Patents Issued in October 9, 2008
  • Publication number: 20080247247
    Abstract: Provided are a flash memory device and a method of driving the same for improving reliability of stored set information. The method of driving the flash memory device includes applying power to the flash memory device, the flash memory device having a memory cell array for storing set information regarding operation environment settings, where the set information includes at least one bit. The method further includes performing an initial read operation on the memory cell array and judging a status of data, corresponding to the set information, read during the initial read operation to determine whether the initial read operation has passed or failed. Each bit of the set information is extended to n bits (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2). The n bits are respectively stored in different input/output regions in the memory cell array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sang-gu KANG
  • Publication number: 20080247248
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes: a driving voltage supplying unit configured to detect a simultaneous activation of banks and selectively supply one of a high voltage and an external voltage lower than the high voltage as a driving voltage; a flag detecting unit configured to detect inputs of flag signals activated in response to an active command and generate a precharge control signal; and a signal generating unit configured to generate a bit line precharge signal swinging between the driving voltage and a ground voltage in response to the precharge control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Hi-Hyun HAN
  • Publication number: 20080247249
    Abstract: A circuit and method for providing a sense amplifier for a DRAM memory with reduced distortion in a control signal, the sense amplifier particularly useful for embedding DRAM memory with other logic and memory functions in an integrated circuit. A sense enable circuit is provided for a differential sensing latch in a sense amplifier having a cascade coupled pair of transistors, each transistor receiving a separate control signal. The separate control signals are provided by a control circuit with a delayed overlap. Differential sensing is enabled when the delayed overlap exists between the separate control signals. An array of DRAM memory cells are coupled to a plurality of the sense amplifiers. The DRAM memory incorporating the sense amplifiers may be embedded with other circuitry in an integrated circuit. Methods for providing the control signals and for laying out the DRAM memory with the sense amplifiers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng Hung Lee
  • Publication number: 20080247250
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes: a pre-amplifying unit configured to amplify a difference between an input signal and a reference signal to output a pre-output signal; a delaying unit configured to delay the input signal to output a delayed input signal; and a main amplifying unit configured to receive the pre-output signal and the delayed input signal as differential inputs to output an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Yong-Suk Joo, Byoung-Jin CHOI
  • Publication number: 20080247251
    Abstract: A memory device is proved that includes memory cells situated at the intersection of lines and columns, and a dummy path including a first dummy column having two bit lines to which there are connected dummy memory cells, and a circuit adapted to select at least one of the dummy memory cells to discharge one of the dummy bit lines. The dummy path also includes at least one second dummy column adapted to generate a dummy leakage current (representing a leakage current of a column of the memory device selected in read mode), and a circuit adapted to copy the dummy leakage current to the one dummy bit line, so that the discharge of the one dummy bit line also depends on the dummy leakage current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS SA
    Inventors: FRANCK GENEVAUX, Alban Forichon
  • Publication number: 20080247252
    Abstract: A memory device in a semiconductor substrate includes at least one temperature sensor to provide a temperature dependent signal and at least one circuit to dissipate heat in response to a control signal. A control circuit is coupled to the at least one circuit and is operable to generate the control signal in response to the temperature dependent signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Qimonda AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Martin Schnell, Rainer Kommling
  • Publication number: 20080247253
    Abstract: A non-volatile storage system in which temperature compensation of a bit line voltage is provided during a sense operation of a non-volatile storage element. A gate voltage of a transistor which couples a bit line associated with the non-volatile storage element to a sense module is temperature-compensated so that it is higher when temperature is higher to compensate for variations with temperature of the bit line voltage. The bit line voltage, in turn, varies due to variations in temperature of a threshold voltage of the non-volatile storage element. The sense module determines a programming condition of the non-volatile storage element, which may be provided in a NAND string, by sensing a voltage. The sense operation may be a read operation, verify operation, or erase-verify operation, for instance. Further, the threshold voltage of the non-volatile storage element may be positive or negative. In another aspect, a source voltage is temperature compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Hao Thai Nguyen, Seungpil Lee, Man Lung Mui
  • Publication number: 20080247254
