Abstract: High speed optical modulators can be made of k modulators connected in series disposed on one of a variety of semiconductor substrates. An electrical signal propagating in a microwave transmission line is tapped off of the transmission line at regular intervals and is amplified by k distributed amplifiers. Each of the outputs of the k distributed amplifiers is connected to a respective one of the k modulators. Distributed amplifier modulators can have much higher modulating speeds than a comparable lumped element modulator, due to the lower capacitance of each of the k modulators. Distributed amplifier modulators can have much higher modulating speeds than a comparable traveling wave modulator, due to the impedance matching provided by the distributed amplifiers.

Abstract: The present I/O ports comprise (1) a layered structure comprising (a) an unpatterned superstrate having at least one layer, (b) an unpatterned substrate having at least one layer, and (c) at least one intermediate layer sandwiched between the unpatterned superstrate and the unpatterned substrate, (2) a coupling region that is within the at least one intermediate layer and that comprises an arrangement of at least one optical scattering element and (3) at least one output waveguide. The present I/O ports can be effectively used in balanced photonic circuits and unbalanced photonic circuits.

Abstract: A treemap with cells that have a minimum size so that large data sets can be clearly represented. A treemap that represents a plurality of data elements is generated, the treemap including a plurality of two-dimensional cells. Each cell represents a corresponding data element in the data set. The treemap includes a portion of a display screen assigned to a first cell so that the first cell has a size. A portion of the display screen is then assigned to a subsequent cell. The size of the first cell is adjusted in order to compensate for a size of the subsequent cell and to maintain the minimum cell size.

Abstract: This application describes, among others, wafer designs, testing systems and techniques for wafer-level optical and optoelectronic testing by coupling probe light to/from the top of the wafer. In the described exemplary implementations, wafers are designed with one or more optical alignment features or structures. The alignment structures are alongside the devices to be tested, but are easier to find or locate by optical means, than the devices to be tested. An optical diffraction grating structure such as a Littrow grating may be used as reflective alignment structures. (FIG. 6B and paragraph 56.) A Littrow grating as an alignment structure produces a retro-reflection. A Littrow grating is a one-port optical device, with input and output beams going along the same path. Various exemplary implementations are shown in FIGS. 3C, 5, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B and described in paragraphs 18–21, 39–40 and 53–64.

Abstract: An automatic white balancing method and system. A modification of “color in perspective” white balancing technique is implemented. Rather than a default projection plane used by the typical white balancing technique, the projection plane for a RGB space is automatically selected to allows the projected reference gamuts in the projection plane to be as disjoined as possible, thereby making them as uncorrelated as possible. In turn, automatic white balancing is performed using the color temperature associated with the projected reference gamut most correlated with the projected gamut of an image sensor.

Abstract: A standard CMOS process is used to fabricate optical and electronic devices at the same time on a monolithic integrated circuit. In the process, a layer of metallic salicide can be depsoited on those selected portions of an integrated circuit, where it is desired to have metallic contacts for electronic components, such as transistors. The deposition of a salicide into the core of an optical waveguide will damage the waveguide and prevent the passage of light through that section of the waveguide. Prior to the deposition of the salicide, a salicide blocking layer is deposited on those parts of an integrated circuit, such as on an optical waveguide, which are to be protected from damage by the deposition of salicide. The salicide blocking layer is used as one layer of the cladding of a silicon waveguide.

Abstract: A polarization splitting grating coupler (PSGC) connects an optical signal from an optical element, such as a fiber, to an optoelectronic integrated circuit. The PSGC separates a received optical signal into two orthogonal polarizations and directs the two polarizations to separate waveguides on an integrated circuit. Each of the two separated polarizations can then be processed, as needed for a particular application, by the integrated circuit. A PSGC can also operate in the reverse direction, and couple two optical signals from an integrated circuit to two respective orthogonal polarizations of one optical output signal sent off chip to an optical fiber.

Abstract: A standard CMOS process is used to fabricate optical, optoelectronic and electronic devices at the same time on a monolithic integrated circuit. FIG. 6 shows a polysilicon and silicon dioxide light scattering element formed on a silicon waveguide. The polysilicon light scatterer is formed on the core of the waveguide with a silicon dioxide layer between the polysilicon and the core. A standard CMOS process is used to form the waveguide and the light scattering element. FIG. 6A is a table summarizing the elements of the light scatterer and the waveguide of FIG. 6 and the CMOS transistors of FIGS. 1 and 2, which are formed from the same materials at the same time on the same substrate. Forming multiple light scatterers on the core of a waveguide can make a grating coupler.

Abstract: A method for achieving high flow in valves with small actuation distance is described. A detailed description for a silicon microvalve is provided. An algorithm is described for designing optimized valves.

Abstract: The invention discloses an analog content addressable memory (CAM) that employs analog storage cells with programmable analog transfer function capability. The analog CAM scans and/or compares its memory array contents to determine if an analog voltage applied at Vin matches a value stored in the memory array. If the value applied to Vin matches a value stored in the analog CAM, the analog data stored at a different and corresponding location in an analog storage cell is coupled to the Vout output. An analog content addressable memory, comprising a first array A of analog memory cells for storing and generating a VA voltage; and a comparator having a first input for receiving a Vin voltage, a second input for receiving the VA voltage from the first array A of analog memory cells. Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Converters comprising an array of analog memory cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultra-thin optical imaging sensor with anamorphic optics comprising of an image capturing panel an anamorphic optical lens of at least two optical magnification powers, and an imaging sensor. The image sensor captures a light reflection from an image deposited on the image capturing panel, which is optically compensated by the anamorphic optical lens. In the preferred embodiment, a folding mirror and a bending mirror is also provided to provide compactness to fold an incoming image towards the anamorphic lens, and the bending mirror then bends the compensated image received from the anamorphic lens to direct that image to an image sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for respiratory drug delivery using cartridge containing drug and propellant. User inserts cartridge into body of apparatus and activates piercing trigger to pierce drug compartment and propellant compartment, resulting in mixing and de-agglomeration of drug for respiratory delivery.

