Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method for establishing a communication connection. The method includes: receiving a connection request message transmitted by a first terminal, the connection request message carrying a first user identifier and a second user identifier; determining a second relay node corresponding to the second user identifier, the second relay node being a relay node communicatively connected to a second terminal; transmitting the connection request message to the second relay node through a relay path to the second relay node, so that the second relay node transmits the connection request message to the second terminal; and transmitting, in response to receiving a connection confirmation message returned by the second terminal, the connection confirmation message to the first terminal, so that the first terminal establishes a communication connection with the second terminal based on the connection confirmation message.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method for establishing a communication connection. The method includes: receiving a connection request message transmitted by a first terminal, the connection request message carrying a first user identifier and a second user identifier; determining a second relay node corresponding to the second user identifier, the second relay node being a relay node communicatively connected to a second terminal; transmitting the connection request message to the second relay node through a relay path to the second relay node, so that the second relay node transmits the connection request message to the second terminal; and transmitting, in response to receiving a connection confirmation message returned by the second terminal, the connection confirmation message to the first terminal, so that the first terminal establishes a communication connection with the second terminal based on the connection confirmation message.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a depth relative to a layer using a sensor with a fixed focal plane. A focus sensor senses the surface of the substrate and outputs focus data. In setup mode the controller scans a first portion of the substrate, receives the focus data and XY data, and stores correlated XYZ data for the substrate. In inspection mode the controller scans a second portion of the substrate, receives the focus data and XY data, and subtracts the stored Z data from the focus data to produce virtual data. The controller feeds the virtual data plus an offset to the motor for moving the substrate up and down during the inspection, thereby holding the focal plane at a desired Z distance.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a constant layer depth relative to a particular device layer. The system has an image sensor with a fixed focal plane. A focus sensor senses the surface topography of the substrate and outputs a focus data stream. A stage moves the substrate in an XY plane, and a motor moves the substrate in a Z dimension. A controller operates the system in one of a setup mode and an inspection mode. In the setup mode the controller controls XY movement of the substrate so as to scan a first portion of the substrate. The controller receives the focus data stream, concurrently receives XY data, and stores correlated XYZ data for the substrate. In the inspection mode the controller controls XY movement of the substrate so as to scan a second portion of the substrate. The controller receives the focus data stream, concurrently receives XY data, and subtracts the stored Z data from the focus data stream to produce a virtual data stream.

Abstract: A new start-up operation of a continuous caster is monitored by comparing itself with the normal start-up operation, which is benchmarked by a multivariate statistical model using selected historical operation data. If the new operation is statistically different from the benchmark, then alarms are generated to indicate an impending start cast breakout and at the same time, the process variables that lead to process excursions from the normal operation are identified as the most likely root causes of the predicted breakout. The model is built using Mult-way Principal Component Analysis technology to characterize the operation-to-operation variance in a reduced dimensional space (also known as latent variable space) based on a large number of process trajectories from past normal start-up operations. The process trajectories over the entire start cast duration are predicted based on the current observations.

Abstract: Optical devices for adding/dropping an optical signal with a particular wavelength are disclosed. According to embodiment, a reflection channel module including a grin lens and a bandpass filter is employed to transmit the optical with a particular wavelength and reflect all other channel signals. The transmitted signal is regulated by an optical regulator (e.g. variable optical attenuator) before it is output from the device via a grin lens. As a result, a regulated channel can be dropped or added depending on an application.

Abstract: A real-time system and method for online monitoring a transient operation in a continuous casting process. The transient operation refers to, but is not limited to, submerged entry nozzle changes, flying tundish changes, product grade changes, etc. This invention treats the aforementioned transient operations as batch processes and utilizes multiway principal component analysis to develop a multivariate statistical model to characterize normal process transitions based on carefully selected historical process data. Such a model is used by an online monitoring system to determine if a continuous caster transient operation is normal. This monitoring system can further be used to predict an impending breakout, one type of catastrophic process failures which may occur in a continuous casting process, during the transient operation.

Abstract: The inventions invention relates to a generic re-configurable WDM optical cross connection device which may be viewed as an optical network element comprising transport interfaces optionally along with tributary interfaces. An switch system includes a plurality of switch modules each essentially including a pair of R-channel input collimators on one side and a pair of R-channel output collimators on the other side with a switching prism moveably positioned therebetween in an existence/active or non-existence/inactive manner. A pair of input fibers are respectively connected to the two input collimators and an pair of output fibers are respectively connected t the two output collimators. A plurality of jumper fibers cascading said switch modules together.

Abstract: A new start-up operation of a continuous caster is monitored by comparing itself with the normal start-up operation, which is benchmarked by a multivariate statistical model using selected historical operation data. If the new operation is statistically different from the benchmark, then alarms are generated to indicate an impending start cast breakout and at the same time, the process variables that lead to process excursions from the normal operation are identified as the most likely root causes of the predicted breakout. The model is built using Mult-way Principal Component Analysis technology to characterize the operation-to-operation variance in a reduced dimensional space (also known as latent variable space) based on a large number of process trajectories from past normal start-up operations. The process trajectories over the entire start cast duration are predicted based on the current observations.

Abstract: The inventions invention relates to a generic re-configurable WDM optical cross connection device which may be viewed as an optical network element comprising transport interfaces optionally along with tributary interfaces. An switch system includes a plurality of switch modules each essentially including a pair of R-channel input collimators on one side and a pair of R-channel output collimators on the other side with a switching prism moveably positioned therebetween in an existence/active or non-existence/inactive manner. A pair of input fibers are respectively connected to the two input collimators and an pair of output fibers are respectively connected t the two output collimators. A plurality of jumper fibers cascading said switch modules together.

Abstract: A switchable optical add/drop device (1) includes a first R-channel (20) and a second R-channel (30) opposite to each other. A first path (70) and second path (80) are respectively defined between two near ends and two far ends of the first R-channel (20) and the second R-channel (30). A first collimator (40) with an ADD port (42) and a second collimator (52) with a DROP port (52) are disposed about said first R-channel (2) and said second R-channel (30). A prism (60) is removable disposed among the R-channels (20, 30) and the collimators (40, 50) for switchably adding/dropping the specific wavelength channel.

Abstract: A dual pendulum display apparatus comprising a housing, a motor which is fixed to the housing and which has an output shaft, an output gear which is driven by the output shaft, which is mounted on the housing for rotation relative thereto about an output gear axis, and which has thereon a projection spaced from the output gear axis, a pivot arm mounted on the housing for pivotal movement relative thereto about a pivot arm axis spaced from the output gear axis, the pivot arm having therein a longitudinal slot receiving the projection for reciprocal sliding movement of the projection in the slot, such that rotation of the output gear and movement of the projection in the slot causes pendulum type motion of the pivot arm, the pivot arm having opposite first and second ends spaced from the pivot arm axis, first advertising material mounted on the first end of the pivotal arm, and second advertising material mounted on the second end of the pivot arm, such that the first advertising material and the second adverti