[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Dynamic Wlan Connections

Technical Field and Background:
The use of mobile devices such as cellular telephones and other devices with cellular data connectivity is proliferating. Almost everyone has some sort of mobile, data-enabled device, and some people have multiple such devices. Users can access different networks using a single mobile device, and can access voice, text, and multimedia data from various network-accessible and Internet-accessible entities. Furthermore, mobile device complexity is increasing, with more and more advanced and power-efficient processors, display interfaces, and applications to provide user experiences like never before. Consequently, people are using their mobile devices more frequently, and have larger bandwidth requirements for data, email, voice, etc. This increased usage puts a tremendous strain on cellular networks that provide wireless communication services. Mobile devices often offer alternative means for wireless connectivity, in addition to cellular connectivity. For example, mobile devices may provide wireless local-area network (WLAN) connectivity, in which the device uses a dedicate radio transceiver to connect through a wireless network access point (AP) to local-area and wide-area networks, including the Internet. WLAN connectivity can also be used to connect with the core network of a cellular services operator. In particular, WLAN technologies such as Wi-Fi can be used to carry data for voice calls, video calls, and SMS messaging. However, this typically requires that the mobile device maintain a constant connection to a wireless network access point as well as actively maintaining a secure data connection with a cellular network gateway through an untrusted and/or public network such as the Internet.

Invention Disclosure:
A cellular communications network is configured to support calling over untrusted networks such as the Internet. A cellular communications device is used to place and receive calls through the private, trusted cellular communications network. In addition, the device has a WLAN interface for connection to a wireless network access point such as a Wi-Fi access point, and for communication through the Internet. When conducting a voice or video call, the device establishes a secure communication tunnel with a gateway of the cellular communications network through the Internet and communicates voice and/or video data through the secure communication tunnel. The WLAN interface and secure communication tunnel may be disabled during periods when calls are not being conducted. When a call is placed to the device, a message is sent to the device requesting that the device activate its WLAN interface and/or establish a secure communication tunnel with the gateway.

[Assistant]
1. A method comprising:
receiving a call setup message for a voice call to a device, wherein the device performs voice calls using a cellular communication network of a cellular services provider;
sending a connection request to the device, wherein the connection request causes the device to establish a secure communication tunnel through an untrusted communication network between the device and a data gateway of the cellular services provider;
communicating voice data with the device through the secure communication tunnel;
at a completion of the voice call, sending an instruction to cause the device to tear down the secure communication tunnel;
receiving a second call setup message for a second voice call to the device;
sending a second connection request to the device, wherein the second connection request causes the device to reestablish the secure communication tunnel through the untrusted communication network; and
communicating second voice data with the device through the secure communication tunnel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the untrusted communication network comprises the Internet.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the secure communication tunnel comprises an Internet Protocol Security (IPSec) communication tunnel.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating video data with the device through the secure communication tunnel.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
receiving availability messages from the device indicating a current Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device;
wherein sending the connection request comprises sending the connection request to the current IP address of the device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the connection request comprises sending the connection request to a last known Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the connection request comprises sending the connection request through the untrusted communication network to the device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the connection request comprises sending the connection request through the cellular communication network to the device.

9. A method comprising:
receiving a connection request for a voice call by a device that performs voice calls using a cellular communication network of a cellular services provider;
in response to receiving the connection request, establishing a secure communication tunnel through an untrusted communication network between the device and a data gateway of the cellular services provider;
communicating voice data with the device through the secure communication tunnel;
at a completion of the voice call, tearing down the secure communication tunnel;
receiving a second connection request for a second voice call by the device;
in response to receiving the second connection request, reestablishing the secure communication tunnel through the untrusted communication network; and
communicating second voice data with the device through the secure communication tunnel.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising, in response to receiving the connection request, enabling a radio for communication with a wireless network access point.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising, in response to receiving the connection request, establishing communications with the untrusted communication network through a wireless network access point.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising sending availability messages from the device indicating a current Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the connection request is received through the untrusted communication network.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the connection request is received through the cellular communication network.

15. A device, comprising:
a cellular radio configured to communicate voice data through a cellular communication network of a cellular services provider;
a wireless local-area network (WLAN) radio configured provide data communications through a wireless network access point with an untrusted communication network;
a memory device; and
operating logic stored on the memory device and configured to perform actions comprising:
receiving a connection request for a voice call; and
in response to receiving the connection request, using the WLAN radio to establish a secure communication tunnel through the untrusted communication network between the device and a data gateway of the cellular services provider;
after the voice call, using the WLAN radio to tear down the secure communication tunnel through the untrusted communication network;
receiving a second connection request for a second voice call; and
in response to receiving the second connection request, using the WLAN radio to reestablish the secure communication tunnel through the untrusted communication network.

16. The device of claim 15, the actions further comprising, in response to receiving the connection request, activating the WLAN radio.

17. The device of claim 15, further comprising, in response to receiving the connection request, activating the WLAN radio and establishing data communications with the wireless network access point.

18. The device of claim 15, the actions further comprising sending availability messages from the device indicating a current Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the connection request is received through the untrusted communication network.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein the connection request is received through the cellular communication network.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Method And System For Localizing A Vehicle And Vehicle With A Device For Carrying Out Vehicle-To-X Communications

Technical Field and Background:
Driver assistance systems are generally known and increasingly utilized in vehicles, in particular, in order to increase the vehicle safety. Particularly a system for the exact position determination or localization of a vehicle within the vehicle surroundings is of great interest to the development of improved driver assistance systems in order to thereby ensure additionally increased safety and a smooth traffic flow. It is furthermore known to transmit data between vehicles or between a vehicle and the infrastructure using vehicle-to-X communications. In this case, additional data can be made available using vehicle-to-X communications, which are also referred to as Car2Car or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications, and processed further by the driver assistance system of the vehicle. Publication DE 10 2012 014 397 A1 describes a method for determining a position of a vehicle, in which an object in the surroundings of the vehicle is detected using a sensor. Data values indicating the position of the object are taken into consideration in the determination of a relative position of the vehicle to the object. In order to determine the relative position of the vehicle, an angle between a straight line, on which the sensor and the object are positioned, and a reference direction is respectively deter mined at two different points in time. In addition, the length of the distance traveled by the vehicle between the two points in time is also determined. There is an need in the art to further increase the reliability and accuracy of conventional vehicle localization while at the same time eliminating any existing deficiencies.

Invention Disclosure:
A method for localizing a vehicle using vehicle-to-X communications is disclosed which provides improved position data. Signals from at least one object arranged outside a vehicle are received using a receiving unit arranged in the vehicle. A signal strength of the received signals is respectively measured and first position data of the vehicle is obtained by utilizing a determined position of using object. Second position data is determined based on the first position data. The signal strength or a change in the received signal strength is incorporated into the determination of the second position data.

[Assistant]
1. A method for localizing a vehicle using vehicle-to-X communications comprising:
receiving, by a receiving unit of a device of a moving vehicle, signals from another vehicle and from at least one other stationary object arranged outside the moving vehicle;
determining that the other vehicle comes to a standstill and is a stationary vehicle;
measuring a received signal strength of the signals;
obtaining first position data of the moving vehicle by utilizing a determined position of the stationary vehicle and the at least one other stationary object;
determining second position data based on the first position data and a function of the received signal strength; and
determining a first relative difference between the moving vehicle and the stationary vehicle and a second relative distance between the moving vehicle and the at least one other stationary object utilizing the second position data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second position data is determined based on the first position data and a change in the received signal strength.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising analyzing a time history of the received signal strengths as a plausibility check on the first position data of the vehicle.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising discarding the first position data based on an inconsistency determined during the plausibility check.

