Patents by Inventor Ralph C. Wolf
Ralph C. Wolf has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9389166Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for inspecting or measuring a specimen. An incident beam is directed across a plurality of consecutive scan portions of a specimen so that an output beam profile from each scan portion is consecutively collected by a photomultiplier tube (PMT), and the scan portions include at least one or more first scan portions and a next scan portion that is scanned after the one or more first scan portions. After or while the incident beam is directed to the one or more first scan portions of the specimen, an output signal for each first scan portion is obtained based on the output beam profile that is collected by the PMT for each first scan portion. An expected output beam profile for the next scan portion is determined based on the output signal that is obtained for each one or more first scan portions.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: KLA-Tencor CorporationInventors: Ralph C. Wolf, Grace H. Chen, Kai Cao, Jamie M. Sullivan, Paul J. Donders, Derek C. Mackay
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Patent number: 7911456Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 7907127Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 7812829Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 7532205Abstract: A method of generating cursor motion signals for improved usability is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting object motion in a sensing region and providing cursor motion signals in accordance with cursor motion values generated responsive to continuation of the object motion in the inner region. This embodiment further comprises providing cursor motion signals configured to generate cursor motion that combines incremental cursor motion with additional cursor motion responsive to the object moving from the inner region into the outer region, where the incremental cursor motion comprises motion toward an edge of the display correlating to an edge of the sensing region proximate the object, and where the additional cursor motion comprises cursor motion indicated by cursor motion values generated responsive to continuation of the object motion in the outer region of the sensing region.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Synaptics, Inc.Inventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 7450113Abstract: A method of indicating a gesture proximate a touch-sensor pad is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting a first presence of a conductive object proximate to the touch-sensor pad, and initiating a gesture signal if the first presence lasts a first duration of time that is less than a first reference amount of time. In this embodiment, the method further comprises detecting a second presence occurring a first elapsed time after an end of the first presence, and terminating the gesture signal if the first elapsed time is greater than a second reference amount of time, otherwise maintaining the gesture signal at least until an end of the first elapsed time and at least until an occurrence of a terminating event. This and other embodiments can be used to initiate virtual-button signals in response to specific gestures by the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 7109978Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Synaptics, Inc.Inventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 7012683Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for detecting a relatively wide dynamic range of intensity values from a beam (e.g., scattered light, reflected light, or secondary electrons) originating from a sample, such as a semiconductor wafer. In other words, the inspection system provides detected output signals having wide dynamic ranges. The detected output signals may then be analyzed to determine whether defects are present on the sample. For example, the intensity values from a target die are compared to the intensity values from a corresponding portion of a reference die, where a significant intensity difference may be defined as a defect. In a specific embodiment, an inspection system for detecting defects on a sample is disclosed. The system includes a beam generator for directing an incident beam towards a sample surface and a detector positioned to detect a detected beam originating from the sample surface in response to the incident beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies CorporationInventors: Ralph C. Wolf, Eva L. Benitez, Dongsheng (Don) Chen, John D. Greene, Jamie M. Sullivan, Eric N. Vella, Khiem D. Vo
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Patent number: 6833913Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for detecting a relatively wide dynamic range of intensity values from a beam (e.g., scattered light, reflected light, or secondary electrons) originating from a sample, such as a semiconductor wafer. In other words, the inspection system provides detected output signals having wide dynamic ranges. The detected output signals may then be analyzed to determine whether defects are present on the sample. For example, the intensity values from a target die are compared to the intensity values from a corresponding portion of a reference die, where a significant intensity difference may be defined as a defect. In a specific embodiment, an inspection system for detecting defects on a sample is disclosed. The system includes a beam generator for directing an incident beam towards a sample surface and a detector positioned to detect a detected beam originating from the sample surface in response to the incident beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies CorporationInventors: Ralph C. Wolf, Eva L. Benitez, Dongsheng Don Chen, John D. Greene, Jamie M. Sullivan, Eric N. Vella, Khiem D. Vo
