Abstract: Collecting process characterization data local to a failed integrated circuit (IC), includes providing a wafer having ICs, each IC having contact terminals, the wafer having process characterization test sites distributed across it such that at least one process characterization test site is adjacent each IC; selecting two or more ICs for simultaneous testing; for each of those ICs, coupling two or more contact terminals of the selected IC, and a corresponding two or more contact terminals of an associated test site to corresponding input terminals of a multiplexer, each multiplexer having an output terminal and a select control input terminal, the multiplexer operable to selectively provide an electrical pathway between either an IC contact terminal or a test site contact terminal and the multiplexer output terminal; coupling the output terminal of each multiplexer to a tester channel; operating the multiplexer so that its output terminal is coupled to the IC contact terminal; simultaneously testing two or m

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing fully tested unsingulated integrated circuits without probe scrub damage to bond pads includes forming a wafer/wafer translator pair removably attached to each other wherein the wafer translator includes contact structures formed from a soft crushable electrically conductive material and these contact structures are brought into contact with the bond pads in the presence of an inert gas; and subsequently a vacuum is drawn between the wafer and the wafer translator. In one aspect of the present invention, the unsingulated integrated circuits are exercised by a plurality of test systems wherein the bond pads are never physically touched by the test system and electrical access to the wafer is only provided through the inquiry-side of the wafer translator. In a further aspect of the present invention, known good die having bond pads without probe scrub marks are provided for incorporation into products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing fully tested unsingulated integrated circuits without probe scrub damage to bond pads includes forming a wafer/wafer translator pair removably attached to each other wherein the wafer translator includes contact structures formed from a soft crushable electrically conductive material and these contact structures are brought into contact with the bond pads in the presence of an inert gas; and subsequently a vacuum is drawn between the wafer and the wafer translator. In one aspect of the present invention, the unsingulated integrated circuits are exercised by a plurality of test systems wherein the bond pads are never physically touched by the test system and electrical access to the wafer is only provided through the inquiry-side of the wafer translator. In a further aspect of the present invention, known good die having bond pads without probe scrub marks are provided for incorporation into products.

Abstract: A location-aware product includes a location information resource for providing the present location of the location-aware product to within some margin of error, and such present location information is included by the location-aware product in various outputs, including but not limited to, location stamps in files for create, open, and/or modify file operations. In a further aspect, location information may be used in determining the time zone or zones in which one or more operations have occurred, and to provide the basis for updating clocks, or other resources, useful for time stamping of various operations and outputs. In a still further aspect of the present invention, information displays may be sorted by accounting for the differences in times and dates introduced through time stamping of events in different time zones.

Abstract: A location-based service provides for reception of information that defines the location of a location-aware image capture device, such as, for example, a camera. The location-based service provides for transmission to the location-aware image capture device, or a user thereof, information regarding at least the location of a photo processing establishment. In one embodiment, a list of photo processing establishments is provided, wherein the list is of those establishments that meet pre-determined requirements. In another embodiment, the location-based service provides for reception of image data from the location-aware image capture device. In still another embodiment, the location-based service can transmit the image data to one or more photo processing establishment, and may further transmit instructions as to how to process the image data.

Abstract: Location information is used as at least one basis for selecting one or more radio content providers. In one aspect of the present invention, information regarding the radio content providers, such as their programming schedule and coverage maps, in various geographical regions is either provided locally by a storage means substantially co-located with a location-aware radio, or provided by a location-based services provider to the radio after the location-based services provider obtains information regarding the location of the radio. Creation of a database suitable to support such a location-based service includes developing signal coverage maps from information such as, but not limited to, transmitter location, effective radiated power output, antenna height above average terrain; and developing and maintaining program format and schedule maps. Location-based time zone adjustments can be made to adapt program schedule information for a current location of a client.

Abstract: A location-based service provides for reception of information that defines one or more geographical regions, and the transmission of information regarding radio reception and transmission in the one or more defined geographical regions. A searchable database may be provided in which information regarding the attributes of radio reception and/or transmission in various geographical regions is stored. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a graphical presentation can be made to a user that identifies portions of the one or more defined regions that may not have adequate coverage from Global Positioning System satellites and/or may not have coverage by one or wireless communications services providers.

Abstract: A location-aware product includes a location information resource for providing the present location of the location-aware product to within some margin of error, and such present location information is included by the location-aware product in various outputs, including but not limited to, location stamps in files for create, open, and/or modify file operations. In a further aspect, location information may be used in determining the time zone or zones in which one or more operations have occurred, and to provide the basis for updating clocks, or other resources, useful for time stamping of various operations and outputs. In a still further aspect of the present invention, information displays may be sorted by accounting for the differences in times and dates introduced through time stamping of events in different time zones.