    Abstract: Temperature-compensation is provided during a sense operation of a non-volatile storage element. A gate voltage of a transistor which couples a bit line associated with the non-volatile storage element to a sense module is temperature-compensated so that it is higher when temperature is higher to compensate for variations with temperature of the bit line voltage. The bit line voltage, in turn, varies due to variations in temperature of a threshold voltage of the non-volatile storage element. The sense module determines a programming condition of the non-volatile storage element, which may be provided in a NAND string, by sensing a voltage. The sense operation may be a read operation, verify operation, or erase-verify operation, for instance. Further, the threshold voltage of the non-volatile storage element may be positive or negative. In another aspect, a source voltage is temperature compensated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Hao Thai Nguyen, Seungpil Lee, Man Lung Mui
  • Publication number: 20080247255
    Abstract: An electronic device can include a first memory cell and a second memory cell. The first memory cell can include a first source, and a second memory cell can include a second source. The first memory cell and the second memory cell can lie within a same sector of a memory array. In one embodiment, erasing the electronic device can include erasing the first memory cell while inhibiting the erase of the second memory cell. A third memory cell can have a third source and lie within another sector. In another embodiment, inhibiting the erase of the first memory cell can include placing the first source and the third source at a same potential. In a particular embodiment, the first source can be electrically insulated from the second source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Syzdek, Gowrishankar L. Chindalore, Thomas Jew
  • Publication number: 20080247256
    Abstract: A refresh signal generator generates an internal refresh signal to conduct a refresh with an interval controlled based on PVT fluctuations. The refresh signal generator includes a temperature sensing unit for sensing an internal temperature and activating a corresponding signal of a plurality of temperature sensing signals in response to a temperature sense driving signal, a power supply selecting unit for driving a driving voltage supply terminal to one of different voltage levels according to the plurality of temperature sensing signals, and an internal refresh signal generating unit for receiving a driving voltage from the power supply selecting unit and producing internal refresh signals at a constant interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Hynix Semiconductor Inc.
    Inventor: Tae-Kyun Kim
  • Publication number: 20080247257
    Abstract: A method for conserving power in a device is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) storing a plurality of data items in a plurality of bit cells in the device such that a majority of the bit cells holding the data items have a first logic state, wherein reading one of the bit cells having the first logic state consumes less power than reading one of the bit cells having a second logic state; (B) generating a polarity signal by analyzing the data items, the polarity signal indicating that the data items are stored in one of (i) an inverted condition and (ii) a non-inverted condition relative to a normal condition; and (C) driving at least one of the data items onto an external interface of the device in the normal condition during a read operation based on the polarity signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080247258
    Abstract: A leakage current of the MOS transistor of a power control section at a standby time is drastically reduced and the reduction of the consumption power is achieved. A memory module is provided with power control sections. When either of the memory mats is not selected, the power control sections stop the power supply voltage to a non-selected memory mat, a word driver, an input-output circuit, a control circuit and an output circuit. At the standby time of the memory module, the power control section stops a power supply to power control sections, a control circuit, a predecoder circuit, and an input circuit. In this manner, the leakage current of the MOS transistor of the power control sections at the standby time can be drastically reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Noriyoshi WATANABE, Noriaki Maeda, Masanao Yamaoka, Yoshihiro Shinozaki
  • Publication number: 20080247259
    Abstract: A data path in a memory device is configured by selecting a data path configuration configured to at least partially maintain data bit order between the memory device and a chip carrier. The memory data path is arranged based on the data path configuration for memory operations where maintaining data bit order between the memory device and the chip carrier is required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Rom-Shen Kao
  • Publication number: 20080247260
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device in which a mode of a memory bank may be independently selected and a method of controlling the semiconductor memory device may be provided. The semiconductor memory device with a plurality of banks may include a plurality of bank groups that each may have at least one bank from among the plurality of banks, and a memory controller that may control a read/write operation to be performed on a bank belonging to a bank group from among the plurality of bank groups, in response to a control signal, where different modes or the same mode may be applied to the bank groups. Accordingly, different modes or the same mode may be applied to the banks so that the read/write operation may be performed on a bank having a mode that is advantageous to the type of data, thereby minimizing consumption of power and a time delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene Song, Young-min Lee
