Abstract: A program method of a nonvolatile memory device includes loading first word line data to be stored in first memory cells connected to a first word line and second word line data to be stored in second memory cells connected to a second word line; setting up upper bit lines according to the first word line data; turning off bit line sharing transistors after the upper bit lines are set up; setting up lower bit lines according to the second word line data; performing a first program operation on the first memory cells using the upper bit lines; turning on the bit line sharing transistors; and performing a second program operation on the second memory cells using the lower bit lines. The bit line sharing transistors electrically connect the upper bit lines and the lower bit lines in response to a bit line sharing signal.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for detecting and recovering over-erased memory cells in a flash memory device. In one embodiment, a flash memory device includes a memory array including a plurality of blocks of memory cells. The device also includes a command interface to receive a command from a source external to the memory device. The device also includes a controller including logic to perform a leakage-suppression process in response to the command. The leakage-suppression process includes performing a soft program operation to increase a threshold voltage of one or more over-erased memory cells in a given block of memory cells and establish an erased state.

Abstract: Programming accuracy is increased for select gate transistors and memory cells by using a dynamic verify voltage which increases from an initial level to a final level during a programming operation. Faster-programming transistors are locked out from programming before slower-programming transistors, but experience program disturb which increases their threshold voltage to a common level with the slower-programming transistors at the conclusion of the programming operation. For programming of memory cells to different target data states, an offset between the initial and final verify levels can be different for each data state. In one approach, the offset is greater for lower target data states. The increases in the dynamic verify voltage can be progressively smaller with each subsequent program-verify iteration of the programming operation. The start of the increase can be adapted to the programming progress or can be at a predetermined program-verify iteration.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for nominal read voltage variations of a flash device. N reads are performed, each at a selected voltage offset from an initial read voltage. An N bit digital pattern associated with the selected voltage offsets is generated for the N reads. The N bit digital pattern generated by the N reads is mapped to a signed representation. A voltage adjustment based upon the signed representation is applied to at least partially compensate for a variation of the nominal read voltage to reduce bit error rate of the flash device.

Abstract: A method for programming a plurality of memory cells of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device comprises the steps of: dividing the plurality of memory cells into M number of groups (M is an integer); successively selecting each of the M number of groups; generating M number of successive overlapping pulse signals; and programming the memory cells of the M number of groups in response to the respective M number of successive overlapping pulse signals.

Abstract: A charge trap type of memory having a memory channel with vertical and possibly horizontal components is described. The invention includes a new operation method of simultaneous hole and electron injection operation for high speed and high reliability non-volatile memories, as well as high-density non-volatile memories. Array implementations for high-density memory arrays and high-speed memory arrays and their fabrication methods are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first semiconductor device including a three-dimensional (3D) memory. The 3D memory includes multiple memory cells arranged in multiple physical levels above a substrate. The 3D memory further includes circuitry associated with operation of the multiple memory cells. The apparatus includes a second semiconductor device coupled to the first semiconductor device. The second semiconductor device includes a charge pump, and the 3D memory does not include a charge pump.

Abstract: Methods for programming memory cells and memory devices are disclosed. One such method for programming includes performing a program verify operation of a group of memory cells. A number of potential CS2 situations are detected. If the number of detected potential CS2 situations is greater than a threshold, programming compensation for a CS2 situation is used in a subsequent programming operation.

Abstract: An indication to store a data value in Flash memory is received. An accurate coarse write is performed on the Flash memory, including by: storing a first voltage level in the Flash memory and setting a configuration setting of the Flash memory to a first setting. The first voltage level, when interpreted using the configuration setting at the first setting, corresponds to the data value. A fine write is performed on the Flash memory, including by: storing a second voltage level in the Flash memory and setting the configuration setting of the Flash memory to a second setting. The second voltage level, when interpreted using the configuration setting at the second setting, corresponds to the data value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for managing data in a memory. In accordance with some embodiments, a non-volatile (NV) buffer is adapted to store input write data having a selected logical address. A write circuit is adapted to transfer a copy of the input write data to an NV main memory while retaining the stored input write data in the NV buffer. A verify circuit is adapted to perform a verify operation at the conclusion of a predetermined elapsed time interval to verify successful transfer of the copy of the input write data to the NV main memory. The input write data are retained in the NV buffer until successful transfer is verified.

Abstract: Based on a continuous erase start signal outputted, in response to an inputted continuous erase command, from a continuous erase control circuit, a shift circuit outputs a control signal for giving instructions to execute respective data erase operation to a plurality of non-volatile memory circuits sequentially, and when the data erase operation in all of the non-volatile memory circuits has been completed, the shift circuit outputs a continuous erase completion signal. Thereby, the data erase operation in all of the non-volatile memory circuits built in one chip can be continuously executed by one continuous erase command as is also the case where a single non-volatile memory circuit is built in.

