Abstract: A probe device having a contact probe including a film, a plurality of wiring patterns formed on the film with each wiring pattern having a front end portion projecting from the film so as to form contact pins, and a metal layer provided on the film. In one embodiment, the contact probe device includes first and second contact probes connected to each other, the first contact probe including a first film, and a plurality of first wiring patterns formed on the first film, each first wiring pattern having a front end portion projecting from the first film so as to form contact pins. The second contact probe includes a second film, and a plurality of second wiring patterns formed on the second film. The plurality of second wiring patterns are connected to the plurality of first wiring patterns, and the second contact probe is formed separately from the first contact probe.

Abstract: A method for reducing a response time of the pixels corresponding to a period of time required for a selected pixel at a starting pixel value to reach a target pixel value. Providing an n×n LCD overdrive matrix and for a selected pixel at a particular start pixel value, selecting a particular target pixel value to be reached in one frame time, and determining a particular overdrive pixel value based upon the particular start pixel value and the particular target pixel value using triangular interpolation.

Abstract: A binocular device includes two observation optical systems, an additional optical system, and a viewfinder for the additional optical system. An image-capturing unit is movable between a first image-plane position of one of the observation optical systems and an image-plane position of the additional optical system by shifting a lens-switching lever. A switch of the image-capturing unit can be turned on and off by a camera switch lever. For an observation mode using the observation optical system, the image-capturing unit is set at the image-plane position of the additional optical system. For an image-capturing mode using the observation optical system, the image-capturing unit is set at the first image-plane position such that the switch of the image-capturing unit is turned on. For image-capturing using the additional optical system, the image-capturing unit is set at the image-plane position of the additional optical system such that the switch of the image-capturing unit is turned on.

Abstract: A multi-function display controller that includes a source detector unit for determining if the source of an input stream is either film originated source originated or video source originated. A source converter unit for converting the input image stream to a common signal processing format is coupled to the source detector unit. Once converted to the common signal processing format, a determination is made if the input image stream is interlaced or non-interlaced (progressive scan). If the input image stream is interlaced, a de-interlace unit converts the interlaced signal to progressive scan using either motion adaptive or motion compensated de-interlacing techniques. It should be noted that in the described embodiment, motion vectors generated for use by the motion compensated de-interlace can be optionally stored in a memory unit for use in subsequent operations, such as motion compensated frame rate conversion or noise reduction (if any).

Abstract: To achieve the foregoing, and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, an apparatus and method for generating refined sub-pixel vectors for motion estimation from vector correlation values and converged vector correlation values using quadratic approximations respectively is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes defining a minimum vector position value of a converged vector and then determining a predetermined number of vector correlation samples around the minimum vector position value. The predetermined number of vector correlation samples provide a coarse correlation surface estimation of the minimum vector position value. A correlation surface fitting of the predetermined number of vector correlation samples using a quadratic approximation of the coarse correlation surface estimation of the minimum value is then performed. The correlation surface fitting resulting in a refined sub-pixel minimum vector position with horizontal and vertical components.

Abstract: The computing forward and backward vectors in unique patterns to achieve improved horizontal and vertical detail of the video display while reducing data processing and storage overhead is disclosed. The invention comprises generating a unique pattern of forward and backward motion vectors. The motion vectors are calculated using a quincunx vector sub-sampling of the forward and backward motion vectors to generate the pattern of motion vectors. The unique pattern generated by the quincunx vector sub-sampling provides more symmetrical sampling in the horizontal, vertical and diagonal directions and the benefit of lower data processing overhead while performing frame rate conversion.

Abstract: A method for chemically bonding semiconductor wafers and other materials to one another without exposing wafers to wet environments, and a bonding chamber for in situ plasma bonding are disclosed. The in situ plasma bonding chamber allows plasma activation and bonding to occur without disruption of the vacuum level. This precludes rinsing of the surfaces after placement in the chamber, but allows for variations in ultimate pressure, plasma gas species, and backfill gases. The resulting bonded materials are free from macroscopic and microscopic voids. The initial bond is much stronger than conventional bonding techniques, thereby allowing for rougher materials to be bonded to one another. This bonded materials can be used for bond and etchback silicon on insulator, high voltage and current devices, radiation resistant devices, micromachined sensors and actuators, and hybrid semiconductor applications. This technique is not limited to semiconductors.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides expressed in bovine mammary gland tissue are provided, together with genetic constructs and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: A control system to control the descent of a seafaring vessel, such as a lifeboat, into water is disclosed herein. The control system, and an accompanying method, control the descent speed of the seafaring vessel to minimise the possibility of setback after splashdown, and thus increase the probability of a safe and orderly launch.

Abstract: A method of auto-calibration of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is described. The method is carried out by generating and displaying on the LCD a test patch at a first grey level, generating a first signal based upon the test pattern at the first grey level, generating and displaying a second test patch at a second grey level, generating a second signal based upon the test pattern at the second grey level, and calculating an entry to an LCD overdrive table based upon the first and the second signal.

