[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: Lighting System And Method For Controlling Lighting System

Technical Field and Background:
1. Technical Field The present disclosure relates to a lighting system which controls dimming of a lighting device. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a lighting system has been known which controls a dimming level of a lighting device such as an LED light on the ceiling. For example, according to a dimming control system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-349065, a dimming-control parent device transmits, to a dimming-control terminal, a control-target value for adjusting the amount of light emitted from a lighting device. The dimming control parent device stores an operation schedule in which a control-target value and a time to start the control are associated with one another, and transmits the control-target value to the dimming control terminal when the current time comes to the start time.

Invention Disclosure:
A lighting system includes: a lighting device; a lighting controller; and a system controller. The system controller includes: a timer; a schedule storage for storing schedule information; a first communication circuit; and an instruction controller which causes a first communication circuit to transmit control information which includes an instruction associated with time indicated by a counter value. The lighting controller includes: a sensor which detects a person in a space where the lighting device is disposed, and brightness of the space; a second communication circuit; and a dimming controller which switches to one of modes that is indicated in the control information from another of the modes and executes the one of the modes, where the modes include (a) a human detection mode, (b) a brightness detection mode, and (c) a dimming level fixed mode.

[Assistant]
1. A lighting system comprising:
a lighting device which includes a light source and a lighting circuit which causes the light source to provide illumination;
a lighting controller which controls dimming of the lighting device by controlling the lighting circuit; and
a system controller which controls the lighting controller,
the system controller including:
a timer which outputs a counter value indicating a time;
a schedule storage for storing schedule information which includes an instruction directed to the lighting controller and a time associated with the instruction;
a first communication circuit which transmits information to the lighting controller; and
an instruction controller which identifies, from the schedule information, an instruction associated with the time indicated by the counter value, and causes the first communication circuit to transmit control information which includes the identified instruction,
the lighting controller including:
a sensor which detects a person in a space where the lighting device is disposed, and brightness of the space;
a second communication circuit which receives the control information transmitted from the system controller; and
a dimming controller which switches to one of modes that is indicated in the control information from another of the modes and executes the one of the modes, the modes including (a) a human detection mode for controlling the dimming in accordance with a result of human detection by the sensor, (b) a brightness detection mode for controlling the dimming in accordance with a result of detection of the brightness by the sensor, and (c) a dimming level fixed mode for controlling the dimming by maintaining a dimming level at a fixed value,
wherein the schedule information includes an instruction to switch from one of the modes including the human detection mode, the brightness detection mode, and the dimming level fixed mode to another of the modes and a time to give the instruction, the time being associated with the instruction,
according to the control information, the dimming controller switches from one of the human detection mode and the brightness detection mode to the other, switches from one of the brightness detection mode and the dimming level fixed mode to the other, and switches from one of the dimming level fixed mode and the human detection mode to the other,
when the identified instruction indicates the human detection mode, the instruction controller causes the first communication circuit to transmit the control information which includes a parameter indicating one of a dimming level based on a state of a person when the person is detected and a dimming level for a case when no person is detected,
when the control information indicates the human detection mode, the dimming controller controls the dimming using the dimming level indicated by the parameter, and
the dimming controller controls the dimming using different dimming levels between a case when the result of human detection output from the sensor indicates that the detected person is moving and a case when the result of human detection output from the sensor indicates that the detected person is not moving.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein:
when the identified instruction indicates the brightness detection mode, the instruction controller causes the first communication circuit to transmit the control information which includes a parameter indicating a target value representing target brightness, and
when the control information indicates the brightness detection mode, the dimming controller controls the dimming to make the brightness which is detected by the sensor approximate to the target value indicated by the parameter.

3. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein:
the counter value output by the timer indicates at least month and day of a date, in addition to the time,
the schedule storage further stores parameter information indicating a plurality of the parameters associated with periods, and
the instruction controller reads, from among the plurality of parameters indicated by the parameter information, a parameter associated with a period which includes at least one of the month and the day indicated by the counter value, and causes the first communication circuit to transmit the control information which includes the read parameter.

4. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein:
the schedule information further includes an identifier tied with the time and associated with the instruction directed to the lighting controller,
the counter value output by the timer indicates at least month and day of a date, in addition to the time,
the schedule storage further stores time-of-day information indicating times of day associated with periods and identifiers including the identifier, and
the instruction controller reads, from among the identifiers in the time-of-day information, an identifier corresponding to (i) a period which includes at least one of the month and the day indicated by the counter value and (ii) the time indicated by the counter value, and identifies, from the schedule information, an instruction associated with the read identifier.

5. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein:
plural lighting devices having assigned addresses, respectively, are provided,
the dimming controller transmits, to the lighting devices, instruction information which includes at least one address among the assigned addresses and information indicating a dimming level, to control the dimming of at least one lighting device having the at least one address, among the lighting devices,
the lighting circuit of each of the lighting devices receives the instruction information, and
when the at least one address indicated in the instruction information includes the address of a lighting device among the lighting devices, the lighting circuit of the lighting device causes the light source of the lighting device to provide illumination at the dimming level indicated in the instruction information.

6. A lighting system comprising:
a lighting device which includes a light source and a lighting circuit which causes the light source to provide illumination;
a lighting controller which controls dimming of the lighting device by controlling the lighting circuit; and
a system controller which controls the lighting controller,
the system controller including:
a timer which outputs a counter value indicating a time;
a schedule storage for storing schedule information which includes an instruction directed to the lighting controller and a time associated with the instruction;
a first communication circuit which transmits information to the lighting controller; and
an instruction controller which identifies, from the schedule information, an instruction associated with the time indicated by the counter value, and causes the first communication circuit to transmit control information which includes the identified instruction,
the lighting controller including:
a sensor which detects a person in a space where the lighting device is disposed, and brightness of the space;
a second communication circuit which receives the control information transmitted from the system controller; and
a dimming controller which switches to one of modes that is indicated in the control information from another of the modes and executes the one of the modes, the modes including (a) a human detection mode for controlling the dimming in accordance with a result of human detection by the sensor, (b) a brightness detection mode for controlling the dimming in accordance with a result of detection of the brightness by the sensor, and (c) a dimming level fixed mode for controlling the dimming by maintaining a dimming level at a fixed value, wherein:
the first communication circuit further receives setting information for controlling operation of the lighting device, which is transmitted from a communication terminal, and
the instruction controller further generates or updates the schedule information, using the setting information received by the first communication circuit, and causes the schedule storage to store the generated or updated schedule information,
wherein the schedule information includes an instruction to switch from one of the modes including the human detection mode, the brightness detection mode, and the dimming level fixed mode to another of the modes and a time to give the instruction, the time being associated with the instruction,
according to the control information, the dimming controller switches from one of the human detection mode and the brightness detection mode to the other, switches from one of the brightness detection mode and the dimming level fixed mode to the other, and switches from one of the dimming level fixed mode and the human detection mode to the other,
when the identified instruction indicates the human detection mode, the instruction controller causes the first communication circuit to transmit the control information which includes a parameter indicating one of a dimming level based on a state of a person when the person is detected and a dimming level for a case when no person is detected,
when the control information indicates the human detection mode, the dimming controller controls the dimming using the dimming level indicated by the parameter, and
the dimming controller controls the dimming using different dimming levels between a case when the result of human detection output from the sensor indicates that the detected person is moving and a case when the result of human detection output from the sensor indicates that the detected person is not moving.

7. The lighting system according to claim 6, wherein
the first communication circuit further transmits at least a part of the schedule information stored in the schedule storage to the communication terminal.

8. The lighting system according to claim 6, wherein
at least one communication circuit among the first communication circuit and the second communication circuit transmits, to the communication terminal which communicates with the at least one communication circuit, mode information indicating which mode among the human detection mode, the brightness detection mode, and the dimming level fixed mode the dimming controller is executing.

