[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: Display Apparatus And Method Of Driving A Display Panel

Technical Field and Background:
Field Exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus and a method of driving a display panel. More particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus including pixels having liquid crystal layers with different thicknesses and a method of driving a display panel. Discussion of the Background A general display apparatus includes a first substrate having a plurality of pixels, a second substrate disposed to face the first substrate and having a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. An electrical field is generated between a pixel electrode and the common electrode according to a voltage difference between a data voltage supplied to a data electrode and a common voltage applied to the common electrode. Liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are driven according to the electrical field generated between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. As a result, the amount of light transmitting through the liquid crystal layer changes to display an image. Generally, pixels of the display apparatus include a liquid crystal material and have the same thickness to have the same optical characteristics. However, in the display apparatus including a white pixel, for example, a planarization process is additionally performed to fill a space corresponding to a thickness of a color filter with a material since the white pixel does not have a color filter. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Invention Disclosure:
A display apparatus includes a display panel that includes a liquid crystal layer, a first pixel having the liquid crystal layer with a first thickness, a second pixel having a color filter and the liquid crystal layer with a second thickness. The display apparatus also includes a data generating unit configured to generate a first image signal corresponding to the first pixel and a second image signal corresponding to the second pixel in response to an input image signal, a data converting unit configured to convert a gradation value of the first image signal into a conversion gradation value of the first image signal according to refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and a driving unit configured to output to the first pixel a first data voltage corresponding to the compensation gradation value of the first image signal.

[Assistant]
1. A display apparatus, comprising:
a display panel comprising a liquid crystal layer, a first pixel having the liquid crystal layer with a first thickness and a second pixel having the liquid crystal layer with a second thickness and having a color filter disposed at a top or bottom portion of the liquid crystal layer, the second thickness is less than the first thickness;
a data generating unit configured to generate a first image signal corresponding to the first pixel and a second image signal corresponding to the second pixel in response to an input image signal;
a data converting unit configured to convert a gradation value of the first image signal into a conversion gradation value of the first image signal according to refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer;
a first frame memory configured to store the conversion gradation value of the first image signal for a period of a frame;
a first data compensating unit configured to generate a compensation gradation value of the first image signal according to the conversion gradation value of the first image signal generated from the data converting unit and the conversion gradation value of the first image signal stored in the first frame memory; and
a driving unit configured to output to the first pixel a first data voltage corresponding to the compensation gradation value of the first image signal.

2. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer is above a first minimum condition, and a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the second thickness of the liquid crystal layer is below the first minimum condition.

3. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer is above 550 nm, and a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the second thickness of the liquid crystal layer is below 550 nm.

4. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the color filter is the same as a difference between the first thickness and the second thickness.

5. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data converting unit is configured to convert the gradation value of the first image signal into the conversion gradation value such that the conversion gradation value of the first image signal is determined according to a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer.

6. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data converting unit is configured to convert the gradation value of the first image signal into the conversion gradation value based on light transmittance of the first pixel determined according to a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer.

7. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein the data converting unit comprises a look-up table to define conversion of the gradation value of the first image signal based on a relationship between the light transmittance of the first pixel and a data voltage applied to the first pixel.

8. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein:
the first data compensating unit is configured to output the conversion gradation value of the first image signal generated from the data converting unit without compensating for the conversion gradation value when the conversion gradation value of the first image signal of a previous frame stored in the first frame memory and the conversion gradation value of the first image signal of a current frame generated from the data converting unit are the same; and
the data driving unit is configured to output to the first pixel the first data voltage within a first driving voltage section corresponding to the conversion gradation value of the first image signal outputted from the first compensating unit.

9. The display apparatus of claim 8, wherein:
the first data compensating unit is configured to output the compensation gradation value of the first image signal by compensating for the conversion gradation value when the conversion gradation value of the first image signal of the current frame generated from the data converting unit is greater than the conversion gradation value of the first image signal of the previous frame stored in the first frame memory by a predetermined value; and
the data driving unit is configured to output to the first pixel an overdriving voltage above the first driving voltage section corresponding to the conversion gradation value of the first image signal outputted from the first compensating unit.

10. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the overdriving voltage is set such that light transmittance of the first pixel after the overdriving voltage is applied to the first pixel is less than the light transmittance of the first pixel after a maximum voltage of the first driving voltage section is applied to the first pixel.

11. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the data driving unit is configured to output to the second pixel a second data voltage of a second driving voltage section comprising the first driving voltage section in response to a gradation value of the second image signal.

12. The display apparatus of claim 11, wherein the second driving voltage section comprises the overdriving voltage.

13. The display apparatus of claim 9, wherein the data driving unit applies the overdriving voltage to the first pixel for the period of the frame.

14. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a second frame memory configured to store a gradation value of the second image signal for the period of the frame; and
a second data compensating unit configured to generate a compensation gradation value of the second image signal according to the gradation value of the second image signal of a current frame generated from the data generating unit and the gradation value of the second image signal of a previous frame stored in the second frame memory,
wherein the data driving unit is configured to output to the second pixel a second data voltage corresponding to the compensation gradation value of the second image signal.

15. A driving method of a display panel, the method comprising:
generating a first image signal corresponding to a first pixel of the display panel and a second image signal corresponding to a second pixel of the display panel, the display panel comprising a liquid crystal layer with a first thickness in the first pixel and a second thickness in the second pixel that is less than the first thickness;
outputting to the first pixel a first data voltage of a first driving voltage section in response to a gradation value of the first image signal when the gradation value of the first image signal of a previous frame and the gradation value of the first image signal of a current frame are the same;
outputting to the first pixel an overdriving voltage higher than the first driving voltage section when the gradation value of the first image signal of the current frame is greater than the gradation value of the first image signal of the previous frame by a predetermined value; and
outputting a second data voltage of a second driving voltage section comprising the first driving voltage section in response to the gradation value of the second image signal,
wherein the second pixel has a color filter disposed at a top or bottom portion of the liquid crystal layer,
wherein the first driving voltage section is determined according to a product of a refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and the second driving voltage section is determined according to a product of the refractive index anisotropy and the second thickness of the liquid crystal layer.

16. The driving method of claim 15, wherein the overdriving voltage is applied to the first pixel during a period of a frame.

17. The driving method of claim 15, wherein the second driving voltage section comprises the overdriving voltage.

18. The driving method of claim 15, wherein the product of the refractive index anisotropy and the first thickness of the liquid crystal layer is above a first minimum condition, and the product of the refractive index anisotropy and the second thickness of the liquid crystal layer is below the first minimum condition.

19. The driving method of claim 15, wherein:
the first driving voltage section is set such that light transmittance of the first pixel increases when the first data voltage applied to the first pixel increases in the first driving voltage section; and
the second driving voltage section is set such that light transmittance of the second pixel increases when the second data voltage applied to the second pixel increases in the second driving voltage section.


