaker; a polling circuit connected to said circuit breaker for generating a polling signal upon closing said circuit breaker for enabling each of said micro-inverters to transmit said identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports; and a status and data circuit connected to said polling circuit for storing values of the identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports to monitor said solar array upon closing said circuit breaker for generating a status output containing an identification numeral and a numbered inverter ports of a performance and/or fault detected in a solar panel for enabling an operator to determining the physical location of a performance and/or faulty solar panel from the identification numeral and the numbered inverter ports of the performance and/or faulty solar panel and based upon said original specific physical pattern of said plurality of solar panels of said solar panel group. 2. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array as set forth in claim 1, wherein said plurality of solar panels are mounted in a preestablished specific physical pattern. 3. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array as set forth in claim 1, wherein said plurality of solar panels are mounted in a pre-established specific physical pattern based on a length of said cables connecting said solar panels to said inverter ports of said micro-inverters. 4. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array, comprising;
a first and a second solar arrays;
each solar arrays having a multiplicity of solar panel groups with each solar panel groups having a plurality of solar panels mounted in a specific physical pattern;
a micro-inverters secured a single and identifiable solar panel of each of said solar panel groups;
each of said micro-inverters having a unique identification numeral and having a plurality of numbered inverter ports;
a plurality of cables connecting said solar panels to specific numbered inverter ports of said micro-inverter for correlating said numbered inverter ports to specific physical locations of said plurality of solar panels within each of said solar panel groups;
a first trunk line connecting said micro-inverters of said first solar array to a first circuit breaker; a second trunk line connecting said micro-inverters of said second solar array to a second circuit breaker; a polling circuit connected to said first and second circuit breakers for generating a first polling signal upon closing said first circuit breaker for enabling each of said micro-inverters of said first solar array to transmit said identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports;
said polling circuit for generating a second polling signal upon closing said second circuit breaker for enabling each of said micro-inverters of said second solar array to transmit said identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports;
a status and data circuit connected to said polling circuit for storing values of the identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports to monitor said first and second solar arrays upon closing said first and second circuit breakers for generating a status output containing an identification numeral and a numbered inverter ports of a performance and/or fault detected in a solar panel for enabling an operator to determining the physical location of a performance and/or faulty solar panel from the identification numeral and the numbered inverter ports of the performance and/or faulty solar panel and based upon said original specific physical pattern of said plurality of solar panels of said solar panel group. 5. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array as set forth in claim 4, wherein said plurality of solar panels are mounted in a pre-established specific physical pattern based on a length of said cables connecting said solar panels to said inverter ports of said micro-inverters. | An improved interface for renewable energy systems is disclosed for interconnecting a plurality of power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels, windmills, standby generators and the like. The improved interface for renewable energy systems includes a multi-channel micro-inverter having novel heat dissipation, novel mountings, electronic redundancy and remote communication systems. The improved interface for renewable energy systems is capable of automatic switching between a grid-tied operation, an off grid operation or an emergency power operation. The interface provides for monitoring and for detecting performance and/or faults in power sources such as photovoltaic solar panels.1. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array, comprising;
a solar array having a multiplicity of solar panel groups with each solar panel groups having a plurality of solar panels mounted in a specific physical pattern; a micro-inverters secured to a single and identifiable solar panel of each of said solar panel groups;
each of said micro-inverters having a unique identification numeral and a plurality of numbered inverter ports;
a plurality of cables connecting said solar panels to specific numbered inverter ports of said micro-inverter for correlating said numbered inverter ports to specific physical locations of said plurality of solar panels within each of said solar panel groups; a trunk line connecting said micro-inverters to a circuit breaker; a polling circuit connected to said circuit breaker for generating a polling signal upon closing said circuit breaker for enabling each of said micro-inverters to transmit said identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports; and a status and data circuit connected to said polling circuit for storing values of the identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports to monitor said solar array upon closing said circuit breaker for generating a status output containing an identification numeral and a numbered inverter ports of a performance and/or fault detected in a solar panel for enabling an operator to determining the physical location of a performance and/or faulty solar panel from the identification numeral and the numbered inverter ports of the performance and/or faulty solar panel and based upon said original specific physical pattern of said plurality of solar panels of said solar panel group. 2. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array as set forth in claim 1, wherein said plurality of solar panels are mounted in a preestablished specific physical pattern. 3. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array as set forth in claim 1, wherein said plurality of solar panels are mounted in a pre-established specific physical pattern based on a length of said cables connecting said solar panels to said inverter ports of said micro-inverters. 4. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array, comprising;
a first and a second solar arrays;
each solar arrays having a multiplicity of solar panel groups with each solar panel groups having a plurality of solar panels mounted in a specific physical pattern;
a micro-inverters secured a single and identifiable solar panel of each of said solar panel groups;
each of said micro-inverters having a unique identification numeral and having a plurality of numbered inverter ports;
a plurality of cables connecting said solar panels to specific numbered inverter ports of said micro-inverter for correlating said numbered inverter ports to specific physical locations of said plurality of solar panels within each of said solar panel groups;
a first trunk line connecting said micro-inverters of said first solar array to a first circuit breaker; a second trunk line connecting said micro-inverters of said second solar array to a second circuit breaker; a polling circuit connected to said first and second circuit breakers for generating a first polling signal upon closing said first circuit breaker for enabling each of said micro-inverters of said first solar array to transmit said identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports;
said polling circuit for generating a second polling signal upon closing said second circuit breaker for enabling each of said micro-inverters of said second solar array to transmit said identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports;
a status and data circuit connected to said polling circuit for storing values of the identification numeral and said numbered inverter ports to monitor said first and second solar arrays upon closing said first and second circuit breakers for generating a status output containing an identification numeral and a numbered inverter ports of a performance and/or fault detected in a solar panel for enabling an operator to determining the physical location of a performance and/or faulty solar panel from the identification numeral and the numbered inverter ports of the performance and/or faulty solar panel and based upon said original specific physical pattern of said plurality of solar panels of said solar panel group. 5. An apparatus for mapping and identifying a performance and/or fault in a solar panel of a solar panel array as set forth in claim 4, wherein said plurality of solar panels are mounted in a pre-established specific physical pattern based on a length of said cables connecting said solar panels to said inverter ports of said micro-inverters. | 2,800 |
11,188 | 11,188 | 13,877,592 | 2,865 | An elastic response performance prediction method that employs a finite element analysis method to predict an elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product. The elastic response performance of the rubber product is predicted by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of strain energy in the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain, which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. | 1. An elastic response performance prediction method that predicts an elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction method comprising predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of strain energy in the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. 2. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1, wherein:
a number of links n between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain is expressed by the following Equation (I):
n=α·(1−X c)·exp(−ε·β) (I)
wherein α represents a frequency factor of statistical segment motion, ε represents an activation energy of statistical segment motion, β=1/RTg wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, Xc represents a crystallization ratio as a parameter expressing the extension crystallization, and Xc is expressed by the following Equation (II) when a material of the rubber product exhibits extension crystallization properties:
X
c
=
(
U
1
-
U
0
Δ
H
0
)
=
(
Δ
U
Δ
H
0
)
(
II
)
wherein U0 represents internal energy in a non-deformed state, U1 represents internal energy in a deformed state, and ΔH0 represents entropy of solution when crystals melt. 3. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 2, wherein the crystallization ratio Xc is set at 0 when the material of the rubber product does not exhibit extension crystallization properties. 4. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1, wherein the constitutive equation is the following Equation (III):
ΔA=(U 1 −TS 1)+p(V 1 −V 0)−(U 0 −TS 0) (III)
wherein A represents Helmholz free energy, U0 represents internal energy in a non-deformed state, U1 represents internal energy in a deformed state, p represents pressure, V0 represents volume in a non-deformed state, V1 represents volume in a deformed state, T represents absolute temperature, S0 represents entropy in a non-deformed state, and S1 represents entropy in a deformed state, with each of the terms of Equation (III) expressed by the following Equations (IV) to (VI):
U
1
-
T
·
S
1
=
β
′
·
κ
{
κ
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
2
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
·
sinh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
}
β
′
·
κ
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
1
-
N
β
·
{
1
2
I
1
+
3
100
n
(
3
I
1
2
-
4
I
2
)
+
99
12250
n
(
5
I
1
3
-
12
I
1
I
2
)
}
(
IV
)
p
(
V
1
-
V
0
)
=
B
·
(
V
1
-
V
0
)
=
B
(
I
3
1
2
-
1
)
2
-
1
β
′
{
ln
[
1
+
β
′
·
κ
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
]
-
ln
[
1
+
β
′
·
κ
]
}
(
V
)
U
0
-
T
·
S
0
=
κ
·
β
′
·
κ
β
′
·
κ
+
1
+
N
β
(
3
2
+
45
100
n
+
2673
12250
n
2
)
(
VI
)
wherein: I1, I2, and I3 are expressed as functions of three extension ratios of deformation λ1, λ2 and λ3 in xyz directions in three dimensional axes of rubber by I1=λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2, I2=λ1 2·λ2 2+λ2 2·λ3 2+λ3 2·λ1 2, and I3=λ1 2·λ2 2·λ3 2, n represents the number of links between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain, κ expresses an intermolecular interaction energy coefficient, β=1/RT and β′=1/R(T−Tg) wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, and I1′ is expressed using a local interaction function λmicro as a parameter expressing the intermolecular interaction by the following Equation (VII):
I 1′=λmicro 2(λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2)=λmicro 2 ·I 1 (VII) 5. An elastic response performance prediction method that predicts elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction method comprising predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of an elastic modulus of the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. 6. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 5, wherein the number of links n between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain is expressed by the following Equation (VIII):
n=α·(1−X c)·exp(−ε·β) (VIII)
wherein α represents a frequency factor of statistical segment motion, ε represents an activation energy of statistical segment motion, β=1/RTg wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, Xc represents a crystallization ratio as a parameter expressing the extension crystallization, and Xc is expressed by the following Equation (IX) when a material of the rubber product exhibits extension crystallization properties:
X
c
=
(
U
1
-
U
0
Δ
H
0
)
=
(
Δ
U
Δ
H
0
)
(
IX
)
wherein U0 represents internal energy in a non-deformed state, U1 represents internal energy in a deformed state, and ΔH0 represents entropy of solution when crystals melt. 7. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 6, wherein the crystallization ratio Xc is set at 0 when the material of the rubber product does not exhibit extension crystallization properties. 8. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 5, wherein the constitutive equation is the following Equation (X):
G
=
∂
W
∂
I
1
=
∂
A
∂
I
1
=
∂
U
∂
I
1
-
T
·
∂
S
∂
I
1
+
∂
pV
∂
I
1
(
X
)
wherein G represents a shear elastic modulus, W represents a strain energy coefficient, A represents Helmholz free energy, U represents internal energy, T represents absolute temperature, S represents entropy, and I1 is expressed as a function of three extension ratios of deformation λ1, λ2 and λ3 in xyz directions in three dimensional axes of rubber by I1=λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2, with each of the terms of Equation (X) respectively expressed by the following Equation (XI), Equation (XII), and Equation (XIII):
∂
U
∂
I
1
=
-
β
′
κ
{
2
β
′
κ
sinh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
2
(
β
′
κ
+
1
)
sinh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
4
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
4
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
β
′
κ
}
{
β
′
κ
·
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
1
}
2
(
XI
)
∂
S
∂
I
1
=
-
vR
[
1
2
+
3
50
n
(
3
I
1
-
2
λ
)
+
297
6125
n
2
(
5
I
1
2
-
4
I
2
-
4
I
1
λ
)
]
(
XII
)
∂
pV
∂
I
1
=
2
·
β
′
κ
·
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
β
′
κ
·
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
1
(
XIII
)
wherein κ expresses an intermolecular interaction energy coefficient, n represents the number of links between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain, v represents a cross-link density, λ represents an extension ratio or compression ratio, β′=1/R(T−Tg) wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, I2 is represented by I2=λ1 2·λ2 2+λ2 2·λ3 2+λ3 2·λ1 2, and I1′ is expressed using a local interaction function λmicro as a parameter expressing the intermolecular interaction by the following Equation (XIV):
I 1′=λmicro 2(λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2)=λmicro 2 ·I 1 (XIV) 9. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1, wherein the elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of the rubber product is predicted using a finite element analysis method. 10. A rubber product design method comprising designing a rubber product by employing the elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1. 11. An elastic response performance prediction apparatus that predicts elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction apparatus predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of strain energy in the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. 12. An elastic response performance prediction apparatus that predicts elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction apparatus predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of an elastic modulus of the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. | An elastic response performance prediction method that employs a finite element analysis method to predict an elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product. The elastic response performance of the rubber product is predicted by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of strain energy in the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain, which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization.1. An elastic response performance prediction method that predicts an elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction method comprising predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of strain energy in the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. 2. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1, wherein:
a number of links n between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain is expressed by the following Equation (I):
n=α·(1−X c)·exp(−ε·β) (I)
wherein α represents a frequency factor of statistical segment motion, ε represents an activation energy of statistical segment motion, β=1/RTg wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, Xc represents a crystallization ratio as a parameter expressing the extension crystallization, and Xc is expressed by the following Equation (II) when a material of the rubber product exhibits extension crystallization properties:
X
c
=
(
U
1
-
U
0
Δ
H
0
)
=
(
Δ
U
Δ
H
0
)
(
II
)
wherein U0 represents internal energy in a non-deformed state, U1 represents internal energy in a deformed state, and ΔH0 represents entropy of solution when crystals melt. 3. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 2, wherein the crystallization ratio Xc is set at 0 when the material of the rubber product does not exhibit extension crystallization properties. 4. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1, wherein the constitutive equation is the following Equation (III):