9. A method for controlling a lighting system which includes: a lighting controller which controls dimming of a lighting device; and a system controller which controls the lighting controller,
the system controller including: a timer which outputs a counter value indicating a time; and a schedule storage for storing schedule information which includes an instruction directed to the lighting controller and a time associated with the instruction,
the lighting controller including a sensor which detects a person in a space where the lighting device is disposed, and brightness of the space,
the method comprising:
identifying, by the system controller from the schedule information, an instruction associated with the time indicated by the counter value;
transmitting, by the system controller, control information which includes the identified instruction to the lighting controller;
receiving, by the lighting controller, the control information transmitted from the system controller; and
switching, by the lighting controller, to one of modes that is indicated in the control information from another of the modes, and executing, by the lighting controller, the one of the modes, the modes including (a) a human detection mode for controlling the dimming in accordance with a result of human detection by the sensor, (b) a brightness detection mode for controlling the dimming in accordance with a result of detection of the brightness by the sensor, and (c) a dimming level fixed mode for controlling the dimming by maintaining a dimming level at a fixed value,
wherein the schedule information includes an instruction to switch from one of the modes including the human detection mode, the brightness detection mode, and the dimming level fixed mode to another of the modes and a time to give the instruction, the time being associated with the instruction,
according to the control information, the lighting controller switches from one of the human detection mode and the brightness detection mode to the other, switches from one of the brightness detection mode and the dimming level fixed mode to the other, and switches from one of the dimming level fixed mode and the human detection mode to the other,
when the identified instruction indicates the human detection mode, the control information, which includes a parameter, is transmitted, the parameter indicating one of a dimming level based on a state of a person when the person is detected and a dimming level for a case when no person is detected,
when the control information indicates the human detection mode, the dimming is controlled, by the lighting controller, using the dimming level indicated by the parameter, and
the dimming is controlled, by the lighting controller, using different dimming levels between a case when the result of human detection output from the sensor indicates that the detected person is moving and a case when the result of human detection output from the sensor indicates that the detected person is not moving.


[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: Remote Control Unit And A Method For Controlling Electric Devices By Using Such A Remote Control Unit

Technical Field and Background:
Many of the modern domestic electric appliances as well as some special devices are operated by remote control panels (hereinafter—a RC panel). This is especially related to the modern TV receivers or television signal playback devices (in particular, OTT or IPTV digital signals), operating of which without a RC panel is difficult to imagine. Obviously, as the number of electric appliances employed by a user increases, the problem of control becomes more complicated, since each device is generally provided with its own panel, so it is easy to lose these panels or mistake one for another. In this regard, there is a need for designing a single RC panel, which is capable of controlling different devices including those intended for different purposes. Another problem inherent in the known RC panels is related to the fact that people who share a certain common device, for example, members of one family or employees of one company give different preferences to the settings of this device. Therefore, they find themselves in the situation of conflict as related to the use of this shared device, permanently readjusting the device for themselves and thus disrupting settings made by other users. As an example, different members of the same family are, as a rule, fans of absolutely different TV channels and programs. Men usually prefer sports channels and, accordingly, adjust a TV receiver in such a way that it is more convenient to call the content of a sports channel. Women are enthusiastic about TV series, children watch animated cartoons. Therefore, in order for a user to go ahead with viewing of the TV-content of interest for him/her, he/she often has to manipulate the RC panel for a long time, monitoring the content and selecting the desired channel and television program. The same can be true for air conditioners, radio receivers, kitchen machines and other devices. Unfortunately, modern RC panels do not enable adaptation of an electric device to the preferences of several users simultaneously without sacrificing the settings made by each of these users. Accordingly, there is a need in the prior art for designing such a RC panel that would provide different users with the possibility of adapting related devices to the requirements of these users without loss of settings made by other users of these devices and this panel. Further, let's turn attention to the following aspect. When controlling devices by means of a RC panel, a user is interested in generation of control input with minimum operating of the panel, ideally, by pressing only one button. This requirement can be easily observed if the RC panel has information about the user's preferences and as if anticipates his/her wishes. Meanwhile, currently known RC panels are prevented from adapting to the user's preferences based on the statistics of his/her behavior when handling the panel and controlled devices. Therefore, the prior art does not represent RC panels enabling the user to send the required control signal to the desired device by pressing only one button. Finally, let's consider the aspect concerning the content provider, in particular, operators and advertisers. The content provider always seeks that the delivered information resources find their target audience as closely as possible. In this respect, the goals of subscribers, operators and advertisers coincide. The subscribers are provided with psychological comfort, if they are protected against TV-content, unneeded and uninteresting for them, while their TV-receiver is only tuned to playout favorite programs and channels. The situation when transmitted content is maximally focused is highly profitable for operators and advertisers. In this case, the broadcast program or advertisement will be delivered to the targeted audience and, as a consequence, will have maximum effect. Accordingly, operators and advertisers are very interested in the emergence of mechanism that enables identifying preferences of the TV content users. Such mechanisms are presented in the sphere of Internet technologies and delivery of digital TV content to personal devices. However, this problem has not been solved so far in the sphere of digital television playout on a big screen having several active users with different interests. The prior art discloses RC panels that ensure the possibility of controlling several devices mated with them.

Invention Disclosure:
A method and system for controlling an electric device via a remote control panel comprises providing a network server that includes a database reflecting user preferences and statistics of usage of the device by the respective users; providing an application proxy on the device which is capable of controlling the device; providing the panel with controls configured to highlight the relevant control function; and associating at least one user with at least one relevant control. When a control is operated by a user, the panel operates in a mode associated with the profile of the user and with the pressed control. Usage statistics accumulated on the server is assessed by the server. An event that indicates the need for making a certain action to control the device by a certain user results in sending, by the server, a PUSH-notification containing information on the user who should exercise control and on the required control to the device.

[Assistant]
1. A method for controlling an electric device by means of a remote control panel, the method comprising the following steps:
providing a network server that comprises a database containing data reflecting user preferences towards the use of the said electric device, and the statistics of usage of the device by the users;
providing an application proxy on the device, which is capable of controlling the device upon receiving a relevant command from the panel,
providing the panel with controls and an illuminated indicator configured to highlight the relevant control with light of a certain property,
associating at least one user with at least one relevant control, upon pressing one of the controls by the user placing the panel in the mode of device control from the profile of the user associated with the pressed control, assessing the device usage statistics accumulated on the server as concerning the user associated with the pressed control,
detecting via the server, an event that indicates the need for taking action to control the device by the user,
sending to the device, via the server, a PUSH-notification containing information on the user who should exercise control and on the required control action,
transferring the PUSH-notification, received from the server, by the device to the panel,
highlighting the relevant control by the panel using light of a certain property, wherein the highlighted control corresponds to the user, information on which is contained in the PUSH-notification, and the highlighted control element corresponds to the type of the required control action,
actuating the highlighted control on the panel,
transferring, by the panel to the device, a command instructing the application proxy to take control of the device along with the indication of the control action to be executed,
initiating, by the application proxy, control of the device that results in execution of the required control action by this device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is a digital television playback device and is operated by means of the panel.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of setting up via the server a filter for the content to be sent to the digital television playback device for at least one definite user.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising a step of associating the user with a guest control element, wherein statistics of the user associated with the guest control element are ignored by the server when the guest control element is pressed.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the panel operates a group of electric devices, wherein the PUSH-notification sent by the server contains additional information on the device to be controlled, and a certain property of light, used at the step of highlighting a certain control by the panel further corresponds to the device to be controlled,
wherein, in situation when two or more devices simultaneously require control action from the user associated with the same control, the method further comprises a step of selecting by the user, via the control, a specific device to which the command for execution of the required control action will be transferred as a result of pressing the highlighted control by the user.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising operating, via the panel, a device furnished with a memory unit to record user preferences towards the usage of the device, wherein the server does not accumulate the usage statistics of the device and, correspondingly, a command instructing the application proxy to take control of the device, transferred by the panel, comprises a control action preset without the use of the server, solely by relevant manipulating the control element.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is performed using a remote control panel comprising a virtual panel on a display of a personal computer device.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step of searching for the panel by sending a query to the panel from one of the server and the controlled device connected to the panel.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising a step during which the server, based on the signals received from the panel, analyses user tactile preferences towards manipulating the controls, wherein information on the tactile preferences is stored in the said database.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising a step during which the server compares the accumulated data on the preferences and/or statistics of the user associated with the currently pressed button of the user profile and the current data on the preferences and/or statistics of the active user and, when there is disagreement between these data, the method further comprises a step of sending a notification to check the current profile to the said user.

