Abstract: An integrated circuit with random access memory (RAM) and a built-in self tester for the RAM is disclosed. The built-in self tester includes a RAM BIST controller, a comparator, and a BIST I/O. The RAM BIST controller controls the RAM during a test where the RAM includes data, address, and control lines. The comparator is responsive to outputs of the RAM BIST controller and the RAM and develops an error signal. The BIST I/O is responsive to outputs of the comparator and has an output coupled to one of the I/O ports. The BIST I/O is further capable of storing an address of a data storage location in the RAM that malfunctions during the test and outputting the address via an integrated circuit I/O port.

Abstract: A computer system including a CPU, a screen assembly coupled to the CPU, a pointer assembly coupled to the CPU, an application program running on the CPU, a recognizer routine running on the CPU, and a recognition editor and interface (REI) routine running on the CPU and providing an interface between the application program and the recognition routine. The REI routine is operative to display an interface image on the screen of the CPU, receive ink inputs made on the interface image by the pointer mechanism, send ink inputs to the recognition routine, receive recognized objects from the recognition routine, and to send recognized objects to the application program. Preferably, the REI routine also permits recognized objects to be edited on the interface image. By making the user interface of the REI routine separate from the operating system, the application program, and the recognition routine, a consistent user interface is developed for a multiplicity of application programs and recognition routines.

Abstract: A multilevel antifuse structure characterized by a substrate, a first antifuse structure formed above the substrate, and a second antifuse structure formed above the first antifuse structure. The first antifuse structure preferably includes a first conductive layer, a first antifuse layer disposed over the first conductive layer, a first dielectric layer disposed over the first antifuse layer and provided with a first via hole, and a first conductive via formed within the first via hole. The second antifuse structure preferably includes a second conductive layer, a second antifuse layer disposed over the second conductive layer, a second dielectric layer disposed over the second antifuse layer and provided with a second via hole, and a second conductive via formed within the second via hole. Preferably, the first antifuse layer and the second antifuse layer are patterned into a plurality of antifuse regions which are either vertically aligned or vertically staggered with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing user feedback. A user may activate an enter feedback mode command in a computer environment to provide feedback in a feedback interface. A feedback record is created and the user's context within a product, process, service, or issue to which the feedback refers is recorded in the feedback record. Attribute icons that the user may select to identify the nature of the feedback are displayed in the feedback interface. Selected attributes, the time at which the feedback is made, the physical location and identity of the user, and comments by the user are recorded in the feedback record. A feedback visualizer for a reviewer for organizing and presenting user feedback receives feedback from users, the feedback being collected and stored in a database. The visualizer identifies a reviewer's visualization preferences, which include indications of feedback attributes that the reviewer desires to review.

Abstract: A method of viewing an object by imparting a continuous, steady, cyclic motion to the object which keeps the orientation of the object substantially the same. The object can be a real 3-D object or can be an abstract object such as those used in 3-D computer graphics. Real objects viewed in an apparatus which includes a support, a viewpoint, and a mechanism for imparting a relative wobble between the support and the viewpoint to create a wobbling image of the object. In one embodiment, the support is caused to wobble and the viewpoint is substantially stationary, and in another embodiment the support is substantially stationary and the image at the viewpoint is caused to wobble. A computer implemented process for viewing the object includes the steps of developing, within a computer system, a description of a 3-D object, specifying a wobble procedure, and displaying an animated representation of the object on a visual display as determined by the wobble procedure.

Abstract: A lower power trim circuit in accordance with the present invention includes the series connection of a resistive element, a first transistor, and a second transistor between nodes of a voltage source. The first transistor (which is coupled to the resistive element) is much larger, e.g. twice as large, as the second transistor. When the resistive element is in a low resistance state, the first transistor dominates a node between the first and second transistors due to its large size, thereby causing the node attain a first logical state. When the resistive element is in a high resistance state, the second transistor dominates the node, causing the node to go to a second logical state. The programmable resistive element is preferably selected from a group consisting essentially of silicide resistors, capacitors, and antifuses.

