Abstract: A method for converting digitized image pixel values from a first range to a second range including (a) determining a lower limit value of a relevant portion of the first range; (b) generating an intensity histogram representative of pixel populations having specified intensities, and transforming the histogram to generate a log-transformed histogram; (c) identifying a threshold value for an upper limit of log-transformed values from the log-transformed histogram; (d) identifying a population of pixels having log-transformed values having a desired relationship to the threshold value; (e) determining an upper limit value of the relevant portion of the first range based upon the identified population; (f) converting the pixel values to converted values over the second range based upon the lower and upper limit values; and (g) transmitting information relating to an image associated with the pixel values or sources thereof between a first location and a second location remote from the first location to provide

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inducing heat within a workpiece. A flexible fluid-cooled induction heating cable is used to produce a magnetic field to induce electric current in a workpiece. The induction heating cable has separate fluid and electrical connectors to separately couple cooling fluid and electric current to and from the induction heating cable. An induction heating system having a fluid cooling unit, a power source, and a flexible fluid-cooled induction heating cable having separate fluid and electrical connectors. An extension cable may be used to enable the flexible fluid-cooled induction heating cable to be used at a greater distance from the power source and the fluid cooling unit. An insulation blanket adapted for use with a specific size workpiece may be used with the flexible fluid-cooled induction heating cable.

Abstract: A shared redundancy prefetch scheme to provide a reduced number of fuses. DDR SDRAMs allow burst addressing at various burst lengths. DDR SDRAMs generally implement LEFT and RIGHT segment column addressing. In DDR SDRAMs which implement redundant memory arrays, fuses may be used to provide access to the redundant columns. Because burst addressing may begin with a RIGHT segment address, two different columns may be accessed on the same clock cycle. By providing a compare scheme which implements separate compare logic for the lower bits of the LEFT and RIGHT segments and compares these bits to a common fuse set used for both the LEFT and RIGHT segments, the number of fuses in the redundant DDR SDRAM scheme can be reduced.

Abstract: A technique for adjusting the dynamic range in an imaging system includes balancing of pure gray level processing with pure frequency processing to reduce the brightness of light regions in an image and to maintain contrast in darker regions. The technique applies unsharp masking in which a set of parameter values are used based upon smoothed pixel values for an image. The unsharp masking parameters may be substantially zero below a threshold, and increase nonlinearly above the threshold. A set of brightness control parameters are then used to adjust an output value for each pixel to a desired dynamic range. The brightness control parameters may also be nonlinear.

Abstract: A technique for analyzing images for a feature of interest includes generating gradients for a characteristic of an image, such as pixel intensity value, initiating a candidate boundary, and evolving the candidate boundary to the feature boundary. The gradients may be calculated at the outset and referred to through iterative steps in expansion of the candidate boundary to improve the computational efficiency of the processing. The candidate boundary is evolved, either inwardly or outwardly, by reference to mean curvature-weighted normals, resulting in very rapid convergence on the feature. The evolution naturally stops at the feature. The gradients may be diffused or smoothed to improve tolerance to artifacts and noise, while preserving original image definition and resolution. In a cardiac application, the endocardial and myocardial boundaries are analyzed and used to generate composite images, calculate ejection fractions and so forth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing electrical noise in an electrical signal from a temperature feedback device to an induction heating system. The induction heating system has an electrical connector that is adapted to electrically couple a temperature feedback device to a system controller and to ground via a capacitor circuit. The capacitor circuit shunts electrical noise to ground but allows a temperature signal from the temperature feedback device to be received by the system controller. A shielded extension cable to electrically couple the temperature feedback device to an induction heating system may be used. The shielding of the extension cable is electrically coupled to ground.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting values representative of pixel intensities from an input dynamic range to an output dynamic range. The input dynamic range is determined by acquisition circuitry, while the output range is determined by display or output devices or circuitry. A histogram of the input values is generated, and a lower limit value for the useful portion of the input range is identified from the histogram. An upper limit of the useful input range is then identified based on a log-transformed histogram computed from the original histogram, and on a threshold value located based on the lower limit value. Conversion of the pixel values is then performed by reference to the lower and upper limit values. The technique facilitates compensation for variations in utilization of the input dynamic range, and appropriately scales the input range utilized to the available output range.

Abstract: A pressure regulator having a disc spring. The pressure regulator comprises a valve having a movable device that is positioned to control fluid flow through the pressure regulator. Downstream fluid pressure produces a first force acting on the movable device to close the valve to block fluid flow through the pressure regulator. The disc spring produces a second force that acts on the movable device to open the valve to enable fluid to flow through the pressure regulator.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating a resistor on a flexible substrate. Specifically, at least a portion of a polyimide substrate is activated by exposure to a ion sputter etch techniques. A metal layer is disposed over the activated portion of the substrate, thereby resulting in the formation of a highly resistive metal-carbide region. Interconnect layers are disposed over the metal-carbide region and patterned to form terminals at opposite ends of the metal carbide region. The metal-carbide region is patterned to form a resistor between the terminals. Alternatively, only a selected area of the polyimide substrate is activated. The selected area forms the area in which the metal-carbide region is formed. Interconnect layers are disposed over the metal-carbide region and patterned to form terminals at opposite ends of the metal-carbide region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a web-based chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) system. Specifically, a fluid spray bar is coupled to a frame assembly which may be mounted on a CMP system. The fluid spray bar will move along the frame assembly. As the fluid spray bar traverses the length of the frame assembly, a cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the web in order to clean the web between planarization cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the number of data read lines needed in a memory device. Specifically, multiple helper flip-flops are used to prefetch data in a memory device. The helper flip-flops are configured to latch one or two of the data bits from a 4-bit prefetch in an alternating periodic fashion, thereby necessitating fewer data lines.