5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising correcting the first position data based on an inconsistency determined during the plausibility check.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the correction is carried out based on the analyzed time history of the received signal strengths.

7. The method according to claim 3, wherein the plausibility check further comprises computing a time difference between points in time assigned to successive sets of the first position data and/or a current speed of the moving vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one other stationary object arranged outside the vehicle is a stationary object that forms part of the infrastructure.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the at least one other stationary object comprises a Road Side Unit.

10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising computing a distance estimation based on the received signal strengths of the signals.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the first relative distance and the second relative distance using a propagation model of the signals.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the received signals comprises one of radio waves or radar waves or data signals and the received signals include a time stamp and serve to transmit position data of the object.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising computing a difference between a GPS position of the object from the position data and the GPS position of the vehicle to determine the first position data of the vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the position of the vehicle using trilateration using the signals.

15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the position of the vehicle using triangulation using the signals.

16. The method according to claim 1 further comprising transmitting the second position data to at least one of another vehicle or an infrastructure component in the form of determined position data of the moving vehicle.

17. The method according to claim 1 further comprising repeatedly carrying out at least one of obtaining the first position data and determining the second position data based on the first position data.

18. The method according to claim 1 further comprising tracking the vehicle position of the moving vehicle.

19. A system for localizing a vehicle using vehicle-to-X communications, comprising:
a receiving unit arranged in a first vehicle to be localized and configured to receive signals originating from a second vehicle and at least one other stationary object arranged outside the first vehicle, wherein position data is transmitted with the signals, the receiving unit configured to determine that the second vehicle comes to a standstill and is a stationary vehicle, the receiving unit configured to measure a received signal strength of the signals; and
an evaluation unit configured to obtain first position data of the first vehicle by utilizing a determined position of the second vehicle and the at least one other stationary object, and generate second position data based on the first position data and a function of the received signal strength.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Autonomous Driving Vehicle System

Technical Field and Background:
1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to an autonomous driving vehicle system. 2. Description of Related Art U.S. Pat. No. 8,527,199 describes a vehicle system which performs autonomous driving of a vehicle. The vehicle system controls the vehicle using any one of an autonomous driving mode, a partial autonomous driving mode, and a non-autonomous driving mode. On the other hand, in the vehicle system of the related art, it is considered that a driver performs switching among the three modes using a switch or the like. In this case, the driver operates the switch when the temporary intervention of the driver is required while the vehicle is controlled in the autonomous driving mode, and the driver needs to operate the switch in switching from the partial autonomous driving mode or the non-autonomous driving mode to the autonomous driving mode after the intervention ends. For this reason, the driver may feel burdened.

Invention Disclosure:
A system includes an acquisition unit that acquires an operation amount or a duration count, and a switching unit that switches a driving state. The switching unit switches the driving state to the cooperative driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than an intervention threshold and less than a start threshold or the duration count is equal to or greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold during the autonomous driving state, switches the driving state to the autonomous driving state when the operation amount is less than the intervention threshold or the duration count is less than the first threshold during the cooperative driving state, and switches the driving state to the manual driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than the start threshold or the duration count is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[Assistant]
1. An autonomous driving vehicle system configured to switch a driving state of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a peripheral information detector configured to detect peripheral information of the vehicle;
a traveling plan generator configured to generate a traveling plan along a target route set in advance on a map based on the peripheral information detected by the peripheral information detection unit and map information;
a driving operation information acquirer configured to acquire an operation amount of a driving operation of a driver relating to at least one of a steering operation, an accelerator operation, and a brake operation of the vehicle or a duration count according to a duration of the driving operation, which is a continuous time duration from the driver's initiation of a control input to a termination of the control input; and
a driving state switcher configured to, based on the operation amount or the duration count, switch among an autonomous driving state where traveling of the vehicle is controlled using the traveling plan, a cooperative driving state where the vehicle is allowed to travel in cooperation with the autonomous driving state and the driving operation based on the traveling plan and the operation amount, and a manual driving state,
wherein the driving state switcher is configured to
switch the driving state to the cooperative driving state when the driving state is the autonomous driving state and when the operation amount is equal to or greater than an intervention determination threshold value and less than a manual driving start threshold value, or when the duration count is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, and
switch the driving state, when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, to the autonomous driving state when the operation amount is less than the intervention determination threshold value or the duration count is less than the first threshold value, and switch the driving state, when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, to the manual driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than the manual driving start threshold value or the duration count is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

2. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
when a steering wheel of the vehicle rotates during execution of the traveling plan, the driving operation information acquirer is configured to acquire a difference between a rotation state detection value of the steering wheel of the vehicle and the control target value of the steering wheel included in the traveling plan as the operation amount.

3. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
when a pedal position of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle moves during execution of the traveling plan, the driving operation information acquirer is configured to acquire a difference between a pedal position detection value of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle and the control target value of the accelerator pedal included in the traveling plan as the operation amount.

4. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
when a pedal position of a brake pedal of the vehicle moves during execution of the traveling plan, the driving operation information acquirer is configured to acquire a difference between a pedal position detection value of the brake pedal of the vehicle and the control target value of the brake pedal included in the traveling plan as the operation amount.

5. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein,
when the driving state enters the manual driving state, the driving state switcher is configured to maintain the driving state in the manual driving state even when the operation amount becomes less than the manual driving start threshold value or the duration count becomes less than the second threshold value.

6. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 5, further comprising:
an input unit configured to input a request operation for starting autonomous driving,
wherein the driving state switcher is configured to maintain the driving state in the manual driving state until the request operation is input to the input unit when the driving state is the manual driving state.

7. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein,
after the driving state is switched from the autonomous driving state to the cooperative driving state, when the operation amount becomes less than the intervention determination threshold value and equal to or greater than a predetermined hysteresis threshold value, or the duration count becomes less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than a third threshold value, the driving state switcher is configured to maintain the driving state in the cooperative driving state.

8. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein,
when the driving states corresponding to the operation amounts of two or more of the steering operation, the accelerator operation, and the brake operation of the vehicle are different, or the driving states corresponding to the duration counts of two or more of the steering operation, the accelerator operation, and the brake operation of the vehicle are different, the driving state switcher is configured to give priority to maintaining the cooperative driving state over switching the driving state of the vehicle in the cooperative driving state to the autonomous driving state, and give priority to switching to the manual driving state over maintaining the driving state of the vehicle in the cooperative driving state.

9. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein,
when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, cooperative driving is performed using a value obtained by weighting the operation amount and the control target value based on the traveling plan, and a weight of weighting when the operation amount is equal to or greater than a determination threshold value is different from the weight of weighting when the operation amount is less than the determination threshold value.

10. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
when a steering wheel of the vehicle rotates during execution of the traveling plan, the driving operation information acquisition unit acquires the difference between a steering torque detection value of the steering wheel of the vehicle and a steering torque control target value included in the traveling plan as the operation amount.

11. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
when the driving state enters the manual driving state, the driving state switching unit maintains the driving state in the manual driving state for a period determined in advance.

12. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
the duration count according to the duration of the driving operation comprises a time period during which the operation amount, which is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, is continued.

13. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 12, wherein
the predetermined threshold value and the intervention determination threshold value are equal, and the predetermined threshold value is set for each of the steering operation, the accelerator operation, and the brake operation.

14. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 12, wherein
when the driving operation equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value is no longer acquired by the driving operation information acquirer, the driving state switcher is configured to reset the duration count to 0 and switch the driving state to the autonomous driving state.

15. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 12, wherein
when the driving operation equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value is no longer acquired by the driving operation information acquirer, the driving state switcher is configured to store in a memory a previous value of the duration count, and set the stored previous value as an initial value of the duration count when the driving operation is resumed.

16. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 12, wherein
when the driving operation equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value is no longer acquired by the driving operation information acquirer, the driving state switcher is configured to store in a memory a previous value of the duration count, subtract the previous value stored in the storage unit according to a lapse interval corresponding to an interruption of the driving operation, and set the subtracted previous value as an initial value of the duration count when the driving operation is resumed.

17. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, wherein
in the manual driving state, the operation amount is reflected in the traveling of the vehicle.

18. The autonomous driving vehicle system according to claim 1, further comprising
a human machine interface (HMI) including an autonomous driving ON/OFF switch configured to input a request operation of starting autonomous driving.

19. An autonomous driving vehicle system configured to switch a driving state of a vehicle, the system comprising:
a means for detecting peripheral information of the vehicle;
a means for generating a traveling plan along a target route set in advance on a map based on the peripheral information detected by the peripheral information detection unit and map information;
a means for acquiring an operation amount of a driving operation of a driver or a duration count according to a duration of the driving operation; and
a means for switching a driving state based on the operation amount or the duration count among an autonomous driving state where traveling of the vehicle is controlled using the traveling plan, a cooperative driving state where the vehicle is allowed to travel in cooperation with the driving operation based on the autonomous driving state and the traveling plan and the operation amount, and a manual driving state,
wherein the means for switching the driving state is configured to
switch the driving state to the cooperative driving state when the driving state is the autonomous driving state and when the operation amount is equal to or greater than an intervention determination threshold value and less than a manual driving start threshold value, or when the duration count is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, and
switch the driving state, when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, to the autonomous driving state when the operation amount is less than the intervention determination threshold value or the duration count is less than the first threshold value, and switch the driving state, when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, to the manual driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than the manual driving start threshold value or the duration count is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

20. A method of switching a driving state of a vehicle having autonomous driving vehicle control, the method comprising:
detecting peripheral information of the vehicle;
generating a traveling plan along a target route set in advance on a map based on the peripheral information detected by the peripheral information detection unit and map information;
acquiring an operation amount of a driving operation of a driver or a duration count according to a duration of the driving operation; and
switching a driving state based on the operation amount or the duration count among an autonomous driving state where traveling of the vehicle is controlled using the traveling plan, a cooperative driving state where the vehicle is allowed to travel in cooperation with the autonomous driving state and the driving operation based on the traveling plan and the operation amount, and a manual driving state,
wherein the switching the driving comprises
switching the driving state to the cooperative driving state when the driving state is the autonomous driving state and when the operation amount is equal to or greater than an intervention determination threshold value and less than a manual driving start threshold value, or when the duration count is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, and
switching the driving state, when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, to the autonomous driving state when the operation amount is less than the intervention determination threshold value or the duration count is less than the first threshold value, and switching the driving state, when the driving state is the cooperative driving state, to the manual driving state when the operation amount is equal to or greater than the manual driving start threshold value or the duration count is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Method And Apparatus For Controlling Data Communication

Technical Field and Background:
In a 3G mobile communication network, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System™ (UMTS™), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access™ (WCDMA™), or High Speed Packet Access™ (HSPA™), a Circuit Switched (CS) domain service, such as voice call and short message service, and a Packet Switched (PS) domain service to transmit a data packet are simultaneously supported. Further, as users of smart phones are increased, it frequently occurs to perform data communication, such as browser and web search, while the voice call is made. However, in a case where the CS domain service and the PS domain service are simultaneously provided in a 3G mobile communication environment, RF signal interference may occur. In particular, in a weak electromagnetic field situation in which the strength of the wireless signal that is transferred to the terminal is weak, the quality of voice call having high priority may be affected by transmission of unintended background data.

Invention Disclosure:
A method for controlling data communication in a terminal is provided. The method includes sensing whether a voice call occurs in the terminal, determining whether a data suspension condition is satisfied during the voice call, and suspending the data communication in the terminal during the voice call if the data suspension condition is satisfied. An apparatus for controlling data communication in a terminal is provided. The apparatus includes a communication unit configured to communicate data between the terminal and a base station, and a controller configured to detect whether a voice call occurs in the terminal, determine whether a data suspension condition is satisfied after the voice call occurs, and cause the communication unit to suspend the data communication in the terminal while the data suspension condition is satisfied.

[Assistant]
1. A method for controlling data communication in an electronic device, the method comprising:
detecting, by at least one processor of the electronic device, a strength of a wireless signal during a voice call;
when the detected strength of the wireless signal is less than a threshold and a screen of the electronic device is off, suspending, by the at least one processor of the electronic device, data communication during the voice call,
wherein the at least one processor comprises:
a communication processor (CP) configured to control a transceiver of the electronic device, and
an application processor (AP) electrically connected to the CP, and
wherein the suspending the data communication comprises deleting, by the AP, gateway information in a routing table for packet routing between the AP and the CP while maintaining a packet data protocol session for connecting the electronic device and an external network.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
converting, by the at least one processor of the electronic device, the strength of the wireless signal into the number of antenna bars that are displayed on the screen of the electronic device; and
in response that the number of antenna bars is equal to or less than a threshold, suspending, by the at least one processor of the electronic device, the data communication.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, in response that the data communication is generated by an application that is executed in a background, suspending, by the at least one processor of the electronic device, the data communication.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data communication carries non-voice data.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
releasing, by the at least one processor of the electronic device, the suspension of data transmission when the voice call is over.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
releasing, by the at least one processor of the electronic device, the suspension of data transmission when the strength of the wireless signal rises over the threshold.

7. An electronic device for controlling data communication, the electronic device comprising:
a transceiver configured to communicate data between the electronic device and an external network; and
at least one processor; and
a memory electrically connected to the at least one processor and configured to store instructions,
wherein the instructions enable the at least one processor to:
detect a strength of a wireless signal during a voice call; and
when the detected strength of the wireless signal is less than a threshold and a screen of the electronic device is off, suspend data communication during the voice call,
wherein the at least one processor comprises:
a communication processor (CP) configured to control the transceiver, and
an application processor (AP) electrically connected to the CP,
wherein the AP is configured to suspend data communication by deleting gateway information in a routing table for packet routing between the AP and the CP while maintaining a packet data protocol session for connecting the electronic device and the external network.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to:
convert the signal strength of the wireless signal into the number of antenna bars that are displayed on the screen of the electronic device; and
in response that the number of antenna bars is equal to or less than a threshold, cause the communication circuit to suspend the data communication.

9. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to, in response that the data communication is generated by an application that is executed in a background, cause the communication circuit to suspend the data communication.

10. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the data communication carries non-voice data.

11. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to release the suspension of data transmission when the voice call is over.

12. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to release the suspension of data transmission when the strength of the wireless signal rises over the threshold.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Semiconductor Device And Formation Method Thereof

Technical Field and Background:
The semiconductor integrated circuit is widely used in various electronic products, such as: cell phones, computers, personal gaming devices, and navigation devices. The semiconductor integrated circuit is formed using a semiconductor fabrication process, for example, to fabricate various transistors, resistors, capacitors and other components on a wafer, and to interconnect the components through multilayered wirings to form a complete electronic circuit. Particularly in the integrated circuits for analog circuits and high voltage cables, a large number of resistive elements and transistors are formed on a single chip. In order to reduce the energy consumption of the chip, high precision and high resistance resistor has been widely used. Heavily doped polysilicon resistors are widely used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. However, due to the difficulty in accurately controlling the polysilicon resistance and specific doping process required by the polysilicon, the production cost of the chip increases. Conventional solutions include use of a metal nitride material to form high resistance resistors. Such resistors, however, may not be in sufficient contact with conductive plugs.