Abstract: Provided are an equalizer and a semiconductor memory device including the same. The equalizer includes a delay circuit and an inverting circuit. The delay circuit is configured to output, in response to a select signal, one of a delay signal delaying an input signal applied to an input/output node and an inverted signal inverting the input signal. The inverting circuit is configured to invert a signal provided from the delay circuit and output the inverted signal to the input/output node. The equalizer is configured such that when the delay circuit outputs the delay signal, the equalizer operates as an inductive bias circuit amplifying the input signal and outputting the amplified input signal, and when the delay circuit outputs the inverted signal, the equalizer operates as a latch circuit storing and outputting the input signal.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor non-volatile memory device capable of improving the accuracy of trimming by creating a written state before data is written into a non-volatile memory element. The semiconductor non-volatile memory device includes: a written data transmission circuit for transmitting written data to a non-volatile memory element; a first switch connected between the non-volatile memory element and a data output terminal; a third switch connected to an output terminal of the written data transmission circuit; and a control circuit for controlling the respective switches. When a test mode signal is input, the control circuit turns on only the first switch and the third switch so as to control the written data to be output to the data output terminal before data is written into the non-volatile memory element.

Abstract: A data read start decision device includes: a storing circuit configured to store code key data; a read check circuit configured to output a read start signal in response to code key data read from the storing circuit, and a controller configured to start reading environment setting data from the storing circuit in response to the read start signal. The read check circuit is configured to at least one of: receive the read start signal from the controller and transfer the read start signal to the controller in response to the read code key data; and generate the read start signal based on the read code key data and output the read start signal to the controller.

Abstract: A write assist driver circuit is provided that assists a memory cell (e.g., volatile memory bit cell) in write operations to keep the voltage at the memory core sufficiently high for correct write operations, even when the supply voltage is lowered. The write assist driver circuit may be configured to provide a memory supply voltage VddM to a bit cell core during a standby mode of operation. In a write mode of operation, the write assist driver circuit may provide a lowered memory supply voltage VddMlower to the bit cell core as well as to at least one of the local write bitline (lwbl) and local write bitline bar (lwblb). Additionally, the write assist driver circuit may also provide a periphery supply voltage VddP to a local write wordline (lwwl), where VddP?VddM>VddMlower.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a bulk voltage generation circuit configured to interrupt driving of a bulk voltage in response to an exit signal which is generated in synchronization with a time at which a power-down mode is ended, and discharge charges of a first node from which the bulk voltage is outputted, in response to the exit signal; and an internal circuit including a MOS transistor which is supplied with the bulk voltage.

Abstract: A method of processing data in a storage device includes writing first data to a data storage unit of the storage device upon receiving the first data from an external host of the storage device, outputting a message to the external host indicating completion of writing the first data to the data storage unit, and determining whether a first data unit included in the first data is redundant in the data storage unit. Determining whether the first data unit is redundant is performed subsequent to or in parallel with writing the first data to the data storage unit.

Abstract: In a method of refreshing in a memory device having a plurality of pages, a candidate refresh address corresponding to a page scheduled to be refreshed after a monitoring period is generated. Whether an active command is processed for the candidate refresh address is monitored during the monitoring period. If an active command is processed for the candidate refresh address during the monitoring period, the scheduled refresh for that page is skipped. If no active command is processed for the candidate refresh address during the monitoring period, the scheduled refresh operation is performed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for targeted row refreshes are disclosed herein. In an example apparatus, a predecoder receives a target row address and determines whether a target row of memory associated with the target row address is a primary or a redundant row of memory. The predecoder is further configured to cause one or more rows of memory physically adjacent the primary row of memory to be refreshed if the primary row is the target row or one or more rows of memory physically adjacent the redundant row of memory to be refreshed if the redundant row of memory is the target row of memory.

Abstract: A memory module comprises a plurality of semiconductor memory devices each comprising a mode register set (MRS) circuit configured to generate an enable signal corresponding to an error mode of the semiconductor memory device in response to an MRS command received from a command decoder, and an address buffer configured to store a predetermined address signal, to receive an address signal and corresponding data from an external device, and to compare the address signal received with the predetermined address signal in response to the enable signal. As a consequence of determining that the address signal received from the external device is the same as the predetermined address signal stored in the address buffer, data different from the corresponding data received from the external device is written to a memory cell corresponding to the predetermined address signal.