Abstract: A location-aware product includes a location information resource for providing the present location of the location-aware product to within some margin of error, and the present location information is included by the location-aware product in various outputs, including but not limited to, location stamps in files for create, open, and/or modify file operations, and signature blocks in email or other documents. In a further aspect, location information may be included in email such as in an automatically applied signature block. The location-aware product may be a computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, or any such product that includes location-awareness. The location information resource may be a Global Positioning System module that provides at least latitude and longitude. In one aspect of the invention a map database is used to convert latitude and longitude to the geographical name of the location specified by the latitude and longitude.

Abstract: A location monitoring system for tracking an object relative to a virtual boundary via telecommunication infrastructure for use in an electronic-commerce environment. In one embodiment the system includes a wireless communications network and the telecommunications infrastructure to dynamically configure the virtual boundary, by controlled, subscription-based access to the location monitoring system.

Abstract: A location monitoring system for tracking an object relative to a virtual boundary via telecommunication infrastructure for use in an electronic-commerce environment. In one embodiment the system includes a wireless communications network and the telecommunications infrastructure to dynamically configure the virtual boundary, by controlled, subscription-based access to the location monitoring system.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the presentation of data received by a client computer from a server computer. Data blocks characterized by varying levels of complexity or appropriateness for particular audiences, that are associated with a base data set, are selected for transmission to a client requesting the base data set, for subsequent presentation to a user along with presentation of the base data set. Selection of an associated data block is based on a specific level established by the client and communicated to the server. Options are provided for the client to establish levels by such means as login IDs, express selection, usage profiling, and visual imaging. In alternative embodiments, a range of levels may be specified, or a rule set for taking action when associated data is present but does not match the level specification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention, in response to a request for access to a secure resource, modulates an illumination light source, such as a computer display, in a pseudo-random sequence to produce time-varying light emissions that reflect off of the object being imaged by an image recognition system. The authentication system controls both the generation of the modulated light emissions and the detection of their reflection from the object, in real time. This prevents an adversary from spoofing a visual authentication system by replaying recorded images. In further aspects of the present invention, combinations of visible and infrared illuminations may be used.

Abstract: A space saving method and floor plan for fabricating an integrated circuit comprising a high density buffer memory. The method and floor plan allow for a significant reduction in the physical area required for a buffer memory of any given size that is fabricated on integrated circuit. Buffer applications wherein random access to the buffered data is not required use a CMOS dynamic serial memory with p-channel devices supplied with a voltage less positive than the voltage supplied to their respective n-wells. In a particular embodiment, three memory stages are used in a cascaded fashion. The first and third memory stages store data on a parallel basis, while the second memory stage stores data on a serial basis. The second memory stage call be fabricated using much less chip area per bit than the first and third memory stages.

Abstract: A buffer memory architecture, method, and chip floor plan allows for significant reduction in the physical area required for a buffer memory of any given size in a microelectronic device. Buffer applications wherein random access to the buffered data is not required use a CMOS dynamic serial memory with p-channel devices supplied with a voltage less positive than the voltage supplied to their respective n-wells. In a particular embodiment, three memory stages are used in a cascaded fashion. The first and third memory stages store data on a parallel basis, while the second memory stage stores data on a serial basis. The second memory stage can be fabricated using much less chip area per bit than the first and third memory stages. Significant area reduction is achieved because the second memory stage eliminates addressing overhead associated with conventional high-density memory schemes, and low voltage power supplies permit relaxation of latch-up prevention layout rules.

Abstract: A buffer memory architecture, method, and chip floor plan allows for significant reduction in the physical area required for a buffer memory of any given size in a microelectronic device. Buffer applications wherein random access to the buffered data is not required use a CMOS dynamic serial memory with p-channel devices supplied with a voltage less positive than the voltage supplied to their respective n-wells. In a particular embodiment, three memory stages are used in a cascaded fashion. The first and third memory stages store data on a parallel basis, while the second memory stage stores data on a serial basis. The second memory stage can be fabricated using much less chip area per bit than the first and third memory stages. Significant area reduction is achieved because the second memory stage eliminates addressing overhead associated with conventional high-density memory schemes, and low voltage power supplies permit relaxation of latch-up prevention layout rules.

Abstract: Polyolefenic compositions are formed from a mixture of polyethylene and amorphous polypropylene, or a mixture of isotactic polypropylene, amorphous polypropylene and polyethylene, wherein the polyolefenic compositions are forced under heat and pressure through a shaping die thereby forming a geometrically-shaped polyolefenic article having a non-tacky surface. The compositions can have additives, fillers and other polymeric resins incorporated therein for modification of the physical and chemical properties of the polyolefenic compositions.