Invention Disclosure:
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device and formation method thereof. A shallow trench isolation structure is formed in a semiconductor substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. First and second dummy gate structures are formed on the shallow trench isolation structure and through the first dielectric layer. A resistive material layer is formed on the first and second dummy gate structures and on the first dielectric layer between the first and second dummy gate structures. A second dielectric layer is formed on the first dielectric layer and the resistive material layer. A first plug is formed in the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer and on the first dummy gate structure. A second plug is formed in the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer and on the second dummy gate structure.

[Assistant]
1. A method for forming a semiconductor structure, comprising:
providing a semiconductor substrate;
forming a shallow trench isolation structure in the semiconductor substrate;
forming a first dielectric layer, a first dummy gate structure, and a second dummy gate structure each on a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first and second dummy gate structures are formed on the shallow trench isolation structure and through the first dielectric layer, each of the first dummy gate structure and the second dummy gate structure includes a high K dielectric layer and a metal layer on the high K dielectric layer;
forming a resistive material layer on a top surface of each of the first and second dummy gate structures and on a top surface of the first dielectric layer between the first and second dummy gate structures, wherein the resistive material layer physically connects the top surface of the metal layer of each of the first and second dummy gate structures when forming the resistive material layer, the resistive material layer being used to form a resistor;
forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the resistive material layer;
forming a first through-hole in the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer to expose the first dummy gate structure, and forming a second through-hole in the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer to expose the second dummy gate structure; and
filling the first through-hole with a metallic material to form a first plug, and filling the second through-hole with a metallic material to form a second plug.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first dummy gate structure and the second dummy gate structure are formed by:
forming a first sacrificial gate and a second sacrificial gate on the shallow trench isolation structure;
forming the first dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first dielectric layer has a top surface coplanar with top surfaces of the first sacrificial gate and the second sacrificial gate;
removing the first sacrificial gate to form a first opening, and removing the second sacrificial gate to form a second opening;
forming a high K dielectric material layer on the top surface of the first dielectric layer and on sidewall surfaces and a bottom surface of each of the first opening and the second opening;
forming a metal material layer on the high K dielectric layer; and
removing the high K dielectric material layer and the metal material layer located on the first dielectric layer to form the first dummy gate structure in the first opening, and to form the second dummy gate structure in the second opening.

3. The method according to claim 1, further including:
forming a work function layer and a barrier metal layer between the metal layer and the high K dielectric layer, the barrier metal layer being located on the high K dielectric layer and the work function layer being located on the barrier metal layer.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
the resistive material layer is made of a metal or a metal nitride.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
the resistive material layer is made of TiN, TaN, Ti, Ta, W, or a combination thereof and has a thickness ranging approximately from 10 angstrom to 500 angstroms.

6. A method for forming a semiconductor device, comprising:
providing a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions;
forming a shallow trench isolation structure in the first region of the semiconductor substrate;
forming a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate;
forming a first dummy gate structure, a second dummy gate structure, a first gate structure, and a second gate structure through the first dielectric layer and on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first and second dummy gate structures are formed on the first region of the semiconductor substrate, and the first and second gate structures are formed on the second region of the semiconductor substrate, the first dummy gate structure, the second dummy gate structure, the first gate structure, and the second gate structure have a same structure including a high K dielectric layer and a metal layer on the high K dielectric layer;
forming a resistive material layer on top surfaces of the first and second dummy gate structures and on a surface of the first dielectric layer located between the first and second dummy gate structures, wherein the resistive material layer physically connects top surfaces of the metal layer of the first and second dummy gate structures when forming the resistive material layer, the resistive material layer being used to form a resistor;
forming a second dielectric layer covering the first dielectric layer and the resistive material layer;
etching the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer on the first region to form a first through-hole to expose the first dummy gate structure and to form a second through-hole to expose the second dummy gate structure; and
filling the first through-hole with a metallic material to form a first plug passing through the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer, and on the first dummy gate structure, and filling the second through-hole with a metallic material to form a second plug passing through the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer, and on the second dummy gate structure.

7. The method according to claim 6, further including:
forming a third plug passing through the second dielectric layer and on the first gate structure on the second region of the semiconductor substrate.

8. The method according to claim 7, further including:
forming a fourth plug passing through the first and second dielectric layers and on source/drain regions of the second gate structure on the second region of the semiconductor substrate,
wherein the source/drain regions are formed on both sides of the second gate structure prior to forming the first dielectric layer.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the third plug and the fourth plug are formed by:
etching the second dielectric layer on the second region to form a third through-hole to expose the first gate structure;
etching the first and second dielectric layers to form a fourth through-hole to expose the source/drain regions, wherein one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth through-holes are formed in a same process; and
forming the third and fourth plugs by filling the third and fourth through-holes with a metallic material, while forming the first and second plugs.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein:
the semiconductor substrate in the second region includes at least one fin structure, and
at least one of the first and second gate structures is disposed across sidewall surfaces and a top surface of a length of the at least one fin structure.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein:
the resistive material layer is made of a metal or a metal nitride and has a thickness ranging approximately from 10 angstroms to 500 angstroms.

12. The method according to claim 6, wherein the first dummy gate structure, the second dummy gate structure, the first gate structure, and the second gate structure are formed by:
after forming the shallow trench isolation structure, forming a first sacrificial gate and a second sacrificial gate on the shallow trench isolation structure in the first region of the semiconductor substrate, and forming third sacrificial gates on the second region of the semiconductor substrate;
forming the first dielectric layer on the first and second regions of the semiconductor substrate, and having a top surface coplanar with top surfaces of the first, second, and third sacrificial gates;
removing the first, second, and third sacrificial gates to form first, second, third, and fourth openings in the first dielectric layer; and
forming the first dummy gate structure, the second dummy gate structure, the first gate structure, and the second gate structure by filling the first, second, third, and fourth openings in the first dielectric layer with metallic materials.

13. A semiconductor device, comprising:
a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure in a semiconductor substrate;
a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate containing the STI structure,
a first dummy gate structure and a second dummy gate structure in the first dielectric layer and on the STI structure, and the first dummy gate structure is located on one side of the second dummy gate structure, each of the first dummy gate structure and the second dummy gate structure includes a high K dielectric layer and a metal layer on the high K dielectric layer;
a resistive material layer on top surfaces of the first and second dummy gate structures and on a surface of the first dielectric layer located between the first and second dummy gate structures, wherein the resistive material layer physically connects top surfaces of the metal layer of the first and second dummy gate structures when forming the resistive material layer, the resistive material layer being used to form a resistor;
a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the resistive material layer;
a first plug passing through the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer and on the first dummy gate structure; and
a second plug passing through the second dielectric layer and the resistive material layer and on the second dummy gate structure.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein:
the semiconductor substrate includes a first region and a second region, and each of the first and second dielectric layer covers the first and second regions of the semiconductor substrate; and
the first and second plugs are disposed on the first region of the semiconductor substrate.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein:
a first gate structure and a second gate structure are disposed on the second region of the semiconductor substrate and through the first dielectric layer, and
the first and second gate structures are same as the first and second dummy gate structures.

16. The device according to claim 15, further comprising:
a third plug passing through the second dielectric layer and on the first gate structure to electrically connect to the first gate structure on the second region of the semiconductor substrate.

17. The device according to claim 15, wherein:
the semiconductor substrate in the second region includes at least one fin structure, and
at least one of the first and second gate structures are disposed across sidewall surfaces and a top surface of a length of the at least one fin structure.

