Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method for operating the same to correct for errors introduced by a repetitive scanning motion are disclosed. The microscope includes an actuator that moves the probe tip relative to the sample in three directions. The actuator executes a repetitive motion, characterized by a repetitive motion frequency, in one of the directions, and changes a distance between the sample and the probe tip in a second one of the directions. A probe position signal generator generates a probe position signal indicative of a position of the probe tip relative to the cantilever arm. A probe signal correction generator generates a corrected probe position signal by correcting the probe position signal for errors introduced by the repetitive motion. A controller maintains the probe tip in a fixed relationship with respect to the sample in the second one of the dimensions based on the corrected probe position signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of mitigating the effects of disturbances of a disk drive are disclosed. One method includes sensing a position error signal of a transducer coupled to a surface of the disk drive, wherein the position error signal aids in control of an actuator of the disk drive. A first disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a first sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the first disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. A second disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a second sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the second disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. Effects of the disturbances on the position error signal are reduced by adaptively adjusting a gain of the first disturbance signal and a gain of the second disturbance signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of mitigating the effects of disturbances of a disk drive are disclosed. One method includes sensing a position error signal of a transducer coupled to a surface of the disk drive, wherein the position error signal aids in control of an actuator of the disk drive. A first disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a first sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the first disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. A second disturbance signal is generated by sensing a disturbance of a second sensor attached to the disk drive, wherein the second disturbance signal aids in control of the actuator. Effects of the disturbances on the position error signal are reduced by adaptively adjusting a gain of the first disturbance signal and a gain of the second disturbance signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems and components for producing a scanning probe microscope (SPM) image. One method embodiment includes receiving sample data from a scanning probe microscope wherein said sample data comprises data sample many times per pixel of the SPM image to be displayed; selecting at least one decimation scheme from a plurality of different decimation schemes, for decimating the sample data to provide a single data value per pixel; and decimating the sample data, using the at least one selected decimation scheme.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope and method for using the same are disclosed. The scanning probe microscope includes a probe, an electro-mechanical actuator, and a controller. The probe has a tip that moves in response to an interaction between the tip and a local characteristic of a sample. The electro-mechanical actuator moves the sample relative to the probe tip in three dimensions. The controller maintains the probe tip in a fixed relationship with respect to the sample in one of the dimensions, and causes the electro-mechanical actuator to move the sample relative to the probe tip in the other two of the dimensions along a smooth path to generate an image of an object in the sample in an area sampled along the smooth path.

Abstract: A tire monitor and a tire pressure gauge for reading the data from the tire monitor are disclosed. The tire monitor includes an in-tire controller that stores a target inflation pressure representing the pressure to which the tire should be inflated when the tire is at a standard temperature. The tire monitor transmits the target inflation pressure to the external processor when the external processor is connected to the in-tire monitor over a communication link. A sensor array in the tire monitor can provide pressure and temperature readings that are stored in the monitor and used to provide a temperature-compensated fill pressure for the tire. The tire pressure gauge provides the user with a fill pressure to be used in inflating the tire. The tire pressure gauge communicates with the tire monitor and obtains pressure and temperature readings stored in the tire monitor. These reading are used to provide the temperature-compensated fill pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for constructing diagrams representing the relationship between variable quantities. According to the method, at least one first measurement point representing the relationship between the variable quantities is provided for initially constructing the diagram. Thereafter, at least one location is selected at which the relationship between the variable quantities is to be measured, the at least one location being selected as a function of the at least one measurement point. The relationship between the variable quantities is then measured at the at least one location to provide at least one additional measurement point for further constructing the diagram. The invention permits diagrams, such as V Curve diagrams, Bathtub Curve diagrams and Eye Diagrams, to be constructed in less time and using fewer measurement points than conventional diagram construction procedures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for constructing diagrams representing the relationship between variable quantities. According to the method, at least one first measurement point representing the relationship between the variable quantities is provided for initially constructing the diagram. Thereafter, at least one location is selected at which the relationship between the variable quantities is to be measured, the at least one location being selected as a function of the at least one measurement point. The relationship between the variable quantities is then measured at the at least one location to provide at least one additional measurement point for further constructing the diagram. The invention permits diagrams, such as V Curve diagrams, Bathtub Curve diagrams and Eye Diagrams, to be constructed in less time and using fewer measurement points than conventional diagram construction procedures.