Abstract: A security memory device includes a memory cell array that stores a plurality of contents, including a mine, which is stored as a portion of the plurality of contents. The mine is triggered when it is accessed, typically such that the mine erases the memory contents. Also, control logic is included that controls access to the plurality of contents. In one aspect, the memory cell array can include a protected-cell zone and a free-cell zone. In this aspect, the security memory device can further include a lock that provides protection for contents stored in the protected-cell zone from access and a key that is capable of unlocking the lock.

Abstract: The invention discloses the variable attenuator with characteristics, comprising wide attenuation ranges; syntheses on group delays, and low variation of the group delay. The building blocks, which construct the variable attenuator, comprise internal matching networks, external matching networks, delay networks, protecting networks, biasing network, a power combining network, and variable impedance networks. The elements, which realize the internal matching networks, external matching networks, signal combining networks, comprise resistor, inductor, capacitor, and transmission lines. The elements, which realize the variable impedance networks, comprise n-channel field-effect transistor (FET), p-channel FET, n-type bipolar junction transistor (BJT), and p-type BJT. The elements of the variable attenuator can be either integrated on a semiconductor chip by using system-on-chip (SOC) technologies.

Abstract: A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a data connector, a sliding block, a link and a lock block. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. During the retraction of the data connector, the data connector pushes the sliding block. Then the sliding block moves against the lock block so that the lock block rotates according to the second shaft. The lock block rotates to lock and secure the data connector by the lock piece, while a cam of the link moves to a secure location along an incline plane of a track of the sliding block.

Abstract: A memory access system and method for efficiently utilizing memory bandwidth is disclosed. A data arrangement unit arranges video data into at least a primary block and a supplemental block, which are then stored in a memory device. The video data are arranged such that the video data of the primary block stored in the memory device can be sequentially read by a device, thereby increasing efficiency in memory bandwidth usage and memory data access.

Abstract: This invention provides a monochromator for reducing energy spread of a primary charged particle beam in charged particle apparatus, which comprises a beam adjustment element, two Wien-filter type dispersion units and an energy-limit aperture. In the monochromator, a double symmetry in deflection dispersion and fundamental trajectory along a straight optical axis is formed, which not only fundamentally avoids incurring off-axis aberrations that actually cannot be compensated but also ensures the exit beam have a virtual crossover which is stigmatic, dispersion-free and inside the monochromator. Therefore, using the monochromator in SEM can reduce chromatic aberrations without additionally incurring adverse impacts, so as to improve the ultimate imaging resolution. The improvement of the ultimate imaging resolution will be more distinct for Low-Voltage SEM and the related apparatuses which are based on LVSEM principle, such as the defect inspection and defect review in semiconductor yield management.

Abstract: A method of efficiently programming charge-trapping memory cells includes sense amplifiers being dynamically connected to cells to be programmed, by switching bit lines. The method increases a number of cells that can be programmed simultaneously, such that an optimal use of sense amplifier resources is obtained.

Abstract: A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.

Abstract: A method and system of receiving data with enhanced partial matching is disclosed. A received word is compared with the frame code to determine mismatch bit(s). Subsequently, a determination is made whether the mismatch bit(s) are at positions of defined critical bits. If the mismatch bit(s) are not critical, the received word is then affirmed.

Abstract: An auto focus device of a mobile communication apparatus is disclosed. The auto focus device comprises a voice coil motor, a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit. The voice coil motor comprises a floating movable device and a lens in the floating movable device. The first driving circuit drives the voice coil motor so that the floating movable device moves inside the voice coil motor to zoom in/out and focus the lens on image sensors when the camera function is activated. The second driving circuit drives the voice coil motor to fix the floating movable device inside the voice coil motor and cover the image sensors.