ΔA=(U 1 −TS 1)+p(V 1 −V 0)−(U 0 −TS 0) (III)
wherein A represents Helmholz free energy, U0 represents internal energy in a non-deformed state, U1 represents internal energy in a deformed state, p represents pressure, V0 represents volume in a non-deformed state, V1 represents volume in a deformed state, T represents absolute temperature, S0 represents entropy in a non-deformed state, and S1 represents entropy in a deformed state, with each of the terms of Equation (III) expressed by the following Equations (IV) to (VI):
U
1
-
T
·
S
1
=
β
′
·
κ
{
κ
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
2
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
·
sinh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
}
β
′
·
κ
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
1
-
N
β
·
{
1
2
I
1
+
3
100
n
(
3
I
1
2
-
4
I
2
)
+
99
12250
n
(
5
I
1
3
-
12
I
1
I
2
)
}
(
IV
)
p
(
V
1
-
V
0
)
=
B
·
(
V
1
-
V
0
)
=
B
(
I
3
1
2
-
1
)
2
-
1
β
′
{
ln
[
1
+
β
′
·
κ
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
]
-
ln
[
1
+
β
′
·
κ
]
}
(
V
)
U
0
-
T
·
S
0
=
κ
·
β
′
·
κ
β
′
·
κ
+
1
+
N
β
(
3
2
+
45
100
n
+
2673
12250
n
2
)
(
VI
)
wherein: I1, I2, and I3 are expressed as functions of three extension ratios of deformation λ1, λ2 and λ3 in xyz directions in three dimensional axes of rubber by I1=λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2, I2=λ1 2·λ2 2+λ2 2·λ3 2+λ3 2·λ1 2, and I3=λ1 2·λ2 2·λ3 2, n represents the number of links between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain, κ expresses an intermolecular interaction energy coefficient, β=1/RT and β′=1/R(T−Tg) wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, and I1′ is expressed using a local interaction function λmicro as a parameter expressing the intermolecular interaction by the following Equation (VII):
I 1′=λmicro 2(λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2)=λmicro 2 ·I 1 (VII) 5. An elastic response performance prediction method that predicts elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction method comprising predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of an elastic modulus of the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. 6. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 5, wherein the number of links n between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain is expressed by the following Equation (VIII):
n=α·(1−X c)·exp(−ε·β) (VIII)
wherein α represents a frequency factor of statistical segment motion, ε represents an activation energy of statistical segment motion, β=1/RTg wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, Xc represents a crystallization ratio as a parameter expressing the extension crystallization, and Xc is expressed by the following Equation (IX) when a material of the rubber product exhibits extension crystallization properties:
X
c
=
(
U
1
-
U
0
Δ
H
0
)
=
(
Δ
U
Δ
H
0
)
(
IX
)
wherein U0 represents internal energy in a non-deformed state, U1 represents internal energy in a deformed state, and ΔH0 represents entropy of solution when crystals melt. 7. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 6, wherein the crystallization ratio Xc is set at 0 when the material of the rubber product does not exhibit extension crystallization properties. 8. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 5, wherein the constitutive equation is the following Equation (X):
G
=
∂
W
∂
I
1
=
∂
A
∂
I
1
=
∂
U
∂
I
1
-
T
·
∂
S
∂
I
1
+
∂
pV
∂
I
1
(
X
)
wherein G represents a shear elastic modulus, W represents a strain energy coefficient, A represents Helmholz free energy, U represents internal energy, T represents absolute temperature, S represents entropy, and I1 is expressed as a function of three extension ratios of deformation λ1, λ2 and λ3 in xyz directions in three dimensional axes of rubber by I1=λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2, with each of the terms of Equation (X) respectively expressed by the following Equation (XI), Equation (XII), and Equation (XIII):
∂
U
∂
I
1
=
-
β
′
κ
{
2
β
′
κ
sinh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
2
(
β
′
κ
+
1
)
sinh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
4
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
4
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
β
′
κ
}
{
β
′
κ
·
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
1
}
2
(
XI
)
∂
S
∂
I
1
=
-
vR
[
1
2
+
3
50
n
(
3
I
1
-
2
λ
)
+
297
6125
n
2
(
5
I
1
2
-
4
I
2
-
4
I
1
λ
)
]
(
XII
)
∂
pV
∂
I
1
=
2
·
β
′
κ
·
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
β
′
κ
·
cosh
(
2
β
′
(
I
1
′
-
3
)
)
+
1
(
XIII
)
wherein κ expresses an intermolecular interaction energy coefficient, n represents the number of links between the cross-linked points in the statistical molecule chain, v represents a cross-link density, λ represents an extension ratio or compression ratio, β′=1/R(T−Tg) wherein R is a gas constant and Tg is a glass transition temperature, I2 is represented by I2=λ1 2·λ2 2+λ2 2·λ3 2+λ3 2·λ1 2, and I1′ is expressed using a local interaction function λmicro as a parameter expressing the intermolecular interaction by the following Equation (XIV):
I 1′=λmicro 2(λ1 2+λ2 2+λ3 2)=λmicro 2 ·I 1 (XIV) 9. The elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1, wherein the elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of the rubber product is predicted using a finite element analysis method. 10. A rubber product design method comprising designing a rubber product by employing the elastic response performance prediction method of claim 1. 11. An elastic response performance prediction apparatus that predicts elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction apparatus predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of strain energy in the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. 12. An elastic response performance prediction apparatus that predicts elastic response performance expressing deformation behavior of a rubber product, the elastic response performance prediction apparatus predicting the elastic response performance of the rubber product by employing a constitutive equation that expresses temperature and strain dependence of an elastic modulus of the rubber product, and that incorporates a number of links between cross-linked points in a statistical molecule chain which is expressed using a parameter representing extension crystallization. | 2,800 |
11,189 | 11,189 | 13,836,646 | 2,818 | An organic material with a porous interpenetrating network and an amount of inorganic material at least partially distributed within the porosity of the organic material is disclosed. A method of producing the organic-inorganic thin films and devices therefrom comprises seeding with nanoparticles and depositing an amorphous material on the nanoparticles. | 1. A method for making at least partially crystalline thin films, the method comprising:
introducing a plurality of crystalline nanoparticles to a substrate; depositing a thin film of amorphous material on at least a portion of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles; and inducing crystallization of at least a portion of the thin film amorphous material. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a conductive polymer. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the inducing crystallization provides lateral epitaxial growth of the amorphous material. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the inducing crystallization is heterogeneous nucleation of the amorphous material. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles is a Janus particle. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film of amorphous material comprises one or more metal oxides, metal nitrides, boron nitride, silicon nitride, or diamond. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film of amorphous material comprises one or more semiconductive materials. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposition step comprises a plasma enhanced deposition technique. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposition step comprises a physical vapor deposition technique. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposition step comprises an atmospheric plasma deposition technique. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the inducing crystallization comprises applying heat less than an amount capable of causing a chemical, melting, or structural change of the substrate. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the introducing of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles provides on at least a portion of the substrate and an ordered arrangement of at least a portion of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the ordered arrangement of at least a portion of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles provides a seeding form at the interface between the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles and the substrate. 14. An organic material comprising:
a porous interpenetrating network; and inorganic material present in at least a portion of the porous interpenetrating network, the inorganic material being at least partially crystalline. 15. An organic material of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of crystalline nanoparticles. 16. An organic material of claim 15, wherein the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles present are arranged in a pattern. 17. An organic material of claim 15, wherein the inorganic material comprises:
(i) a quantity of crystalline material the same as, and in addition to, the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles; or (ii) a quantity of crystalline material different than that of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles. 18. A thin film of claim 14, wherein the organic material is a flexible polymeric film. 19. An organic material of claim 14, wherein the organic material is deposited on a substrate comprising an electrically conductive film of metal, indium tin oxide, or is a transparent conductive film. 20. An organic material of claim 19, wherein the substrate is a conjugated polymeric film. 21. An organic material of claim 15, wherein the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles are semiconductive. 22. An organic material made by the method of:
depositing a thin film of amorphous material on at least a portion of a plurality of crystalline nanoparticles arranged on a substrate; and inducing crystallization of at least a portion of the thin film amorphous material. 23. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the substrate is a flexible polymer film. 24. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the substrate is a conductive conjugated polymer film. 25. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the amorphous material is a semiconducting metal oxide. 26. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the inducing is by hetero- or homogenous epitaxial growth. 27. An organic material claim 22, wherein the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles comprise semiconducting metal oxide. | An organic material with a porous interpenetrating network and an amount of inorganic material at least partially distributed within the porosity of the organic material is disclosed. A method of producing the organic-inorganic thin films and devices therefrom comprises seeding with nanoparticles and depositing an amorphous material on the nanoparticles.1. A method for making at least partially crystalline thin films, the method comprising:
introducing a plurality of crystalline nanoparticles to a substrate; depositing a thin film of amorphous material on at least a portion of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles; and inducing crystallization of at least a portion of the thin film amorphous material. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a conductive polymer. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the inducing crystallization provides lateral epitaxial growth of the amorphous material. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the inducing crystallization is heterogeneous nucleation of the amorphous material. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein one or more of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles is a Janus particle. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film of amorphous material comprises one or more metal oxides, metal nitrides, boron nitride, silicon nitride, or diamond. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the thin film of amorphous material comprises one or more semiconductive materials. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposition step comprises a plasma enhanced deposition technique. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposition step comprises a physical vapor deposition technique. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the deposition step comprises an atmospheric plasma deposition technique. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the inducing crystallization comprises applying heat less than an amount capable of causing a chemical, melting, or structural change of the substrate. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the introducing of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles provides on at least a portion of the substrate and an ordered arrangement of at least a portion of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the ordered arrangement of at least a portion of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles provides a seeding form at the interface between the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles and the substrate. 14. An organic material comprising:
a porous interpenetrating network; and inorganic material present in at least a portion of the porous interpenetrating network, the inorganic material being at least partially crystalline. 15. An organic material of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of crystalline nanoparticles. 16. An organic material of claim 15, wherein the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles present are arranged in a pattern. 17. An organic material of claim 15, wherein the inorganic material comprises:
(i) a quantity of crystalline material the same as, and in addition to, the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles; or (ii) a quantity of crystalline material different than that of the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles. 18. A thin film of claim 14, wherein the organic material is a flexible polymeric film. 19. An organic material of claim 14, wherein the organic material is deposited on a substrate comprising an electrically conductive film of metal, indium tin oxide, or is a transparent conductive film. 20. An organic material of claim 19, wherein the substrate is a conjugated polymeric film. 21. An organic material of claim 15, wherein the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles are semiconductive. 22. An organic material made by the method of:
depositing a thin film of amorphous material on at least a portion of a plurality of crystalline nanoparticles arranged on a substrate; and inducing crystallization of at least a portion of the thin film amorphous material. 23. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the substrate is a flexible polymer film. 24. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the substrate is a conductive conjugated polymer film. 25. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the amorphous material is a semiconducting metal oxide. 26. An organic material of claim 22, wherein the inducing is by hetero- or homogenous epitaxial growth. 27. An organic material claim 22, wherein the plurality of crystalline nanoparticles comprise semiconducting metal oxide. | 2,800 |
11,190 | 11,190 | 14,077,873 | 2,862 | A system may include at least one computer device configured to attain a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use. The system aligns opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil. The alignment portions of each profile are in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil. Comparing the used profile to the baseline profile determines whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. The system may also include a laser profiler for measuring the turbomachine airfoil. | 1. A system comprising:
at least one computer device configured to perform the steps of: attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use; aligning opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil, the alignment portions of each profile being in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil; and comparing the used profile to the baseline profile to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computer device is configured to perform attaining the baseline profile, including:
receiving a raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil as measured by a profiler; normalizing the raw baseline profile to attain the baseline profile by:
identifying opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw baseline profile at a specified depth range from the leading edge of the raw baseline profile;
determining a compare angle of each opposing alignment portion relative to an axis centered at the leading edge of the raw baseline profile, and extending each alignment portion past the leading edge to identify an intersection point; and
attaining the baseline profile by translating the raw baseline profile to place the intersection point on the axis and rotating the raw baseline profile to make the compare angles of each alignment portion equal relative to the axis. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the attaining of the used profile includes:
receiving a raw, two-dimensional used profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil after use; identifying the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw used profile by performing a linear regression; and attaining the used profile by performing any translating and rotating of the raw used profile necessary to allow aligning of the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw used profile with the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the baseline profile. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil is measured by a profiler prior to use of the turbomachine airfoil. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaining includes attaining a plurality of two-dimensional used profiles of the leading edge at a plurality of specified radial positions on the turbomachine airfoil; and
the at least one computer device is further configured to perform the steps of: aligning and comparing each two-dimensional used profile to a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the leading edge at a respective specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil to determine whether the leading edge at the respective specified radial position has erosion. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaining includes attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a plurality of circumferentially adjacent turbomachine airfoils after use; and
