Abstract: Techniques for enhancing an image using pixel-specific processing. An image can be enhanced by updating selected pixels through patch aggregation. Respective patch values for patches of any size of the image are determined. Patch values provide update information for updating the respective pixels in the patch. Relevant patch values for the selected pixel are identified by identifying associated patches of the pixel. Information from the relevant patch values of the selected pixel may be obtained by averaging the relevant patch values or determining the maximum or minimum patch value. Using this information, pixel-specific processing may be performed to determine an updated pixel value for the selected pixel. Pixel-specific processes may be executed for each of the selected pixels. These pixel-specific processes can be executed in parallel. Therefore, through the execution of pixel-specific processes, which may be performed concurrently, an enhanced image may be determined.

Abstract: In embodiments of removing noise from an image via efficient patch distance computations, weights are computed for patches of pixels in a digital image, and the computed weights are multiplied by respective offset values of offset images that are pixelwise shifted images of the entire digital image. The weights can be applied to the pixels in the digital image on a patch-by-patch basis to restore values of the pixels. Additionally, the digital image can be pixelwise shifted to generate the offset images of the digital image, and the digital image is compared to the offset images. Lookup tables of pixel values can be generated based on the comparisons of the digital image to the offset images, and integral images generated from the lookup tables. Distances to the patches of pixels in the digital image are computed from the integral images, and the computed weights are based on the computed distances.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for reduced computations in image processing and a more efficient way of computing distances between patches in patch-based image denoising. One method is operable within a processing system to remove noise from a digital image by generating a plurality of lookup tables of pixel values based on a plurality of comparisons of the digital image to offsets of the digital image, generating integral images from the lookup tables, and computing distances between patches of pixels in the digital image from the integral images. The method also includes computing weights for the patches of pixels in the digital image based on the computed distances and applying the weights to pixels in the digital image on a patch-by-patch basis to restore values of the pixels.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing an image using pixel-specific processing. An image can be enhanced by updating selected pixels through patch aggregation. Respective patch values for patches of any size of the image are determined. Patch values provide update information for updating the respective pixels in the patch. Relevant patch values for the selected pixel are identified by identifying associated patches of the pixel. Information from the relevant patch values of the selected pixel may be obtained by averaging the relevant patch values or determining the maximum or minimum patch value. Using this information, pixel-specific processing may be performed to determine an updated pixel value for the selected pixel. Pixel-specific processes may be executed for each of the selected pixels. These pixel-specific processes can be executed in parallel. Therefore, through the execution of pixel-specific processes, which may be performed concurrently, an enhanced image may be determined.

Abstract: A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap having an inner side attached to the slider, the end cap includes an inlet for receiving a lubricating fluid, two chambers formed in two legs, a passage communicating with the chambers, a guiding pathway communicating with the inlet and the passage for separating the passage into two passageways which are communicating with the chambers of the end cap respectively, and a follower is slidably engaged in the guiding pathway and movable toward either the passageways of the end cap for partially blocking and for limiting the flowing of the lubricating fluid to the passageways of the end cap.

Abstract: A wafer transportation pod includes a body, a main compartment enclosed by the body, the main compartment to provide a controlled environment, a holding device within the main compartment, the holding device to hold a plurality of semiconductor wafers, a top latching mechanism configured to connect to another pod or a carrier mechanism of an overhead hoist transfer (OHT) system, a bottom latching mechanism configured to connect to another pod, the bottom latching mechanism being similar to the latching mechanism on the carrier.

Abstract: A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap having an inner side attached to the slider, the end cap includes an inlet for receiving a lubricating fluid, two chambers formed in two legs, a passage communicating with the chambers, a guiding pathway communicating with the inlet and the passage for separating the passage into two passageways which are communicating with the chambers of the end cap respectively, and a follower is slidably engaged in the guiding pathway and movable toward either the passageways of the end cap for partially blocking and for limiting the flowing of the lubricating fluid to the passageways of the end cap.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for reduced computations in image processing and a more efficient way of computing distances between patches in patch-based image denoising. One method is operable within a processing system to remove noise from a digital image by generating a plurality of lookup tables of pixel values based on a plurality of comparisons of the digital image to offsets of the digital image, generating integral images from the lookup tables, and computing distances between patches of pixels in the digital image from the integral images. The method also includes computing weights for the patches of pixels in the digital image based on the computed distances and applying the weights to pixels in the digital image on a patch-by-patch basis to restore values of the pixels.

Abstract: A method for improving alignment in a photolithography machine is provided. The method comprises identifying first empirical alignment data that has been determined from use of a target photomask within at least one non-target tool, and identifying second empirical alignment data that has been determined from use of a non-target photomask within a target tool. The method continues by identifying third empirical alignment data that has been determined from use of a non-target photomask within at least one non-target tool, and calculating from the first, second, and third empirical alignment data a predicted alignment data for the target photomask with the target tool. The method then proceeds by aligning the target photomask within the target tool using the predicted alignment data, exposing a pattern from the target photomask onto the wafer in the target tool, and further processing the exposed wafer.

