Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for performing time synchronization within a network. The technique includes detecting a first scheduling conflict between a first transmission time associated with a first periodic beacon from a first node in the network and a first listening window associated with receiving a second periodic beacon from a second node in the network. The technique also includes determining a first alternate transmission time for the second periodic beacon based on a second transmission time associated with the second periodic beacon and a position of the second node in the network and calculating a second listening window associated with transmission of the second periodic beacon from the second node at the first alternate transmission time. The technique further includes listening for the second periodic beacon during the second listening window.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a system within a wireless network comprises a set of battery-powered device (BPD) nodes within the wireless network, and a joining BPD node that identifies, in a subset of BPD nodes, a set of potential parent nodes, filters the set of BPD nodes based on network optimization criteria to identify a target parent node, and transmits a request message to establish a communications link with the target parent node as a child node, where the target parent node in the set of BPD nodes executes instructions to receive the request message from the joining BPD node, evaluate data associated with the joining BPD node with acceptance criteria, and upon determining that the joining BPD node meets the acceptance criteria, establish the communications link with the joining BPD node, where, upon the communications link being established, the joining BPD node is a child to the target parent node.

Abstract: A network system includes a main network implementing a conventional network protocol and a BPD subtree implementing a custom network protocol. The main network comprises a plurality of MPD nodes, the conventional network protocol being configured for MPD nodes. The BPD subtree comprises a plurality of BPD nodes, the custom network protocol being configured for BPD nodes. The custom network protocol defines smaller and simpler subtrees relative to the conventional network protocol. As a result, the custom network protocol defines less complex functions relative to the conventional network protocol, including functions for discovery, messaging, and loop management. A root node of the BPD subtree is connected with an MPD node of the main network and one or more descendant nodes of the BPD subtree. The root node implements the conventional network protocol and the custom network protocol.

Abstract: A network system includes a main network implementing a conventional network protocol and a BPD subtree implementing a custom network protocol. The main network comprises a plurality of MPD nodes, the conventional network protocol being configured for MPD nodes. The BPD subtree comprises a plurality of BPD nodes, the custom network protocol being configured for BPD nodes. The custom network protocol defines smaller and simpler subtrees relative to the conventional network protocol. As a result, the custom network protocol defines less complex functions relative to the conventional network protocol, including functions for discovery, messaging, and loop management. A root node of the BPD subtree is connected with an MPD node of the main network and one or more descendant nodes of the BPD subtree. The root node implements the conventional network protocol and the custom network protocol.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for evaluating connections between nodes in a mesh network. The technique includes computing a second accumulated uplink message success rate based on a first accumulated uplink message success rate and a second accumulated downlink message success rate based on a first accumulated downlink message success rate. The first accumulated uplink message success rate indicates a probability of successfully transmitting messages from a second node to a target destination and the second accumulated uplink message success rate indicates a probability of successfully transmitting messages from the first node to the target destination via a direct connection from the first node to the second node.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an accelerometer sensor, for instance, a microphone to detect droplet formation. One sensor is incorporated in the printhead itself, while others may be located externally. The monitoring system generates information used to determine current levels of printhead performance, to which the printer may respond by adjusting print modes, servicing the printhead, adjusting droplet formation, or by providing an early warning before an inkjet cartridge is completely empty. During printhead manufacturing, an array of such sensors may be used in quality assurance to determine printhead performance. An inkjet printing mechanism is also equipped for using this monitoring system, and a monitoring method is also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an accelerometer sensor, for instance, a microphone to detect droplet formation. One sensor is incorporated in the printhead itself, while others may be located externally. The monitoring system generates information used to determine current levels of printhead performance, to which the printer may respond by adjusting print modes, servicing the printhead, adjusting droplet formation, or by providing an early warning before an inkjet cartridge is completely empty. During printhead manufacturing, an array of such sensors may be used in quality assurance to determine printhead performance. An inkjet printing mechanism is also equipped for using this monitoring system, and a monitoring method is also provided.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an accelerometer sensor, for instance, a microphone to detect droplet formation. One sensor is incorporated in the printhead itself, while others may be located externally. The monitoring system generates information used to determine current levels of printhead performance, to which the printer may respond by adjusting print modes, servicing the printhead, adjusting droplet formation, or by providing an early warning before an inkjet cartridge is completely empty. During printhead manufacturing, an array of such sensors may be used in quality assurance to determine printhead performance. An inkjet printing mechanism is also equipped for using this monitoring system, and a monitoring method is also provided.