the at least one computer device is further configured to perform the steps of: aligning and comparing each two-dimensional used profile to a previously attained two-dimensional, baseline profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position of a respective turbomachine airfoil to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of each turbomachine airfoil has erosion. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one computer device is further configured to performs the steps of determining a trend in the two-dimensional used profiles of the plurality of turbomachine airfoils, and predicting a need for replacement or repair of at least one turbomachine airfoil. 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a laser profiler for measuring, during a point of non-use of the turbomachine airfoil, the two-dimensional used profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil. 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a mount for mounting the laser profiler for measuring of the two-dimensional profile at the specified radial position. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mount includes:
a base configured to interact with at least one of: a rotor wheel, a shank of the turbomachine airfoil and an airfoil portion of the turbomachine airfoil, a support for supporting the laser profiler, and an elongated member for positioning the support relative to the base such that the laser profiler senses at the specified radial position. 11. A computer-implemented method comprising:
attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use; aligning opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil, the alignment portions of each profile being in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil; and comparing the used profile to the baseline profile to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaining the baseline profile, including:
receiving a raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil as measured by a profiler; normalizing the raw baseline profile to attain the baseline profile by:
identifying opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw baseline profile at a specified depth range from the leading edge of the raw baseline profile;
determining a compare angle of each opposing alignment portion relative to an axis centered at the leading edge of the raw baseline profile, and extending each alignment portion past the leading edge to identify an intersection point; and
attaining the baseline profile by translating the raw baseline profile to place the intersection point on the axis and rotating the raw baseline profile to make the compare angles of each alignment portion equal relative to the axis. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil is measured by a profiler prior to use of the turbomachine airfoil. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the attaining the used profile includes:
receiving a raw, two-dimensional used profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil after use; identifying the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw used profile by performing a linear regression; and attaining the used profile by performing any translating and rotating of the raw used profile necessary to allow aligning of the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the used profile with the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the baseline profile. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising repeating the attaining, aligning and comparing for a plurality of radial positions on the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising repeating the attaining, aligning and comparing for a plurality of turbomachine airfoils of a particular stage of the turbomachine. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a trend in the two-dimensional used profiles of the plurality of turbomachine airfoils, and using the trend to predict a need for replacement or repair of the turbomachine airfoil. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising repeating the attaining, aligning and comparing for the turbomachine airfoil over a period of usage of the turbomachine airfoil. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising mounting a laser profiler for measuring of the two-dimensional used profile at the specified radial position using a mount configured to ensure the laser profiler senses at the specified radial position. 20. A program product stored on a computer readable medium for determining erosion of a turbomachine airfoil, the computer readable medium comprising program code for performing the following steps:
attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use; aligning opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil, the alignment portions of each profile being in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil; and comparing the used profile to the baseline profile to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. | A system may include at least one computer device configured to attain a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use. The system aligns opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil. The alignment portions of each profile are in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil. Comparing the used profile to the baseline profile determines whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. The system may also include a laser profiler for measuring the turbomachine airfoil.1. A system comprising:
at least one computer device configured to perform the steps of: attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use; aligning opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil, the alignment portions of each profile being in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil; and comparing the used profile to the baseline profile to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computer device is configured to perform attaining the baseline profile, including:
receiving a raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil as measured by a profiler; normalizing the raw baseline profile to attain the baseline profile by:
identifying opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw baseline profile at a specified depth range from the leading edge of the raw baseline profile;
determining a compare angle of each opposing alignment portion relative to an axis centered at the leading edge of the raw baseline profile, and extending each alignment portion past the leading edge to identify an intersection point; and
attaining the baseline profile by translating the raw baseline profile to place the intersection point on the axis and rotating the raw baseline profile to make the compare angles of each alignment portion equal relative to the axis. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the attaining of the used profile includes:
receiving a raw, two-dimensional used profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil after use; identifying the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw used profile by performing a linear regression; and attaining the used profile by performing any translating and rotating of the raw used profile necessary to allow aligning of the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw used profile with the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the baseline profile. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil is measured by a profiler prior to use of the turbomachine airfoil. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaining includes attaining a plurality of two-dimensional used profiles of the leading edge at a plurality of specified radial positions on the turbomachine airfoil; and
the at least one computer device is further configured to perform the steps of: aligning and comparing each two-dimensional used profile to a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the leading edge at a respective specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil to determine whether the leading edge at the respective specified radial position has erosion. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaining includes attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a plurality of circumferentially adjacent turbomachine airfoils after use; and
the at least one computer device is further configured to perform the steps of: aligning and comparing each two-dimensional used profile to a previously attained two-dimensional, baseline profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position of a respective turbomachine airfoil to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of each turbomachine airfoil has erosion. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the at least one computer device is further configured to performs the steps of determining a trend in the two-dimensional used profiles of the plurality of turbomachine airfoils, and predicting a need for replacement or repair of at least one turbomachine airfoil. 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a laser profiler for measuring, during a point of non-use of the turbomachine airfoil, the two-dimensional used profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil. 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a mount for mounting the laser profiler for measuring of the two-dimensional profile at the specified radial position. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the mount includes:
a base configured to interact with at least one of: a rotor wheel, a shank of the turbomachine airfoil and an airfoil portion of the turbomachine airfoil, a support for supporting the laser profiler, and an elongated member for positioning the support relative to the base such that the laser profiler senses at the specified radial position. 11. A computer-implemented method comprising:
attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use; aligning opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil, the alignment portions of each profile being in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil; and comparing the used profile to the baseline profile to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising attaining the baseline profile, including:
receiving a raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil as measured by a profiler; normalizing the raw baseline profile to attain the baseline profile by:
identifying opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw baseline profile at a specified depth range from the leading edge of the raw baseline profile;
determining a compare angle of each opposing alignment portion relative to an axis centered at the leading edge of the raw baseline profile, and extending each alignment portion past the leading edge to identify an intersection point; and
attaining the baseline profile by translating the raw baseline profile to place the intersection point on the axis and rotating the raw baseline profile to make the compare angles of each alignment portion equal relative to the axis. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the raw baseline profile of the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil is measured by a profiler prior to use of the turbomachine airfoil. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the attaining the used profile includes:
receiving a raw, two-dimensional used profile of the leading edge at the specified radial position on the turbomachine airfoil after use; identifying the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the raw used profile by performing a linear regression; and attaining the used profile by performing any translating and rotating of the raw used profile necessary to allow aligning of the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the used profile with the opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the baseline profile. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising repeating the attaining, aligning and comparing for a plurality of radial positions on the leading edge of the turbomachine airfoil. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising repeating the attaining, aligning and comparing for a plurality of turbomachine airfoils of a particular stage of the turbomachine. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a trend in the two-dimensional used profiles of the plurality of turbomachine airfoils, and using the trend to predict a need for replacement or repair of the turbomachine airfoil. 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising repeating the attaining, aligning and comparing for the turbomachine airfoil over a period of usage of the turbomachine airfoil. 19. The method of claim 11, further comprising mounting a laser profiler for measuring of the two-dimensional used profile at the specified radial position using a mount configured to ensure the laser profiler senses at the specified radial position. 20. A program product stored on a computer readable medium for determining erosion of a turbomachine airfoil, the computer readable medium comprising program code for performing the following steps:
attaining a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use; aligning opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil, the alignment portions of each profile being in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil; and comparing the used profile to the baseline profile to determine whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. | 2,800 |
11,191 | 11,191 | 14,157,500 | 2,853 | An enhanced optical interference pattern, such as a diffraction grating, is incorporated into a photodefineable surface by shining three or more beams of coherent light from a single source at a photodefinable surface, such as a photosensitive emulsion/photoresist covered glass or an ablatable substrate and mapping the diffraction grating pattern to the photodefinable surface. Mapping of the optical interference pattern is created by interference of three or more light beams, such as laser light or other light sources producing a suitable spectrum of light. The mapped photodefinable surface can be used to create embossing shims. The embossing shim can then be used to emboss film or paper. The embossed film/paper can be metalized and laminated onto a substrate to create a product that has shifting patterns at a variety of viewing angles when exposed to white light. | 1. A method of making an enhanced optical interference pattern for an embossing shim, the method comprising:
directing at least three light beams from a coherent light source onto a photodefinable surface; mapping the optical interference pattern onto the photodefinable surface by interference of the at least three beams; and producing the embossing shim from the photodefinable surface. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the optical interference pattern is a diffraction cross-grating produced by one exposure to the at least three beams. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the photodefinable surface is a plastic film. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the photodefinable surface is a photoresist surface. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least three light beams create at least three low energy spots on the photodefinable surface. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the photodefinable surface is electroplated to form a metal master shim. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the metal master shim is nickel-plated for use as an embossing shim. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least three beams are configured to focus in an area ranging from approximately 25 microns to approximately 125 microns. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of cross-gratings are used to form a larger cross-grating. 10-19. (canceled) 20. The method of claim 2 wherein the diffraction cross-grating is formed having grates extending in at least two directions angled relative to each other. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the grates extending in at least two directions intersect, and wherein the at least two directions are different from one another and configured to asymmetrically diffract light and provide an increased field of view of light diffracted from the shim. 22. The method of claim 3 wherein the at least three beams are configured to focus in an area on the plastic film ranging from approximately 25 microns to approximately 125 microns. 23. The method of claim 2 including forming a plurality of cross-gratings, the plurality of cross-gratings forming a larger cross-grating. | An enhanced optical interference pattern, such as a diffraction grating, is incorporated into a photodefineable surface by shining three or more beams of coherent light from a single source at a photodefinable surface, such as a photosensitive emulsion/photoresist covered glass or an ablatable substrate and mapping the diffraction grating pattern to the photodefinable surface. Mapping of the optical interference pattern is created by interference of three or more light beams, such as laser light or other light sources producing a suitable spectrum of light. The mapped photodefinable surface can be used to create embossing shims. The embossing shim can then be used to emboss film or paper. The embossed film/paper can be metalized and laminated onto a substrate to create a product that has shifting patterns at a variety of viewing angles when exposed to white light.1. A method of making an enhanced optical interference pattern for an embossing shim, the method comprising:
directing at least three light beams from a coherent light source onto a photodefinable surface; mapping the optical interference pattern onto the photodefinable surface by interference of the at least three beams; and producing the embossing shim from the photodefinable surface. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the optical interference pattern is a diffraction cross-grating produced by one exposure to the at least three beams. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the photodefinable surface is a plastic film. 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the photodefinable surface is a photoresist surface. 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least three light beams create at least three low energy spots on the photodefinable surface. 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the photodefinable surface is electroplated to form a metal master shim. 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the metal master shim is nickel-plated for use as an embossing shim. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least three beams are configured to focus in an area ranging from approximately 25 microns to approximately 125 microns. 9. The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of cross-gratings are used to form a larger cross-grating. 10-19. (canceled) 20. The method of claim 2 wherein the diffraction cross-grating is formed having grates extending in at least two directions angled relative to each other. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the grates extending in at least two directions intersect, and wherein the at least two directions are different from one another and configured to asymmetrically diffract light and provide an increased field of view of light diffracted from the shim. 22. The method of claim 3 wherein the at least three beams are configured to focus in an area on the plastic film ranging from approximately 25 microns to approximately 125 microns. 23. The method of claim 2 including forming a plurality of cross-gratings, the plurality of cross-gratings forming a larger cross-grating. | 2,800 |