Abstract: A method for aligning a photolithographic machine in an automated semiconductor manufacturing system is provided. The method may include identifying a maximum precision degree for a wafer and identifying a maximum overlay correction value. The method may simulate one or more algorithms to determine whether an algorithm aligns a leading lot within alignment specifications. The method may align a photolithography machine using an algorithm selected based on the simulations.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a capacitor is described. A template layer including a stack of at least one first layer and at least one second layer is formed over a substrate, wherein the at least one first layer and the at least one second layer have different etching selectivities and are arranged alternately. An opening is formed through the template layer. A wet etching process is performed to recess the at least one first layer relative to the at least one second layer, at the sidewall of the opening. A bottom electrode of the capacitor is formed at the bottom of the opening and on the sidewall of the opening, and then the template layer is removed.

Abstract: An LED spotlight includes a base and lampshade. The base includes a power connecting portion, a heat dissipating portion and circuit board which are connected to the power connecting portion; and an LED unit disposed at the circuit board for emitting first and second light. The center-to-edge distance of the circuit board is defined as a first distance. The LED unit is separated from the center of the circuit board by a second distance. The second distance equals at least 1/10 of the first distance. The lampshade includes an opaque pipe and convex lens. The pipe has one end connected to the heat dissipating portion and the other end connected to the convex lens. The first light penetrates the convex lens to form a first light-emitting area. The second light reflects off the inner wall of the pipe and penetrates the convex lens to form a second light-emitting area.

Abstract: System and method for automated semiconductor manufacturing is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system for automated semiconductor wafer manufacturing includes a smart overlay control (SOC) database having empirical alignment data related to overlay alignment, and a simulation module communicatively coupled to the SOC database, the simulation module determining a simulated overlay alignment of a wafer on the plurality of photolithography tools in a tool bank based on the empirical alignment data stored in the SOC database. The system also includes a dispatch module communicatively coupled to the SOC database and the simulation module, the dispatch module controlling the dispatch of a wafer to one of a plurality of photolithography tools in a tool bank based at least in part on the simulated overlay alignment.

Abstract: A ratchet cylinder for a bicycle hub is provided with a cylinder member, a plurality of ratchet teeth, a plurality of springs and a C-ring. The C-ring circles around the connecting end of the cylinder member and engages in the grooves of the respective ratchet teeth, so as to retain the ratchet teeth in the receiving grooves and allow the ratchet teeth to pivot within a limited angle. The springs are disposed between the ratchet teeth and the ratchet cylinder to keep pushing the respective ratchet teeth of the hub shell into an engagement position with the teeth of the hub shell, so that the ratchet teeth can be surely engaged with the teeth.

Abstract: A ratchet cylinder for a bicycle hub is provided with a cylinder member, a plurality of ratchet teeth, a plurality of springs and a C-ring. The C-ring circles around the connecting end of the cylinder member and engages in the grooves of the respective ratchet teeth, so as to retain the ratchet teeth in the receiving grooves and allow the ratchet teeth to pivot within a limited angle. The springs are disposed between the ratchet teeth and the ratchet cylinder to keep pushing the respective ratchet teeth of the hub shell into an engagement position with the teeth of the hub shell, so that the ratchet teeth can be surely engaged with the teeth.

Abstract: A flexible tablet is disclosed, and particular disclosed a flexible tablet having both of a hard housing structure and a soft housing structure. The flexible tablet fix a control board in the hard housing structure for preventing the control board form bending and break resulting from external force. In the flexible tablet, the soft housing structure is applied instead of the hard housing of a conventional tablet to fix a sensing board therein. Therefore, the soft housing structure and the sensing board are integrated to form a flexible writing member of the flexible tablet. As a consequence of foregoing structure, the tablet is flexible and convenient to be stored and carried, and the cost of the tablet is reduced.

Abstract: A method for making positioning structures of a bicycle hub comprises the steps of: A. bicycle hub clamping step; B. bicycle hub press forming step; and C. bicycle hub loading step. By such arrangements, the positioning structures of the bicycle hub can be obtained by the quick press forming without affecting the structure strength.

Abstract: A light weight and full planar electromagnetic digitizer is disclosed. The electromagnetic digitizer comprises a upper board, a lower board, a circuit board and an antenna board and a cushion board. The circuit board has at least one electronic device to control the antenna board to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals and process received electromagnetic signals. The cushion board has at least one hole or cave to accommodate the electronic device. The circuit board, the antenna board and the cushion board are stacked between the upper board and the lower board.

Abstract: An automatic lubrication structure of slide mechanism. The automatic lubrication structure includes a guide section, a slide section slidably disposed on the guide section, and a lubricating section fixedly disposed on the guide section. The lubricating section has an oil reservoir with an internal cavity for containing therein a lubricant or the like. The lubricating section further has a communication passage and multiple oil-filling holes formed on lateral sides of the guide section in contact with the slide section. The cavity communicates with the oil-filling holes via the communication passage. The slide section is movable to push a push member for making the lubricant or the like contained in the cavity spill out of the oil-filling holes so as to provide lubrication effect for contact faces between the guide section and the slide section.

Abstract: A keyboard illuminating device for a portable computer includes a battery module and an illuminating module. The battery module can supply power to the portable computer and includes a housing. The illuminating module is disposed on the battery module and is powered by the battery module to illuminate a keyboard of the portable computer. The illuminating module hides in the battery module when the keyboard illuminating device is in a first status, and the illuminating module protrudes from a surface of the battery module when the keyboard illuminating device is in a second status.