Abstract: A probe device having a contact probe including a film, a plurality of wiring patterns formed on the film with each wiring pattern having a front end portion projecting from the film so as to form contact pins, and a metal layer provided on the film. In one embodiment, the contact probe device includes first and second contact probes connected to each other, the first contact probe including a first film, and a plurality of first wiring patterns formed on the first film, each first wiring pattern having a front end portion projecting from the first film so as to form contact pins. The second contact probe includes a second film, and a plurality of second wiring patterns formed on the second film. The plurality of second wiring patterns are connected to the plurality of first wiring patterns, and the second contact probe is formed separately from the first contact probe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit on semiconductor substrates. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate characterized by a first lattice with a first structure and a first spacing. The semiconductor substrate has an overlying film of material with a second lattice with a second structure and a second spacing. Preferably, the second spacing placing the film of material in either a tensile or compressive mode across the entirety of the film of material relative to the semiconductor substrate with the first structure and the first spacing. The method includes processing the film of material to form a first region and a second region within the film of material. The first region and the second region are characterized by either the tensile or compressive mode. Preferably, both the first and second regions in their entirety are characterized by either the tensile or compressive mode.

Abstract: A probe device having a contact probe including a film, a plurality of wiring patterns formed on the film with each wiring pattern having a front end portion projecting from the film so as to form contact pins, and a metal layer provided on the film. In one embodiment, the contact probe device includes first and second contact probes connected to each other, the first contact probe including a first film, and a plurality of first wiring patterns formed on the first film, each first wiring pattern having a front end portion projecting from the first film so as to form contact pins. The second contact probe includes a second film, and a plurality of second wiring patterns formed on the second film. The plurality of second wiring patterns are connected to the plurality of first wiring patterns, and the second contact probe is formed separately from the first contact probe.

Abstract: A method for sports training allows an athlete to move an exercise bar connected between congruent trusses freely in two dimensions. The resistance the bar offers to the movements of the user is programmable and may be varied according to predetermined parameters and also as a predetermined function of measured parameters. The parameters of the exercise may also be recorded.

Abstract: Isolated fibroblast growth factor receptor 5 (FGFR5) polypeptides are provided, together with polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides. Also provided are modulators of FGFR5 gene expression and binding molecules that specifically bind to, and agonize or antagonize, FGFR5 polypeptide function. Binding molecules include antibodies, and functional fragments thereof, as well as scFv and Camelidae heavy chain IgG that specifically bind to FGFR5 thereby modulating the activity of FGFR5. Such binding agents and modulators of FGFR5 gene expression may be employed for the treatment of disorders including: osteopontin-mediated diseases; autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus; bone disorders such as osteoporosis and osteopetrosis; and cancers, including cellular carcinomas such as hepatocellular carcinomas.

Abstract: A configurable real time data processor arranged to provide a data stream to a display unit having an associated set of display attributes. A number of ports each of which is configured to receive an input data stream, an adaptive image converter unit coupled to at least one of the ports suitable for converting a corresponding input data stream to a corresponding converted data stream having associated converted data stream attributes, an image compositor unit arranged to combine the converted data streams to form a composited data stream, an image enhancer unit arranged to enhance the composited data stream to form an enhanced data stream, and a display unit interface arranged process the enhanced data stream suitable for display on the display unit.

Abstract: A technique for forming a gettering layer in a wafer made using a controlled cleaving process. The gettering layer can be made by implanting using beam line or plasma immersion ion implantaion, or made by forming a film of material such as polysilicon by way of chemical vapor deposition. A controlled cleaving process is used to form the wafer, which is a multilayered silicon on insulator substrate. The gettering layer removes and/or attracts impurities in the wafer, which can be detrimental to the functionality and reliability of an integrated circuit device made on the wafer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotational flash guard and method of use of a rotational flash guard. In general, the flash guard is attached to a support frame by an arm, a linkage mechanism pivotally interconnects the arm and the support frame, and an extensible power member connects the support frame to the linkage mechanism. Due to the unique configuration of the rotational flash guard it is adapted for movement about a work piece positioner to allow for use of a robotic tool while providing protection to the operator and other workers.

Abstract: A method for treating a film of material, which can be defined on a substrate, e.g., silicon. The method includes providing a substrate comprising a cleaved surface, which had a porous silicon layer thereon. The substrate may have a distribution of hydrogen bearing particles defined from the cleaved surface to a region underlying said cleaved surface. The method also includes increasing a temperature of the cleaved surface to greater than about 1,000 Degrees Celsius while maintaining the cleaved surface in a etchant bearing environment to reduce a surface roughness value by about fifty percent and greater. Preferably, the value can be reduced by about eighty or ninety percent and greater, depending upon the embodiment.

Abstract: A packet based high bandwidth copy protection method is described that includes the following operations. Forming a number of data packets at a source device, encrypting selected ones of the data packets based upon a set of encryption values, transmitting the encrypted data packets from the source device to a sink device coupled thereto, decrypting the encrypted data packets based in part upon the encryption values, and accessing the decrypted data packets by the sink device.