11,192 | 11,192 | 15,302,284 | 2,832 | Methods of operating a set of wind turbines for providing a total power demand to a grid according to a grid requirement are provided. A first group of wind turbines is configured to generate an individual active power based on an individual set-point. First individual set-points are generated for the first group such that the set of wind turbines generates the total active power. If a selection of the first group of wind turbines is operating within an individual exclusion range, the operation of the se wind turbines is limited to a maximum period. When the maximum period is reached, second individual set-points are generated to cause these wind turbines to operate outside exclusion range, and third individual set-points are generated for one or more other wind turbines to cause the set of wind turbines to generate the total active power. Systems suitable for such methods are also provided. | 1. A method of operating a set of wind turbines for generating and providing a total active power demand to a grid according to a grid requirement, wherein a first group of wind turbines of the set of wind turbines is configured to generate an individual active power based on an individual set-point the method comprising:
obtaining one or more individual exclusion ranges for the first group of wind turbines; generating first individual set-points for the first group of wind turbines such that the set of wind turbines generates the total active power; determining whether a selection of the first group of wind turbines are operating within an individual exclusion range; in case of positive result of said determination, limiting the operation of the selection of wind turbines within exclusion range to a maximum period, and when the maximum period is reached by any of the wind turbines of the selection of wind turbines: generating second individual set-points for the wind turbines of the selection of wind turbines that have reached the predefined period, to cause these wind turbines to operate outside exclusion range; and generating third individual set-points for one or more other wind turbines of the first group of wind turbines to cause the set of wind turbines to generate the demanded total active power. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
for each of the generated individual set-points: verifying if a difference between the individual set-point and the active power that is being generated by the corresponding wind turbine exceeds a difference threshold; and in case of positive result of said verification, dividing the individual set-point into a plurality of partial individual set-points, such that this plurality of partial individual set-points substantially totalizes the individual set-point, such that the individual set-point may be progressively achieved by the corresponding wind turbine. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a second individual set-point is less than a lower limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the lower limit than to an upper limit of the exclusion range. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a second individual set-point is greater than an upper limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the upper limit than to a lower limit of the exclusion range. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein in generating an individual set-point for a wind turbine:
active power generation of the wind turbine is predicted based on one or more operational assumptions; and the individual set-point is generated based on this prediction for causing a more reliable generation of the individual set-point. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the one or more operational assumptions comprise at least an estimated wind speed evolution for a given period of time. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the grid requirement is an amount of variation of the total active power, the first individual set-points are generated based on distributing this amount equally among the corresponding wind turbines. 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the grid requirement is an amount of variation of the total active power, the first individual set-points are generated based on:
(a) setting a first individual set-point for a first wind turbine of the first group to an upper or lower limit of the corresponding individual exclusion range; verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result: (b) setting a first individual set-point for another wind turbine of the first group to an upper or lower limit of the corresponding individual exclusion range, and (c) verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result, repeating (b) and (c). 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
determining, for each wind turbine of the first group, an out-of-range value representing how much the active power that is being generated by the wind turbine is away from being within exclusion range, wherein the first and another wind turbine are individually selected from the first group of wind turbines in descending order of the determined out-of-range values. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
verifying whether (a) or (b) has been performed for all the wind turbines of the first group of wind turbines, and in case of positive result: (d) setting a first individual set-point for a first wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result: (e) setting a first individual set-point for another wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, and (f) verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result, repeating (e) and (f). 11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the grid requirement is an amount of variation of the total active power; the first individual set-points are generated based on:
determining a percentage of variation of the active power that is being generated by the first group of wind turbines necessary for the set of wind turbines to generate the total active power; and distributing the amount of variation of the total active power among the first group of wind turbines by applying the same percentage of variation to each wind turbine of the first group. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the grid requirement is a reduction of the total active power. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the maximum period is common to all the wind turbines of the first group. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein an individual maximum period is defined for each individual wind turbine of the first group. 15. A system for operating a set of wind turbines for generating and providing a total active power to a grid according to a grid requirement, wherein a first group of wind turbines of the set of wind turbines is configured to generate an individual active power based on an individual set-point; the system comprising a control unit configured to perform the method according to claim 1. 16. The method according to claim 2, wherein a second individual set-point is less than a lower limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the lower limit than to an upper limit of the exclusion range. 17. The method according to claim 2, wherein a second individual set-point is greater than an upper limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the upper limit than to a lower limit of the exclusion range. 18. The method according to claim 3, wherein a second individual set-point is greater than an upper limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the upper limit than to a lower limit of the exclusion range. 19. The method according to claim 2, wherein in generating an individual set-point for a wind turbine:
active power generation of the wind turbine is predicted based on one or more operational assumptions; and the individual set-point is generated based on this prediction for causing a more reliable generation of the individual set-point. 20. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:
verifying whether (a) or (b) has been performed for all the wind turbines of the first group of wind turbines, and in case of positive result: (d) setting a first individual set-point for a first wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, and verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result: (e) setting a first individual set-point for another wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, and (f) verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result, repeating (e) and (f). | Methods of operating a set of wind turbines for providing a total power demand to a grid according to a grid requirement are provided. A first group of wind turbines is configured to generate an individual active power based on an individual set-point. First individual set-points are generated for the first group such that the set of wind turbines generates the total active power. If a selection of the first group of wind turbines is operating within an individual exclusion range, the operation of the se wind turbines is limited to a maximum period. When the maximum period is reached, second individual set-points are generated to cause these wind turbines to operate outside exclusion range, and third individual set-points are generated for one or more other wind turbines to cause the set of wind turbines to generate the total active power. Systems suitable for such methods are also provided.1. A method of operating a set of wind turbines for generating and providing a total active power demand to a grid according to a grid requirement, wherein a first group of wind turbines of the set of wind turbines is configured to generate an individual active power based on an individual set-point the method comprising:
obtaining one or more individual exclusion ranges for the first group of wind turbines; generating first individual set-points for the first group of wind turbines such that the set of wind turbines generates the total active power; determining whether a selection of the first group of wind turbines are operating within an individual exclusion range; in case of positive result of said determination, limiting the operation of the selection of wind turbines within exclusion range to a maximum period, and when the maximum period is reached by any of the wind turbines of the selection of wind turbines: generating second individual set-points for the wind turbines of the selection of wind turbines that have reached the predefined period, to cause these wind turbines to operate outside exclusion range; and generating third individual set-points for one or more other wind turbines of the first group of wind turbines to cause the set of wind turbines to generate the demanded total active power. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
for each of the generated individual set-points: verifying if a difference between the individual set-point and the active power that is being generated by the corresponding wind turbine exceeds a difference threshold; and in case of positive result of said verification, dividing the individual set-point into a plurality of partial individual set-points, such that this plurality of partial individual set-points substantially totalizes the individual set-point, such that the individual set-point may be progressively achieved by the corresponding wind turbine. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein a second individual set-point is less than a lower limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the lower limit than to an upper limit of the exclusion range. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a second individual set-point is greater than an upper limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the upper limit than to a lower limit of the exclusion range. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein in generating an individual set-point for a wind turbine:
active power generation of the wind turbine is predicted based on one or more operational assumptions; and the individual set-point is generated based on this prediction for causing a more reliable generation of the individual set-point. 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the one or more operational assumptions comprise at least an estimated wind speed evolution for a given period of time. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the grid requirement is an amount of variation of the total active power, the first individual set-points are generated based on distributing this amount equally among the corresponding wind turbines. 8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the grid requirement is an amount of variation of the total active power, the first individual set-points are generated based on:
(a) setting a first individual set-point for a first wind turbine of the first group to an upper or lower limit of the corresponding individual exclusion range; verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result: (b) setting a first individual set-point for another wind turbine of the first group to an upper or lower limit of the corresponding individual exclusion range, and (c) verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result, repeating (b) and (c). 9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
determining, for each wind turbine of the first group, an out-of-range value representing how much the active power that is being generated by the wind turbine is away from being within exclusion range, wherein the first and another wind turbine are individually selected from the first group of wind turbines in descending order of the determined out-of-range values. 10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising:
verifying whether (a) or (b) has been performed for all the wind turbines of the first group of wind turbines, and in case of positive result: (d) setting a first individual set-point for a first wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result: (e) setting a first individual set-point for another wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, and (f) verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result, repeating (e) and (f). 11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the grid requirement is an amount of variation of the total active power; the first individual set-points are generated based on:
determining a percentage of variation of the active power that is being generated by the first group of wind turbines necessary for the set of wind turbines to generate the total active power; and distributing the amount of variation of the total active power among the first group of wind turbines by applying the same percentage of variation to each wind turbine of the first group. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the grid requirement is a reduction of the total active power. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the maximum period is common to all the wind turbines of the first group. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein an individual maximum period is defined for each individual wind turbine of the first group. 15. A system for operating a set of wind turbines for generating and providing a total active power to a grid according to a grid requirement, wherein a first group of wind turbines of the set of wind turbines is configured to generate an individual active power based on an individual set-point; the system comprising a control unit configured to perform the method according to claim 1. 16. The method according to claim 2, wherein a second individual set-point is less than a lower limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the lower limit than to an upper limit of the exclusion range. 17. The method according to claim 2, wherein a second individual set-point is greater than an upper limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the upper limit than to a lower limit of the exclusion range. 18. The method according to claim 3, wherein a second individual set-point is greater than an upper limit of the exclusion range if the corresponding wind turbine is generating active power closer to the upper limit than to a lower limit of the exclusion range. 19. The method according to claim 2, wherein in generating an individual set-point for a wind turbine:
active power generation of the wind turbine is predicted based on one or more operational assumptions; and the individual set-point is generated based on this prediction for causing a more reliable generation of the individual set-point. 20. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:
verifying whether (a) or (b) has been performed for all the wind turbines of the first group of wind turbines, and in case of positive result: (d) setting a first individual set-point for a first wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, and verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result: (e) setting a first individual set-point for another wind turbine of the first group within the corresponding individual exclusion range, and (f) verifying whether the set of wind turbines generates the total active power, and in case of negative result, repeating (e) and (f). | 2,800 |
11,193 | 11,193 | 14,718,844 | 2,884 | An optical proximity detector includes a driver, light detector, analog front-end and digital back end. The driver drives the light source to emit light. The light detector produces a light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the emitted light that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector. The analog front-end includes amplification circuitry, and one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that output a digital light detection signal, or digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals indicative thereof. The digital back-end includes a distance calculator and a precision estimator. The distance calculator produces a digital distance value in dependence on the digital light detection signal, or the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, output by the ADC(s) of the analog front-end. The precision estimator produces a precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value. | 1. A method for use by an optical proximity detector that includes a light source and a light detector, the method comprising:
(a) driving the light source with a drive signal having a carrier frequency to thereby cause the light source to emit light having the carrier frequency; (b) producing an analog light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the light emitted by the light source that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector; (c) amplifying the analog light detection signal using amplification circuitry to thereby produce an amplitude adjusted analog light detection signal; (d) producing, in dependence on the amplitude adjusted analog light detection signal, digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; (e) producing, in dependence on the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, a digital distance value indicative of a distance between the optical proximity detector and the object; (f) producing a digital precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value; and (g) outputting the digital distance value and the digital precision value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) includes:
determining a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the analog light detection signal produced at step (b); and producing the digital precision value in dependence on the SNR. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining the SNR, associated with the analog light detection signal produced at step (b), includes:
determining a noise spectral density contribution of ambient light detected by the light detector; and determining the SNR in dependence on the determined noise spectral density contribution of ambient light detected by the light detector. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) includes determining the digital precision value in dependence on:
an integration time that sets a noise bandwidth of the optical proximity detector; a DC photocurrent associated with the light detector that produces the analog light detection signal; and a magnitude of the analog light detection signal produced using the light detector. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital precision value produced at step (f) comprises a measure indicative of standard deviation. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein at step (g) the digital distance value and the digital precision value, which are output, are in a same unit of length. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein at step (g), the digital distance value that is output is in a unit of length, and the digital precision value that is output corresponds to a percentage. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
(h) determining, in dependent on the digital precision value, whether or not to use the digital distance value to selectively enable or disable a subsystem. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein step (h) comprises:
(h.i) comparing the digital precision value to a precision threshold level indicative of a specified minimum acceptable precision; (h.ii) if the digital precision value is below the precision threshold level, then determining that the digital distance value should be used to selectively enable or disable the subsystem; and (h.iii) if the digital precision value is above the precision threshold level, then determining that the digital distance value should not be used to selectively enable or disable the subsystem. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a magnitude of the digital precision value is inversely related to a precision of the digital distance value, such that a smaller the magnitude of the digital distance value a greater the precision of the digital distance value. 11. An optical proximity detector, comprising:
a driver that produces a drive signal, having a carrier frequency, for use in driving a light source to thereby cause the light source to emit light having the carrier frequency; a light detector that produces a light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the light emitted by the light source that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector; an analog front-end including
amplification circuitry that receives the light detection signal and outputs an amplitude adjusted light detection signal;
one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that
receive the amplitude adjusted light detection signal, or in-phase and quadrature-phase signals produced therefrom, and
output a digital light detection signal, or digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; and
a digital back-end including
a distance calculator that produces a digital distance value in dependence on the digital light detection signal, or the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, output by the one or more ADCs of the analog front-end, the digital distance value indicative of a distance between the optical proximity detector and the object; and
a precision estimator that produces a precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value. 12. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the precision estimator is adapted to determine a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the analog light detection signal and determine the precision value in dependence on the SNR. 13. The optical proximity detector of claim 12, wherein the precision estimator is adapted to determine the SNR in dependence on a noise spectral density contribution of ambient light detected by the light detector. 14. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the precision estimator is adapted to determine the digital precision value in dependence on:
an integration time that sets a noise bandwidth of the optical proximity detector; a DC photocurrent associated with the light detector that produces the analog light detection signal; and a magnitude of the analog light detection signal produced using the light detector. 15. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the digital precision value is indicative of a standard deviation associated with the digital distance value. 16. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the digital distance value and the digital precision value are in a same unit of length. 17. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, the digital distance value is in a unit of length, and the digital precision value corresponds to a percentage. 18. A system comprising:
a driver that produces a drive signal, having a carrier frequency, for use in driving a light source to thereby cause the light source to emit light having the carrier frequency; a light detector that produces a light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the light emitted by the light source that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector; an analog front-end that receives the light detection signal and outputs a digital light detection signal, or digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; and a digital back-end that receives the digital light detection signal, or the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, output by the analog front-end, and in dependence thereon, determines and outputs
(i) a digital distance value indicative of a distance between the optical proximity detector and the object, and
(ii) a precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:
a subsystem capable of being enabled and disabled; and a comparator or processor that receives digital distance value and the digital precision value from the digital-back end and selectively enables or disables the subsystem in dependence the digital distance value if the digital precision value is below a precision threshold level indicative of a specified minimum acceptable precision. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the subsystem is selected from the group consisting of:
a touch-screen, a display, a backlight, a virtual scroll wheel, a virtual keypad, a. navigation pad, a camera, a sensor, a central processing unit (CPU), or a mechanical actuator. | An optical proximity detector includes a driver, light detector, analog front-end and digital back end. The driver drives the light source to emit light. The light detector produces a light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the emitted light that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector. The analog front-end includes amplification circuitry, and one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that output a digital light detection signal, or digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals indicative thereof. The digital back-end includes a distance calculator and a precision estimator. The distance calculator produces a digital distance value in dependence on the digital light detection signal, or the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, output by the ADC(s) of the analog front-end. The precision estimator produces a precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value.1. A method for use by an optical proximity detector that includes a light source and a light detector, the method comprising:
(a) driving the light source with a drive signal having a carrier frequency to thereby cause the light source to emit light having the carrier frequency; (b) producing an analog light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the light emitted by the light source that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector; (c) amplifying the analog light detection signal using amplification circuitry to thereby produce an amplitude adjusted analog light detection signal; (d) producing, in dependence on the amplitude adjusted analog light detection signal, digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; (e) producing, in dependence on the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, a digital distance value indicative of a distance between the optical proximity detector and the object; (f) producing a digital precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value; and (g) outputting the digital distance value and the digital precision value. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) includes:
determining a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the analog light detection signal produced at step (b); and producing the digital precision value in dependence on the SNR. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the determining the SNR, associated with the analog light detection signal produced at step (b), includes:
determining a noise spectral density contribution of ambient light detected by the light detector; and determining the SNR in dependence on the determined noise spectral density contribution of ambient light detected by the light detector. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (f) includes determining the digital precision value in dependence on:
an integration time that sets a noise bandwidth of the optical proximity detector; a DC photocurrent associated with the light detector that produces the analog light detection signal; and a magnitude of the analog light detection signal produced using the light detector. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital precision value produced at step (f) comprises a measure indicative of standard deviation. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein at step (g) the digital distance value and the digital precision value, which are output, are in a same unit of length. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein at step (g), the digital distance value that is output is in a unit of length, and the digital precision value that is output corresponds to a percentage. 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
(h) determining, in dependent on the digital precision value, whether or not to use the digital distance value to selectively enable or disable a subsystem. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein step (h) comprises:
(h.i) comparing the digital precision value to a precision threshold level indicative of a specified minimum acceptable precision; (h.ii) if the digital precision value is below the precision threshold level, then determining that the digital distance value should be used to selectively enable or disable the subsystem; and (h.iii) if the digital precision value is above the precision threshold level, then determining that the digital distance value should not be used to selectively enable or disable the subsystem. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein a magnitude of the digital precision value is inversely related to a precision of the digital distance value, such that a smaller the magnitude of the digital distance value a greater the precision of the digital distance value. 11. An optical proximity detector, comprising:
a driver that produces a drive signal, having a carrier frequency, for use in driving a light source to thereby cause the light source to emit light having the carrier frequency; a light detector that produces a light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the light emitted by the light source that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector; an analog front-end including
amplification circuitry that receives the light detection signal and outputs an amplitude adjusted light detection signal;
one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that
receive the amplitude adjusted light detection signal, or in-phase and quadrature-phase signals produced therefrom, and
output a digital light detection signal, or digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; and
a digital back-end including
a distance calculator that produces a digital distance value in dependence on the digital light detection signal, or the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, output by the one or more ADCs of the analog front-end, the digital distance value indicative of a distance between the optical proximity detector and the object; and
a precision estimator that produces a precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value. 12. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the precision estimator is adapted to determine a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the analog light detection signal and determine the precision value in dependence on the SNR. 13. The optical proximity detector of claim 12, wherein the precision estimator is adapted to determine the SNR in dependence on a noise spectral density contribution of ambient light detected by the light detector. 14. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the precision estimator is adapted to determine the digital precision value in dependence on:
an integration time that sets a noise bandwidth of the optical proximity detector; a DC photocurrent associated with the light detector that produces the analog light detection signal; and a magnitude of the analog light detection signal produced using the light detector. 15. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the digital precision value is indicative of a standard deviation associated with the digital distance value. 16. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, wherein the digital distance value and the digital precision value are in a same unit of length. 17. The optical proximity detector of claim 11, the digital distance value is in a unit of length, and the digital precision value corresponds to a percentage. 18. A system comprising:
a driver that produces a drive signal, having a carrier frequency, for use in driving a light source to thereby cause the light source to emit light having the carrier frequency; a light detector that produces a light detection signal indicative of a magnitude and a phase of a portion of the light emitted by the light source that reflects off an object and is incident on the light detector; an analog front-end that receives the light detection signal and outputs a digital light detection signal, or digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals; and a digital back-end that receives the digital light detection signal, or the digital in-phase and quadrature-phase signals, output by the analog front-end, and in dependence thereon, determines and outputs
(i) a digital distance value indicative of a distance between the optical proximity detector and the object, and
(ii) a precision value indicative of a precision of the digital distance value. 19. The system of claim 18, further comprising:
a subsystem capable of being enabled and disabled; and a comparator or processor that receives digital distance value and the digital precision value from the digital-back end and selectively enables or disables the subsystem in dependence the digital distance value if the digital precision value is below a precision threshold level indicative of a specified minimum acceptable precision. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the subsystem is selected from the group consisting of:
a touch-screen, a display, a backlight, a virtual scroll wheel, a virtual keypad, a. navigation pad, a camera, a sensor, a central processing unit (CPU), or a mechanical actuator. | 2,800 |
11,194 | 11,194 | 12,925,235 | 2,832 | The Fixed Pitch Wind (Water) turbine is a more productive system than current technology in that it extracts increasing amounts of energy from wind (or water) flows throughout typical operating ranges (25 m/s for wind and 3.4 m/s for tidal). Further, an inherently stronger fixed pitch solution can have greater blade solidity that will, in turn increase torque across the entire operating range.
Extending the low speed shaft brings major and heavy system components to the tower base (for wind) or above water line (tidal) for reduced cost, both initially and on an ongoing basis.
The weight control system acts as a buffer for energy storage that will accommodate gusty or turbulent conditions and also facilitate gear changes as the speed of the rotor changes. | 1. A wind (water) turbine power generating assembly comprising:
a fixed pitch blade/rotor assembly; an extended low speed shaft with 1:1 gearbox for 90° turn; a centrifugal weight control assembly; a clutch and transmission assembly in lieu of traditional gearbox; an assembly at the tower base including CWC, transmission, and generator(s); 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1;
wherein increasing amounts of power will be generated in the 15 to 25 m/s range for wind and the 2.4 to 3.4 m/s range for tidal (bi-directional flow); wherein optimized tip speed ratio can be maintained for the entire operating range of the flow (wind or water). 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2;
wherein initial build and ongoing operational and maintenance costs will be significantly less than current technology. | The Fixed Pitch Wind (Water) turbine is a more productive system than current technology in that it extracts increasing amounts of energy from wind (or water) flows throughout typical operating ranges (25 m/s for wind and 3.4 m/s for tidal). Further, an inherently stronger fixed pitch solution can have greater blade solidity that will, in turn increase torque across the entire operating range.
Extending the low speed shaft brings major and heavy system components to the tower base (for wind) or above water line (tidal) for reduced cost, both initially and on an ongoing basis.