[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: Device For Detecting The Position Of Watch Hands

Technical Field and Background:
There are known electromechanical watches having hands wherein the hour hand and the minute hand of the current time display are driven either by the same electric motor, or by distinct electric motors which move the wheels of the watch mechanism forward in steps. In both cases, it may happen that motor steps are lost because of shocks experienced by the watch, the presence of electromagnetic fields or other external disturbances. As a result, although the internal clock of the watch provides a correct indication of the current time, the hour and minute hands provide an incorrect current time indication, because the motors have jumped several steps under the effect of the external disturbance applied to the watch. It is therefore necessary to resynchronise the position of the hour and minute hands, either at the demand of a software application, or at the user's demand. A known solution for detecting the position of a timepiece mechanism wheel for an electromechanical watch having hands consists in arranging, on either side of the wheel plate, a light source emitting a light beam and a light detection system. The light source and the light detection system are arranged facing each other and a hole is arranged in the wheel plate on the path of the light source and of the light detection system. When the hole reaches the vicinity of the light source, the light beam passes through the hole and falls onto the light detection system, which allows a precise indication to be provided as to the position of the wheel. This type of device for detecting the position of a timepiece mechanism wheel for an electromechanical watch having hands has several drawbacks. The first of these drawbacks lies in the fact that the light source and the light detection system are arranged in a stepped manner in an essentially vertical direction, which makes the detection device bulky and requires recesses to be provided towards the top and bottom. The second problem becomes critical in the case where it is sought to detect the position of two coaxial wheels as is the case of an hour wheel and a minute wheel. Indeed, in that case, it is, for example, necessary to arrange the two light detection systems between the two wheels and to place the light sources respectively above and below the assembly of the two coaxial wheels. This type of arrangement not only requires a lot of space but also requires two of the detection device elements, for example the two light detection systems, to be placed between the wheels, which makes it practically impossible to automate the manufacture of these timepiece movements. Another solution for detecting the position of a timepiece mechanism wheel for an electromechanical watch having hands is disclosed in EP Patent Application No 1493935. More specifically, this document discloses a device for detecting the position of at least a first wheel of a timepiece mechanism for an electromechanical watch having hands, the first wheel extending in a horizontal plane. The detection device includes at least one light source emitting a light beam and at least one light detection system, said detection device also including a first light reflector element, the light source and the light detection system being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first wheel of the timepiece mechanism, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first reflector element towards the light detection system. This solution advantageously allows detection of the position of two wheels of the timepiece mechanism by means of a single light source and a single reflector element. However, the light source and the light detection system on one hand, and the reflector element on the other hand are arranged on either side of the wheel whose position is required to be detected, which increases the thickness of the timepiece mechanism and makes it more difficult to integrate in a watch case. Yet another solution for detecting the position of a timepiece mechanism wheel for an electromechanical watch having hands is disclosed by EP Patent Application No 2626752 in the name of the Applicant. More specifically, this document discloses a device for detecting the position of at least a first wheel of a timepiece mechanism for an electromechanical watch having hands, said first wheel extending in one plane. The detection device includes at least one light source emitting a light beam and at least one light detection system.

Invention Disclosure:
Device for detecting the position of at least a first and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, said first and second hands moving above a dial, the detection device including a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first and second hands, and a first and a second light detection system, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being mounted on or underneath the dial, the light source and the first and second light detection systems being arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system.

[Assistant]
1. A device for detecting the position of at least a first hand and a second hand of an electromechanical watch, wherein the first hand and the second hand move above a dial, wherein the detection device comprises:
a single light source emitting a light beam towards the first hand and the second hand, and
a first light detection system and a second light detection system,
wherein the light source and the first and second light detection systems are mounted on or underneath the dial,
wherein the light source and the first and second light detection systems are arranged so that, in a determined position of the first hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the first hand towards the first detection system, and in a determined position of the second hand, the light beam emitted by the light source is reflected by the second hand towards the second detection system.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the first hand and the second hand each includes a reflective surface which reflects the light beam towards the first light detection system and the second light detection system, respectively.

3. The detection device according to claim 2, wherein the reflective surfaces are arranged in a bottom face of the corresponding hand.

4. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the light source and the first and second light detection systems are aligned on a straight line which passes through a centre of the watch dial.

5. The detection device according to claim 4, wherein the light source is arranged between the first and second light detection systems.

6. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the light source emits a light beam vertically upwards.

7. The detection device according to claim 6, wherein the light source is a vertical cavity surface emission laser.

8. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein in the case where the light source and the light detection systems are mounted underneath the watch dial, either the dial is transparent to the wavelength of the light emitted by the light source, or the light source and the light detection systems are disposed facing corresponding apertures arranged in the dial.


[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: Methods And Systems For Transmitting Signals Between Electronic Devices

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention The disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for transmitting signals, and, more particularly to methods and systems that can transmit signals between electronic devices by wirelessly broadcasting signals, and optionally generate signals according to the motion of an electronic device or instruct the electronic device to stop generating signals via another electronic device. 2. Description of the Related Art In the service industry, the best way to increase customer satisfaction is by directly providing appropriate and immediate services to customers. For example, when a customer needs a specific service, such as ordering food, having their water refilled, or receiving the check, the customer always raises a hand to let the waiter noticed the customer's requests. However, during busy times, it is not easy to find a waiter, or the customer's requests cannot be handled in real-time, resulting in customer dissatisfaction. Currently, wireless service bells have been deployed in some restaurants. Customers can push a service bell set on the table when they need a service. The service bell can wirelessly transmit signals to reception equipment set on a counter or it can be worn by a waiter, so that the customers' requirement can be known by the waiter without delay. Conventionally, the service bell generates wireless signals only at the moment the service bell is pushed. The reception equipment may miss the wireless signals when any indeterminate environment or anthropic factor exists in the restaurant during the period of the generation of wireless signals. Even if the reception equipment correctly receives the wireless signals, a waiter may ignore the corresponding request since the waiter may be busy and the reception equipment cannot continuously repeat the request. Additionally, since several reception devices may simultaneously receive wireless signals generated by the service bell, a customer request may be served by several waiters, or by none, since they may assume another waiter has already handled the request. Furthermore, since there is no related tool for gathering statistics regarding execution details of the provided service, the customer satisfaction and execution effect of the wireless service bell cannot be evaluated. On the other hand, with the coming of IOT (Internet Of Things), every type of device or object can connect to networks, and users can access and control these devices or objects via networks. Currently, wearable electronic devices have become the most tangible applications of IOT. In some cases, the wearable device can detect health information of a user, record exercise information and sleep patterns, or display email messages or incoming call notifications. However, since there is a size limitation to wearable electronic devices, the battery capacity and battery life of these devices are high priority issues in the industry. Generally, related components of wearable electronic devices will adopt a low-power consumption technology, such that the standby time of wearable electronic devices can be extended. For example, a wearable electronic device can have a wireless connecting unit, which is implemented with a low-power consumption technology, such as Bluetooth Smart technology, for connecting with a smart phone implemented with a compatible low-power consumption technology, such as Bluetooth Smart Ready technology via wireless network. Conventionally, the low-power consumption wireless connecting unit supports two modes: central and peripheral. In the central mode, the wireless connecting unit can receive data from other wireless connecting units. In the peripheral mode, the wireless connecting unit can broadcast its data. There exists an opportunity to significantly reduce the drawbacks of prior arts, and improve customer satisfaction by integrating the wireless service bell with IOT technology.

Invention Disclosure:
Methods and systems for transmitting signals between electronic devices are provided. First, a first electronic device receives an instruction, and continuously generates a specific signal according to the instruction. In some embodiments, at least one motion sensor can detect the motion of the first electronic device to generate the instruction. The first electronic device broadcasts the specific signal via a wireless network. Then, at least one secondary electronic device receives the specific signal via a wireless network. The secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device via a wireless network, and instructs the first electronic device to stop generating the specific signal.