  • Publication number: 20080247261
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes: a command latch circuit that latches a command signal; an address latch circuit that latches an address signal; a mode latch circuit that latches a mode signal; and a command decoder that selects the address latch circuit in response to the latch of a normal command by the command latch circuit, and selects the mode latch circuit in response to the latch of an adjustment command. With this arrangement, the mode signal can be dynamically received without performing a mode register set. Therefore, when a sufficiently large latch margin of the mode latch circuit is secured, there is no risk that it becomes impossible to input the mode signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: Toru ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20080247262
    Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided. The system includes a mixing cartridge for receiving liquid and powder components of bone cement, a mixing blade for mixing the components, and a delivery gun for discharging the bone cement from the mixing cartridge. The mixing cartridge comprises a cylinder having proximal and distal ends with a cylinder wall extending between the ends. A piston is locked at the distal end by a locking member that includes a pair of locking tabs protruding into slots in the cylinder wall. With the piston in the locked position, the mixing blade mixes the components. After mixing, the cartridge is placed in the delivery gun and release buttons on the locking member are engaged by a release mechanism on the delivery gun to release the piston from the locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bruce D. Henniges, Jared P. Coffeen
  • Publication number: 20080247263
    Abstract: Compounding or extrusion rates can be increased by splitting the polymer solid feed. Melting of additional solid polymer is significantly assisted by excess enthalpy from incoming melt from a primary mixing stage. Depending on resin rheology and melting characteristics, rate increases were achieved of from up to about 55 to about 100% rate increase over the use of a single feed at the same rotor speed. The net result is a decrease in the overall SEI (specific energy input to the polymer) and thus melt temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Mohamed Esseghir, Alex Kharazi, Anthony C. Neubauer, Albert A. Quaranta
  • Publication number: 20080247264
    Abstract: An apparatus having a device for moving a liquid comprises a piezoacoustic resonator element (11) having at least one piezoelectric layer (110) and two electrodes (111 and 112) present on the piezoelectric layer (110). The piezoacoustic resonator element (11) is designed such that, owing to a voltage being applied to the piezoelectric layer (110) by means of the electrodes (111 or 112), a volume oscillation of the piezoelectric layer (110) is excited at a resonant frequency. The piezoelectric resonator element (11) can be acoustically coupled in a suitable manner to a liquid for the purpose of transmitting the excited oscillation into the liquid for the purpose of moving the liquid. The apparatus may be in the form of a micromixer or in the form of a micropump and may comprise, in addition, sensor elements (41) for detecting the attachment of substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Reinhard Gabl, Mathias Link, Matthias Schreiter, Jan Weber
  • Publication number: 20080247265
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the mixing or dilution of chemicals from one more sources that have been analyzed using laboratory analysis or an insitu-analyzer for concentration or molarity. The chemical is then transferred to a series of precisely calibrated vessels each of have a volume 10% of the next vessel. For example the main vessel may be 1 L in volume and the second vessel is 0.1 L in volume, the third is 0.01 L in volume and the fourth is 0.001 L in volume. The present system utilizes these two or more metered vessels which are connected to bulk chemical sources via intake lines. Each metered vessel contains an overflow tube, which drains any excess chemical by gravity flow from the metered vessel so as to adjust the chemical amount to a pre-calibrated desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel H. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20080247266
    Abstract: A metering device for the feeding of additives to a gooey fluid or a pasty composition, in particular to a plastic melt, includes a passage section receiving the fluid and which contains at least one metering element for the injection of an additive into the plastic melt. The passage section has a recess for the reception of the metering element that is bounded at all sides by the passage section. The metering element is made of a porous structure or with a capillary structure for the passage of the additive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Schlummer, Sasan Habibi-Naini
  • Publication number: 20080247267
    Abstract: In a method of cleaning a rotary mixing device having a mixer portion and a driving shaft, a shield is located over at least the mixer portion. The mixing device is rotated, expelling material clinging to or trapped by the mixing portion, such as paint, from the mixer portion of the mixing device. This material is blocked or caught by the shield. In one embodiment, the shield is cylindrical in shape and has a base with an opening through which the shaft of the mixing device may extend, and an open second end leading to an interior area for containing the mixer portion of the mixing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Ross Clawson, Randy Hanson, Jane Wasley