The weight control system acts as a buffer for energy storage that will accommodate gusty or turbulent conditions and also facilitate gear changes as the speed of the rotor changes.1. A wind (water) turbine power generating assembly comprising:
a fixed pitch blade/rotor assembly; an extended low speed shaft with 1:1 gearbox for 90° turn; a centrifugal weight control assembly; a clutch and transmission assembly in lieu of traditional gearbox; an assembly at the tower base including CWC, transmission, and generator(s); 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1;
wherein increasing amounts of power will be generated in the 15 to 25 m/s range for wind and the 2.4 to 3.4 m/s range for tidal (bi-directional flow); wherein optimized tip speed ratio can be maintained for the entire operating range of the flow (wind or water). 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2;
wherein initial build and ongoing operational and maintenance costs will be significantly less than current technology. | 2,800 |
11,195 | 11,195 | 14,301,123 | 2,896 | A method is provided to determine a distance, a direction, or both between an existing first wellbore and at least one sensor module of a drill string within a second wellbore being drilled. The method includes using the at least one sensor module to measure a magnetic field and to generate at least one first signal indicative of the measured magnetic field. The method further includes using the at least one sensor module to gyroscopically measure an azimuth, an inclination, or both of the at least one sensor module and to generate at least one second signal indicative of the measured azimuth, inclination, or both. The method further includes using the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to calculate a distance between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, or both a distance and a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module. | 1. A method to determine a distance, a direction, or both between an existing first wellbore and at least one sensor module of a drill string within a second wellbore being drilled, the method comprising:
using the at least one sensor module to measure a magnetic field and to generate at least one first signal indicative of the measured magnetic field; using the at least one sensor module to gyroscopically measure an azimuth, an inclination, or both of the at least one sensor module and to generate at least one second signal indicative of the measured azimuth, inclination, or both; and using the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to calculate a distance between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, or both a distance and a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the drill string using the calculated distance, the calculated direction, or both. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the drill string comprises a rotary steerable drilling tool. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling the drill string comprises generating at least one control signal in response to the calculated distance, the calculated direction, or both, and transmitting the at least one control signal to a steering mechanism of the drill string. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein using the at least one sensor module to measure the magnetic field comprises using the at least one sensor module to measure an axial field component of the magnetic field along a longitudinal axis of the second wellbore. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the axial field component is measured during drilling of the second wellbore. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
using the azimuth, the inclination, or both with a model of the Earth's magnetic field to estimate a contribution from the Earth's magnetic field to the measured magnetic field; subtracting the contribution from the measured magnetic field to calculate a corrected measured magnetic field; and using the corrected measured magnetic field to calculate at least one of the distance and the direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module. 8. A method for controlling a drill string spaced from an existing first wellbore, the drill string drilling a second wellbore, the method comprising:
receiving at least one first signal indicative of a magnetic field measured by at least a first sensor module of the drill string; receiving at least one second signal indicative of an azimuth, an inclination, or both measured by at least a second sensor module of the drill string, the second sensor module comprising at least one gyroscopic sensor; calculating a distance between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module, a direction between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module, or both a distance and a direction between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module; and generating, in response to at least one of the calculated distance and the calculated direction, at least one control signal to be transmitted to a steering mechanism of the drill string. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the steering mechanism comprises a rotary steerable tool. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting the at least one control signal to a steering mechanism of the drill string. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one first signal is indicative of a measured axial field component of the magnetic field along a longitudinal axis of the second wellbore. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the axial field component is measured during drilling of the second wellbore. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
using the azimuth, the inclination, or both with a model of the Earth's magnetic field to estimate a contribution from the Earth's magnetic field to the measured magnetic field; subtracting the contribution from the measured magnetic field to calculate a corrected measured magnetic field; and using the corrected measured magnetic field to calculate at least one of the distance and the direction between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module. 14. A method for using a drilling tool to drill a second wellbore along a desired path substantially parallel to a first wellbore, the drilling tool comprising a steering mechanism, the method comprising:
(a) defining a first target position along a desired path of the second wellbore, the first target position spaced from a current position of the drilling tool by a first distance; (b) performing magnetic ranging measurements and gyroscopic measurements of an azimuth, an inclination, or both of the drilling tool and using the magnetic ranging measurements and the gyroscopic measurements to determine a second distance between the current position of the drilling tool and the first wellbore; (c) calculating a third distance between the first wellbore and the desired path of the second wellbore; (d) calculating a target sightline angle with respect to the desired path of the second wellbore; (e) measuring a tool path direction with respect to the first wellbore; (f) calculating a steering angle; (g) transmitting a steering signal to the steering mechanism to control the steering mechanism to adjust a tool path direction of the second wellbore by the steering angle; and (h) actuating the steering mechanism to move the drilling tool to a revised current position. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising defining a second target position along the desired path of the second wellbore, the second target position spaced from the revised current position of the drilling tool by the first distance, and iterating steps (b)-(h). 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the drilling tool comprises a first sensor module and a second sensor module, and the magnetic ranging measurements and the gyroscopic measurements are made using at least one of the first sensor module and the second sensor module. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tool path direction is measured using at least one of the first sensor module and the second sensor module. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein calculating the third distance, calculating the target sightline angle, and calculating the steering angle are performed by a computer processor. 19. A method for gyro-assisted magnetic ranging relative to a first wellbore using a rotary steerable drilling tool to drill a second wellbore, the method comprising:
(a) steering the drilling tool to a position at which a magnetic field from an electromagnet in the first wellbore can be detected by at least one sensor module of the drilling tool; (b) performing a multi-station analysis to detect magnetic biases from the drilling tool; (c) monitoring measurements from a longitudinal axis magnetometer of the at least one sensor module as a drill path of the second wellbore approaches the electromagnet in the first wellbore; (d) making stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements using the at least one sensor module; (e) moving the electromagnet to a different position within the first wellbore; (f) making magnetic ranging measurements and further drilling the second wellbore in a trajectory that is substantially parallel to the first wellbore; (g) making stationary gyro survey measurements using the at least one sensor module and using the stationary gyro survey measurements to determine a separation and angle of approach of the at least one sensor module to the first wellbore; and (h) using the stationary gyro survey measurements to compute drilling commands to be performed by the drilling tool and continuing to drill the second wellbore. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: (i) iterating steps (f)-(h) until the magnetic field from the electromagnet is again detected. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: (j) iterating steps (c)-(h) for drilling subsequent sections of the second wellbore. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein performing the multi-station analysis occurs concurrently with steering the drilling tool. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein monitoring the measurements comprises determining a slant range and a direction of the at least one sensor module with respect to the electromagnet. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein determining the slant range and the direction comprises using the detected magnetic biases. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein making stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements comprises halting drilling of the second wellbore upon the at least one sensor module reaching a predetermined location with respect to the electromagnet. 26. The method of claim 19, wherein making stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements comprises using the detected magnetic biases to correct the stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements. | A method is provided to determine a distance, a direction, or both between an existing first wellbore and at least one sensor module of a drill string within a second wellbore being drilled. The method includes using the at least one sensor module to measure a magnetic field and to generate at least one first signal indicative of the measured magnetic field. The method further includes using the at least one sensor module to gyroscopically measure an azimuth, an inclination, or both of the at least one sensor module and to generate at least one second signal indicative of the measured azimuth, inclination, or both. The method further includes using the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to calculate a distance between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, or both a distance and a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module.1. A method to determine a distance, a direction, or both between an existing first wellbore and at least one sensor module of a drill string within a second wellbore being drilled, the method comprising:
using the at least one sensor module to measure a magnetic field and to generate at least one first signal indicative of the measured magnetic field; using the at least one sensor module to gyroscopically measure an azimuth, an inclination, or both of the at least one sensor module and to generate at least one second signal indicative of the measured azimuth, inclination, or both; and using the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal to calculate a distance between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module, or both a distance and a direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling the drill string using the calculated distance, the calculated direction, or both. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the drill string comprises a rotary steerable drilling tool. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling the drill string comprises generating at least one control signal in response to the calculated distance, the calculated direction, or both, and transmitting the at least one control signal to a steering mechanism of the drill string. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein using the at least one sensor module to measure the magnetic field comprises using the at least one sensor module to measure an axial field component of the magnetic field along a longitudinal axis of the second wellbore. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the axial field component is measured during drilling of the second wellbore. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
using the azimuth, the inclination, or both with a model of the Earth's magnetic field to estimate a contribution from the Earth's magnetic field to the measured magnetic field; subtracting the contribution from the measured magnetic field to calculate a corrected measured magnetic field; and using the corrected measured magnetic field to calculate at least one of the distance and the direction between the existing first wellbore and the at least one sensor module. 8. A method for controlling a drill string spaced from an existing first wellbore, the drill string drilling a second wellbore, the method comprising:
receiving at least one first signal indicative of a magnetic field measured by at least a first sensor module of the drill string; receiving at least one second signal indicative of an azimuth, an inclination, or both measured by at least a second sensor module of the drill string, the second sensor module comprising at least one gyroscopic sensor; calculating a distance between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module, a direction between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module, or both a distance and a direction between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module; and generating, in response to at least one of the calculated distance and the calculated direction, at least one control signal to be transmitted to a steering mechanism of the drill string. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the steering mechanism comprises a rotary steerable tool. 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising transmitting the at least one control signal to a steering mechanism of the drill string. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one first signal is indicative of a measured axial field component of the magnetic field along a longitudinal axis of the second wellbore. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the axial field component is measured during drilling of the second wellbore. 13. The method of claim 8, further comprising:
using the azimuth, the inclination, or both with a model of the Earth's magnetic field to estimate a contribution from the Earth's magnetic field to the measured magnetic field; subtracting the contribution from the measured magnetic field to calculate a corrected measured magnetic field; and using the corrected measured magnetic field to calculate at least one of the distance and the direction between the existing first wellbore and the first sensor module. 14. A method for using a drilling tool to drill a second wellbore along a desired path substantially parallel to a first wellbore, the drilling tool comprising a steering mechanism, the method comprising:
(a) defining a first target position along a desired path of the second wellbore, the first target position spaced from a current position of the drilling tool by a first distance; (b) performing magnetic ranging measurements and gyroscopic measurements of an azimuth, an inclination, or both of the drilling tool and using the magnetic ranging measurements and the gyroscopic measurements to determine a second distance between the current position of the drilling tool and the first wellbore; (c) calculating a third distance between the first wellbore and the desired path of the second wellbore; (d) calculating a target sightline angle with respect to the desired path of the second wellbore; (e) measuring a tool path direction with respect to the first wellbore; (f) calculating a steering angle; (g) transmitting a steering signal to the steering mechanism to control the steering mechanism to adjust a tool path direction of the second wellbore by the steering angle; and (h) actuating the steering mechanism to move the drilling tool to a revised current position. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising defining a second target position along the desired path of the second wellbore, the second target position spaced from the revised current position of the drilling tool by the first distance, and iterating steps (b)-(h). 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the drilling tool comprises a first sensor module and a second sensor module, and the magnetic ranging measurements and the gyroscopic measurements are made using at least one of the first sensor module and the second sensor module. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tool path direction is measured using at least one of the first sensor module and the second sensor module. 18. The method of claim 14, wherein calculating the third distance, calculating the target sightline angle, and calculating the steering angle are performed by a computer processor. 19. A method for gyro-assisted magnetic ranging relative to a first wellbore using a rotary steerable drilling tool to drill a second wellbore, the method comprising:
(a) steering the drilling tool to a position at which a magnetic field from an electromagnet in the first wellbore can be detected by at least one sensor module of the drilling tool; (b) performing a multi-station analysis to detect magnetic biases from the drilling tool; (c) monitoring measurements from a longitudinal axis magnetometer of the at least one sensor module as a drill path of the second wellbore approaches the electromagnet in the first wellbore; (d) making stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements using the at least one sensor module; (e) moving the electromagnet to a different position within the first wellbore; (f) making magnetic ranging measurements and further drilling the second wellbore in a trajectory that is substantially parallel to the first wellbore; (g) making stationary gyro survey measurements using the at least one sensor module and using the stationary gyro survey measurements to determine a separation and angle of approach of the at least one sensor module to the first wellbore; and (h) using the stationary gyro survey measurements to compute drilling commands to be performed by the drilling tool and continuing to drill the second wellbore. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: (i) iterating steps (f)-(h) until the magnetic field from the electromagnet is again detected. 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: (j) iterating steps (c)-(h) for drilling subsequent sections of the second wellbore. 22. The method of claim 19, wherein performing the multi-station analysis occurs concurrently with steering the drilling tool. 23. The method of claim 19, wherein monitoring the measurements comprises determining a slant range and a direction of the at least one sensor module with respect to the electromagnet. 24. The method of claim 19, wherein determining the slant range and the direction comprises using the detected magnetic biases. 25. The method of claim 19, wherein making stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements comprises halting drilling of the second wellbore upon the at least one sensor module reaching a predetermined location with respect to the electromagnet. 26. The method of claim 19, wherein making stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements comprises using the detected magnetic biases to correct the stationary magnetic ranging survey measurements. | 2,800 |
11,196 | 11,196 | 14,706,587 | 2,838 | In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include an impedance estimator configured to estimate an impedance of a load and generate a target current based at least on an input voltage and the impedance, a voltage feedback loop responsive to a difference between the input voltage and an output voltage of the load, and a current controller configured to, responsive to the voltage feedback loop, the impedance estimator, and the input voltage, generate an output current to the load. | 1. A system, comprising:
an impedance estimator configured to estimate an impedance of a load and generate a target current based at least on an input voltage and the impedance; a voltage feedback loop responsive to a difference between the input voltage and an output voltage of the load; and a current controller configured to, responsive to the voltage feedback loop, the impedance estimator, and the input voltage, generate an output current to the load to generate an output voltage that is a function of the input voltage. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance of the load is estimated based on the output voltage and the output current. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage feedback loop comprises a delta-sigma modulator. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the delta-sigma modulator is a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance estimator comprises an adaptive filter responsive to the output current and configured to estimate the impedance of the load in order to adaptively minimize a difference between the output voltage at the load and a target output voltage for the load based on the input voltage. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the adaptive filter is a least-mean-squares filter. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the input voltage comprises an audio signal and the load comprises an acoustic transducer. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance estimator is configured to:
determine impedance of the load as a function of a frequency of the output voltage; and control the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance as a function of the frequency. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance estimator is configured to control the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance over time. 10. A method, comprising:
estimating an impedance of a load and generating a target current based at least on an input voltage and the impedance; generating a feedback voltage responsive to a difference between the input voltage and an output voltage of the load; and responsive to the feedback voltage, estimated impedance of the load, and the input voltage, generating an output current to the load to generate an output voltage that is a function of the input voltage. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein estimating the impedance of the load comprises estimating the impedance based on the output voltage and the output current. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating the feedback voltage with a voltage feedback loop comprising a delta-sigma modulator. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the delta-sigma modulator is a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein estimating the impedance of the load comprises filtering responsive to the output current to adaptively minimize a difference between the output voltage at the load and a target output voltage for the load based on the input voltage. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adaptive filter is a least-mean-squares filter. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the input voltage comprises an audio signal and the load comprises an acoustic transducer. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein estimating the impedance of the load comprises:
determining the impedance of the load as a function of a frequency of the output voltage; and controlling the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance as a function of the frequency. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the impedance estimator is configured to control the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance over time. 19.-74. (canceled) | In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a system may include an impedance estimator configured to estimate an impedance of a load and generate a target current based at least on an input voltage and the impedance, a voltage feedback loop responsive to a difference between the input voltage and an output voltage of the load, and a current controller configured to, responsive to the voltage feedback loop, the impedance estimator, and the input voltage, generate an output current to the load.1. A system, comprising:
an impedance estimator configured to estimate an impedance of a load and generate a target current based at least on an input voltage and the impedance; a voltage feedback loop responsive to a difference between the input voltage and an output voltage of the load; and a current controller configured to, responsive to the voltage feedback loop, the impedance estimator, and the input voltage, generate an output current to the load to generate an output voltage that is a function of the input voltage. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance of the load is estimated based on the output voltage and the output current. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the voltage feedback loop comprises a delta-sigma modulator. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the delta-sigma modulator is a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance estimator comprises an adaptive filter responsive to the output current and configured to estimate the impedance of the load in order to adaptively minimize a difference between the output voltage at the load and a target output voltage for the load based on the input voltage. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the adaptive filter is a least-mean-squares filter. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the input voltage comprises an audio signal and the load comprises an acoustic transducer. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance estimator is configured to:
determine impedance of the load as a function of a frequency of the output voltage; and control the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance as a function of the frequency. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the impedance estimator is configured to control the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance over time. 10. A method, comprising:
estimating an impedance of a load and generating a target current based at least on an input voltage and the impedance; generating a feedback voltage responsive to a difference between the input voltage and an output voltage of the load; and responsive to the feedback voltage, estimated impedance of the load, and the input voltage, generating an output current to the load to generate an output voltage that is a function of the input voltage. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein estimating the impedance of the load comprises estimating the impedance based on the output voltage and the output current. 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising generating the feedback voltage with a voltage feedback loop comprising a delta-sigma modulator. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the delta-sigma modulator is a continuous-time delta-sigma modulator. 14. The method of claim 10, wherein estimating the impedance of the load comprises filtering responsive to the output current to adaptively minimize a difference between the output voltage at the load and a target output voltage for the load based on the input voltage. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the adaptive filter is a least-mean-squares filter. 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the input voltage comprises an audio signal and the load comprises an acoustic transducer. 17. The method of claim 10, wherein estimating the impedance of the load comprises:
determining the impedance of the load as a function of a frequency of the output voltage; and controlling the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance as a function of the frequency. 18. The method of claim 10, wherein the impedance estimator is configured to control the target current to compensate for variance of the impedance over time. 19.-74. (canceled) | 2,800 |
11,197 | 11,197 | 14,612,926 | 2,815 | Methods of exposing conductive vias of semiconductor devices may involve positioning a barrier material over conductive vias extending from a backside surface of a substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias. A self-planarizing isolation material may be positioned on a side of the barrier material opposing the substrate. An exposed surface of the self-planarizing isolation material may be at least substantially planar. A portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, a portion of the barrier material, and a portion of at least some of the conductive vias may be removed to expose each of the conductive vias. Removal may be stopped after exposing at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material proximate the substrate. | 1. A method of exposing conductive vias of a semiconductor device, comprising:
positioning a barrier material over conductive vias extending from a backside surface of a substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias; positioning a self-planarizing isolation material on a side of the barrier material opposing the substrate, wherein an exposed surface of the self-planarizing isolation material is at least substantially planar; removing a portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, a portion of the barrier material, and a portion of at least some of the conductive vias to expose each of the conductive vias; and stopping removal after exposing at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material proximate the substrate. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the barrier material over the conductive vias extending from the backside surface of the substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias comprises positioning a barrier material comprising silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide, or any combination of these over the conductive vias extending from the backside surface of the substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the barrier material over the conductive vias to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias comprises depositing the barrier material to a thickness less than a protruding height of a shortest protruding portion of any of the conductive vias. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein depositing the barrier material to the thickness less than the protruding height of the shortest protruding portion of any of the conductive vias comprises depositing the barrier material to a thickness of about 15,000 Å or less. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein depositing the barrier material to the thickness of 15,000 Å or less comprises depositing the barrier material to a thickness of between about 800 Å and about 2,500 Å. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein removing the portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, the portion of the barrier material, and the portion of the at least some of the conductive vias to expose each of the conductive vias comprises selectively removing a first portion of the self-planarizing isolation material at a first rate and subsequently removing a second portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, the portion of the barrier material, and the portion of the at least some of the conductive vias at a second, slower rate. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising stopping the removal in response to detecting a change in rate of removal of at least one of the self-planarizing isolation material, the barrier material, and the at least some of the conductive vias, a change in amount of ammonia gas present, or a change in light reflectivity of the semiconductor device. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the removal comprises stopping the removal after exposing an entire upper surface of the barrier material extending laterally over the backside surface of the substrate. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing a portion of the substrate at the backside surface to expose portions of the conductive vias above the backside surface before conformally positioning the barrier material over the conductive vias. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate comprises positioning a first self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate and positioning a second, different self-planarizing isolation material on a side of the first self-planarizing isolation material opposing the barrier material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein positioning the first self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate and positioning the second, different self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the first self-planarizing isolation material opposing the barrier material comprises positioning a first self-planarizing isolation material exhibiting a first removal rate on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate and a second self-planarizing isolation material exhibiting a second, faster removal rate on the side of the first self-planarizing isolation material opposing the barrier material. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning an at least substantially conformal isolation material comprising an oxide or a nitride on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate before positioning the self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate, the at least substantially conformal isolation material being interposed between the self-planarizing isolation material and the barrier material. 13. A semiconductor device, comprising:
conductive vias extending through a thickness of a substrate, each of the conductive vias comprising an exposed surface proximate a backside surface of the substrate; a barrier material laterally adjacent to portions of the conductive vias extending from the backside surface of the substrate and extending over the backside surface of the substrate; and a self-planarizing isolation material located on a side of at least a portion of the barrier material opposing the substrate, wherein at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material proximate the substrate is exposed adjacent an associated conductive via of the conductive vias. 14. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein exposed surfaces of the conductive vias, the barrier material, and the self-planarizing isolation material are at least substantially coplanar. 15. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein the barrier material comprises silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide, or any combination of these. 16. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein a thickness of the barrier material is less than a difference in elevation between the backside surface of the substrate at a thickest portion of the substrate and a protruding portion of a conductive via. 17. The semiconductor device of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the barrier material is about 15,000 Å or less. 18. The semiconductor device of claim 17, wherein the thickness of the barrier material is between about 800 Å and about 2,500 Å. 19. The semiconductor device of claim 13, further comprising an at least substantially conformal isolation material comprising silicon oxide interposed between the barrier material and the self-planarizing isolation material. 20. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein the self-planarizing isolation material exhibits a first removal rate and the barrier material exhibits a second, slower removal rate. | Methods of exposing conductive vias of semiconductor devices may involve positioning a barrier material over conductive vias extending from a backside surface of a substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias. A self-planarizing isolation material may be positioned on a side of the barrier material opposing the substrate. An exposed surface of the self-planarizing isolation material may be at least substantially planar. A portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, a portion of the barrier material, and a portion of at least some of the conductive vias may be removed to expose each of the conductive vias. Removal may be stopped after exposing at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material proximate the substrate.1. A method of exposing conductive vias of a semiconductor device, comprising:
positioning a barrier material over conductive vias extending from a backside surface of a substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias; positioning a self-planarizing isolation material on a side of the barrier material opposing the substrate, wherein an exposed surface of the self-planarizing isolation material is at least substantially planar; removing a portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, a portion of the barrier material, and a portion of at least some of the conductive vias to expose each of the conductive vias; and stopping removal after exposing at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material proximate the substrate. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the barrier material over the conductive vias extending from the backside surface of the substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias comprises positioning a barrier material comprising silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide, or any combination of these over the conductive vias extending from the backside surface of the substrate to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the barrier material over the conductive vias to at least substantially conform to the conductive vias comprises depositing the barrier material to a thickness less than a protruding height of a shortest protruding portion of any of the conductive vias. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein depositing the barrier material to the thickness less than the protruding height of the shortest protruding portion of any of the conductive vias comprises depositing the barrier material to a thickness of about 15,000 Å or less. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein depositing the barrier material to the thickness of 15,000 Å or less comprises depositing the barrier material to a thickness of between about 800 Å and about 2,500 Å. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein removing the portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, the portion of the barrier material, and the portion of the at least some of the conductive vias to expose each of the conductive vias comprises selectively removing a first portion of the self-planarizing isolation material at a first rate and subsequently removing a second portion of the self-planarizing isolation material, the portion of the barrier material, and the portion of the at least some of the conductive vias at a second, slower rate. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising stopping the removal in response to detecting a change in rate of removal of at least one of the self-planarizing isolation material, the barrier material, and the at least some of the conductive vias, a change in amount of ammonia gas present, or a change in light reflectivity of the semiconductor device. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein stopping the removal comprises stopping the removal after exposing an entire upper surface of the barrier material extending laterally over the backside surface of the substrate. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising removing a portion of the substrate at the backside surface to expose portions of the conductive vias above the backside surface before conformally positioning the barrier material over the conductive vias. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate comprises positioning a first self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate and positioning a second, different self-planarizing isolation material on a side of the first self-planarizing isolation material opposing the barrier material. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein positioning the first self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate and positioning the second, different self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the first self-planarizing isolation material opposing the barrier material comprises positioning a first self-planarizing isolation material exhibiting a first removal rate on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate and a second self-planarizing isolation material exhibiting a second, faster removal rate on the side of the first self-planarizing isolation material opposing the barrier material. 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning an at least substantially conformal isolation material comprising an oxide or a nitride on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate before positioning the self-planarizing isolation material on the side of the barrier material opposing the substrate, the at least substantially conformal isolation material being interposed between the self-planarizing isolation material and the barrier material. 13. A semiconductor device, comprising:
conductive vias extending through a thickness of a substrate, each of the conductive vias comprising an exposed surface proximate a backside surface of the substrate; a barrier material laterally adjacent to portions of the conductive vias extending from the backside surface of the substrate and extending over the backside surface of the substrate; and a self-planarizing isolation material located on a side of at least a portion of the barrier material opposing the substrate, wherein at least one laterally extending portion of the barrier material proximate the substrate is exposed adjacent an associated conductive via of the conductive vias. 14. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein exposed surfaces of the conductive vias, the barrier material, and the self-planarizing isolation material are at least substantially coplanar. 15. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein the barrier material comprises silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon carbide, or any combination of these. 16. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein a thickness of the barrier material is less than a difference in elevation between the backside surface of the substrate at a thickest portion of the substrate and a protruding portion of a conductive via. 17. The semiconductor device of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the barrier material is about 15,000 Å or less. 18. The semiconductor device of claim 17, wherein the thickness of the barrier material is between about 800 Å and about 2,500 Å. 19. The semiconductor device of claim 13, further comprising an at least substantially conformal isolation material comprising silicon oxide interposed between the barrier material and the self-planarizing isolation material. 20. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein the self-planarizing isolation material exhibits a first removal rate and the barrier material exhibits a second, slower removal rate. | 2,800 |