[Assistant]
1. A method for transmitting signals between electronic devices, comprising:
receiving an instruction, and continuously generating a specific signal according to the instruction by a first electronic device;
broadcasting the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit by the first electronic device;
receiving the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit by at least one secondary electronic device; and
connecting to the first electronic device via a wireless network, and instructing the first electronic device to stop generating the specific signal by the secondary electronic device,
wherein the first electronic device records the time when the specific signal is generated, the time when the specific signal is stopped generating in response to the connection of the secondary electronic device, or identification data corresponding to the secondary electronic device, and the first electronic device receives a connection of a third electronic device via a wireless network, and transmits the time when the specific signal is generated, the time when the specific signal is stopped generating in response to the connection of the secondary electronic device, or the identification data corresponding to the secondary electronic device to the third electronic device via the wireless network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electronic device comprises at least one motion sensor for detecting the motion of the first electronic device to generate the instruction.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless connecting unit of the first electronic device and the wireless connecting unit of the secondary electronic device respectively have a peripheral mode and a central mode, the first electronic device broadcasts the specific signal in the peripheral mode, and the secondary electronic device receives the specific signal in the central mode.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondary electronic device further records the time when the specific signal is received, the time when the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device, or identification data corresponding to the first electronic device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the secondary electronic device further receives a connection of a third electronic device via a wireless network, and transmits the time when the specific signal is received, the time when the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device, or the identification data corresponding to the first electronic device to the third electronic device via the wireless network.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific signal comprises identification data corresponding to the first electronic device, and the secondary electronic device further displays the identification data via a display unit, and the secondary electronic device automatically connects to the first electronic device via a wireless network according to the identification data when a selection corresponding to the identification data is received by the secondary electronic device.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device via a wireless network in a predefined period after the specific signal is received by the secondary electronic device, and generating a prompt via the secondary electronic device when the secondary electronic device does not connect to the first electronic device via a wireless network in the predefined period.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining whether the secondary electronic device continuously receives the specific signal via the wireless network, and deleting or noting the specific signal in the secondary electronic device when the secondary electronic device does not continuously receive the specific signal via the wireless network.

9. A system for transmitting signals between electronic devices, comprising:
a first electronic device receiving an instruction, continuously generating a specific signal according to the instruction by a first electronic device, and broadcasting the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit; and
at least one secondary electronic device receiving the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit, connecting to the first electronic device via a wireless network, and instructing the first electronic device to stop generating the specific signal,
wherein the first electronic device records the time when the specific signal is generated, the time when the specific signal is stopped generating in response to the connection of the secondary electronic device, or identification data corresponding to the secondary electronic device, and the first electronic device receives a connection of a third electronic device via a wireless network, and transmits the time when the specific signal is generated, the time when the specific signal is stopped generating in response to the connection of the secondary electronic device, or the identification data corresponding to the secondary electronic device to the third electronic device via the wireless network.

10. A method for transmitting signals between electronic devices, comprising:
receiving an instruction, and continuously generating a specific signal according to the instruction by a first electronic device;
broadcasting the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit by the first electronic device;
receiving the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit by at least one secondary electronic device; and
connecting to the first electronic device via a wireless network, and instructing the first electronic device to stop generating the specific signal by the secondary electronic device,
wherein the secondary electronic device records the time when the specific signal is received, the time when the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device, or identification data corresponding to the first electronic device, and the secondary electronic device receives a connection of a third electronic device via a wireless network, and transmits the time when the specific signal is received, the time when the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device, or the identification data corresponding to the first electronic device to the third electronic device via the wireless network.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the specific signal comprises identification data corresponding to the first electronic device, and the secondary electronic device further displays the identification data via a display unit, and the secondary electronic device automatically connects to the first electronic device via a wireless network according to the identification data when a selection corresponding to the identification data is received by the secondary electronic device.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising determining whether the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device via a wireless network in a predefined period after the specific signal is received by the secondary electronic device, and generating a prompt via the secondary electronic device when the secondary electronic device does not connect to the first electronic device via a wireless network in the predefined period.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising determining whether the secondary electronic device continuously receives the specific signal via the wireless network, and deleting or noting the specific signal in the secondary electronic device when the secondary electronic device does not continuously receive the specific signal via the wireless network.

14. A system for transmitting signals between electronic devices, comprising:
a first electronic device receiving an instruction, continuously generating a specific signal according to the instruction by a first electronic device, and broadcasting the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit; and
at least one secondary electronic device receiving the specific signal via a wireless network using a wireless connecting unit, connecting to the first electronic device via a wireless network, and instructing the first electronic device to stop generating the specific signal,
wherein the secondary electronic device records the time when the specific signal is received, the time when the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device, or identification data corresponding to the first electronic device, and the secondary electronic device receives a connection of a third electronic device via a wireless network, and transmits the time when the specific signal is received, the time when the secondary electronic device connects to the first electronic device, or the identification data corresponding to the first electronic device to the third electronic device via the wireless 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: Color Filter Panel And Liquid Crystal Display Device Including The Same

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field Exemplary embodiments relate to a color filter panel and a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) device including the same. More particularly, exemplary embodiments relate to a color filter panel which has better side visibility by disposing a height adjustment member so as to have a differentiated-cell-gap structure among red, green, and blue (RGB) pixel regions and an LCD device including the same. 2. Discussion of the Background A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) device may include two transparent substrates and a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. Such an LCD device displays a desired image by adjusting the light transmittance thereof for each pixel by driving the liquid crystal layer. In general, LCD panels disposed in LCD devices are classified into a transmissive-type display panel and a transflective-type display panel. The transmissive-type display panel displays an image using internal light generated in a backlight assembly, and the transflective-type display panel displays an image using externally generated light in addition to internal light generated therein. In particular, the transmissive-type display panel may need to have a differentiated-cell-gap structure based on properties of red light, green light, and blue light in order to enhance the visibility of the colors and the like. On the other hand, the transflective-type display panel may need to have a double-cell gap structure in which respective cell gaps in a transmissive area and a transflective area are different from one another, in order to significantly increase the transmittance thereof. The differentiated-cell-gap structure typically employs a scheme of causing a difference between cell gaps by varying a thickness of red, green, and blue color filters. Since a color filter commonly includes a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter, when two display panels are coupled to one another, the two display panels may need to be aligned properly to allow colors of respective pixels to face one another in a corresponding manner. However, since a light shielding member may need to be formed between pixels to occupy a relatively large space based on an alignment error of the two display panels, an aperture decreases, and thereby issues of a reduced aperture ratio, and the like, may occur. To address such issues, a scheme of forming a color filter through an inkjet technique has been suggested. In the case of forming a color filter through the inkjet technique, it may be advantageous in that a manufacturing process thereof can be simplified due to the omission of an exposure device. However, such a formation of a color filter through the inkjet technique may pose a difficulty in forming a differentiated-cell-gap structure using different thicknesses of color filters since the color filters are disposed in an aperture of a light shielding member. Further, in a case in which such a differentiated-cell-gap structure is formed using a column spacer that maintains a gap between an upper substrate and a lower substrate, manufacturing costs may increase. The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

Invention Disclosure:
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate; a thin film transistor disposed on the first substrate; a second substrate opposing the first substrate; a light shielding member disposed on the second substrate, the light shielding member including a first aperture and a second aperture; a color filter disposed in the first aperture; and a height adjustment member disposed in the second aperture.

[Assistant]
1. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a first substrate;
a thin film transistor disposed on the first substrate;
a second substrate opposing the first substrate;
a light shielding member disposed on the second substrate, the light shielding member comprising a first aperture and a second aperture;
a color filter disposed in the first aperture;
a height adjustment member disposed in the second aperture;
wherein the first aperture comprises at least two separate apertures, and the second aperture is disposed between the at least two separate apertures;
wherein the color filter comprises at least one of a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter;
wherein the height adjustment member comprises: a first height adjustment member interposed between color filters having a first color, a second height adjustment member interposed between color filters having a second color, and a third height adjustment member interposed between color filters having a third color;
wherein a height of the second height adjustment member is greater than a height of the first height adjustment member, and a height of the third height adjustment member is greater than the height of the second height adjustment member; and
support members disposed on the first height adjustment member, the second height adjustment member, and the third height adjustment member respectively.