18. The semiconductor structure according to claim 15, further comprising:
a fourth plug passing through the first and second dielectric layers, and on source/drain regions of the second gate structure on the second region of the semiconductor substrate,
wherein the fourth plug is electrically connected to the source/drain regions formed on both sides of the second gate structure.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Overvoltage Protection For A Multivoltage Vehicle Electrical System

Technical Field and Background:
Vehicle electrical systems in the form of multivoltage vehicle electrical systems are becoming increasingly important in motor vehicles. Vehicle electrical systems may include an electrical generator (generally an alternating current generator, although the use of direct current generators is also known) which provides the voltage(s) for the vehicle electrical system by converting mechanical kinetic energy into electrical energy. Due to ever-increasing demand for electrical energy (due to need-based electrification of previously uncontrolled, mechanically or hydraulically operated consumers) and the intention to convert what may be a large quantity of kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration phases of a motor vehicle, an enhanced vehicle electrical system voltage (of 48 V in particular) is becoming established. With such a vehicle electrical system voltage, which is approximately four times higher than conventional, lower vehicle electrical system voltages (12 V), on the one hand currents which are four times lower, and on the other hand power which is four times higher, in comparison to conventional vehicle electrical system voltages may be achieved. An upper limit of the vehicle electrical system voltage is imposed by a maximum permissible voltage of 60 V in the vehicle electrical system, which represents the limit for touch voltages which are hazardous to humans, above which (in the event of exceedance) additional complex, costly measures become necessary (for example, warning signs, orange cables, double insulation, insulation monitoring, etc.). Since numerous consumers are present in motor vehicles, which on the one hand are not easily and cost-effectively convertible to a higher vehicle electrical system voltage, and on the other hand cannot derive a technical/monetary benefit from the higher vehicle electrical system voltage (for example, the radio, dashboard, power windows, etc.), the vehicle electrical system may be configured as a multivoltage vehicle electrical system, in particular as a dual voltage vehicle electrical system including a low-voltage vehicle electrical system having a first, lower vehicle electrical system voltage (in particular 12 V or 24 V), and a high-voltage vehicle electrical system having a second, higher vehicle electrical system voltage (48 V). In these types of multivoltage vehicle electrical systems, there is the risk of undesirable crosstalk from the high-voltage vehicle electrical system into the low-voltage vehicle electrical system, which could cause destruction of all low-voltage components (which generally have a maximum electric strength of 34 V/500 ms). One option for preventing crosstalk is to provide galvanically separated ground lines of the 48-V vehicle electrical system (CL41) and of the 12-V vehicle electrical system (CL31) in order to reliably exclude possible coupling or further destruction in the event of ground interruptions. A galvanic separation may take place capacitively (specialized ISO components, for example), optically (optical couplers, for example), or inductively (HF transformers, for example). In the automotive field, all these methods share the common feature that they are complex and costly (due, among other factors, to high demands on the service life and the temperature range, as well as manufacture in small quantities). The space requirements and the increase in complexity are likewise not insignificant. On the other hand, the above-mentioned galvanic separators generally provide electric strengths well above the required 60 V (generally up to 1,000 V or 1,200 V), since they are used nowadays primarily for 230 VAC (power grid) or 400 V to 600 VAC (hybrid). They are thus greatly oversized and correspondingly expensive. In addition to the disadvantages due to the effort for galvanic separation, as the result of implementing the requirement for separate ground lines for a generator application (high-voltage generator, for example the boost recuperation system (BRS)), unlike the related art for automotive generators, it would no longer be allowable or possible to use the engine ground (via the fastening screws) as ground, which instead would have to be insulated, with corresponding effort, from the engine block. This is disadvantageous in particular with regard to costs and robustness.

Invention Disclosure:
An overvoltage protection circuit for a first subsystem of a multivoltage vehicle electrical system, in which the first subsystem having a first vehicle electrical system voltage, a second subsystem having a second vehicle electrical system voltage, and an electric machine for supplying the second subsystem. The first system voltage is less than the second system voltage. The overvoltage protection circuit includes a first ground connection for connecting a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, the second subsystem, and the electric machine, an additional second ground connection for connecting a reference ground potential, and a control connection for controlling the electric machine. The overvoltage protection circuit checks whether a ground differential voltage between the first and second ground connections reaches a threshold value, and for reducing the second vehicle electrical system voltage when the ground differential voltage between the first and second ground connections reaches the threshold value.

[Assistant]
1. An overvoltage protection circuit for a first subsystem of a multivoltage vehicle electrical system, comprising:
an overvoltage protection circuit arrangement configured to check whether a ground differential voltage between a first ground connection and a second ground connection reaches a threshold value, and for reducing a second vehicle electrical system voltage when the ground differential voltage between the first ground connection and the second ground connection reaches the threshold value;
wherein the vehicle electrical system includes the first subsystem having a first vehicle electrical system voltage, a second subsystem having the second vehicle electrical system voltage, and an electric machine for supplying the second subsystem, the first vehicle electrical system voltage being less than the second vehicle electrical system voltage, and includes a first ground connection for connecting a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, the second subsystem, and the electric machine, and an additional second ground connection for connecting a reference ground potential, and a control connection for controlling the electric machine.

2. The overvoltage protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the overvoltage protection circuit includes a passive overvoltage protective element which is connected between the first ground connection and the second ground connection.

3. The overvoltage protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the overvoltage protection circuit includes a comparator which is connected to the first ground connection and to the second ground connection on the input side.

4. The overvoltage protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the overvoltage protection circuit is configured for reducing the voltage generated by the electric machine when the ground differential voltage between the first ground connection and the second ground connection reaches the threshold value.

5. The overvoltage protection circuit of claim 1, wherein the overvoltage protection circuit is configured for separating a connection between the second subsystem and the electric machine when the ground differential voltage between the first ground connection and the second ground connection reaches the threshold value.

6. The overvoltage protection circuit of claim 1, further comprising:
a communication connection which is connectable to a communication line to output control instructions to at least one component for one or both of the first and second subsystem(s).

7. The overvoltage protection circuit of claim 6, wherein the second ground connection is an integral part of the communication connection.

8. A multivoltage vehicle electrical system, comprising:
a first subsystem having a first vehicle electrical system voltage;
a second subsystem having a second vehicle electrical system voltage;
an electric machine for supplying the second subsystem, wherein the first vehicle electrical system voltage is less than the second vehicle electrical system voltage; and
an overvoltage protection circuit configured to check whether a ground differential voltage between a first ground connection and a second ground connection reaches a threshold value, and for reducing the second vehicle electrical system voltage when the ground differential voltage between the first ground connection and the second ground connection reaches the threshold value;
wherein the vehicle electrical system includes the first ground connection for connecting a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, the second subsystem, and the electric machine, and an additional second ground connection for connecting a reference ground potential, and a control connection for controlling the electric machine, and
wherein the first ground connection of the overvoltage protection circuit is connected to a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, the second subsystem, and the electric machine, and the second ground connection is connected to a reference ground potential.

9. A method for protecting a first subsystem of a multivoltage vehicle electrical system from an overvoltage, the method comprising:
reducing the second vehicle electrical system voltage when a ground differential voltage between a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, a second subsystem, and an electric machine and a reference ground potential reaches a threshold value;
wherein the vehicle electrical system includes the first subsystem having a first vehicle electrical system voltage, the second subsystem having a second vehicle electrical system voltage, and the electric machine for supplying the second subsystem, the first vehicle electrical system voltage being less than the second vehicle electrical system voltage.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the voltage generated by the electric machine is reduced when the ground differential voltage reaches the threshold value.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the following is performed: (i) operation of the electric machine is alternated between a motor mode and a generator mode, and (ii) a rolling, phase short circuit of the electric machine is carried out when the ground differential voltage reaches the threshold value.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein a connection between the second subsystem and the electric machine is separated when the ground differential voltage reaches the threshold value.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein electrical consumers are used in the second subsystem for reducing the voltage.