Abstract: A bi-directionally scannable bar code pattern having a parallel array of alternating lines and spaces, each having selected widths. Each line has a common series of segments and segment spaces of selected lengths. The length of each segment may be the same as the width of a corresponding line, and the length of each segment space may be the same as the width of a corresponding space between lines. The pattern may be printed on a sheet of printer media, or on a strip attached to such a sheet.

Abstract: A detector for use in detecting at least one mark on a sheet of print media used in a printing device, the mark indicating at least one characteristic of the sheet of print media, is disclosed. The detector includes a source, a sensor, and a bandstop filter. The source generates a first light signal that is directed at the mark on the sheet of print media, the first light signal having a first predetermined wavelength. The sensor is configured to detect a second light signal from the mark on the sheet of print media, the second light signal arising in response to the first light signal and having a second predetermined wavelength. The bandstop filter is positioned between the sensor and the mark on the sheet of print media and is configured to block from the sensor the first predetermined wavelength of the first light signal generated by the source and transmit to the sensor other wavelengths of light, including the second predetermined wavelength of the second light signal.

Abstract: A bi-directionally scannable bar code pattern having a parallel array of alternating lines and spaces, each having selected widths. Each line has a common series of segments and segment spaces of selected lengths. The length of each segment may be the same as the width of a corresponding line, and the length of each segment space may be the same as the width of a corresponding space between lines. The pattern may be printed on a sheet of printer media, or on a strip attached to such a sheet.

Abstract: A probe head includes analog amplifier inputs, a ground plane, and hundreds of probe leads between the inputs and the pins of a circuit under test. The customer defines the grounded pins of the circuit under test. Non-active probe leads, i.e. leads corresponding to the grounded pins are connected to the ground plane, maximizing the connections between the grounds of the probe and the circuit under test and minimizing unequal ground potentials. The probe circuit is on a probe circuit board, while the connections between the ground plane and the leads are fusible elements on a separate ground personality board. The probe is placed on a simulated circuit under test, the grounded pins on the circuit under test are protected by an insulating cap, and a voltage is placed on the remainder of the pins to fuse the elements corresponding the active probe leads.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a pressure wave developed in the surrounding ambient environment during inkjet droplet formation. The monitoring system uses either acoustic, ultrasonic, or other pressure wave monitoring mechanisms, such as a laser vibrometer, an ultrasonic transducer, or an accelerometer sensor, for instance, a microphone to detect droplet formation. One sensor is incorporated in the printhead itself, while others may be located externally. The monitoring system generates information used to determine current levels of printhead performance, to which the printer may respond by adjusting print modes, servicing the printhead, adjusting droplet formation, or by providing an early warning before an inkjet cartridge is completely empty. During printhead manufacturing, an array of such sensors may be used in quality assurance to determine printhead performance. An inkjet printing mechanism is also equipped for using this monitoring system and a monitoring method is also provided.

Abstract: A probe head includes analog amplifier inputs, a ground plane, and hundreds of probe leads between the inputs and the pins of a circuit under test. The customer defines the grounded pins of the circuit under test. Non-active probe leads, i.e. leads corresponding to the grounded pins are connected to the ground plane, maximizing the connections between the grounds of the probe and the circuit under test and minimizing unequal ground potentials. The probe circuit is on a probe circuit board, while the connections between the ground plane and the leads are fusible elements on a separate ground personality board. The probe is placed on a simulated circuit under test, the grounded pins on the circuit under test are protected by an insulating cap, and a voltage is placed on the remainder of the pins to fuse the elements corresponding the active probe leads.