2. The liquid crystal display device of claim 1, wherein a height difference between the first height adjustment member and the second height adjustment member is in a range of about 0.05 μm to about 0.15 μm, and a height difference between the second height adjustment member and the third height adjustment member is in a range of about 0.05 μm to about 0.15 μm.

3. The liquid crystal display device of claim 1, wherein a height of the height adjustment member is greater than a height of the light shielding member.

4. The liquid crystal display device of claim 3, wherein a height difference between the height adjustment member and the light shielding member is in a range of about 0.1 μm to about 1 μm.

5. The liquid crystal display device of claim 1, further comprising an overcoat layer covering the light shielding member, the color filter, and the height adjustment member.

6. The liquid crystal display device of claim 5, further comprising the support members disposed on the overcoat layer corresponding to the height adjustment member.

7. The liquid crystal display device of claim 5, further comprising: a common electrode disposed on the overcoat layer; and
the support members disposed on the common electrode corresponding to the height adjustment member.

8. The liquid crystal display device of claim 1, wherein the light shielding member and the height adjustment member comprise a same material.


[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: Hybrid System

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to hybrid system of a hybrid vehicle that uses an engine and a rotary machine as power sources. 2. Description of Related Art One such known hybrid system includes an engine, two rotary machines (e.g., electric motors), and a power split device (i.e., a planetary gear unit). In this hybrid system, a rotating shaft of the engine, rotating shafts of a first rotary machine and a second rotary machine and driving wheels, are connected to corresponding rotating elements of the power split device. For example, in a hybrid system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-120234 (JP 2008-120234 A) below, a planetary gear unit capable of operating as a speed change unit is arranged between the engine and the power split device. This speed change unit includes a rotating element that is connected to the rotating shaft of the engine, and a rotating element that is connected to a rotating element of the power split device. The rotating element of the power split device is a rotating element other than a rotating element that is connected to the rotating shaft of the first rotary machine and the rotating shaft of the second rotary machine, and the driving wheels. Moreover, the hybrid system described in JP 2008-120234 A is provided with an engagement device (i.e., a switching device) that changes speed ratios of the speed change device by switching the peed change device between a differential rotation possible state and a differential rotation not possible state. A hybrid system described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-120234 (JP 2008-120234 A) and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-265600 (JP 2008-265600 A) is provided with a clutch (i.e., a fixed element) that fixes a rotating shaft of the engine. With this hybrid system, the vehicle is able to travel using the power of both the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine, by engaging this clutch and stopping the rotation of the rotating shaft of the engine. Therefore, in this hybrid system, the power source to be used for traveling is selected by controlling the engine, the first rotary machine, the second rotary machine, and the clutch, according to the required driving force. Also, with the hybrid system in JP 2008-265600 A, when traveling by the power of both the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine, the torque split of the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine is determined according to the efficiency of both the first rotary machine and the second rotary machine. With a vehicle that employs a layout in which the engine is longitudinal mounted, such as a FR (Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive) vehicle, a power transmitting apparatus such as a transmission is covered by a floor tunnel below a floor panel. A floor tunnel is a tunnel portion of the body floor panel. Therefore, when a hybrid system having a structure such as that described in JP 2008-120234 A is mounted in this type of vehicle, a first rotary machine, a second rotary machine, a speed change device, a power split device, and an engagement device and the like are all arranged beneath this floor tunnel. Here, typically the floor tunnel becomes smaller in diameter toward the vehicle rear side, matching the shape of the case of the transmission. Therefore, when mounting this kind of hybrid system, it is desirable that the first rotary machine which, from among these, has a large diameter, be arranged toward the front of the vehicle in the floor tunnel. However, with this hybrid system, a hydraulically actuated engagement device has to be arranged farther toward the vehicle rear than the first rotary machine due to the arrangement of this first rotary machine, so the arrangement of an oil passage to supply hydraulic pressure to this engagement device is difficult.

Invention Disclosure:
A hybrid system includes an engine, a speed change device, a differential device, a rotary machine, a first engagement device, a case, and a cover wall. The first engagement device is configured to shift the speed change device, and be actuated by hydraulic pressure. The first engagement device includes a first oil chamber. The rotary machine is arranged between the first engagement device and the engine. The case houses the rotary machine, the speed change device, the differential device, and the first engagement device, and is connected to the engine and has an opening on the engine side. The cover wall covers the opening, and operating oil is supplied to the first oil chamber via the cover wall.

[Assistant]
1. A hybrid system comprising:
an engine;
a rotary machine;
a speed change device that has an input shaft, the input shaft being connected to a rotating shaft of the engine;
a differential device that has a plurality of differential rotating elements capable of differential rotation, the plurality of differential rotating elements including a first differential rotating element to which an output shaft of the speed change device is connected, and a second differential rotating element to which a rotating shaft of the rotary machine is connected;
a first engagement device configured to shift the speed change device, the first engagement device being configured to be actuated by hydraulic pressure, the first engagement device including a first oil chamber, the rotary machine being arranged between the first engagement device and the engine;
a case within which the rotary machine, the speed change device, the differential device, and the first engagement device are housed, the case being connected to the engine, and the case having an opening on the engine side; and
a cover wall that covers the opening, operating oil being supplied to the first oil chamber via the cover wall.

2. The hybrid system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a first oil passage arranged inside the cover wall; and
a second oil passage that connects the first oil passage to the first oil chamber.

3. The hybrid system according to claim 2, further comprising:
a second engagement device being configured to shift the speed change device, the second engagement device being configured to be actuated by hydraulic pressure, the second engagement device being arranged inside the case, and the rotary machine being arranged between the second engagement device and the engine,
wherein the second oil passage is provided in the second engagement device.

4. The hybrid system according to claim 3, wherein
the second engagement device includes a second oil chamber,
the hybrid system further comprising:
a third oil passage arranged inside the cover wall; and
a fourth oil passage that connects the third oil passage to the second oil chamber, the fourth oil passage provided in the second engagement device.

5. The hybrid system according to claim 2, further comprising:
a second engagement device being configured to shift the speed change device, the second engagement device being configured to be actuated by hydraulic pressure, the second engagement device being arranged inside the case, and the second engagement device being arranged between the rotary machine and the engine,
wherein the second oil passage is provided in the input shaft of the speed change device.

6. The hybrid system according to claim 5, wherein
the second engagement device includes a second oil chamber,
the hybrid system further comprising a third oil passage that is arranged inside the cover wall, and the third oil passage is configured to supply operating oil to the second oil chamber.


[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: Gas Purge Device And Gas Purge Method

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to gas purge of a container in which semiconductor substrates or the like are accommodated. 2. Description of the Related Art Articles such as semiconductor substrates or reticles are accommodated in a container such as a FOUP or a reticle pod, and the container is transported by a transporting device and is stored in a stocker, an automated warehouse, or the like. In this regard, a purge gas such as nitrogen gas or clean dry air is supplied from a nozzle into the container via a gas inlet part in order to prevent contamination and oxidation of the articles and the like. The gas inlet part is made of, for example, an elastic circular material and has a hole in the center. With respect to the supply of the purge gas, JP2012-248785 proposes introducing the purge gas into a container via a nozzle configured to move up and down with an air cylinder. In JP2012-248785, the contact pressure between the nozzle and the gas inlet part is maintained in a substantially constant range due to the air pressure applied by the air cylinder. On the other hand, if a fixed nozzle is put in contact with the gas inlet part of the container, the contact pressure changes due to a variation in the weight of the container depending on, for example, the presence or absence of semiconductor substrates, a variation in the height of the gas inlet part, or the like. Furthermore, the increases in the sizes of the semiconductor substrates have increased the weights of the containers. Therefore, pressed marks of the nozzle often remain on the surface of the gas inlet part made of an elastic material, and the gas inlet part often gets scratched. If the gas inlet part gets the nozzle mark or the scratches caused by the nozzle, the purge gas may leak due to the nozzle mark or the scratches caused by the nozzle on the gas inlet part, when the container has been transported and is newly put in contact with another nozzle. Furthermore, the gas inlet part and the nozzle are sometimes caught by each other due to the nozzle mark or the scratch caused by the nozzle, the container is prevented from sliding, and this possibly causes a failure in positioning of the container.