Abstract: A signal chain of an imaging system is disclosed. The system includes three circuit stages. The first circuit stage includes a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and a black level compensation (BLC) circuit that form a BLC loop. The second circuit stage includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), where a dark signal offset is added at an input of the ADC. The third circuit stage includes a digital gain circuit and a digital loop that makes a final output of the imaging system settle on a target level in the BLC mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of tile-based belief propagation are disclosed. An image is split into a number of tiles. Messages are iteratively generated within each of the tiles based on the messages from neighboring pixels to the tile at a previous iteration, wherein each message represents information of a state of the pixel. The generated messages for sending out of the tiles are stored. Labels are then determined based on the stored messages, wherein each label represents the state of the pixel.

Abstract: A signal transmission device is provided. The signal transmission device comprises a linked unit, a switch button, a data connector and a lock fastener. The linked unit includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first elastomer and a second elastomer. The switch button is attached/disposed on the linked unit. The data connector rotates and expands according to the first shaft and the first elastomer. The lock fastener rotates and moves according to the second shaft and the second elastomer.

Abstract: Mouthpieces having activated textured surfaces that can be implemented using repetitive movement mechanisms and energy (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) emitting sources are disclosed. The mouthpieces may be used to provide detection, treatment and management of conditions including tooth discoloration and periodontal disease. Implementations can include a low-profile mouthpiece or a mouthpiece covering only front sides of the upper and lower teeth. Other combinations may include full-mouth implementations suitable for simultaneously covering part or all of a patient's upper and lower rows of teeth. The activated textured surfaces may include a surface topography consisting of bristles.

Abstract: A perceptual-based video coding method provides a perceptual-based rate-distortion (R-D) curve as a predictive R-D curve. The Lagrange multiplier for a current frame is then determined by deciding a slope, with sign reversed, of a tangent to the predictive R-D curve at a current point that is on the predictive R-D curve and closest to a previous R-D point of a previous encoded frame. The current frame is then encoded according to the determined Lagrange multiplier.

Abstract: A water-ballasted barrier system incorporates a concave reflective design, wherein outer walls of the barrier segment are configured in a concave manner. The concave section is designed to prevent the tire of a vehicle, impacting the barrier, from climbing up the side of the barrier segment, by pocketing the tire in the curved center portion of the barrier wall. Adjacent barrier segments are attached together using an interlocking knuckle design, having a lug pin connection system. In some embodiments, wire rope cable is internally molded into each barrier segment to strengthen the barrier system.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to compensate for a second-bit effect during programming and reading of charge-trapping memory cells having left and right data regions. When only one of the left and right data regions is to be programmed, a two-step programming procedure is performed on the data region to be programmed. When the memory cell is to be read, threshold voltages for the left and right data regions are sensed with a joint decision regarding left and right data bit values being reached depending upon both sensed threshold voltage values.

Abstract: This invention provides a design to process a large range of detection beam current at low noise with a single detector. With such a design, the detection system can generate up to 1010 gain and maximum signal output at more than mini Ampere (mA) level.

Abstract: A process and structure of a back side illumination (BSI) image sensor are disclosed. An n-type doped region is formed in a substrate, and a transfer gate is formed on top of the semiconductor substrate. A p-type doped region is formed in the n-type doped region either using the transfer gate as a mask or is non-self aligned formed.

Abstract: A memory cell includes a pair of sub-cells, each including an access transistor, a storage transistor, and an isolation transistor that are serially coupled in sequence with their source/drain connected. The isolation transistor is shared with a sub-cell of an adjacent memory cell and always turned off, wherein the storage transistor is always turned on. A wordline is coupled to a gate of the access transistor of each sub-cell, and complementary bit lines are respectively coupled to sources/drains of the access transistors of the pair of sub-cells, such that data bit may be accessed between the bit line and the corresponding storage transistor through the corresponding access transistor.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling halt and resumption of scanning actions of an LCD is disclosed. An incoming video source is monitored, and current scan line position and corresponding polarity are recorded. When an abnormal video source is detected, the LCD scanning is stopped at a halt scan line of a halt frame with a halt polarity. After a normal video source has been detected again, determination is made of a proper resumptive scan line and/or a resumptive polarity. The panel scanning is resumed at the resumptive scan line equal to the halt scan line and/or with the resumptive polarity matching the halt polarity.