14. A non-transitory computer readable medium having computer-executable components, which is executable by a processor, comprising:
a program code arrangement having program code for protecting a first subsystem of a multivoltage vehicle electrical system from an overvoltage, by performing the following:
reducing the second vehicle electrical system voltage when a ground differential voltage between a shared ground potential of the first subsystem, a second subsystem, and an electric machine and a reference ground potential reaches a threshold value;
wherein the vehicle electrical system includes the first subsystem having a first vehicle electrical system voltage, the second subsystem having a second vehicle electrical system voltage, and the electric machine for supplying the second subsystem, the first vehicle electrical system voltage being less than the second vehicle electrical system voltage.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium having computer-executable components of claim 14, wherein the overvoltage protection circuit includes a passive overvoltage protective element which is connected between the first ground connection and the second ground connection.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Three-Dimensional Hybrid Packaging With Through-Silicon-Vias And Tape-Automated-Bonding

Technical Field and Background:
Field of the Invention The present disclosure generally relates to a three-dimensional (3D) package including multiple integrated circuit (IC) chips, stacked one atop the other, on a laminate and a method of fabricating a hybrid 3D package including the hybrid processes of forming through-silicon-vias (TSVs) in each stacked IC chip and of tape automated bonding (TAB) from at least one stacked chip to the laminate. Description of Related Art A three-dimensional (3D) package contains two or more integrated circuit (IC) chips stacked vertically, so as to occupy less space and provide greater connectivity between IC chips. It can, however, be difficult to obtain low-cost, high-performance electrical connections between stacked IC chips. For example, IC chips can be electrically coupled using wire bonds between exposed bond pads on surfaces of a stack of chips, in which the chips are offset from one another to define a staircase of chip edges. But while these wire bonds can be implemented using low-cost assembly techniques, the resulting wire bonds typically have a higher resistance and lower bandwidth for signal transmission due to their length. In contrast, through-silicon-vias (TSVs) typically have a lesser length and higher bandwidth for signal transmission when compared to wire bonds. In a TSV fabrication process, an IC chip is fabricated so that one or more of the metal layers on its active side is electrically connected to pads on its back side. Multiple IC chips are then adhesively connected in a stack, so that the pads on the back side of one chip make electrical contact with corresponding pads on the active side of an overlying chip. However, a disadvantage of stacked IC chips with TSVs can include the large number of TSVs required for the transmission of I/ 0 signals from the topmost chip or an upper level chip to the underlying laminate base or a lower level chip that requires a pathway of TSVs through all of the intervening chips. In addition, the efficient distribution of power/ground to upper level chips from the underlying laminate base also suffers from transmission losses through the pathways of TSVs, each of which includes the TSVs of each of the intervening chips in the stack. Tape automated bonding (TAB) is a method for efficiently and simultaneously connecting a number of bonding pads on an IC chip to external circuitry. TAB has several advantages over wire bonding technology, including: smaller bonding pads; smaller on-chip bonding pitch; a decreased amount of solder for bonding; uniform bond geometry; and increased production rate through “gang” bonding. The method employs a continuous metallized tape having individual frames, each of which includes a pattern of metal leads formed on a tape of polyimide or polyamide film. The inner ends of the metal leads can define a rectangular pattern, corresponding to a rectangular pattern of peripheral bonding pads on the top surface of the IC chip. In TAB, it is common for a “bump” to be formed on a bonding pad of the IC chip to provide solder material. An outer end of each metal lead extends from the inner end, associated with the rectangular pattern, toward the periphery of each tape frame, where it can connect to external circuitry, such as that formed on a laminate base. There remains a need for a three-dimensional (3D) package including multiple integrated circuit (IC) chips, stacked one atop the other, on a laminate that provides a more efficient distribution of signals and of power/ground between all levels of a chip stack and of a laminate base.

Invention Disclosure:
A 3-dimensional hybrid package including an integrated circuit chip stack formed on a laminate, the integrated chip stack further including a first chip and a second chip. The first chip is connected to the laminate through first solder bumps, each associated with a first through-silicon via (TSV), and first metal leads embedded in a first polymer tape that extends from first peripheral metal pads formed on a back side of the first chip to the laminate. The second chip is connected to the first peripheral metal pads on the back side of the first chip through second solder bumps formed on a front side of the second chip. The second chip is connected to the laminate by second metal leads, embedded in a second polymer tape that extend from second peripheral metal pads formed on a back side of the second chip to the laminate.

[Assistant]
1. A chip package, comprising:
an integrated circuit (IC) chip stack on a laminate, the IC chip stack further comprising a first IC chip and a second IC chip,
the first IC chip including: first solder bumps attached to a front side, each first solder bump contacting the laminate and a first through-silicon-via (TSV) of the first IC chip; first central metal pads formed on a back side of each first TSV; first peripheral metal pads formed on a back side of the first IC chip; and first inner ends of first metal leads, embedded in a first polymer tape, contacting each first peripheral metal pad of the first IC chip and first outer ends of the first metal leads contacting the laminate; and
the second IC chip including: second solder bumps attached to a front side, each second solder bump contacting a first central metal pad of the first IC chip and a second TSV of the second IC chip; second central metal pads formed on a back side of each second TSV; second peripheral metal pads formed on a back side of the second IC chip; and second inner ends of second metal leads, embedded in a second polymer tape, contacting each second peripheral metal pad of the second IC chip and second outer ends of the second metal leads contacting the laminate.

2. The chip package of claim 1,
the first IC chip being flipped such that the front side corresponds to an active side upon which the first solder bumps are formed; and
the second IC chip being flipped such that the front side corresponds to an active side upon which the second solder bumps are formed.

3. The chip package of claim 1, the first solder bumps and the second solder bumps comprising a solder further comprising of any of: tin and lead, lead-free tin alloys yet further comprising any of gold, silver, copper, bismuth, and indium, and conductive epoxies.

4. The chip package of claim 1, the laminate comprising a printed circuit board.

5. The chip package of claim 1,
the first metal leads and the second metal leads comprising any of copper, gold, and aluminum; and
the first polymer tape and the second polymer tape comprising one of polyimide and polyamide.

6. The chip package of claim 1, the second outer end of each second metal lead contacting the laminate at a distance from vertical sides of the chip stack greater than that of a corresponding first outer end of each first metal lead contacting the laminate.

7. A chip package, comprising:
an integrated circuit (IC) chip stack formed above a laminate, the IC chip stack further comprising a pair of adjacent IC chips, the pair of adjacent IC chips comprising one of:
a first pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack further comprising:
a first IC chip of the first pair of adjacent IC chips including: first solder bumps attached to a front side of the first IC chip, each first solder bump contacting the laminate and a first through-silicon-via (TSV) of the first IC chip; and first central metal pads formed on a back side of each first TSV; and
a second IC chip of the first pair of adjacent IC chips including: second solder bumps attached to a front side of the second IC chip, each second solder bump contacting a first central metal pad of the first IC chip and a second TSV of the second IC chip; second peripheral metal pads formed on a back side of the second IC chip; second inner ends of second metal leads, embedded in a second polymer tape, contacting each second peripheral metal pad of the second IC chip; and second outer ends of the second metal leads contacting the laminate; and
a second pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack further comprising:
a first IC chip of the second pair of adjacent IC chips including: first solder bumps attached to a front side of the first IC chip, each first solder bump contacting the laminate and a first through-silicon-via (TSV) of the first IC chip; first central metal pads formed on a back side of each first TSV; first peripheral metal pads formed on a back side of the first IC chip; and first inner ends of first metal leads, embedded in a first polymer tape, contacting each first peripheral metal pad of the first IC chip and first outer ends of each first metal lead contacting the laminate; and
a second IC chip of the second pair of adjacent IC chips including: second solder bumps attached to a front side of the second IC chip, each second solder bump contacting a first central metal pad of the first IC chip and a second TSV of the second IC chip.