  • Publication number: 20080247268
    Abstract: A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining a first image of the wellbore using an imager associated with the tool; obtaining a second image of the wellbore using the imager after a selected time period; matching the first image with the second image by shifting one of the first and second images; determining an amount of the shifting; and comparing the amount of the shifting with a reference distance to determine a distance of tool movement. A method for tracking a wellbore tool includes: obtaining an image of a wellbore feature using a first imager associated with the tool; moving the tool in the wellbore; and registering a distance of tool movement when the image of the wellbore feature is detected by a second imager spaced apart from the first imager, wherein the distance of tool movement equals a spacing between the first and second imagers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth Goodman
  • Publication number: 20080247269
    Abstract: Acoustic signals resulting from microseismic events in the subsurface are received in a first array of detectors deployed in a borehole and in a second array of detectors at or near the surface of the earth. The signals are converted to give the locations of the microseismic events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Zuolin Chen
  • Publication number: 20080247270
    Abstract: Measurements of acoustic velocities are made through a case borehole in the absence and presence of an applied magnetic field. A formation resistivity parameter may be estimated from differences in the acoustic velocities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Leonty A. Tabarovsky, Vitaly N. Dorovsky, Yuriy A. Nefedkin, Kholmatzhon Imomnazarov
  • Publication number: 20080247271
    Abstract: A seismic sensor includes a seismic energy detector having a case configured to be affixed to the ground. A portion of the case above the ground surface is exposed. An energy distributing shield is affixed directly to the exposed portion of the case. A method for seismic data acquisition includes affixing a plurality of spaced apart seismic sensors to the ground surface. Each of the sensors includes a shield affixed directly to an exposed portion of the sensor. The shield is made from an energy distributing material. At selected times a seismic energy source is actuated. Signals generated by each of the seismic sensors are recorded individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: David Monk
  • Publication number: 20080247272
    Abstract: Time slices of seismic data are transformed from rectangular space-time domain to cylindrical space-time domain. 2-D seismic migration is performed on the transformed data for each radial direction. Slices of the migrated data are inverse transformed back to the rectangular space-time domain, generated migrated 3-D data for generally inhomogeneous media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Naide Pan
  • Publication number: 20080247273
    Abstract: A system for communicating between a first location and a second location comprises a jointed tubular string having a first section and a second section connected at a connection joint, with the tubular string having a fluid in an internal passage thereof. A first acoustic transducer is mounted in the internal passage of the first section proximate the connection joint, and a second acoustic transducer is mounted in the internal passage of the second section proximate the connection joint. A signal transmitted from the first location to the second location is transmitted across the connection joint as an acoustic signal in the fluid from the first acoustic transducer to the second acoustic transducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Roland E. Chemali, Volker Krueger, Peter Aronstam
  • Publication number: 20080247274
    Abstract: A “Sensor Array Post-Filter” provides an adaptive post-filter that accurately models and suppresses both diffuse and directional noise sources as well as interfering speech sources. The post-filter is applied to an output signal produced by a beamformer used to process signals produced by a sensor array. As a result, the Sensor Array Post-Filter operates to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of beamformer output signals by providing adaptive post-filtering of the output signals. The post-filter is generated based on a generative statistical model for modeling signal and noise sources at distinct regions in a signal field that considers prior distributions trained to model an instantaneous direction of arrival for signals captured by sensors in the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael L. Seltzer, Ivan Tashev
  • Publication number: 20080247275
    Abstract: An underwater detection apparatus for detecting a target by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal is provided. The apparatus includes a replica memory module for storing the typical amplitude evolution of a seawall echo during a predetermined time period as a template-replica beforehand, a correlator module for determining a correlation between the amplitude evolution of an echo signal reflected from the target and the template-replica, a seawall detector module for detecting a seawall position based on the correlation, and a seawall display processor module for displaying the seawall on its position in an indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Furuno Electric Company, Limited
    Inventors: Jerome Dubuis, Hitoshi Maeno, Florian Girault