Abstract: A food kneading appliance especially adapted to mix and knead bread or pizza dough or dough of other types includes a container, a central body located in the center of the container, kneading tools, and a drive unit to rotate the central body. The central body includes a stirring spindle and a kneading spindle which are positioned in the same axis and rotate in opposite directions in operation. The kneading tools include a dough hook disposed on the stirring spindle and a dough mixer disposed on the kneading spindle. The appliance can provide large torque and low speed operation so that the dough can be processed without overheating and Deteriorating. Beyond that, the dough is easy to be thoroughly mixed and achieve high quality dough that is comparable to manual kneading. Another advantage of the invention is that the kneading process is stable and low in noise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the mixing of a solution and reagents for PCR reactions having a closed cartridge reaction well, a magnetically responsive bead within the well having an optically inert coating and a secondary chemically inert coating. A heat source then heats the contents to a target temperature while oscillating magnetic fields move the bead within the well in order to mix the contents and make the contents of the reaction well homogeneous.

Abstract: A mixing and metering device for mixing and metering liquid chemicals comprises a circulation pump having a suction port and a pressure port, a pipe coil, the contents volume of which is dimensioned such that the chemicals metered into the device have a residence time sufficient for the chemical reaction, a choke tube which guides the circulation stream exiting from the pipe coil, with formation of a choke point, from the outlet of the pipe coil to a metering conduit which is arranged between the choke tube and the suction port of the circulation pump and at least two metering valves, and also a falling tube which is connected to the choke tube and has a vacuum flange of the mixing and metering device to a vacuum device.

Abstract: A fluid mixing device includes a hollow tubular main body (41) to mix an exhaust gas (G4) and a warming gas (G5) within it, a first inflow port (43) provided in an upstream end portion of the main body (41) and through which the exhaust gas (G4) flows, a mixing promotion body (38) of a tubular shape disposed inside the main body (41) and having a longitudinal axis (C1) extending in a direction conforming to a direction of flow of the exhaust gas (G4), and a second inflow port (45) provided in a peripheral wall of the main body (41) and through which the warming gas (G5) flows towards an outer peripheral wall of the mixing promotion body (38). The exhaust gas (G4) flows outside and inside the mixing promotion body (38).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for restricting the movements of a bail (3) or handles (3?) of a can (1) with contents to be mixed, such as a paint can, in a mixer in which the can is pressed between two support surfaces (2a, 2b) in the direction of its longitudinal axis for the duration of mixing movements. The apparatus comprises at least one restraint (4, 5) arranged on one support surface (2a, 2b) and extending to selected portions on the periphery and the height of the can (1), the bail or the handles being at least partly at this restraint and within it.

Abstract: A method of processing an image, including estimating a point spread function (PSF) of an acquired image, and performing image restoration on the acquired image using the estimated PSF based on a generalized Gaussian model using inverse filter frequency domain so as to perform image restoration at high speed and to prevent a halo effect. The method provides high speed processing while preventing a halo effect. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including: an ultrasonic probe to irradiate an object with ultrasonic waves and to receive ultrasonic echo waves reflected from the object; a beamformer configured to perform beam forming based on the ultrasonic echo waves received by the ultrasonic probe; an image restorer configured to restore the image beam formed by the beamformer based on a generalized Gaussian model; and an postprocessor configured to suppress noise and aliasing which are produced in the process of restoring the image.

Abstract: Embodiments of a configurable acquisition unit are disclosed together with applications for configurable acquisition units. In one embodiment, an acquisition unit includes a seismic data collection module that with a first housing. The acquisition unit also includes a second module with a second housing. The first housing is releasably coupled to the second housing, and when the first housing is coupled to the second housing, an outer surface of the first housing abuts an outer surface of the second housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting swell noise in geophysical data are disclosed. In particular, the systems and methods receive seismic data as input and iteratively generate a signal mask from the seismic data. The seismic data can be generated by hydrophones or geophones. The signal mask can be used to identify traces in the seismic data that are contaminated with swell noise and identify frequencies of the contaminated traces that are contaminated with swell noise.

Abstract: A seismic sensor device includes an elongated housing for placement at least partially into an earth surface. A plurality of particle motion sensors are contained in the elongated housing to measure translational data in a first direction, where plural pairs of the particle motion sensors are spaced apart along a second, different direction along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. A communication interface communicates the measured translational data to a computer system configured to compute a gradient based on respective differences of the measured translational data of the corresponding plural pairs of the particle motion sensors, and compute one or more of rotation data and divergence data using the gradient.

