Abstract: There is described a method of shading a group of pixels in a fragment shader in a raster graphics pipeline. At least one first pilot pixel of the group of pixels is shaded under a first precision. At least one second pilot pixel of the group of pixels is shaded under a second precision. An error value representing a difference between the first and second pilot pixels is calculated. At least one other pixel of the group of pixels is shaded under the first precision if the error value is greater than an error threshold. The at least one other pixel is shaded under the second precision if the error value is smaller than the error threshold.

Abstract: Intelligent file-level validation is described. A service provider (e.g., an administrator) can determine rule(s) based partly on specified data. The service provider can receive a data file. The service provider can determine modification data that indicates an amount of change to result from modifying previously stored data based on the data file, and can analyze the modification data based partly on threshold(s) associated with the rule(s). Each threshold can indicate an amount of change that is determined to be permissible for the data file, for the corresponding rule. The service provider can determine whether the data file is valid based partly on analyzing the modification data in view of the rule(s). Valid data files can be stored in a database that represents a source of truth and invalid data files can be routed to error handling.

Abstract: There is described a method of shading a group of pixels in a fragment shader in a raster graphics pipeline. At least one first pilot pixel of the group of pixels is shaded under a first precision. At least one second pilot pixel of the group of pixels is shaded under a second precision. An error value representing a difference between the first and second pilot pixels is calculated. At least one other pixel of the group of pixels is shaded under the first precision if the error value is greater than an error threshold. The at least one other pixel is shaded under the second precision if the error value is smaller than the error threshold.

Abstract: A method for grouping computer instructions includes receiving a set of computer instructions, grouping the set of computer instructions by register dependencies, identifying a plurality of single-definition-use flow (SDF) bundles based on a burstization criteria and a chaining criteria; and based on the SDF bundles, transforming the set of computer instructions. The transformation may include splitting one of the set of computer instructions and setting a burst parameter for the one of the set of computer instruction. The transformation may include grouping a plurality of the set of computer instructions and replacing a pair of register file accesses with a pair of temporary register accesses.

Abstract: A method for grouping computer instructions includes receiving a set of computer instructions, grouping the set of computer instructions by register dependencies, identifying a plurality of single-definition-use flow (SDF) bundles based on a burstization criteria and a chaining criteria; and based on the SDF bundles, transforming the set of computer instructions. The transformation may include splitting one of the set of computer instructions and setting a burst parameter for the one of the set of computer instruction. The transformation may include grouping a plurality of the set of computer instructions and replacing a pair of register file accesses with a pair of temporary register accesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing a respiratory function from plethysmography data obtainable, for example, from a pulse oximeter. A pulsatile waveform obtained from pleth data is processed to obtain a second waveform extending over multiple respiratory cycles and representing respiration-related variations in a pulse-beat area defined by the pulsatile waveform. The second waveform is analyzed to obtain information indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory index that provides a good indicator of respiratory distress may be computed based on a magnitude of respiratory peaks in the second waveform. Applications to asthma and sleep apnea are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing a respiratory function from plethysmography data obtainable, for example, from a pulse oximeter. A pulsatile waveform obtained from pleth data is processed to obtain a second waveform extending over a over multiple respiratory cycles and representing respiration-related variations in a pulse-beat area defined by the pulsatile waveform. The second waveform is analyzed to obtain information indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory index that provides a good indicator of respiratory distress may be computed based on a magnitude of respiratory peaks in the second waveform. Applications to asthma and sleep apnea are described.

Abstract: Intelligent file-level validation is described. A service provider (e.g., an administrator) can determine rule(s) based partly on specified data. The service provider can receive a data file. The service provider can determine modification data that indicates an amount of change to result from modifying previously stored data based on the data file, and can analyze the modification data based partly on threshold(s) associated with the rule(s). Each threshold can indicate an amount of change that is determined to be permissible for the data file, for the corresponding rule. The service provider can determine whether the data file is valid based partly on analyzing the modification data in view of the rule(s). Valid data files can be stored in a database that represents a source of truth and invalid data files can be routed to error handling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessing a respiratory function from plethysmography data obtainable, for example, from a pulse oximeter. A pulsatile waveform obtained from pleth data is processed to obtain a second waveform extending over a over multiple respiratory cycles and representing respiration-related variations in a pulse-beat area defined by the pulsatile waveform. The second waveform is analyzed to obtain information indicative of respiratory distress. A respiratory index that provides a good indicator of respiratory distress may be computed based on a magnitude of respiratory peaks in the second waveform. Applications to asthma and sleep apnea are described.

Abstract: An apparatus including a combined strap-length adjuster and strap keeper is disclosed for use with multiple embodiments of a strap-length adjuster. A tether is used in combination with the strap keeper. The arrangement allows the tether to not interfere with the positioning or movement of the straps and maintains the straps close to the strap-length adjuster and prevents slippage of the strap through the strap-length adjuster.

Abstract: An apparatus including a combined strap-length adjuster and strap keeper is disclosed for use with multiple embodiments of a strap-length adjuster. A tether is used in combination with the strap keeper. The arrangement allows the tether to not interfere with the positioning or movement of the straps and maintains the straps close to the strap-length adjuster and prevents slippage of the strap through the strap-length adjuster.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a wafer to a polishing belt during a CMP operation includes a spindle having an upper end and a lower end. A wafer carrier is coupled to the lower end of the spindle. A linear force generator is disposed at the upper end of the spindle. A load cell is positioned between the linear force generator and the upper end of the spindle. A controller is coupled to the load cell for controlling the force applied by the linear force generator. A method for applying downward force on a wafer during CMP also is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a wafer to a polishing belt during a CMP operation includes a spindle having an upper end and a lower end. A wafer carrier is coupled to the lower end of the spindle. A linear force generator is disposed at the upper end of the spindle. A load cell is positioned between the linear force generator and the upper end of the spindle. A controller is coupled to the load cell for controlling the force applied by the linear force generator. A method for applying downward force on a wafer during CMP also is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a wafer to a polishing belt during a CMP operation includes a spindle having an upper end and a lower end. A wafer carrier is coupled to the lower end of the spindle. A linear force generator is disposed at the upper end of the spindle. A load cell is positioned between the linear force generator and the upper end of the spindle. A controller is coupled to the load cell for controlling the force applied by the linear force generator. A method for applying downward force on a wafer during CMP also is described.

Abstract: An electrical circuit arrangement comprising a circuit board and an electrical component attached thereto by a plurality of solder joints. The sizes of the joints are chosen according to a characteristic (for example the frequency) of signals to be conducted through them. The joint sizes are inversely proportional to the frequency of signals which they are arranged to conduct. The expected fatigue life of the arrangement is greater than one in which all joints are of a smaller size, as required for example for high frequency signals, and this reduces the need for component underfill.