Invention Disclosure:
A gas inlet made of an elastic material is prevented from getting scratched by contact with a nozzle, and adhesion between the gas inlet and the nozzle is prevented. A container is positioned, and a purge gas is introduced from the nozzle into a gas inlet hole in the center of a circular bottom surface of the gas inlet provided on the bottom of the container. The nozzle has a planar top end surface having a size equal to or greater than that of the bottom surface of the gas inlet, and a nozzle hole in the center of the top end surface, and has a size equal to or smaller than that of the gas inlet hole. The top end surface is roughened or includes a lubricant so that the top end surface and the gas inlet are mutually slidable.

[Assistant]
1. A gas purge device positioning a container and comprising:
a nozzle to introduce a purge gas into a gas inlet; wherein
the gas inlet is made of an elastic material, provided on a bottom of the container, and provided with a circular bottom surface and a gas inlet hole in a center of the bottom surface;
the nozzle is provided with a top end surface having a size equal to or greater than that of the bottom surface of the gas inlet, and a nozzle hole located in a center of the top end surface and having a size equal to or smaller than that of the gas inlet hole of the container;
the top end surface is planar and protrudes upward from a top end of the nozzle such that the top end surface is an uppermost surface of the nozzle; and
the top end surface includes a lubricant or is roughened by bead blasting or cutting, and supports the gas inlet slidably.

2. The gas purge device according to claim 1, wherein the top end surface has a diameter equal to or greater than that of the gas inlet, and the nozzle hole has a diameter equal to or smaller than that of the gas inlet hole.

3. The gas purge device according to claim 2, wherein the top end surface contacts an entire surface of the gas inlet except for the gas inlet hole, to support the gas inlet, to apply a uniform or substantially uniform contact pressure from the nozzle to an entire surface of the gas inlet except for the gas inlet hole, to make the gas inlet slidable with respect to the top end surface, and to prevent adhesion between the gas inlet and the top end surface when positioning the container.

4. The gas purge device according to claim 1, wherein the top end surface is roughened.

5. The gas purge device according to claim 1, further comprising:
a rack support; and
positioning members provided on the rack support; wherein
the positioning members position the container on the rack support; and
the nozzle is fixed on the rack support at a fixed height so as not to move up and down.

6. A gas purge method comprising positioning a container and introducing a purge gas from a nozzle into a gas inlet, wherein
the gas inlet is made of an elastic material, provided on a bottom of the container, and provided with a circular bottom surface and a gas inlet hole in a center of the bottom surface;
the nozzle has a top end surface having a size equal to or greater than that of the bottom surface of the gas inlet, and a nozzle hole located in a center of the top end surface and having a size equal to or smaller than that of the gas inlet hole of the container;
the nozzle applies a contact pressure to an entire surface of the gas inlet except for the gas inlet hole;
the top end surface is planar and protrudes upward from a top end of the nozzle such that the top end surface is an uppermost surface of the nozzle;
the top end surface includes a lubricant or is roughened by bead blasting or cutting; and
the gas inlet is slidable with respect to the top end surface.

7. The gas purge method according to claim 6, wherein
the top end surface contacts with an entire surface of the gas inlet except for the gas inlet hole and applies a uniform or substantially uniform contact pressure from the nozzle to the entire surface of the gas inlet except for the gas inlet hole, and prevents application of a mark and a scratch on the gas inlet; and
adhesion between the gas inlet and the top end surface is prevented while positioning the container.

8. The gas purge device according to claim 4, wherein the top end surface roughening is defined by recesses and projections.

9. The gas purge device according to claim 8, wherein the recesses and the projections are arranged in a circular or spiral shape on the top end surface.

10. The gas purge device according to claim 9, wherein the top end surface is roughened by bead blasting.

11. The gas purge device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the gas inlet is made of the elastic material.

12. The gas purge device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic material of the gas inlet is rubber.


[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 Of Manufacturing A Circuit Device

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field The invention relates to a circuit device and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly relates to a circuit device incorporating a power semiconductor element that performs switching of a large current and to a method of manufacturing the same. 2. Description of the Related Art A structure of a conventional hybrid integrated circuit device 100 is described with reference to FIG. 9 . This technology is described for instance in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei 5-102645. A conductive pattern 103 is formed on a surface of a rectangular substrate 101 with an insulative layer 102 interposed therebetween. A certain electrical circuit is formed by fixedly attaching circuit elements on the conductive pattern 103 . Here, a semiconductor element 105 A and a chip element 105 B as the circuit elements are connected to the conductive pattern 103 . Leads 104 are connected to pads 109 each formed of a part of the conductive pattern 103 at a peripheral portion of the substrate 101 and function as external terminals. An encapsulating resin 108 has a function of encapsulating the electrical circuit formed on the surface of the substrate 101 . The semiconductor element 105 A is a power element through which a large current of about several to several hundreds of amperes flows for example and thus generates an extremely large amount of heat. Thus, the semiconductor element 105 A has been placed on an upper portion of a heat sink 110 placed on the conductive pattern 103 . The heat sink 110 is made of a piece of metal such as copper having a size of about length×width×thickness=10 mm×10 mm×1 mm for example. However, in the hybrid integrated circuit device 100 having the structure, to form a circuit such as an inverter circuit for converting a large current on the upper surface of the substrate 101 , the conductive pattern 103 needs to be wide to secure a current capacity. Thus, downsizing of the hybrid integrated circuit device 100 is hindered. Moreover, a heat sink needs to be prepared for each semiconductor element to secure heat dissipation, whereby the cost is increased.

Invention Disclosure:
In one form, a method of manufacturing a circuit device comprises providing a lead frame comprising a plurality of leads, each comprising an island portion, a bonding portion elevated from the island portion, a slope portion extending obliquely so as to connect the island portion and the bonding portion, and a lead portion extending from the bonding portion. The circuit elements are mounted on upper surfaces of the island portions, and are connected to corresponding bonding portions by wirings. Two leads are adapted to be connected to positive and negative sides of a power source, and another lead is an output lead for providing alternating-current power. Lower surfaces of the island portions are attached to an upper surface of a circuit board. The circuit board, the circuit elements, and the lead frame are encapsulated by a resin, so that the lead portions are not covered by the resin.