Abstract: A method for manipulating notes on a screen of a computer display characterized by: (a) generating an initial note area; (b) dividing the initial note area into a plurality of note areas in response to at least one division gesture implemented by a pointing device, where each division gesture creates a header bar, including function buttons, on the computer display which visually separates two adjacent note areas; (c) modifying the size of a selected note area in response to a sizing gesture made to a header bar; and (d) scrolling in at least one note area in response to a scrolling command. Step (b) includes the steps of detecting a division gesture made on the computer screen by a pointing device, and then creating a header bar at a location indicated by the division gesture. Step (c) includes the steps of detecting the selection of a header bar with a pointing device, detecting a subsequent sizing gesture made by the pointing device, and moving the header bar as indicated by the sizing gesture.

Abstract: A coating method for detecting the presence of contaminants carried by a liquid that is applied as a coating on a workpiece. A tube guides the liquid along a flow path to the workpiece. A light source illuminates the liquid along the flow path with an optical fiber or other light carrier, and light is scattered by any contaminants present in the liquid. Light scattered by the contaminant particles is more intense than light scattered by the other liquid particles, and this brighter scattered light is detected by a light detector positioned adjacent to the fluid flow path. The coating system is particularly well suited for use in a spin-on coating process that applies a liquid, such as a photoresist material or a dielectric material, to a semiconductor wafer or other workpiece that is secured to a rotating turntable and rotated to receive a coating of the liquid.

Abstract: A process is provided which is capable of removing impurities from an impurity-containing hydrogen gas without generating methane. A bed of particulate nickel in an amount of at least 5% by weight as elemental nickel at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. removes all impurities except nitrogen. Then a bed of getter material, a zirconium, vanadium and iron alloy at a temperature of from 200.degree. C. to 500.degree. C. removes the nitrogen impurity thus producing purified hydrogen with an impurity content of less that 20 ppb. A purifier for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: A method for fabricating bond pads on a semiconductor device that reduces intermetallic growth between a metallization layer and a bonding layer is discussed. Initially a metallization layer is deposited over a substrate. Following steps include depositing a barrier layer over the metallization layer, masking a portion of the barrier layer, and etching the barrier layer and the metallization layer. Etching of the barrier and masking layers is performed utilizing the barrier layer mask as a mask for both the barrier layer and the metallization layer. Further steps include depositing a non-conductive layer conformally overlying the barrier layer, masking a portion of the non-conductive layer, and etching the non-conductive layer. Etching the non-conductive layer forms an exposed region of the barrier layer. A later step of this method includes forming a bond layer over the exposed region of the barrier layer, with one possible formation method utilizing an electrolysis process.

Abstract: A management system for a file server having a system board, an expansion board, a disk storage system and a server manager for collecting management information from the system board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing carbon electrodes for use in electrochemical energy storage cells such as lithium ion batteries. The process involves a step of precipitating a polymer from a concentrated solution to yield a structure having at least a partially fractious morphology. The solvent from which the polymer has been precipitated (the "primary solvent") is then exchanged with another solvent (the "secondary solvent") in which the polymer is relatively insoluble. Thereafter, the secondary solvent is removed from the precipitated polymer and the dry polymer is contacted with a dopant such as phosphorous. Subsequently, the polymer with dopant is pyrolyzed to yield a carbon material which is assembled into an electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a note on an application program includes noticing a note anchor object associated with a data file displayed by an application program on a computer screen and displaying a note slip image over the displayed data and images of the application program. Many anchor objects and note slips may be displayed on the screen at once, and a single anchor object is preferably associated with a single note slip. The note slip is preferably receptive to pen-based inputs, and may be resized or moved on the screen. The anchor object includes a visual picture data portion and a picture comment data portion that descibes the note slip associated with that anchor object. The anchor object preferably exists as a standard graphical picture in the application program and can be manipulated as such. The present invention thus allows note slips to be displayed in existing application programs, either pen-compatible or non-pen-compatible.