8. The chip package of claim 7, for both the first and second pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack, the first IC chip being flipped such that the front side corresponds to an active side upon which the first solder bumps are formed.

9. The chip package of claim 7, for both the first and second pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack, the second IC chip being flipped such that the front side corresponds to an active surface upon which the second solder bumps are formed.

10. The chip package of claim 7, for both the first and second pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack, the first solder bumps and the second solder bumps comprising a solder further comprising of any of: tin and lead, lead-free tin alloys yet further comprising any of gold, silver, copper, bismuth, and indium, and conductive epoxies.

11. The chip package of claim 7, the laminate comprising a printed circuit board.

12. The chip package of claim 7, for both the first and second pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack, the first metal leads and the second metal leads comprising any of copper, gold, and aluminum.

13. The chip package of claim 7, for both the first and second pair of adjacent IC chips of the IC chip stack, the first polymer tape and the second polymer tape comprising one of polyimide and polyamide.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: A Method For Operating A Communication Device In A Communication Network, A Communication Device, A Luminaire Equipped With Such Communication Device

Technical Field and Background:
Communication networks, for example wireless networks for automation, like lighting networks, know a huge development and a number of products on this area including StarSense Wireless, StarSense Powerline, or the CityTouch CTC are being installed in cities or along the roads. The business proposition is that the management of the lighting devices can lead to a lower energy bill, it also allows for reconfiguration, or even other services. In case of lighting communication networks, the commissioning or the maintenance (software update, topology update etc) represent usually an important effort. This is even worse in case of outdoor lighting control, i.e., the management of outdoor lighting devices by means of communication protocols, where the nodes (or outdoor lighting controllers (OLCs)) can be devices disposed on the top of 5 meters high lamp posts, on a highway. Accordingly, the installation and commissioning costs, if done manually, are high. In some systems, each lamp is controlled by means of an OLC forming a large mesh network in which the communication links are based on IEEE802.15.4 and a communication stack, e.g., based on 6LoWPAN/CoAP or a proprietary one. The network is managed from the backend by means of a segment controller connecting the 6LoWPAN network with the Internet. Thus, in this solution, an OLC includes a CPU and a communication interface based on 802.15.4. In such systems, during a configuration phase, like the commissioning phase or an update phase, each lamp is exchanging data with a special commissioning tool that an installer needs to bring in the vicinity of the node (sometimes even with wired connection). The commissioning tool may comprise a GPS chipset to determine the location of each commissioned node. In other systems, it has been proposed that each Outdoor Lighting Controller is outfitted with a GPS and GPRS module. After installation, each communication device connects directly to a network controller by GPRS for exchanging configuration info and carry out the commissioning process. Such a network is designed thinking about simple commissioning and simple asset management without requiring a specific commissioning process. Since the each OLC has a GPRS and GPS module, the OLC can just start the communication after installation and the corresponding device automatically appears at the network controller and can be controlled. The advantage of such solution is that the installation process and the configuration phases are simpler than previously described systems. Moreover, the commissioning process is likely to be less expensive since it does not require the installer to carry out the commissioning on site. Such a communication device is easy to install and manage, but it requires an active GPRS link per communication device during the whole lifetime of a device. Such a link for a large network represents a significant operation cost over the operation phase of the network.

Invention Disclosure:
This invention related to a communication device and a method for operating a communication device comprising a transceiver being adapted to communicate in a communication network, comprising a configuration phase including the step of (a1) the communication device obtaining by means of a first telecommunication mode a selected role profile selected out of a set of role profiles, said selected role profile defining the role of the communication device in the communication network in an operation phase, and an operation phase including the steps of (b1) the communication device disabling or maintaining its transceiver to communicate by means of the first telecommunication mode depending on the selected role profile; (b2) the communication device communicating in the network using a second telecommunication mode.

[Assistant]
1. A method for operating a communication device comprising a transceiver configured to communicate in a communication network, the method comprising:
a configuration phase including the steps of:
(a1) the communication device obtaining by means of a first telecommunication mode a selected role profile selected out of a set of role profiles, said selected role profile defining the role of the communication device in the communication network in an operation phase;
(a2) configuring or updating the communication network, with a network controller, by means of the communication device using the first telecommunication mode, wherein said configuring or updating is based on a second telecommunication mode, and
an operation phase including the steps of:
(b1) the communication device disabling or maintaining its transceiver to communicate by means of the first telecommunication mode depending on the selected role profile, and disabling the transceiver to communicate with the first telecommunication mode if the selected profile is an end device profile;
(b2) the communication device communicating in the communication network using said second telecommunication mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b1) further comprises maintaining the transceiver to communicate with the first telecommunication mode if the selected profile is a router profile, and wherein step (b2) further comprises the communication device communicating in the communication network using the first telecommunication mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein at step (b2) the first telecommunication mode is used to communicate between the communication device and the network controller, and the second telecommunication mode is used to communicate between the communication device and further communication devices of the communication network.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a1) comprises the communication device determining a set of parameter values, and transmitting the set of parameter values to the network controller for selection of the selected role profile of the communication device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the set of parameters includes at least one of the following: identifier, neighboring communication devices identifiers, geolocation details, link quality of the first telecommunication mode, link quality of the second telecommunication mode.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration phase is triggered for a commissioning phase during which the communication network is configured or for an update phase during which at least the wireless node is reconfigured.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the update phase is triggered if the communication network performance is below a first threshold or is above a second threshold.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first telecommunication mode is of longer range than the second telecommunication mode.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first telecommunication mode is one of the following communication technologies: GPRS, UMTS, CDMA2000, LTE.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second telecommunication mode is based on IEEE 802.15.4, or on communication through powerline.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication network is a lighting network.

12. A communication device comprising:
a transceiver configured to communicate in a communication network, the transceiver configured to, in a configuration phase, obtain by means of a first telecommunication mode a selected role profile selected out of a set of role profiles, and, in an operation phase, communicate in the communication network using a second telecommunication mode,
the communication device further comprising a processor configured to, in an operation phase, behave in accordance with said selected role profile in the communication network, and, in the operation phase, disable or maintain the transceiver to communicate by means of the first telecommunication mode depending on the selected role profile, wherein said communication device is configured to disable said transceiver to communicate with said first telecommunication mode if said selected profile is an end device profile,
wherein said communication device is configured to configure or update said communication network during said configuration phase, with a network controller, by means of said first telecommunication mode based on said second telecommunication mode.

13. The luminaire comprising a communication device according to claim 12, wherein the luminaire operation is controlled by commands received by the communication device.

14. A communication network, comprising at least one communication device of claim 12.


[System] You are an expert US patent attorney. Draft a set of independent and dependent claims based on the provided invention description. Use correct USPTO formatting.