  • Publication number: 20080247276
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for managing time information in a mobile communication terminal. To this end, the present invention provides a plan in which time information of a terminal can be automatically set with the local time of a corresponding time zone as a reference in accordance with a user's selection in a communication network, and a schedule can be exchanged with the universal time as a reference when it is necessary to share the schedule containing time information between terminals in different time zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Yang-Seok JEONG, Ki-Tae Lee, Ok-Hyeon Kim
  • Publication number: 20080247277
    Abstract: The invention concerns a correction device (10) for a timepiece display mechanism of the type including a display member (12) fitted with a toothing (16) of pitch P, the correction device (10) including a pinion (26) provided with a toothing (30) of pitch p, mounted on a winding stem (24) so as to occupy at least one display correcting position A, and a correction wheel (38) mounted between the pinion (26) and the display member (12). The correction wheel (38) includes a first toothing (40) defined by a pitch P, a head diameter D, and a foot diameter d1, formed of teeth (42) including a tip (44) extending substantially angularly, and the tip (44) is cut so as to form a second discontinuous toothing (46) that is coplanar and concentric to said first toothing (40), defined by a pitch p less than the pitch P of the first toothing (40), a head diameter D equal to the head diameter of the first toothing (40), and a foot diameter d2 greater than the foot diameter d1 of the first toothing (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: ETA SA MANUFACTURE HORLOGERE SUISSE
    Inventors: Julien Chaignat, Marco Bettelini
  • Publication number: 20080247278
    Abstract: An automatic watch winder that is user-programmable via USB (Universal Serial Bus) and/or wireless IrDA (Infrared), IEEE 802.11, or IEEE 802.15 connections to a computer, such as a laptop or notebook computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Walker, Biao Fu
  • Publication number: 20080247279
    Abstract: An external load port magazine for use with a storage unit includes a casing detachably mountable on an exterior of the storage unit and defining therein a space for holding at least one item to be loaded into the storage unit. An opening is formed in the casing for enabling automatic withdrawal or insertion of the at least one item from or into the space when the casing is mounted on the exterior of the storage unit. A mechanism is provided for moving the at least one stored item towards the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.,
    Inventor: Seth Pickett
  • Publication number: 20080247280
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical drive for e.g. CD, DVD, HD-DVD or BD disks. A radial servomechanism controls the radial position of a laser beam in response to a push pull signal (PP). The radial servomechanism has an amplifier (VGA, 55) with a variable gain (G). The drive contains wobble signal detection means (51, 52, 53) so as to provide an amplitude (WA) of the wobble signal from the push pull signal (PP). Transition detection means (54) assesses if the focused radiation beam is or has been exposed to a change in a local optical environment on the optical carrier, such a read-write transition. In case of a transition, the radial servo gain (G) is adjusted in dependence of a ratio (r) of a wobble amplitude (WA_b) just before said transition to a wobble amplitude (WA_a) just after said transition so as to obtain a substantially constant radial bandwidth of the radial servomechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Johannes Leopoldus Bakx
  • Publication number: 20080247281
    Abstract: It is possible to manage an empty region in a disc partition while satisfying an inhibit matter of the ROM standard not recording a space bit map describer (SBD). The SBD is recorded upon disc initialization and additional recording into the partition is performed by using the SBD regardless of the access type in the device. When ejecting the disc, pointer information to the SBD recorded in the partition describer (PD) is hacked up in the SBD pointer information save file or save data and then the pointer information is erased. Upon disc recognition, the existence of the save file/data is confirmed and the SBD is restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Maeda, Kenichiro Aridome
  • Publication number: 20080247282
    Abstract: A method of data protection is used in a data processing system having a storage device. According to the method, when the data processing system reads a damaged storage block in the storage device, it finds the surrounding storage blocks of the damaged block and determines in sequence whether any of the surrounding blocks is damaged. If none of them is damaged, then the data processing system determines whether those surrounding blocks are not in use. If they are not in use, then the data processing system defines them as being in use. If they are already in use, then the data processing system searches unused storage blocks in the storage device, duplicates the data in the surrounding blocks to the unused blocks, and then define the unused blocks as being in use. Finally, the data processing system establishes a correspondence relation between the surrounding blocks and the unused blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: INVENTEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chih-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20080247283