Abstract: A memory device wherein a diode is serially connected to a programmable resistor and is in electrical communication with a buried digit line. An electrically conductive plug is electrically interposed between the digit line and a strapping layer, thereby creating a double metal scheme wherein the strapping layer is a second metal layer overlying metal wordlines. In a method of a first embodiment the strapping material is electrically connected to the digit line through a planar landing pad overlying the conductive plug. An insulative material is sloped to the planar landing pad in order to provide a surface conducive to the formation of the strapping material.

Abstract: A toy, such as a toy pager or a toy telephone, generates an attention signal and plays a recorded message to the user. The attention signal is generated in a seemingly random fashion to simulate the operation of a real pager or telephone.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a method and apparatus of illuminating a display, which has a display screen, a plurality of lamps and reflector containing both specular and diffuse surfaces. The technique provides a relatively small area specular reflector with a curved surface configured for reflecting a substantial amount of light away from the lamps, into the intermediate areas between the lamps, and toward the display screen. The relatively large remaining area of the reflector provides a diffuse surface to direct some amount of light away from the lamps and toward the display. In addition, this diffuse surface optimizes the performance of light control films integral to the illumination system.

Abstract: Methods for attaching an integrated circuit die to a substrate. Specifically, substrates which are used for BOC/COB or F/C surface mounting comprise protrusions on the surface of the substrate. The protrusions are configured to form barriers to hold an adhesive paste within the barriers. An integrated circuit die is disposed on the top of the barriers and coupled to the substrate by the adhesive paste.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for providing image artifact to medical diagnostic institutions and systems. The information and images is created and stored on machine readable media. A user may enter a problem query at a user interface at the diagnostic institution or system and search a database of information located at a centralized service facility. A list of solutions and images having characteristic artifacts is displayed at the diagnostic institution. The user may then select and display a desired image or solution from the user interface. The particular solution may include textual and exemplary images descriptions of the solution. Moreover, additional links may be provided to access other related sources of information. The information stored on the machine readable media may be easily solutions to existing case problems.

Abstract: A multilayer heterostructure is provided a planarization layer superjacent a semiconductor substrate. The planarization layer comprises tungsten, titanium, tantalum, copper, aluminum, single crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, borophosphosilicate glass (“BPSG”) or tetraethylorthosilicate (“TEOS”). A barrier film having a structural integrity is superjacent the planarization layer. A second layer is formed superjacent the barrier film. The second layer comprises tungsten, titanium, tantalum, copper, aluminum, borophosphosilicate glass (“BPSG”) or tetraethylorthosilicate (“TEOS”). Heating causes the planarization layer to expand according to a first thermal coefficient of expansion, the second layer to expand according to a second thermal coefficient of expansion, and the structural integrity of the barrier film to be maintained.

Abstract: An arc welding system using a wire to produce an arc. The arc welding system comprising a welding handle. A tip being disposed in the welding handle to direct wire through the welding handle. The tip having a passage through the tip to receive the wire. The tip having an end portion adapted to be in facing relationship with a target material during welding. The passage having an outer surface layer of electroless nickel. The end portion having an outer surface layer of electrolytic nickel.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for acquiring subsequent image data in a medical diagnostic context based upon analysis of initial image data. The initial image data is processed via a computer aided diagnosis algorithm to determine whether additional image data acquisition is appropriate. Subsequent acquisition processes may be performed on the same imaging system from which the initial image data originated, or a different imaging system. The imaging systems may also be of different modalities. The subsequent acquisition of image data may be performed automatically without operator intervention, or the prescribed subsequent acquisition sequence may be outputted by the system for execution upon command of an operator.

Abstract: A technique for forming die stacks. Specifically, a stacking tip is provided to facilitate the stacking of die in a desired configuration. A first die is picked up by the stacking tip. The first die is coated with an adhesive on the underside of the die. The first die is brought in contact with a second die via the stacking tip. The second die is coupled to the first die via the adhesive on the underside of the first die. The second die is coated with an adhesive coating on the underside of the die. The second die is then brought in contact with a third die via the stacking tip. The third die is coupled to the second die via the adhesive on the underside of the second die, and so forth. Die stacks are formed without being coupled to a substrate. The die stacks may be functionally and/or environmentally tested before attaching the die stack to a substrate.