[User]
Title: Vehicle Wheel Assembly

Technical Field and Background:
The present invention was conceived in the context of central tyre inflation systems (CTIS). CTIS were originally developed for military applications, in particular off-road military wheeled trucks and trailers. However, CTIS are nowadays incorporated into non-military vehicles such as specialist construction and commercial vehicles. CTIS comprise one or more compressed air sources located on-board the vehicle and connected to one or more tyres. Tyre pressure can therefore be adjusted by the CTIS. Typically, CTIS provide for delivery of compressed air to a tyre through a vehicle's axle. Accordingly, there are vehicle wheels and vehicle wheel assemblies designed to receive incoming flow of compressed air from the axle, and to deliver it to the tyre. U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,427 B1 discloses an on-axle tyre inflation system. US 2005/0236083 A1 discloses a vehicle wheel assembly comprising a rim secured to a wheel hub and a tyre secured to the rim, with a hollow stud having an air conduit. The hollow stud extends through a rim opening and has a first end secured to the hub. A lug nut is secured to the hollow stud at a second end. The first end is operably connected to a source of compressed air through the air conduit. A central tyre inflation valve is secured to the rim. The rim includes a first internal conduit communicating with the air conduit and the valve, and a second internal conduit communicating with the valve and the interior of the tyre. Drawbacks of the known systems include their adverse effect on wheel styling (which is not typically a concern with trucks but may not be aesthetically acceptable for passenger vehicles), their bulkiness and heaviness. It is against this background that the present invention has been conceived. At least in certain embodiments, the present invention seeks to address shortcomings associated with the prior art or to improve parts, apparatus, systems and methods disclosed in the prior art.

Invention Disclosure:
A vehicle wheel assembly (1) for supplying compressed air from a vehicle axle to a tyre (3) comprises a vehicle wheel (5) and a control valve assembly (7). The wheel (5) comprises a wheel hub (9) for mounting the wheel (5) to a vehicle (V); and a wheel rim for mounting a tyre (3) on the wheel (5). A transfer line (19) is provided in the wheel for transferring compressed air from the wheel hub to the wheel rim (11) for inflating the tyre (3). The control valve assembly (7) comprises an inlet, an outlet and a control valve (25) operably located between the inlet and the outlet for controlling passage of compressed air between the inlet and the outlet. The control valve assembly (7) is removably disposed in the wheel hub (9) such that fluid communication is established between the control valve assembly (7) and the transfer line (19).

[Assistant]
1. A control valve assembly comprising:
an inlet for receiving compressed air from a supply line;
an outlet for supplying compressed air to a transfer line; and
a control valve for selectively placing the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet;
wherein the control valve assembly is configured to be removably disposed in a wheel hub, and wherein the control valve assembly comprises a housing, the housing defining the inlet and outlet and comprising securing means for releasably securing the housing of the control valve assembly to the wheel hub.

2. A control valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the control valve comprises a first valve member movable between an open position and a closed position along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the control valve is configured such that, in use, the longitudinal axis is arranged substantially co-axially with a rotational axis of a wheel.

3. A control valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the control valve is a pneumatically actuated control valve.

4. A control valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pneumatically actuated control valve is a latching valve.

5. A vehicle wheel assembly for supplying compressed air to a tire, the vehicle wheel assembly comprising a control valve assembly according to claim 1, and a wheel, the wheel comprising:
said wheel hub, the wheel hub for mounting the wheel to a vehicle;
a wheel rim for mounting a tire on the wheel; and
a transfer line for supplying compressed air to a tire mounted on the wheel.

6. A vehicle wheel assembly according to claim 5, the wheel further comprising a wheel valve for controlling the flow of air through said transfer line.

7. A vehicle wheel assembly according to claim 6, wherein the wheel valve is configured to cooperate with the control valve assembly such that the wheel valve is opened when the control valve assembly is disposed in the wheel hub, and/or the wheel valve is configured to close when the control valve assembly is removed from the wheel hub.

8. A vehicle wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein the wheel valve comprises a second valve member which is displaced to an open position when the control valve assembly is disposed in the wheel hub.

9. A vehicle wheel assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second valve member is movable along a first axis arranged substantially parallel to, or substantially coincident with a rotational axis of the wheel.

10. A vehicle wheel assembly according to claim 5, wherein the control valve assembly is inserted into the wheel hub from an inner side of the wheel.

11. A vehicle wheel assembly according to claim 10, wherein, when the vehicle wheel assembly is mounted to a vehicle wheel hub, the control valve assembly is disposed between the wheel hub and the vehicle wheel hub.

12. A vehicle wheel comprising:
a wheel hub for mounting the wheel to a vehicle;
a wheel rim for mounting a tire on the wheel;
a transfer line for supplying compressed air to a tire if the tire is mounted on the wheel; and
a wheel valve for controlling the flow of air through said transfer line, wherein the wheel has lateral inner and outer sides, the wheel hub being configured removably to receive a control valve assembly from the inner side of the wheel,
wherein a cavity is formed in said wheel hub for receiving the control valve assembly, the cavity being open towards an inner side of the wheel, and
wherein the wheel valve is configured to cooperate with a housing of the control valve assembly such that the wheel valve is displaced to an opened position in response to the control valve assembly being received in the wheel hub, and/or the wheel valve is displaced to a closed position when the control valve assembly is removed from the wheel hub.

13. A vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the wheel valve comprises a first valve member which is displaced to an open position when the control valve assembly is disposed in the wheel hub.

14. A vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the transfer line is formed in a hollow spoke or in a tube connecting the wheel hub and the rim, wherein the transfer line is in fluid communication at one end thereof with a wheel hub opening and at the other end thereof with a rim opening.

15. A vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the transfer line is in fluid communication at one end thereof with the cavity and at the other end thereof with a rim opening.

16. A vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the cavity comprises an annular recess for receiving securing means of the control valve assembly for securing the control valve assembly when inserted thereinto.

17. A vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the cavity comprises axial retaining means for retaining a control valve assembly inserted into the cavity at a prescribed axial location.

18. A vehicle wheel according to claim 17, wherein the axial retaining means comprises an annular projection extending from an inner surface of the cavity, optionally wherein the cavity defines a circular aperture in the outer side of the wheel hub and the annular projection is disposed at an end of the cavity adjacent to the outer side.

19. A vehicle wheel according to claim 12, in combination with a tire mounted on the wheel rim.

20. A control valve assembly comprising:
an inlet for receiving compressed air from a supply line;
an outlet for supplying compressed air to a transfer line; and
a control valve for selectively placing the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet;
wherein the control valve assembly is configured to be removably disposed in a wheel hub, and wherein the control valve assembly comprises a housing which comprises securing means for releasably securing the control valve assembly to the wheel hub; wherein the housing is adapted to displace a wheel valve of a wheel to an open position in response to insertion of the housing into the wheel hub.

21. A control valve assembly according to claim 20, wherein the housing defines a valve chamber in which the control valve is located.

22. A control valve assembly according to claim 21, wherein the valve chamber is defined by a base member and closure member of the housing; wherein the inlet is formed within the closure member of the housing and the outlet is formed within the base member of the housing; wherein the valve chamber extends circumferentially around the control valve to maintain fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet irrespective of the angular orientation of the base member relative to the closure member.

23. A control valve assembly according to claim 20, wherein the housing comprises one or more clips mounted.

24. A control valve assembly according to claim 20, wherein the control valve comprises a first valve member movable between an open position and a closed position along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the control valve is configured such that, in use, the longitudinal axis is arranged substantially co-axially with a rotational axis of a wheel.

25. A control valve assembly according to claim 20, wherein the control valve is a pneumatically actuated control valve.

26. A control valve assembly according to claim 25, wherein the pneumatically actuated control valve is a latching valve.

27. A vehicle wheel assembly for supplying compressed air to a tire, the vehicle wheel assembly comprising a control valve assembly according to claim 20, and a wheel, the wheel comprising:
said wheel hub, the wheel hub for mounting the wheel to a vehicle;
a wheel rim for mounting a tire on the wheel; and
a transfer line for supplying compressed air to a tire mounted on the wheel.