Abstract: A first amplifier channel between an input and output includes an input transistor emitter and a first output transistor emitter connected together to form a first emitter pair. A current source is connected to the emitter pair via a transistor which is controlled by a latch. Programming the latch permits the channel to be turned on or off. The emitter pair is connected to a positive voltage through a resistor and to ground through a diode to force it to a controlled off voltage, which prevents signals from passing when the channel is off. There is a output driver amplifier in a feedback circuit. An outdisable circuit controls the voltage and current of the output driver amplifier to place the output in a state in which it appears electrically as an open circuit when the channel is off. Multiple programmable amplifiers can be combined to make a multiplexer, a selectable gain circuit, or a selectable attenuation circuit, all with high band width and high signal integrity.

Abstract: A probe head includes analog amplifier inputs, a ground plane, and hundreds of probe leads between the inputs and the pins of a circuit under test. The customer defines the grounded pins of the circuit under test. Non-active probe leads, i.e. leads corresponding to the grounded pins are connected to the ground plane, maximizing the connections between the grounds of the probe and the circuit under test and minimizing unequal ground potentials. The probe circuit is on a probe circuit board, while the connections between the ground plane and the leads are fusible elements on a separate ground personality board. The probe is placed on a simulated circuit under test, the grounded pins on the circuit under test are protected by an insulating cap, and a voltage is placed on the remainder of the pins to fuse the elements corresponding the active probe leads.

Abstract: An analog electronic test probe includes hundreds of inputs each connected to two amplifiers, each in a separate multiplexer stage on an integrated circuit. A programmer, responsive to a dial, shifts data through a shift register of latches each of which is connected to one of the amplifiers, activating the amplifier(s) connected to the selected input, thereby multiplexing it (them) to selected output(s). Similarly, the gain for each output may be selected. An outdisable circuit connected to the outputs of each multiplexer and the outputs of each IC chip causes each output to appear electrically as an open circuit when no input associated with the multiplexer or chip is selected. This permits any number of multiplexers and IC chips to be daisy-chained together.

Abstract: A probe head includes integrated circuit chip inputs, a ground plane on a circuit board, and hundreds of probe leads comprising traces on the circuit board connected between the inputs and a circuit under test. Each trace is about 3 mils wide. There is a DICLAD polytetrafluoroethylene dielectric material of dielectric constant of about 2.2 between the ground and traces. Every other trace is electrically connected to the ground plane. Input resistors are buried in the circuit board and there is an on-chip input divider network. The customer defines the grounded pins of a circuit to be tested. Probe leads corresponding to the grounded pins are connected to the ground plane, maximizing the connections between the grounds of the probe and the circuit under test and minimizing unequal ground potentials.

Abstract: An electronic probe circuit having ac and dc amplifiers and an input compensation subcircuit is enclosed within a trim housing that replicates the electrical effect of the probe housing. The circuit is laser trimmed through ports in the trim housing. The difference between the voltage at 80 nsec and 1.4 .mu.sec points on a step voltage provides a first calibration factor while the difference between the 3 nsec voltage and the 80 nsec voltage provides a second calibration factor. A resistor in the DC amplifier is trimmed to an absolute voltage with a step scan laser cut. A resistor in the AC amplifier is trimmed with a laser L-cut until the difference between the 80 nsec and 1.4 .mu.sec points of the step voltage equals the first calibration factor. A capacitor in the input compensation subcircuit is trimmed until the voltage difference between the 3 nsec and 80 nsec points equals the second calibration factor.

Abstract: A first amplifier channel between an input and output includes an input transistor emitter and a first output transistor emitter connected together to form a first emitter pair. A current source is connected to the emitter pair via a transistor which is controlled by a latch. Programming the latch permits the channel to be turned on or off. The emitter pair is connected to a positive voltage through a resistor and to ground through a diode to force it to a controlled off voltage, which prevents signals from passing when the channel is off. There is a output driver amplifier in a feedback circuit. An outdisable circuit controls the voltage and current of the output driver amplifier to place the output in a state in which it appears electrically as an open circuit when the channel is off. Multiple programmable amplifiers can be combined to make a multiplexer, a selectable gain circuit, or a selectable attenuation circuit, all with high band width and high signal integrity.