Abstract: Internet-based software and associated database provide group analysis overlay to monitor client-server web traffic and provide direct marketing to client group. Client car, patient, office or school sensor and interface provides overlay attribute for database comparison to classify usage pattern, location, timing, or family for targeted messaging for enhanced service from server source. Database group registry tracks client classification and provides adaptive context mapping according to set attribute relative to targeted on-line transaction.

Abstract: Multi-sensor system for real-time embedded monitoring of object senses mixed-mode object conditions. Various sensors separately provide disparate analog signals representing different measurable attributes regarding sensed object. For example, such sensors may separately sense temperature, pressure, or other biometric value. Then, according to specified rule set or other qualifying parameters, a digital signal is generated by a processor or controller to indicate one or more condition of the sensed object according to certain sensor input values. Additionally, such multi-sensor scheme may be coupled to a digital network or otherwise coupled thereto for simulation and/or communication applications.

Abstract: A system and methods for accessing 2D digital images and 3D geometric models over a network (preferably the Internet) and transforming and composing that media along with 2D digital image and 3D geometric model media, acquired by other means, into enhanced 2D image and 3D model representations for virtual reality visualization and simulation is disclosed. Digital images and models from a network and other sources are incorporated and manipulated through an interactive graphical user interface. A photogrammetric media processing engine automatically extracts virtual sensor (camera) and geometric models from imagery. Extracted information is used by a reconstruction processor to automatically and realistically compose images and models. A rendering system provides real-time visualization and simulation of the constructed media. A client-server processing model for deployment of the media processing engine system over a network is disclosed.

Abstract: A ranking-based automatic dark compensation circuit for efficiently estimating dark level in a CCD or CMOS image sensor. The ranking circuit comprises of k staggered comparators, each comparator having an associated temporary result register. Each comparator having two inputs, with the first input coupled to an output of the previous stage comparator and the second input coupled to its associated temporary result register. The temporary results are initialized to the largest possible dark value. At each stage, a comparison is made of a new input sample to a stored value of the temporary register. If the new sample is greater than the value of the associated temporary register, the value in temporary register is not changed and the new sample is passed to the next comparator. Conversely, if the new sample is smaller, then that new sample is stored into the temporary register, while the original temporary result is passed to the next comparator.

Abstract: Methods for deposition of a Ge layer during a CMOS process on a monolithic device are disclosed. The insertion of the Ge layer enables the conversion of light to electrical signals easily. As a result of this method, standard metals can be attached directly to the Ge in completing an electrical circuit. Vias can also be used to connect to the Ge layer. In a first aspect of the invention, a method comprises the step of incorporating the deposition of Ge at multiple temperatures in a standard CMOS process. In a second aspect of the invention, a method comprises the step of incorporating the deposition of poly-Ge growth in a standard CMOS process.

Abstract: Local emergency alert service for cell-phone or pager users is provided using regional or localized broadcast to or polling of available, voluntary, or otherwise identified wireless communication devices or other network-accessible nodes operating using different protocol in proximate help area, thus allowing such alerted users to respond to nearby emergency request or condition. Wireless communicator location is determined using relative satellite positioning, radio signal triangulation, or manual entry technique. Sensor may alert wireless communicator automatically of emergency condition.

Abstract: Computer-aided design and manufacture software and hardware automate garment and fashion definition and production. Configurable garment includes ornamental element, pattern display, and personal identifier and wireless sensor electronics.

Abstract: An integrated circuit with improved testability includes a test logic component that replaces a corresponding regular logic component and that generates a logic high or low whenever a test input is activated. Alternatively, it may generate either high or low depending on which of two test inputs is activated. A test program may be augmented with instructions to activate such test inputs. An integrated circuit design may be analyzed to select a node that is not covered by a test program and to identify which logic component generates an output on the node. Then the design may be altered to replace the identified logic component with a corresponding test logic component. Test coverage analysis may be based on determining whether the test program toggles the node, or determining whether a stuck at fault on the node propagates so as to be observed.

Abstract: An antistatic polymeric composition consisting of at least one antistatic additive of an ethylene oxide copolymer in the range of from about 3% to about 30% by weight and being a solid, nonionic material and having a dilution solution viscosity of greater than 0.25 g/ml and preferably having an average molecular weight greater than 20,000; and a polymeric material in the range from about 70% to about 97% by weight. The ethylene oxide copolymer comprises ethylene oxide in the range of from about 5% to about 95% by weight and at least 1 comonomer selected the group consisting of cyclic ethers, cyclic acetals, and cyclic esters, in the range of from about 95% to about 5% by weight. The polymeric material can be any thermoplastic, thermoplastic elastomer, or elastomer including ABS, ASA, polyamides, PBT, PET, PETG, PMMA, PUR, PVC, CPVC, PC, POM, POP, SMA, and SAN.