11. A remote control panel designed to implement the method of claim 1, the panel comprising:
a processor,
a power supply unit,
controls including a control element and at least one user profile button, wherein the said at least one user profile button can be associated with at least one relevant user,
a transceiver having a radio frequency transmit-receive module configured to communicate with the electric device to be controlled,
and visible indication means configured to highlight a certain control using light of a certain property in response to a command from the processor,
wherein the processor is configured to analyze a PUSH-notification received by the transceiver during communication with the controlled device, and to issue a command to the visible indication means for highlighting a certain control using light of a certain property, and wherein the highlighted control corresponds to the user information which is contained in the PUSH-notification, and the said property of light corresponds to the type of the required control action,
wherein the user profile buttons of the panel are configured such that pressing one of the user profile buttons places the panel in the mode of device control from the profile of the user associated with this pressed user profile button, while pressing the relevant control element when the relevant control is highlighted using light of a certain property results in sending to the device to be controlled a command instructing the application proxy to take control of the device along with an indication of the control action to be executed.

12. The panel of claim 11, wherein said panel is configured to operate a digital television playback device.

13. The panel of claim 11, wherein said panel is configured to control a group of electric devices, wherein the controls are configured to select a specific device to which, a command to execute the required control action will be transferred as a result of pressing the highlighted control.

14. The panel of claim 11, further comprising a speaker and a vibrator.

15. The panel of claim 14, wherein the speaker is configured to issue an audio signal upon receipt by the panel of a query for searching the panel from the server and/or controlled device.

16. The panel of claim 11, wherein the transceiver comprises an IR module for providing compatibility of the panel with devices having an IR port.


[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: Radiation Detector

Technical Field and Background:
A radiation detector which includes a scintillator portion having a plurality of segments, and a light detection unit which detects scintillation light at a plurality of portions of the scintillator portion is known (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-93376, Japanese Patent No. 4332613, Japanese Patent No. 4338177, Japanese Patent No. 3597979, Japanese Patent No. 3697340, Japanese Patent No. 5013864, and WO 2012/105292 A). In the radiation detector, the segment which absorbs radiation is specified by the detection values of the scintillation light at the plurality of portions of the scintillator portion.

Invention Disclosure:
A radiation detector includes a light guide portion optically connecting a first segment positioned closest to the other side in a predetermined direction with a second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction.

[Assistant]
1. A radiation detector comprising:
a first scintillator portion including a plurality of first segments arranged along a predetermined direction, and a first optically discontinuous portion provided between the first segments adjacent to each other;
a second scintillator portion including a plurality of second segments arranged along the predetermined direction, and a second optically discontinuous portion provided between the second segments adjacent to each other;
a light detection unit optically connected to a first end surface of the first segment positioned closest to one side in the predetermined direction, and a second end surface of the second segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction; and
a light guide portion optically connecting the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction with the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction,
wherein the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction are optically coupled to each other, and
the first segments other than the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and the second segments other than the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction are optically separated from each other.

2. The radiation detector according to claim 1,
wherein the light guide portion is formed by covering a surface of the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and a surface of the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction with a light reflection portion so as to form a space between the surface of the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and the surface of the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction.

3. The radiation detector according to claim 2, further comprising:
an optical coupling agent provided on the surface of the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and on the surface of the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction,
wherein a refractive index of the optical coupling agent is lower than that of each of the first and second scintillator portions.

4. The radiation detector according to claim 1,
wherein a light scattering surface formed through laser irradiation is provided in the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction.

5. The radiation detector according to claim 1,
wherein a first region including at least a portion of a surface of the first segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction excluding the first end surface, and a second region including at least a portion of a surface of the second segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction excluding the second end surface, are formed as diffuse reflection regions, and
a surface of the plurality of first segments other than the first end surface and the first region, and a surface of the plurality of second segments other than the second end surface and the second region are formed as specular reflection regions.

6. The radiation detector according to claim 5,
wherein the first region is formed on one surface of a pair of surfaces, which oppose each other, in the first segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction, and
the second region is formed on one surface of a pair of surfaces, which oppose each other, in the second segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction.

7. The radiation detector according to claim 5,
wherein the first region acts as the diffuse reflection region by covering the surface of the first segment, which is roughened, with a light reflection portion, and
the second region acts as the diffuse reflection region by covering the surface of the second segment, which is roughened, with the light reflection portion.

8. The radiation detector according to claim 5,
wherein the first region acts as the diffuse reflection region by covering the surface of the first segment with a diffuse reflection portion, and
the second region acts as the diffuse reflection region by covering the surface of the second segment with the diffuse reflection portion.

9. The radiation detector according to claim 1,
wherein a light scattering surface formed through laser irradiation is provided in the first segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction and in the second segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction.

10. A radiation detector comprising:
a first scintillator portion including a plurality of first segments arranged along a predetermined direction, and a first optically discontinuous portion provided between the first segments adjacent to each other;
a second scintillator portion including a plurality of second segments arranged along the predetermined direction, and a second optically discontinuous portion provided between the second segments adjacent to each other; and
a light detection unit optically connected to a first end surface of the first segment positioned closest to one side in the predetermined direction, and a second end surface of the second segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction,
wherein the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction are optically connected to each other,
the first segments other than the first segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction and the second segments other than the second segment positioned closest to the other side in the predetermined direction are optically separated from each other,
a first region including at least a portion of a surface of the first segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction excluding the first end surface, and a second region including at least a portion of a surface of the second segment positioned closest to the one side in the predetermined direction excluding the second end surface, are formed as diffuse reflection regions, and
a surface of the plurality of first segments other than the first end surface and the first region, and a surface of the plurality of second segments other than the second end surface and the second region are formed as specular reflection regions.


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

[User]
Title: A Frequency Converter

Technical Field and Background:
Frequency converters are used in order to convert an electromagnetic signal at one frequency to another frequency. The frequency conversion can be either up-conversion or downconversion, i.e. a signal at a certain frequency can be shifted either to a higher or a lower frequency. Frequency converters are used in such systems as, for example, radio communications systems and radar systems. A traditional frequency converter uses a mixer which has as its input signals the signal whose frequency it is desired to shift and a signal at another frequency, and provides as output the mixing product of the input signals. This product comprises so called sum and difference signals, i.e. signals at frequencies which are the sum and the difference of the frequencies of the input signals. The parameter usually referred to as conversion gain, defined as the ratio of the power (or, alternatively, voltage) of the output signal to the power (or alternatively, voltage) of the input signal whose frequency is shifted in the frequency converter, is a parameter which it is naturally a desire to improve on in frequency converters.

Invention Disclosure:
A frequency converter (100, 200, 300, 500, 600) comprising a first mixer (105) arranged to receive a first and a second input signal and to have as its output the sum and the difference of the first and second input signals. The frequency converter (100, 200, 300, 500, 600) also comprises generating means (120) for generating the second input signal and for receiving the output signal of the first mixer (105) and multiplying it by a signal at a frequency which is two times the frequency of the second input signal, thereby generating a product. The frequency converter (100, 200, 300, 500, 600) also comprises adding means (110) for obtaining the sum of this product and the output signal from the first mixer.

[Assistant]
1. A frequency converter comprising:
a first mixer arranged to receive a first input signal and a second input signal and to output a sum and a difference of said first and second input signals,
generating means for generating the second input signal and for receiving the output signal of the first mixer and multiplying it by a signal at a frequency which is two times the frequency of the second input signal, thereby generating a product, and
adding means for obtaining a sum of said product and the output signal from the first mixer.

2. The frequency converter of claim 1, wherein the generating means comprise a local oscillator and a second order sub-harmonic mixer, the second order sub-harmonic mixer being arranged to receive as input signals the output signal from the local oscillator and the output from the first mixer.

3. The frequency converter of claim 1, wherein the generating means comprise a dual-band local oscillator which is arranged to output a signal at frequency fLO to the first mixer and a signal at frequency 2*fLO to a second mixer which is also comprised in the frequency converter and which is arranged to also receive as an input signal the output from the first mixer.

4. The frequency converter of claim 1, wherein the generating means comprise a local oscillator connected to a frequency multiplier with a multiplication factor of two, and a second mixer arranged to receive as input signals the output signal from the frequency multiplier and the product from the first mixer.

5. The frequency converter of claim 1, wherein the generating means is arranged to receive the output signal of the first mixer via a band-pass filter which is arranged to remove a sum or a difference component in the output from the first mixer.

6. The frequency converter of claim 1, further comprising a band-pass filter for removing one of the sum and the difference from the output signal of the first mixer.

