Patents by Inventor Mark Laird

Mark Laird has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8091063
    Abstract: A system that characterizes an integrated circuit manufacturing process is presented. During operation, the system receives a layout which includes a plurality of test structures for semiconductor devices, wherein each test structure varies one or more design variables. The system then fabricates a plurality of wafers based on the layout, wherein each wafer in the plurality of wafers is fabricated using one of a plurality of process settings. Next, the system obtains performance characteristics for the plurality of test structures on the plurality of wafers. The system then generates a process model that is based on at least the effect that values for the one or more design variables and the plurality of process settings have on the performance characteristics of the plurality of test structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Laird, Wayne Clark, Yiping Szu
  • Publication number: 20100005436
    Abstract: A system that characterizes an integrated circuit manufacturing process is presented. During operation, the system receives a layout which includes a plurality of test structures for semiconductor devices, wherein each test structure varies one or more design variables. The system then fabricates a plurality of wafers based on the layout, wherein each wafer in the plurality of wafers is fabricated using one of a plurality of process settings. Next, the system obtains performance characteristics for the plurality of test structures on the plurality of wafers. The system then generates a process model that is based on at least the effect that values for the one or more design variables and the plurality of process settings have on the performance characteristics of the plurality of test structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: SYNOPSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Laird, Wayne Clark, Yiping Szu
  • Publication number: 20050085257
    Abstract: A handset uses one or more systems, such as GPS, a carrier-based network or a wireless local area network, to ascertain its location. The handset can include sensors, such as temperature or heart rate sensors. In response to detecting an attempt to place an emergency call or send a message, or in response to automatically detecting an emergency, the handset provides a server with the identity and location of the handset and information about the emergency. The server provides the handset with information to correct errors in the location information or the server corrects the location errors. Communications between the server and handset are carried over the carrier-based network, WLAN and/or another wireless channel. The server displays information about the handset, a user and the sensors, so a dispatcher can dispatch assistance and/or provide information about the emergency to another agency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Laird, Michael Glier
  • Publication number: 20050075116
    Abstract: A user selects a route between a starting point and a destination. A mobile handset monitors the user's progress along the route by monitoring the location and movement of the handset and, optionally, sensor data, and by comparing this information to rules that define permitted or prohibited locations or movements or threshold sensor values. The handset uses one or more positioning systems, such as GPS, to ascertain its location. A server provides the handset with information to correct errors in the location information. If a rule fires, possibly indicating that the user is in danger, the handset attempts to ascertain the user's wellbeing, warns the user to return to the prescribed route and begins sending the handset's location to a server, which displays the information to a dispatcher who dispatches safety or security personnel to the user's location. The handset and servers communicate via any available wireless channel(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Mark Laird, Michael Glier
  • Patent number: 5701398
    Abstract: A neural network including a plurality of sub-nets stored in a memory array and a method of operation. Each of the sub-nets includes a corresponding plurality of weights and is individually operable to classify an input vector. A computation unit, including a distance calculation unit and a math unit, is responsive to an input vector comprising input training features for determining a distance between the weights of each sub-net to each of the input features of the input vector and for determining whether the distance is within a particular region of influence. Also described is a parallel process for training the sub-nets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Nestor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Glier, John Cole, Mark Laird