Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architectured around a table of components to manage and control the system.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a memory to store a first frame, a buffer to store at least one portion of a second frame previously stored in the memory, and first and second units to, respectfully, store and fetch data. The first unit may copy a datum of the second frame stored at a particular location in the memory to the buffer. The first unit may then store a datum of a first frame at the particular location. The second unit may fetch a datum of a second frame from a selected location. If a write-segment pointer and a read-segment pointer identify the same memory segment, and the read-data pointer is greater than the write-data pointer, the memory may be selected. If the write-segment pointer and the read-segment pointer identify the same memory segment, and the write-data pointer is greater than the read-data pointer, the buffer may be selected.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.

Abstract: A method for resizing image data from a first size image to a second size image is disclosed. In one operation of the method, a scale factor is determined based on a number of gaps between pixels in the first size image and a number of gaps between pixels in the second size image. In another operation, the scale factor is applied to the first size image to generate a representation of the second size image data. In yet another operation a remainder representing an offset from a last pixel of the first size image data and a last pixel from the representation of the second size image data is determined. With the offset determined, another operation offsets each end pixel of a line of the second size image data by a portion of the remainder.

Abstract: A method of monitoring copper contamination. The method includes method, comprising: (a) ion-implanting an N-type dopant into a region of single-crystal silicon substrate, the region abutting a top surface of the substrate; (c) activating the N-type dopant by annealing the substrate at a temperature of 500° C. or higher in an inert atmosphere; (c) submerging, for a present duration of time, the substrate into an aqueous solution, the aqueous solution to be monitored for copper contamination; and (d) determining an amount of copper adsorbed from the aqueous solution by the region of the substrate.

Abstract: A computer system. The computer system including a processor and memory unit coupled to the processor, the memory unit containing instructions that when executed by the processor implement a method for monitoring a solution in a tank used to fabricate integrated circuits, the method comprising the computer implemented steps of: (a) collecting data indicating of an amount of copper in a region of a substrate of a monitor, the monitor comprising an N-type region in a silicon substrate, the region abutting a top surface of the substrate, the monitor having been submerged in the solution for a preset time; (b) comparing the data to a specification for copper content of the solution; (c) if the data indicates a copper content exceeds a limit of the specification for copper, indicating a corrective action is required to prevent copper contamination of the integrated circuits; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) periodically.

Abstract: A method for concurrently displaying an image and a video on a display having memory integrated therein comprises receiving position data defining a position of a top image region, receiving video data from a video source, and passing the video data directly to the display, i.e., without first storing the image within video RAM. In a first mode video data is passed directly to the display only when it corresponds to pixels outside of the top image region. In a second mode, video data is passed directly to the display such that entire successive images are wholly displayed within the top image region. The top image region is smaller than the entire display region.

Abstract: A graphics controller for animating an overlay is described. The graphics controller includes a host interface for communicating with an external processor and a plurality of registers in communication with the host interface. Logic is configured to periodically change coordinates of an overlay image. The logic responds to values stored in the registers to cause display registers containing the coordinates to be updated every x number of frame refreshes, wherein x is a positive integer.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. Techniques for process sensitive help are also integrated into the system to provide contextual examples to guide a user in performing a task.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for serially receiving and dimensionally transforming an image in an ordered sequence of interleaved blocks. Each block comprises an ordered sequence of samples of the image, and the samples of a single block all corresponding to a single color component. The method includes steps of counting the samples in the order received to determine a sequence number for each sample, comparing the sequence number with a set of predetermined values; and dimensionally transforming the image by either discarding the sample or storing the sample in a memory depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An interface for an integrated circuit chip is provided. The interface includes a first port configured to receive a command signal indicating whether command information or data is being transferred to the integrated circuit chip. The interface further includes a second port configured to receive the command information and the data. Coded data detection logic configured to detect a transition of the command signal indicating that the command information and the data are coded is provided. The transition of the command signal occurs subsequent to a first clock cycle indicating a type of access to the integrated circuit. A method for reducing overhead for a serial interface when receiving or transmitting data is also included.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system includes a host, an image data source, and a graphics controller. The image data source provides a frame corresponding to a particular image size. The graphics controller is receives the frame. Preferably, the graphics controller is remote from the image data source and the host, and includes a fitting module for calculating a scale factor based on the image size, and a scaling unit for scaling the image according to the scale factor. In another preferred embodiment, a system includes a display device of a particular resolution, a memory, and a graphics controller. The memory is for storing a frame corresponding to a particular image size. The graphics controller preferably includes: a fitting module for calculating a scale factor based on the image size and the display device resolution, and a scaling unit for scaling the image according to the scale factor. The graphics controller may be adapted for retrieving the display device resolution from the display device.