    Abstract: A recording medium having a spare area for defect management, and a method and apparatus for allocating and assigning the spare area. A plurality of zones are formed as one group without prescribing the relationship between a zone and a group. Spare areas include a spare area for slipping replacement and a spare area for linear replacement. The spare are for slipping replacement is first allocated, and the spare area for linear replacement is allocated according to the size of an area remaining after the spare area for slipping replacement is used and the purpose for which a disc is used. When the spare area for linear replacement becomes deficient during use of the disc, a supplementary spare area for linear replacement is allocated in sequence from the rearmost of a logical file area, such that the spare area can be more flexibly and effectively allocated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jung-wan KO, In-sik Park
  • Publication number: 20080247284
    Abstract: A recording method for an optical disk drive is implemented as follows. First, at least one of the level of the focusing error signal, the level of the tracking error signal, a wobble synchronization pattern loss, the error rate of demodulating a wobble signal, the frequency of buffer under-run occurrence, the temperature of the drive, the wobble jitter and the level of write power is detected. If at least one detected value exceeds the preset value, the recording will be ceased. Then, the rotation speed of the optical disk drive is decreased, and the recording is resumed with the decreased rotation speed. If at least one of the temperature of the drive, the wobble jitter and the estimated write power exceeds the reset value before recording starts, the rotation speed of the optical disk drive is decreased before recording.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Mediatek Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu-Ming Chou, Kun-Hung Hsieh, Wei-Yu Lin, Yao-Lung Chuang, Chun-Jen Chen, Kuo-Jung Lan
  • Publication number: 20080247285
    Abstract: An information recording medium is provided, which comprises a plurality of recording layers and a first disc information area for storing parameters relating to access to the plurality of recording layers and formats relating to the plurality of recording layers. The first disc information area is provided in a first recording layer which is one of the plurality of recording layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Mamoru SHOJI, Takashi Ishida, Motoshi Ito, Hiroshi Ueda, Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Atsushi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080247286
    Abstract: An optical recording medium having a plural number of recording layers includes a n-th recording layer (23) (n?1), made up by a substrate (20) and a semi-reflective layer (21) carried by the substrate (20) and adapted for partially reflecting and partially transmitting the incident light, a (n+1)th recording layer (28), made up by another substrate (25) and a reflecting layer (26) carried by the substrate (25) and adapted for reflecting the incident light, and a light condensing layer (24) for condensing the light incident via the n-th recording layer (23) on the (n+1)th recording layer (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Norifumi Yoshiwara
  • Publication number: 20080247287
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (201) for scanning an optical disc (202), such as a CD or DVD, the device (201) comprising a radial error detection unit (210) for determining a radial tracking error signal (e.g. a RPP or DTD-signal) while moving radially across a pattern (203) of substandially parallel data tracks on the disc (202). The hereby obtained periodic signal is analyzed by a tilt detection circuit (211) for detecting disc tilt. Each period of the periodic signal corresponds to a pitch of the data tracks. The tilt detection circuit (211) is arranged for detecting an asymmetry in the periodic signal. In an embodiment the asymmetry is detected by integrating the periodic signal over an integer number of periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.
    Inventor: Bob Van Someren
  • Publication number: 20080247288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracking error detection method for an optical storage system wherein an optical disk comprises a plurality of adjacent track portions with a radial track pattern in which a number n>2 of adjacent track portions repeatedly exhibit non-uniform radial track distances (TP1?TP2 . . . ?TPn), whereby the sum of said radial track distances (TP?=TP1+ . . . +TPn) is higher than the reciprocal optical cutoff ?/(2NA) of the optical disk drive. The method comprises projecting a plurality of (n) satellite light spots (S1, . . . , Sn; SL, SM) and one main spot (SR) onto said optical disk, each satellite spot being displaced in radial direction off the main spot by another one of half the radial track distances (TP1/2?TP1/2? . . . ?TPn/2), respectively, and generating push-pull signals (PP1, . . . ,PPn; PPL, PPM) for each satellite spot. The invention further relates to an optical disk drive implementing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Bin Yin
  • Publication number: 20080247289
    Abstract: The more effective is the copy protection provided on a DVD, the greater is the likelihood that the copy protection will adversely interfere with legitimate uses of the disc. In a disc where the content is arranged in physical sectors, it is now proposed to provide subversive regions on the disc having a similar structure to genuine regions. A subversive region and a genuine region will each extend over one or more physical sectors. The subversive region will be provided with physical sector addresses which coincide with addresses of the genuine region. Navigational data will ensure that it is the genuine, rather than the subversive, region which will be accessed during normal play, but the subversive region will effectively hide the genuine region during copying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Carmen Laura Basile, Richard A.A. Heylen