11,198 | 11,198 | 14,515,999 | 2,868 | A vehicle includes a battery pack, an electric motor, and a contactor to electrically connect the pack and motor. The contactor is configured with a control circuit to electrically connect the pack and motor. The control circuit includes a leak detection sensor. The vehicle further includes a controller to output a leakage resistance associated with the pack. The leakage resistance is based on a voltage of the pack and a leak voltage detected by the sensor while the contactor is closed. | 1. A vehicle comprising:
a battery pack; an electric motor; a contactor configured to electrically connect the pack and motor; control circuitry for the contactor including a leak voltage detection sensor; and at least one controller programed to output a leakage resistance associated with a terminal of the pack based on a voltage of the pack and a leak voltage detected by the sensor while the contactor is closed. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programed to output an alert if the leakage resistance is less than a threshold value. 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is associated with a positive terminal of the battery pack. 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is associated with a negative terminal of the battery pack. 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to filter data from the leak voltage detection sensor to reduce noise associated therewith. 6. A leakage path detection circuit comprising:
a first circuit configured to detect a battery voltage of a traction battery in response to closing of a contactor circuit configured to electrically connect the battery and a motor, the first circuit including
an input terminal electrically connected with a first terminal of the battery, and
a grounded output terminal electrically connected with a second terminal of the battery having a polarity opposite the first terminal;
a second circuit configured to detect a leak voltage associated with the battery in response to the closing of the contactor circuit, the second circuit including
an input terminal electrically connected with a contactor of the contactor circuit, and
a grounded output terminal; and
at least one controller configured to output a leakage resistance based on the battery voltage and the leak voltage. 7. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the second circuit is associated with the first terminal of the battery and wherein the first terminal has a positive polarity. 8. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the second circuit is associated with the first terminal of the battery and wherein the first terminal has a negative polarity. 9. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least one controller is further configured to apply a filter to the leak voltage and battery voltage to reduce noise associated therewith. 10. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least one controller is further programed to output an alert message if the leakage resistance is less than a threshold value. 11. A method for detecting battery leakage in a vehicle comprising:
in response to closing of a contactor configured to electrically connect a traction battery to a motor, outputting a resistance of a leakage path between the battery and a chassis of the vehicle based on a leakage current that flows through the contactor and to the chassis. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the leakage path is defined between a positive terminal of the battery and the chassis. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the leakage path is defined between a negative terminal of the battery and the chassis. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the leakage path is defined between a positive terminal of the battery and the chassis, and a negative terminal of the battery and the chassis. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising in response to the resistance being less than a predefined threshold value, outputting an alert message. | A vehicle includes a battery pack, an electric motor, and a contactor to electrically connect the pack and motor. The contactor is configured with a control circuit to electrically connect the pack and motor. The control circuit includes a leak detection sensor. The vehicle further includes a controller to output a leakage resistance associated with the pack. The leakage resistance is based on a voltage of the pack and a leak voltage detected by the sensor while the contactor is closed.1. A vehicle comprising:
a battery pack; an electric motor; a contactor configured to electrically connect the pack and motor; control circuitry for the contactor including a leak voltage detection sensor; and at least one controller programed to output a leakage resistance associated with a terminal of the pack based on a voltage of the pack and a leak voltage detected by the sensor while the contactor is closed. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programed to output an alert if the leakage resistance is less than a threshold value. 3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is associated with a positive terminal of the battery pack. 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is associated with a negative terminal of the battery pack. 5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is further programmed to filter data from the leak voltage detection sensor to reduce noise associated therewith. 6. A leakage path detection circuit comprising:
a first circuit configured to detect a battery voltage of a traction battery in response to closing of a contactor circuit configured to electrically connect the battery and a motor, the first circuit including
an input terminal electrically connected with a first terminal of the battery, and
a grounded output terminal electrically connected with a second terminal of the battery having a polarity opposite the first terminal;
a second circuit configured to detect a leak voltage associated with the battery in response to the closing of the contactor circuit, the second circuit including
an input terminal electrically connected with a contactor of the contactor circuit, and
a grounded output terminal; and
at least one controller configured to output a leakage resistance based on the battery voltage and the leak voltage. 7. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the second circuit is associated with the first terminal of the battery and wherein the first terminal has a positive polarity. 8. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the second circuit is associated with the first terminal of the battery and wherein the first terminal has a negative polarity. 9. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least one controller is further configured to apply a filter to the leak voltage and battery voltage to reduce noise associated therewith. 10. The leakage path detection circuit of claim 6, wherein the at least one controller is further programed to output an alert message if the leakage resistance is less than a threshold value. 11. A method for detecting battery leakage in a vehicle comprising:
in response to closing of a contactor configured to electrically connect a traction battery to a motor, outputting a resistance of a leakage path between the battery and a chassis of the vehicle based on a leakage current that flows through the contactor and to the chassis. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the leakage path is defined between a positive terminal of the battery and the chassis. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the leakage path is defined between a negative terminal of the battery and the chassis. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the leakage path is defined between a positive terminal of the battery and the chassis, and a negative terminal of the battery and the chassis. 15. The method of claim 11, further comprising in response to the resistance being less than a predefined threshold value, outputting an alert message. | 2,800 |
11,199 | 11,199 | 15,061,545 | 2,861 | Embodiments of the disclosure include a salt analyzer for crude oil. The crude oil salt analyzer includes a salt concentration model that determines a salt concentration from desalting process parameters that may include a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, a wash water flowrate, and a disposal water flow rate. The crude oil salt analyzer may compare the salt concentration to a threshold concentration to determine if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration and may perform or initiate actions based on the comparison. Methods, computer-readable media, and plant information systems using the crude oil salt analyzer are also provided. | 1. A method for determining a salt concentration in crude oil, comprising:
obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process, the desalting process parameters comprising a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, a wash water flowrate, and a disposal water flowrate; determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comparing the determined salt concentration to a threshold concentration; and providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification comprises activation of an alarm in a plant information system. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration comprises providing a notification to a plant information client in communication with a plant information system. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
obtaining a sample of crude oil output from the desalting process; and comparing the determining the salt concentration to a salt concentration determined from the crude oil sample. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration using a first order continuous variables model. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration according to the following:
Salt PTB=β0+β1A+β2B+β3C+β4D+β5E+β6F+ε
wherein Salt PTB is the salt concentration in pounds of salt per thousand barrels of crude oil, A is the demulsifier flowrate in gallons per day (GPD), B is the crude oil temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, C is the crude oil rate in one thousand barrels per day (MBD), D is the desalting electrostatic grids voltage, E is the wash water flowrate in gallons per minute (GPM), F is the disposal water flowrate in MBD, ε is a random error term, and β0, β1, β2, β3, β4, β5, and β6 are factor effects. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising adjusting at least one of the one or more parameters associated with a desalting process if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having executable code stored thereon for determining the a salt concentration in crude oil, the executable code comprising a set of instructions that causes a plant information processor to perform operations comprising:
obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process, the desalting process parameters comprising a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, a wash water flowrate, and a disposal water flowrate; and determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comparing the determined salt concentration to a threshold concentration; and providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the notification comprises activation of an alarm in a plant information system. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration comprises transmitting, over a network, a notification to a plant information client of a plant information system. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration using a first order continuous variables model. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determine the according to the following:
Salt PTB=β0+β1A+β2B+β3C+β4D+β5E+β6F+ε
wherein Salt PTB is the salt concentration in pounds of salt per thousand barrels of crude oil, A is the demulsifier flowrate in gallons per day (GPD), B is the crude oil temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, C is the crude oil rate in one thousand barrels per day (MBD), D desalting electrostatic grids voltage, E is the wash water flowrate in gallons per minute, F is the disposal water flowrate in MDB, ε is a random error term, and β0, β1, β2, β3, β4, β5, and β6 are factor effects. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, the operations further comprising adjusting at least one of the one or more parameters associated with a desalting process if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 14. A plant information system, comprising:
a plant information processor; a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory accessible by the plant information processor and having executable code stored thereon for determining the salt concentration in crude oil, the executable code comprising a set of instructions that causes the plant information processor to perform operations comprising:
obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process, the desalting process parameters comprising a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, and a wash water flowrate; and
determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters
comparing the determined salt concentration to a threshold concentration; and
providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 15. The plant information system of claim 14, wherein the notification comprises activation of an alarm in the plant information system. 16. The plant information system of claim 14, comprising a plant information client, wherein providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration comprises transmitting, over a network, a notification to the plant information client. 17. The plant information system of claim 16, wherein the plant information client comprises a display, wherein the plant information client provides a visual notification on the display in response to receipt of the notification. 18. The plant information system of claim 14, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration using a first order continuous variables model. 19. The plant information system of claim 18, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determine the according to the following:
Salt PTB=β0+β1A+β2B+β3C+β4D+β5E+β6F+ε
wherein Salt PTB is the salt concentration in pounds of salt per thousand barrels of crude oil, A is the demulsifier flowrate in gallons per day (GPD), B is the crude oil temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, C is the crude oil rate in one thousand barrels per day (MBD), D is the desalting electrostatic grids voltage, E is the wash water flowrate in gallons per minute (GPM), F is the disposal water rate in MBD, ε is a random error term, and β0, β1, β2, β3, β4, β5, and β6 are factor effects. 20. The plant information system of claim 20, wherein obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process comprises receiving the one or more parameters over an industrial control network coupled to the plant information system. | Embodiments of the disclosure include a salt analyzer for crude oil. The crude oil salt analyzer includes a salt concentration model that determines a salt concentration from desalting process parameters that may include a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, a wash water flowrate, and a disposal water flow rate. The crude oil salt analyzer may compare the salt concentration to a threshold concentration to determine if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration and may perform or initiate actions based on the comparison. Methods, computer-readable media, and plant information systems using the crude oil salt analyzer are also provided.1. A method for determining a salt concentration in crude oil, comprising:
obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process, the desalting process parameters comprising a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, a wash water flowrate, and a disposal water flowrate; determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comparing the determined salt concentration to a threshold concentration; and providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the notification comprises activation of an alarm in a plant information system. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration comprises providing a notification to a plant information client in communication with a plant information system. 4. The method of claim 1, comprising:
obtaining a sample of crude oil output from the desalting process; and comparing the determining the salt concentration to a salt concentration determined from the crude oil sample. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration using a first order continuous variables model. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration according to the following:
Salt PTB=β0+β1A+β2B+β3C+β4D+β5E+β6F+ε
wherein Salt PTB is the salt concentration in pounds of salt per thousand barrels of crude oil, A is the demulsifier flowrate in gallons per day (GPD), B is the crude oil temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, C is the crude oil rate in one thousand barrels per day (MBD), D is the desalting electrostatic grids voltage, E is the wash water flowrate in gallons per minute (GPM), F is the disposal water flowrate in MBD, ε is a random error term, and β0, β1, β2, β3, β4, β5, and β6 are factor effects. 7. The method of claim 1, comprising adjusting at least one of the one or more parameters associated with a desalting process if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having executable code stored thereon for determining the a salt concentration in crude oil, the executable code comprising a set of instructions that causes a plant information processor to perform operations comprising:
obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process, the desalting process parameters comprising a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, a wash water flowrate, and a disposal water flowrate; and determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comparing the determined salt concentration to a threshold concentration; and providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the notification comprises activation of an alarm in a plant information system. 10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration comprises transmitting, over a network, a notification to a plant information client of a plant information system. 11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration using a first order continuous variables model. 12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determine the according to the following:
Salt PTB=β0+β1A+β2B+β3C+β4D+β5E+β6F+ε
wherein Salt PTB is the salt concentration in pounds of salt per thousand barrels of crude oil, A is the demulsifier flowrate in gallons per day (GPD), B is the crude oil temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, C is the crude oil rate in one thousand barrels per day (MBD), D desalting electrostatic grids voltage, E is the wash water flowrate in gallons per minute, F is the disposal water flowrate in MDB, ε is a random error term, and β0, β1, β2, β3, β4, β5, and β6 are factor effects. 13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, the operations further comprising adjusting at least one of the one or more parameters associated with a desalting process if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 14. A plant information system, comprising:
a plant information processor; a non-transitory computer-readable storage memory accessible by the plant information processor and having executable code stored thereon for determining the salt concentration in crude oil, the executable code comprising a set of instructions that causes the plant information processor to perform operations comprising:
obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process, the desalting process parameters comprising a demulsifier flowrate, a crude oil temperature, a crude oil flowrate, a desalting electrostatic grids voltage, and a wash water flowrate; and
determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters
comparing the determined salt concentration to a threshold concentration; and
providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration. 15. The plant information system of claim 14, wherein the notification comprises activation of an alarm in the plant information system. 16. The plant information system of claim 14, comprising a plant information client, wherein providing a notification if the salt concentration exceeds the threshold concentration comprises transmitting, over a network, a notification to the plant information client. 17. The plant information system of claim 16, wherein the plant information client comprises a display, wherein the plant information client provides a visual notification on the display in response to receipt of the notification. 18. The plant information system of claim 14, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determining the salt concentration using a first order continuous variables model. 19. The plant information system of claim 18, wherein determining the salt concentration in crude oil output from the desalting process using the one or more desalting process parameters comprises determine the according to the following:
Salt PTB=β0+β1A+β2B+β3C+β4D+β5E+β6F+ε
wherein Salt PTB is the salt concentration in pounds of salt per thousand barrels of crude oil, A is the demulsifier flowrate in gallons per day (GPD), B is the crude oil temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, C is the crude oil rate in one thousand barrels per day (MBD), D is the desalting electrostatic grids voltage, E is the wash water flowrate in gallons per minute (GPM), F is the disposal water rate in MBD, ε is a random error term, and β0, β1, β2, β3, β4, β5, and β6 are factor effects. 20. The plant information system of claim 20, wherein obtaining one or more parameters associated with a desalting process comprises receiving the one or more parameters over an industrial control network coupled to the plant information system. | 2,800 |
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