[Assistant]
1. A method of manufacturing a circuit device, comprising:
providing a lead frame comprising a plurality of leads, each of the leads comprising an island portion, a bonding portion elevated from the island portion, a slope portion extending obliquely so as to connect the island portion and the bonding portion, and a lead portion extending from the bonding portion,
mounting circuit elements on upper surfaces of the island portions;
connecting the circuit elements to corresponding bonding portions by wirings wherein one of the plurality of leads is a first input lead, another of the plurality of leads is a second input lead, and yet another of the plurality of leads is an output lead for outputting alternating-current power obtained by converting direct-current power inputted through the first input lead and the second input lead;
attaching lower surfaces of the island portions to an upper surface of a circuit board;
encapsulating by a resin the circuit board, the circuit elements and the lead frame so that the lead portions are not covered by the resin;
connecting the first input lead to a positive electrode of a direct-current power source; and
connecting the second input lead to a negative electrode side of the direct-current power source.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein a first circuit element of the circuit elements mounted on an island portion of a first lead of the leads and a bonding portion of a second lead of the leads are electrically connected through a first wiring.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein there is no other lead between the first lead and the second lead.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein there is a third lead between the first lead and the second lead, and the first wiring passes above the third lead.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein mounting circuit elements on upper surfaces of the island portions comprises:
mounting a diode on an upper surface of the island portion of a first lead; and
mounting a transistor on the upper surface of the island portion of the first lead.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein mounting the transistor on the upper surface of the island portion of the first lead further comprises:
mounting an insulated gate bipolar transistor on the upper surface of the island portion of the first lead.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:
mounting an insulative control board on the upper surface of the circuit board; and
mounting a control element on an upper surface of the insulative control board.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:
connecting the control element to at least one of the circuit elements through at least one wiring.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein connecting the control element to the at least one of the circuit elements through the at least one wiring comprises:
connecting the control element to the transistor through the at least one wiring.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
mounting an insulative control board on the upper surface of the circuit board; and
mounting a control element on an upper surface of the insulative control board.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
connecting the control element to at least one of the circuit elements through at least one wiring.


[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: Window Mounted Raft System

Technical Field and Background:
1. Technical Field The present application relates to a window mounted raft system for an aircraft. 2. Description of Related Art Aircraft that frequently fly over large bodies of water may be outfitted with flotation systems to be used in an emergency landing in the body of water. Referring to FIG. 1 , a rotorcraft 101 is outfitted with a plurality of inflatable flotation bags located under the rotorcraft. These flotation bags are configured to keep the rotorcraft afloat upon an emergency ditch of the aircraft into the body of water. Furthermore, an inflatable life raft may be packaged with one of the flotation bags, such as raft/flotation package 103 . The inflatable life raft is configured to provide flotation for the occupants of the rotorcraft. Packaging the life raft with one of the flotation bags causes the size of package 103 to cause an undesirable aerodynamic drag upon the rotorcraft. Furthermore, the size and location of the life raft/flotation package 103 encumbers the ingress/egress of passengers to/from the rotorcraft. As such, raft/flotation package 103 is susceptible to damage from being in a high traffic area of aircraft occupants. Furthermore, it is sometimes desirable for a rotorcraft operator to selectively remove the life raft from the rotorcraft. As such, packaging the life raft with the flotation bag prevents the removal of the life raft without also removing the flotation bag. Furthermore, packaging the life raft with the flotation bag typically requires a supplemental external compressed air bottle, as well as supplemental plumbing between the life raft and the supplemental bottle. Furthermore, packaging the life raft with the flotation bag keeps the rotorcraft pilot or crew from being able to control deployment and operation of the life raft. Hence, there is a need for an improved life raft system for an aircraft.

Invention Disclosure:
An inflatable life raft system for an aircraft includes a window coupled to a fuselage portion of the aircraft. A mechanism is used to selectively detach the window from the fuselage. An inflatable life raft is deployable to the exterior of the aircraft upon detachment of the window from the aircraft.

[Assistant]
1. An inflatable life raft system for a rotorcraft having a fuselage, the system comprising:
a panel;
a hinge attached to the panel and to the fuselage, wherein the panel is hingedly connected to the fuselage by the hinge, and wherein the panel is selectively removable from the rotorcraft by rotation to a prescribed degree of the panel about the hinge;
a first adapter coupled to the fuselage;
a second adapter coupled to the fuselage;
a mechanism configured for selectively removing the panel from the rotorcraft;
an inflatable life raft deployable to an exterior of the rotorcraft upon removal of the panel from the rotorcraft; and
a backing plate removably coupled to both the first adapter and the second adapter, the backing plate located inboard of the panel, the backing plate being located so as to create a stowage space for the inflatable life raft between the backing plate and the panel;
wherein the backing plate is removable from the fuselage while the panel is closed;
wherein the hinge is located on an exterior surface of the rotorcraft; and
wherein the mechanism configured for selectively removing the panel is only accessed from inside the fuselage of the rotorcraft.

2. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 1, further comprising:
a plurality of tool free fasteners;
wherein the plurality of tool free fasteners couple the backing plate to both the first adapter and the second adapter.

3. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 2, wherein the panel has an outwardly bulging contour so as to create space for the inflatable life raft.

4. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a pin mechanism for selectively detaching the panel from the fuselage of the rotorcraft.

5. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 4, further comprising:
a handle operably associated with the pin mechanism, the handle being located so that an occupant of the rotorcraft can actuate the pin mechanism.

6. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 4, the pin mechanism comprising:
a latch bracket coupled to the fuselage;
a keeper coupled to the panel; and
a pin sized for traversal through an opening formed by the latch bracket and the keeper.

7. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 4, wherein the pin mechanism is located near an upper portion of the panel.

8. The inflatable life raft system according to claim 1, further comprising a mooring line coupled to the inflatable life raft.


[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 For Configuring Dual Connectivity For Terminal By Base Station In Wireless Communication System And Apparatus For Same

Technical Field and Background:
Generally, a wireless communication system including a base station (BS) and a user equipment (UE) broadly provides various types of communication services including voice, data and the like to user devices through one or more base stations. And, a single base station may cover at least one or more cells. In recent years, user equipment traffic has exploded due to the development of the wireless communication system. To handle the explosion of the user equipment traffic, the structure of the current wireless communication system has been changed from the conventional vertical structure corresponding to a centralized based station based on a macro base station or a macro cell into a structure in which various kinds of small cells such as a pico cell, a femto cell and the like are interconnected to the macro base station or the macro cell. In small cell enhancements for E-UTRA and E-UTRAN as one of 3 rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard scopes, a lot of discussion has been made on improvement of a scenario using low-power base stations such as a pico base station and a femto base station and a concept of dual connectivity for enabling a user equipment to connect with the macro cell and the small cell simultaneously. Particularly, a small cell deployment scenario and requirements have been specified in TR 36.932. Moreover, additional functions and potential high layer technologies for improving the performance of E-UTRA and E-UTRAN and meeting the small cell deployment scenario and the requirements have been discussed in TR 36.842. Meanwhile, the small cell as the low-power base station, for example, the pico or femto base station may receive a service request from the user equipment connected to the pico or femto base station and then provide corresponding service. However, in some cases, the pico or femto base station may not provide the service requested by the user equipment appropriately. Moreover, in this case, since the user equipment is not connected to the macro base station although it is connected to the pico or femto base station, the macro base station may not provide the service in place of the pico or femto base station. In particular, it may cause a problem that the user equipment connected to the small cell is unable to receive the service as much as it requests. Accordingly, a method of solving the above problem is required.

Invention Disclosure:
The present invention relates to a method for configuring dual connectivity for a terminal by a base station in a wireless communication system and an apparatus for the same. The method for configuring the dual connectivity for the terminal by the base station in the wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: receiving a service request message from a terminal connected to a first base station; transmitting, to a second base station, a handover request message including a request for configuring dual connectivity with the terminal when the service request message includes a service that the first base station cannot support; and transmitting, to the terminal, a connectivity configuration message indicating connectivity between the terminal and the second base station on the basis of a handover response message received from the second base station in response to the handover request message.