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Publication number: 20040178997Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Synaptics, Inc., a California CorporationInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 6750852Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a method for recognizing a gesture made on a touch-sensor pad in a touch-sensing system providing X and Y position information to a host comprising detecting a first presence of a conductive object on the touch-sensor pad. The method includes comparing the duration of the first presence with a first reference amount of time, and initiating a first gesture signal to the host if the duration of the first presence is less than the first reference amount of time. The method also includes detecting a second presence of the conductive object on the touch-sensor pad and comparing the duration between the first presence and the second presence with a second reference amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Synaptics, Inc.Inventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 6610936Abstract: Methods for recognizing gestures made by a conductive object on a touch-sensor pad and for cursor motion are disclosed. Tapping, drags, pushes, extended drags and variable drags gestures are recognized by analyzing the position, pressure, and movement of the conductive object on the sensor pad during the time of a suspected gesture, and signals are sent to a host indicating the occurrence of these gestures. Signals indicating the position of a conductive object and distinguishing between the peripheral portion and an inner portion of the touch-sensor pad are also sent to the host.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Synaptics, Inc.Inventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Publication number: 20030112228Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a method for recognizing a gesture made on a touch-sensor pad in a touch-sensing system providing X and Y position information to a host comprising detecting a first presence of a conductive object on the touch-sensor pad. The method includes comparing the duration of the first presence with a first reference amount of time, and initiating a first gesture signal to the host if the duration of the first presence is less than the first reference amount of time. The method also includes detecting a second presence of the conductive object on the touch-sensor pad and comparing the duration between the first presence and the second presence with a second reference amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 6414671Abstract: Methods for recognizing gestures made by a conductive object on a touch-sensor pad and for cursor motion are disclosed. Tapping, drags, pushes, extended drags and variable drags gestures are recognized by analyzing the position, pressure, and movement of the conductive object on the sensor pad during the time of a suspected gesture, and signals are sent to a host indicating the occurrence of these gestures. Signals indicating the position of a conductive object and distinguishing between the peripheral portion and an inner portion of the touch-sensor pad are also sent to the host.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 6380931Abstract: Methods for recognizing gestures made by a conductive object on a touch-sensor pad are disclosed. Tapping, pushing, hopping, and zigzag gestures are recognized by analyzing the position, pressure, and movement of the conductive object on the sensor pad during the time of a suspected gesture, and signals are sent to a host indicating the occurrence of these gestures. Signals for compensating for unintended motion of the conductive object on the touch-sensor pad during the gestures are also sent to the host.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 6177665Abstract: According to the present invention, a photomultiplier tube is used with a high-speed feedback mechanism to continuously modulate the gain of the tube in response to the size of the input signal. The gain of the tube and the anode current are independently converted to ideal logarithms. These signals are then subtracted from one another to reconstruct a true logarithmic representation of the optical signal. This log-light-level signal has a higher dynamic range and faster temporal response than has previously been achieved by other methods.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Inventor: Ralph C. Wolf
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Patent number: 6028271Abstract: Methods for recognizing gestures made by a conductive object on a touch-sensor pad and for cursor motion are disclosed. Tapping, drags, pushes, extended drags and variable drags gestures are recognized by analyzing the position, pressure, and movement of the conductive object on the sensor pad during the time of a suspected gesture, and signals are sent to a host indicating the occurrence of these gestures. Signals indicating the position of a conductive object and distinguishing between the peripheral portion and an inner portion of the touch-sensor pad are also sent to the host.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Synaptics, Inc.Inventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 6002122Abstract: According to the present invention, a photomultiplier tube is used with a high-speed feedback mechanism to continuously modulate the gain of the tube in response to the size of the input signal. The gain of the tube and the anode current are independently converted to ideal logarithms. These signals are then subtracted from one another to reconstruct a true logarithmic representation of the optical signal. This log-light-level signal has a higher dynamic range and faster temporal response than has previously been achieved by other methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Transient DynamicsInventor: Ralph C. Wolf
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Patent number: 5880411Abstract: Methods for recognizing gestures made by a conductive object on a touch-sensor pad and for cursor motion are disclosed. Tapping, drags, pushes, extended drags and variable drags gestures are recognized by analyzing the position, pressure, and movement of the conductive object on the sensor pad during the time of a suspected gesture, and signals are sent to a host indicating the occurrence of these gestures. Signals indicating the position of a conductive object and distinguishing between the peripheral portion and an inner portion of the touch-sensor pad are also sent to the host.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Synaptics, IncorporatedInventors: David W. Gillespie, Timothy P. Allen, Ralph C. Wolf, Shawn P. Day
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Patent number: 5276498Abstract: An inspection apparatus for a light diffracting surface employs a planar array of individually addressable light valves for use as a spatial filter in an imaged Fourier plane of a diffraction pattern, with valves having a stripe geometry corresponding to positions of members of the diffraction pattern, blocking light from those members. The remaining valve stripes, i.e. those not blocking light from diffraction order members, are open for transmission of light. Light directed onto the surface, such as a semiconductor wafer, forms elongated curved diffraction orders from repetitive patterns of circuit features. The curved diffraction orders are transformed to linear orders by a Fourier transform lens. The linear diffraction orders from repetitive patterns of circuit features are blocked, while light from non-repetitive features, such as dirt particles or defects is allowed to pass through the light valves to a detector.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Tencor InstrumentsInventors: Lee K. Galbraith, John L. Vaught, Ralph C. Wolf, Brian Leslie, Armand P. Neukermans