Abstract: A computer system for system recovery from power loss includes a central processing unit and an activation means for starting up the computer. The computer system also has a cold boot circuit, a system controller, volatile read/write memory, and non-volatile read/write memory. The controller includes a protection register whose value indicates the manner in which the computer system was previously shut-down. One aspect of the present invention is a method for an orderly shut-down which includes the steps of compressing all critical data stored in volatile read/write memory, transferring the compressed critical data into non-volatile read/write memory, writing memory validity data to indicate a successful store and the time and date stored, and shutting down the system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is capable of removing impurities from an impurity-containing hydrogen gas without generating methane. A bed of particulate nickel in an amount of at least 5% by weight as elemental nickel at a temperature of from 0.degree. C. to 50.degree. C. removes all impurities except nitrogen. Then a bed of getter material, a zirconium, vanadium and iron alloy at a temperature of from 200.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. removes the nitrogen impurity thus producing purified hydrogen with an impurity content of less than 20 ppb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for framing data in digital transmission lines automatically recognizes a framing format. The apparatus preferably includes a frame alignment apparatus that can recognize any one of a number of predetermined framing formats created by framing information on an input signal. The frame alignment apparatus outputs an aligning signal to an output frame counter, which counts the data and framing information on the input signal and outputs a frame synchronization signal according to the framing format. The input signal is also coupled to an output apparatus that outputs the input signal at the clock rate of a terminating apparatus. The frame alignment apparatus preferably includes a plurality of pattern recognizers able to recognize at least one of the framing formats and a storage apparatus for storing counts of successive data and framing information that match a framing pattern. The counts are preferably used to identify the flaming information on the input signal and the flaming format.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for informing the central unit of the transmission requirements of a remote unit in a bi-directional data transmission system that facilitates communications between a central unit and a plurality of remote units using a frame based discrete multi-tone (DMT) transmission scheme. The method includes the step of transmitting, using a fast access transmission mode, a communication access request from a selected first remote unit to the central unit during any symbol period. The communication access request includes a unique remote unit identifier associated with the selected first remote unit and is transmitted from the selected first remote unit on at least one unused sub-channel using a modulation scheme that does not require equalization to decode at the central unit.

Abstract: A development environment and method is provided in which a first computer system is used to develop an application for execution in a second computer system--such as a pen-based computer--having a graphical user interface. The first computer system also has a graphical user interface that can display (1) a palette containing lists and/or buttons of "components" representing graphical interface elements such as slide bars, dialog boxes, buttons, check boxes, icons, menus, etc., (2) a layout window corresponding a display screen of the second computer and containing "views" of selected palette components and (3) a browser allowing the views to be edited graphically. To develop an application, the user creates views on the layout window by (1) selecting a component from the palette and (2) drawing a border for the view in the layout window. Each view so created represents a "template" which is a frame object having a plurality of "slots" which may be edited in a slot editor area of the browser.

Abstract: An arcade game including an object sensor for detecting a playing piece directed by a player. A target field receives the directed playing piece, and the sensor determines the identity and a final position of the playing piece at rest. A scoring mechanism provides a game score based on the identity and final resting position of the playing piece. Preferably, the playing piece, such as a ring or coin, engages one of multiple individual targets, such as bottles or receptacles. A return mechanism provides the playing piece to the player, and an award dispenser dispenses an award to a player based on the game score. The sensor includes a visual sensor and digital processor for validating and determining a final position of the moving playing piece by detecting visible light. The digital processor examines an image of the target field to determine and validate the identity of the playing piece, the trajectory of the playing piece, and the final position of the playing piece to determine the game score.

Abstract: An improved rotary push arcade game including a turntable having a central aperture. Prize objects which are positioned on the surface of the turntable are moved by a pivoting arm member positioned above the turntable. An improved tip of the arm member is engaged with the surface of the turntable and is used to engage an object and push the object into a collection pocket. The collection pocket detects the presence of the object and provides the object to the player. An object dispenser which is positioned in the central aperture of the turntable is used for dispensing additional objects onto the surface of the turntable as required. A wheel mechanism coupled to the turntable near the edge of the turntable causes the turntable to rotate.