[Assistant]
1. A method of configuring dual connectivity of a user equipment by a small base station in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
receiving a service request message from a user equipment connected to the small base station;
transmitting a handover request message including a request for configuring dual connectivity with the user equipment to a macro base station when the small base station is unable provide a service requested by the service request message; and
transmitting a connection configuration message for instructing a connection between the macro base station and the user equipment based on a handover response message received from the macro base station in response to the handover request message,
wherein the request for configuring the dual connectivity with the user equipment included in the handover request message comprises cause value for requesting a dual connectivity configuration with respect to a specific bearer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the small base station corresponds to either a femto base station or a pico base station.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a preset established connection between the small base station and the user equipment is detached before the user equipment performs the connectivity with the user equipment is performed based on a connection request message received from the macro base station for requesting a connection to the user equipment after the user equipment performs the connection to the macro base station.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the small base station provides a service comprised in the service request message to the user equipment together with the macro base station after performing the dual connectivity with the user equipment.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the dual connectivity with the user equipment is performed based on the connection request message received from the macro base station for requesting the connection to the user equipment, and
wherein the dual connectivity with the user equipment is performed after the macro base station provides the service comprised in the service request message to the user equipment.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the connection configuration message transmitted to the macro base station comprises information for instructing the user equipment to perform the connection to the macro base station without detaching the preset established connection between the small base station and the user equipment.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a case that the service request message comprises the service unable to be supported by the small base station comprises a case that the small base station cannot support the service comprised in the service request message due to a load of the small base station.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein a case that the service request message comprises the service unable to be supported by the small base station comprises a case that the service comprised in the service request message has QoS (quality of service) higher than QoS supportable by the small base station.

9. An apparatus of configuring dual connectivity with a user equipment in a wireless communication system, the method comprising:
a radio frequency transceiver comprising a transmitting transceiver and a receiving transceiver;
a processor configured to support communication of the apparatus connected to the transmitting transceiver and receiving transceiver;
wherein the processor is further configured to:
receive a service request message from a user equipment using the receiving transceiver,
transmitting a handover request message including a request for configuring dual connectivity with the user equipment to a macro base station using the transmitting transceiver when the apparatus is unable to provide a service requested by the service request message, and
transmit a connection configuration message for instructing a connection between the macro base station and the user equipment based on a handover response message received from the macro base station in response to the handover request message using the transmitting transceiver, and
wherein the request for configuring the dual connectivity with the user equipment included in the handover request message comprises cause value for requesting a dual connectivity configuration with respect to a specific bearer.


[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: Payload Orientation Control And Stabilization

Technical Field and Background:
High-altitude balloons have emerged as an increasingly utilized tool for the deployment of research, surveillance, and reconnaissance payloads. As compared to conventional means for payload deployment such as rockets and aircraft which are technologically complex and capital-intensive, high-altitude balloons present a mechanically simple and low-cost alternative. While the financial appeal for using high-altitude balloons for payload deployment is readily apparent, a number of technological issues currently inhibit the implementation in applications requiring a high degree of payload control and stability. For example, balloon-mounted payloads are highly susceptible to externally applied forces from the immediate atmospheric conditions (e.g., wind, temperature, precipitation, and the like) as well as internal rotational forces generated by moving mechanical components operating within the attached payload. Such effects, whether viewed alone or in combination, may generate significant destabilizing vibrations and oscillations of the payload and the components housed therein. Consequently, balloon-mounted payloads fail to exhibit adequate directional control and/or stability required for many far reaching applications.

Invention Disclosure:
Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.

[Assistant]
1. A balloon payload stabilization system comprising:
a balloon envelope; and
a gondola mechanically coupled to the balloon envelope, the gondola including:
one or more rotational stabilization devices configured to stabilize the gondola around at least a first axis of rotation relative to an orientation of the balloon payload stabilization system;
a powered gimbal configured to rotate around one or more axes relative to the orientation of the balloon payload stabilization system; and
a payload coupled to the powered gimbal, the payload configured to be positioned by the powered gimbal;
one or more processors; and
memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the balloon payload stabilization system to:
determine a first position of the payload, wherein the first position corresponds to a current position of the payload;
determine a second position of the payload, wherein the second position corresponds to a next position of the payload;
in response to determining the first position and the second position, calculate powered gimbal rotational commands corresponding to positioning the payload by the powered gimbal to the second position from the first position;
transmit first output signals to the powered gimbal, wherein the first output signals include the powered gimbal rotational commands;
determine that the powered gimbal has positioned the payload to the second position;
in response to determining that the payload has been positioned to the second position by the powered gimbal, calculate rotational stabilization device rotational commands corresponding to maintaining and stabilizing the second position of the payload; and
transmit second output signals to the one or more rotational stabilization devices, wherein the second output signals include the rotational stabilization device rotational commands.

2. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the one or more rotational stabilization devices includes at least one of: a propeller, an impeller, an air thruster, a gas thruster, an electromagnetic thruster, or a rocket.

3. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 1, further comprising:
a coupling member mechanically coupling the balloon envelope to the gondola; and
a balloon release device positioned on the coupling member between the balloon envelope and the gondola, wherein the balloon release device is configured to decouple the gondola from the balloon envelope.

4. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 3, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the balloon payload stabilization system to:
determine that the balloon payload stabilization system has reached a predetermined altitude; and
in response to determining that the balloon payload stabilization system has reached the predetermined altitude, transmitting, to the balloon release device, third output signals corresponding to decoupling the gondola from the balloon envelope.

5. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 4, wherein the payload includes a carousel device comprising:
a collimator including an outer end portion and an inner housing portion, wherein the outer end portion is configured to be positioned and aligned; and
a rotatable mechanism positioned within the inner housing portion, the rotatable mechanism including a plurality of outer faces,
wherein the rotatable mechanism is configured to rotate and expose an outer face of the plurality of outer faces to the outer end portion, wherein the rotatable mechanism comprises a plurality of hardware components, and wherein at least a hardware component of the plurality of hardware components is disposed on each outer face of the plurality of outer faces of the rotatable mechanism.

6. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of hardware components includes at least one of: a solar cell, an antenna, a communication device, a GPS receiver, a barometer, and a camera.

7. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 6, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the balloon payload stabilization system to:
determine at least a hardware component of the plurality of hardware components to be used;
in response to determining at least the hardware component of the plurality of hardware components, rotate the rotatable mechanism to expose a first outer face of the plurality of outer faces to the outer end portion of the collimator.

8. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 1, wherein the gondola further comprises one or more flywheels configured to stabilize around at least the first axis of rotation.

9. The balloon payload stabilization system of claim 8, wherein the computer-readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, further cause the balloon payload stabilization system to:
determine that the powered gimbal has positioned the payload to the second position; and
in response to determining that the payload has been positioned to the second position by the powered gimbal, calculate flywheel rotational commands corresponding to maintaining and stabilizing the second position of the payload; and
transmit fourth output signals to the one or more flywheels, wherein the fourth output signals include the flywheel rotational commands.

10. A method comprising:
determining a first position of a payload, wherein the first position corresponds to a current position of the payload;
determining a second position of the payload, wherein the second position corresponds to a next position of the payload;
in response to determining the first position, calculating powered gimbal rotational commands corresponding to positioning the payload by a powered gimbal to the second position from the first position;
transmitting first output signals to the powered gimbal, wherein the first output signals include the powered gimbal rotational commands;
determining that the powered gimbal has positioned the payload to the second position;
in response to determining that the payload has been positioned to the second position by the powered gimbal, calculating rotational stabilization device rotational commands corresponding to maintaining and stabilizing the second position of the payload; and
transmitting second output signals to one or more rotational stabilization devices, wherein the second output signals include the rotational stabilization device rotational commands.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining that a balloon payload stabilization system has reached a predetermined altitude; and
in response to determining that the balloon payload stabilization system has reached a predetermined altitude, transmitting, to a balloon release device, third output signals to decouple the gondola from a balloon envelope.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the payload is a carousel device, and wherein the calculating powered gimbal rotational commands further includes:
determining at least a hardware component of a plurality of hardware components positioned within a rotatable mechanism of the carousel to be used;
in response to determining at least the hardware component of the plurality of hardware components, rotating the rotatable mechanism to expose a first outer face of a plurality of outer faces to an outer end portion of a collimator, wherein at least the hardware component of the plurality of hardware components is disposed on the first outer face.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of hardware components include at least one of: a solar cell, an antenna, a communication device, a GPS receiver, a barometer, and a camera.