7. A more frequency conversion, the method comprising:
generating a second input signal;
receiving, at a first mixer, a first input signal and the second input signal;
outputting, by the first mixer, a first output signal comprising a sum and a difference of said first and second input signals;
receiving, at a filter, the first output signal, wherein the filter is configured to filter the first output signal such that the filter produces a second output signal that comprises the sum said first and second input signals but does not comprise the difference of said first and second input signals;
receiving, at a second mixer, the second output signal;
multiplying, by the second mixer, the second output signal by a signal at a frequency which is two times the frequency of the second input signal, thereby generating a product, and
obtaining a sum of said product and the first output signal from the first mixer.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the second mixer is a second order sub-harmonic mixer.


[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: Antenna-Integrated Wireless Module And Method For Manufacturing Antenna-Integrated Wireless Module

Technical Field and Background:
1. Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to an antenna-integrated wireless module including a wireless functional section provided with an RF circuit, and an antenna section provided with an antenna conductor, and also relates to a method for manufacturing the antenna-integrated wireless module. 2. Description of the Related Art An antenna-integrated wireless module of the type illustrated in FIG. 25 has been proposed so far (see, e.g., Patent Document 1). In an antenna-integrated wireless module 500 illustrated in FIG. 25 , a wireless functional section 502 including an RF circuit, which is formed by circuit components such as a base band IC, an RFIC, and a memory IC, is disposed in a region of a substrate 501 spanning from a portion on the one end side to a central portion. Furthermore, a cap-shaped metal case 503 is mounted to an upper surface of the substrate 501 in the region spanning from the portion on the one end side to the central portion in a state covering the surface mounted components that form the RF circuit. A spiral antenna conductor 504 a made of a helical line is disposed in a portion of the substrate 501 on the other end side, whereby an antenna section 504 is disposed in the other end side portion of the substrate 501 . Moreover, a matching circuit 505 for establishing impedance matching between the wireless functional section 502 and the antenna section 504 is disposed in the other end side portion of the substrate 501 . The wireless functional section 502 is connected, through the matching circuit 505 , to a feeding point of the antenna conductor 504 a in the antenna section 504 . Thus, because the wireless functional section 502 and the antenna section 504 are formed adjacent to each other in different regions of the substrate 501 , influences upon the antenna section 504 can be suppressed, the influences being caused by the metal case 503 and a ground electrode pattern that is disposed inside the substrate 501 for shielding. Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-188626 (Paragraphs 0009 to 0015, FIG. 1, etc.)

Invention Disclosure:
An antenna-integrated wireless module is provided which does not need a metal case, and which can realize size reduction. A shield layer is formed on an upper surface of a resin sealing layer, which is disposed on one principal surface of a substrate and which covers a wireless region and an antenna region, such that the shield layer does not cover a portion of the resin sealing layer, the portion being positioned directly above the antenna region. Hence the shield layer formed on the upper surface of the resin sealing layer on the side covering the wireless region can serve to suppress electromagnetic waves radiated from a wireless functional section, which is disposed in a region overlapping the wireless region when looking at the module in a plan view, and which includes an RF circuit disposed at least on the one principal surface of the substrate or inside the substrate.

[Assistant]
1. An antenna-integrated wireless module comprising:
a substrate including a wireless region and one or a plurality of antenna regions located at different positions when looking at the substrate in a plan view from a side facing one principal surface of the substrate;
a wireless functional section disposed in the wireless region and including an RF circuit disposed at least on the one principal surface of the substrate or inside the substrate;
an antenna section disposed in the antenna region and including an antenna conductor disposed at least on the one principal surface of the substrate or inside the substrate;
a resin sealing layer disposed on the one principal surface of the substrate in a state covering the wireless region and the antenna region at least on a one principal surface side of the substrate; and
a shield layer formed on surfaces of the resin sealing layer such that the shield layer does not cover at least a portion of an upper surface of the resin sealing layer, the portion being positioned directly above the antenna region,
wherein an antenna electrode connected to the antenna section and a signal electrode connected to the wireless functional section are disposed on the other principal surface of the substrate.

2. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein the shield layer is formed on the upper surface of the resin sealing layer only in a region overlapping the wireless region when looked at in the plan view.

3. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 2, wherein a thickness of the resin sealing layer in a portion overlapping the antenna region when looked at in the plan view is thinner than a thickness of the resin sealing layer in a portion overlapping the wireless region when looked at in the plan view, and a level difference step is formed in the resin sealing layer between the wireless region and the antenna region.

4. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 2, wherein the shield layer is formed to extend over lateral surfaces of the resin sealing layer, the lateral surfaces surrounding the wireless region.

5. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the resin sealing layer in a portion overlapping the antenna region when looked at in the plan view is thinner than a thickness of the resin sealing layer in a portion overlapping the wireless region when looked at in the plan view, and a level difference step is formed in the resin sealing layer between the wireless region and the antenna region.

6. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 5, wherein the shield layer is further formed to extend over a lateral surface of the level difference step in the resin sealing layer.

7. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 6, wherein a groove is formed in the resin sealing layer to extend along the lateral surface of the level difference step up to the one principal surface of the substrate or a vicinity of the one principal surface, and the shield layer is formed to extend over an inner surface of the groove.

8. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 5, wherein a groove is formed in the resin sealing layer to extend along the lateral surface of the level difference step up to the one principal surface of the substrate or a vicinity of the one principal surface, and the shield layer is formed to extend over an inner surface of the groove.

9. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein the shield layer is formed to extend over lateral surfaces of the resin sealing layer, the lateral surfaces surrounding the wireless region.

10. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined identification mark is formed in the upper surface of the resin sealing layer on a side covering the antenna region.

11. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of antenna regions are disposed in the substrate in a sandwiching relation to the wireless region, and the antenna conductor is disposed in each of the antenna regions at least on the one principal surface of the substrate or inside the substrate.

12. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein the shield layer is further formed over at least a part of lateral surfaces of the resin sealing layer, the lateral surfaces surrounding the antenna region.

13. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein the antenna electrode includes a one-end antenna electrode connected to one end of the antenna conductor, and an opposite-end antenna electrode connected to an opposite end of the antenna conductor.

14. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 1, wherein the antenna section and the wireless functional section are not directly connected on the one principal surface of the substrate.

15. A method for manufacturing an antenna-integrated wireless module, the method comprising:
a preparation step of preparing a substrate including a wireless region and an antenna region located at different positions when looking at the substrate in a plan view from a side facing one principal surface of the substrate, a wireless functional section disposed in the wireless region and including an RF circuit disposed at least on the one principal surface of the substrate or inside the substrate, and an antenna section disposed in the antenna region and including an antenna conductor disposed at least on the one principal surface of the substrate or inside the substrate;
a sealing step of applying a resin over the entire one principal surface of the substrate and forming a resin sealing layer in a state entirely covering the one principal surface side of the substrate;
a conductive layer forming step of forming a conductor layer covering surfaces of the resin sealing layer with a conductive material; and
a removing step of removing a part of the conductive material of the conductive layer formed on an upper surface of the resin sealing layer, the part being present on a side including the antenna region, such that the conductive layer does not cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the resin sealing layer, the portion being positioned directly above the antenna region, whereby a shield layer is formed on the surfaces of the resin sealing layer by the remaining conductive layer,
wherein, in the preparation step, an antenna electrode connected to the antenna section and a signal electrode connected to the wireless functional section are disposed on the other principal surface of the substrate.

16. The method for manufacturing the antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 15, wherein, in the removing step, the shield layer is formed by the conductive layer on the upper surface of the resin sealing layer only in a region overlapping the wireless region when looked at in the plan view.

17. The antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 15, wherein, in the removing step, a part of the resin sealing layer on a side covering the antenna region is removed together with the conductive material such that a thickness of the resin sealing layer on the side covering the antenna region is thinner than a thickness of the resin sealing layer on a side covering the wireless region.

18. The method for manufacturing the antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 15, further comprising, after the sealing step and before the conductive layer forming step, a groove forming step of forming a groove in the resin sealing layer between the wireless region and the antenna region, wherein, in the conductive layer forming step, the conductive layer is further formed over an inner surface of the groove formed in the groove forming step.

19. The method for manufacturing the antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 15, further comprising, after the removing step, a marking step of forming a predetermined identification mark in the upper surface of the resin sealing layer on the side covering the antenna region.