Abstract: A system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions. An accounting tutorial system is enabled for providing active coaching on aspects of cost accounting including debit and credit processing, procedures for closing books, appropriate management of ledgers, assets and liabilities utilizing a t-account motif.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing image data received in a block-interleaved format using an MCU buffer. A first minimum coded unit of the image data is stored in a first memory. The image data in the first minimum coded unit is grouped into pixels. The grouped image data is stored in a second memory as a second minimum coded unit of the image data. Preferably, the image data is converted from a first color format to a second color format. Further, the image is preferably dimensionally transformed.

Abstract: The invention is directed, in preferred embodiments, to method and apparatus for storing overlay pixels of a scaled overlay image over background pixels of a background image. The overlay and background pixels being defined by at least a luminance component and a color component. A preferred method comprises: (a) defining a first luminance value corresponding to a transparent overlay pixel; (b) defining a second luminance value corresponding to an opaque overlay pixel; and (c) where, for any first overlay pixels for which luminance components differ from the first and second luminance values, storing the luminance components so as to over-write the luminance components of the corresponding background pixels, and discarding the associated color components so as to leave remaining the color components of the corresponding background pixels. Preferably, the overlay and background pixels are defined in a sampling format providing for color information to be shared between at least two pixels.

Abstract: A hardware implemented method for incorporating a border region within an image region is provided. In this method, a portion of the border region is stored in memory. Thereafter, a determination is made as to a relative position of a pixel within the image region. An image pixel or each pixel of the portion of the border region is then fetched from the memory dependent upon the relative position of the pixel. An apparatus and display controller for incorporating a border region within an image region are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for transforming the dimensions of an image represented by block-interleaved data. The method comprises: (a) storing a first minimum coded unit of the image data in a first memory; (b) dimensionally transforming the first minimum coded unit; and (c) storing a second minimum coded unit of the image data in the first memory. Steps (b) and (c) are performed after step (a). In addition, step (b) is performed before: starting to store any third minimum coded unit in the memory after step (c). The apparatus comprises a first memory, a storing circuit, a dimensional transforming circuit, and a timing control circuit. Preferably, the first memory is sized for storing no more than two minimum coded units.

Abstract: A digital imaging device is operated to capture a first image in a digital format. At least two non-contiguous portions of the first image are rendered in a display of the digital imaging device. The at least two non-contiguous portions of the first image are used to align a live version of a second image in the display, wherein the second image is an extension of the first image. The second image is captured in a digital format. A corner matching algorithm is applied to determine an offset of the second image with respect to the first image, wherein the offset is required to achieve a substantially accurate alignment of the first and second images. Application of the corner matching algorithm is limited to an overlap region intervening between the at least two non-contiguous portions of the first image.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for reducing the bandwidth required to transmit image data to a display device. It is contemplated that the image data represents a plurality of pixels defining an image for display on the display device, and that the image data is transmitted in a data stream with the data being in a predetermined order of pixel components. The method comprises the steps of receiving the image data from the data stream, and transforming the image data as it is received by selectively storing some of the image data in a memory for access by the display device and discarding other of the image data.

Abstract: A graphics controller for performing real-time multi-level wavelet decomposition is provided. The graphics controller, includes an interface for receiving streaming data. The graphics controller includes wavelet decomposition circuitry configured to receive the streaming data from the interface. The wavelet decomposition circuitry includes a single low pass filter and a single high pass filter. A plurality of shift register banks receiving output from the low pass filter are included, as well as a multiplexer receiving input from the plurality of shift register banks and the streaming data, wherein the streaming data is unbuffered between the interface and the multiplexer. Control logic for selecting output from the multiplexer and enabling shift registers of the plurality of shift register banks to transmit data for input to the multiplexer is also include in the wavelet decomposition circuitry. A method for performing a multi-level wavelet decomposition in hardware is also provided.