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining that the powered gimbal has positioned the payload to the second position; and
in response to determining that the payload has been positioned to the second position by the powered gimbal, calculating flywheel rotational commands corresponding to maintaining and stabilizing the second position of the payload; and
transmit fourth output signals to one or more flywheels, wherein the fourth output signals include the flywheel rotational commands.


[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: Dual Purpose Temporary Clip For Vehicle

Technical Field and Background:
Modern vehicles commonly have a variety of safety equipment to protect occupants. For example, inflatable restraints can be integrated with vehicle components located in the interior of the vehicle. The inflatable restraint can include an airbag attached to a vehicle rail, such as a curtain side airbag (CSA). In response to an activation event, a sensor can activate an inflator to generate an inflation gas that rapidly inflates an inflatable portion to facilitate protection of an occupant. The CSA can be attached to bracket (s) welded to the vehicle rail. Vehicles may be equipped with other components that are attached to the vehicle rail, such as a garnish to provide a desired aesthetic appearance or assist grips to aid the ingress and egress of a vehicle user. These other components can be attached to a vehicle rail using brackets welded to the rail. It may be desirable to use/share the same welded bracket on the vehicle rail to attach portions of both the assist grip and the CSA. However, the alignment of both the CSA and the other component on the same bracket can be cumbersome and time consuming.

Invention Disclosure:
Clips that can be used to temporarily hold a curtain side airbag (CSA) to a bracket on a vehicle rail are disclosed. The clips can be integrated into the CSA and allow the CSA to be positioned on the brackets temporarily until such time as a more secure means is utilized, such as a threaded fastener. The clips allow access to an opening in the bracket that is configured to receive a fastener that can be used to secure both the grip assist and the CSA to the bracket. The clip thereby allows the CSA to be positioned on the vehicle rail without interfering with the subsequent attachment of a grip assist to the same bracket. The fastener that attaches the grip assist to the bracket also serves to secure the CSA to the bracket. The clip remains attached to the bracket and to the CSA.

[Assistant]
1. A system for attaching components to a vehicle, the system comprising:
a fastener;
an inflatable restraint;
a clip operatively connected to the restraint, the clip having a retention feature and an opening, the retention feature comprising a first hook portion and a second hook portion;
a bracket operatively connected to a vehicle side rail, the bracket having an opening and an engagement feature, wherein the engagement feature is configured to engage the retention feature with the first hook portion on the clip in an open recess on a leg of the bracket and to engage the second hook portion on the clip with a projection on an upper surface of the bracket;
wherein the retention feature engages with the engagement feature and retains the restraint coupled to the bracket with the openings aligned with one another without the use of the fastener; and
wherein the fastener is subsequently inserted into the aligned openings and secures the restraint to the bracket along with the clip.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the engagement feature is a second opening in the bracket and the retention feature engages with the engagement feature by insertion into the second opening.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first hook portion or the second hook portion which comprises a free end that is inserted into the second opening to retain the restraint coupled to the bracket without the use of the fastener.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the retention feature comprises a connector with at least one resilient wing that deforms during insertion into the second opening to retain the restraint coupled to the bracket without the use of the fastener.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the bracket further comprises an upper surface, the second opening is in the leg and the opening is in the upper surface.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a first engagement feature and a second engagement features, the first engagement feature is an open recess along a leg of the bracket, the second engagement feature is a projection along an upper surface of the bracket, the retention feature engages with the first engagement feature and inhibits rotation of the restraint relative to the bracket, the retention feature engages with the second engagement feature, and engagement of the retention feature with the engagement features retains the restraint coupled to the bracket with the openings aligned with one another without the use of the fastener.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising another vehicle component having an opening therein, the component being positioned on the bracket above the clip with component opening aligned with the clip opening and the bracket opening and wherein the fastener is inserted into the aligned openings and secures the component and the restraint to the bracket along with the clip.

8. A vehicle, comprising:
at least one side rail;
a bracket operatively connected to the side rail, the bracket having an opening and an engagement feature;
a vehicle component having an opening;
a fastener;
an inflatable restraint;
a clip operatively connected to the restraint, the clip having a retention feature and an opening, the retention feature comprising a first hook portion and a second hook portion;
wherein the retention feature engages with the engagement feature and retains the restraint operatively coupled to the side rail with the clip and mounting openings aligned with one another without the use of the fastener;
wherein the component opening is subsequently aligned with the clip and the mounting openings and the fastener is inserted into the aligned openings and secures the component and restraint to relative to the side rail along with the clip; and
wherein the engagement feature is configured to engage the retention feature with the first hook portion on the clip in an open recess on a leg of the bracket and to engage a second hook portion on the clip with a projection on an upper surface of the bracket.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising:
at least one bracket operatively connected to the side rail, the mounting opening and engagement feature being in the bracket; and
wherein the engagement feature is a second opening in the bracket and the retention feature engages with the engagement feature by insertion into the second opening.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the first hook portion or the second hook portion which comprises a free end that is inserted into the second opening to retain the restraint coupled to the bracket without the use of the fastener.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the retention feature comprises a connector with at least one resilient wing that deforms during insertion into the second opening to retain the restraint coupled to the bracket without the use of the fastener.

12. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the bracket further comprises an upper surface, the second opening is in the leg and the opening is in the upper surface.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising:
at least one bracket operatively connected to the side rail, the mounting opening and engagement feature being in the bracket; and
wherein the bracket includes a first engagement feature and a second engagement features, the first engagement feature is an open recess along a leg of the bracket, the second engagement feature is a projection along an upper surface of the bracket, the retention feature engages with the first engagement feature and inhibits rotation of the restraint relative to the bracket, the retention feature engages with the second engagement feature, and engagement of the retention feature with the engagement features retains the restraint coupled to the bracket with the openings aligned with one another without the use of the fastener.

14. A method of attaching multiple components to a vehicle, the method comprising:
operatively connecting a bracket to a side rail, the bracket having an opening and an engagement feature;
operatively connecting a clip of an inflatable restraint to the bracket with an opening in the clip aligned with an opening in the bracket, the clip further having a retention feature, the retention feature comprising a first hook portion and a second hook portion, wherein the engagement feature of the bracket is configured to engage the retention feature with the first hook portion on the clip in an open recess on a leg of the bracket and to engage a second hook portion on the clip with a projection on an upper surface of the bracket;
maintaining the connection of the clip to the bracket without the use of a fastener;
aligning an opening in another vehicle component with the aligned openings in the clip and bracket;
inserting a fastener through the aligned openings; and
securing the component, the clip and the restraint to the bracket with the fastener.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein connecting the clip to the bracket includes engaging the retention feature of the clip with the engagement feature of the bracket, the engaging retaining the clip and the restraint on the bracket with the openings aligned and without the use of the fastener.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging the retention feature with the engagement feature includes positioning the first hook portion or the second hook portion on the clip in a second opening in the leg of the bracket and retaining the clip and restraint on the bracket through gravity and the engagement of the retaining and engagement features.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising inhibiting rotation of the dip and restraint relative to the bracket through the engagement of the first hook portion with the open recess.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein engaging the retention feature with the engagement feature includes inserting a connector having at least one deformable wing through a second opening in the bracket.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the other vehicle component is a grip assist.