20. The method for manufacturing the antenna-integrated wireless module according to claim 15, wherein an array of the substrates is prepared in the preparation step, and the array of the substrates is divided into individual pieces in units of one substrate after all the steps are executed.


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

[User]
Title: Semiconductor Structures Having Active Regions Including Indium Gallium Nitride, Methods Of Forming Such Semiconductor Structures, And Related Light Emitting Devices

Technical Field and Background:
Light-emitting devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are electrical devices that emit electromagnetic radiation in the form of visible light when a voltage is applied across an active region of the LED between an anode and a cathode. LEDs typically comprise one or more layers of semiconductor material, within which electrons supplied from the anode and holes supplied from the cathode recombine. As the electrons and holes recombine within the active region of the LED, energy is released in the form of photons, which are emitted from the active region of the LED. LEDs may be fabricated to include a wide range of different types of semiconductor materials including, for example, III-V semiconductor materials, and II-V semiconductor materials. The wavelength of the light emitted from any particular LED is a function of the amount of energy released when an electron and a hole recombine. Thus, the wavelength of the light emitted from the LED is a function of relative difference in energy between the energy level of the electron and the energy level of the hole. The energy levels of the electrons and the energy levels of the holes are at least partially a function of the composition of semiconductor materials, the doping type and concentration, the configuration (i.e., crystal structure and orientation) of the semiconductor materials, and the quality of the semiconductor materials within which recombination of the electrons and holes occurs. Thus, the wavelength of the light emitted from an LED may be selectively tailored by selectively tailoring the composition and configuration of the semiconductor materials within the LED. In is known in the art to fabricate LEDs that comprise III-V semiconductor materials, such as Group III nitride materials. Such Group III nitride LEDs are known to be capable of emitting radiation in the blue and green visible regions of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, and are known to be capable of operating at relatively high power and luminosity.

Invention Disclosure:
Semiconductor structures include an active region between a plurality of layers of InGaN. The active region may be at least substantially comprised by InGaN. The plurality of layers of InGaN include at least one well layer comprising InwGa1-wN, and at least one barrier layer comprising InbGa1-bN proximate the at least one well layer. In some embodiments, the value of w in the InwGa1-wN of the well layer may be greater than or equal to about 0.10 and less than or equal to about 0.40 in some embodiments, and the value of b in the InbGa1-bN of the at least one barrier layer may be greater than or equal to about 0.01 and less than or equal to about 0.10. Methods of forming semiconductor structures include growing such layers of InGaN to form an active region of a light emitting device, such as an LED. Luminary devices include such LEDs.

[Assistant]
1. A semiconductor structure, comprising:
a base layer comprising an In n Ga 1-n N layer having a polar growth plane with a growth plane lattice parameter of greater than about 3.2 Angstroms;
an active region over the base layer and comprising:
at least one well layer; and
at least one barrier layer directly adjacent the at least one well layer;
an electron blocking layer over the active region;
a p-type bulk layer over the electron blocking layer; and
a p-type contact layer over the p-type bulk layer.

2. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the base layer further comprises:
a support substrate;
a dielectric material between the support substrate and the In n Ga 1-n N layer; and
an In s Ga 1-s N seed layer between the dielectric material and the In n Ga 1-n N layer, wherein 0.05≦s≦0.10 and a growth plane of the In s Ga 1-s N seed layer is a polar plane having a growth plane lattice parameter of greater than about 3.2 Angstroms.

3. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one well layer of the active region comprises In w Ga 1-w N, wherein 0.10≦w≦0.40.

4. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the at least one barrier layer of the active region comprises In b Ga 1-b N, wherein 0.01≦b≦0.10.

5. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the active region comprises:
a first pair of adjacent active layers comprising:
a first well layer comprising In w1 Ga 1-w1 N, wherein 0.10≦w1≦0.40; and
a first barrier layer directly adjacent the first well layer and comprising In b1 Ga 1-b1 N, wherein 0.01≦b1≦0.10; and
a second pair of adjacent active layers directly adjacent the first pair of adjacent active layers and comprising:
a second well layer comprising In w2 Ga 1-w2 N, wherein 0.10≦w2≦0.40; and
a second barrier layer directly adjacent the second well layer and comprising In b2 Ga 1-b2 N, wherein 0.01≦b2≦0.10.

6. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the active region consists essentially of InGaN.

7. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least one well layer and the at least one barrier layer is doped with at least one n-type dopant, a concentration of the at least one n-type dopant in the one or more of the at least one well layer and the at least one barrier layer within a range from about 3e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 19 cm −3.

8. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more of:
a spacer layer comprising In sp Ga 1-sp N between the In n Ga 1-n N layer and the active region, wherein 0.01≦sp≦0.10; and
a cap layer comprising In cp Ga 1-cp N between the active region and the electron blocking layer, wherein 0.01≦cp≦0.10.

9. The semiconductor structure of claim 8, wherein the spacer layer is present and is doped with at least one n-type dopant, a concentration of the at least one n-type dopant in the spacer layer within a range from about 3e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 19 cm −3, and wherein the cap layer is present and is doped with at least one p-type dopant, a concentration of the at least one p-type dopant in the cap layer within a range from about 3e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 19 cm −3.

10. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the electron blocking layer is selected from the group consisting of:
a single layer of In e Ga 1-e N, wherein 0.00≦e≦0.02;
a single layer of Al e1 Ga 1-e1 N, wherein 0.00≦e1≦0.20;
alternating layers of GaN and In e2 Ga 1-e2 N, wherein 0.01≦e2≦0.02; and
alternating layers of GaN and Al e3 Ga 1-e3 N, wherein 0.01≦e3≦0.20.

11. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the electron blocking layer is doped with at least one p-type dopant, a concentration of the at least one p-type dopant in the electron blocking layer within a range from about 1e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 21 cm −3.

12. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the p-type bulk layer comprises In p Ga 1-p N doped with at least one p-type dopant, wherein 0.01≦p≦0.08 and a concentration of the at least one p-type dopant in the p-type bulk layer is within a range from about 1e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 21 cm −3.

13. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, wherein the p-type contact layer comprises In c Ga 1-c N doped with at least one p-type dopant, wherein 0.01≦c≦0.10 and a concentration of the at least one p-type dopant in the p-type contact layer is within a range from about 1e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 21 cm −3.

14. The semiconductor structure of claim 1, further comprising:
a spacer layer comprising In sp Ga 1-sp N doped with at least one n-type dopant between the base layer and the active region, wherein 0.01≦sp≦0.10 and a concentration of the at least one p-type dopant in the spacer layer is within a range from about 3e 17 cm −3 to about 1e 19 cm −3; and
a strain relief layer comprising a superlattice structure doped with at least one n-type dopant between the base layer and the spacer layer, the superlattice structure comprising alternating layers of In sra Ga 1-sra, wherein 0.01≦sra≦0.10, and In srb Ga 1-srb, wherein 0.01≦srb≦0.10, a concentration of the at least one n-type dopant in the superlattice structure within a range from about 0.1e 18 cm −3 to about 20e 18 cm −3.