Abstract: The method of first arrival picking of seismic refraction data is embodied in software that uses the ?-p transform on energy-ratio seismic records. First, the seismic shots are gathered. Next, the energy ratio (ER) is computed, and then the ?-p transform of the energy ratio is computed. Using a binary mask, a corresponding first arrival energy is selected. The transform is combined with the binary mask and presented as input to an inverse ?-p transform. The inverse transform data is then thresholded, and indices of ER first arrivals are detected based on the thresholds. The software then creates a vector of indices or time samples of picks. This method can be used to better guide the subsequent careful picking of first arrivals. Moreover, the method automatically interpolates missing picks.

Abstract: Translational data in a first direction is measured by particle motion sensors contained in an elongated housing of a sensor device provided at an earth surface. The particle motion sensors are spaced apart along a second, different direction along a longitudinal axis of the elongated housing. Rotation data around a third direction is computed based at least in part on computing a gradient of the translational data with respect to the second direction.

Abstract: A disclosed acoustic telemetry system includes a downhole acoustic telemetry module that generates an acoustic uplink signal such as a pulsed fluid flow or compressional waves in a tubing string wall. An optical waveguide transports an optical signal representing the acoustic uplink signal to the surface interface. A related telemetry method includes acquiring measurements downhole, transmitting the measurements in the form of an acoustic signal, and sensing the acoustic signal via an optical waveguide.

Abstract: A device for acoustic measuring in a medium in a borehole such as velocity of sound in the medium or velocity of the medium, includes at least a first acoustic array situated in a first, slanted sidewall of a measuring area and operating to emit a series of acoustic waveforms across a measuring area. In one form, the device includes a second acoustic array situated in a second, slanted sidewall of the measuring area and operating to receive an acoustic signal resulting from the emitted series of acoustic waveforms or to receive said acoustic signal and emit a second series of acoustic waveforms.

Abstract: The ultrasound imaging tool for rock cores includes an ultrasound generator that can be inserted at selected depths into a drilled bore in a geological core sample. An array of ultrasound receivers are placed completely around the outer surface of the core sample. The ultrasound generator produces the ultrasound waves at various depths inside the bore, and the data obtained by the ultrasound receivers generates a complete 3-D ultrasound image of the core sample.

Abstract: A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture which includes the steps of providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus further comprising a probe, collecting data over a plurality of inspection locations, generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations, and collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction of each of the inspection locations. In the method, as the probe moves from collection location to collection location, a data matrix at a prior collection location is gradually filled in as the probe moves to subsequent collection locations. In certain embodiments physical scanning of a probe with few elements is replaced by electronically scanning using an array with many elements.

Abstract: A subject information obtaining apparatus according includes: plurality of conversion elements configured to convert an elastic wave from a subject into a plurality of reception signals, a delay and sum unit configured to perform a delay and sum process by using the plurality of reception signals and output a plurality of scanning line signals, a scanning line synthesis unit configured to add the plurality of scanning line signals between adjacent scanning lines and output a plurality of synthesis scanning line signals, and an FDI adaptive processing unit configured to perform a frequency domain interferometry and an adaptive signal processing by using the plurality of synthesis scanning line signals and obtain a power intensity distribution.

Abstract: This technology relates to a signal processing device, a signal processing method, a recording medium, and a program capable of enabling appropriate beam forming with a simple configuration even when a positional relationship between a plurality of transducers included in a probe of an ultrasonic diagnostic device is not fixed. A reception BF unit calculates a phase difference indicating a relative positional shift between a plurality of transducers based on a difference between each phase difference of a signal of a reflective wave in each of a plurality of transducers of an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a transducer being a transmission target out of a plurality of transducers, relative positions of which are not fixed, and each known phase difference of the signal of the reflective wave in a plurality of transducers in a case in which an arrangement of a plurality of transducers is a reference arrangement.

Abstract: CMOS Ultrasonic Transducers and processes for making such devices are described. The processes may include forming cavities on a first wafer and bonding the first wafer to a second wafer. The second wafer may be processed to form a membrane for the cavities. Electrical access to the cavities may be provided.

Abstract: Embodiments reduce capacitive cross-talk between micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) arrays through grounding of the substrate over which the arrays are fabricated. In embodiments, a metal-semiconductor contact is formed to a semiconductor device layer of a substrate and coupled to a ground plane common to a first electrode of the transducer elements to suppress capacitive coupling of signal lines connected to a second electrode of the transducer elements.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and method for storing patient data, information, or records and/or notifying a patient of a medical activity to be performed. The electronic apparatus may be wearable, such as a watch or other jewelry, or may be non-wearable, such as a household appliance or other equipment. The electronic apparatus may include a screen, a processor, a memory, and an input/output component, such as a USB plug or socket, for allowing outside devices to connect with the electronic apparatus and access the memory and/or the processor. The electronic apparatus may communicate with remote devices to transmit patient data or compliance information. Gaming functionality, such as one assigning points to a patient based upon compliance, may be used to encourage greater compliance and/or foster competition between patients. Prizes may be selected or awarded to a patient based upon the assigned points.