  • Publication number: 20080247290
    Abstract: This optical disc drive has an optical pickup head that emits a light beam to an optical storage medium, detects the light beam reflected from the optical storage medium, and outputs a signal based on the received reflected light; a jitter measuring unit for measuring jitter in signals output from the optical pickup head; and an evaluation unit for determining from the measured jitter if the optical storage medium is good or defective. The jitter measuring unit measures jitter in a train of 3T or longer marks or spaces from an optical storage medium to which digital information is recorded as a train of marks or spaces of length kT based on a period T and an integer k of two or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Shin-ichi Kadowaki, Mamoru Shoji, Atsushi Nakamura, Takashi Ishida
  • Publication number: 20080247291
    Abstract: Whether an optical disc is a first optical disc or not is determined with reference to at least one of first and second focus error signal amplitude values. Then, if a sum value of the addition of a first focus balance signal value (CD-FBAL signal value) to a second focus balance signal value (DVD-FBAL signal value) is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, the signal surface of the optical disc is determined to be a CD signal surface of a dual disc. On the other hand, if the sum value is smaller than the predetermined threshold value, the signal surface of the optical disc is determined to be a DVD signal surface of a DVD or a DVD signal surface of a dual disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: VICTOR COMPANY OF JAPAN, LIMITED
    Inventor: Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20080247292
    Abstract: A data recording method according to the present invention is a method for recording data as edge position information, including marks and spaces of multiple different lengths, on a storage medium by irradiating the storage medium with a pulsed energy beam. The method includes the steps of: (A) generating a write code sequence based on the data to be recorded; (B) determining a write pulse waveform, defining the power modulation of the energy beam, according to the code lengths of respective codes included in the write code sequence; and (C) modulating the power of the energy beam based on the write pulse waveform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi NAKAMURA, Shigeru FURUMIYA
  • Publication number: 20080247293
    Abstract: A data recording method according to the present invention is a method for recording data as edge position information, including marks and spaces of multiple different lengths, on a storage medium by irradiating the storage medium with a pulsed energy beam. The method includes the steps of: (A) generating a write code sequence based on the data to be recorded; (B) determining a write pulse waveform, defining the power modulation of the energy beam, according to the code lengths of respective codes included in the write code sequence; and (C) modulating the power of the energy beam based on the write pulse waveform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi NAKAMURA, Shigeru Furumiya
  • Publication number: 20080247294
    Abstract: A data reading method used in a reading device for reading a holographic storage medium is provided. The holographic storage medium has several data areas. Each data area has several data pages, and each data page forms a data image that has at least one reserved block pattern on the reading device. The reserved block pattern of the data image corresponding to a first data page is searched within a first searching region to obtain a first pattern position. The reserved block pattern of the data image corresponding to a second data page is searched within a second searching region to obtain a second pattern position. A third searching position is then determined according to the first and second pattern positions. The reserved block pattern of the data image corresponding to a third data page is searched within a third searching region whose center is at the third searching position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: LITE-ON IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Yen Chang, Yueh-Lin Li, Cheng-Yao Liao
  • Publication number: 20080247295
    Abstract: An optical data storage disk includes a central substrate and on each side of the substrate a pair of metal/alloy recording layers separated by a transparent layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: David H. Davies, David Blankenbeckler, Michael Braitberg
  • Publication number: 20080247296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical storage disk for both read-only and (re-)writable applications comprising a plurality of adjacent track portions with a radial track pattern in which a number of n?2 adjacent track portions repeatedly exhibit non-uniform radial track distances TP1?TP2 . . . ?TPn. The present invention further relates to an optical storage system comprising such a disk and an optical disk drive for it. The drive comprises a beam generator arranged to project a plurality of (n) satellite light spots (S1, . . . , Sn; SL, SM) and one main spot (SR) onto said optical disk. In the system, the sum of the non-uniform radial track distances TP?=TP1+ . . . +TPn is higher than the reciprocal optical cutoff ?/(2 NA) of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventor: Bin Yin