15. A method of forming a semiconductor structure, comprising:
forming a base layer comprising an In n Ga 1-n N layer having a polar growth plane with a growth plane lattice parameter of greater than about 3.2 Å;
forming an active region over the base layer, the active region comprising:
at least one well layer comprising In w Ga 1-w N, wherein 0.10≦w≦0.40; and
at least one barrier layer directly adjacent the well layer and comprising In b Ga 1-b N, wherein 0.01≦b≦0.10;
forming an electron blocking layer over the active region;
forming a p-type bulk layer over the electron blocking layer; and
forming a p-type contact layer over the p-type bulk layer.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one well layer comprises In w Ga 1-w N and the at least one barrier layer comprises In b Ga 1-b N, wherein 0.10≦w≦0.40 and 0.01≦b≦0.10.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein forming a base layer comprises:
forming an In s Ga 1-s N seed layer over a support substrate, wherein 0.05≦s≦0.10 and a growth plane of the In s Ga 1-s N seed layer is a polar plane having a growth plane lattice parameter of greater than about 3.2 Angstroms; and
forming the In n Ga 1-n N layer on the In s Ga 1-s N seed layer.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein forming an In s Ga 1-s N seed layer over a support substrate comprises:
forming an intermediate semiconductor structure, the intermediate semiconductor structure comprising:
a sacrificial substrate;
a compliant material on the sacrificial substrate, the compliant material having a glass transition temperature of less than or equal to about 800° C.; and
an initial In s Ga 1-s N seed layer on the compliant material;
heating the compliant material to at least partially relax tensile strain in the initial In s Ga 1-s N seed layer and form the In s Ga 1-s N seed layer; and
separating the In s Ga 1-s N seed layer from the sacrificial substrate and the compliant material; and
attaching the In s Ga 1-s N seed layer to the support substrate.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein forming an active region over the base layer comprises:
forming a first pair of adjacent active layers over the base layer, the first pair of adjacent active layers comprising:
a first well layer comprising In w Ga 1-w N, wherein 0.10≦w≦0.40; and
a first barrier layer directly adjacent the first well layer and comprising In b Ga 1-b N, wherein 0.01≦b≦0.10; and
forming a second pair of adjacent active layers directly adjacent the first pair of adjacent active layers, the second pair of adjacent active layers comprising:
a second well layer comprising In w Ga 1-w N, wherein 0.10≦w≦0.40; and
a second barrier layer directly adjacent the second well layer and comprising In b Ga 1-b N, wherein 0.01≦b≦0.10.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising one or more of:
forming a spacer layer comprising In sp Ga 1-sp N between the In n Ga 1-n N layer and the active region, wherein 0.01≦sp≦0.10; and
forming a cap layer comprising In cp Ga 1-cp N between the active region and the electron blocking layer, wherein 0.01≦cp≦0.10.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming a strain relief layer between the base layer and the active region, the strain relief layer comprising alternating layers of In sra Ga 1-sra, wherein 0.01≦sra≦0.10, and In srb Ga 1-srb, wherein 0.01≦srb≦0.10.

22. A light emitting device, comprising:
a base layer comprising an In n Ga 1-n N layer having a polar growth plane with a growth plane lattice parameter of greater than about 3.2 Angstroms;
an active region over the base layer and comprising:
at least one well layer; and
at least one barrier layer directly adjacent the at least one well layer;
an electron blocking layer over the active region;
a p-type bulk layer over the electron blocking layer; and
a p-type contact layer over the p-type bulk layer.

23. The light emitting device of claim 22, wherein a critical strain energy of the light emitting device is less than or equal to about 4500 (a.u.).


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

[User]
Title: Semiconductor Laser Device, Photoelectric Converter, And Optical Information Processing Unit

Technical Field and Background:
The technology relates to a semiconductor laser device having a mesa section, and also to a photoelectric converter and an optical information processing unit each having the semiconductor laser device. In recent years, as microprocessor units (MPUs) have become more sophisticated in functionality, the amount of data transmitted and received among semiconductor chips such as large scale integration (LSI) has greatly increased. Thus, speed enhancement and capacity enlargement of signal transmission have been strongly desired. As a way of realizing these, optical transmission coupling technology (optical interconnection) in which electric signals are converted into optical signals and transmitted has been attracting attention (for example, see “Encounter with Optical Interconnection”, Nikkei Electronics, Dec. 3, 2001, pages 122 to 125, FIGS. 4 to 7 , and also, see “Trends in Optical Interconnection Technology and their Impact on Next-Generation Equipment Packaging”, Yasuhiro Ando, NTT R&D, Vol. 48, No. 3, pages 271 to 280 (1999)). In the optical transmission coupling technology (optical interconnection), a light-emission device (e.g., a surface-emitting semiconductor laser device) and a photodetector (e.g., a photodiode) are provided on a printed circuit board, and optical signals are transmitted through an optical waveguide (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005-181610, 2006-237428, and 2006-258835, for example). This surface-emitting semiconductor laser (vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)) device serving as the light-emission device has, for example, an n-side electrode, a lower distributed bragg reflector (DBR) layer, an active layer, an upper DBR layer, and a p-side electrode in this order from a substrate side. Further, a mesa section is provided in a part of the surface-emitting semiconductor laser. This mesa section is embedded in an insulating layer made of resin. In other words, a top surface of such a laminated body is flat, which enables flip-chip assembly (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-141087).

Invention Disclosure:
A semiconductor laser device that enables flip-chip assembly by having an embedding section around a mesa section, and that has an improved emission lifetime, as well as a photoelectric converter and an optical information processing unit each having such a semiconductor laser device. The semiconductor laser device includes: a mesa section including an active layer, and having a first electrode on a top surface; an embedding section covering the mesa section, and having a first connection aperture that reaches the first electrode; and a first wiring provided on the embedding section overlaying the first connection aperture, the first wiring being electrically connected to the first electrode through the first connection aperture.

[Assistant]
1. A semiconductor light emitting device comprising:
a mesa structure including an active layer;
a first electrode disposed on a top surface of the mesa structure;
an embedding member covering the first electrode and at least a portion of a side surface of the mesa structure, the embedding member having a first connection aperture that reaches the first electrode;
a first wiring disposed on the embedding member, the first wiring (i) having a length equal to or longer than a radius of the mesa section, (ii) overlaying the first connection aperture in its entirety, (iii) extending across opposite sides of the first connection aperture, and (iv) being electrically connected to the first electrode through the first connection aperture;
a second electrode disposed on a bottom surface of the mesa structure; and
a second wiring disposed on the embedding member, and electrically connected to the second electrode through a second connection aperture formed in the embedding member,
wherein,
the embedding member includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer,
the mesa structure includes a pillar laminated body covered with the first insulating layer, and
the second insulating layer covers the laminated body.

2. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein:
the mesa section is columnar.

3. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein, of the first wiring, a region on the laminated body has a substantially point symmetry shape, with respect to a point at a center of the mesa structure, and, of this region, a part extending from the first connection aperture to one side is an excess wiring section.

4. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the second wiring overlays the second connection aperture.

5. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein:
the mesa section is disposed above a surface of a transparent substrate, and
a lens corresponding to the active layer is on other surface of the transparent substrate.

6. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 5, wherein:
a base is on the one surface of the transparent substrate, and
the mesa structure is disposed on the base.

7. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein:
the mesa structure includes a first multilayer reflective film and a second multilayer reflective film so as to sandwich the active layer; and
the second multilayer reflective film has an oxidation confinement section.

8. The semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein a signal is configured to be input into the first wiring, only from one side of the first connection aperture in an extending direction of the first wiring.

9. A photoelectric converter comprising the semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1.

10. An optical information processing device comprising:
the semiconductor light emitting device according to claim 1, and
a photodetector device configured to receive light signal.


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

[User]
Title: Dynamic Deceleration Control For Hybrid Vehicle To Achieve A Consistent Overrun Response

Technical Field and Background:
Hybrid vehicles are well known, and typically comprise an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery. The vehicle may be powered by the engine, by the motor, or by a combination of engine and motor. In the latter case sophisticated controls have been developed to ensure that the wheel torque demanded by the driver, and any additional torque to charge the battery, can be delivered by proportioning the torque delivered by the engine and motor so as to meet a pre-determined target, which may be based for example on one of minimized fuel consumption, maximized range, and maximized vehicle performance. The optimum state of charge of the battery typically varies according to the pre-determined target. The vehicle battery may be recharged by the usual generator of the engine or by the motor acting as a generator; in the latter case the motor may be driven by the wheels (regenerative braking) or by the engine. In order to provide familiar feedback to the driver, who may be more familiar with the characteristics of a more standard non-hybrid vehicle, it is desirable to provide a substantially consistent degree of deceleration on overrun—overrun is defined in this specification as slowing of the vehicle without assistance of braking, typically at a substantially zero position of the accelerator pedal. In a hybrid vehicle, providing consistent deceleration is somewhat problematic. If the engine is running and fully engaged with the driveline, a hybrid vehicle can exhibit a normal deceleration in response to foot-off of the accelerator pedal provided that additional negative torque from the motor is avoided. However if the engine is disconnected from the driveline and the vehicle is operating in electric-only mode, retardation can be provided solely by the motor (acting as generator). In this circumstance it may be possible to determine empirically the deceleration torque applied by the engine (the torque to overcome friction and pumping losses) and cause the motor to provide the equivalent deceleration torque by acting as a generator (and thus recharging the battery). A difficulty arises if the battery is fully charged, because the motor control system may prevent the motor acting as a generator, so that the normal degree of deceleration cannot be achieved. In addition, a negative torque (deceleration) target based on friction and pumping losses of the engine takes no account of external vehicle conditions which are apparent to the vehicle driver, such as gradient, speed ratio of the transmission and vehicle mass; changes in these conditions will cause the vehicle driver to expect a different deceleration profile. Provision of consistent deceleration becomes more difficult when the motor (as generator) provides only a portion of the negative torque, and the engine provides the remainder via a slipping clutch. Accordingly a better method and means of achieving consistent overrun is required.