Abstract: A timer counts days or hours, instead of minutes, typically from 1 to 365 days in day mode and from 1 to 24 hours in the hour mode. An interval button can be pressed to select the number of intervals before an alarm sounds. When the start/stop button is pressed, after setting the number of intervals, the alarm will sound after the set number of intervals in the future that the start/stop button was pressed. The timer automatically repeats the last programmed interval to protect the user from forgetting to re-program for another countdown. If the user wants to program a different number of intervals, they can press a reset button and enter the number of intervals for the next event. The timer can be mounted in various manners and its housing can be designed for providing such various mounting options.

Abstract: A computing device is described that outputs for display, a graphical user interface comprising a clock having regions associated with a first set of time increments. Responsive to receiving an indication of an input at a portion of a presence-sensitive input device corresponding to a location of a display device at which one of the regions of the clock is displayed, the computing device determines one of the first set of time increments. The computing device outputs for display, and proximate to the location, a second set of time increments. The computing device determines a time based on the determined one of the first set of time increments and a selected one of the second time increments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermocompensated resonator comprising a body used in deformation, the core of the body being formed by a first material. According to the invention, at least one part of the body comprises at least one coating made of shape-memory metal, the variations in the Young's modulus of which as a function of the temperature (CTE) are of opposite sign to those (CTE) of the first material used for the core so as to allow said resonator to have a frequency variation as a function of the temperature which is substantially zero at least to the first order (?, ?).

Abstract: An analog electronic timepiece, including: a magnetic field measurement unit; a time counting unit; a plurality of hands which are arranged so as to rotate freely; a hand control unit which controls rotation of the plurality of hands; and a timing control unit which executes the rotation of the hands by the hand control unit and measurement of a magnetic field by the magnetic field measurement unit so that periods of time do not overlap each other.

Abstract: The magnetic recording medium is a particulate magnetic recording medium for heat-assisted recording, as well as includes a magnetic layer comprising ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic organic material support and a heat-diffusing layer of higher thermal conductivity than the magnetic layer between the nonmagnetic organic material support and the magnetic layer.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes a light source, a light splitting element generating signal light and position adjustment light by splitting return light from an optical disk and dispersing the return light in different directions, and a light receiving portion having a signal light receiving portion and an adjustment light receiving portion. The light splitting element is configured such that the position thereof is adjusted on the basis of the position adjustment light received by the adjustment light receiving portion of the light receiving portion.

Abstract: A failure prediction system for performing failure prediction to a monitoring target device by detecting a state, comprising: a state detection unit for detecting state signals of no smaller than two different kinds, and outputting a detection signal corresponding to each of the state signals; a phase processing part for synchronizing a plurality of the detection signals; a signal analysis part for calculating a feature value indicating a feature of the state for each of the detection signals from the phase processing part; and a failure prediction part for performing failure prediction of the monitoring target device for each of the feature values by comparing the feature value in question and a reference value set in advance.

Abstract: An optical information storage medium includes a multilayer film that includes a plurality of extruded alternating active data storage layers and buffer layers, which separate the active data storage layers. The active data storage layers and buffer layers have thicknesses that allow the active data storage layers to be writable by permanent or reversible one- or multiphoton, linear, nonlinear, or threshold optical writing processes to define data voxels within the active data storage layers that are readable by an optical reading device.

Abstract: An information recording medium is provided with an information track formed thereon in a shape of concentric circles or in a spiral shape, wherein a continuously-wobbling groove in which information is recorded is formed in advance, the information is delimited by a predetermined number of wobble sections, a sync mark is placed in a plurality of wobble sections in the vicinity of a delimiter of the predetermined number of wobble sections, and the sync mark is spaced apart from data other than the sync mark at a distance.

Abstract: Method and transmitting node for adjusting transmission over xDSL lines connected to the transmitting node. The method involves transmitting (1006) a first signal A1 on a first line (304), and transmitting (1008) a second signal A2 on a second line (306), the second signal A2 being related to the first signal A1. The method further involves adjusting (1010) the transmission of the second signal A2 on the second line (306), such that a contribution from the second signal A2 interferes constructively with a signal A1? at the second end (304:2) of the first line (304), where the signal A1? represents the signal A1 having propagated through the first line.