Invention Disclosure:
A hybrid electric vehicle is capable of direct drive by internal combustion engine, electric motor, or both. In order to provide a consistent overrun response, a torque controller determines an appropriate deceleration characteristic according to, for example, transmission speed ratio, vehicle gradient and vehicle mass, and commands the electric motor and the engine to contribute a negative torque which meets the required deceleration characteristic. A ‘tip’ function modifies the characteristic in the event of a change commanded by the vehicle driver, for example a change of speed ratio.

[Assistant]
1. A method of obtaining a consistent overrun response of a hybrid electric vehicle capable of direct drive by internal combustion engine, electric motor, or a combination thereof, said electric motor being capable of operation as a generator, said method comprising:
determining a target deceleration by reference to one or more of vehicle speed, transmission speed ratio, gradient, vehicle mass and vehicle mode;
measuring real-time vehicle deceleration;
continually determining a difference between said target deceleration and said real-time deceleration;
commanding said internal combustion engine and/or electric motor to provide said difference by generating a negative torque;
identifying a downshift of transmission speed ratio;
modifying said target deceleration by reference to the downshifted transmission ratio; and
smoothing a transition to the modified target deceleration.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said difference between said target deceleration and said real-time deceleration is provided by said electric motor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said difference between said target deceleration and said real-time deceleration is provided by said internal combustion engine operating in a mode in which a fuel supply is cut-off.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said internal combustion engine is adapted to supply the negative torque via a clutch, and said clutch is slipped to vary a negative torque output thereof.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said transition is completed within a pre-determined time period.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the modified target deceleration is determined in an event of a driver request of transmission downshift.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising a preparatory step of detecting a substantially zero movement of an accelerator pedal to implement a requirement for an overrun response.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining an estimate of negative torque to achieve a target deceleration, applying said estimate as an initial command to said internal combustion engine and electric motor, and thereafter continually determining said difference and commanding said internal combustion engine and/or electric motor to provide said difference.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
continually monitoring gradient,
detecting a change of gradient exceeding a gradient threshold, and
adjusting said target deceleration according to a gradient change exceeding a gradient threshold.

10. A torque controller of a hybrid electric vehicle, said torque controller comprising a processor and a memory having a plurality of deceleration characteristics for said vehicle, and said processor being adapted to implement the method of claim 1.

11. A hybrid electric vehicle capable of direct drive by internal combustion engine, electric motor or a combination thereof, said vehicle being adapted to implement the method of claim 1.


[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: User Device And Operating Method Therefor

Technical Field and Background:
With the development of electronics communication industries in recent years, a user device (e.g., a cellular phone, an electronic organizer, a personal data assistant, a laptop computer, or the like) has become necessities of modern life as an important means for delivering information which changes rapidly. The user device facilitates a user's operation through a Graphic User Interface (GUI) environment using a touch screen, and provides various multimedia based on a web environment. A thinner and lighter user device is launched due to importance of portability. Recently, the user device has a wireless communication function as basic specifications to such an extent that it is difficult to find a user device not having the wireless communication function. According to a characteristic of a user device which can be easily carried, a user can acquire information through a network irrespective of a place.

Invention Disclosure:
An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of antennas for transmitting and receiving radio waves, at least one sensor for sensing a physical quantity or physical changes, a sensor hub for outputting a control signal in response to an output from the at least one sensor, and a communication module for controlling wireless communication using the plurality of antennas in response to the control signal. Various other exemplary embodiments are possible.

[Assistant]
1. An electronic device comprising:
a plurality of antennas configured to transmit and receive radio waves;
at least one sensor configured to sensing a physical quantity or physical changes, wherein the physical quantity or physical changes include a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) for the plurality of antennas;
a sensor hub configured to output at least one control signal in response to an output from the at least one sensor; and
Radio Frequency (RF) components configured to control wireless communication using the plurality of antennas in response to the at least one control signal,
wherein the sensor hub is configured to output the at least one control signal for increasing a weight for a Receive (Rx) signal and/or a Transmit (Tx) signals through an antenna of which the RSSI is relatively high, and output the at least one control signal for decreasing the weight for the Rx signal and/or the Tx signal through an antenna of which the RSSI is relatively low, and
wherein the RF components are configured to apply weights for (Rx) signals and/or (Tx) signals through the plurality of antennas in response to the at least one control signal.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the RF components are further configured to select at least one antenna used in the wireless communication among the plurality of antennas in response to the at least one control signal.

3. The electronic device of claim 2,
wherein the physical quantity or physical changes further include a capacitance change regarding the plurality of antennas, and
wherein the sensor hub is further configured to output the at least one control signal for selecting the at least one antenna of which the capacitance change is relatively small.

4. The electronic device of claim 1,
wherein the physical quantity or physical charges further include a capacitance change regarding the plurality of antennas, and
wherein the sensor hub is further configured to output the at least one control signal for increasing the weight for the Rx signal and/or the Tx signal through an antenna of which the capacitance change is relatively high, and output the at least one control signal for decreasing the weight for the Rx signal and/or the Tx signal through an antenna of which the capacitance change is relatively low.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the sensor hub is further configured output the at least one control signal for regulating Tx power of at least one antenna.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the sensor hub is further configured to identify a surrounding situation from the output from the at least one sensor, and output the at least one control signal corresponding to the surrounding situation.

7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to derive the output by using the plurality of antennas as a sensing medium.

8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to derive the output by using at least one metal body disposed in an adjacent manner to the plurality of antennas as a sensing medium.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of a gesture sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a Red, Green, Blue (RGB) sensor, a bio sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature/humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, and an Ultra Violet (UV) sensor.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the RF components use at least one of communication schemes of Single Input Single Output (SISO), Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO), Multiple Input Single Output (MISO), diversity, and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO).

11. An electronic device comprising:
a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) configured to output at least one control signal in response to outputs from a plurality of sensors, wherein the MCU is configured to:
acquire a plurality of pieces of information from the plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of pieces of information include a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) for a plurality of antennas, and
generate the at least one control signal for controlling wireless communication from the plurality of pieces of information,
wherein the MCU is configured to output the at least one control signal for increasing a weight for a Receive (Rx) signal and/or a Transmit (Tx) signal through an antenna of which the RSSI is relatively high, and output the at least one control signal for decreasing the weight for the Rx signal and/or the Tx signal through an antenna of which the RSSI is relatively low, and
Radio Frequency (RF) components configured to control wireless communication using the plurality of antennas in response to the at least one control signal, wherein the RF components are configured to apply weights for (Rx) signals and/or Tx signals through the plurality of antennas in response to the at least one control signal.

12. The electronic device of claim 11,
wherein the RF components are further configured to select at least one antenna used in the wireless communication from among the plurality of antennas, or regulate Tx power of at least one antenna in response to the at least one control signal.

13. The electronic device of claim 11,
wherein the RF components are further configured to select at least one of communication schemes of Single Input Single Output (SISO), Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO), Multiple Input Single Output (MISO), diversity, and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) in response to the at least one control signal.


[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 Screen Display For Mobile Computing Device

Technical Field and Background:
High demand exists for mobile computing devices that can be used anywhere anytime. One limitation placed on this demand are the displays used in these devices. Conventional mobile computing devices use backlit displays to display text or an image. One such display is a liquid crystal display. These displays use a variety of liquid crystal substances that have a unique feature of being affected by electrical current. For example, a particular form of liquid crystal is the nematic liquid crystal called twisted nematics which are naturally twisted. Applying an electric current to these crystals will untwist them to varying degrees depending on the voltage. Because the crystals react predictably to electric current, the electric current can be used to control the passage of light through the crystal. Liquid crystals do not emit light of their own. External lighting must be applied to the crystal in order that light from the crystal can be seen. Backlighting may be provided by any light source such as a fluorescent tube, LEDs, lasers, or other sources of light. In conventional backlit displays used on mobile computing devices, the computer display is typically lit with built-in fluorescent tubes typically located behind the LCD. Depending upon the orientation of the liquid crystals under the influence of an applied voltage, there is more light or less backlight that is allowed to pass through the crystals. That provides the dark and light points of light coming from the liquid crystal display that together form the text or image that is seen on the display screen by the user. The readability of back lit displays is generally inversely proportional to ambient light. This is because the lighting for backlit display comes from the backlight. When the ambient light is dark or where lighting is scarce, there is no or little light reflecting off the liquid crystal display to interfere with the backlighting that is shining through the liquid crystal display. For that reason, a backlit display can be easily read in the dark or where lighting is scarce. Where, however, the ambient light is too strong, the readability of the backlit display degrades on account of the interference between the strong ambient light reflecting off of the liquid crystal display and the backlight that is coming from the liquid crystal display. In addition, the human eye responds to high ambient light by closing the iris resulting in making the light in the back light display appear dimmer. For these reasons, backlit displays are difficult to read when the ambient or outdoor light is strong. In direct sunlight, such as on the beach, the interference may be so great that the backlit display may be impossible to read. A relatively new technology for displaying text and images that is becoming increasing popular on account of e-books is electronic paper. Electronic paper, e-paper and electronic ink are display technologies which are designed to mimic the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. Unlike conventional backlit flat panel displays which emit light, electronic paper displays reflect light like ordinary paper. Other applications of electronic visual displays include electronic pricing labels in retail shops, and digital signage, time tables at bus stations, electronic billboards, and e-paper magazines. Some devices, like USB flash drives, even use electronic paper to display status information, such as available storage space. E-ink is less popular with cell phones although Motorola makes one cell phone with an e-ink display known as the E3. Diffuse reflecting technology, such as e-ink, is particularly useful for e-books because it has low refresh rates compared to other low-power display technologies, such as LCD. The low refresh rates allow for a more stable image, since there is no need to refresh the image constantly which can make an e-ink display more comfortable to read. The low refresh rates also reduce the power requirements for displaying text and images. Indeed, some e-ink technologies require very little or no refresh at all and so can even hold the static text and images indefinitely without using electricity, except when changing to another image. The technology of e-ink can also allow for a wider viewing angle than is possible with an LCD display. The low refresh rate possible with e-ink however makes e-ink displays not well suitable for sophisticated interactive applications, such as fast moving menus, mouse pointers or scrolling.

Invention Disclosure:
A mobile computing device is disclosed for displaying backlight and diffuse reflecting information. The mobile computing device is configured to include a processor, a first LCD display unit connected to the processor, and a second diffuse reflecting display unit connected to the processor. The mobile computing device is further provided with a display panel interface, such as a mouse or a gravity detecting device like an accelerometer, configured to detect a property for activating a display type. The processor is configured to send information to be displayed to the first display unit or the second display unit or both depending on the display type property detected.

[Assistant]
1. A terminal, comprising;
a display part comprising:
a backlit display unit;
a diffuse reflecting display unit configured to display a dashboard of information with life data of the terminal that is always visible;
a keyboard part;
a swivel member connecting the display part to the keyboard part to allow the display part of the terminal to swivel about an orthogonal axis of the swivel member when the display part is substantially orthogonal to the keyboard part of the terminal such that in a first position of the display part, the backlit display unit is allowed to face in a direction of the keyboard part of the terminal and in a second position of the display part, the diffuse reflecting display unit is allowed to face in the direction of the keyboard part of the terminal;
a sensor configured to detect a property for activating a display type; and
wherein the terminal is configured to send information to be displayed to the backlit display unit or the diffuse reflecting display unit or both depending on the property detected by the sensor.

2. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the diffuse reflecting display unit is based on e-ink technology.

3. The terminal of claim 1, wherein:
the sensor is a touch activated sensor comprising a first touch activated sensor associated with the backlit display unit and a second touch activated sensor associated with the diffuse reflecting display unit;
wherein the property detected by the touch activated sensor is a touch detected by the first touch activated sensor or a touch detected by the second touch activated sensor; and
wherein the touch detected by the first touch activated sensor activates the backlit display unit and the touch detected by the second touch activated sensor activates the diffuse reflecting display unit.

4. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a gravity detecting device and the property detected for activating the display type depends on which of the backlit display unit or the diffuse reflecting display unit is facing in an upward direction.

5. The terminal of claim 1, comprising a memory configured to store properties of the backlit display unit and the diffuse reflecting display unit.

6. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the diffuse reflecting display unit is configured to serve as a mouse pad or a mouse.

7. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the backlit display unit and the diffuse reflecting display unit are located on a front side of the terminal.

8. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the diffuse reflecting display unit overlays the backlit display unit.

9. The terminal of claim 1, wherein the backlit display unit overlays the diffuse reflecting display unit.

10. The terminal of claim 1, wherein a display unit comprising one of the backlit display unit and the diffuse reflecting display unit facing toward the keyboard part of the terminal is used in a first set of operations.

11. The terminal of claim 10, wherein the display unit facing away from the keyboard part of the terminal is used in a second set of operations.

12. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the second set of operations that are being performed using the display unit facing away from the keyboard part of the terminal are performed contemporaneously with the first set of operations that are being performed using the display unit facing toward the keyboard part of the terminal.

13. The terminal of claim 11, wherein the display unit facing away from the keyboard part of the terminal is configured to provide a display face of the terminal when the display part is closed onto the keyboard part of the terminal.

14. The terminal of claim 13, wherein the display face of the terminal serves as a tablet when the display part is closed onto the keyboard part of the terminal.

15. A method, comprising:
detecting, with a sensor in a terminal, a property for activating a display type;
sending information to be displayed to a backlit display unit of the terminal or a diffuse reflecting display unit of the terminal or both depending on the property detected;
wherein the diffuse reflecting display unit is configured to display a dashboard of information with life data of the terminal that is always visible;
wherein the terminal comprises:
a display part comprising the backlit display unit and the diffuse reflecting display unit;
a keyboard part; and
a swivel member connecting the display part to the keyboard part to allow the display part of the terminal to swivel about an orthogonal axis of the swivel member when the display part is substantially orthogonal to the keyboard part of the terminal such that in a first position of the display part, the backlit display unit is allowed to face in a direction of the keyboard part of the terminal for use in a first set of operations and in a second position of the display part, the diffuse reflecting display unit is allowed to face in the direction of the keyboard part of the terminal.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein (i) the sensor comprises a first touch activated sensor associated with the backlit display unit and a second touch activated sensor associated with the diffuse reflecting display unit and (ii) detecting, with the sensor in the terminal, the property for activating a display type comprises detecting a touch with the first touch activated sensor or detecting a touch with the second touch activated sensor, the method comprising:
in response to detecting a touch with the first touch activated sensor, activating the backlit display unit; and
in response to detecting a touch with the second touch activated sensor, activating the diffuse reflecting display unit.

17. A terminal, comprising;
a processor;
a display part comprising:
a first display unit configured to provide a backlit display connected to the processor; and
a second display unit configured to provide a diffuse reflecting display connected to the processor and display a dashboard of information with life data of the terminal that is always visible on account of the diffuse reflecting display holding its data;
a display panel interface configured to detect a property for activating a display type;
a keyboard part;
a swivel member connecting the display part to the keyboard part of the terminal to allow the display part of the terminal to swivel about an orthogonal axis of the swivel member when the display part is substantially orthogonal to the keyboard part of the terminal;
wherein the processor is configured to send information to be displayed to the first display unit or the second display unit or both depending on the display type property detected; and
wherein the display panel interface is a sensor and the property detected for activating the display type is a property detected by the sensor;
wherein the swivel member allows, in a first position of the display part, the first display unit to face in a direction of the keyboard part of the terminal for use in a first set of operations and in a second position of the display part, the second display unit is allowed to face in the direction of the keyboard part of the terminal.

18. The terminal of claim 17, wherein the diffuse reflecting display is based on e-ink technology.

19. The terminal of claim 17, wherein:
the sensor is a touch activated sensor comprising a first touch activated sensor associated with the backlit display and a second touch activated sensor associated with the diffuse reflecting display;
wherein the property detected by the touch activated sensor is a touch detected by the first touch activated sensor or a touch detected by the second touch activated sensor; and
wherein the touch detected by the first touch activated sensor activates the backlit display and the touch detected by the second touch activated sensor activates the diffuse reflecting display.

20. The terminal of claim 17, wherein the backlit display unit and the diffuse reflecting display unit are located on a front side of the terminal.